My Dear Father

I will dearly miss my father. He was always there for me. Although he had his faults, I am eternally grateful he was my father on this earth. My dad was a kind man. A shy man. A man with a big heart. 

He was not a particularly eloquent man. But showed me how to treat people. 

My father was self employed, doing things in the construction trade. I would work for him many times growing up. I did not enjoy it. That taught me to work hard in school. But I do wish I could remember more of the lessons he tried to teach me. Now that I have a home, I have been borrowing his expertise. Now that expertise dies with him. 

My father always supported me in music. I could always count on him being at every concert I had. Whether it was a small recital or big program. He pushed me and enjoyed my musical talents. 

He had musical talent as well. I will be forever grateful that I invited him to sing with me in a group of friends. We sang barbershop music, in church, in talent shows, and even at 2 Real Salt Lake soccer games and one Utah Jazz game. I know he thoroughly enjoyed singing with us. I'll miss his bass. 

The last year has been hard for him. He's had many health challenges and has been in and out of hospitals. As such, I've been preparing myself for this moment. Knowing that he could pass away at any moment. I was "one call away" from hearing the news. Although I've had more than a year, I still don't feel prepared to say goodbye. But that's how it goes. 

I am thankful he doesn't have to suffer anymore. He was in a great deal of pain. I'm thankful he can now "rest from his labors".

My father taught me to love sunflower seeds, hash browns and root beer. He taught me to be there for your kids and support them. He taught me to serve other people, especially when there's a need. I hope I can be that kind of father. He wasn't perfect. But he was the kind of father I am proud to have. Who fought through cancer, asthma and many other health problems in his life. I am proud to have him as my dad and can't wait to meet him after this life is over. 

MDM - Seven Years Later

Seven years ago, as a young 19-year-old, I embarked on the most memorable experience of my life. I said goodbye to my family as they dropped me off at the MTC, where I was for just over two weeks. I then flew to Detroit, Michigan. Little did I know what sort of an impact it would have on my life.

My mission experience was the most challenging two years of my life. It stretched me in every way possible. Some days I didn't know if I could make it the full two years. But gratefully I finished it honorably.

Not one day goes by that I don't think about some aspect of that time. Some days I think about a person I met, a companion or investigator. Sometimes it is an experience. I'm truly thankful for Facebook, which allows me to stay in contact with many people I met while being a missionary.

After graduation in May, I was searching for a job. I found one that I thought would be a good start. It was based in Michigan and had a branch not far from my house. I sent in my application and résumé, and got an interview. I was interviewed with three separate native Michiganders that day, and told each of them I had lived in Michigan. We discussed what I was doing there and a few experiences I had there. That was the turning point I think. I became memorable. I stuck out in their minds. And out of nearly 100 applicants, I was offered the position. What a blessing! I think I owe part of getting this job to serving in Michigan.

I look back on my time there with great love for the people of Michigan. I wouldn't trade any moment of my experiences during that two years with anything in this world. I learned to work hard, study, follow a schedule, talk and relate to people, develop compassion and empathy towards people, and be selfless. I'm far from perfect in any of those areas, but have been richly blessed by the missionary program.

Now my brother is in the MTC, headed to South Carolina. I'm happy and excited for him. I know he'll do a great job. Part of me wishes I could go for another two years. Then I realize: I've passed that point in my life. Time to focus on what is at hand and feel grateful for the experience.

The New Gig

*The views expressed are my own and not those of Auto-Owners Insurance.*

As I mentioned in the previous blog post over a month ago, I had a second interview with an insurance company. It turns out that I got the job! I am really grateful that this opportunity came.

I am now a commercial underwriter for Auto-Owners insurance. I've been there for seven weeks now. I never thought I'd work in the insurance industry, but I guess life takes people in interesting directions. Here are a few of my favorite things about my job:

1) Airin can stay home from work. I am so happy that she can stay home with little Lily. More on that here.

2) The schedule. I work Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. I get a one-hour lunch in the middle of the day. I can't think of better hours.

3) The location. I work in Draper, right below the Draper LDS Temple. I've had a couple of internships in downtown Salt Lake, and I love not having to deal with the traffic down there.

