August 30, 2010

            Typical first week of school: getting acquainted with one's new schedule, class locations etc., possibly a few assignments, but for the most part, easing into the start of a fresh semester. 
-- Haha. Not quite what comprised this past week. No complaints here though, I was ready to hit the ground running, which is good because my mortar filled up before I had a chance to blink. Between meetings, schedule adjustments, supply errands, and jumping into design projects, my life quickly got back to normal - busy and exciting. Every day as an OSU Cowboy is a good day!

            The first OSU Student Foundation(StuFu) meeting of the semester was Tuesday. I always look forward to a new year in this organization because it means that new members, both freshman and upper class-men will join. I remember my first year in StuFu fondly and the great impact that it has made on my character and my continued involvement in philanthropy. Due to this, it makes me excited for new members and the benefits and enjoyment they’re sure to gain from this awesome organization!

            Thursday came the first CKI meeting of the semester. CKI’s motto is “Live to Serve. Love to Serve,” and that’s definitely what we do! We’ve already gotten full swing into outlining our annual service projects as well as implementing new ones. For instance we’re planning on joining Kiwanis International (the adult branch of CKI) in the Eliminate Project. This will protect the lives of babies and their mothers by eliminating maternal/neonatal tetanus (MNT), a disease that kills an estimated 60,000 newborns and 30,000 mothers each year. The Eliminate Project will deliver life-saving vaccines to the most vulnerable women and children in the world: those in remote and difficult to reach areas; conflict zones; and with little access to healthcare. We have an exciting, service-filled year ahead!

            When Friday finally arrived, I was a little relieved to have completed the first week, although anticipation for the remainder of the year and of course football season is sky high! That evening I attended the “Design Cookout” for AIGA. It was great to see familiar faces, but even more, mingling about design classes, after actually experiencing them for a week was great. I know that AIGA will be a wonderful resource, even more than it has been, as I progress and hopefully enter the graphic design program at OSU. Here’s a pic from the event.

            My alarm sounded very early Saturday morning as I awoke for the OSU Student Foundation member retreat. It was an action-packed afternoon: John Talley and friendly OSU FCA volunteers welcomed us to his ranch as we participated in team building exercises and ice breakers. We returned to the Foundation for lunch, a few informative workshops, crafts, committee goals and much more! The day was definitely a success and I had a blast getting to know the great people I will be working with this year Here are a couple pics from the activities at the ranch!

 

            The majority of the weekend, other than the retreat was spent trying to stay on top of the projects and homework that lie ahead this week. I know this will be a challenging semester, but also one of the best.

Go Pokes!

August 23, 2010

            Every year welcomes excitement and new experiences when you're an Oklahoma State Cowboy! This semester surely promises no less, and I'm looking forward to sharing my adventures and love for OSU once again. I'm very grateful to have been chosen as the Scholar Blogger for an additional year. Before I continue with the events of Stillwater, Okla., I'll recap my summer season.

            Although I worked in my hometown of Weatherford, Okla., for the majority of the time, my job at the Farmers Coop has never served as a burden. Over the past five summers, the employees have become more like friends and family, and I continue to be challenged in my work. I'm grateful for the opportunity each summer.

            The significant and yes, “life changing” highlight of my summer was visiting my brother in California. Clay is an’08 OSU grad - mechanical engineering. If you’ve read the blog previously, you may remember my visit to see him last summer was in Minnesota, however, he is with the same company but now works in Irvine, Calif., and lives in Newport Beach on the peninsula - tough break, haha. My mom and I were extremely fortunate to be able to spend 12 action-packed days in “SoCal” and it was the vacation of a lifetime. We spent a lot of time researching the area months before (I read the travel book like a novel ), which made a difference because we had all our days planned out when we arrived. Of course I had my camera with me everywhere, capturing approximately 900 pics total; so it's hard to describe in a blog entry the breathtaking scenery while paragliding over the ocean, or the feeling of meeting with a donor who is largely responsible for funding your education. But I will do my best to summarize the amazingness that comprised my first visit to the state of California. 

