Follow Through with Commitments!

Coming off of our football team’s disappointing loss, I noticed a general lack of support for the team this week as fair-weather fans jumped off the bandwagon.

It made me think of the many times in my life where I’d had an encounter with fair-weather fans. You know the type, they jump in to show their face at the event you worked weeks to plan, or just show up to give the presentation you spent long nights preparing. It can be extremely frustrating, especially when you feel like they are receiving praise for your work.

The important thing to remember is those people are always going to be there and you can’t let them bother you. However, just like there are fair-weather fans all around us there are also those true fans that will stick with you through the “losing seasons” and always rally for you when it’s really needed. You have to learn to locate these true fans and surround yourself with them so you can lean on them when things aren’t going real well.

More importantly you need to be one of these true fans. Make it to appointments you scheduled regardless of how it inconveniences you, complete the projects you sign up for, and step up to bat when things are tough and the reward seems nonexistent. People notice a “true fan” and will speak highly of you when their opinion is asked, and it will be asked. Resumes and interviews are important, but they can be counterfeit.

It’s the references that people really value and will give you the biggest boost and the most opportunities down the road.

-Christopher Perry
Junior, Animal Sciences

Need help building references? Come to CAFNR Career Services in Ag Building 2-64 today!