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Social Media And The Digital World Of Teens

November 27, 2012 by 1 Comment

Last week, I was featured in the Deseret News, one of the local newspapers in Salt Lake City, discussing kids, social media, and online safety. I’m pleased that people like what I have to say about keeping your kids safe online, because it’s such an important issue for me.

Libby, the producer from KSL News, gave my contact information to Lois Collins at the Deseret News after my Digital Divide interview on KSL Browser 5.0 aired. I spent some time with Lois on the phone, answering questions and discussing my opinions and advice on social media, online reputation, and safety for tweens and teens.

We talked about results of the Pew Internet And American Life Project (co-researched by the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University). It was nice to be able to discuss the subjects as both a social media professional…and as the parent of a 12 year old daughter. Later in the day, photographer Jeffrey Allen came to my house to get some pictures of Rosie and me for the news story (whose photos I’ve posted here in this blog post).

From the news story:

Bullock has found online is a fun world for mom and daughter to do things together and learn about each other. She likes to see what her daughter “pins” on Pinterest. When she was using Instagram with vacation photos, Bullock said she helped Rosie set up her own account.

Bullock describes her daughter as responsible online and sensitive to things like vulgarity. They’ve had discussions about what might come back to haunt them when they apply to colleges or for jobs.

That’s an issue Bullock thinks about for herself now more than she did in the past. When she worked in a different field, she said, “I was more liberal (posting) about how I spent my weekends. She asks herself — and prompts her daughter: “Is this something you are comfortable with anyone in the whole world finding out about you? Forget privacy settings. If a friend’s privacy settings let the information about you out, would you care?” she asked. “It could be around forever.”

I think that as more kids gain access to smartphones, laptops, and other portable digital devices, this subject wil become more important for families to discuss together. I found this infographic on the subject helpful.

The digital world of teens

What are your thoughts on the subject? What do you allow your kids to do on electronic devices or online? Are you comfortable with your kids actions in the digital world?

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Just my luck…

September 29, 2009 by 5 Comments


Today I’ve got a job interview. I got the call at 5:30 pm yesterday for an interview just after lunchtime. It the first time I’ve planned to make my hair look really nice and wear full makeup in a few months. As I was getting all of my makeup out on the counter, I froze when I saw my bottle of foundation. It was practically empty in a rock-hard clump. Last time I used it, I’m certain that there was at least 1/3 left. I guess it’s been a while since I’ve worn more than mascara and lip gloss.

I went shopping for an outfit to wear for the interview last night. Most of my work clothes are still in storage in Atlanta. After trying on stuff at seven stores, I only came home with a pair of black slacks. Everything else I tried on fit wrong, was too expensive, or made me look like I was 50. The blouse I’m going to wear is a bit on the casual side, but the color shows off my eyes really well. (Random fact: for every job I’ve been offered, someone in the interview complimented my eyes)

I don’t have a printer at home, so I need to figure out a place to print copies of my resume in the next hour.

I’ve never felt so unprepared for an interview…

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Mutually Beneficial

November 14, 2008 by 4 Comments

Yesterday I had my interview at Emory. I hate to get my hopes up prematurely, but I really think I’ve got the job. I was impressed by the people that I met with, had comments ranging from acceptable-to-stunning for every question, had a lot in common with the interviewers, and just had a good gut feeling. I am CERTAIN that I am qualified for the position, it is a position that INTERESTS me, and I would have a TALENT for. I was told they are going to interview a few other candidates for comparison, but the director also mentioned making an appointment next week to discuss salary. I don’t want to be crushed emotionally if I don’t get the job, but I’m cautiously and enthusiastically optimistic.

After the interview, Taylor and I checked out a few apartments and condos in the Decatur/North Druid Hills area. We have our top two places selected, both with immediate availability, with the same top-ranked elementary school assigned to the units. We had dinner at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack with Clint, Hank, and Marissa. We followed Clint onto the wrong way on a one-way street and narrowly missed a major crash. Today Taylor is on reserve from 11a-11p, and I hope that he doesn’t get called so I can get some quality hubby time.

