Be Grateful!

The Christmas holidays are only a few days away. It's very possible that you may get some unwanted gifts or you may not get the Wii or iPad you wanted. Holidays are about family and remembering to be grateful for what we have. There are people who wish they had simple things, like a family, a home and consistent meals to eat. So, keep this in mind if you starting pouting about something you wish you had. Some may wish they had what you take for granted. Now, go spread some love during the holidays!

Peace,

Jen

Crossing time zones

Imagine a 20hour plus flight (inclusive of waiting hours) from Amsterdam,Netherlands to Harare, Zimbabwe,(capital) then a 3 and half hour drive to Gweru,Zimbabwe (my home town). I'm finally home and can truly appreciate the beauty of the motherland.I was greeted with my first proper safari-sun-set, it was beyond beautiful- and it reminded me of all the other beautiful things my country has to offer, despite the negative side that is always shown in media. If ever you get the chance to visit Africa, definitely pick Zimbabwe, not only to see one of the seven wonders of the world, The Victoria Falls, but also to just generally have a feel of the diversity in culture, cuisine and wildlife.

Check out this link: WORLD OF WONDERS- ZIMBABWE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQFy5mo4ez8



VICTORIA FALLS
http://travel-the-world-for-free.blogspot.com/

Mos Def Rocks Brooklyn!

Check out the performance of hip-hop artist Mos Def, now known as Yasiin Bey at the 5th Annual Restoration Rocks event in Brooklyn, NY.

See pics and video from his performance in our newsletter.


Have a great day,

Jen

Win a $15 iTunes GIft Card from Double Dutch Magazine!

Hi,

We'd love to get some feedback and learn more about Double Dutch girls!

You may even have a chance win a $15 iTunes gift card. You can use the gift card to purchase music, movies, tv shows, games and more! All you will need to do is complete our quick and easy online survey and you could be a winner!!

Here are some rules:

• You must be a girl
• You are age 12-17
• You must complete the survey by 5 pm EST Monday, September 26, 2011.

Please make sure you give us your correct contact info. If we are unable to contact you, another winner will be selected.

Bye, Bye Blisters

Remember those unbearable painful walks back home. Whether your feet is aching away on the train or the cab ride home?

I feel your pain.

We all want to express our outer-beauty. And sometimes - beauty is pain.

And not just for girls who love sporting heels, but I'm writing for the sporty chicks as well.

Here's one cure to blisters that I discovered on a recent MTV blog post.

Mouthwash!

Here’s How:

Soak a cotton ball in a mouthwash and pat onto your blister. Repeat as many times throughout the day.

Why it works:

The thymol ingredient in the mouthwash is a helpful ingredient that will help shorten healing time. Also, the menthol in the mouthwash will temporarily numb the pain! So you won't have to count the days until your next high-heel wearing fiesta.

Try it and let me know how it worked ;)

The MTV VMAs Were Hot

MTV did not disappoint with last night's Video Music Awards a.k.a. The VMAs. There were great performances by future mama, Beyonce, Jay-Z and Kanye and Chris Brown. Of course, our girl Lady Gaga kept it kooky by staying in character as her alter ego, Jo Calderone. It was great to see Britney Spears receive a VMA honor. She's been through a lot over the past few years. She deserves to be recognized as a talented, dynamic performer and a trendsetter. Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj kept everyone entertained with their big, bright fashions. The dedication to Amy Winehouse was cool, but sad, at the same time. Her video with the legendary singer, Tony Bennett, shows she could have evolved into a great jazz singer. It was one of the best music awards shows I've seen in a long time. Maybe this will raise the bar and give other awards programs the motivation to be more creative with the shows they present to honor music artists.


See pics from the MTV VMAs below. Enjoy!

Pregnant Beyonce on the Red Carpet
Photo by Getty Images

Katy Perry on the Red Carpet
Photo by PictureGroup

Nicki Minaj on the Red Carpet
Photo by PictureGroup

Cutie Taylor Lautner on the VMA Red Carpet
Photo by Getty Images

Kim Kardashian Gives Her Best Look for the Camera
Photo by Getty Images

Pauly D of MTV's 'Jersey Shore'
Photo by PictureGroup

Snooki of MTV's 'Jersey Shore'
Photo by PictureGroup

Britney Spears on the VMA Red Carpet
Photo by PictureGroup

Slow Down, Girl!

Hurricane Irene came in with a fury, but New York City made it through. It's amazing how we can adapt to situations when we need to, and sometimes it forces us to "stop." We live in such a fast-paced city. When is the last time you stopped? Unfortunately, it sometimes takes extreme weather, illness or loss of a loved one for us to realize it's ok for us to slow down and ree-lax. As girls, we often have this pressure of being multi-taskers: checking our twitter accounts while talking on the cell and texting someone. All at the same time. It sounds cool and fancy, but sometimes doing too much all at the same time can cause you to be stressed out, overwhelmed or make mistakes. Hmm, what do you think would happen if you sent, "Let's go to  the movies tomorrow, Jaden?" Oops, you sent that message to Chris. So, take a moment to enjoy life at a slower pace. You'll be able to focus and enjoy the moment.

Jen

P.S. Take a look at what we've been up to in the month of August:

Congrats to our girl Bey, on her baby! We wish you all the best during your pregnancy:)

True Friends

“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” Anonymous

As we go through life we need to realise that it is OUR choice to surround ourselves with people who are positive and who will always be the proud circle of our past, present and future. It is very important to pick your friends carefully and wisely, and to make sure you are comfortable with the people you call "friends."

“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.”
Anonymous

Jump In! Back-To-School Rundown

It’s back-to-school season already?

I agree, summer went by way too quickly. Luckily, by preparing for the year ahead early on, you can adjust back to school life in no time. Who knows, you may even get excited to go back!

Get your textbook purchases out of the way.

Some students like to wait after obtaining the syllabi to be sure of the texts required for classes.

Tip: Good idea. While you shouldn’t wait too long to purchase textbooks, make sure to compare prices at your school’s bookstore and virtual bookstores, too. Some exceptional student-friendly sites include Amazon.com, textbooks.com, and chegg.com, which offer used books and rentals.

Take advantage of fun events and get out of the dorm!