            Laguna, Malibu, Newport, and Huntington Beach all were just names on reality TV shows before this summer. “The Beach Cities” truly are magnificent places to be, always bustling with activity and one can’t forget the 75 degree weather - awesome . Every day seemed to be more beautiful than the last as my mom and I journeyed to the San Bernardino National Forest, La Jolla where I paraglided tandem off a cliff, and Laguna to Arts Festivals. My brother joined us on the two full weekends we were there and in the evenings; He showed us around L.A.: The Getty Center was outstanding and Griffith Park! The last weekend we took a catamaran to Catalina Island or Avalon. Snorkeling in clear blue, fish-populated waters and hiking were on the agenda there! Overall the trip had the perfect amount of “going and doing” and relaxing in the sun; about 80:20! One major focal point of the trip still remains though!

            Since my freshman year at OSU I have been fortunate to receive a scholarship from the Former Agents of the FBI Foundation and the past two years, my scholarship has come from the same individual who happens to live in Coronado, California. I have been in contact with Mrs. Hashman since I first received the scholarship in 2009, but meeting her in person far surpassed anything I could have imagined. This woman is truly amazing; her giving nature, accomplishments, and personality are all an inspiration! I can't express enough how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to meet the person that has made and continues to make such a major impact on my education and my life. Scholarships in general are solely the reason I am able to call Oklahoma State University my home and I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to receive an education at this prestigious university. My passion for giving back is ever-growing due to the generosity I've been afforded.

Here are just a few pictures from my trip

The gardens at the Getty Center.	Paragliding at Torrey Pines!
Mrs. Hashman, my mom, and I in Coronado!	Clay and I snorkeling on Catalina Island

            When our plane landed in Okla. and it was back to reality and triple digit weather, all that was on my mind was getting packed and returning “home.” Each year the excitement of summer lasts about a week and I’m ready to be right back in the midst of the orange spirit that resides here at Oklahoma State University.

            Sunday really jump-started my excitement for this semester with the annual Scholars Round Up! This year as a member of the OSU Student Foundation, I also got to help out with the event, which was a great time. I look forward to this event because it's the day before school reconvenes and I always get to catch up with friends and familiar faces that I haven’t seen for the duration of the summer. Coupled with working alongside STUFU members whom I hadn’t seen since may made it a great day!

Here are a couple pics from the event.

Some STUFU members at the event.	Awesome cookies!

            CKI also had a board meeting that afternoon. It’s great to get things planned out for the beginning of the semester, and what’s better than getting geared up for service!

GO POKES!

           

 

May 10, 2010

Monday began with an art history final and my final drawing project due. With those completed, it was on to my remaining finals, which were scheduled on Tuesday and Wednesday. Although sleep deprived, I wasted no time in packing and loading my car when returning from my last final Wednesday morning. My checkout time was that afternoon, so I didn't have much time to spare. I have thoroughly enjoyed my room on campus this year so it was a little bittersweet to vacate everything. I arrived home to a home-cooked meal and savored every bite, haha.

The remainder of the week consisted of some quality family time and unpacking. Mothers Day was a wonderful afternoon spent at my grandparent's house. I'm so fortunate to have been able to share such a special day with my mom and my grandmother; the two most influential people in my life. It's hard to believe I start work at the Farmer's Cooperative Exchange today, the 10th, but I'm excited all the same. It has been nice to have a few days to relax, but work will be good change of pace.

I feel very fortunate that I have been given the opportunity to share my activities and passion for Oklahoma State University through the blog this year! It gives me great pleasure to document my activities and reflect on how truly amazing my experiences with the education and the university community in general at OSU have been thus far. I appreciate those who have followed my blog this year! I'm one of thousands who feel the same about this astounding university! Here's a picture from the graduation ceremony that commenced this weekend!

Go Pokes!

 

May 3, 2010

It is almost surreal to me that this week has arrived, pre-finals week of spring semester! When reflecting on the past year, so many great things have occurred, yet it all seems to have flown by as well. It honestly feels as though I was composing my very first blog not that long ago! Now I'm gearing up for finals week, already anxious for the summer and the fall semester that lie ahead!

