Dear First Gen, 

April 9-15 is #NationalLibraryWeek! (Thank you Extra-Ordinary Birthdays for telling me.) I am an avid reader, and believe it is key for first-generation professionals seeking to increase their vocabulary, improve their writing skills and feel confident during conversations. Also, when I read different book genres and then share the stories with my family members, it exposes them to new phrases and words that they may use in their own work or social environments. Everyone benefits!  

"I have always imagined paradise as a kind of library." - Jorge Luis Borges

The theme for the week is "Libraries Transform" and the suggested books by @lupita.reads certainly meets the challenge. This is her message to you! 

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Irnande recently asked me to list the top five books that I am looking forward to reading in 2017. First I need to add that the book world (authors and publishing companies) has been killing it lately with some amazing books. It seems to me that every year brings about a set of new books that must be added to bookshelves everywhere. Here is my small list that was no small feat to compile: 

Dear First Gen,
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Joy Weber (a featured first gen) shared a piece of advice for first gens that want to meet people outside of their network: Consider reaching out to people via LinkedIn, even if you’ve never been introduced to them before. This is a great idea!

You may have met someone at an event that you have finally found the courage to attend, or overheard someone else talking about this individual. In either situation, this person piqued your curiosity and you want to learn more about them, but you do not have a way to contact them. When it comes to individuals you don’t know, reach out to them for an in-person informational meeting. If the person has a busy calendar and you are unable to coordinate a meeting time, then you can opt for a phone conversation. When that’s the case, LinkedIn is a good place to start! A friend called @LinkedIn, "Facebook for Professionals".

Log in to your account (or create an account), and then perform a search of the person’s name to find out if you have mutual contacts. If you don’t, that’s OK—you may still be able to network with that individual. It is scary and you may not know where to begin but let me suggest two approaches.

Dear First Gen,

The Tuesday after Memorial Day is often the start date for many internships, externships, or any other experiential opportunities where you are placed in a professional or business setting. During this important week, it may serve you to know some professional etiquette for written correspondence with your supervisor, fellow intern/extern, or anyone else you are communicating with.
 
As early as middle school, we were taught the difference between a business letter and a personal letter, and much of those lessons stand true today. But there’s always room for adjustment. Personally, it took me a few attempts to decide on the salutation and signature that was both proper and fitting of my personality. Every so often, I switch my greeting and sign-off depending on the recipient, i.e. a judge, legislator, dignitary, or colleague.  Here are a few suggestions: