Blog 2

List three occupations you have recently (i.e., in the last few weeks or months) pursued. Select occupations that stand out to you as valuable or important. For each occupation, reflect on why this is valuable or important to you:

  • Does it relate to time?
    • Nostalgia: Does it bring back memories from the past?
    • Present: Related to the moment or time you actually pursued the activity
    • Future: Does it relate to some long-term goal?
  • What sort of personal satisfaction did you gain from this occupation?
    • Personal awareness/openness to new opportunities?
    • Personal satisfaction/to be good to yourself/ to fulfill a personal need?
    • Because others value the occupation?

Car Salesman
            After graduation, May 2017, I was hired as a salesman for Vann York Toyota. Working at this dealership challenged me mentally and spiritually. Initially, I was challenged by the laws/regulations, system/procedures, Toyota (the product), negotiating etc. Overcoming these obstacles increased my confidence and provided a strong foundation.
At Vann York Toyota, every morning consists of a mandatory sermon; followed by, prayer and then we could walk the lot or answer phone calls etc. These morning sermons were so meaningful and they’re highly valued because it seemed like God was always speaking directly to me. After each meeting, I left inspired and motivated in becoming a better father, son, believer, partner etc. This was the first in the workplace and this occupation is important because it taught me valuable lessons that inspired internal growth. The more I started reading and giving God, the more I could see the benefits in my personal life or in car sales.
             Moreover, some the friendships created during the first couple weeks of school have reminded me of the brotherhood at Vann York. I’m always reminded of Vann York Toyota and it makes me smile because I think of overcoming the mental challenges and applying it to any setting. Once I put in my 2-week notice, I was told by majority of sales reps that I’d be fired. Ironically, my manager and General Manager told me to work my two-week notice, make as much as possible, and they reassured that I could always come back to Vann York. Their support (for school) and allowing me to work my 2-week notice was meaningful as well.
From this occupation, I was afforded the opportunity to see the business side of things and I became better at negotiating and being firm. Spiritually, I needed this and I would have never guessed such results from a dealership. I gained personal satisfaction because my work ethic has opened the future for new opportunities at Vann York Toyota. I felt like an expert because my friends and family or my fiancée’s friends would call and ask me questions about Toyota. Servers at restaurants valued this occupation because of the tip and opportunity. After eating out, I’d leave my business card which often provided me with sales opportunities. For example, one server had car trouble and I gave her my business card; the next day, she purchased a car from me. Long-term, I would like to open a private practice and understanding the business side at the dealership can help with my future goal. Also, communicating with such a diverse population will influence my long-term goal.

 OT Student
Being a student is important to me because I know I’m not stagnant and still perfecting to achieve self-actualization. Continuing my education proves that I’m not giving up and I’m still on the road to finish what I started in Pre-K. Also, performing and completing this program is important to me because I don’t want to be a hypocrite especially to my son. As a father, I always express how valuable school is to my son and the importance of homework etc. If I’m preaching this, I strong feel that I should follow. I know my son looks up to me and I know I must perform and set a great example. This adds another layer of why being an OT student is important and highly valuable to me.
 Certain topics bring back memories from the past. Some items discussed as an OT student are similar to my Rehabilitation courses such as motivational interviewing, anatomy rules/techniques etc. Long-term, I will be an OTR/L and currently being an OT student does relate to my long-term goal. I’m pursuing OT for me with the intent to help all I possibly can. It’s a great feeling knowing my family and friends value the occupation as well.


Financial Manager
From a large family of ten, I’ve learned lessons in planning and properly managing my finances. During the last couple of weeks, this skill has been very rewarding. Not having a job for the 1st semester has made me plan and properly manage my finances without being parsimonious. Normally, I set money aside based on how much I’m bringing in. Recently, I haven’t worked and I have short term goals (daily, weekly) so I can meet the end of the month and my long-term goals. I value financial management because I feel independent. Also, I understand that I must properly manage my funds because if I can’t be trusted with this, how can I be trusted with more which reminds me of a great scripture; Luke 16:10-12.
Personally, I know I can control my finances because I’ve done it before; currently, not working has added another manageable variable. Long-term, I will need this IADL so I can be approved to purchase a home for me and my family. I would like to open up a private practice but it will be nearly impossible if I can’t comprehend and utilize financial management. Currently, I’m showing my son how to manage his funds and this gives me satisfaction as a father. By making financial management a task for my son, I know he values the occupation as he deeply thinks if it’s wise to spend or not spend his weekly allowance.

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