Often the first few weeks of classes are review and light reading/homework assignments. That’s why many schools hold organizational fairs and back-to-school parties for the student body . These events are a great way to meet people! Also, they can help you decide which clubs or organizations you want to become involved with on campus. Remember, college is about creating yourself. Each class allows you to move one step closer to your degree and each year allows you to develop your own professional personality. So don’t be shy ; there are clubs for everyone! Get out and take advantage of all that school has to offer!

Maintain those meal points/dollars.

Yes, we all splurge every once in awhile, but don’t let buffet dining halls and unlimited meal plans ruin the healthy habits you developed over the summer.

Tip: Control your eating by starting early in the semester. Take advantage of the gym in your dormitory or around campus. Also, many schools begin their fitness classes like Yoga, Pilates and Zumba early in the semester — Try them all! The more you know about your body, the easier it will be to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Skip the buses and elevators; walk to class!

Organizing Your Space and Using Color Coordination.

At the beginning of each semester, I like to organize my school supplies with a three-drawer shelf (usually next to my computer station). The top row has folders with colored tabs as labels for each class and a syllabus in each one. The second row has all of my personal electronics (kindle, phone charger, usb drive, anti-virus software for my computer, etc.), and the last row has my school books.

Tip: To avoid living in a room full of Post-Its, keep a calendar with all important dates. Pencil in meetings, luncheons, exams and study sessions. Also, remember to clear time for yourself!

Pick out a Study Hall/Space.

It may sound like I’m preaching to the choir, but it’s important to pick out possible study spaces before your work load gets heavy! Every student is different and has his or her own way of studying. Some can type papers while slouching on a bed. Others need to be in relaxed, quiet environments to get through reading assignments. Find out what works best for you and stick to it!

Personally, the library/reading room at my school doesn’t cut it. It’s always crowded and often I have to wait on a line to use a computer.

Tip: This may sound like a hassle, but keep your laptop handy as often as possible. If you can’t stand trucking that around, then make sure you have your flash drive glued to your hip! You never know when you may have the urge to finish that paper or study those notes!

I hope you take something out of this post and have a great back-to-school experience. Bad habits can be completely avoided with an early and positive push in the right direction

Back-to-school and Save While You Can

One of the most overlooked advantages of being a student is getting a discount at some of your favorite department stores.

Many popular outlets allow up to 15% off your total purchase with a valid student id or .edu e-mail address. These savings are accounted online, too.

Some places that cater to students include:

Banana Republic

JCPenney

Rugby by Ralph Lauren

J. Crew and many more.

All of these shops offer already discounted items (hoodies, jeans, slippers) and having your student id will help you save more.

In addition to the many stores that are offering discounts, a number of websites have devoted themselves to finding discounts for college students. Check out Student Bistro, Student Advantage or Globe Student Discount to see how they work.

Top 5 Fragrances

It's fun going through fragrances. After standing there for about an hour and a half, I finally ranked my top 5fragrances.

1) Halle Berry - Reveal




2) Nina Ricci- deci dela




3) Beyonce- Heat




4) Naomi Campbell- wild pearl





5) Bruno bunani- magic woman




What are your top fragrances? Share with friends and family your swag in scent-ville.

What's your hair color?

After Rihanna-videos stormed the waves, I've noticed alot of red-hair on the streets.
Red has become the most wanted hair-color. Atlanta salon owner Kelly Van Gogh says "A mix of warm reds and light golden brown gives a vibrant sheen and flatters most skin tones."

However, despite the red-craze, its fabulous to notice afew hair-trend rebels:

Black/Purple




Other colours




so what hair color are you?


Dare to be bold with your hair, EVEN IF ITS MONOTONE OR NATURAL- as long as it defines your style!

One tip for Dandruff

Sometimes we forget to "care" for our scalp- and as a result we let a desert of dandruff form on our heads. (Dandruff is dry skin on the scalp) - here's one tip for Dandruff - SULFUR CONTAINING PRODUCTS

Sulfur has shown itself to be useful as a remedy for dry skin and thus is used in many shampoos to fight dandruff. It fights current dandruff problems and prevents future outbreaks by controlling the yeast population that triggers dandruff. It is important to note that Sulfur is not a recommended treatment for dandruff control for color-treated hair.

In addition it also helps to restore sheen

Unfortunately, sulfur products don't work for everyobdy, some people may become irritated by it- so if you do, then stop using it and try other methods.

The Power of Networking

On Tuesday, I attended my first BIG networking event and went home accomplished. Since the start of summer vacation, I've been actively involved with a site called the Intern Queen, which is a destination for college students seeking internships, and the company organized its first ever event in NYC. Two months into being the Campus Ambassador for my school, I was among 700+ people at a mixer with dj playing music too loud. It almost felt surreal--red carpet, dim lights, waiting for a drink by the bar.

Though I was taken aback by the turnout, I wasn't going to let the noise or my over high-heel shoes stop me from connecting with people from some "big" companies.

Step 1: Leave my resume. Bring a business card.

I wasn't introduced to the idea of having a business card, until an old blog post that advised getting one because you NEVER know who you will come in contact with. Whether you're on the bus, or at an interview having a card will show prospective employers that you MEAN business. Business cards are appropriate for networking because it is almost always the last impression you can leave with a person.

Plus, vistaprint.com, has a variety of templates to choose from at inexpensive packages.

Step 2: Don't be shy. Smile!

I've never been the quiet sheep in my family, or at social gatherings but seeing so many unfamiliar faces in one space can sway you to keep shut. Don't be timid, let your personality shine!

Other than the panelist I was scheduled to cover, I barely knew anyone at the event. After I became comfortable talking to the panel, I slowly made my way to other panelists who were representing companies that I was interested in working with.

This is where confidence and self-branding takes you along way. Making eye contact and smiling can grab the attention of others, but it's knowing how to sell yourself that sells the cake. A firm handshake, and poise is all you need at times. It's best to scout of employers who you would like to one day work/intern for and tell them what attracts you to their company.

Step 3: Dress to impress.

One of the essential tips in Networking 101 is dressing to impress. Beforehand it's smart to know what type of networking event you'll be attending, so that you'll have a good idea of what to wear. For workshops or intimate meet-and-greets, casual clothing is highly desirable; whereas, networking parties and crowded mixers may call for professional, fashionable attire. These kind of mixers tend to have greater publicity, which may have photographers waiting to snap your picture. You never know who might be there or where you'll end up seeing yourself!

Step 4: Follow-up.

