Unfortunately, saying thank you seems to be an afterthought more and more. So at least once a month, I will take a few minutes to publicly appreciate someone that has had an impact on me.
This round: Jim Dusseau & Semira Allen
As my kid was beginning to prepare for interviewing as a software engineering intern, he realized that he’s never done a “professional job” type interview. As I want to stay in mom mode, I reached out to two people in my circle that I respect enormously: Jim & Semira. I asked if they would be willing to do a mock interview with my son. Without hesitation they both agreed and schedule time with him within just two weeks.
After each mock interview, the person texted me highlighting how wonderful my son was, that he did a good job and that he should apply at their respective company. Yes, any mom wants to hear things like that but it was also the fact that they stepped in to not just help me but my family…well, I don’t think there is enough appreciation that I can give.
My son walked away from this experience with tangible actions to make on his resume, with advice on how to engage/participate in interviews, and with more confidence that he can do this. That makes this mom incredibly happy. He still has lots of work ahead of him and there are no guarantees but I’m grateful to be able to create learning opportunities for him in this way. I’m grateful that others prioritized it. I’m simply grateful.
Picture from LinkedIn for Semira. Jim apparently is anti photo on linkedin 🙂
