I went Skydiving and Lived to tell the Story
I love adventures, but I’m NOT an adrenaline junkie. Skydiving has been a cool thing to do for a while now; two of my best friends went skydiving about 5 years ago and raved about it. Personally, I wasn’t particularly interested in jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet. I like solid ground, thank you!
I’ve thought about skydiving on and off and decided that I would only do something as crazy as this if I was doing it with the best views. So, I picked Switzerland or New Zealand as the only two places in the world that I would skydive. It was half cop-out, half challenge. Cop out because I had no immediate plans to visit either place. Challenge in that if I did have the privilege of going, then I already had something I’d committed to. This was definitely one of the highlights of my most recent trip. I’m sharing my steps to skydiving as a non-adrenaline junkie, enjoy!
Set a Goal and Tell Your Friends
I went to Switzerland this year, didn’t even consider skydiving. Then, New Zealand! Still unsure, I went through New Zealand and could’ve skydived in Fox Glacier or Wanaka but I didn’t. Then I got to Queenstown! My last stop, last chance. My friends told me go to for it (WhatsApp hype groups are the best thing since sliced bread)!
Pay For It
Fear! I was afraid, but I also really hate regrets, and the dislike for regret slowly began to overtake my fear of the jump. So, I left the hotel and went to book it. As I chatted with the guy at the desk, something clicked and I decided I was going to go for it. While I was at it, I decided that I might as well jump higher at 12,000 feet.
I paid! If you pay and don’t show up or cancel, you forfeit your money. It was not cheap, and we DO NOT waste money in my family. I was locked in to skydive in 48 hours.
Mind Over Matter
The weirdest thing happened to me: once it was locked in, I was not fearful anymore. I thought it was temporary but the day of the jump arrived, I waited for fear or panic. Nothing! We finally arrived at the zone and got suited up (the googles and hat were NOT cute). I checked my feelings: excitement, no fear. I met my dive master, cool dude. He apparently does this all the time, up to 10 jumps a day during busier times! That put me even more at ease! He told me we’d be jumping out of the plane first. In retrospect, I think this was a good idea, as I didn’t have to freak myself out by watching someone else jump. Now the other ladies in my group…not so calm!
Enjoy The Views
Soon we taking off in the plane. I looked out through the window, and my goodness what a sight!! The view of the Remarkables (mountain range) on one side and Lake Wakitapu on the other! Wow! I knew the view was worth the wait. Plus, If I was jumping out of a plane for this view, it’s absolutely worth it!
The plane ride was about ten minutes. In that time, we recorded some clips and the master attached me to himself. We were jumping together after all. He reminded me of where to keep my feet once we jumped off the plane, and when to spread my arms or just pose in general. I was ready. Once he said go. I pushed my head back over my shoulder and tucked my feet under the plane as instructed. Anndddd we were offfff!
Free Falll but Keep Your Eyes Open!
FREEE FREAKING FALLL Y’ALL!! Your heart skips a beat or two or three as you well…fall out of the sky. I open my eyes wide and it was AMAAAZZINNGGG. Such a rush, better than any roller coaster ride! I got the tab to do whatever and I spread out my arms, did a dab and a shoki (dance moves) somewhere in there. The views, they were to LIVE for. Ahhhh. I kept saying ‘Oh My gosh, this is amazing. ’ And then…
The parachute was released and we were kinda dangling in the air slowly for a few minutes as we came down. Not going to lie, I didn’t enjoy the first minute or so as we got used to being ‘hanging’ around and I can totally see how someone could get nauseous in this phase. The views though were absolutely amazing.
Soon…it was over and I was super duper excited. Its one of the coolest, out-of-my-comfort zone things I’ve done and I did not pee in my pants. I High fived my dive master, Did a little boomerang to celebrate, as you do, and I sent messages to let my friends and siblings know I made it down to earth.
What Lies On The Other Side of Fear?
Crazy thing though, is that fear is just that! But I (we) give it way too much power over us. I find it crazy that I was no longer afraid once I decided in my mind that I was going for it. This was a stark reminder to me to continue to step out and do things in spite of the fear I feel. Why? Because what lies on the other side of fear: the amazing, the miraculous, and by gosh, is it thrilling!
I also have to admit that having a dive master definitely made the world of difference, it gave me a sense of security having someone experienced attached to me, jumping with me, assuring me, and telling me to enjoy the ride. Isn’t this how life with God in the driver’s seat is supposed to be? I totes had a Isaiah 41:10 and Joshua 1:9 moment/epiphany.
