February 14, 2011

As the semester progresses, events and life in general are really speeding up – in a good way!! Cowboy Spirit is almost here, CKI trips are fast approaching, and my trip to Italy seems to be just around the corner!

The week commenced with the completion of a test for one of my online classes. I began preparing for another exam that was scheduled for the end of the week. That time in the semester has come when tests become an abundant part of a weekly routine.

Tuesday, as Stillwater prepared what was sure to be yet another dose of heavy snowfall, OSU Student Foundation met for our final general meeting before Cowboy Spirit! Ticket sales were turned and plans were finalized before the big night. The effort from everyone that goes into planning this event is great and it’s truly awesome every year to see it come to fruition. I have no doubt next Friday will be a success, if you’d like to support student scholarships, see Stoney LaRue and others live, go to www.osustudentfoundation.com for more information.

Snow definitely made its way to Oklahoma on Wednesday and OSU was closed due to the approximately 7 inches we received. Luckily I got a ride to work that afternoon, and once again had a little chance to catch up on some studies.

I had been looking forward to Friday evening all week; the Thank-a-thon has always been one of my favorite StuFu events! We had a good turnout and it was quite a few members’ first time to experience this type of donor event. What’s better than just calling a donor to say “Thanks”?! : )

Here’s a picture from the event.

Saturday was filled with homework and more scholarship work, but for the most part it was a relaxing afternoon. That evening, CKI helped at the Payne County Youth Services annual fundraiser event. This “Evening to Remember” really was a special night that was obviously carefully executed to ensure all aspects ran smoothly. The silent auction and raffle were a success, not to mention great jazz entertainment! This organization does so much good for the city’s youth and CKI is happy to help out in any way we can.

Here’s a picture of a display of artwork from PCYS.

March is fast approaching, then April, then… it’s hard sometimes not to get caught up in the big picture, when what you see is exciting. I’m ready for all that OSU holds in my remaining years at this wonderful university!

February 8, 2011

Life came to a halt this week in Stillwater and at OSU as the entire town and most of the state was covered in a heavy blanket of snow. Hopefully most people enjoyed a little unexpected time off and stayed safe during the winter storm.

There was a scholarship deadline during the week, luckily anticipating the weather, I submitted it before the weather got bad. The week had meetings scheduled almost every night, so as one after another were cancelled, my snow days really gave me a chance to relax! Despite pipes freezing, it was nice break that allowed me to get caught up on school work and sleep!

Also, despite the inclement weather it was my first full week of work. I’ve really enjoyed being in a new environment and have already learned a lot. I only work about 18 hours a week so it’s a great balance to my course schedule.

Here’s a pic on campus during the crazy weather.

Although the weather was still a bit questionable, I traveled home to Weatherford for the weekend to study for an exam and work on some upcoming scholarship deadlines. As always it was wonderful to see my family and my dog! Of course my grandmother spoiled me with her amazing cooking all weekend, no complaints here! : ) After being cooped up in my house it was great to return home and spend the weekend with my mom and grandparents.

It seems all too soon that Oklahoma will be hit again with frigid winter weather, but hopefully the conditions won’t be quite as severe as last week. Stay safe and warm!

GO POKES!

January 31, 2011

On Monday, the first class critique took place in my Typography course. As we all penned our letter arrangements on the wall, it was very beneficial to receive input from the other students and the professor. Also, objectively critiquing others’ work helped to understand more thoroughly the concept of the assignment.

Tuesday brought the first Arts and Sciences Student Council meeting of the semester followed by an OSU Student Foundation general meeting. In A&S StuCo, we voted on the approval of an organization to recognized status and approved fund allocation to benefit the educational trip for another. Later, at the Foundation, we all discussed ticket sales and many other details pertaining to the upcoming Cowboy Spirit event!

After my morning class on Wednesday, I arrived at NSSI for my first day on the job! The first day was full of information and procedures. With a little practice though, I think I’m really going to like it there! Also, having a break from the routine of school will be a nice change of pace during the week. That evening there was a special planning meeting for AIGA. We are organizing a Valentine’s Day themed fundraiser to help fund attendance to design workshops and speakers for the group.

Gallagher-Iba was overflowing with orange Wednesday night for the special recognition of “Remember the 10.” Regardless of the game’s outcome, the pride and reverence that resided within the arena that night was unrivaled.

