When I grow up I want to be...

The conversations with relatives generally went like this:

1996:
Auntie Mary: "So what class are you in now?"
Me: "1st class"
Auntie "Oh you're so grown up! What do you want to be when you're older??"
Me: "A vet that works on planet Mars of course" (clueless)

2000:
Uncle John: "So how old are you know?"
Me: "10 years and 4 months and 3 weeks and 5 days"
Uncle John: "They grow up so fast! So what are you going to be when you're all grown up?"
Me: "A dolphin trainer who works part-time in Hollywood" (remaining clueless)

I totally could have thought them how to do this :O

(Oh and let's face it we all have Uncle Johns and Auntie Marys)


2012:
Mum: "Hows college??"
Me: "Yera same old, same old"
Mum: "Have you figured out what you're doing with your life yet?!"
Me: Eh no I'm not quite there yet, what's for dinner?? (As clueless as I was back in 1996)

We've all been there. Assigned essays in primary schools on "When I grow up I want to be...." Our imaginations went wild and our aspirations were as high as we could possibly dream.

Life was easy back then!

God only knows what kids say nowadays with the dominance of celebrities and their lifestyles only continuing to rise and influence many, but here is a funny story I found recently at Funny Q & A!

Right I'm off to Google dolphin training! If you have any funny stories about your ambitions as a kid, please let us know by commenting below!

Live YOUR brand....

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending presentations from two very influential women. Both were very successful entrepreneurs in completely different business areas but they possessed very similar characteristics such as determination, courage, passion, charisma and a can-do attitude. Their stories were inspirational and unquestionably had an impact on my thoughts on the future. It was refreshing to see hard-working and passionate people achieve extraordinary things unlike my last entry!

Firstly, we were introduced to Deirdre Collins, founder of Dee's Burgers. Based on an idea that Deirdre was very passionate about and a gap in the market that she found, Deirdre built her company up from a Farmer's Market stand to a range of products that can be bought in supermarkets and stores nationwide. She believed in her idea, worked hard at it and never gave up. Her success is remarkable and one of Deirdre's most flattering characteristic is her modesty. She is a down to earth woman who made her success happen. A surprising fact is that Deirdre started off her career in law.

Main Lessons Learned: Nothing is set in stone if you don't allow it to be. You have control over your future, your idea, your success and your life, however you choose to live it. You are your biggest obstacle and if you have the courage to overcome that, why can't you achieve the "impossible". 

Check out her website @ http://www.meatfreemondays.ie/dees_products.html

Secondly, we were introduced to Victoria Shorten. From her appearance on Come Dine With Me with the crazy "Itailian vegetarian" (in which she let us in on a few secrets on) to a brief knowledge on her PR company and jewellery line, I knew we were in for a unique and exiting tale. We were not let down in the slightest. From a marketing perspective, she was the highlight of the day for me. Setting up her successful PR company, Power PR, is a feat in itself.

Although, she did not stop there as Victoria had another passion for jewellery. She created her vision which resulted in VSL Luxury Jewellery. This story was the most inspirational of them all. It ranged from organising a launch party in a store on Beverly Hills to blagging her way into Lady Gaga's hotel to meet the superstar herself and hand her a specialized piece!! If your jaw hasn't dropped at how remarkable Victoria's courage and passion is, then you must have some sky high standards. What a woman!

From Fergie to Sophie Monk to Britney Spears' back up dancers!!

Paris Hilton, who bought this piece of her own accord!

From featuring in Berlin Fashion Week to Valencia Fashion Week, Victoria has found the opportunities and exploited them in an inspirational fashion. With her line about to feature in HARRODS, the sky is the limit for this exceptional entrepreneur.

One of my favourite pieces! Just WOW!

Main Lessons Learned: Live your brand! How do you see yourself? Which attributes and characteristics describe you?? Translate these to your idea or passion and breathe life into your brand. Take risks and sell it like only YOU can!

