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  • Jake shared a letter in the Group logo of Magical MomentsMagical Moments group 10 months, 3 weeks ago

    A NOT SO "LITTLE" REALIZATION

    Usually, when one writes a cover letter, one details the education and related experiences – what “qualifies” them for the job. I did not; I told a personal story of how my life experience is more important than any bullet point highlighting my work skills and accomplishments.

    The position I applied for is working with a media company as a fellow. With diversity as a critical component that the company is looking for, I figured I was qualified for the position because of two letters I closely associate with, “CP.” Cerebral palsy is its full name, but someone or something which is well-known or we are close to will often get a nickname.

    I can’t take credit for the shortened version. I presume that goes to Dr. John Little (the bearded one who discovered the condition in 1853).
    Even though in my letter to the company, I did include bullet points about how my disability enables me to diversify the content taken in by audience members, I avoided the most powerful reason as to why I am a journalist in the first place.

    After countless hours of work, making sure every T crossed and I dotted, the application page refreshed. Seeing the blank text boxes got me thinking of the text in my cover letter. Each failed attempt to turn it in turned into another attempt to fix the darn thing. Finally, I decided to call it a day with the dome of negative thoughts destroying me, one thought bubble after another.

    My mom could see the displeasure on my face – the eggs I had the morning before were not sunny-side up. She suggested asking a family friend in our apartment building for guidance.

    I went over with my mind made up: “I am sending what I have; I’m only here so he can help me submit what I have!” That did not happen, of course, and it turned into a whole family affair — I knew it had to be somewhat good because non of the three dogs ate the printed copy.

    After much deliberation, we concluded that – you guessed it, rewrite it over again. When the post-memorandum finished, the plan of action was to really hit the ball on the bat, explaining how I ended up in a field where talent is often overlooked and substituted for one’s looks, and even though I have dabbled in some Adaptive Fashion Modeling, the way I saunter along is not exactly cover of Sports Illustrated worthy.

    I mention all of this to convey that the thing you wish people would walk by might not be a clear path, but it will eventually get you to your certainly straight purpose.

    As my mentor, Jason Benetti, said when asked if he minds talking about his CP.
    “It’s part of me; so many people travel this world and don’t know what’s unique about them. I already have one built-in!”

    Whether yours is built-in or not, I hope you find YOUR STRAIGHT PURPOSE.

    Much love

    Jake

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    • Jake, I love this piece. I am glad that you see that what’s makes your different is what makes you great, and to highlight that every chance you get. Keep chasing your dreams while staying true to who you are and what you bring to the world. Thank you for sharing. ❤️lauren

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    • Thanks Lauren,

      The Unsealed has truly provided a safe space for me to TRULY realize what I USED to see as pity as POWER through YOUR story and OTHERS!

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