The end of My first year

This has been a very interesting first year of grad school. I must say that going back to school was not as hard as I thought it would be. It seems now I am able to get more work done than I did when I was undergrad and I have have come up with five reasons why this year went by so smooth:

1. I got rid of all unnecessary stress (boys...)
2. I made a plan to get homework/ projects done and stuck too it
3. I said NO to going out when I knew my work was not done
4. I realized that I am the only one that can control my destiny
5. Working out gives me energy

I know what you are thinking, what a profound list! These may seem a little silly but for me personally they are my truths and have helped me get through this first year. I know I still have a few things to work on but I am more encouraged going into my second year.

My final project

Finding your "Why"

                                 

 This semester both of my classes required me to write a reflective essay after each project to describe my creative process, examine who my intended audience was and how I used my peer feedback. I must admit that this was my least favorite part of this semester, after completing a project the last thing I wanted to do was write an essay on why I completed the project. I now understand that the "why" is much more important than the project itself. What good is any project if there is no reasoning or goal behind it? I have heard my trainer talk about his "why" and it has finally clicked for me. The why in life is very important is give you a reason to take certain steps and make sacrifices.

 In terms of school, I have realized that I am very intrigued with all aspects of social media and would like to explore it more. Just a few days ago I found a paper from my freshman year in undergrad about social media. I am glad that I have kept this, I have decided it will be a key tool that I use to construct my thesis. In addition, I am also gaining a deeper understanding and connection with the IDT program. I never thought that I would say these words but I am excited to start summer school so I can learn more. I definitely say that I am getting my monies worth in graduate school.

Proud of My Work

I have worked so hard on my projects this semester. I wanted to share a few of my most proud moments for you to take a look at. I know you may not know what some of the topics are but I hope my digital narratives class has paid off and my audience will take away some knowledge.

 






 As you can see I really like Prezi. I would not mind exploring some certification courses to teach how to properly use this tool.

A hard lesson to learn

When I was younger I loved to read and write. I was always praised by my teachers for my writing skills. I think this praise went to my head too soon because now, I feel like my writing skills are now sub-par. I have lost my touch, the combination of grad school and being a site merchandiser has revealed why. The answer is simply lack of reading.

Most of my strong vocabulary and ability to write so passionately came from reading various genres of books and romanced by the authors words. it inspired me to create a story that was equally as impressive. So I am making a new goal for myself, I am going to read a book a month from the New York Times Bestseller List, I know that it changes but it will give me an idea of where I should start. I will also start using my tablet as an e-reader. I don't have space to create a library so having digital copies will help with traveling with a book and of course saving space.

If you have any suggestions on books that I should read, leave it in the comments below.As always I will chart my journey and let you know if my theory works!

Tools

In both f my classes this semester, I have been introduced to tools that I have never heard of. It has been a very fun and interesting experience to try them all out. Below are my thoughts.

1. Prezi- I really love this presentation tool. It takes a simple PowerPoint and brings it to life without too much extra fluff. I can see myself using this in a work setting to present to a group.

2. Storyboard- I am not a huge fan of this tool, but I think this may be due to my lack of training. I personally do not see how I could use this any capacity except for a comical animated short.

3. Animoto- I really like this tool and could see how it can be used for marketing purposes. I created a video about my best friends and everyone that saw it absolutely loved it. This tool allowed me to touch the audiences emotions. Check it out!

Work + Gym =Homework?

As my first year of grad school is coming to an end, I want to reflect on the journey so far.

When I began in August, i have to be honest that I really had no plan or method on balancing work and school. As time went on I found it was easier if I had a partner, lucky for me my best friend is also in school and we often met to do our homework together. Unfortunately towards the end of the semester thing started picking up at work, as some of you may know holiday time is very busy for any retailer. Due to this I started to neglecting my school work and as a result I took my grades from A's to B's.

This semester started off quite differently, I began working out like crazy, I even got a trainer! I thought for sure I would not be able to keep up with my work but the opposite happened, after my workouts, I had so much energy that I was able to get my homework/projects done. I have now committed my days to certain task, of course I am not perfect and I have days that I would rather sit or sleep but I can see the effects on my grades. I am missing less assignments so far I have received an A on all of my projects. The number one thing that I notice is, i am learning. I can finally see the point on all of these projects that I do. So much so that I decided starting this summer all the projects I do will be related and information that I can use to create my thesis.

All in all grad school is not hard but it not easier either, it truly is what you make of it. I am proud of myself for taking this journey and I hope that it pays in my future!

