Comments on American Idol Gives Back

For a fund raising event, American Idol Gives Back was a tremendous one. What I liked most about it was that, although it focused of the needs of Africa, It did not leave out our needs here at home. To all who where able to give in this event, Thank You. It was very American of you.

To those who wish to continue to make a difference, check out your local charities.

• As this one is close to my heart, I'll suggest this first. Visit the elderly. There are many that reside in a nursing home, or that are home bound, who would love just to have someone to talk to. Someone who they could share their collective knowledge with. Organize outings (where-ever possible), cook a meal, watch a movie, read to them, give them a hug. They have given to the community during their active years. As a community, lets give back to them.
• Find out if there is an orphanage near, or a local boys and girls club where you might donate time as a mentor.
• The Salvation Army often has help programs for the homeless, that could use volunteers.
• Many of the local churches have programs that provide meals to the elderly and homeless.
• The Aids Foundation in your town may need volunteers.
• The Department of Developmental Disabilities (helping individuals with disabilities learn practical living skills, and integration in to the community.)
• Your local news station may be able to provide you with ideas of programs that are helping individuals during some recent fire, accident, death, etc.

If you want to help, there is usually a way that you can. It doesn't all have to be a devastating situation that needs help. Think how much it might help your community just to get to know your neighbors. Be a part of the Neighborhood Watch, or Safe house program.

Introduction to: The Working Poor

Just who are the working poor? Most of us. The clerks at your grocer, the gas station attendant, the baby sitter, the waitress at your favorite restaurant. We are the minimum wage earners. The regular people, that keep this country moving.

We all have to have a starting place. If we want to ever get that great home, or car, etc. We have to begin somewhere. We begin as the working poor. Just out of high school with no clue as to what I was going to do with my life. I had the great opportunity to join the Army. What a great experience. I believe, one that help me to understand that I could achieve almost any thing. The exposure to many cultures, help me relate better to people. The attention to detail I was taught, helps me to organize and get things done. The necessity to work in tandem with others, helped me to become a team player. I learned how to take orders, I learned how to give them. I learned to be compassionate, and assertive. I learned how to take pride in myself and my country. As things go this was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I learned on foreign soil, just how much I loved being an American. I was in a difficult situation (out of work), when this revelation came to me. You could put me down, any where in the United States and I can make it. Homeless, or penniless, it wouldn't matter. As long as I was in the USA, I could and would survive. I have.

I worked may years, after my army tour, at all kinds of jobs. My goal though, was to own my own business. I didn't know what kind of business. Armed with a high school education, and the skills I learned in the Army, I asked myself what are my options. I can type, I'm good with people. Customer service work is probably what I do best.

I was working as a clerk/assistant manager at a gas station when it came to me. The assistant manager part was just words on a page as far as getting a bigger pay check was concerned. They were "OK" with giving me a title if it would keep me clerking. I also got to do some of the managers work with no extra pay. They did give me a minor raise, to be fair. 25 cents. For that I worked very long days, sometimes a couple of shifts a day. I got to see the manager once a week. The rest of the time I ran the station. Well, they closed the gas station and sent me to one closer to my home. It was at this second store that they informed me they gave me too much of a raise, and would have to adjust the error. That was it! After all that I had done. After the sacrifices to home and family that I made, I felt betrayed. While they needed me, it was smiles and pats on the back. I can't say for sure that they didn't know they were going to close my station, but they must have been talking about it. I was handy, available, and eager to advance to management. They got what they wanted, and in the end so did I. They didn't need an assistant manager any more, but they could still use a (dependable) clerk. They were going to demote me, and cut my pay. I did the only reasonable thing. I quit.

I started my own business Full-Time, with double the pay, that day. I thank them for the push out the door, so that I could get on and get pass them.

This could have been a sob story. But I viewed it as a great opportunity. The difference is, attitude. Throughout our lives we are given opportunities. What we do with them can be life changing. Know yourself, work within your limitations. Reach for the stars. You may have to take a different mode of transport to get there, but If you believe you can reach them, you can.

Well, That's a Wrap...
Nita