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| Vital Link Newsletter |
November 2008 |
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Edwards Lifesciences Supports
Career Exploration Programs
Edwards Lifesciences continues to show its support of Vital Link and the 2008-09 Career Exploration Programs. A $5,000 donation will be presented at the Edwards Lifesciences annual award event in November. At this event, Edwards Executives express their commitment to the all of the nonprofit organizations the company supports nationally.
In addition to their ongoing financial support, Vital Link's partnership with Edwards Lifesciences includes employee volunteer participation and the company's willingness to open their facilities to students and educators interested in career information about the industry. By providing a unique opportunity to observe professionals in action, students and educators can experience the various careers in their industry. In helping students link their education to career pathways, Edwards Lifesciences is truly helping to Connect Students to Their Future.
Thank you, Edwards Lifesciences.
You are a valued partner!
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Realizing a Vision
Event a Success!
Future female entrepreneurs and leaders gathered on Saturday, November 1st, to hear business leaders and role models share their stories and tips for success during the first Orange County Realizing a Vision event. Girls from all over the region heard from keynote speakers Nelly Galan (Galan Entertainment and The Apprentice, Celebrity Edition) and Finola Hughes (host of "How Do I Look" on The Style Network and Award-winning Actress) and other inspiring entrepreneurs.
Shelly Song, a local student, was the  winner of the Business Concept Competition. In addition to mentorship opportunities during the day, students received gifts from Sunscape and a book titled "Secrets of The Young & Successful" written by Jennifer Kushell to guide them as they move forward to developing their life plan. The event was developed in partnership with Sylvia R.J. Scott the founder of The Center for Girls Creativity & Leadership Development (CGCL) and was hosted by the Vanguard University Costa Mesa campus. |
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Commentary
Have You Ever Done Something Just Because
You Love It?
As an observer of thousands of youth each year, I have the opportunity of watching what is called a "Light Bulb Moment". That is the moment when you see the lights go on in the eyes of someone who just made a connection. There is nothing more gratifying than to see someone ignited by an insight into their own future, then take that insight and begin to apply it to their education and career plan. Look into the eyes of a student who has no idea of where they are going and then look into the eyes of one who has direction in their life. What difference do you see?
We read about the studies done on motivating students through rewards such as prizes or cash for grades. To some degree these strategies work for the moment, but when the prizes or cash are gone, the motivation stops. What we have observed over the years is that external motivators are temporary by nature; depending on external factors to motivate an individual sets someone up to a life of limitations. When the prizes and cash rewards go away, then what? What life skills have the students learned and how dependent have they become on someone else to motivate them?
We need to build the skills used for internal motivation that are more sustainable and not dependant on external factors. This model opens up more possibilities for the student's future. If it is based on the individual's innate interests, aptitudes, talents and, most importantly, passions, it is far more effective. We all have these traits but not everyone has identified them in a way that applies to their life and especially to their future career and education path.
It is the responsibility of the adults in a student's life to help them find out how to use their internal motivator to move forward to a successful and meaningful life and career. This ability will stay with them forever and will not go away when the pilot program ends or the money and prizes are gone.
Executive Director
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Survey Questions of the Month
Did you ever have a "Light Bulb Moment" about your career choice?
If yes, what or who turned on the lights for you?
Click here to answer these two questions. Read the results of the survey in the next Vital Link newsletter.
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Become a Founding Member of Vital Link's Target 360 Campaign!
 Vital Link's Career Exploration Center is ready to move from the Exploratory Phase into the Planning Phase. We invite you to join the Target 360 Campaign and be a part of the Career Exploration Center, a project that will revolutionize the Career Exploration process. Vital Link has begun the Target 360 Campaign to raise $36,000, the amount needed to proceed with the planning phase. We need seed funding to pay for the architectural concept plan, which will move the project to the next level. We are asking you to be one of 360 individuals or businesses that donate $100 or more to the campaign. As a Founding Member of the Target 360 Campaign, you will be part of a project that will transform the Career Exploration process. You will be included in special recognition events and other Career Exploration Center activities. As a Founding member of the Target 360 Campaign, your name will be placed on the Founder's Recognition Wall of the new Career Exploration Center building, acknowledging your commitment. "Vital Link's vision to provide Orange County with a state-of-the-art center to foster Careers by Choice, Not Chance is an idea worth pursuing." Bill Habermehl, Orange County Superintendent of Schools You can make a difference in the lives of our community's youth and help Connect Students to Their Future. Click here to Join the Target 360 team today!
Mail your donation to:
Vital Link
P.O. Box 12064, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949-646-2520
Vital Link is a 501c3, non-profit organization.
We appreciate your tax-deductible gift.
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Wish List
 If you are interested in supporting Vital Link through a donation, the organization is currently looking for the following items:
- Van to transport program materials and props
- Storage facility space
- Copier Paper
- Office Supplies
- Printing Services
Do you have a special skill you would like to share with Vital Link to help us expand and enhance the programs and services we offer? We are looking for help in the following areas:
- Video editing skills on Mac (share your knowledge with the Vital Link staff)
- Photography - Help us record the special moments at Vital Link Events
Your tax deductible cash donation is also welcome.
Please contact Vital Link at 949-646-2520 or email Kathy@vitallinkoc.org.
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How Do You Get Involved?
You can help us Connect Students To Their Future by volunteering your time as a committee member or as an event volunteer. Join one of the following committees and be a part of the team that makes things happen!
Event Committee
Marketing Committee
Curriculum Committee
Career Exploration Center Committee
Contact the Vital Link office at 949-646-2520 or e-mail Kathy@vitallinkoc.org if you are interested in becoming an event volunteer or would like to join a committee.
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Vital Link, a 501c3 non-profit organization, provides creative and professional programs that focus on leading edge job skills and job development curriculum. We reach over 25,000 students each year through the Career Exploration Programs, support services, and use of the Vital Link curriculum. Encouraging students to make the connection between their education and their future career path is foundational to Vital Link and will impact lives today and in the future.
Contact us:
Vital Link
P.O. Box 12064
Costa Mesa, California 92627
(949) 646-2520 Phone
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