Part 3: The Preparation

The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on. (Prov. 16:26)

Around Labor Day, I begin the arduous process of applying for registration at a January job fair in Iowa. The prospect of obtaining a job at the fair is favorable: over 65% of job fair attendees are tendered at least one offer. In order to successfully register, an extensive application, three recommendations from supervisors, and multiple essays are required. Surveying it from the outset, the process seems insurmountable, given my work load of a full-time job, graduate school class from hell, plethora of school/certification/grad school meetings, certification exams, Bible study, French class, and marathon training(!!). I want to give up before I even commit. However, as I've learned, when you want something badly enough, there are no lengths you won't travel.

The fall is a whirlwind of activity as I dart around attending to said commitments. All of the "insurmountable hurdles" I had conjured in my head (ie: recommendation letters, certification exams) are nothing. Each of my potential references wholeheartedly agreed to write a letter on my behalf. From October to February, I prepare for and PASS three additional certification exams (elementary, middle school, and ESL) to increase my marketability to potential employers. Though under an excruciating amount of stress, everything goes swimmingly. God surely blesses me!! I successfully complete my grad school class and enjoy a delightful, rewarding fall semester with my students. So enjoyable a semester with my students, many times I re-examine my desire to move.

Fast forward to the first week in January when my entire credential file was due for the job fair. Through a glitch in the job fair computer system, my first recommendation letter is ERASED...utterly and completely. Several computer techs work hard to restore the letter...success!. The two remaining letters have still not been submitted, as promised. Meanwhile, I am away at an weeklong, 40-hour, graduate school course. During my lunch breaks, I attempt to contact the letter writers, resulting in the submission of one letter. Forty-eight hours before the deadline, I am finally able to make contact with the last letter writer who has no recollection of our initial conversation and isn't sure the letter will be submitted in time. Is this a sign? I take matters into my own hands. I email my field advisor from Morocco (why didn't I think of her to begin with?) with a plea for help. Within six hours, wonderful Vivian comes to my rescue with a glowing letter on my behalf. PRAISE. THE. LORD. What a sweet relief. (Ironically enough, my original reference delivers after all, literally the eleventh hour. I have an additional letter to provide schools at the fair. God is great.)

Two weeks before the fair, I touch up and submit a personalized resume, cover letter, and references to a "short list" of 15 schools. In the last few days before my journey, I spend hours preparing information packets and photo cards to distribute at the fair. I draft interview questions, review teaching theories and pedagogy and rehearse potential interview quesdtions. I shop, groom, and pack. I am ready...am I?