Grad School

 About a year ago I decided that I wanted to go back to school and focus on the digital world. I have found my work in e-commerce to be very fascinating and have decided this is the field that I would like to develop my career in. I was able to find a wonderful program at State University of New York at Utica/Rome, that is 100% online.  (As you can see, I am getting closer to New York!) My master of science will be in Information Design and Technology, I really has chosen to focus on social media for many of my projects and this is the topic that I will most likely write my thesis on. I feel that social media is here to stay and that it plays a large role in attracting. retaining customers in any business.

So far all of my classes have been great and I realized what graduate school is really about, it is truly about using the tools that the professors provide to guide your own learning experience. School is what you make of it and it is up to you to decided how much or little that you learn. I can honestly that unlike undergrad, I am focused on actually learning something that I can use either in my job today or for any future endeavors that I decide to take. 

I am hoping that after I finish next year that I finally find a job and am able to move to New York. It is a big move and ambitious but if I don't try, I know that I will never forgive myself. As always I will keep you posted about my journey and how it turns out!

Pressures of Life

This week have by far been the most stressful week that I have had this year. I know that sounds crazy because it only April but it so true. The week started on a good note on Monday but it did not last for long, immediately after walking into my office I was bombarded with a list of projects that needed to be completed by the end of the week along with my weekly projects for school. On top of that when I arrived home on Tuesday, I walked into my bathroom to find water everywhere. I immediately called emergency maintenance who informed me the issue would not be fixed until the next day!!! I stayed up until 4 am because I could not sleep with the constant noise of the water running and fear the my entire apartment would be flooded.

Thank God, I finally received my break today! After a month of failed searching and being overwhelmed by prices, I finally found my perfect apartment. It will require me to downsize slightly but it is a welcome adjustment for the community that I am about to join. I no longer have to worry about a sketchy character approaching me on a routine trip to the grocery store, I know this can happen anywhere but in my current area it is more likely to happen every time I shop. For me this is the most important thing when I am looking at a potential neighborhood. I can't stop smiling or obsessing over the details now I have to deal with the hard part, de-cluttering and getting rid of things that I no longer need. I am such a pack rat so it will be an emotional process for me.

Overall being an adult is much more difficult than I thought, but day by day I am learning that things happen and you have to deal with the good and the bad. although this is not the life that I envisioned for myself as a little girl, I would change any moment of it. I know that the old saying "everything happens for a reason", is completely true and all of my life lessons come in handy.

Until next time. Have a safe and happy rest of you weekend!

Two years later!

Wow it has been quote a while since I have posted so I guess I should catch you up on what been going on. Since graduating I have had three different jobs. I was first a store manager of a Plato's closet, and Executive Assistant to a Real Estate Agent and now I am a Merchandising manager for an e-retailer and I am now attending graduate school

The last two years have been absolutely crazy but I can honestly say that I would not change any of it. Each of my experiences has helped me become the person that I am today. Now I know you may be wondering why, I changed jobs so many times in two years and the answer simply is, I was not happy. Being a college graduate in this era is tough, upon graduating I found out that having a degree did not mean that I was entitled to any job but especially not one in my field of study. I struggled with this and after a year of being angry about it, I realized that I am not the only person going to this difficult journey. I happily excepted positions that I was offered and became less emotional about not being off "my dream job" right away.

Along my journey I have also realized that I have to make opportunities happen, I cannot just sit around and hope that Oprah knocks at my door and ask me to come work for her. If this is truly my goal I need to take the necessary steps to move forward and take ever fail as a opportunity to grow into a better person.

I still very much want to move to New York and I decided that I will. I want to finish grad school before I make any move but I know that  will never forgive myself if I don't go. Even if  I go for a few months and come back, at least I went.

Until next time... Have a Happy Easter!!

Time to Get Serious

The beginning of August did not start off so well. It seemed that everyday I was being plagued by some mistake that I made. After about three weeks of not being my perfect self, I gave myself a stern talking to and got myself together. Mistakes at any age are not cute, but careless ones are truly unacceptable in your career. For a moment I lost my stride but now I am in the swing of things again. I wake up about two hours before I have to leave each day to eat breakfast and prepare myself for the day so I don't feel so overwhelmed. It has proven to be a success, I find myself drinking less cups of coffee or feeling drained around noon.  In addition, I also see myself getting so much more done and receiving more responsibilities. Life lesson don't lose focus on what's imporatnt. Alway stay on your toes and treat everday life its you first, once you get comfortable things tyoically go down hill.

More Money Equals More Bills

College taught me a lot of valuable of lessons but money management was not one of them! Like most college students my favorite time was the beginning of the semester, why you ask, Refunds!!! I remember it like it was yesterday, I would pay my rent for entire semester and blow the rest. The best part of this was I only had to wait a few months for another large check. Now that its been about eight months since graduation realty has really set in. There is no fat check coming just my monthly salary. Don't get me wrong I love everything on my life I have the apartment of my dreams in the neighborhood of my dreams and my car is fully paid for. So whats the problem you ask? I have no self control! I am a sucker for store credit cards or using my credit card for something I could pay cash for or do without. All that done is create unnecessary debt.