Just like any interview, meeting, conference or mixer; you want to utilize all the information and contacts you gained. Compile the business cards you collected, because that is your golden ticket to opening up a gate to the brand, or company. Use social media sites (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr) to be connected via web 2.0. There's no reason to miss out on future events, deals or internships now that you have a consistent flow of updates from them.

P.S. I found out about a site that hosts workshops and events in NYC. Check them out here: NYCreativeinterns.com

What body shape are you?

Have you ever found yourself trying to squeeze into things that don't flatter your natural curves and frame? Well, it's time for you to value your shape by wearing clothing which complements your Body Shape.

Perhaps, a fun and easy way to identify your shape is by simply identifying celebs who share your body shape and follow their styles for inspiration and guidance. (Don't be a dead-beat, copycat. Add your own swag).

These are the body types: Rectangle, Pear, Hourglass, Oval and Wedge.

Source: http://www.istylista.com/blog/-/what-body-shape-am-i_158/

Summer Fun, Stay Cool & Remembering Amy Winehouse

There's only a month left of summer before you go back to school, so enjoy it! Our blogger, Ariam has discovered that she has a completely different perspective about animals after working for the Bronx Zoo. Now, will she become our world's next animal rights activists? Who knows? It's all about exposure to different activities, ladies, and challenging yourself to try something beyond your comfort zone.

Here I go again with another post about heat, but we've had record-breaking heat conditions over the past few weeks. Yolanda tells us why we need to drink H2O, also known as, water to stay healthy in the heat and for everyday life as part of good nutrition habits.

Unless you took time away from technology this week, you have likely heard about the death of singer, Amy Winehouse. At age 27, she captured support from fans due to her gutteral and raspy vocal skills and inventive songwriting skills. She shared her personal feelings about relationships and I loved her courage for expressing her truth and rock a beehive with hoop earrings. Despite the strong support of family, friends and fans, it was not enough to save her from whatever inner turmoil she was experiencing in her life. I was rooting for her and hoping she would emerge from stints in rehab clear-headed and stronger, but that was not to be. Her music will live on for other future soul singers. I hope her life will serve as an example of why it's important to surround yourself with people who are willing to challenge you to do better and why it's important to keep toxic people out of your life.

I know her song, Rehab was a favorite for a lot of people. Here's a video clip from one of my faves, Love is a Losing Game.  This song could easily be a poem if read without any music. R.I.P. Amy.

Peace,

Jen

Experience Lively Animals With Wildlife Conservation Society

With summer well over the half-way mark, I wonder what animals have you seen so far?

Never have I experienced the allure of pet animals or helping any stray and homeless animal. I was never bitten by a dog or stared down by a cat, but I tried to keep distant from animals at ALL possible times.

However, working at the Bronx Zoo has help me wash away some of my fears of animals and the wildlife. As a full-time employee, I spend most of my time at the cafes and mobile carts. One day I'm serving sandwiches to members and the next I'm scooping Hershey's ice cream, slaying under the sun. I don't forget to take a moment out of my hectic shift, and look around. Everyday at the Zoo entails seeing a trail of peacock feathers or an army of ducks and their babies. And while they seem more visible than other mammals, there are a TON of exhibits too. This summer I have witnessed some of the liveliest creatures including snow leopards, red pandas, fawns, blue iguanas, tigers and different species of fish.

At first I just wanted a job--ANY JOB that offered an hourly wage. Now I can crop out possible advantages of working for a prestigious society (other than free passes to any of the parks!:)

Here's an excerpt from WCS:
The Wildlife Conservation Society, founded in 1895, has the clear mission to save wildlife and wild places across the globe. Our story began in the early 1900’s when we successfully helped the American bison recover on the Western Plains. Today, we protect many of the world’s iconic creatures here and abroad, including gorillas in the Congo, tigers in India, wolverines in the Yellowstone Rockies, and ocean giants in our world’s amazing seascapes.

Because of zoo policies, I am not allowed to feed any of the animals or visit any attractions until I'm off the clock; yet I'm glad that I've had a chance to immerse myself in the culture this summer.

For a girl who used to throw stones at pit bulls and run away from cats, I realized that people do love animals.

I encourage all to come out and experience wild and sealife at any of the following WCS locations: the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, New York Aquarium, Prospect Park Zoo, and Queens Zoo. These parks are stationed all around the city for a reason--take advantage!

For more information visit: www.wcs.org

H2O

How much water do you drink a day approximately? (Be honest). Did you know that 60% of your body weight is water? Every system in your body depends on this water to function properly. Therefore, it is very important to drink enough water daily to allow your body to remove toxins and carry nutrients to cells.

Do you really know how much you should drink? In general doctors recommend eight glasses which is about 1.9 liters of water.

In addition,  the amount of water we should drink depends on alot of other things, such as our daily activities (i.e. fitness), as well as, the climate and weather conditions where we live. (hotter versus colder regions).

I've taken this to be a challenge, hope you do, too.

Be Pro-healthy always.

Free Art Classes with MOMA at Fort Greene Park

The Fort Greene Park Conservancy partners with the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) for "Art-in-Public Spaces," a series of free outdoor public art projects in Fort Greene Park. The workshops will expose high school juniors and seniors to art careers and discuss community and public art. The art program will also include a field trip to MOMA in September. During the visit, students will discuss MOMA's collections and meet potential employers. Participants will also receive a certificate of completion and references. You must be available to attend all classes. Lunch will be served for each session.

Please email your completed application (see below) to amanda@fortgreenepark.org

Dates: July 18, 22, 25, 29

Time: 10 AM to 12:30 PM

APPLICATION

Applicant Information

Last Name:
First Name:
Birth date:

Contact Information
Email address:
Daytime phone number:
Evening phone number:

Home Address
Street:
Apt #:
City:
State:
Zip Code:

School
Name:
Graduation Year:
Advisor:

Emergency Contact
Last Name:
First Name:
Relationship to Applicant:
Phone Number:

Statement
Please attach a short paragraph describing your interest in this program.

Chase your dreams!

From a very young age, I've always tried to map out my future. I'm a plan freak and my dad once said to me, "Planning never fails, but people fail to plan." I assumed if you plan, you definitely can't fail. So, I planned everything to the last second. However, with my theory of never failing, I later found out it wasn't entirely true. Sometimes we fall to learn how to rise; that's when you learn to succeed. I think my dad's quote applies to all our goals and dreams in life. If you have a "dream," chase it until it happens. Along the way, make a plan to get where you want to be. I am itching to say "fail-fool" plan. I'll just say, be prepared to fight for what you want to achieve despite any hurdles. Gone are the days when ladies had to let go of their dreams. 