Monday was spent securing my storage unit, running a few errands and getting started on my preparation for finals. As I took more and more decorations and posters off my walls, and packed my belongings away, the feeling of leaving in a week really began to set in.

Tuesday was an exciting break from studying; I attended the Branding Success faculty launch at the Wes Watkins Center representing the OSU Student Foundation. When I arrived, I greeted guests as they entered the luncheon. The decorations were extravagant, with OSU-themed balloon arrangements and table pieces. Coupled with the OSU band, “Orange Power” was abundant that afternoon! Although I was assisting outside the program, I heard the confetti guns shoot and the faculty cheer as President Burns Hargis ended his statement! When people flowed from the assembly room, we gave away lots of great Branding Success items, which is always fun, haha. After most people had cleared out, I headed back to my room to finish up a few tasks before my drawing class.

Thursday arrived and I had an exam that fortunately I wasn't too worried about, but was glad to have out of the way so I could really focus on my finals studying. Friends from neighboring states also arrived Thursday to attend the annual Calf Fry here in Stillwater. Although I have yet to attend this renowned event due to the timing, my friends had a great time and it was good to see them for a little bit!

Sunday, it was refreshing to see my mom for a few hours, when she came to take a load of my things back to Weatherford so I can make it home in one trip next week. We also moved the large items out of my room and into storage, it was a productive day, but now I really am ready to be home .

The memories that accumulate on a daily basis at Oklahoma State University truly are remarkable. When reminiscing on an entire year here, I feel so extremely fortunate to be attending this prestigious university; it is my home. Although a break from school is nice, that lasts about a week (haha), and I'm ready to be back amidst the orange spirit that comprises this wonderful community! It's not quite over yet though, I've got finals ahead of me to focus on; I'm almost there!

Go Pokes!

April 26, 2010

The week sped to a start with two deadlines on Monday in my Art History and Drawing class. An exam followed the next day. By Tuesday my time was being occupied by somewhat monotonous tasks, but necessary nonetheless. As the semester comes to a close, since I won’t be living on campus next year, I plan on keeping most of my belongings in storage over the summer. I researched the details of a few storage facilities in Stillwater and talked to a couple friends, having never rented myself; I’m sure it’ll work out great!

We all are aware that surprises come when we least expect them, Wednesday, unfortunately was a prime example. I awoke with a severe headache, which I didn’t expect to last over the course of that day and Thursday. As mentioned in a previous blog, migraines have been something I’ve learned to live with for years, despite attempts to remedy them. Friday, I was back on my feet again though! Migraines aren’t conducive to productivity, however, so a little behind and having missed a couple meetings, I had the weekend ahead of me to get back on track before finals!

Friday after class, I met at the Murphy House for the Student Foundation executive officer transition meeting. This is a very helpful way for incoming officers to feel more prepared for the year to come, and for the outgoing officers to reflect and evaluate their own performance. The remainder of the day was spent beginning to pack a few things from my room, and on homework.

Sunday, Circle K International met to partake in one of my favorite service projects: Adopt-a-Street. With our brightly colored attire, we search for all the trash, big or small, along the roadside. At the end we all compare who had the best “find” of the afternoon, which never ceases to provide a few laughs. Here are a couple pictures from the event.

Go Pokes!

April 20, 2010

As school is winding down, activities and my to-do list seem to be winding up! I don't mind, however, this allows for the time to speed by as I look forward to the approaching summer.

Once my Art History test was out of the way on Monday I attended an information session on an interesting prospective internship. Southwestern Company employs college students each summer to virtually run their own small business and gain the corresponding rewards. Although I knew it wasn't a possibility for this summer due to my prior commitment in Weatherford, it never hurts to see what's out there!

