Why This Matters (and a True Story)

Recently, I posted that I was hiring. Within minutes, the responses flooded in—emails, DMs, applications. And you know what I did before replying to a single message?

I clicked on their Facebook Profile.

Before I ever spoke to a candidate, I already had an impression. And in many cases, I made a decision—not based on their resume, but based on their online presence.

One person looked great on paper, but when I checked their profile, it was filled with swearing, provocative photos, and posts that just didn’t reflect the values I need from someone working with kids. I didn’t even reach out. And honestly? That was a professional dealbreaker.

This isn’t to shame anyone. It’s a wake-up call.

Ask Yourself: Would You Hire You?

I work with children. I believe in being a role model, and I expect the people around me to share those values. But this goes beyond working in education or youth programming.

Maybe you’re a competitive dancer, a future college applicant, or a pageant titleholder.

If you’re hoping for opportunities, leadership roles, scholarships, or attention from directors and judges, your social media is being viewed. Quietly. Without a warning.

So the question is: What story is your account telling?

3 Quick Things to Audit on Your Profile

🟢 Your Photos
Would you be okay with your future students, employer, or grandma seeing your top 9 grid?

🟢 Your Captions
Do your words align with who you want to be known as?

🟢 Your Vibe
Are you showing that you’re positive, coachable, passionate, or… just edgy and risky?

But What If My Account Is Private?

I hear this all the time:
“Well I have a public page for ‘real life’ and a private Finsta that’s just for friends.”

Here’s the reality: nothing is private anymore.

Screenshots get shared. Follows get crossed. And your reputation can be shaped by things you didn’t mean for everyone to see. It only takes one post to shift how someone sees you—and that someone might be a judge, director, employer, or scholarship committee.

A Better Rule: The Grandma Test

Before you post, ask:
🧓 “Would I be okay if Grandma saw this?”
If the answer is yes, you’re probably good to go.
If the answer is no… maybe it’s not worth posting.

Because future-you deserves a shot at every opportunity you’ve worked hard for. Let your feed reflect the leader, artist, or teacher you’re becoming—not just the version of you in a moment of stress, sass, or trying to be funny.

This episode isn’t about being perfect online. It’s about being aware.

Your story, your goals, your personal brand—they all matter. And in a world that sees you before they hear from you, your digital presence might be one of your strongest tools. So make sure it’s telling the story you want the world to hear.