The Honors Program's philanthropy is Success by 6 of Northwest Alabama, so I was very happy when the Director, Emily Baker came to speak to our class! Emily is a recent grad from UNA (ROAR LIONS!) and got her job at Success by 6 a month before she graduated, which is AMAZING!! How did she manage that? She got involved. She added to her resume. She made connections. Which is exactly what I am trying to do, and adding civic engagement will definitely help with this and my overall college experience.
There are 350 Success by 6 locations across the US. They are focused on early literacy, prevention, and community education. They are affiliated with United Way of the Shoals. I think this organization will work nicely with my platform of Education. They give away books and visit preschools, and they are working on adding new programs in the future. They believe that children will someday solve world problems, and we should be there to help and encourage them while they are young. Early childhood education decreases poverty and makes a foundation of learning for children. Volunteering at Success by 6 is volunteering for a successful future.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Forget Perfect!
"Somebody should do this... Somebody should do that... Well, guess what? You're SOMEBODY!"
The 4 Ways to Feel Better according to the Healing Place:
1) Be honest- talk about it with someone who will not judge you
2) Be expressive- shout, cry, draw...
3) Be physical- exercise, hit/ throw something
4) Be aware- positive self-talk
FORGET PERFECT. It doesn't exist!!
After hearing about this organization, I am conflicted on my Statement of Purpose from my last post. I said I wanted to volunteer with education, but there are so many awesome places to volunteer and I can't choose! The Healing Place sounds like a great organization to work with, and it would definitely take me out of my comfort zone, but I'm not sure I'd be a good fit for the organization. But I do know that wherever I volunteer, I will have unlimited opportunities to help the Shoals community!
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Long Time, No Blog
Long time, no blog! But it's that time of year again... the most wonderful time of year! Drum roll, please.... Honors Forum II!! All of the sophomores (now officially upperclassmen!) in the Honors Program go to this class every Monday night to talk about Civic Engagement. As a requirement in the Honors Program, each person in our class is expected to do 10-15 hours of Civic Engagement (aka Community Service) each semester. So this blog post will be giving a quick low-down on my community service plans.
I know this is going to sound cheesy, but I absolutely love volunteering! It just gives me a super happy feeling inside. I will volunteer to do almost anything. Just a week ago I volunteered for Lions Lend a Hand, where a group from Honors Student Organization went to a historical site and cleaned/ painted/ weeded/ etc. the property. It was definitely an experience to say the least. We practically drove to Timbuktu, met some very interesting people, worked at the crick (more commonly known as the creek), and rang the "supper bell" for lunch. It was tons of fun! My favorite part was hearing all of the interesting stories about the property. All of the history and culture behind it was so cool, and it was great to be a part of a project that will help future visitors learn about the history around them.
This summer I had another awesome opportunity to volunteer. This was by far the coolest volunteer work I have ever done! I volunteered at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, GA. I mostly worked touch tanks and gave tours. I can give any tours at the aquarium: gallery tours, behind-the-scenes tours, and overnight tours. To do this, there were lots of training classes and studying hours, and I learned tons of really cool information about all things fishy and environmental. As a marine biology major, learning about fishy/ environmental things was incredibly fun and a fantastic way to spend my summer! I got to share my passion and excitement for marine biology with guests at the aquarium, and it was an amazing experience.
Now you're probably wondering why I told you two random volunteering stories...Well, these stories have something in common. They all have to do with education, my favorite part about volunteering! Education is the most important thing I can volunteer for. Where would we be if we weren't educated? Everyone likes learning, it just has to be about the right thing. Just as I enjoyed the historical stories at Lions Lend a Hand and the fun fish facts at the aquarium, others have their own topics that interest them. And whatever that topic may be, I want to be a part of it. Whether it's working behind the scenes to set up for an educational event or being part of an educational program, I will be somehow enriching someone's educational experience and expanding their knowledge. I am very excited about this theme for my volunteer hours, as I believe it holds endless possibilities to where I can volunteer and make an impact. While I'm working on my own history here at UNA, I want to help others with their own. So here's the new goal: Be a part of others' histories. Make an impact through education.