4) The work. For those who don't know what underwriting is, we look at insurance policies and decide whether or not we can accept certain risks as an insurance company and make sure policies follow state/federal law. We also look at renewals of policies and verify that they are still good ones to have insured by our company. It is fun to sleuth through policies and determine those things.

5) The company is based in Michigan. I served an LDS Church mission in the metropolitan Detroit area from 2006-2008. I love the state of Michigan and the people there. I am surrounded by many Michiganders and it is fun. I love discussing things like Vernor's ginger ale, Koegels hot dogs, Michigan lefts, as well as the Tigers, Lions and Pistons. Good times.

6) I have a great chance to move throughout the company. The company only promotes from within so this allows for great growth opportunities. One day we might relocate to another branch, depending on the circumstances.

Overall, I couldn't be happier. This is a great opportunity and I feel so unbelievably blessed! God answers prayers and knows how to help us.

Staying Home

It has been just over a month since Airin quit her job (she really just told the hospital that she was not coming back from maternity leave). This was made possible by me getting a job that paid enough for her to stay home. And I could not be happier.

Having Airin at home with Lily full time is a collective goal and desire. We knew we would not have extra spending money to travel and have some added frills that most people enjoy. But we felt it was best for our little family.

My parents have lived a very frugal and thrifty life. Growing up, my mother stayed home and my father worked. It was such a blessing to have her there whenever I needed her, like coming home from school, when I was sick, or when we had field trips for class. I always knew she was there for me. And I wanted that for my future family as well.

I know different people have different opinions on the matter. It is obvious what mine is. This conversation could get into feminism and gender equality. But let me just say that I respect and honor womanhood. It is a very sacred blessing and opportunity.

Airin spent four long years studying nursing. After graduation, she worked for two years at Primary Children's Medical Center. Now she is a full-time wife and mother. And we are okay with that. Was it foolish to work so hard and then quit a couple of years in? Absolutely not.

I think most people respect our decision. But it baffles me that people judge us as being "old-fashioned", wasting money or time on school for Airin, or dumb for leaving so much money on the table. To that, I say, please respect our decision.

Life is not about money. It never has been for me. I would much rather have enough money to be sufficient for our needs with a happy, successful, loving family than make lots of money but have no free time or energy to spend with my loved ones.

Now, I'm not saying those two scenarios are mutually exclusive. Those are the extremes. But for me, money is a means to an end, not the end itself. The end for me is having a happy life with my family. It is being able to bless the lives of others. It is being grateful for what you have.

That is why having Airin home is so big for me. It does not guarantee that we will be happy all the time or have the greatest family in the world, but that it creates the best opportunity I can think of to be close.  To learn to trust each other when times are tough. To tighten the belt financially. To learn to be frugal, humble, and grateful. And, of course, to have time to spend with each other and build memories for the future.

This life is only so long. Find what makes you happiest and go for it. But please respect our decision, even if they seem dumb or foolish. We aren't all chasing the same thing.

Unemployment

In May, I graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication. My internship ended shortly thereafter, and I was ready to look for a job.

Today marks exactly one month since that internship ended. It's been a good, but stressful month. Here are some thoughts I've had with education, school degrees and employment and some of my frustrations relating to them.

I appreciate it when I receive a rejection email. From about mid-April until now, I've applied for over 40 jobs. These jobs are both in and out of the field of study, such as event managers or coordinators, communication specialists, USPS letter carriers and even administrative assistants. Most of the time, I don't hear back from them, but when I do, it is with a message like this:

At first, I became more frustrated. "Thank you for your interest, but you suck!" is how I read it sometimes. But after putting in so many applications, it is nice to actually hear back. I don't have to wonder anymore.

The degree gets you looked at, internships and relevant experience get you the job. Part of my problem has been the jobs in my field (PR, Advertising & Marketing). I only have 1-1.5 years experience with that sort of thing, and even then, it is limited. Most job postings I see are for 3-5 years experience. And my thought is, "how can I get more experience if nobody will give me a chance to gain that experience?". I had three great internships while studying at the U. One with the Gallivan Center, one with the Wayne Brown Institute, and one with the LDS Church. But for what employers are looking for, it is hard to get.

