Social Capital

In order to expand my social capital, I'll have to tap into resources I wouldn't normally contact or utilize. My friends and family are already networks I currently use but if I really want to expand, I'm going to have to branch out. I could network with others in my class or at work, once I get that elusive job. :) Or, I could be more proactive with the wives or girlfriends of the men my boyfriend works with. Last week, I went to a Jewish benefit with Kurt's (my boyfriend) mom and I made some connections while I was there...now, that's networking! All of these connections will aid in my job search and research regarding my MBA. Networking benefits all parties involved. I may have some knowledge or experience my networks may not have and vice versa. Adding diversity to your networks ensures you have a wide variety of connections. When I worked in personnel I had many contacts and friends that worked in different agencies throughout the base. When they needed something or if I needed a favor, we would go to each other. If I couldn't help, I would refer them to one of my friends and they would do the same for me. Now that I am out of the Air Force, I still use these contacts. I look forward to building the same network base on the outside. It might take some time since I don't move as much anymore. :) But like Baker says in Achieving Success Through Social Capital, "individualism is a myth." (Baker, 2000, pg. 4) We must work together to achieve success!

Throughout life, the way we learn changes. When I was younger, I had that more individualistic mentality. I wanted to do everything on my own and I was always right. As I got older, I realized the things my parents had told me were in fact correct. I just had to learn them on my own...that was the only way I felt empowered or in control of my own life. Now, I don't mind talking through issues and learning from other's experiences. I will still venture out on my own but I cannot survive without the support of others throughout my journey. All of the shareholders in my life are a vital link in my everyday discoveries. I relish and accept learning from others more than I ever have.

When I am gone, I hope that all who knew me will remember me as having a kind and happy spirit. Of course I want to have a great job, make a decent living, and take the occasional fabulous vacation, but there is a lot more to life. My family and friends are very important to me and it took me a while to see, but that is one of the reasons I got out of the military. All I was doing was working. I wasn't near those I loved the most and time was just passing me by. Now, I have time to witness the lives of those important to me. I am so much happier now and am so grateful for that gift. If it weren't for the love and support of all of my family and friends I would not be where I am today. Success in the professional realm, will come. Enrolling in the MBA program was my first step towards that goal. I am positive everything will happen as it should but above all, I want to be happy and share that happiness with others. I want to be a witness and a role model for others to emulate! I want to bring smiles to faces, even when I'm gone. :)