Persistence is Key

Hi, my name is Mina, and I am thrilled to be a part of Carolina's chapter of Ed2010, the website that has given me so much insight into possible work opportunities. After applying to numerous different magazines and television stations in NYC and having my heart set on living in the city this summer, plans changed. At first I was a little disappointed, but then reality set in and I thought to myself: I am going to be a graphic design intern at National Geographic Magazine. As a kid I always knew NGM as "the one with the yellow border on the cover and the awesome pictures." I never thought I would be working for them. I am excited to share with you my stories this summer starting June 14.

As you may already know, NG is located in Washington D.C., and finding temporary housing in the nation's capital is no easy feat. Plans of living at the dorms at Georgetown University, George Washington University or American University were immediately cancelled because I would be staying until mid-August, when the dorms would be needed for fall students. I thought I had found the perfect apartment, until I almost got scammed out of $1800 and still no apartment. After sending hundreds (literally!) of emails to prospective people and no results, I was pretty much desperate to live anywhere. Luckily, I found a place (at last!) through a friend of a friend of my parents. It's kind of far and I would have to commute for longer than I had hoped for, but I don't have be living in a sleeping bag underneath a bridge for the summer, and that is important.

From my experiences, I am sharing some helpful tips for when you need to find temporary housing.

1. Beware of scammers! Be weary of people you can't meet in person, who say they are out of the country and who ask for wire transfer money.
2. Don't set your standards too high. Remember that it might not be possible to find an affordable flat, overlooking Central Park, within walking distance of your work. Compromise on style, but don't compromise on your safety. Safe neighborhoods are important.
3. Start looking early. Don't think that finding a place to live --especially in a big city-- is easy. Start looking for a place immediately after you decide where to work.
4. Connections are extremely important. Knowing someone who is living/will be living in the place you're going is very helpful. Not only can they help you find a place, but they can show you around once you get there. Talk to friends and family, friends of friends and family you hardly even know. You'd be surprised at how willing people are to help.
5. Persistence is key. Never give up a dream job just because you can't find/afford housing. If you want it badly enough, you will find a way to make it happen.

I hope my tips and experiences will help you somehow along the way. I look forward to reading all of your amazing stories and answering any questions you may have.

Let me know if you're going to be in D.C. this summer!