The remainder of the week was spent organizing and composing information needed for three scholarships that were due Friday the 28th. Although this process can be daunting, it has paid off tenfold in the past and luckily it gets a little easier each year.

“What month is it??!” was a question I asked myself on Friday as I enjoyed the beautiful weather! Saturday was equally as nice; it really was a treat to have a couple warm, sun-soaked days! I finished out the weekend with homework and continued tasks for scholarships. Although preparing for a possible snowstorm, I’m ready for another week!

Here’s a pic from the beautiful afternoon I spent at Sanborn Lake.

Go Pokes!

January 24, 2011

The week began with a rush of tasks to accomplish, homework to complete, meetings to attend, and fun to be had. Now that I’m really back into a routine, I couldn’t be more pleased with how things are going thus far in the semester. College truly is a great time, filled with new opportunities and I’m so grateful that I’m attending Oklahoma State University!!

Tuesday, OSU Student Foundation execs met to discuss the evolving details of the annual Cowboy Spirit fundraiser! I always enjoy getting geared up to promote this event because it’s such an awesome campaign. It’s a “for the students, by the students” initiative that raises money to provide students with scholarships! This year Stoney Larue will be giving a special performance as well as serving as a guest judge for the “Battle of the Bands!” So mark your calendars now for February 18th, to support a great cause!

After class on Wednesday I had a job interview with a local company that sells student insurance, among other services. I am in two online classes this semester, which frees up some time during the weekdays. I’m hoping to take advantage of this time by gaining part-time employment.

Snow fell down overnight and was a large part of all that went on Thursday. Classes occurred without fail though and I bundled up for my trek across campus. Due to the weather, however, both of my meetings scheduled for that evening were cancelled. It was kind of nice to have extra time to complete homework and to start my weekend a little early.

Friday, I had a scheduled appointment with a tutor for one of my online classes. The information is fairly straightforward, but since these are my first online classes, I wanted to ensure that I’m covering and understanding the material fully. Not to mention free tutoring services, who could go wrong with that?!

Although I had a decent amount of homework over the weekend, I feel that my time management gets a little better with each passing semester. This means that I actually have time for a social life! : ) haha. It was a great weekend, and on Sunday I even got to practice my photography skills - one of my favorite hobbies!! A friend and I went around to a few locations in downtown Stillwater for a mini “photo shoot.” I had a blast, I hope to continue and gain more experience! Here’s a picture from the afternoon!

The first week back is always bittersweet. Returning to the Oklahoma State campus never fails to be an exciting and welcoming experience! Although, as my mortar board quickly fills and courses reconvene, I just have to dive back into a routine. No complaints here though, it’s always great to see familiar faces on campus as OSU comes to life once again!

Despite the frigid weather in the beginning of the week, classes and meetings occurred on schedule. On Tuesday evening, OSU Student Foundation met for the first general meeting of the semester. “I love StuFu.” Being back among this group of people always makes me excited for a new semester and the accompanying events.

As the week went on, I began to get adjusted to my new schedule. The change of classes and material has been refreshing. Thursday, Circle K International had a board meeting to discuss this semester’s upcoming events and funding for various district functions that require traveling.  The spring semester always seems to be filled with ample opportunities for service, can’t wait!!

January through March, the time has once again arrived to fill out scholarship applications. Although I can’t begin to express my gratitude for all I have been afforded by way of scholarships, the work put into the process is great. By being involved in philanthropic organizations and personally being so greatly impacted by scholarships, I am so grateful that the opportunities and funding exists to help so many students. The importance of giving back and helping others, whether financially or in other ways is not comparable to any material thing.

A long weekend was very much appreciated in order to fully get back into the swing of everything. I was able to catch up on homework and even had time to hang out with friends! Definitely a good beginning to the semester.  

January 10, 2011

With each passing year, I realize more and more how lucky and blessed I am to be a part of such a wonderful family! They truly make the holidays a special time. Regardless of life’s circumstances, at the end of the day my family is always there with love and support. I’m aware that not everyone is as fortunate, but no matter who you spent the holidays with, I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and happy holiday season!