So ladies, GO GRAB IT!

NBC's Today Show Offers Tips to Stay Safe in Hot Temperatures

This morning, NBC Today Show co-anchor, Al Roker, discussed how to stay safe in extremely high temperatures with internist and Women's Health magazine contributor, Dr. Keri Peterson. They discuss ways to stay cool and what to do if you or someone you know has symptoms of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Remember to keep babies and seniors safe, too, because they are more likely to experience some of the heat-related, health conditions.

It is still hot in New York City and across the country, but you can survive the heat by using some of these tips in this Today Show video to stay safe. Read more tips on staying cool from my blog post, "The Block is Hot."

Stay safe and stay cool,

Jen

The Block is Hot!

Hey,

It has been crazy-hot this week.

Here are some tips to keep cool:

*Take a dip in the pool: City pools are free and fun.

*Go to the beach: The sand will be hot, but at least the water will be cool.

*Get some retail therapy: Visit your favorite mall or budget retail store and stay cool in the air conditioning. Many of them have cheap places to eat. If you see something you like, it won't break the budget. (Examples, Ikea, Target, Macy's, etc).

*Travel with water: If you're making moves in the city, keep bottled water with you. This will prevent dehydration and keep you healthy.

*Stay inside where it's cool: This may not be ideal, if you have a summer job. If it's 90 degrees or more and you don't need to do something, stay home. High temperatures can cause medical conditions like dehydration, dizziness and exhaustion.

*Run to your local ice cream or frozen yogurt shop: This helped to keep you cool as a kid, so try it as a teen. It may or may not keep you cool, but it's a good reason to get some ice cream.

By the way, just because you have a darker complexion (more melanin), does not mean you do not need sunscreen. Lather up, people of color can get skin cancer, too.

Be Safe,

Jen

Baby, You're a Firework!

Hey, hope you had a great July 4th!

Read our latest edition of Double Dutch magazine. Like Katy Perry says, "You're a Firework!" In fact, we think this should be your summer theme song as motivation to stay "in the grind" and achieve your goals. We've also had some great blog posts over the holiday, so enjoy posts about the benefits of dance, types of dance and tips on wearing your hair natural.

That's it for now, see you next time!

Jen

Go Natural

If you are planning on letting your hair GO NATURAL, you should probably take a look at the information provided by Black Onyx.

Take a look at her website: filled with fabulous hair products
http://www.blackonyxworld.com/

She not only provides tips on hair but she also has other beauty products and accesories.

Also take a look at her youtube videos at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/BlackOnyx77

Specific Benefits of Different Dances

Previously I mentioned that Dancing is a FUN form of excercise, and the workout depends on the type of dancing you do, here are some types of dances and their benefits.


Belly Dancing

•Helps weight loss
•Reduces stress
•Improved posture
•Muscle toning
•Maintains flexibility
•Helps prevent lower back problems
•Tones and firms arms and shoulders

Ballroom Dancing

•Stress relief
•Keeps the heart in shape
•Builds and increases stamina
•Strengthens and tones legs and body
•Increases flexibility and balance
•Helps with weight loss

Salsa Dancing

•Builds endurance and stamina
•Helps with weight loss
•Relieves stress
•Helps you release toxins via sweating
•May help lower blood pressure
• Improves cholesterol levels
•Reduced Heart rate

Square Dancing

•Lower blood pressure
•Improved cholesterol profile
•Strengthens bones
•Loosens and tones muscles

citation: http://www.sixwise.com/

Let's Dance

Dancing is not only a great way to have fun or to just let loose but its also an enjoyable social form of exercise. Research has shown that dancing

•Reduces stress
•Improves strength
•Increases energy
•Increases muscle tone
•Increases body coordination

Other benefits that have been found to be related to dancing include:

•Lower risk of coronary heart disease
•Decreases blood pressure
•Helps with weight management
•Strengthens leg and hip bones

But how good is dancing as a workout?
Well, like most excercises it depends on the type of dancing and how strenuous it is, the duration as well as your skill level.

So get your favourite music, your dancing shoes and DANCE! Your way to a healthier, happier, more relaxed YOU!

*Also read the blog on “Specific Benefits of Different Dances”

citation: www.SixWise.com

Big Up to Felicity Salon for Girls & Teens

I recently had my daughter's hair done at "Felicity - A Salon of Elegance for Children." It was a fantastic experience!  

Felicity is not just a place for little girls, it's a great place for teens, too. This place is the real deal. It's a beautiful loft space in Brooklyn, NY decorated with bright, candy colors. Once you arrive, you're greeted by friendly and professional staff. No two-hour wait times like many salons. We've all been there with long waits and no-show hairstylists. They are prompt and work with you to get the style you want. The salon uses Jane Carter and other quality hair products to make sure your hair is well-groomed and styled. There are also nail services available, so your mom can get a manicure or pedicure while she waits. You can treat yourself to a natural style for the summer or for special occasions like birthdays, Prom, graduations and weddings or "just because." Don't worry, they do just as well with perms and straight styles, too. The old school days of getting your hair done in a hot house with tears for hours are gone. Getting your hair done, can be fun and enjoyable. Felicity has set the standard on how a salon can be for children and teens. I'm so jealous. I wish my salon experience was this easy!

Jen

My daughter, Dawn, the happy customer! (Yes, that is all of her hair. lol)

5 Signs You Should Walk Away

We have all had times when we had a strange feeling about something. Some call it intuition, while others feel it's God. Whatever it is called, we receive a mental or physical sign that we need to "walk away" from a situation, which may cause us more harm in the long run. If you've given your all to a relationship and your boyfriend has been a perpetual cheater, it's time to walk away. If you have a friend that causes drama, always wants to borrow money and is not genuinely supportive of you, you need to walk away. If you are in a store and a salesperson is trying to get you to pay a higher price for something, it's time to walk away.