Check out her websites:

VSL JEWELLRY @ http://vsljewelry.com/index.php

Power PR @ www.powerpr.ie

Victoria Shorten @ http://www.vikkishorten.com/#dee/flickr

So although I may still be at a loss, I know if I keep working hard like these two remarkable entrepreneurs, live my brand and take the risks, I will achieve what I set out to do! I will never forget their stories! Fair play to them! :D

Those who have it easy...

As I am still procrastinating about my future and feeling the pressure, I've decided to let off some steam and have a bit of rant about those who have it that small bit easier...(Yes, some of this may sound quite judgmental so please brace yourself)

I'm not being naive, I've always known those who were rich and famous have many more opportunities but with the world currently being suffocated with reality television, it is sickening to see how many get handed their dream jobs without effort. Take for instance that awful piece of Irish television Fade Street - don't judge guys, it was late and there was nothing else on! One scene in particular made me want to throw the remote at the tv. The "leading lady" sits down for a free lunch (obviously paid for by RTE), has a gossip with her "new best friend" (who also happens to model for Donald Trumps Model Agency in New York), who's other friend just happens to walk by and offer the "leading lady" an event management role for a high profile event. Are you freaking kidding me??! Yes she has some experience but only because that was also just handed to her.

The examples don't stop there either. Take Heidi Montag (the girl who destroyed her whole body and face to look like a mannequin and ACTUALLY paid a fortune for it) back in the day in The Hills. Two episodes in and she's handed a role with an event management company in bloody HOLLYWOOD. You wouldn't mind if she went off and did a good job with this fantastic opportunity that many (like me) would crave. Oh no, she brings all her friends in for free, argues with her boyfriend at the events, abandons her responsibilities and just has a blast at the parties. Sure all of that entitles her to a promotion of course?? Which she got...

Now you know her right??

I know many of these shows are staged but regardless these guys are given opportunities that some hard-working people can only dream of. I'm sure you can all see that I have become quite passionate about event management in particular and I can't help but be annoyed by people like this. It's come to the point where I'm considering answering the question "Please state any relevant experience you have" with none but I will apply for the next 5 up and coming big reality shows and you'll want me then yeah?? Well, I won't actually do that but it's frightening that I even considered it...

It is sad to think that hard work, passion and dedication from normal people is now being ignored in favor of publicity from those lucky enough to be rich and famous. I will go on clutching at whatever small opportunities I can find in the hope that some day I will reach a pedestal that stands metres above me but a small step away from celebrities.

Rant Complete.

My next entry will return to options after college. I promise it will be positive due to a fantastic presentation that I witnessed recently from an amazing business woman or two.

Step out of your comfort zone

The future has snuck up on us and caught many of us by surprise! So why not look at the fun we could have with it instead of the stress of applying for postgrads and graduate programmes??

1. Teach abroad in countries like Thailand or China
This is a fantastic opportunity offered to degree holders across every discipline. It is an incredible way to meet new people and experience the real cultures of these countries. It is paid work and the friends you will make will be for life.

Would you mind being paid to live in a country like this?!

Or working with fantastic kids like these?

The accessibility to jobs like this is incredible with companies like USIT offering various different roles and packages. It will be an unforgettable and rewarding experience that many can only dream of.

2. Volunteer abroad
There are unlimited and various opportunities which involve volunteering abroad. They can range from orphanage projects to the Cheetah Conservation project.

Pretty cool eh?

                                                    

Take for instance the Community Development programme in South Africa. This involves skills development, learning projects, awareness projects and community outreach projects. Tours are also organised for volunteers including the full day Peninsula tour. You can immerse yourself in communities and make a difference. It wouldn't be without it's hard work but the rewards for both the people you meet and yourself would be second to none.

3. Australia/New Zealand
Still unsure about what you want to do with your life?? Why not take some time out and follow the crowd down under? Many go it alone and have the time of their lives making new friends, living completely independently on the other side of the world and experiencing the polar opposite of rain/wind/cold. The Irish don't exactly stay hidden over there so a support network can quickly be established. If you have a friend or 2 to bring along then the more the merrier but don't let a lack of willingness to travel there from friends stop you from living your life. This experience will stand to you and you might just figure out what you want to do with your life on this incredible venture.

Stay tuned for more ideas in my next entry. If you have any ideas please comment below with them!