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First Down

November 7, 2008 by 1 Comment

Yesterday I had my first interview for a job in Atlanta at Emory University. It was a phone interview, but it went really well, and they want me to come down next week to interview in person. The interviewer said, “We’ve gotten a lot of applications on this position, but you were the only one we’ve wanted to actually interview.” The position sounds right up my alley, even though it’s less healthcare-focused than I’d intended. It’s still administrative, but it’s with the med school.

Since I gave my notice at work in Michigan last week, there’s been a marked change in my happiness there. The past few weeks had actually been under control, as far as my workload, and I was feeling a tinge of sadness that I was leaving. But after a difficult experience Monday, and a ridiculous meeting Wednesday…I’m having a hard time imagining staying through the next few weeks. The surgeon who I’ve been working with since March leaves this week (for Atlanta, consequently) and I’ve been given a lot of the office’s grunt work to fill my time. I’m so glad it’s Friday!

Taylor’s on reserve in Atlanta this week. He got to play with Clint for two days after returning from California. Yesterday he got called on a ferry flight to Cincy, and then got extended overnight for a few more legs. He didn’t bring any extra clothes or his toiletry bag because when he left for the airport, he was supposed to be back in 6 hours. Hopefully he won’t have to work much this month….he really needs to finish his algebra class.

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A battle of wits and wisdom

March 5, 2008 by 4 Comments

This morning I got a call from the Thoracic Surgery department administrator, saying that they were very interested in meeting with me again, and interviewing with the surgeon that I’d be working for (if I chose this position.) The only time that he’s available to meet is Thursday morning at 7:30 am. I have my PEP interview at 9:00…so this works out fine. When I mentioned that my Pathology interview went really well, and that they wanted to hire me…she said they were willing to fight for me. Does this mean I have leverage for a better salary?

In other news, I have been laid up in bed for most of the day. I have been feeling shooting pains and spasms. I don’t know if it’s from Clint’s adjustment, or from using muscles not usually used while swimming…but I’m pretty sore. Hopefully I’ll wake up without pain and be able to trek (through all these new inches of snow) to the gym.

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Two Awesome Interviews

March 4, 2008 by 1 Comment

This morning is the first time since December that I got up, did my hair and make up, and dressed myself in business casual. I did my last resume revisions, filled up the gas tank, and drove to Ann Arbor. I gave myself an extra hour to get there, just in case random road hazards or parking situations came up. So I arrived in the UofM parking structure at 10:06 for an 11:00 interview. I listened to some Colbie Caillat on my Ipod to pass the time.

The first interview was in Thoracic Surgery. I could tell that the two ladies interviewing were both impressed and entertained by me. The job would be a direct secretary and assistant to a surgeon just out of his residency, plus one other surgeon that would be starting in July. I’d be planning travel, reconciling expense reports, coordinating his surgical and clinic schedules, and transcribing consults. It’s a lot of independent work, and the surgeon expects 100% effort 100% of the time. I also met with the department administrator, who told me she was pleased with my qualifications and would be contacting my references.

I had an hour to kill before my next interview, so I chilled in the cafeteria with my bagel dog and Tazo tea. It was fun to watch the full spectrum of diners…students, doctors, patients, techs, and important people in fancy suits. I could tell UofM takes a lot of pride in is Ultra-Academic environment, and I know I’ll love being a part of it.

My pathology interview was at 1:00 in the path conference room. I first chatted with Craig, who just barely was promoted to anatomic pathology supervisor. He looked like he was about 25, but when he said that he had 16 years of path experience and a double-masters degree, I figured it was just his dual ear piercings that threw me off. I also met with Beth, who was the AP Manager. The synergy of the interview was great. They were grinning from ear-to-ear, and skipped over the lame, stock HR questions…saying “We already know that you’re a pro at that.” It was awesome that they were already familiar with Dr. Geyer’s publications, and they said it wasn’t necessary for me to name drop Dr. Warren for them to be impressed. I left the interview feeling warm and buzzy.

I made a few phone calls to give the dish on my interviews on my way home, then threw my phone on the couch when I got home to take a nap. When I got up 45 minutes later…
I had a voice mail from Craig saying that he was very interested in hiring me, and I just needed to finish up some pre-employment junk with HR before he could extend a formal offer. I set up my PEP interview for Thursday, and I should have the details on the formal offer by the end of the week.

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