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First impressions not only occur with those we don’t know, but those we are familiar with as well. This point is proven in the December issue of Mass Appeal Magazine. Our contributors cover all. From a change in workplace to gift etiquette to a star on her rise, it’s time to say “Hello, nice to meet you.” First impressions are also about receiving. We forget this all too often.  

Career Firsts 

Let’s begin with December’s ‘Transferable.’ Elaine Griffin’s drugstore job was her first impression of the work world. The skills she acquired transformed her life and resume. Griffin would learn that even though her future job was far from the drugstore world, the abilities she picked up there were a sort of gift.  

Now, it’s time to give a warm welcome to actress Leah Jeffries. She is the star highlighted in our ‘On the Rise’ section, written by Hannah Benson. Jeffries is one of the leads of the book to television adaptation of the Percy Jackson and The Olympians series. The fourteen-year-old actress is just getting started.  

First Impressions, Once More 

December revolves around the holidays. Therefore, it is often regarded as the month of gift giving. A thoughtful gesture can often go awry when we realize our loved ones don’t know us as well as we thought they did. This may mean re-gifting is in some of our futures. Etiquette expert, Jodi R. R. Smith, is here to help readers navigate the choppy waters of re-gifting. It doesn’t need to be the faux pas that it is often considered to be. Follow Smith’s guidelines in ‘Savoir Faire’ to ensure you re-gift properly.  

Meanwhile, Jennifer Johnson handles a different sort of holiday-related issue. Her ‘925’ piece is dedicated to college students arriving home for the holidays. Johnson reassures those who are stressed regarding their newly formed opinions and ideas that differ from their families. It may feel like a first impression with those who know them best. However, the meeting can go smoothly with the help of Johnson’s advice.  

The Gift of Meeting  

We end our ‘first impressions’ pieces with ‘910.’ Yousuf Munna chronicles a personal story about a chance encounter with an unhoused person. Munna notes how it changed his outlook on life and brought about a friendship. A true gift from one person to another.  

Give yourself a gift and read the full articles in Mass Appeal Magazine.