March 31, 2004
Allison Guth knows that six weeks is not a very long time.
Six weeks is 42 days.
In 42 days both she and I will be in the "real" world.
Yikes.
I am sure many seniors--and super-seniors--are beginning to feel the effects of anxiety that goes along with graduation.
A high school teacher once told me, "Your college years will be the fastest four years of your life."
Of course I didn't believe him, but boy, was he right. I can remember freshman year like yesterday.
Three-and-a-half years ago was the first time I had the pleasure of meeting Allison Guth. We were in McKinley Health Center getting our physicals with the rest of the incoming freshman and transfers. We soon realized that we were the only two walk-ons to the women's golf team and formed an immediate bond.
What? You might be asking yourself. I thought Guth played basketball?
Well, she started out as a golfer.
Anyway, I got to know Guth (she is comfortable being referred to by her last name) pretty well that first year. Since we both played other sports in addition to golf in high school, we were able to talk about some of the similar experiences we had gone through. I soon learned what a positive person she is and how much she has to offer the world. Some of the scores we posted that year were not even close to par (or bogey), but I feel that we played an important role in boosting team morale and spirit.
"My overall experience with Illinois athletics has allowed me to follow my dreams and achieve some incredible goals," Guth said.
One of those goals was walking on to the women's basketball team her sophomore year. Her decision to leave golf and pursue basketball was personal. Even though she excelled at golf, it was clear--at least to me--that her heart was in basketball.
Now, a senior in business marketing, Guth hopes to pursue a career in her field in six weeks. Since her final basketball season has reached its close, Guth has been able to focus her energy in a different direction.
"I'm ready to join an old women's league," Guth said jokingly. "You gotta hang up the jersey sometime."
The Arlington Heights, Ill., native enthusiastically awaits what the future holds for her. Unlike the common feelings of nervousness many seniors experience, Guth has approached the unknown with calm character. She found her three job interviews to be relatively laid back, and gives some important advice to anyone who is feeling anxious.
"Go in with confidence," she suggests. "As much as you want to sell yourself, you need to be yourself."
Wow, what a great quote.
Another piece of advice I would give is to practice answering the standard interview questions: What is your greatest achievement? What is your greatest failure? How would you describe yourself to someone? Why should we hire you?
Often times those questions are easier to answer on the spot if you have prepared for them and have a general idea of what you would like to say.
So Allison, what about answering the first question?
"I think my greatest achievement here is graduating with a business degree while being a student-athlete for all four years," said Guth.
Nowadays, the five-year plan is not so uncommon. Often times, athletes face rigorous travel and practice schedules that limit the amount of hours they feel comfortable taking. Sooner or later, though, all students reach the point where they need to find a job.
The University offers lots of help in finding a job--especially for athletes. For instance, Kathy Kaler, the Life Skills Coordinator, puts together a book of upperclassmen resumes that is sent out to businesses around the country. It's not surprising that a whopping number of alums would love to hire Illinois graduates! The University also offers mock interviews through the Career Center (www.careercenter.uiuc.edu) and through Kaler and the Life Skills program (email Kathy at kaler@uiuc.edu).
And all you underclassmen reading this, it's never too early to get started. In fact, internships are very important and sometimes only offered to incoming sophomores or juniors. So it is important to get experience any way possible.
As for Guth, she is just enjoying the rest of her time here.
"The quality of people that I've met here has been outstanding," she said. "And even though I'm excited to start my life, I'm sad to leave."
My feelings exactly.
And it's only six weeks away.