I know this is going to sound cheesy, but I absolutely love volunteering! It just gives me a super happy feeling inside. I will volunteer to do almost anything. Just a week ago I volunteered for Lions Lend a Hand, where a group from Honors Student Organization went to a historical site and cleaned/ painted/ weeded/ etc. the property. It was definitely an experience to say the least. We practically drove to Timbuktu, met some very interesting people, worked at the crick (more commonly known as the creek), and rang the "supper bell" for lunch. It was tons of fun! My favorite part was hearing all of the interesting stories about the property. All of the history and culture behind it was so cool, and it was great to be a part of a project that will help future visitors learn about the history around them.
This summer I had another awesome opportunity to volunteer. This was by far the coolest volunteer work I have ever done! I volunteered at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, GA. I mostly worked touch tanks and gave tours. I can give any tours at the aquarium: gallery tours, behind-the-scenes tours, and overnight tours. To do this, there were lots of training classes and studying hours, and I learned tons of really cool information about all things fishy and environmental. As a marine biology major, learning about fishy/ environmental things was incredibly fun and a fantastic way to spend my summer! I got to share my passion and excitement for marine biology with guests at the aquarium, and it was an amazing experience.
Now you're probably wondering why I told you two random volunteering stories...Well, these stories have something in common. They all have to do with education, my favorite part about volunteering! Education is the most important thing I can volunteer for. Where would we be if we weren't educated? Everyone likes learning, it just has to be about the right thing. Just as I enjoyed the historical stories at Lions Lend a Hand and the fun fish facts at the aquarium, others have their own topics that interest them. And whatever that topic may be, I want to be a part of it. Whether it's working behind the scenes to set up for an educational event or being part of an educational program, I will be somehow enriching someone's educational experience and expanding their knowledge. I am very excited about this theme for my volunteer hours, as I believe it holds endless possibilities to where I can volunteer and make an impact. While I'm working on my own history here at UNA, I want to help others with their own. So here's the new goal: Be a part of others' histories. Make an impact through education.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
[Tie Bow Here]
The semester is almost over, and look at how far we've come! We started off the year with a warm UNA Welcome bomb threat, and now we're ending the semester with a new wealth of knowledge and a mind full of enlightenment. I've learned a lot about myself from listening to these speakers and writing all of these blogs. First off, I like arguing. In almost half of my blogs I am arguing with the speaker. But I also argue with myself entirely too much, and my roommate would agree with me on this. Life is full of paradoxes... (paradoxi?) to be debated and analyzed. It's really quite interesting. Secondly, I am a decent writer. Or at least I entertain myself. Going back and reading my blogs for this final blog was a fun time. Some things I said were less than brilliant, but overall, the forced weekly blog ended up being a pretty cool end product.
In Honors Forum, everything revolved around one underlying theme for me, and that is that everything is an experience. Yes, EVERYTHING. Whether I was pondering on the fact that "I'll be dead soon" or that "my career path will take some twists and turns," every step in my life is an experience. Experiences are all about attitude. And if life is experiences, then life is all about attitude. This is a new perspective I have with everything I do now, and because of this, I think it is so important to take advantage of any opportunity you are offered. That one opportunity might just be a new door to your future, and you never know if you are at that door until after you have gone into it. So don't race through life, notice all of the opportunities in front of you and take advantage of them.
Each Honors Forum class began with a "warm Honor's welcome" and ended as an experience. I have learned more in my first semester of college than I did my last 2 years of high school. I'm not going to say that I'm a totally different person now, but I will say that I have opened some doors of opportunity and gained some perspective.
I wish I knew everything that I know now, when I was in high school. All of those little things you worry about in high school like stacking your resume and getting an A in every class are good, but they mean nothing if you didn't make it an experience. And admittedly, I was the kid that did just that. I tried to do everything right, but I didn't always stop to enjoy everything I did. That being said, I think that college is an opportunity that everyone should take. I know that college is not for everyone, but taking one class is an experience that no one should avoid. College has been an amazing experience so far, and I know it will only get better.
So just a few pieces of advice for future college-goers:
~Have fun.
~Always remember your values. When all else fails, remember the golden rule: "If it would embarrass your momma, don't do it."
~It's okay to not agree with people. Be able to give your opinion and stick up for yourself.
~Have a vision for yourself and activities you participate in.
~Don't be afraid to make an unpopular decision. And if all else fails, it's fun to argue with people.
~Your career path may take some twists and turns, but the best thing is that you get to choose where you end up.
