Ruth Kalinka Designs

(Oh my! Can anyone teach me how to select a flattering video thumbnail? )

 

Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey to become Murphy-Goode’s Wine Country Lifestyle Correspondent!

While my video soared in just 10 days to rank as high as #38 of nearly 2,000 total applications, this was only one of many considerations that went into selecting the Top 50 candidates. Unfortunately, I am no longer in the running.

The pursuit of my dream job has been a tremendous experience. I logged more than 200 hours on this project, as did many other applicants.  I still have some videos to watch, but the Top 50 are impressive so far.  I have met excellent people and look forward to getting to know the remaining candidates better over the coming weeks. Selected or not, there were so many talented and inspiring people in this race.  Thank you for sharing yourselves with the world and encouraging me to to do my best. (And, of course, thank you Murphy-Goode for challenging us in the first place!)

Personally, I had the support of a phenomenal community, dozens of people who provided advice, encouragement, time, and equipment while preparing my video application. Many resources (near and far) came through my connections in the coworking community, particularly Philadelphia’s Independents Hall.  I asked people for help in their areas of expertise, and they contributed enthusiastically.  I asked friends, family, and diverse community networks to vote, and my video rapidly went viral internationally.  There are too many to name in this post, but you have each touched my life and I thank you.

During the two months that I have pursued this opportunity, I learned a lot about my strengths, passions, and ability to overcome life’s challenges.  I produced my first video, built a newly redesigned web site, started a blog, and contacted tens of thousands of people.  I worked hard to translate what my friends and family know about my personality and experience into something publicly visible and measurable for the recruiter to evaluate my candidacy.  I did the best that I could with the time and resources available, and I am better prepared for what’s next.

This process has been inspiring, not only for myself, but for so many others who dreamed with me.  We all envisioned something magical together.  Thank you for sharing that vision.  I am now eager to pursue similar opportunities elsewhere.  I am excited about connecting with new people on a larger scale, making a difference in more people’s lives, and immersing myself in the wonders of a new adventure.  Thank you for reminding me that I am perfect for this type of work.  Thank you for believing in me!

I’m not sure what’s next, but I have dared to dream big and am open to new ideas.  Please leave a comment or send a message from my contact page if you have suggestions! Thanks!

I’ve applied for my dream job as the Wine Country Lifestyle Correspondent for Murphy-Goode Winery, a 6 month social media assignment in Sonoma, CA.  Here are nine reasons I’m A Really Goode Candidate for A Really Goode Job.

1. Wine Lover
   There’s a special magic about Wine Country. My first visit to Napa Valley at age 5 led to a fondness for Robert Mondavi and Julia Child’s televised cooking school. Since then, visits to Wine Country have included harvesting grapes and wine tasting.  After my trip last summer, I have been especially eager to go back and learn more about wine and wine making.
    
2. Writer
   I began journaling at age 10, in case I ever wanted to become a writer. I wrote everywhere and especially enjoyed writing outdoors. Later, English became one of my university sub-concentrations, and I participated in the New England Literature Program (NELP), 6.5 weeks of living in the woods, hiking mountains, studying New England authors, and writing. This was a major highlight of my educational experience. Now, I write and edit, both personally and professionally, and enjoy honing this craft at every opportunity.
    
3. Designer, Photographer, Branding Consultant
   With parents who are skilled in art and photography, learning about art, color theory, composition, and effective design has always been part of daily life.  We visited countless museums as a family and my siblings and I enjoyed starting our summer days with drawing classes on PBS. With an abundance of real art supplies at our fingertips, we dove into any medium available. This lifelong immersion in art and design has translated into a keen eye for branding and communications.
    
4. Quick Learner
   I taught myself video post-production to create my Murphy-Goode job application. Using skills in writing, design, photography, music, performance, and branding, I produced a video that has quickly received glowing feedback and ranks among the top 50 videos by vote. (Update: Top 40, as of June 25, 2009)
    
5. People Person
   I enjoy meeting new people everywhere and using social media tools to stay in touch. I’ve made many friends in random places and everyone in my life is 100% convinced I’m a natural for this job.
    
6. Performer
   My parents spotted musical abilities when I was 2 years old and started me in piano lessons as soon as I was old enough for a teacher to take me. I also sing, dance, and act. My stage work includes, among other things, six Gilbert & Sullivan comic operettas. I enjoy collaborating and look forward to jamming with winemaker David Ready Jr and creating Wine Country podcasts.
    
7. Traveler, Linguist
   Endlessly curious, I’ve been fascinated with different cultures and languages for my entire life. I grew up celebrating Chinese New Year, learned bits of various Asian languages, and started Spanish from an early age. I added Chinese in college, and then Italian, French, and a bit of Hindi and Punjabi. There are many more languages and countries on my list. I look forward to reviewing Spanish, Italian, and French through the people in Wine Country and the language of wine.
    
8. Foodie
   My family had an organic vegetable garden while I was growing up. The herbs from my mom’s garden are the most flavorful I have ever found, and I use them in my own cooking. As children, we were encouraged to experiment with food and ordered from the adult menu at restaurants. This experimentation from an early age led to playful creativity in cooking, and I enjoy teaching others how to do the same.
    
9. Green Thumb
   Growing up with an organic garden, composting, recycling, energy conservation, and a very close relationship with nature, I have a keen interest in eco-friendly and sustainable farming practices. Everything in nature is interconnected and an opportunity for learning. One of my earliest and most delightful memories is discovering a nest of newborn bunnies in the garden, and why it’s ok to look, but not touch. I am eager to learn all about the grape growing ecosystem and how sustainability is applied in Sonoma.

Convinced? Vote here!