That means one should take advantage of every opportunity to get experience. I wish I would have written for the U.'s newspaper, for example. I would like to have that on my resume, and have that experience under my belt.

Underemployment is real. Another problem is the number of graduates that are also looking for jobs like me. The job market is fierce. Only a small number seem to get those highly-coveted jobs. And the rest of us have to scrounge making something less, being overqualified for the job. Some people just stop looking and decide to pick a job that they can get.

Education doesn't always equal more money. But I would rather have a degree than not. Before coming to the U., I worked at US Synthetic. I made $12.40, and was bound for a raise. But I quit, thinking that if I got a Bachelor's degree, that I'd be able to make much more than that in just a few short years. And that is still a real possibility, but I realize that it isn't automatic. A lot of it depends on what you study and the experience you gain.

And now, one personal things I've learned:
I love seeing my daughter grow. I have had a unique opportunity that most fathers don't have. I have been able to spend lots of time with Lily. I enjoy being a dad, no matter how exhausting it is.

That being said, I have a second job interview with an insurance company as an underwriter. I hope I get that job so Airin doesn't have to work any longer.

Free Agency

After Tuesday, I became a free agent. I am graduated and my internship with the LDS Church ended. It was such a blast. I learned so much from the five months I spent there. Here is a blog about what I did there. I know I was lead to this internship. God knew we would need it and I am grateful for the opportunity I had.

The Riverton Office Building (ROB)

Some things I enjoyed:

• The atmosphere. It was fulfilling to have a consecrated culture there. My coworkers were all very nice and helpful.
• Being able to provide answers to people around the world. I love knowing I can communicate critical information that blesses lives and makes things easier.
• Being mentored by my manager, Paul. He is a brilliant guy.
• Learning more about processes and procedures.

All in all, it was a great five months. I will be forever grateful for the time I spent there. Because of this internship, I'm considering studying Information Systems for a Master's degree. Getting to know technology is something that interests me greatly. So we'll see on that one.

I think Airin likes me around more. I can take care of Lily while she can get things done or sleep. I also love being home with them, especially seeing Lily grow up. 

Life is good. I cannot honestly complain. I have a great family, a nice home, a beautiful life and the most amazing wife and baby. I am incredibly blessed.

Graduation

L-R: Michael, Ethan, Shantel, Joshua, Airin, Lily, Me, Dad, Mom, Heidi

On May 3rd, I finally graduated with a Bachelor's degree. I had previously received an Associates Degree from Utah Valley University, so this was great to make the next step. My degree is a BS in Mass Communication, emphasis in Strategic Communication. It is all fancy talk for public relations, advertising and marketing.

Now that I'm at the end of my undergraduate degree, I have had a few thoughts about coming up to the U. 

Growing up, I was a huge BYU fan. My Dad would take us to football and basketball games occasionally. We would also listen to Paul James call football games on the radio during the season, or catch the game on the TV. I bled blue and white. 

Coming out of high school, I did not apply to go to the Y. I did not have the grades, nor did I take the ACT, so I went to UVSC (Utah Valley School of Champions). After spending a couple years in the music department at UVU (it became a University while on an LDS Church mission), I met Airin and really had to think about what I was studying and what I was going to do with my life. I finished up my final few generals to get my Associates degree, and transferred to the University of Utah. Airin got a job as an RN at Primary Children's Medical Center, so we moved to Salt Lake. It was just easier.

I was not sure how this would work. I did not like the U’s athletic program, but went there with an open mind. And it turned out to be a great experience. 

I had a number of fantastic internship opportunities because we lived in Salt Lake. I also met some amazing professors and learned a great deal from them. I also met some great classmates.

My Mom made me a beautiful lei. I also wore a blue/red tie, signifying my BYU loyalties.

So what is next? I’m not sure. Hopefully a job first, taking the GMAT or GRE next, and then if I’m able to, go back to school and get a Master’s degree. I’m thinking a Master’s in Communication, Masters of Information Systems, or Masters in Business Administration. We’ll see how the summer pans out.