Here are 5 Signs You Should Walk Away:

1. Physical Pain: Sometimes when we're in the company of someone who is trying manipulate, we may have pains in our neck, back or head, caused by stress.
2. Dishonesty: If you feel you cannot trust someone as a friend or business person, it's not necessary to continue the relationship.
3. Not Being Heard: You've talked to a salesperson and told them you want shoes for $25. They work on commission and bring you shoes that costs $50. If you've clearly explained what you want several times and they still don't listen, they really don't care about what you want.
4. Negative Talk: People will often try to demean or make you feel guilty to get their way. Sometimes friends or family will challenge if you love or care about when they want you to do something. For example, you're supposed to be my friend, why can't you loan me $20?
5. Controlling Behavior: You may like a boy that tells you he will take care of you and do everything for you. It sounded cute and romantic in the beginning, now he's telling you what to wear, calling you every five minutes and keeping you away from your friends.  

There is no shame in walking away from people who are toxic and only care about their own needs. In other words, don't minimize your views or "make yourself small," to suit someone's needs or demands. If you are compromising yourself in a personal and business relationship, walk with your head tall and walk away.

Start Now with College Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

If you just finished your junior year of high school, the summer is great time to start on college applications. During the summer, you can research colleges online, visit campuses, start writing your statement of purpose (why you should be accepted), take SAT courses, send school transcripts and Letters of Recommendation (LORs). Getschooled.com describes LORs and discusses the best people to ask for them. If possible, ask during the summer. This gives teacher or professional time to write a recommendation, before they receive numerous requests during the school year.

As soon as senior year begins, get an early start on applying to college. There's so much to plan for during that year: Prom, school activities, sports events and having time with friends. If possible, apply for early admission. Applying for early admission or by September or October will give the best chance of getting into the school you want.

Preparing for college will only take a few hours. You can still have fun this summer and be ahead of the game. You may even receive an acceptance letter from your dream school by the end of the year.

Jen:)

Great Customer Service Goes a Long Way!

I go into food places and retail stores and I get so annoyed by the service I receive. The sales person does not say, "Hello" or "How may I help you?" I have walked out of stores if they take too long to greet me or have major attitude. I refuse to spend my money at a place if people are rude. Recently, I went to a place and the person at the window could not put her cheesy fries down long enough to sell me tickets. Really? I don't even want to go there with the workers who have long conversations, while customers wait to pay or order food.

I know many of you will work summer jobs in offices, retail stores and food companies. Please treat customers or clients the same as you'd like to be treated when you're buying food or clothing. I've had retail gigs at Bloomingdale's, Tiffany & Co., Burlington Coat Factory and my first job was at a fast food place; I'm speaking from the experience of working on the other side. If you present a positive attitude, the company may invite you back for another summer or as a part-time worker during the school year.

Here are tips for giving customers a great customer service experience:

1. Smile when greeting customers. Act as if you are thankful for jobs (in this economy, some people don't have them).
2. Say "Please" and "Thank You," when speaking to customer. Ask if they need any help in the store.
3. Don't talk about your personal business or complain in front of a customer. No one wants to hear about your relationship drama or how much you hate your boss.
4. Know your product. If a customer asks about a dress size or what's in certain foods, you should be able to answer it. If you don't know the answer, tell them you will check and get back to them. Managers can also help with customer questions.
5. Give clear directions of where an item is in the store. If a customer is having a problem finding something in the store, walk them to the area or give them exact directions. "Somewhere over there," is not the best way to answer. Customers can get frustrated and leave.
6. Speak in a professional manner. You can speak "slang" or use other language with your friends. Not speaking properly may turn off customers and give them a negative impression of you.

You may feel it does not make any difference if a customer buys or not. It's not your company. It really does make a difference. A customer, who has a great experience in a store, is likely to spend more money and return to the store again and again. This impacts you, because the number of customers shopping in a store may affect the number of hours you receive for work, if you receive a raise and if you will continue to have a job. Giving great customer service will help make your job a lot more fun!

Jen

TV Shows Sizzle this Summer!

Our blogger, Ariam, shares her favorite TV shows for the summer.

Like, Ariam, I watch Basketball Wives and I'm looking forward to the return of Atlanta Housewives, "Who gone check me, boo?" It promises to be more drama. Thanks to DVR on my TV, I can record shows and enjoy the world around me, knowing my favorite shows will be waiting for me. I agree these shows can be confrontational and unrealistic, but sometimes it doesn't hurt to have fun and decompress from a busy day. At least, that's what I tell myself.

I think reality shows are fun to watch, as long as, you remember it's TV. For example, fighting like the "cast members" of Atlanta Housewives, Basketball Wives or Jersey Shore might land you in jail. Having nude pictures leaked online like Kim Kardasian, Paris Hilton or Jennifer Williams will not give you cool points or a reality show, it may lead to a bad reputation or land you in serious hot water with your parents. So, don't try this at home, ok, boo boo (in my Evelyn of Basketball Wives voice)?

Keep it safe,

Jen

Beyonce's Album Drops Next Week!

Your girl, Bey will receive her album titled, 4, on Tuesday, June 28th. If you can't wait that long, you can pre-order her deluxe album through Tar-jay (Target), which includes bonus tracks and an extra-special video. Hopefully, you were not on the computer listening to the leaked version of her album. Be a real fan and pay the money to "cop that album" for yourself with real cash. Artists work hard to entertain their fans, and should be compensated for it. 'Nuff said.


Anyway, Bey will be in Central Park for Good Morning America's Summer Park Series. Beyonce's Official site is giving away tickets and some of the local NYC stations will be giving away tickets, too. Even if you don't win any tickets, you can still watch it on TV. That's what I'll be doing. . .


Have a good one!


Jen

What are your favorite summer TV shows?

As an adolescent, I remember coming home from after-school and being glued to the television screen (my body and eyes, both!). Now I'd be lucky to catch up on any of my shows because of work and school obligations! A maximum of 2 hours of TV a week sounds impossible, but believe anything!

When I say television I mean reality shows, soaps, talk shows (nothing educational, just for leisure). Some of my favorites include Bravo TV's Real Houswives: New York, New Jersey and Atlanta (which is on a hiatus this summer) and Basketball Wives: Season 3.

On the topic of shows this season viewers said goodbye to The Office, (ran for seven seasons), and said hello to VH1's Single Ladies, which is a drama scripted show that explores the lives of racially mixed women in Atlanta.

It seems like networks are fighting to keep viewers on the couch, but I'd rather watch the shores on the beach anyday. Sorry!

Talk to you soon,

Ariam

Jigga is Giving Away Scholarships!

Hip-hop artist and mogul, Jay-Z (Jigga), is giving away scholarships to college-bound high school students!

