Is Southern Charm a Soft Skill? 

By: Erin D. McDonald

Thank you for taking the time to check out my first blog post with Success Training Institute! It’s a pleasure to introduce myself to you. I’m originally from Mississippi, where my knowledge about soft skills began through what some may refer to as “Southern Charm.”

Please, join me, as I travel down memory lane. As a child, some of my first words included, excuse me, yes please, and no thank you. Back then, I didn’t realize just how much of a benefit those foundational skills would be.

My parents, sister, and I moved from the countryside to the city, in search of opportunities we did not have in Mississippi. Firsthand, I experienced life through multiple lenses. I noticed the difference between the city residents versus the countryside occupants. People in the city seemed busier and less eager to talk.

To have emotional deficits within my native community was normal. So, the move to Georgia triggered my emotional competence hard. As I progressed in life, I learned that emotional intelligence is essential for me. I ask myself, “What does it mean to gain measurable skills?”

Honestly, at first, I didn’t know how to answer that question. So, I decided to take some healthy risks. In 2013, I joined the United States Air Force. The urge I had to learn about discipline so that I could increase my productivity was high. At some point throughout my military service, I felt connected to returning to college.

Initially, my college focus was to become a nurse. Then, I noticed, I wasn’t happily studying the material. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to help others, but it was more so about how could I help communities. I searched for answers as I worked several jobs. Each environment allowed me to learn more about how to effectively collaborate, my peers, and myself.

I’m thankful for this journey. The chance to study Public Health at my university has led me to SimplySuccess.com. By using the platform, I have already noticed an improvement in my college career readiness. I am confident that the skills I gain by being an intern for Simply Success will not only increase my chances of having a higher income but also my ability to connect with communities.