Have you been skydiving? How would you describe it? Is it on your list of planned adventures? As for me, I’d totally do it again, and this time from 15,000 feet!
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This is who died from Street Outlaws
Street racing is an enthralling sport, at least to the adrenaline junkie, but there is always an existential risk of someone getting hurt or even dying.
Fans of Discovery Channel’s Street Outlaws will attest that it is always worrying when you no longer see your favorite racer on the show. You begin to wonder whether they died in a crash.
Well, so far, more than one racer from Street Outlaws has passed away. The case of their deaths will surprise you; you would not expect them to bow out the way they did.
If you are curious about who died from Street Outlaws, keep reading for all the deets!
Tyler ‘Flip’ Priddy on Street Outlaws
Tyler “Flip” Priddy | Source: Twitter
Tyler Priddy, fondly known as Flip, was among the first cast members of the Street Outlaws series on Discovery. He only appeared on the show’s first season before meeting his untimely death in May 2013.
Despite being on Street Outlaws for such a short time, Flip garnered a ton of fans. Racing enthusiasts loved his unstifled ambition to be the best in the street-racing world, and indeed, he was.
His departure certainly left a big void, given that he was a major player in the street racing industry.
Tyler Priddy of Street Outlaws: Upbringing and Background
Tyler was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, on November 30, 1981, to Glenda and Gene Priddy. He went to Hinton Elementary School and later graduated from Putnam High School.
Flip and fellow Street Outlaws racer Justin ”Big Chief” Shearer were childhood buddies. This is why Big Chief was visibility devasted by Tyler’s death.
After graduating from high school, Flip got a job as a storekeeper to support his racing hobby. He later went on to work with a construction company known as Warren Caterpillar. His employer was instrumental in supporting Flip’s racing career through much-needed sponsorships. He did not disappoint and became a star with his ’80 El Camino Chevrolet.
Through sheer hard work, passion, and good old hustling, Flip was eventually featured on Street Outlaws as one of the show’s first cast members for his amazing racing skills.
What Happened to Tyler ‘Flip’ Priddy on Street Outlaws?
Flip was not just popular among his racing fans. His fellow racers loved and respected him a lot too.
His friends and colleagues try to honor his memory for the decade since his passing throughout the show.
What did Flip from Street Outlaws die from?
His colleagues on Street Outlaws, including his childhood friend Big Chief and Kamikaze, have never openly spoken about what happened to Flip. Also, there are no official records online to show the exact cause of the 31-year-old’s death.
With no clear answers as to what happened to the popular racer, there have been many rumors and gossip over the years trying to explain the reality star’s cause of death.
Some people have insinuated that he died in a car crash, while others say he died by suicide. A longstanding rumor is that Flip accidentally shot himself while he was drunk.
What we know to be true is that Tyler’s body was found at his home in Yukon, California, on May 28, 2013.
Christopher Scott Ellis on Street Outlaws
Someone else from Street Outlaws who died is Christopher Scott Ellis, aka Kentucky. Chris Ellis was not a racer, but he appeared as a mechanic since the Discovery show’s inaugural season.
Chris was born on November 7, 1980, in Kentucky to Loleta Sullins and Bruce Ellis. After graduating from Log Cabin Learning Center, he worked several jobs before specializing in street-racing cars. His career as a mechanic began at the City Midwest Street Cars Automotive in Oklahoma.
When Street Outlaws premiered in 2013, the Kentucky-born mechanic was among the show’s first cast members. He remained at the show until 2018.
What Happened to Kentucky on Street Outlaws?
Chris Ellis on Street Outlaws
According to an obituary his family posted online, Christopher Kentucky Ellis of Street Outlaws died on September 9, 2020. His body was found at his home, where it was suspected that he died of a heroin overdose, although an initial autopsy and toxicology report was inconclusive.
His family revealed that Chris Ellis was a hard worker and a quick learner. The celebrity mechanic also loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter. However, they did not state the cause of his death. Christopher Ellis was laid to rest on September 18, 2020.
Kentucky on Street Outlaws was survived by his mother, three sisters, Alana Messer, Amanda Scothorn, Amber Whobrey, and three brothers, Quentin Ellis, Robbie Ellis, and Logan Justice.
Gypsy Mike From Street Outlaws
An exceptional driver with great strategy and a sharp mind, Gypsy Mike was undoubtedly one of the best racers in the history of Street Outlaws.
