After a long, stressful day, I am treating myself to an evening of Pride & Prejudice. It is unfortunate, however, that I'll also be doing Haddon's matrices and revising clinical skills whilst watching.
I don't think I've ever studied as hard or fast as I am now (har har, sexual...). And not because I'm aiming for that HD but because I don't think I've ever left anything as last minute as I have now. The study is crazy. And yes, it's a lot of content to cover but in general I also pride myself on studying early and being able to relax the last few days before an exam.
I got up at 6.45am this morning (early for me during study break) to start studying by 7am. I NEVER GET UP BEFORE 7.30am DURING STUDY BREAK. STUDY BREAK IS ALSO KNOWN AS SLEEP-IN BREAK FOR ME.
I also got a group interview for Officeworks and the good folk at Madzoon sent me (and Little Mishelle!) emails regarding our applications there. I think I'm going to go with Officeworks though... It's a bigger company, the pay will probably be better, it's more "stable" and I guess the hours will be more regular. I feel as though Madzoon might toss me around a bit given they're new.
Who knows.
J
About Me
- Junaberry
- I'm a student from Australia who used to have a lot of time on her hands but doesn't have that much anymore. Now she has other stuff on her hands.
25 comments:
wtf is Madzoon?
it's a frozen yoghurt place!!!!!!!!!! new one at gallaz.
Well hello. Please forgive my intrusion on this blog of yours; emboldened by the safety of anonymity, and with the most benign of intentions, I feel compelled to leave a comment.
Last week I accepted an invitation to attend an Officeworks group interview. Naturally, I decided to do a bit of research, and courtesy of Google, ended up at this post of yours!
So I'm ever so curious: how did yours go? What item did you bring for yours, and what did you say about it? Have you heard anything back from them yet?
I acknowledge how irregular this is, but regardless hope against hope that you'll humour my curiosity.
Sincerely, Anonymous.
Well hi. I first have to ask, is this Nadia? Because you write exactly like her. If it's not, then sure, I'll humour your curiosity gladly.
That being said, there's not a lot of humour I can give as I haven't actually had my interview yet. It's on Wednesday. Maybe I'll see you there... we should devise some kind of signal. In every conversation you have with fellow potential employees at said group interview, try and slip in a reference to how much you love 30 Rock. I don't know if you do but regardless, enough people know about it/like it to not have that kind of reference appear weird and it's not mainstream enough for it to be brought up many times in conversations with randoms (not you).
I get a lot of bots spamming my blog and I can't really tell if you're a bot or not. If you are, fuck off. If not, I enjoyed your comment.
J
Well hello again. I can happily assure you that I am neither Nadia nor a robot, though someone once described me as "robotic", to my great delight. So I have no objection to being thought a robot, if it pleases you (it does me!).
As for the group interview, I see! My interview was actually last Wednesday! How disappointing .. I would've liked to have some sort of absurd and delightful signal game. It could have been magnificent! Alas, poor plan, we barely knew ye. But as the song goes, "And it came to me then that every plan / Is a tiny prayer to Father Time". You win this round, Time.
In any case, thank you for humouring my curiosity; I'm much obliged! By the way, my name's Ben, if you care to know. Also, I'm pleased that you enjoyed my comment; I'll happily supply more if there's demand!
How was your interview then? The tables have turned. I think you're now morally obliged to provide some kind of insight into the group interviewing process as I so good-naturedly humoured you.
Did you get the job?
And out of curiosity, how old are you? Your oldspeak amuses me.
How was your interview then? The tables have turned. I think you're now morally obliged to provide some kind of insight into the group interviewing process as I so good-naturedly humoured you.
Good-naturedly indeed! Well, the interview was actually quite pleasant. There were 30 of us, grouped into tables of 6. The event itself consisted of introductions, some information about Officeworks, and then a couple of group activities; what the email said, essentially. We were observed closely, but it wasn't oppressive or stressful; they were mainly interested in providing us with information and seeing what kinds of people we are personally and interpersonally.
So nothing too surprising! My best advice, if you want it, is: (1) be a bit creative with the item you bring and how you explain its relevance to you; (2) show initiative as a team member, and if necessary, as a leader; and (3) enjoy yourself!
Also, I'm delighted that my oldspeak amuses you, bahaha. I'm 24. Might I ask your age in return?
