March 8, 2011

Two major scholarship deadlines started last week off with a jolt. They happened to be the last two applications of those I apply for annually though, phew! : ) No one who has gone through the scholarship application process will kid you that it is simple, but I am so very grateful that there are scholarships to fill out – that funding is available to assist students like myself in pursuing a college education. I can’t reiterate enough that the reason giving back has become so truly important to me is because I am affected by it first hand every day. I wouldn’t be attending this great university without the significant financial aid I have been afforded.

Tuesday, Merchandise and Apparel Design Association convened to listen to a guest speaker. This organization is awesome! The speakers that are brought in never cease to amaze me!! Amy Wopsle, the manager/event coordinator of “Posh” in Marlow, OK, spoke about the ‘ins and outs’ of owning a small business. Since my minor is entrepreneurship, it was awesome to hear many of the principles and ideas I’m currently studying applied in her real-life situation. She also discussed a book titled, “Raving Fans. A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service.” From the sound of her description it sounds like a must for anyone interested in customer-related fields. Amy discussed both a successful small business concept and details about “Posh” in general. It was easy to see that customer service is very important to them and their customers get a lot out of the shopping experience while visiting the store. Also, exciting news, a branch of this customer-friendly, trendy shop, “Posh,” will be coming to Stillwater around the summer months!

The remaining portion of the week was unfortunately less eventful. A migraine hit hard, which made it difficult to do much until relief was found. Although I can control these episodes for the most part, sometimes “it happens.” Though, a few positives do surface from a not-so-positive situation such as this. It is truly refreshing to be reminded of the kindness and comfort provided by friends and family in times of need! Not to mention, the test of endurance never fails to make me stronger! And it might traditionally be a Christmas song, but I can honestly fall asleep every night counting my many blessings!

Sometimes life throws us lemons….but who doesn’t love lemonade, right? I recently moved into a much better living situation and it has been exciting working to get everything situated! Here is a pic of one of the areas where I spend the most time, my desk.

GO POKES!