One nice aspect about college is that each semester serves as a new beginning, a fresh start. For me, this has always served as great motivation to “hit the ground running” when the semester starts. As I prepare for another round of activities, philanthropy, and courses, although sometimes overwhelming, I feel as if I’m living a dream here at Oklahoma State. The university community that is present on campus is truly rivaled by no other.

Over the break I was hoping to work, but with a week shorter break and possibly a slower season, the store that I helped out at last Christmas didn’t need the extra help. Needless to say, my break was on the slow and relaxing side! Cheering on the victorious Cowboys during the Alamo Bowl was even more special because my brother, an OSU graduate, was still visiting! I traveled to College Station, Texas, to visit a longtime friend from Key Club and CKI that attends Texas A&M University. From there, we spent New Year’s Eve/ Day with mutual friends in Austin, Texas. Catching up with good friends that I rarely see made for a wonderful holiday.  

The break was definitely needed, but in what seemed like the blink of an eye I was arriving back in Stillwater. As always, I’m glad to be back and ready to pick up the pace once again! Bring on the new year! : ) Here’s a pic from my time at home!

GO POKES!

December 22, 2010

Well another exciting semester has come to an end, and it’s on to a refreshing break and the start of another semester at Oklahoma State! It honestly seems like classes were just commencing. After many challenging, great experiences and an unforgettable athletic season, this semester has been another one for the books!

Fortunately since dead week consisted of a majority of my deadlines, finals week actually served as somewhat of a relief! I can say that was definitely a new feeling! Haha. It was fun shopping for the two girls CKI was assigned to help out for the PCYS Adopt-a-Family program ,  and the gifts were delivered Thursday. It’d wouldn’t hav been possible without all the generous donations from the members and officers of our chapter! The finals that I did have this week went well though, and before I knew it, I was packed and on my way to Weatherford!

The weekend leapt to great start as a got to enjoy some quality family time! Between home cooked meals, a few Doris Day flicks, and making my grandma’s renowned Christmas cut-out cookies, I couldn’t have asked for more. Saturday morning and afternoon was spent helping my grandma bake dozens upon dozens of santas, bells, angels, reindeer, etc. Then a thin layer of base icing is applied and they’re left to dry; this is a process I’ve enjoyed since I was about 3 years old! The next day we apply different colors of a decorator icing that really make them a sight to see : )

Saturday evening I spent working at a Christmas party that I’ve helped at the past couple years. It’s always a festive and exciting occasion, as it seems everyone in the town makes an appearance.  Here is a picture of the cookies!

I wish everyone a very Happy Holiday season, and I’ll be cheering loud enough from home for the Cowboys to hear at the Alamo Bowl!

As a junior in college, every year I’ve wondered how pre-finals week received the nickname “dead week.” There is certainly never anything lifeless about my schedule during that period. This week in particular was a test of my endurance!

Monday I met with an Arts and Sciences career consultant to get a resume approved for a job search and strategies course. I would recommend this one hour short course or a similar one to everyone. We discussed important topics such as grad school, your first year on the job, interviewing techniques, writing cover letters, resumes etc. Even if many lessons were reiterated, it was a worthwhile class!

Merchandise and Apparel Design Association held their annual final meeting downtown at the Beadery! The owner is kind enough to give all who attend 15% off their purchases that evening. It’s always nice to browse around this stylish store and catch up with friends about the semester’s happenings. Directly after that I went to the OSU Student Foundation final executive meeting of the semester. An opportunity recently arose for me to serve as the Stewardship Chair (formerly Donor Relations) during the upcoming semester and I couldn’t have been happier to accept. Since my freshman year, StuFu has played such a huge role in my life. : )

Although for most this week is a chance to study and catch up, this semester, this week was far more like finals week than next week will be. In my Graphic Design class, two major ongoing projects were due on Wednesday, our final day in the class. In Illustration I, all! Projects including the current one, any re-worked assignments, and the process book were due on Thursday, the last day in the class. Once that was turned in, I was pretty much home free and it was an immense relief!

Friday, after catching up on sleep : ) I had a few tasks to take care of for StuFu and CKI but I was blissfully happy, as all stress had been lifted! CKI is participating in Panye County Youth Service’s Adopt-A-Family program and I’m looking forward to delivering the gifts!

The weekend was a wonderful time of much needed relaxation mixed with a tiny bit of studying! It’s been a long time since that’s happened, haha! Refreshed, I’m ready for finals week! Let’s do this : )

Go Pokes!

