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!