Aaaaand I do believe I've left a part of your last message in my reply (had it there for ease of reference). That, my friend, is why one must always check one's messages before sending them...
don't worry; I've done far worse.
And I suppose the interview sounds alright... I don't have a lot of interview experience so hopefully I'll be able to navigate the waters.
so what item dis you bring and what did some of the others bring?
I'm 19, turning 20 this March. So what do you do besides group interviewing for Officeworks?
Have no fear. The term "group interview" is misleading. If it helps, think of yourself as a participant in a social experiment, whose researchers wish to observe how individuals behave in groups. The catch is that after the experiment, they reward participants who demonstrate particular behaviours, such as sociability, confidence, and assertiveness (and note that I say "demonstrate particular behaviours", not "possess particular characteristics"; as Shakespeare says, "All's the world's a stage").
What item did I bring? Why, a ruler of course! A metal ruler, but I had a good explanation for it. Quite a number of people used their mobile phones; other items included various kinds of stationery and even a toy or two. [Abrupt end of exciting soundtrack music.] A few of people brought nothing.
19 going on 20! I would say "Oh I feel old now" with look of profound melancholy and a shudder, as if--even now--I can hear from far off the cold winds of life's winter and waning, oh, that haunting music... but the truth is, sometimes I feel old and sometimes I feel young. Sometimes I don't feel anything at all! But right now I feel like a cup of coffee, so I'll just answer your last question: I'm a student, of the unremarkable mundane variety. I'm halfway through an education degree (Secondary English teaching), and now that the semester's out, I don't know what to do with myself, so I'm looking for work! Apart from that, I'm a keen reader (currently rediscovering my love for "The Count of Monte Cristo") and an exemplary loner. How about you? I'm intrigued!
Well, the term "social experiment" is perhaps less like a group interview but I don't think any less intimidating. I don't think the terms sociable, confident or assertive describe me at all. Sure, this wouldn't be a problem if all the men and women were merely players but, unfortunately, I'm not much of an actor either. So I don't know if I could bullshit my way through an interivew.
So why did you bring a metal ruler? Do you have a passion for metalwork or arts & crafts? Not sure if metal rulers have any other roles. Enlighten me.
As for the feeling old/young in what appears to be a concerning sporadic nature, 24 IS older than 19 (but turning 20!). That being said, when I was 16 I thought 20 was obscene and that does not seem very long ago at all.
I'm a student as well. 1/3 of the way (as of Wednesday) through a medical degree. I'm also a keen reader and I have a perfectly cliched fondness for Austen.
I'm assuming you live in Perth. Do you go to ECU?
I brought the metal ruler because, like said object, I am fairly straightforward, but also flexible, not to mention reflective. And like the ruler, I'm not fancy but I get the job done. ... Okay, so it was an elaborate and painfully extended word joke (complete with demonstrations at each stage, like bending the ruler at the word "flexible"). Damn it all! I enjoyed every moment of it, and I would do it again!
Medical degree? How interesting. I would question you endlessly about it if we were personally acquainted, but you're in luck! Fascinating. Though, that being said, I would probably question you endlessly about your degree regardless of what it was. So how are you finding the degree so far? And university life, for that matter?
As for your being a keen reader, I'm delighted! I've not read any Austen (but I am an utter Tolkien fanatic), but since we're discussing cliches: when I was completing my English degree, one of my lecturers told me (good-naturedly) that I come across as some sort of tortured poet, ha! One of my lecturers, mind you. Beat that! But yes, I do live in Perth, which I gather you do as well. And yes, I study at ECU! Where do you study?
A+ word joke and it even incorporated stationery in addition to the well-crafted wordiness of it all.
As for the medical degree, I think I like it? But sometimes I don't and sometimes I just don't know. I think I kind of do anything in the same way. Even if I didn't enjoy it, I probably wouldn't acknowledge it because I would be too scared of wasting my time or energy.
I've only read 1/2 a Tolkien book and I thought it was really, extremely, extremely... boring. That being said, the first time I read Austen (14 or something around there) I thought it was terrible and I didn't touch it again for 3 years.
I think being a tortured poet is pretty fitting for an English fanatic. Cliches are cliches for a reason, right? So did you do your English degree at ECU as well?
And I go to UWA :)
Ha! You liked my joke! I'm doubly pleased with it now. When I first delivered it, half the audience didn't understand the joke, and those who did undoubtedly wished they didn't. These are the moments, Junaberry, for which I live.