~Most importantly: You can do anything. We heard this all the time when we were in elementary school, so much so that it became cliche, but it's so easy to forget. No matter how old you are, what stage of life you're in, you can do anything.
So there is my Greatest Hits from the semester all neatly wrapped up. May you survive all of your finals and have a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
In Honors Forum, everything revolved around one underlying theme for me, and that is that everything is an experience. Yes, EVERYTHING. Whether I was pondering on the fact that "I'll be dead soon" or that "my career path will take some twists and turns," every step in my life is an experience. Experiences are all about attitude. And if life is experiences, then life is all about attitude. This is a new perspective I have with everything I do now, and because of this, I think it is so important to take advantage of any opportunity you are offered. That one opportunity might just be a new door to your future, and you never know if you are at that door until after you have gone into it. So don't race through life, notice all of the opportunities in front of you and take advantage of them.
Each Honors Forum class began with a "warm Honor's welcome" and ended as an experience. I have learned more in my first semester of college than I did my last 2 years of high school. I'm not going to say that I'm a totally different person now, but I will say that I have opened some doors of opportunity and gained some perspective.
I wish I knew everything that I know now, when I was in high school. All of those little things you worry about in high school like stacking your resume and getting an A in every class are good, but they mean nothing if you didn't make it an experience. And admittedly, I was the kid that did just that. I tried to do everything right, but I didn't always stop to enjoy everything I did. That being said, I think that college is an opportunity that everyone should take. I know that college is not for everyone, but taking one class is an experience that no one should avoid. College has been an amazing experience so far, and I know it will only get better.
So just a few pieces of advice for future college-goers:
~Have fun.
~Always remember your values. When all else fails, remember the golden rule: "If it would embarrass your momma, don't do it."
~It's okay to not agree with people. Be able to give your opinion and stick up for yourself.
~Have a vision for yourself and activities you participate in.
~Don't be afraid to make an unpopular decision. And if all else fails, it's fun to argue with people.
~Your career path may take some twists and turns, but the best thing is that you get to choose where you end up.
~Most importantly: You can do anything. We heard this all the time when we were in elementary school, so much so that it became cliche, but it's so easy to forget. No matter how old you are, what stage of life you're in, you can do anything.
So there is my Greatest Hits from the semester all neatly wrapped up. May you survive all of your finals and have a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
51% is the new A+
Today Mr. William G. Hargett spoke to my class about qualities of a successful employee. Some listed were be prepared, be on time, be professional, exceed expectations, and capture opportunities. A business exists to make profit and a successful employee, does what they can to make that happen.
One thing that stood out to me was when Mr. Hargett that a successful employee fails often. He said that a successful employee only needs to be right 51% of the time. Successful employees do not just know failure, but they learn from it and are better off because of a few failures. As an honors kid, I have a little problem with being a perfectionist sometimes, but this is comforting to hear. Being able to learn from mistakes is what makes someone successful. But to make these mistakes, you have to take risks.
So be risky; throw out that crazy proposal at the next company meeting. After all, you have 49% of failure to start working on.
One other point that stood out: "Perception is reality." An employee chooses what their perception will be to others based on their actions. Co-workers and your bosses think you are who you act like. It matters what people think of you, your reputation matters. Your reputation is what others think you are, and if that "perception is reality," then you are your reputation. This emphisizes the importance of the way you portray yourself with you appearence, words, and actions.
So let your talent shine through, let your drive push you. Make that 51% of success mind-blowing success.
A successful employee only needs to be right 51% of the time. This is an A+ is the business world, so fail hard and work harder.
One thing that stood out to me was when Mr. Hargett that a successful employee fails often. He said that a successful employee only needs to be right 51% of the time. Successful employees do not just know failure, but they learn from it and are better off because of a few failures. As an honors kid, I have a little problem with being a perfectionist sometimes, but this is comforting to hear. Being able to learn from mistakes is what makes someone successful. But to make these mistakes, you have to take risks.
So be risky; throw out that crazy proposal at the next company meeting. After all, you have 49% of failure to start working on.
One other point that stood out: "Perception is reality." An employee chooses what their perception will be to others based on their actions. Co-workers and your bosses think you are who you act like. It matters what people think of you, your reputation matters. Your reputation is what others think you are, and if that "perception is reality," then you are your reputation. This emphisizes the importance of the way you portray yourself with you appearence, words, and actions.