In order to be eligible for the scholarships and to keep them, you must fulfill the requirements below:

• Show proof of US residency
• Provide acceptance letter to a 4-year college or university, community college or trade school
• Utilize scholarship funds for undergraduate programs only
• Maintain a 2.0 grade average
• Participate in community service projects as a scholarship recipient
• Mentor incoming scholarship recipients after first year of college program

The Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation was created with Jay-Z and his mother, Ms. Gloria Carter. In addition to other community programs, they created the Shawn Carter scholarship fund to help students, who really want a chance for higher education. The foundation members offer scholarships to single mothers, children of alternative schools, students who have earned a G.E.D., and even formerly incarcerated students looking for a second chance in life. This is a great opportunity! If you're unable to take advantage of it, please pass along to someone else who can.

Scholarship Deadline: June 30, 2011

Create Your Own Internship Opportunities

Hi There,

We have another program for you. Click on the program name below to be sent to the website. The Hyper Island accepts students for a digital fellowship program in Stockholm, Sweden for minority high school and college students. Yes, you can become a world traveler.

Hyper Island Digital Fellowship

I didn't really get a good internship until I graduated from college. Hopefully, you'll have better luck with getting an internship than I did. Many high school and college students get stressed out about internships, but it eventually works out in the end. If you are not having much luck with internships, try to get experience in a different way by thinking "outside the box." As a college student I did a small internship at a company where someone basically gave me busy work, before I landed my big internship. After graduation from college, I was accepted as an intern for the American Association of Advertising Agency (4 As) Minority Advertising Internship Program. I was a paid intern at an advertising agency, which also helped me move to New York City. Before I was accepted at the internship, I sold advertising for my college newspaper for three years! It was not considered an internship, but I gained career experience. I worked there five days a week for several hours per day. The point of me talking about all of this is to emphasize the paid or unpaid programs at your school, where you can gain career experience. There are some great career clubs to help you gain experience, too. I was in an advertising club in college, which helped me receive a scholarship, go on trips and; ultimately, earn an internship. There are definitely programs and clubs out there, but if not, you can be a leader and create your own opportunities.

Jen

7 Websites to Know, Internships & Stilettos

It's Wednesday and you're halfway through the week. Yay! I hope you're making the best of your weekday, so you can have some fun on the weekend!

Our blogger, Ariam strikes again. She's posted a list of 7 websites that you need to know to help you get "in the grind" and work toward your dream career. She's also a campus ambassador for the site, internqueen.com. She gives tips on how to search for and land, your first internship.

If you are a "stiletto woman," you must read Yolanda's blog about high heels. They are beautiful, but did you know they could be hazardous to your health? Plus, it's beach and pool season, do you really think the cutie from your English class wants to see your feet at the beach with corns and hammertoes? I don't think so. . .Read her post and you'll learn how to stay fashionable and have healthy toes.

Have a great night,

Jen

Special Post: Link to 7 Websites Every High-schooler Should Get to Know

Remember the Intern Queen post? Well, I just found a link on the blog dedicated to high school students! Perfect timing!

The post includes sites that surely everyone has already been introduced. Craigslist, Fastweb.com, and Skype. Yes! Video chatting is a great tool college students use both professionally and personally. So, get familiar if you haven't.

Well enough said, here's the link:

http://www.internqueen.com/blog/2011/06/7-websites-every-high-schooler-should-get-to-know/

Any questions or comments, just mention me twitter.com/ariam_alula!

Beauty & Free Events This Week

Hey there, Beautiful! Yes, I'm talking to you. This is blog is here to remind you of your beauty, even if no one else does (including, you). Read Yolanda's post on why you are beautiful. While you're reading our blog, take a look at free cultural events that are happening in New York this week. Ariam has researched the latest and greatest events in our beloved city, so you won't need to do it. It's easy, just click and you're done.

As always, have a great night and see you tomorrow!

Peace,

Jen

You're Beautiful

Ok! I'm totally sick of girls trying to have a “beauty contest” when they meet or boys making comments to make a girl feel less beautiful. There's no hierarchy! Beauty is what you make it. "You are all beautiful," even if the next person doesn't see it or appreciate it. It's up to you to realize there's one you and that defines your originality and beauty. You can be confident in yourself and love it! (make that your motto)

The next time someone tries to make you feel less beautiful just think like Beyonce says, “You're Irreplaceable!"

unHealthy shoes......

Ok! WHAT? A girl "gotta" love some height in her shoes! They give you an extra inch of confidence and sassiness. Unfortunately, someone has to always find negatives to things we thought could never be "unhealthy" such as SHOES. As much as I'm hesitating to share the bad news, I have to do it. So, here I go "bursting bubbles." As fashionable as it is to flaunt heels; apparently, they are not so good for your feet and body.

1) Abnormal Posture
A high heel shoe places your foot in a plantarflexed (foot pointed downward) position, putting more pressure on your forefoot. This means your whole body has to adjust itself so you can remain in balance and this is not your normal posture.

2) Foot Problems
Heels increase the pressure on the bottom of the forefoot. The pressure increases as the height of the shoe heel increases. The increased pressure may lead to pain or foot deformities such as hammer toes, bunions, bunionettes (tailor's bunions) and neuromas. In addition, a condition called Haglund's deformity (pump bump) may result. The pointed, narrow toe box found in high heel shoes also causes corns, callouses and blisters.

3) Hard to Walk
When walking, your foot is in a "plantarflexed" form. In other words, you are unable to push off the ground with as much force. This causes your hip flexor muscles in your legs to work harder to move and pull your body forward. In addition, your knees stay bent and forward, causing your knee muscles to also work harder.

4) Off Balance
High-heels put you at risk of losing balance and spraining your ankles.

5) Back Pain
The normal s-curve shape of the back acts as a shock absorber, reducing stress on the vertebrae. Wearing high heels causes a change in this position and causes you to lean forward. The body's responds to this by decreasing the forward curve of your lower back to help keep you in line. Poor alignment may lead to muscle overuse and back pain.

6) Sore Ankles
High heels limit the power and movement of the ankle joint.

Ok, so does this mean, no more high heels?

No! It is recommended you only wear high heels for special occasions and even then only a heel height of 1.5 inches."

So take caution........

Love your feet. Love your body. ALWAYS.

More Hair Love

Hi,

Hope you had a fab weekend!