Regarding your degree -- I feel much the same way about my own studies. There's something deeply beautiful and essentially human about it: that constant motion along the spectrum of satisfaction, now high, now low, never quite certain. That's no comfort to you or me, I know, but think: what could be more human than this struggle? There are poems from centuries, centuries ago that ponder the same yearnings and joys. OH LORD, TIME TO SHUT THIS RANT DOWN.
Ahaha, oh... yeah, I empathise with your finding Tolkien boring, as so many seem to. I just hope that you give him another chance at some point in your life, because I'm for my part enchanted by the deep beauty of his writing, beauty that I find everywhere in all his books and the thought behind them. But beauty is in the mind of the beholder, of course. I'm open-minded about reading Austen, in any case! Which book would you recommend for a newcomer?
While I agree that the tortured poet stereotype suits a love of English, I insist that I'm not a tortured poet, nor have I ever sought to be one! It was a hilarious statement on my lecturer's part, in any case, but an unconvincing one. Maybe I need a second opinion.
UWA! Beautiful campus, though I've only been there once, and only briefly. From what I hear, though, it's a great place. Is it true that the hallways echo with the sound of harps, laughter and running water, and the paths are wondrous and paved with gold? :'D
I probably wouldn't put my fluctuating feelings to my degree quite so poetically (then again, I'm not the tortured poet here). I think it's more a general indifference. I don't think there's any career path out there that I would fall in love with. What about you? Why teaching?
I'll give Tolkien a go at some time... Haha... No really, I will. I love the movies but even they can try my patience (maybe I've watched them too many times). As for your first Austen, P&P's probably the most well known one but Persuasion is shorter and I think kind of encapsulates all that is good about Austen. It's a really simple, short story but I kind of like those kind of stories. When you take a simple plotline and make it great... Anyway.
Haha, only the front of UWA is beautiful. The back is a riff-raff of old buildings (and not the sandstone kind) and junky labs and random new buildings. And no, I would say the paths ring with the sounds of pretension more than anything else.
:)
But what if indifference is a layer of ice that has formed atop a river and now rests so securely that the river beneath is all but forgotten? Yet the ice goes only where the river does. But I digress! To answer your question, teaching appeals to me for two main reasons. The first is that I'm passionate about English, and believe in the importance of English language, literacy, and learning. The second is that I've always enjoyed explaining things, and helping people to understand things about the world (and, by extension, themselves). What better a career than English teaching? But honestly, I'm still not sure I want to be a teacher. Yet, as I think you'll agree, nothing dulls momentum like indecision!
As for Tolkien, yes! You must give him a go. Or not, haha. I love Tolkien to bits and thoroughly recommend his stories, but as with anything, his writing isn't for everyone. Don't get me started on the movies; there's much to be admired about them, but I find them deeply flawed (not to mention almost unbearable once you've watched them a few times). Thank you for your recommendation! Mark my word: Persuasion will be the next book I read. I'm with you in the appreciation of simple plotlines made great. Indeed, simple things made great in general. Since the subject has deteriorated wonderfully from "Tolkien" to "things", what are some other things you enjoy? Let's say, musically. Or artistically. Or anything!
The sounds of pretension? Ha! Splendid! I love pretentiousness - the more pretentious, the better! Don't get me wrong: as a rule, I favour honesty. Yet the way I see it, human life is so full of pretension that it's quite funny, really, and something to be loved (among other things), especially when it blooms like a cancer around scholarly buildings (sandstone or not). : )
At least it sounds like you have somewhat of a passion for English/teaching. And I'm glad you have a firm grasp on the English language. My year 11/12 English lit teacher, while a very nice lady, often had trouble spelling words. I believe she had a good appreciation of literature and a critical eye but an English teacher who can't spell some rather basic words? It's questionable.
Given you're indecision about teaching and the rest of it, what other career paths might you consider? And what does an English degree entail (you mentioned you did English before teaching?)?
As for "things" I like... Musically, I have "terrible" taste but I stand by my love for Taylor Swift (really). My slightly hipster best friend has gotten me into Little Dragon, The Kooks and Regina Spektor. I like writing but I don't do much of it anymore. I don't have much time with uni and during the holidays I can't seem to find the enthusiasm to do it.
