From Dust to Dreams

When I began searching for a new job back in January, I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't "settle": I wouldn't take a job simply because it provided a paycheck. That's not to say I was putting myself above certain tasks. I already had 3 part-time jobs.

I viewed this as an opportunity to transition into a legal career, into something where I could apply the knowledge I had thus far. But I could be selective about what I wanted to take on.

I remember one morning running with my dad in the park. I told him my dream job would be in a position where I could see the litigation process first-hand. Law students get a crash course in the litigation process in Civil Procedure and Moot Court. But there's something about seeing real-world applications of the process that causes you to learn more and soak it in.

To make a long story short, I'm now a litigation paralegal. I work for a well-respected litigation attorney who focuses on personal injury and auto accidents. We're not ambulance chasers. We are very selective about clients we take on. The attorney I work for has excellent ethics and is a wonderful example to learn from.

In short, I got the job I wanted 6 months ago. How this job materialized is a miracle in and of itself. I had dark days during those 6 months of looking and waiting. My parents, family, and close friends can attest to the personal difficulties I faced. The idea of finding a decent job almost became this illusive goal that I would never achieve. In 2 days I went from having no prospects to landing my dream full-time job!

Is the job market difficult?Yes. An emphatic yes. But the most important thing I learned is that God is bigger than the job market and can make a dream opportunity materialize out of nothing. And for that, I boast in Him.

Feeling the Heat

Ever had a period of time where the pressure is on? What I appreciate the most about those periods of time is how much they draw out of us. We find out more about ourselves and our capacity to overcome adversity.

I am in such a place. The next three weeks are pretty action-packed. I start a new full-time job. Then I have not one, not two, not three, but FOUR finals in one week!

It's safe to say I'm crawling in my studying hole and not coming out anytime soon. This is a critical period for me to do well. The fire's burning, but I've felt this kind of heat before. Let's just hope it brings out my best!

Open Letter From Your Server

I've worked several serving jobs throughout college and law school. If you're good at it, it's good and easy money. What I present here is the culmination of those years, including the past 6 months when I worked as a server full-time.

Dear Patron,

I have no clue as to the type of person you are as you walk in. But in the next 30-60 minutes, I'll have you pegged as a "such and such" type of person. I may be merely bringing you your food, but I've become an expert at reading people.

Business people, you are the worst. You ignore me when I approach the table. You complain about every aspect of your job. You gossip with your co-worker(s) with you about everyone in your office. You complain that too much is being expected of your from your boss. I don't mind if you bring your laptop, or even spread your papers all over the place, but please acknowledge me when I ask you a question. You are not my only table. I have 3-5 other tables that are just as demanding. If you're not ready to order, I understand. But don't snap your fingers or wave at me hurriedly when you told me 60 seconds ago you weren't ready and then expect me to drop everything I'm doing to take your order. And then there's the tip. It's understood that good service commands typically 20%. Perhaps your father or mother didn't instruct you in this ancient understood principle. Some of you are shocked to learn that 20% is standard for good service. I urge you to spend a few months working in a restaurant and you, too will come to learn of this ancient understanding.

Parents with children, most of you are some of the best tables I have. Your children are polite, they say "please" and "thank you". But there is a strong minority of you that causes every server in the restaurant to cringe and run away when you walk in the door. The minority of you have kids that scream the entire time as you shove your iPhone or iPad in their face with their favorite movie to shut them up. Some of your minority even allow their children to yell or make demands at me. Seriously? How do you not understand that your children's conduct is a direct reflection on your abilities as a parent?

Then there's the regulars. Those of you who come in at least twice a week and a maximum of once a day. We know your name, we don't even have to give you a menu. What you may not realize is that the moment you walk in the door, servers either fight to have your table, or fight for someone else to take it. Oh sure, we're nice and don't let on that we didn't want to take your table, but inside we know that once again, you will only tip 10%, and only that if it's a good day! Servers in a restaurant know when a regular walks in whether the tip will be good or bad. And maybe that's prejudicial, because we're only concerned with the tip, but when we're making $2.13/hour, our tips are pretty important.

In conclusion, I realize that not all servers are the same. Some of us are better than others. But I issue this challenge: think of us as humans with the same problems that you have instead of a robot that brings you your food. 

The vast majority of you patrons are a pleasure and delight to deal with. I thank you for your financial support and brief daily company over the past 6 months.

Getting the green light.....so far

I had an interview with a reputable law firm today regarding a paralegal position. I went in with a positive attitude, but my expectations for gaining employment there were low. This is the result of being told "No" so many times that I assume I'll just be told "No" again.

A few hours after the interview I received another call from the law firm. They wanted a second interview. They wanted me to come in tomorrow. Wow! I've never had a job opportunity move this fast.

I'm trying not to get over-excited, but all signs seem to be pointing in the direction that they're very interested in hiring me.

If so, this would be a great end to an exhausting 6 months. No matter what the outcome is, God is good.

Casey Anthony: Fair isn't fair

I'm reading comments on Facebook in reaction to the Casey Anthony verdict. A lot of you are upset, and reasonably so. "It was obvious she was guilty!" is the chanting cry I hear.

Regardless of your personal beliefs and/or opinions, there was a high burden of proof (in fact the highest) to meet in order for the jury to find Casey Anthony guilty of first-degree murder. That burden of proof is "beyond a reasonable doubt". Think about that phrase for a minute and what it means.

I can hear you shouting back, "But what about the evidence they had against her?!". Evidence is just evidence. It means nothing unless you can tie it to the alleged wrongdoer. That involves the expert testimony of DNA evidence and other experts in related fields. The expert will be examined for their credentials and will then be questioned on the processes used in obtaining and preserving the evidence. A lot of discrediting can come into play against the prosecution if the evidence hasn't been handled correctly or even if the expert witness doesn't come across as credible.

As much as I, and many of you, would like for many people who "appear" to be guilty to be found guilty, it just doesn't work that way. The prosecution has the deck stacked against them in every case. Because they have what's known as the "burden of proof" to meet. If they can't meet it, then the alleged wrongdoer walks, in a sense.

This is the downside of having a legal system that presumes innocence until guilt is proven. It's not perfect. It does create an opportunity for the defense to simply poke holes in the prosecution's argument. All the defense really has to do is argue the burden of proof hasn't been met, and maybe throw in an alternate theory. Maybe the defense can, as in this case, create doubt in the jury.

That's how the game is played. You and I can't say with 100% conviction that she's guilty, because we weren't there. We didn't listen to the 90+ witnesses, or see every piece of evidence presented. All we can assume and hope is that the jury made a fair decision. And let's not forget fair isn't really fair in the first place, but that's a quasi-legal argument best left alone in this blog entry.