Tuesday evening, OSU Student Foundation met for the last meeting of the year. In StuFu, we always end on a powerful and positive note, with the newly selected members in attendance and good food, the evening was full of exciting activities. First, members filed together with smiling faces behind a video camera to recite a poem in unison about gratitude for giving and support to send to donors! Afterward, the graduating seniors were featured, and it was announced that a brick with each of their names would be engraved along Library Lawn! Then the new members were introduced and we all partook in an interactive ice breaker. The meeting ended with the announcement of two scholarships, one for best new member, and overall best member. At a recent exec meeting we discussed the idea of giving these two awards, and thought it would be great due to all the hard work members do throughout the year. This is also good incentive for others to stay motivated and active within StuFu. Members voted on their choices for the awards at the last meeting. Another amazing year in the OSU Student Foundation to add to the books.

Serving others and giving back is so important to the world in which we live. I feel as one enters high school and college the opportunities to do these acts grows, which I am thankful for, but what about those who have a heart for service before they're even in high school? I'm referring to the Builder's Club, part of the Kiwanis family, whom I get to interact with often as a member of CKI. Wednesday, a fellow CKI'er and myself went to the Builder's Club meeting to express our gratitude for their service and to inform them about Key Club and Circle K International. I truly do admire their efforts, to be in junior high and have those values on their mind is enlightening! It was a pleasure to thank them for what they do and convey how important the service is that they're performing.

Thursday consisted of an adviser appointment, an interview and a CKI meeting. The interview was for a press release for the Student Philanthropist of the Year Award, and it was an honor to have the chance to delve further into to my gratitude for the award. At CKI, we were happy to have a celebrity attend; none other than Stillwater's rodeo star Will Howell. We watched an exciting video montage of his numerous competitions and awards, and learned a lot about this determined young man. His dad, one of his biggest fans, also attended and added lots of fun stories and interesting facts about Will. It seems it would be near impossible to balance rodeo, school and life with the schedule that he possesses. We all wish him the best of luck in his professional rodeo career! Here's a photo from the meeting.

Friday after an exam, I attempted to complete as much homework as possible due to the upcoming officer training I would be attending. Saturday morning, I left for the annual WOW or Weekend Officer Workshop, which was hosted by Oklahoma City University. CKI chapters from all over the Texas-Oklahoma District traveled to make it to this event, 67 members total present. Although this will be my third year as secretary, there's always room for improvement and the other officers present provide valuable feedback and information. Also, a new incoming district board makes it vital to attend this meeting because each officer works differently than their predecessor and I report to them. Not to mention, the reuniting of friends and meeting of new ones, what could be better! During Saturday's program we had an alcohol and drug awareness speaker, especially important because that is the district project this year. I have heard a number of discussions on this subject, but I was honestly impacted by this one more than any I have experienced before. Terry Simpson, an outpatient drug and alcohol counselor at St. Anthony's, spoke with us that afternoon. I know the consequences for alcohol and drugs and no part of it appeals to me due to those consequences, however, being a college student in a college setting, those things do occur. It was just remarkable how his program meant more than statistics and I wish I could convey his words to others. A few key things that he stressed were, “drugs and alcohol removes your purpose and meaning,” and “Change only happens in your head if it comes from your heart.” The way he clarified the latter statement is by giving us the scenario that we had made the decision to drink and drive and we were killed; he then had us compose a goodbye letter to our friends and family. Talk about intense! It truly broke my heart to even fathom that situation. He also said, “think enough of yourself not to put your life or others in danger.” The rest of the weekend was filled with leadership, fellowship and service! It was great to see everyone and it is such a great feeling to be excited about service and gain ample ideas for new projects! Here are some pictures!

OSU CKI!

Upon returning Sunday, I hit the books, Monday's assignments approaching all too quickly! Weekends like that leave me with a positive outlook on life and motivation when it's so crucial now at the end of the semester.

Go Pokes!

April 12, 2010

This week was definitely a motivating, inspirational, and exciting week that will remain with me forever. Attending the Women for OSU's annual Symposium never ceases to deliver life-changing sentiments and powerful insight. That extraordinary afternoon, coupled with my regular meetings, service, and a visit from my family, provided a delightful week at OSU!

