First Job Interview!!

Sam has successfully completed his first, full-time job interview!!!

{To answer  your question: Sam graduates in April-ish--depending on when he finishes his thesis--and this job would start after that}

Here is the gist of the story (according to Missy)

When summer started we decided we should make a list of companies that Sam would like to work for as a career. Then, about a month ago we decided to look into specific jobs. Sam found and applied for a job that he was really excited about right away--it was at a place called MathWorks--they make MatLab (a computing and scientific software--along with other software). He would start out on the EDG program and then pick an emphasis in the company after a couple years. Sam's work experience and interests really lined up with this job posting-- like they were essentially identical. Which is HUGE in his field and really hard to find something that interests you and that you are qualified for.

Three days later he got an email from HR wanting to do a phone interview!!! We were soo suprised!! That was fast. So a few more days later that happened. Then the next morning he got another email saying that the engineer liked her notes and wants to have a technical interview in the next few weeks!! 

Fast forward a few weeks and Sam had a technical interview with a lady. Then the next morning (or maybe a couple days?) he got another email from an EDG manager saying that he liked the notes from Sam's previous interviews and would like to have a phone interview! Sam made it to step 3!! At the end of this phone interview the manager said that they would like to get him out to the office!!!

Let me say, I am a proud wifey. He worked sooo hard for this moment!!--seriously we easily put in 20 hours prepping for these interviews: reviewing math problems and concepts, coming up with situations for those HARD interview questions.

^^On our way to the airport^^ 

We decided to have Sam wear his suit so it wont get a crease in it if we were to put it in the carry-on. But might I add that Sam looks soooo good in a navy blue suit!! We spend ALL summer looking for one what was really nice, on a supper good sale, and one that we liked--and it paid off!!! 

I dropped him off at the airport at about 9:00 am and after having a connecting flight in Phoenix, AZ--he arrived in Boston at 9:30pm. Wowsers!

Then the next morning, Friday, he began his whiteboard interview, behavioral interview with a hiring manager, lunch with people on the EDG team, a quick HR meeting (they told him they don't make offers in person) to go over benefits, moving package, etc... Then he was off to the airport and arrived in SLC at midnight. Talk about a quick trip! Sam absolutely LOVED it out there!! He loved the work environment and everything he learned. He said our preparation really paid off and helped him in his interview. I also noticed as he was telling me the details how much the Holy Ghost really helped him out!!

Too bad it was a Friday that he interviewed cause 1-2 business days last longer when it hits a weekend.... but on Monday afternoon they said that they though he did really well and would like to move to the next step!!! Seriously, it's been an intense and exciting month!!

So then that week Sam did the background check and his professors got contacted about references (he gave them a list a few weeks prior) !!

Then, on Friday September 4th, 2015 HR called Sam and said that since it was going to be a long weekend--they wanted to let Sam know that they are going to be giving him an offer the beginning of next week!!!

WAHOO!!!!!! Seriously. This whole thing is soo amazing to us! We honestly feel sooooo blessed in many ways!!!! Sam's (and mine) dream is coming true!! Just having an offer is soo comforting. We really can't believe that Sam's first full-time job application (and lets be honest--it's the only one so far because nothing else compares and there is not much time) led to a full-time job offer!! By-golley, this is so surreal!!

Stay tuned for if we accept it or not and if we end up moving across the country to the east coast to Massachusetts!! 

Thank you...For listening

I have had some special experiences this week.

Earlier this week I texted my friend that I met at college last year. I was just asking how she was doing and saying we should catch up. Turns out that she wanted to talk to me about something going on in her life and was hesitant to text me. So she was super grateful that I listened to my prompting. The next day we talked for four hours. I wasn't able to get any work done but I was able to help someone (even if it was just a little). She was very grateful. It's still so fulfilling to me. It truly brings me much happiness when I help others.

* * * *

Today I went to the library to do some homework and they were advertising a technology open house. I felt like I should do it, and since I didn't want to do my homework (surprised?) I decided to go on the tour, get my hubby a free t-shirt, and find all the cool free stuff that the Herald B. Lee Library offers. (And let me tell you, it's awesome!). One of the stops was the family history section as I was approaching the door to enter there was an old man leaving. This is pretty normal considering a lot of old people come to work on the family history when they retire. This old man was looking down at the floor. I wanted to say hi to him (I have a thing for old men, I don't really know what it is.. I just really like a particular type of old men. I always have). So I did and said "hello". 

I walked a little slower to make sure that he would look up at me so he would know that I wanted to say hi to HIM. He took a moment but eventually slowly looked up since I was waiting for him. Then he said hi back and kept walking. After that I continued walking, feeling really good that I did something right. I felt like I was supposed to say hi to him (not just because I like old people). It was great.  

But then I heard him say, in the most humble and sweet tone, "Thank you for saying hi to me... and having me look up." 

I was deeply touched.

I don't know what that man is going through, but I felt like my little gesture really had an impact. I felt like I showed him love when he needed it. I turned around and said "you're welcome" with a nice smile, but he didn't turn around to say his comment. It sounded like it took a lot in him to reply those few words. Then I added, "have a nice day."  

I really feel like I have a special gift. Like most people, when I am not worried about school stressed about different things that happen in life,  I act a little different but I love when this part of me is able to be expressed. I feel like I can be an instrument in Heavenly Fathers hand  more. I can notice these tender moments more. I hope once I graduate, I will be able to develop this part of me more so that I can bless and uplift others and have them feel the LOVE of Christ more. 

I'm so grateful that my mother has always taught me, "people matter more." Because it's true, the purpose in life is to bring people to Christ. And what not a better way than to share Christ's love?

"May we show our love and appreciation for the Savior’s atoning sacrifice through our simple, compassionate acts of service...It is only when we love God and Christ with all of our hearts, souls, and minds that we are able to share this love with our neighbors through acts of kindness and service—the way that the Savior would love and serve all of us if He were among us today....The love the Savior described is an active love. It is not manifested through large and heroic deeds but rather through simple acts of kindness and service"

--Elder Ballard; FINDING JOY THROUGH LOVING SERVICE

“In all that you do, in all that you learn, in all you try to accomplish in life, please remember that we are all sons and daughters of God. We have to help each other.” 

—Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve

“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:36–40).

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you. … By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34–35).

Promptings Come in All Shapes and Sizes

As I was leaving the bathroom stall, I saw a girl with the “this-feminine-product-machine-is-not-working-and-I-am-scarred” look on her face as she had a quarter in her hand. I asked her, “Do you need a tampon?”. “Do you have a pad?”
"I think so" as I began to look in my backpack and gave her a pad. 
"Are you sure?" 

"Yeah of course! :D"

"You are seriously so nice! Thank you so much! You are a life saver!"

... Repeatedly!! I think she said a combination of this more than 10 times! She kept saying it until I was out of the bathroom-- mind you there were like 15 other girls in the bathroom.
I felt sooo good leaving that bathroom. I forgot how selfless service really does make you feel so good! 

Listening to the spirit and being an answer to someones prayer feels so good!! I was so happy after that. :D