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Money Monday
By Imagine Scholarships
Sherri Ross
March 24, 2025
Your smile is your logo. Your personality is your business card.
✳️ Real Talk: I Interviewed as Myself… but Landed a Job as Daisy Duck
When I was in college, I desperately needed a part-time job and found an opening at The Magic Time Machine—a quirky, themed restaurant where the waitstaff dressed as famous characters. I figured, “How hard could it be?” I showed up for the interview in a simple black top and jeans—professional enough, I thought.
The manager greeted me dressed as Indiana Jones. I’m not kidding.
What followed was one of the strangest interviews of my life. I was asked to sing. In front of the kitchen staff. I had to act out a fairy tale scene on the spot. And the grand finale? Pretend to be a Disney character while balancing a tray.
I left convinced I’d never hear from them again. But I did. And guess what? I got the job. I became Daisy Duck—feather boa and all.
What I learned- Sometimes your job interview isn’t just about your resume or experience. It’s about how you show up.
That restaurant didn’t want someone who could carry plates—they wanted someone who could carry energy, fun, and imagination.
And just like that, I learned the first rule of career success:
👉 Start acting like the person you want to become.
Dress like them. Speak like them. Think like them.
Even if you're applying to scoop ice cream, start showing up like a future leader. Because someone will notice.
😁When in an interview, Confidence is Key!
✨ Confidence is Your Superpower
Did you know that confident people tend to earn $7,000 more per year on average than their less confident peers? Confidence isn’t just about feeling good—it affects how others see you, trust you, and invest in you. One study found that people who appeared confident were more likely to be hired even if they weren’t the most qualified. That’s how powerful it is.
The good news? Confidence is a skill you can build.
Start here:
Practice speaking up in class or meetings, even if it’s just one sentence.
Write down your wins every week—big or small.
Stand tall, smile, and make eye contact. (Your body language can trick your brain into feeling more confident!)
Fake it till you make it? Science says it actually works. Acting confident can help you feel confident.
Every time you show up for yourself, your confidence grows. So keep showing up.
The Financial Impact of Confidence
Confidence isn't just a personal trait; it's a professional asset that can substantially influence your earning potential and career trajectory.
Higher Earnings: Research indicates that individuals with higher self-esteem during their youth tend to secure better-paying jobs in adulthood. A study highlighted by the University of Florida found that people with positive self-esteem in their teenage years earned higher salaries in middle age compared to their less confident peers. Read more about this here.
Career Advancement: Confident individuals are more likely to pursue and attain leadership positions. Their self-assurance enables them to take calculated risks and seize opportunities that lead to career growth and increased income.
Building Your Confidence
Enhancing your confidence is a strategic move toward achieving greater financial success. Here are some actionable steps:
Set and Achieve Goals: Start with small, attainable goals and gradually challenge yourself with more ambitious ones. Each accomplishment boosts your self-belief.
Develop Competence: Invest in learning and skill development. The more knowledgeable and skilled you become, the more confident you'll feel in your abilities.
Positive Self-Talk: Replace self-doubt with affirmations. Encourage yourself as you would a friend, focusing on your strengths and past successes.
Body Language: Adopt open and assertive postures. Standing tall, making eye contact, and offering a firm handshake can influence both how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself.
Seek Feedback: Constructive criticism helps you grow. Embrace it as a tool for improvement rather than a setback.
By consciously working on your confidence, you not only enhance your personal well-being but also open doors to greater professional opportunities and financial rewards.
🏡 Scholarship of the week: The Perfect Roommate Scholarship
Who’s Your Perfect Roommate? – $250 Scholarship Contest! 🎉
Imagine moving into your college dorm or first apartment… who’s unpacking boxes next to you?
Would it be Mickey Mouse, always keeping things cheerful and organized? Maybe Sherlock Holmes, ensuring you never lose your keys again? Or even The Genie from Aladdin, making sure chores get done with just a snap of his fingers? ✨
Now’s your chance to get creative! Tell us in 500 words or less who your ultimate roommate would be and why.
✳️ Real Tools
🎓 Student Link:
🧰 Interview Preparation Guide Download
Our free Interview Guide walks you through how to prepare, what to wear, how to answer questions—and what not to do. It’s your go-to cheat sheet before the big day.
🍎 Educator Tool:
Run a “Who Do You Want to Be?” activity. Have students describe a dream job, then brainstorm how that version of them would dress, speak, and prepare. It’s a powerful mindset shift—and a great classroom conversation starter.
Encourage students to Sign Up for a Free Version of Imagine Scholarships
✨ Quote of the Week
"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."
— William James
🗓 Coming Up This Week
🔜 Look for Wednesday’s email for brand-new tools you can grab or share!
💰 Don’t forget: Scholarship Time drops on Thursdays for Imagine users!
🧠 Final Boost
Here’s your reminder: You don’t have to wait to be the person you dream of becoming.
Start practicing today. Walk like them. Speak like them. Show up like them.
Whether you’re becoming Daisy Duck… or a CEO. 😉
See you next week!
Sherri and the Imagine Scholarships Team 💰✨
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