Tuesday late afternoon, I felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders after finishing back-to-back exams. I've been lucky this semester with the scheduling of my tests being on different days for the most part. Although it turned out fine, it did supply a decent amount of stress, which I was happy to have relieved.

The following morning I awoke to a very a significant day. As I got ready for the 2010 Women for OSU Symposium with guest speaker Nancy Brinker, thoughts of philanthropy swam through my head. It was an honor to be a guest of Anne Greenwood, chairman of the Women for OSU Council and devoted philanthropist. Also to be attending as a finalist for the Student Philanthropist of the Year Award was such an immense privilege; service is an act that I truly love performing and the fact that that passion is being seen by others is so amazing to me. Simply being a part of the six young women nominated, I felt so grateful. As the winner for the 2010 Student Philanthropist of the Year Award was announced, I honestly couldn't believe my ears as my name was one of the two winners this year. Rachel Branch was also the Student Philanthropist of the year! I was awestruck as I approached the stage, to greet the room of truly influential, inspiring women before me. Their bold examples of giving that seem to have no limits are what inspire me on a daily basis. The fact that I am enabled to attend college and, therefore, obtain a career due to a few extremely generous individuals is what empowers me with a desire to give back as well. The award was only one highlight of the afternoon, as the program progressed with table discussions and more impassioned words. Lola Lehman was named the 2010 Philanthropist of the year, and much deserved, at age 100, she and her sisters have helped so many students at OSU. I myself was fortunate enough to receive a Lola Lehman and Lottie Herd scholarship while in the College of Human Environmental Sciences and she is definitely a self-sacrificing woman that gave when most of us would have thought we didn't have enough for ourselves. The incredible impact she has made on students at OSU is remarkable! The Susan G. Komen Foundation is so profoundly important to our society and the search for a cure for breast cancer it is unbelievable. The number of lives that have been touched and that continue to be affected by this organization are astonishing. I was utterly impressed by Nancy Brinker's statement that afternoon; what an inspiring woman! The number of individuals that make the program possible, such as researchers, Walk for the Cure coordinators, etc., is heartening. She spoke specifically about the “power of one,” which really moved me. The power of one is strong, and although you may be one person, you can change lives; you plus one, plus one, plus one, etc., can really create a powerful outcome! Here are some pictures from the event!

Rachel Branch, Nancy Brinker, and Me	Me and Anne Greenwood

Thursday I met at the Murphy House for a Student Foundation Exec meeting to discuss our last general meeting! It is hard to believe the year is coming to a close already. Afterward, CKI met and discussed upcoming business and finalized shifts for the upcoming Kiwanis Pancake Dinner.

Friday evening CKI'ers and Builders Club convened at First United Methodist Church ready to cook and serve pancakes to help support Kiwanis! An annual event that we assist Kiwanis with every year, I have really come to enjoy flipping pancakes by the hundreds, haha. From 5-8 we mixed batter, flipped pancakes, served drinks, and helped customers that came to support Kiwanis. Saturday morning we arrived bright and early to serve people that came from 8-1. Although we stay busy during this event, the Kiwanians are such a wonderful group of people to be around. They are so kind-hearted and humorous, which makes any task enjoyable! Here are some picture from Friday and Saturday.

Right after I returned from the dinner my mom, grandparents and aunt arrived to see my dorm at OSU before I start packing up for the summer. We had a nice short visit and lunch! I wish they could have stayed longer because it was back to reality and the large amount of homework that remained for the time left for the weekend.

During weeks such as this, it is hard to believe that I can be so blessed by the influences and wisdom of so many incredible people. I truly am grateful for all the opportunities I have been afforded thus far and look forward to many great experiences ahead at Oklahoma State!

GO POKES!

April 5, 2010

The week began with planning for the future as I met with my adviser to discuss fall '10 enrollment. There are certain speed bumps along the way, such as a number of classes only being offered in particular semesters. By planning out the remainder of one's college career in depth though, the best possible outcome can be achieved.

