Operation Atlanta 2013:
I arrived in the Buckhead area of Atlanta on Thursday to start my two days of interviewing. The Hyatt hosted the annual recruiting fair for the Association of American Schools in South America. 70 schools were represented from Central and South America. The process was somewhat intense, so I spent some time getting very clear about my intentions. I am a believer that we will end up where we are meant to end up and as such I was able to go into all of my interviews in a clam and relaxed manner. I have found that when I trust myself and "shoot from the hip" that I am a better communicator. I've noticed that when I allow myself to get nervous that those are the times that I end up tripping over my words and lose the ability to speak clearly and effectively.
I arrived in the Buckhead area of Atlanta on Thursday to start my two days of interviewing. The Hyatt hosted the annual recruiting fair for the Association of American Schools in South America. 70 schools were represented from Central and South America. The process was somewhat intense, so I spent some time getting very clear about my intentions. I am a believer that we will end up where we are meant to end up and as such I was able to go into all of my interviews in a clam and relaxed manner. I have found that when I trust myself and "shoot from the hip" that I am a better communicator. I've noticed that when I allow myself to get nervous that those are the times that I end up tripping over my words and lose the ability to speak clearly and effectively.
All 8 of my interviews went really well. Nathan and I knew going into this process that it would be a long shot for me to receive a contract. In the international teaching world I am considered very expensive because I would be traveling with four dependents all of which the school has to financially support by means of housing, tuition, and airfare. At the end of every interview I did my best to communicate that Nathan and I are fully prepared to negotiate the terms of a contract and that my background and expertise should trump my family demographics. Despite this, the phrase repeatedly communicated to me was, "You are a highly qualified candidate and our school would be lucky to have you but your family demographics makes it nearly impossible to hire you." With that said, I am leaving this recruiting fair with 5 declines, 2 possibilities, and 1 contingent contract. I was offered a contingent contract and will have to see if things pan out over the next two months or so. No details will be given at this time but rest assured that I will update the blog as needed to share exciting news.
Not to worry, though. If you know Nathan and I you know that we have an immense amount of determination and grit. And that despite not being offered a full contract we will figure out a way to get ourselves situated in another county.
Each day equipped with my backpack, water bottle, and banana I would walk the 1.5 miles from my hotel to the Hyatt. Walking allowed me to get my head straight before starting my day full of research and interviews. 
This part of Atlanta is home to gorgeous hotels, well-known night clubs (The Havana Club, for example), and hot sexy sports cars. I didn't see one minivan the entire time I was here. |
| We're ready to open a new door. The adventure continues... |
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