I had a great time celebrating my little one's birthday with friends and fam. It's Monday and I'm glad to be back with you, my BFFs (blog friends forever)! Yolanda, a.k.a, Yolie shares her secrets straight from "Mother Africa" on how to keep her natural styles beautiful and healthy. Check out some of her tips on your natural 'do or be daring and make a temporary switch for the summer. I'm giving it some thought myself. . .Check in tomorrow for tips on summer events and more feel-good conversation:)

Jen

Free, Fun Events This Week

While on the topic of summer events, I've found some great places for summer goers like you!

Generation Gap (calling out book lovers!): Contributing editor and columnist for Newsweek, Ellis Cose, will discuss his new books, "The End of Anger," and his independent research on the generational transformation of American values. MONDAY., 7-10 PM. FREE GALAPAGOS ART SPACE. 16 Main St., Brooklyn

Decemberists in June: An indie band called the Decemberists will perform at a benefit concert at Celebrate Brooklyn! Opens at 6 p.m. TUESDAY., 7 PM. FREE. PROSPECT PARK BANDSHELL

MILE A MINUTE: Nine of the country's museums, all calling Fifth Ave. FREE as part of the Museum Mile Festival, a huge block party and visual art celebration. TUES., 6-9 PM. FIFTH AVE FROM 82ND to 105 Sts.

"SELENA GOMEZ" GMA: Selena Gomez headlines a free performance as part of "Good Morning America's" summer concert series. FRIDAY 7-9 AM. CENTRAL PARK RUMSEY PLAYFIELD, 72nd st and fifth ave.

FANTASTIC FIREWORKS: Head to Coney Island boardwalk for the First Friday Night Fireworks of the 2011 season. Arrive early for some live entertainment. FRIDAY., 9:30 PM, CONEY ISLAND BOARDWALK, BROOKLYN.

All should go out and take advantage of what our beautiful city has to offer!

Looking for an internship? Head over to Intern Queen!

For all of my high school students (seniors, pay close attention), if you haven't heard, the Intern Queen is a great site to connect with internships in a variety of fields!

Intern Queen was founded by Lauren Berger, who juggled 15 internships throughout her college career! Whew! I'm feeling the pressure as I'm typing across this keyboard. She created the site primarily for college students (high school, too) to score internships and learn how to get career experience.

Recently, I became the campus ambassador of my school. Read my blog intro for the Intern Queen. I have been exposed to a world which was once foreign to me. The reason I'm spreading this knowledge is for you to become familiar with this site, as well as, other internship-based websites that open doors to high school students.

Whether you are looking to gain skills in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing; there is a wealth of information on this site that is important for your future.

Here's how it works:

The employers/companies looking to get interns post on the site. It's the potential interns job to fill out the information and place yourself in a pool of applicants. If desired, the employers will contact you.

I know it may seem overwhelming, but I got my first internship the summer after my freshman year of college. If you're close to graduating, you may want to educate yourself about the application process. So, when next summer is here, you'll have a few resources available to you.

Other sites:

internships.com

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/high-school/8382.html

urbaninterns.com

Good luck, and if you have any questions feel free to e-mail me at frezghi91@gmail.com!

HAIR SECRETS

In response to Jen's "Love your hair" blog, I totally agree. Our hair definitely does define a tinge of our personality and origins. Quite frankly, society has tried to set "hair standards" to defy our individuality, our culture and our roots. It's lovely for us to have so many options, but we should also embrace our natural hair. I really love rocking my "mufushwa" [as seen in pic]. It totally offends some people, but that's just me! Anyway,  no matter how you wear it, if it defines you, then it's BEAUTIFUL, regardless of what anyone else may say or think. In addition to style, the other important thing is to always look after your hair.

Here are some tips!

1) Know your hair type: this helps you pick hair products that are best for your hair.

2) Wrap or braid your hair before going to bed. Based on your preference, you can part the hair and plait (braid) it, tie it back or wrap it with a scarf before going to bed. This will reduce the number of tangles you'll have to comb out the next morning, therefore; minimizing the chances of breaking your hair.

3) Don't wash your hair too often this will dry it out. (No more than every week to week and a half.)

4) Sleep with a satin scarf or sleep cap or with a satin pillow case. This helps avoid split ends caused by the rubbing of your hair against a "rough" cotton pillow case. It also avoids moisture being drained out of your hair into your pillow case.

5) Oil your scalp regularly with good natural oil, like shea butter or use a daily moisturizer. Some other natural oils to try are jojoba oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil.

6) Do a deep conditioner or hot oil treatment once a month.

7) Massage your scalp regularly to promote circulation and oil production.

8) Do not use Vaseline or petroleum products on your hair this blocks pores.

9) Always use a leave-in conditioner after washing your hair.

10) Spritzing a little water on your hair every day is good idea. Get a spray bottle and just spray it just a little.

11) Eat a proper diet. Vitamins and protein are essential for proper hair growth.

Love your hair, always!

Love Your Hair!

I was thinking of how fortunate it is to have the hair of black girl. I love my hair. I thought about this today when I was at a salon getting my permed hair styled, while my daughter was getting hers braided. We have many diverse styles we can rock on any given day. We can change it by season. It's too hot so we decide to wear it short or have braids. It's too cold, so we decide to grow it long, wear a weave or a wig. Sometimes our hair reflects our world views. A sister is into the history of African and African-American culture, so she decides to wear braids or a 'fro. Another wants to celebrate her Caribbean roots and grows her hair into beautiful locks. While another has a huge personality and wants a big weave to reflect the style of her favorite celebrity.

We often judge each other based on our hairstyles as if one style is better than the other, but really it's personal preference. If you have dreads, it doesn't make you more political. If you wear a perm, it doesn't mean you're trying to "act white." Some love the act of combing and grooming hair, while others are busy and want to be able to get up and go in the morning.

Whatever style we wear now, we have all had moments as little black girls of getting our hair braided or combed with pain or pleasure. No matter what the process is, the end result is beautiful. Our hair, like our culture, is strong and resilient. 

Real Talk

I think it's time I added some real talk to this blog. Yes, it's cool to learn about where to find jobs, upcoming events and the latest in music; however, it's important for you, the reader of this blog, to have some real discussions about things happening in your life. That is the reason that I started this blog in the first place. Somehow, I got off track with the true purpose of this blog.

