Taking The Scenic Route

Fact: Adulting can be difficult at times.  I'd like to think however, that as we try to navigate through adulthood, the mistakes that we may make, the lessons that we are bound to learn, and the adventures along the way, make up a more scenic route to the destinies that we are all called to fulfill. 

Sometimes I feel like I am still getting my footing and other days, I reflect on how far I've come in just a few short years.  This week for instance, I had meetings in the District. On Wednesday (2/22/17),I drove in with my dad early in the morning, and got a Lyft from his office to Georgetown, where I happened upon the most adorable coffee shop on Grace St., Grace Street Coffee. ​The minimalistic look of the space was enticing. White walls, polished wood counters, ceiling to floor windows, matted black ceiling fixtures, a great music selection in the shop's rotation, kind baristas,  and a bold, flavorful cup of coffee; what more could you possibly ask for?  There's a little something for everyone there. I very much look forward to going back. I then prepared for my first of two meetings for the week, at The Washington Post. I got an exclusive tour of the new office space and then sat down with one in the newspaper's business department, Ms. Rizzo. She took the time to assist me in revising my resume, and after conversing with her about what I ultimately wanted to do, she arranged a meeting with two gentlemen from another department (which turned into an interview for a position at the Post!!! #OnlyGod!)

​Now,  I had been to the Post twice before this visit a few years ago, but so much has changed since then.  The well acclaimed publication was purchased by Jeff Bezos whose  background is in technology (Bezos is also the owner and founder of Amazon!). Some say that "print is dead", well, if that's the case, Mr. Bezos and his staff  breathed life back into the Post!  ​The technological advances that have been made are exciting and innovative, the climate of the newsroom is a bit more relaxed, but it is clear that the Post employees are about their business. I so enjoyed getting a chance to speak with people from the publication's various departments. I learned a lot and made some good connections, for which I am grateful.

​On Thursday (2/23/17), I had a meeting up town at The Ford Agency.  ​I had the privilege of speaking with the founder of the agency during the early part of last week, and she invited me to stop in and sit down with either her or someone from her team. When I arrived, I was greeted with a smile by the receptionist, I filled out some paperwork and waited for my meeting to start.  Eventually, I had the opportunity to share with the person with whom I was meeting about what type of work I was looking for and she pulled up a position on her computer within a matter of minutes that she said, "I think you'd be perfect for" [based on my resume, our conversation, and skill set].

​For the first time in a long time, I finally felt like the work that I've been putting in, was not in vain. I don't know where these opportunities will lead, but I am glad that I had them!

Grace Street Coffee
​3210 Grace St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 470-1331