ParticiPant UPdateJune 20, 2012

Keeping you Informed, Empowered and Prepared

Develop Your Awareness: Tips For Noticing Daily Gifts and Opportunities - Part 1

Busyness. Task-driven days. Limiting habits and routines.

Each of these things can dull our sense of curiosity. They can stifle the wonder we feel about the world around us. And that robs us of some of the joy and energy we could be getting from daily life. So a little reprogramming may be in order. Try these exercises to sharpen your awareness skills. They should give you a greater sense of appreciation, make you feel more connected to the good life, and help you to start each day with a fresh perspective that keeps you inspired.

1. Keep a “Caught My Attention Today” logMake a commitment to notice something new each day. It could be a new store in town or a touching interaction between a parent and child. Perhaps what catches your eye is a vibrant color or the shapes of the buildings downtown. You can make notes in your daily planner, jot down notes on a Post-It, or dedicate an entire journal to your observations. Each day offers numerous visual gifts that inspire us. Be sure you’re receiving yours.

2. Pay attention to words and phrases that mean something to youWe all have chances to get to know ourselves better. One way to do that is to be clear about what interests you, about what matters. Be observant. Sometimes an overheard conversation, a line in a book, a quote from a magazine interview or dialogue in a movie can clue you in to a special interest or an idea with particular appeal. When you’re drawn to something, give yourself a couple of minutes to ponder why. This can help to remind you about a topic you find interesting, a belief that you cherish or a personal quality you’d like to develop. Remember, what we notice matters.

Adapted from copyright © 2006 Melissa Wadsworth

Employment Essentials: Interview 911!I’ve got an interview! What do I do?

Call your coach and/or coordinator immediately! 1.

Schedule a time to meet and have an interview prep session. 2. This is very different from a mock interview and is only applicable once a company and specific position is identified.

Get the job posting or current job description and the resume/3. cover letter you used to get the interview ready for that meeting.

Do more company research! Companies these days all want to 4. know why you want to work for them and what you already know about them. They will ask!

When we meet: Bring a notepad and pen, all your supporting 5. documents and dress for success!

This is a year for job growth. Following these steps will ensure that you have the best chance possible for making it to the next phase in the hiring process.

Career Center hours

Monday - Wednesday: 12-2 PMMonday: 5 PM (Minneapolis Only)

Thursday and Friday: Appointment only

Mark Your Calendars

JUL4

TCR! Offices Closed in observance of Independence Day.

JUN20

Mid-session feedback forms sent.

JUN26 Participant Appreciation Day!

Free Lead Paint TestingIf you meet the following criteria, you may be eligible to receive new windows through a Hennepin County grant program:

Home built before 1978• A child (5 or under) lives in or • frequently visits your homeLive in Hennepin County• Meet certain income qualifications•

Call Sustainable Resources Center at 612-872-3281 to schedule a free home visit!

Looking to gain some work experience and confidence while you search for

your final placement? Learn more about TCR!’s Internship Program by attending an information session.

All F2s and above are encouraged to apply. Please join us!

Info SessionsMinneapolis: Mondays at 1 PMSt. Paul: Wednesdays at 1 PM

Info sessions end July 16 in Minneapolis and July 18 in St. Paul. We’ll resume again in August.

Internship Insight

Education Extra: The latest class updates at TCR!

So You Think You Know Everything?

◊ Typewriter is the longest word that can be made using only the letters on one row of the keyboard. ◊ Tigers have striped skin, not just fur.

◊ Colgate’s first toothpaste came in a jar.

Bonus BucksDo you know anyone that could benefit from TCR!? If you do, TCR! will pay you for every person you bring in that meets TCR!’s eligibility requirements. Right now, about 20% of our referrals come from participants like you!

Help TCR! get the word out and make some money at the same time. For details, ask the front desk, Shereese Turner, or recruiters.

Coaches’ CornerA sense of urgency. You are going to hear and see much about this in the coming months.

What is your sense of urgency? Is it concluding your job search and achieving final placement this year? Is it managing the day to day issues that life presents?

Coaches help you to manage your time, affirm your sense of urgency and achieve your employment goals.

Our new Career Portfolio is on the way! This portfolio will help you assemble all the documents and information you need to communicate your story as a perfect candidate for the job you want. You can get started now: begin collecting your mid-term and end-term evaluations as well as your cover letters and resumes. We’ll include those documents (and others) in the new portfolio.

Help Lab is even more open than before! We’ve added an extra slot in Saint Paul (Monday 12:30-2:15 PM). Tutor Jose Chipoco is available to help you with your computer homework. On Thursdays in Saint Paul (12:30-2:15), tutor Robert Daly is available to help with math.

Got debt? Financial Literacy will be offered again during the August session. See your coach for details.

The walls aren’t real. Did you know that at Twin Cities RISE! you’re really taking one big class? Take a close look at all the ways your classes interconnect. Each is part of one huge lesson designed to help get and keep a well-matched full-time job.