Mother Jones - Editorial Internship aka: "The Displaced Autoworker"

This is an idea I've had swirling in my head for quite some time now. Coming from Michigan and growing up in a line-worker's household, this is a topic near and dear to my heart. If I don't get into the program, I will try my best to get it published because these stories need to be told.

I figured using it as an into to my cover letter was one way of getting started...

Many are just waiting for the next buyout. Autoworkers at the General Motors Powertrain Willow Run Transmission Plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan know, one way or another, their days are numbered. According to GM’s Global Operations website, there are 1,454 hourly and 219 salaried employees left at this location. How many of those 1,673 people will need to find a new job when the plant closes?

Well, each of The Big Three automakers does offer resources to help guide displaced workers through their options: get a college degree, open a franchise, or start driving a truck… but is it enough? And for those who have tried taking a shot at something new—is it working out?

WIRED Internship

Yup, that's right-internship. (But it's paid)

Despite my concerns, it survived the road trip. From Manhattan to the Smokey Mountains, through moist Louisiana air and skin-cracking Death Valley heat and countless Motel 6’s, it made it to San Francisco. And then it all came crashing down—literally.

Last week, my boyfriend dropped a ceramic candleholder on our brand-new 15-inch MacBook Pro, totally destroying the hard drive. #$@%!

True story.

Office Manager for Creative Firm

The oral hygiene aisle is a mess. But one brand does stand out for me—Listerine. Their mouthwash looks great and the Pocketpacks-whew, the shelf presence! It’s clean, simple, design. How refreshing…

In between walks with Earle...

...I'm writing cover letter after cover letter. And actually, having quite some fun with it. That's a good sign - right? So I think some of these little introductory sentences are kind of silly and I've decided to start sharing them.

Can't let the "economic downturn" get me down.

Japanese/English Dog Web-Magazine Manager

His bad breath doesn’t even bother me one bit.

Yes, at one time I was completely disgusted with the Baby Bjorn carrying, poop-scooping ways of the urban dog-owner. But once I brought my Miniature Schnauzer home, all of that seemingly outlandish behavior suddenly made sense to me.

what can I say?

The apartment is beautiful and has surpassed all expectations, but the landlord did fail to mention one important thing - a VIEW OF THE GOLDEN GATE from our living room. Our backyard sounds like a rain forest and the N Judah's quiet roar is actually quite soothing. Boy, it feels good to be back in San Francisco.

from the canyonlands

They've got Big Love and big canyons. Yes, Utah is great. We've been here for two days exploring the arches and the slick rock of Moab. It's a pretty impressive place.

We're on our last leg of the trip now and should be arriving in San Francisco. I'm excited to get there, but sad to see our US tour come to an end.

Next stops: Grand Canyon and debate night at the casino.

guns and dead armadillos

We're already almost out of the "get your 72 oz steak now" state. And while there were plenty of 10 ft McCain signs plastered in front of the ranches, there were some Obama's spotted here and there - outside of Austin. A sigh of relief...

We're headed to New Mexico today. Maybe Tucumcari (the town "Cars" is based on). Maybe not.

first things first

My boyfriend and I (and pup) will be embarking on a 2-week cross country road trip through the southwest region of our great land. The adventure begins in Detroit on October first! Stay tuned...