Michael Mostofi
Southwestern Advantage, where to begin? For me this internship has been around for a while. 6 years before I was ready to take on the challenge, my oldest sister sold books for two years then my middle sister, which is heading into her 5th summer. Both top first years, coming back after each summer glittering with outstanding growth and a renewed enthusiasm, my path was set. I finally decided to sell books last year in the summer of 2011, an experience that changed my life!
I was and in many ways still am a very shy person so campus meetings made my weeks. I loved working with such driven, positive and fun people! It was cool to know that I wasn’t the only one going on this wild adventure without even a clue whatsoever. Practicing the sales talk was awkward at first, the idea of meeting and interacting with 3000+ families terrified me and I had only traveled through out California and Las Vegas previously. Needless to say joining a top campus was definitely a humbling opportunity.
Sales school reminded me of summer camp because everyone, even hotel clerks where we were staying, was full of energy all week. Getting into the schedule with roommates, practicing our sales talk and learning the fundamentals of selling and being motivated all summer, the summer had a promising gleam. I couldn’t wait to hit the book field.
Being mentally and physically accountable with myself was certainly a challenge, one which made the summer so full of life. My greatest challenge was being in the moment wherever I was and to focus on the wonderful people I would soon be meeting. The funny thing about time on the book field is that it is nonexistent when you’re working. In fact around my 11th week it seemed as though we were on our 4th week. Learning to stick to schedule and build a strong work ethic was highly rewarding in only a 3-month period. My favorite part of the summer was delivery week when all the hard work we put in was greeted with smiles and sheer delight from the kids and the parents.
Southwestern Advantage is an opportunity no student should overlook because no matter how much hard work and time we give up during the summer, the growth and life skills we gain are simply invaluable.