What about you? What "things" do you "enjoy"?
I think pretension has a place in life. It's definitely one of those integral things that make us human but pretension in numbers? In hoards? Something a little less desirable. This is why I abhor and avoid all hipsters of any kind. You might have noticed I called my best friend somewhat of a hipster but she is excused because I don't think she is really a hipster? I think she really does enjoy the things she does. So I have to ask, you're not a hipster, are you? Because your "passion" for English? I'm a questioning, paranoid sort of person.
Basically, an English degree entails an introduction to the study of literature. It offers students an acquaintance with literary theory, criticism, and research, and provides students with opportunities to apply key skills and understandings to a diverse range of texts. I paired my English major with an Editing minor, which involved a detailed study of the editing of written texts, with particular attention to understanding grammar and style. Overall, the degree provided what I wanted: a sound theoretical and practical foundation for further study in English Education.
As for other career paths -- I would be perfectly content to have a career in a field like government policy, or human resources. Truth be told, I have few great passions, and have -- in any case -- practically abandoned the notion that there is a career that I could feel very passionate about anyway. The only things I deeply love are my family, my one or two good friends, and my interests. Mine really is a quiet, inward-looking world, with passions fierce if few.
Musically, I enjoy a wide range of stuff, from classical music and indie rock to jazz and dubstep. "Taste" be damned; the only standards that really matter are our own. My favourite band is The National; if you haven't heard them, look up their song "England" (or "So Far Around The Bend", another favourite) on YouTube and tell me what you think. I'm also deeply fond of Coldplay, though I find less and less to like about them with each album they release. Otherwise, I've no special dedication to any band -- just particular songs (for example, "To Build A Home" by The Cinematic Orchestra, or "Lathe" by The Gloomcatcher). I'm not familiar with Little Dragon or The Kooks, but I do know Regina Spektor's song "Firewood" (which is a lovely little tune, isn't it?). I'm not too familiar with Taylor Swift, though I do rather like her songs "The Best Day" and "Love Story". Say what you want! They're catchy and I will defend them unto death, ahaha.
Saving the best for last! "So I have to ask, you're not a hipster, are you?" My immediate response is a plain and categorical "no" (ahah, categorical). However, seeing as the word "hipster" is these days thrown around with such liberal abandon that it has become almost meaningless, perhaps you should list for me the diagnostic criteria for Hipster status so I can tell you which, if any, I currently exhibit. Think of it as a medical examination! You can't be too careful these days; there are hipsters everywhere!
And did the English degree suck the fun out of English for you? I really hate studying English in a structured way (no offense, Future English Teacher). To me, what we gain out of texts and literature is so personal and variable. Most of the time, it can't really be expressed clearly in writing and it takes time to ponder over. The number of essays I had to write in English lit class was horrible. I'm pretty sure I became a machine with those things, just spurting out the same shit every time. I probably didn't enjoy a single one of the texts we read in English lit class. In year 10, we read Catcher in the Rye (not sure what your feelings are towards that book; highly variable opinions that it evokes and all...) and it wasn't until the end of year 12 when I read it again that I fell in love with it.
Lucky for you, sir, I'm pretty sure human resources does not necessarily need a particular degree. As for government policy, I'm not sure.
I have a pretty introverted perspective as well. I kind of love (some) people but I have difficulty connecting with new people. I rarely feel comfortable and therefore act like myself with new people which means, in my old age, I haven't really been able to make any good friends.
I looked up The National and listened to England. Sorry but that was... boring. =/ Haha, not my type. A little too monochromatic for me? I like Coldplay as well. Have you listened to Pixies before? I really like some of their songs.
And I may be the only Taylor Swift fan in the universe to hate Love Story. I just think it's a shoddily put together song with really terrible lyrics and vocals. It sounds horrible live. /rant
Hipster:
1) Likes things for the sake of liking things.
2) Wears fake glasses.
That's really all I can come up with it right now... Hipster is more a way of thinking; it's difficult to describe..
Studying English at university wasn't always pleasant: it was sometimes frustrating, and occasionally even boring. In fairness, though, many of the texts that we studied were texts that I wouldn't have enjoyed anyway, whether I was studying them or not. Overall, however, I found the degree very stimulating and in some ways deeply rewarding, which is more than I can declare about most things in life. And I still enjoy studying English, though I much prefer reading for enjoyment.
