BY COURTNEY MURPHY

HERALD DEMOCRAT

While working on the highly commented panhandlers story recently, the thought occurred to me of how difficult it is to find a job in this economy. Not to praise the panhandlers, whom I believe should at least make an attempt to find suitable jobs, but I do believe that my generation has a harder time finding jobs because of our tech-savvy, but not necessarily communication-savvy, skills.

Though I definitely lucked out in finding the position as an intern at the Herald Democrat, I recall my troubles of finding a job my second semester of college quite difficult. Searching at every odd-end place possible, I finally got a call back from the university call center. That is, 18 applications later.

Opting out of making face-to-face awkward conversation with a potential employer has been perfected to a T by the ability to fill out applications online. My mom has always told me that when I apply for a job, I need to consider going and doing so in person, or always calling back to make sure they received if it was filled out online. Though I am usually an outgoing and friendly person, an overwhelming sense of shyness comes over me when I think about that uncomfortable explaining of who I am and how badly I need money, while consciously having to make it sound as though I am particularly interested in picking up others' mess for the rest of my life.

One reason I believe that my generation should not be blamed for this is the emphasis that is put on learning technology and being completely indulged in it as compared to learning real life job skills. Maybe a change should be in order to replace high school classes like multimedia and graphic design, which are required to graduate, with a job skills course, Real Life 101, giving teenagers more confidence when it comes to resumes and interviews.

Whether knowing that I will have to deal with this first impression of my jobless self for a shortly extended amount of time with my future employer, my lack of personality interest when finding a job, or simply my blame of technology that makes an easy excuse, I am set on attempting to grow up more and get over the fear of finding a new employer, especially knowing that the "real life" job is coming sooner than I think. Let's hope that three years is adequate time to get over the instilled terror.

Happy birthday Monday to Randy Tew, Jeff Campbell, Tonya Emery and Susan Hancock, all of Denison; Ron Anderson, Theresa Campbell and Otis Mae Sanders, all of Sherman; Willie Boren of the American Legion Lakesite; Paula Montgomery of Luella; Gary L. Blevins of Dallas; Mason French of Arkansas; Jody Garner of Whitewright; Tanya Bailey of Savoy; Beau Brooks of Corsicana.

Happy anniversary Monday to Robert and Sharon Taylor of Sherman, 24 years; Jamie and Shondel Cleamons of Sherman, 7 years.