Aisha. Felder.
I started a new job on Monday at a company that I have been
trying to get in for YEARS. You know the reason that I’m starting? Because Aisha
said my name in a room/conversation that I was not in. Your network is definitely
your net worth and NEVER let anyone tell you that the bonds built and life-long
networking of a sorority are not important or effective. That’s how I met her,
she is one of my sorority Big Sisters and I developed a strong enough relationship
with her over the years that she still looks out for me (in life period if I’m
being honest). You have no idea how much it means to me to have people in my
life that not only look out for me in terms of my career needs, but actually are
discerning in the types of positions they suggest and put me up for. Aisha didn’t
send me a job to work at the local McDonalds, she made sure when she made suggestions
or gave my name to someone, it was a job that was in line with my past
experience and SALARY (that she never actually knew). She already has a job,
but that didn’t make her stay quiet about my needs. She didn’t find out about the
position and decide not to say anything or not tell me about it. She made a conscious
effort to help and that is more valuable than anyone can ever know. There are
some folks I’ve known for longer who didn’t or wouldn’t do that-smh.
The meme at the top of this blog is so true. We as a people
need to be willing to go back to being a collective and stop thinking that
helping someone else is in some way going to have a negative impact on us.
There is always room for everyone to eat at the table. There are many people
who have talents and skills that may be similar to ours and if we are already “on”,
what’s the harm in putting someone else on too? I’m not saying everyone is
qualified for everything, but sometimes you gotta have a conversation and see
where people are and where they are trying to go – you can’t always make an
assumption on if someone can handle what could possibly be a life changing
opportunity. I have 2 current Real Estate clients because someone referred them
to me – meaning, once again, *ding* they brought my name up in a conversation I
wasn’t in. In all of these instances, the person bringing my name up is not necessarily
getting anything for helping me (except for the good feeling inside), because that
is not what is driving them to do it.
For those who may not know, I was laid off in early 2019. I
took some time not long after, to get licensed in Real Estate (which was always
supposed to be 2nd stream of income). I was asked to come back to my
old company as a contractor in late 2019, then they ended that contract early
in Jan 2020 because the workload went down. Then 2020, 2020’d ☹.
That pandemic hit and everything was sent into a tailspin. Imagine already
looking for a new job and then having something happen that all of a sudden,
made a whole heck of a lot of other people also start looking at the same jobs you
were. I was so discouraged and depressed from a professional and financial
standpoint (and for other reasons but that is not what this blog is about 😊).
Let me tell y’all something about the goodness of God and how he will show up
from the most unexpected places. I keep a lot of stuff close to the vest and admittedly
wear a “I’m cool mask” most of the time, even if I’m crying every day. I had people
close to me who knew about my situation and sent me money (without my asking),
I had folks who I didn’t even expect to do anything or even know about what was
going on, send me money. I was able to get unemployment for an extended amount
of time and more than usual because of COVID that was JUST ENOUGH to cover my
bills. Oh, and the real kicker is, I got laid off 1 MONTH after buying my home.
Yup, you read that right. 1 month and I was jobless, having to maintain a
blessing I had wanted for YEARS. Because of COVID I was able to defer my
student loans and get help with my mortgage so that I’m still in my house instead
of on the streets. You can’t tell me there isn’t a God and that he doesn’t look
out for me whether I deserve it or not. He may not come when you want him, but
he’ll be there right on time. Dottie Peoples told us that.
Because of Aisha Felder, I started a job this past Monday. 5
weeks after my unemployment was exhausted and right before the help with my
mortgage was ending. All because Aisha, called my name.
Thank you, Big Sis. I’m forever grateful.
Peace.
