It’s true. There is a social media group, or more specifically, a Facebook page, that relates to every dream and can help you get closer to that dream, even if offering nothing more than a long list of supportive posts from people who share your passions. At least, this is the case for all of my dreams, or goals, as I prefer to call them.

Let’s review. When I first opened the door to the blog-o-sphere, I rambled on for lines and lines about the top items on my never-ending to-do list. Some of them loftier than others (open and operate a no-kill cat shelter), but all of them close to my heart. And apparently, many other people share my goals – both personal and career-oriented. And while it’s no surprise that other people want to become technical writers, run a  marathon, have a home filled with children’s laughter and happy memories, and play fairy godmother/father to homeless animals, online social media groups like those found on Facebook have made it so easy to find those people and their advice, support, helpful links, and camaraderie.

Let’s take my marathon goal for instance. I mentioned in my first post that, in an effort to reach that goal, I would soon be running a in the Mercedes Half-Marathon. (Task complete, by the way! Not only did I run in and complete it without walking a step, I finished with a respectable time of 2:18 mins and 9 sec.) Despite the positive final outcome of the 1/2, the thought of doing it all over again (a full marathon), seemed a little crazy as I made my way across the finish line. That’s why Facebook groups like Mercedes Marathon are so great; before and after the event, registered runners post a bevy of helpful hints for us marathon newbies. The  race information posted prior to the face by the organizers is very convenient as well, as opposed to having to search for phone numbers or wait for information to arrive in the mail. Most of all, it’s nice to see pictures and share experiences with other crazy runners like me and my mom:

Moving  on to another, career-oriented goal, there are countless online social networks in which I can  make connections within the technical communication industry. The Society of Technical Communicators (STC) includes chapters throughout the U.S., including one in my hometown (also an area I’m researching jobs in): the Birmingham STC. This Facebook page gives information about upcoming meetings, STC events and news, and even, at times, local jobs. Social media opportunities like this make it much easier for people like me to get their names out in the professional world and maybe even make career-making connections BEFORE D-Day (graduation). And, of course, I’m a member of LinkedIn, which is all about “linking” up with other professionals and employers who are looking for you. And how will they find you if you’re not looking for them, too? Online social networks have made the task of proactively searching jobs easier (and probably more effective) than beating the streets and calling employers countless times (though that certainly doesn’t hurt, either).

And after I find my perfect job, I’ll have the resources and wee hours of the night to peruse animal welfare organizations with an online presence, such as the Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA, so that I can better understand what it’s going to take to save the world one cat at a time…and find the support I’ll need to do it.