Tuesday, members of the OSU Student Foundation met at the Foundation and were ready to begin thanking the donors that contribute such a significant impact to their lives. Although this was our second Thank-a-thon of the year, it was different than the first. As mentioned before we had met with the Gift Planning department to coordinate that evening's event. They provided an extremely informative script that included information about the Heritage Society, and we supplied it to the members to look over before that night's meeting. We did a quick training with a few mock calls, and enjoyed refreshments before the calling began! In the calling center, Gift Planning executive officers and myself were on hand to answer any questions the callers or the donors receiving calls may have had. Although I thoroughly enjoy calling, this is also great because as I walk around, I witness all the cheerful and grateful voices of the students interacting with donors from all over the nation; what an awesome event! Throughout the course of this Thank-a-thon it was also a pleasure to get to know the wonderful ladies from the Gift Planning department! I personally learned about another branch of giving that I wasn't familiar with. Here are some pictures from the evening!

StuFu members getting exciting about thanking donors!	Debra Hulse, Heather Briggs, and Melinda McAfee from the Gift Planning department!

Thursday evening CKI had a special meeting at Perkins Restaurant for our new officer installation and the retirement of this year's executive team. We had a great turnout and reminisced about all the wonderful times and events we've participated in this year. The newly elected Lieutenant Governor traveled all the way from West Texas A&M to induct the 2010-2011 Oklahoma State CKI officers. It was an evening of celebration and I am confident that we will only continue to grow as a club and in the service we perform in the upcoming year! Here are a couple pics from the event.

	2010-2011 OSU CKI Officers!

Normally, I would have probably traveled home for Easter weekend, but this weekend was extra special! I have mentioned before the significant influence my family has had on character and the values that are instilled in me; my grandmother is a major part of that. Growing up in the same town as my mom's parents, from K-12 there was seldom a day that I did not see them. My grandmother is such a huge role model in my life; the lessons, wisdom and love she has given me over the years are incredible. Probably the greatest part is that I'm not the only one who she shares these gifts with; she is kind of heart and generous beyond compare to all she meets. The activeness and young spirit that remains with her amazes me on a daily basis. Naturally, for her 80th birthday, our entire family would convene to celebrate the love we all hold for her! So this weekend, for her birthday, I was fortunate to spend time with family I usually only see once or twice a year! This includes my brother, who is now a California beach bum (haha, kidding). It was wonderful catching up with everyone! Also, even though the grandkids are 24, 21, 20 and 17, we still each found a strategically hidden Easter egg, haha. Unfortunately with two major exams this coming Tuesday I had to focus on homework some of the time, but it was still an awesome weekend! Here are a couple pics!

The 4 of us with our eggs!	My cousin Allie and I with Gram!

 

March 29, 2010

I was ready to return to Stillwater as spring break came to an end, but it seems that any free time flies by too quickly. The week promised to be a busy one and I knew I needed to get my mind back into a studious mode.

 

Monday came with a deadline for a major drawing assignment that had occupied a majority of my time over the duration of the break. That evening after class, OSU Student Foundation execs met to grade the new member applications for those that will be joining the organization in the fall. I feel that this activity, although somewhat monotonous, is beneficial to me. I observe numerous applications and resumes, which provides a variety of different styles and layouts to how each applicant showcases themself. Also, I enjoyed a nice lunch with a friend at Eskimo Joe's in celebration of the end to my teenage years, haha.

 

An exciting meeting of role playing and learning took place on Wednesday afternoon! A fellow StuFu member, Kourtney Childers, and I met at the Foundation to plan for the upcoming Thank-a-thon. This semester, the night of gratitude will be focused on planned-gift donors, specifically from the Heritage Society, instead of the annual donors. We met with Melinda McAfee, the senior director of gift planning, and Heather Briggs, the gift planning program coordinator. As we participated in mock phone conversations with donors, we were able to work through possible scenarios that may arise with this specific type of donor. It was a lot of fun, I'm ready for the Thank-a-thon! That evening after class, I attended a very important and informational AIGA meeting. Sophomore review was being discussed, as well as giving anyone the opportunity to have his/her work reviewed by their peers. It's hard to believe that I will be in that position this time next year, but the information was extremely helpful and gave me a decent idea of what to expect. Viewing others' work whom are about to go through the process was also very beneficial.