The California native said, “I have been racing for 25 years, and in the streets, I never lose.”
True to his word, the fierce drag racer was adored and feared within the street racing scene as he hardly lost in any of the races in which he participated.
Unfortunately, even as filming for the Discovery show went on, the west coast street racer was nowhere to be seen, and fans began wondering what happened to Gypsy Mike.
It emerged that Gypsy Mike of Street Outlaws had passed away.
What Happened to Gypsy Mike On Street Outlaws?
According to sources who spoke to The Sun, Gypsy Mike died on December 18, 2020.
Rumors in the grapevine had it that the reality TV star had succumbed due to COVID-19 complications.
Other more trusty sources confirmed that Gypsy Mike suffered a heart attack, which was the second time such an incident had happened.
Wayne Smozanek from Street Outlaws
No-prep and Pro Modified racer Wayne Smozanek was among the biggest stars on Street Outlaws. Wayne is the most recent member of Street Outlaws to pass away.
The racer drew a crowd of fans from all over the country. Smozanek’s natural smarts and dare-devil attitude saw him stay at the top of his game on the show.
Wayne’s passion for monster trucks was no secret. He was the creator behind the original Tropical Thunder Truck and was featured widely in the racing industry media.
Wayne Smozanek, born in Florida, has a long history with automotive. In 1988, he owned the Performance Center Auto Repair in Florida. He regularly participated in monster truck competitions and no-prep drag races in Florida.
Before his demise, Wayne Smozanek competed in Street Outlaw’s spin-offs Mega Cash Days, No Prep Kings, and America’s List, among others in his Ford Probe.
What Happened to Wayne on Street Outlaws?
In the weeks leading up to his death, his wife Wendy reported on social media that veteran drag racer Wayne Smozaneka had been admitted to the ICU for six weeks battling the effect of Covid-19.
Wendy had been posting updates saying his condition was improving, only to announce on February 14, 2022, that Wayne had succumbed to his illness.
The 60-year-old is survived by his wife and son. Fans and longtime friends from all over the country shared their condolence on social media after the news of Wayne’s passing broke out.
It is sad to lose such smart, skilled, and beloved drag racers. But, the upside is they left their street-racing fans with great memories they will forever cherish.
How To Answer “How Did You Hear About This Position?”
If you’re not prepared to explain how you heard about this job, it can start your interview off poorly and possibly cost you the job offer (first impressions count for a lot, and employers often ask this VERY early).
So in this article, I’m going to walk you through how to answer, “how did you hear about us?” with sample answers, do’s and don’ts, and more.
Let’s get started…
Why Employers Ask “How Did You Hear About the Position?”
Employers ask this question for a few reasons.
First, they honestly want to know. They’re curious.
You see, employers post jobs in many different places, and if they find a candidate they like (you), they’re curious how you found them.
For example, maybe they posted their position on two job boards, and also created a YouTube video about their hiring needs. They want to know which of their efforts are most effective, so they’ll often begin an initial phone interview by asking a question like, “how did you hear about this job?”
There’s one more reason they ask, too… And this is where you can make a mistake if you’re not careful…
They’re asking you how you heard about them because they want to hire someone who’s being targeted and specific in their job hunt. Employers want to hire someone who knows what they want.
They don’t want someone who will accept any job they can get. They’d much rather get someone who’s excited for THEIR specific job… because they think that person will be more motivated, more energetic, etc.
So you need to make sure your answer shows that you have intent and purpose in your job search, and you didn’t just stumble onto their job randomly, along with 1,000 other jobs you’ve applied for.
Because if you sound like that, you aren’t going to a job offer from top companies. (FYI- if you want more help knowing why companies reject people, we have an in-depth article on 16 reasons you can’t find a job).
Answering “How Did You Hear About Us?” – 10 Sample Answers
In most cases, it’s perfectly fine to tell the truth when you explain how you heard about their job. If ANY of these reasons are true, you can simply tell the truth in the interview:
- You were looking actively for jobs and found it on a job board, careers website, while searching jobs on LinkedIn, etc., and that’s how you first saw their job
- You have a colleague or friend in the company who suggested you apply or mentioned they were hiring
- You have a colleague or friend who doesn’t work in the company right now, but heard they were hiring and suggested you apply
- You read an article, press release, or other news source saying they were hiring
- You read an article or other news source that made you interested in the company in general, so you decided to look for job openings with them
- You were contacted by a recruiter who put you in touch with the company or made you aware of the company
- You were visiting their website for another reason and saw their “Careers” page
- You like their company in general and went to their website and “Careers” page specifically to look for a job opening because you’d like to work for them
- You saw an advertisement for a job opening (on LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.)