December 7, 2010

Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday! There’s so much to be thankful for year-round and this is a time when gratitude is overly apparent around the nation. Personally, my family’s support and encouragement make a huge impact on my life and I’m glad to have a day to celebrate and give thanks for all they have done for me. Also, I can’t forget how close the day is to the end of the semester, and the holiday provides a much-needed break. Not to mention all the wonderful food!

I couldn’t wait to head home on Wednesday! Although the time was crucial for me to complete tons of homework/projects and studying, I was still happy for the break from class and to be surrounded by my family. I always forget how much I miss my grandma’s cooking until I spend some time at home, and she definitely spoils me. When it came time for the anticipated bedlam battle we all gathered together in our OSU attire to cheer on the Cowboys! Obviously the outcome was different than many of us had hoped, but regardless of the game and the year, I will always be proud to say that I am an Oklahoma State Cowboy through and through!

Upon returning to Stillwater, I had to buckle down because I knew things would be fast and furious. Between two exams and the beginning of two new big projects in my design classes, the week didn’t consist of a single dull moment.

Tuesday night was the last Arts and Science StuCo meeting of the semester. Later in the week CKI centered on the few projects that will wrap up the semester. Also, we all participated in an icebreaker that emphasized the importance of always maintaining a positive attitude! It was a great meeting!

Since my most important deadlines are during dead week, this weekend was a very critical opportunity for me to get mass amounts of work completed. I did take a break on Saturday, however, to ring bells for the Salvation Army at Wal-Mart with other CKI’ers. It was just a bit on the cold side, but other than that, it’s a lot of fun! Here’s a pic from the bell ringing.

The remainder of the weekend was spent attempting to accomplish as much as possible as the deadlines will be fast approaching in the upcoming week. Regardless of the workload, it’s impossible to be in a bad mood when I know the semester will come to an end in less than two weeks!

Go Pokes!

December 3, 2010

What better way to start the week than by attending a world-renowned event centered on creativity. The Creativity World Forum was held in Oklahoma City from Nov. 15-18, and hosted speakers and attendees from 17 countries and 38 states. OSU realized the great opportunities that this event held for all students and generously sponsored the attendance of dozens of students from each college. I was very fortunate to attend Tuesday to witness inspiring discussions about creativity, design and entrepreneurship! Just to give you an idea of the wonderful messages that were delivered, emceeing the event was Sir Ken Robinson, with presentations from author Daniel Pink; author of the technology column for the New York Times, David Pogue; President and CEO of Harpo, Inc., Erik Logan; and founder of TOMS Shoes, Blake Mycoskie. This doesn’t include the incredible breakout sessions or the luncheon featuring none other than T. Boone Pickens and OSU President Burns Hargis! I attended the “Creative Placemaking” workshop with designers from all over the globe. It was truly an extraordinary event and I am so proud to attend a university that made it possible for numerous students to take part in this experience.  Here are some pictures!

Balloon sculptures	Designers at the breakout session

The remainder of the week was slightly less thrilling. Homework and exam made the next few days speed by though. Thursday, CKI was excited to have guest speaker Janet Fultz, the executive director at Payne County Youth Services.  Between assisting with the Valentine’s Dinner fundraiser, collecting items to donate, volunteering with the kids and “Adopt-a-family,” there are tons of opportunities for CKI to get involved with PCYS. As a thank you to Janet, we gave her a couple of our linus blankets for the kids at the shelter! Here’s a picture from the meeting.

Friday evening was the first Thank-a-thon of the year in StuFu and always one of my favorites! We all called away, thanking donors for the generous support of OSU and impact that they make on students’ lives. Such an awesome event! It’s a common reaction by donors to be surprised that you’re just calling to thank them. Haha.

Rebekah Spaulding and Heather Rodden role-playing before the event	Members calling donors!

As the semester is winding down, coursework seems to be doing the opposite. I enjoyed a homework-filled weekend, but of course I had to take a break to watch the Cowboys play KU! 10-1 going into Bedlam, I was very optimistic! It’s hard to believe football season is almost over. Between the ongoing Branding Success campaign, a football season that exceeded expectations, cross country winning the national title, and women’s soccer reaching the Elite Eight, it’s a great time to be an OSU Cowboy!!

GO POKES!