I started this blog, because of frustration. I look at TV, around my neighborhood in Brooklyn or have discussions with friends about teen girls and the stories I hear are heartbreaking. It's become cute and trendy to "dumb yourself down" for the attention of a boy you like or to be friends with someone that you think is cool. I like reality shows and follow celebrity culture as much as the next person, but the consequences are much greater if you are a girl "in real life." I'm sure you've seen the stories of girls sending naked pics to their boyfriends, but when they break up, they're sent to the whole school or posted on Facebook and twitter. Some girls have even been charged as sex offenders.

You may not realize it now, but you can be your own individual. That doesn't mean your life in middle school or high school will be easy. I know from experience that when you choose to get good grades or not have sex that people around you will tease you and give you labels. Plus, I had many male friends in high school that talked about sexual things they did with girls.  I knew that I didn't want to be the girl they talked about at the lunch tables. When I was called a "virgin" or a "nerd," I felt a brief moment of sadness (about 5 minutes) and then lifted myself back up, because even at a young age, I knew I wanted to go to college. I dated and had boyfriends, but there was not anyone that was going to take me off my path or discourage me from accomplishing my goal.

Think of a goal.

It doesn't need to be college. It can be graduating from high school, learning a trade, starting a business or helping your community. Whatever it is, be unique and powerful enough to choose a path that will determine a positive future. 

Music For Monday!

Hi,

Hope you had a fantastic weekend! It's nice to finally have some weather that actually fits the season. It is June, so we should have warm, sunny days. Cold and rainy winter days are not cute, especially for my hair. Anyway, my friend posted this video on his Facebook page. I thought I'd share this with you, too. Enjoy as these two ladies known as VanJess (Ivana and Jessica) sing their rendition of Alicia Keys' song, Unthinkable. Hearing the girls sing their version of Alicia Keys' song makes me think of how gifted, Alicia Keys is a musician, singer and songwriter.

See the YouTube video for yourself. Learn more about VanJess on Facebook and twitter.


Have a great Monday,

Jen

FREE Outdoor Summer Concerts!

As you know, I love things that are free (and fun, too). I am especially looking forward to free summer concerts in New York City. There are concerts in all five boroughs featuring different music styles like hip-hop, jazz, classical, salsa, African, Caribbean and more! You are able to learn about diverse forms of music, in a cool outdoor setting. See this list of concerts, which includes dates from June to August at venues, including Central Park Summer Stage, BAM, Washington Square Park, Prospect Park, etc. Pack a lunch, grab your friends and enjoy some exciting outdoor entertainment.

This one is sure to be a "hot" performance at Von King Park in Brooklyn, NY: 

BROOKLYN TEEN FAMILY DAY, featuring Black Girls Rock!, Phony PPL, Bed-Stuy Veterans, UrbanWord NYC and Brooklyn Steppers

Sunday, June 19th, 3 PM

To get more details on the featured performers visit the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation website for Von King Park.

Got "Killa Swag?" Intern for a Summer Culture Program

If you have "Killa Swag" or love fashion, this is the program for you! The Dr. Beverly J. Robinson Community Folk Culture Program (FC) will present its Summer 2011 program with the theme, "Killa Swag." The FC program is accepting applications from youth (male and female) ages 13-21. 


This program is located in the Bronx, where hip-hop music and fashion was born. In this program you will learn about the origins of fashion in African, American, American, Caribbean and Latino communities. This program is presented in conjunction with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. 


The summer intern program includes a lot of great field trips to museums and activities such as street-fashion research, interviews and photography. If all of these great activities are not enough for you to apply, you will also receive money to participate! Interns will receive a stipend of $300-$400 for the summer.


Program Dates: July 12-August 11, 2011


Program Time: Tuesday-Thursday (and some Fridays) from 10 AM-5 PM


Email the program director, Jade Banks, to get additional program details or contact her at this phone number: 718.652.6256


I hope you will apply to this amazing program. If not, spread the word to someone that you know!

Jobs in NYC are Scarce; but It doesn’t Have to Be That Bad

The purpose of this post is not to discourage anyone from seeking a summer gig; however, as a New York City native I can give you my first account of being on the job prow in the big apple. Here are some tips to increasing your chances of finding a job in a fast-paced city.

Tip #1: Don’t fear rejection.

You’ll come across many job opportunities through different mediums (i.e. word of mouth, the Newspaper, Craigslist, twijobsearch.com and other job focused sites), but don’t be alarmed when you may not get a call back from any of the employers.

Last summer, I went on 11 open houses (throughout various locations in the city) and didn’t get a follow-up call from anyone.

With the competition here, you have to be ready to stay persistent with employers and continuously ask around because you don’t know who may put in a good word for you.

Tip #2: Have no limitations—you’ll be surprised at how far you get

Maybe you have experience working in retail or sales commission, but it’s best to keep your job objective open to any position if the one desired is filled or harder to attain. When an employer ask “What position are you looking to apply?”; You should say, “I’m open to any positions available.”

Speaking from experience, I have no to minimum retail experience; however, because I have worked at a food bar and dealt with customers I can say “I’m customer friendly” and that’s a desirable quality employers are looking for in their employees.

This helped me connect with employers on a different level. I may have been at a disadvantage among prospective employees, but because I had a positive attitude and used customer service as the base for all companies, I stood out!

Tip #3: Don’t React—Be Proactive. Get Involved!

Instead of being discouraged and frustrated with employers, you must keep a positive outlook and no that the right job will find you!

In addition to the 11 open houses, I went on four interviews last summer and got nowhere. At one job, I even went as far as taking a background test and providing legal work documents, and still wasn’t hired!

You shouldn’t spend weeks of searching and let job prowling consume your time. Remember you are on vacation! Find other activities to do, while you are going on open calls and interviews.

The summer is a great season to volunteer. I myself started volunteering for a non-profit at a bookstore (and get this I get free coffee, pastries, and drinks plus other discounts on already low-priced books!)

Tip #4: Career/Recruitment Fairs

Become a staple to recruitment centers, which I’m sure are plentiful in New York or any city for that matter.

Among a crowd of hungry employers, I was offered a position at a gift shop and a great deal of help came from the account managers/officers at the site who screened me and referred that I work there.

Recruitment centers deal with the unemployed, and they want to help you find a job. Based on your skills, officers will screen (briefly interview) you and from their judgment they decide on whether you are suitable to stand out in a crowd of fellow job seekers! Other services include resume building, mock interview, and computer access. Plus you have the chance to speak directly with employers who come to these sites.