- You were familiar with the company via previous work (for example, if they were a competitor of yours in a previous job)
Those are all really good reasons for how you heard about the job, and can help lead into your explanation of why you applied for the position too. It’s a slightly different interview question, but closely-related.
So, that’s how to answer this question easily and effectively. There are some things you need to avoid doing too…
Mistakes to Avoid When Answering “How Did You Hear About This Position?”
Now that you’ve seen some good sample answers for how you heard about the job, let’s look at what NOT to say. These are all answers you should avoid giving:
- Don’t say you’re not sure or don’t remember (you’ll seem scattered or disorganized in your job search – which will make it harder to get hired)
- Don’t do anything to make it sound like you are applying for every job you find, like a desperate job seeker who doesn’t care what job they get as long as they get hired
- Do not tell a lie that could get you caught (like saying you saw them on a job board if you’re not sure they posted any jobs on a job board)
So the best way to answer “How did you hear about the position?” is to either tell the truth, or if you can’t, use one of the 10 good reasons I mentioned in the previous section (after verifying that it COULD be true).
Also, the best answers are concise and to-the-point. So make sure you keep it brief too. If the interviewer wants more info, they’ll ask.
I’d recommend keeping your answer to one or two sentences maximum. Nobody’s trying to trip you up or catch you with a mistake when they ask how you heard about the position. It’s not a trap. It’s just an icebreaker or a way to get the interview started and find out a bit about your job search and how you’re looking for jobs.
“How Did You Hear About the Position?” Full Sample Answers:
Now let’s go through some sample word-for-word answers for how you found out about the position.
This will help you get comfortable and get some ideas you can use to create your own answer. We’ll start with an example for active job seekers, and then I’ll give you an example if you’re a passive job seeker or are interviewing while you have a job.
Sample Answer for Active Job Seekers:
“I’m actively job searching right now, and found your job posting on LinkedIn while searching for Senior Engineer positions. I reviewed the job description on LinkedIn before applying and it seemed like a great potential fit so I wanted to apply and learn more about the opportunity to see if it’s a good match.”
Sample Answer for Passive Job Seekers:
“I wasn’t actively looking for a job change, but a colleague mentioned that she saw you were hiring on your website, and said she had heard good things about your work environment. I went to your website and did some reading on the Careers page and liked what I saw, so I decided I should apply and learn more about the opportunity.”
The bottom line is: The best and most impressive job seekers show that they’re being careful in their job search and are looking for the RIGHT job, not just any job.
So that should be your goal when you answer, “how did you hear about the position?” – show the company that you’re job searching with purpose and not desperately applying everywhere in search of any employer that will take you.
How to Stand Out from Other Job Seekers When Answering
The top job seekers focus on going into the interview to learn more about a job, have a conversation, and find out if it’s a good fit for both sides. They’re not desperate, and they’re not even sure they want the job. They went to learn about it, ask the interviewer some questions, and then make a decision.
If you can do this, you’ll get more job offers from better employers. Hiring managers love this, and very few people are doing it properly so you’ll stand out right away.
You demonstrate this by having a clear, concise answer to, “how did you hear about the position?”
…And then by showing confidence and never acting desperate in the interview, and by asking great questions. Here are the best questions to ask recruiters. (You’ll often hear interview questions about how you heard about the job in the first interview with a recruiter).
If you follow the steps above and read some of the additional resources I’ve linked to, you’ll be on your way to standing out and getting a job offer in your next interview… and you’ll have a great answer for when they ask, “how did you hear about this position?”
About the Author Biron Clark
Biron Clark is a former executive recruiter who has worked individually with hundreds of job seekers, reviewed thousands of resumes and LinkedIn profiles, and recruited for top venture-backed startups and Fortune 500 companies. He has been advising job seekers since 2012 to think differently in their job search and land high-paying, competitive positions.
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Source https://www.wellwornheels.com/i-went-skydiving-and-lived-to-tell-the-story/
Source https://www.glossyfied.com/this-is-who-died-from-street-outlaws/
Source https://careersidekick.com/how-did-you-hear-about-this-position-answer/