I can connect with people well enough, but rarely in any meaningful way. Whether through choice or not, I've always been a loner, and have come to much prefer my own company. But I've no particular objection to companionship; merely a strong suspicion that I am incompatible with it! In any case, we have this much in common: few good friends, though perhaps for different reasons. I can strongly empathise with your discomfort around new people. However, if it's any consolation, as a "new person" I'm quite enjoying this conversation of ours, and have no trouble believing that you would make a worthy companion. :)
Sorry you didn't like The National! Maybe you'll come back to them at some stage, or maybe never at all. It's a mystery! Pleased to know that you like Coldplay, in any case. I stand by my earlier statement about their being less likeable with successive releases; I adore "Parachutes" and "A Rush of Blood to the Head", but from "X&Y" onward... well, we can't expect to be pleased by everything. As for "Love Story": bahaha. Okay, which of her songs would you uphold as some of her best? Well put together with good lyrics and vocals (and, if you want, sound great live). I'll look them up. ALSO, feel free to rant whenever you like. :'D Goodness knows I have, in pretty much every comment I send you. It's a miracle that you're still replying to me.
Lastly, I pass the test: I am not a hipster. But that was what I originally thought anyway, haha. In any case, rest assured!
I didn't mean to slag off learning English and what have you. In many ways, I enjoy studying English. I don't know if I could commit to that as a career or even tertiary education. For me, something about science and discovery (well, discovering what others have already discovered) is exciting. Maybe English is more like being introspective; you kind of just have to make up your own mind and figure it out for yourself. Science is different. Not sure what I'm saying...
Is it possible to be incompatible with companionship? Perhaps you just haven't met the right people. As for me, I tend to avoid social situations with people I'm not sure of but I love being around those I know and love. I think companionship was also a hell of a lot easier as kids.
Mmm, old Coldplay is definitely better. My favourite song is Don't Panic but I also like Sparks and Spies.
As far as Taylor Swift is concerned, she doesn't sing very well live but she has some good songs. I like Enchanted, Sparks Fly is catchy, You Belong With Me is a perennial favourite (and pretty much the song of my adolescence). She did a cover of Untouchable and she sounds amazing singing that live. Check it out. :)
Oh btw, do you have facebook? It feels somewhat weird having a full-on conversation via blog comment haha.
Of course! "Enchanted" -- I know this one. Quite lovely. I listened to "Sparks Fly" and it was... tolerable... OKAY, OKAY, IT'S GOOD. There, I said it. Bahaha. "You Belong With Me" is another song I recognise. I'm listening to a live version of "Untouchable" (the "Live Stripped Performance" ... interesting name) and it's pleasant as well. Of all the songs you recommended, "Enchanted" would have to be my favourite; ohmygod that chord progression at the verse before the chorus ("And it was enchanting to meet you"). I don't listen to much music like this, but I'm willing to be convinced of its magnificence... so far so good, Junaberry! :D
Andalas! No, I'm one of "those" people (or is it: one of those "people") who has shunned Facebook from the very beginning (and MySpace before it). But I agree that this blog commentversation is getting rather absurd; plus I'd rather not inconvenience you with coming back here again and again and again (yet nor am I prepared to stop inconveniencing you with my incessant messaging, ahaha). So I made a "limited blogger profile" which, hopefully, you can message privately if you like (not sure if you can). Perhaps I'll need to create a blog... no! NO. What would I call it? What would I feed it? What if it CONSUMED ME? And don't tell me that websites can't consume people; I'VE SEEN IT HAPPEN! Anyway. failing that, there's always email or texting, etc. What would suit you, barring Facebook? :P
Oh seriously, Enchanted is one of the best songs I've ever heard.I feel like regardless of your musical tastes, you can't HELP but like that song.
I kind of expected you to be one of those anti-facebook people so don't worry about that. I do understand why it's good to not be on facebook but on the other hand... it's really great. I don't think I would have kept in touch with a lot of people if not for facebook. It is true to its motto, that's for sure.
I don't think I can message your blogger profile. You don't have a site at all or anything like that? Otherwise hit me up with your email yo. And yeah, I enjoy the gangster vernacular now and then.
And of course websites can be all-consuming. I have a series of embarrassing internet browsing histories from my adolescence and not the porn type either. I used to a moderator for a Twilight fan site. Really.
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