 

Thursday, March 25^th, was a significant day for me. I can't begin to express the honor and joy I felt by being selected as a nominee for the Student Philanthropist of the Year Award and scholarship, given by the Women for OSU. That afternoon, I had my interview at the Foundation. Regardless of the outcome, this type of award which truly encompasses my passions is so meaningful, and I am wholeheartedly honored by the nomination. Directly following there was an OSU Student Foundation exec meeting that centered around upcoming events, including our next meeting, which will be the Thank-a-thon! CKI convened at 7 p.m. with the OSU Foundation's senior director of marketing and communications, Becky Endicott, as the guest speaker. About the time StuFu was exposed even to a portion of the Branding Success campaign, prior to the launch, I was overwhelmed with excitement for this awesome endeavor. It made my orange pride shine even brighter to know I was a part of a university who is seeking to provide any student their right to an education and is doing what it takes to make that and many other audacious goals a reality. I wanted to ensure more people heard about this wonderful campaign, so I asked Becky if she would discuss the subject at CKI. She happily agreed, and delivered an inspiring and informative program! Not to mention, she brought lots of free Branding Success items! Here's a picture from the meeting.

Sunday was here before I knew it and I arrived at the Murphy House to help conduct interviews for those applicants that did well in the grading portion of the new member selection. Although having done this activity earlier this year with the freshman members, it's always fun and beneficial. Similar to grading applications, witnessing numerous interviews also aids in providing a variety of interview techniques and allows me to asses my own behavior during an interview. I'm looking forward to getting to know and working with some outstanding new people!

 

GO POKES!

March 17, 2010

Witnessing examples of those who give back to others, their community, or their alma mater over the last two years has had a major impact on my life and my long-term goals. Donor dinners, like the one I attended Monday are prime resources for this type of influence. With the OSU Student Foundation, I have been afforded these opportunities and truly learn and grow from each experience. We met with Yancy and Christina Wright, young donors and alumni from OSU who came all the way from their current residence in Iowa. All in attendance were delighted by not only their knowledge and passions, but simply how they reminisced on their life at Oklahoma State. Here is a picture from the dinner.



Tuesday evening StuFu celebrated the members’ hard work during Cowboy Spirit with a special reception and meeting at the President’s House! Burns and Ann Hargis both were present and provided words of encouragement and support. The scholarship recipients from last year’s Cowboy Spirit were also invited and three joined us at the celebration. The scholarship fund was able to award eight $500 scholarships; this year, due to the growth of the event, 10 $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Since scholarships are the sole reason I am attending this prestigious university, I cannot begin to express how awesome it feels to be even a small part in making that difference in someone else’s life!! Here are a couple pictures from the evening.

With a test out of the way and my application for Student Foundation turned in, I was ready for a break!!!! The week was almost over. J

 

Thursday evening CKI met and had guest speaker Sara Boland from Stillwater’s Domestic Violence or Wings of Hope. She works as the program coordinator but it was obvious that everyone at the organization, due to low budget funding, works together to help people and families in need. There are a vast number of services that the organization provides that I was completely unaware of, such as free daily classes open to anyone. Also the materials, such as food, clothes, furniture, etc., that they provide to families when they depart the facility is truly incredible. Wings of Hope, the new name being implemented due to the sometimes negative connotation with Domestic Violence, is always accepting donations, such as the aforementioned or toys, toiletries, etc. As mentioned in previous blogs, CKI has made many fleece blankets; we presented them to Sara at the meeting. Although abuse does occur, people like Sara provide hope! Here’s a picture from the meeting.

Although I do not have any major plans over spring break, I could hardly contain my excitement to return home and relax for a short period. Unfortunately upcoming projects and tests will keep me pretty busy, but I’m sure it will be an enjoyable break nonetheless!

 

GO POKES!