So let your talent shine through, let your drive push you. Make that 51% of success mind-blowing success.
A successful employee only needs to be right 51% of the time. This is an A+ is the business world, so fail hard and work harder.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Go Get Cultured!
Will your life be impacted by other countries?
Do you want to be a productive citizen in today's global world?
Do you own any products from China?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions- and you better have- then you should study abroad with UNA!!
Today my class's speaker was Dr. Chunsheng Zhang, the Vice Provost of International Programs. He encouraged my class to study abroad while attending UNA. Studying abroad is a great program, and it sounds like a lot of fun. Communication is the most important trait for a person to have when working in a global world, as we are today. People need to communicate effectively and in a culturally sensitive way. And what's a better way to do that then go study in some really crazy, awesome country?!
We also had some older, wiser honors kids talk to us about their study abroad experiences. I learned that if and when I study abroad, I need to immerse myself in the culture and try anything when given the opportunity. And don't believe all stereotypes, such as British food tasting awful... Fun fact: Fish and chips is like a glorified Captain D's meal. And if all else fails, go to China and find a McDonald's, there's about a bajillion of them. Except I'm totally kidding because immersing yourself in the culture would not involve eating McDonald's for every meal.
I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to go to Australia. How cool would that be?? Swimming in the Great Barrier Reef would probably be the best experience in my life. But I'm pretty sure UNA doesn't have any science study abroad opportunities, so I'm going to have to figure out something else, maybe literature.
So add Study Abroad to your list of things to ponder. Yay for other cultures!
Do you want to be a productive citizen in today's global world?
Do you own any products from China?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions- and you better have- then you should study abroad with UNA!!
Today my class's speaker was Dr. Chunsheng Zhang, the Vice Provost of International Programs. He encouraged my class to study abroad while attending UNA. Studying abroad is a great program, and it sounds like a lot of fun. Communication is the most important trait for a person to have when working in a global world, as we are today. People need to communicate effectively and in a culturally sensitive way. And what's a better way to do that then go study in some really crazy, awesome country?!
We also had some older, wiser honors kids talk to us about their study abroad experiences. I learned that if and when I study abroad, I need to immerse myself in the culture and try anything when given the opportunity. And don't believe all stereotypes, such as British food tasting awful... Fun fact: Fish and chips is like a glorified Captain D's meal. And if all else fails, go to China and find a McDonald's, there's about a bajillion of them. Except I'm totally kidding because immersing yourself in the culture would not involve eating McDonald's for every meal.
I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to go to Australia. How cool would that be?? Swimming in the Great Barrier Reef would probably be the best experience in my life. But I'm pretty sure UNA doesn't have any science study abroad opportunities, so I'm going to have to figure out something else, maybe literature.
So add Study Abroad to your list of things to ponder. Yay for other cultures!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Helen Keller Always Wins
Currently I am living in the wonderful city of Florence, AL aka Helen Keller's birthplace. Hopefully you are already aware that when playing Apples to Apples (aka the coolest game on the face of the planet) that the Helen Keller card always wins. What you might not know is why. Well, it's because she's awesome. Why is that, you ask? Cause she's Helen freakin Keller!! If that doesn't answer your question, here's the low-down on Helen Keller: Helen Keller was deaf and blind, but still learned how to write and speak and even graduated from college. She dedicated her life to improving the conditions of blind and the deaf-blind around the world. But what I appreciate most of Helen Keller is her perspective on life.
"What a shame is is to have sight, but to have no vision." ~Helen Keller
As students in the Honors Program, my class is encouraged to be the best leaders we can be. But what is the definition of a leader? Trustworthy, honest, encouraging, exciting, creative, respected... Those are all the easy answers, but what about risky? A leader is someone who can think outside of the box and do something that might not be popular. A leader can make a decision that others might not like, but that might improve the future of those being affected by the decision. A leader isn't afraid to make an unpopular decision. A leader has a vision for the future.
Vision. It gives you a purpose. It drives you. It gives you a goal to work towards. Don't be afraid to go against the grain, don't just agree with everyone. Be your own person and be able to defend your beliefs. Be able to defend the ideas that make you, you. Be the Helen Keller card- always win.
Speaking of winning: Here is Helen Keller's theme song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VigbSoo0FEY
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