Yesterday I wrote down a list of all my bills and the amounts that I paid. I subtracted the total from my monthly pay. I also added together those bills that were outsides against necessity( water, shelter, lights and food). I realized that I am actually waisting more money swiping these cards so casually. So I have come up with a monthly savings plan that will help me pay off those unnecessary credits cards and I can focus on pay the government back for all those generous refund checks I was given.


If I could do anything over again, it would be to save up a nest egg for after college. I remember a year ago I said that I would do this but as the semester went on so did all my after college savings. I now know that I cannot be trusted with my own money and I need help until I have proper self control.

If you are reading this and still are in college, make sure you have something saved up. Yes, you may get your dream job but if you don't at least you will have something to live off of.

If you are a recent grad reading this stay away from credit cards I repeat stay away from credit cards!!!

The lesson I learned: Being a grown up is difficult


Hey Loves!

Sorry its been so long since I have posted. Life has been so crazy after graduation. SO let catch up! The last time I posted I was frantically searching for a job and learning the how the real world worked. Since then I started being a Store Manager at discount retailer whose name I won't mention. I won't mention it simply because I have no hard feelings and treat the time as a valuable learning experience and don't want to sway the opinions of others. 

This was the first job that I was offered that seemed to offer somewhat suitable pay and a great title. I was initially hired to go through their "structured training program" and it was great. I spent so much time learning and being developed that I felt truly valued. That was until one Saturday when, the manager at the store I was training at left!! Yes it was a busy Saturday and she stormed out,I called upper level management to inform them and I was quickly told this would be my assigned store. Sounds great right, wrong! I went from only being responsible for open and closing the doors to  being held accountable making schedules, hiring/firing, payroll etc ( all which I had no training on) in just a week.

 Now I'm not a complainer and I catch on really quickly so, in the beginning it was ok, but once things started happening at the other stores, I was left to fend for myself. It was  horrible I worked constantly without a lunch break and barely had one day off. I  became so stressed that it started to take a toll on my personal life. While all of this was going I was still hourly and when I asked about the salary that was suppose to be given to me after I was assigned a store, I was told that I was still considered in training. While this is a rational answer, it would only make since if I weren't already doing the work that  a store manager did. I was told "with everything going on, we have to push your training back a bit." At that moment I had to look around and see if I could really live my life like this. Sure I was employed so I was grateful but did going to college mean throwing away my integrity?

I began going on job interviews on my days off and finally got offered a new one! I won't go into too much detail about it, but I can say that after only 8 days I feel a since of worth that I didn't feel the entire time I was at the unnamed retailer.

As I look back the time I spent agonizing over I job I realized that while it was a terrible feeling, I wish I would have taken advice from others and not take a job on impulse. Also that I am young and I shouldn't put myself in a situation that I absolutely hate. This is the time in life where I can truly choose a job that makes me happy because besides my personal expense I virtually have not a care in the world.

If you take anything from my experince take this, the real world is nothing like the romantize it in college. Its tough and the plan that you had for life may seem like its not going to happen. In this part of your life, its all about what YOU make it, don't settle for anything less than happiness. As always comment and come back to read more!

The reality of being a college grad during a recession: Compensation

The past few weeks I have continued my job search. I recently had three interviews with different companies. So far I have heard back from two and was offered a position at each. This should be a wonderful event and don't get me wrong I'm so happy to finally have a yes, but the problem seems to be compensation. Both jobs were only offering minimum wage. I don't want to sound ungrateful but did I just spend three and a half years and thousands of dollars to make $7.25 an hour?

I know that economic times are tough but taking a minimum wage job, repaying loans and trying to survive seems quite impossible. I have applied for all these opportunities that want a degree but it seems that just a degree isn't worth much anymore. Employers want you to have experience but it has to be full time experience out of school. How does one obtain that? I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out which avenue to take and how to get myself out of this rut.

Now that the new year has started and companies are out of the end of the year crunch and I have been told that they actually looking for applicants fresh out of college. I am being extremely optimistic because I have a great resume and believe that I would be an asset to any company. At this point its all about the waiting game. Though it is taking longer than I thought , I am sure the right opportunity is out there for me. I still have not heard back from one company and that may be my chance. Whatever the outcome, I am thankful that I graduated, have a place to stay and made it into the new year safely.

I am so overwhelmed and excited about the recent traffic that I have been receiving! I hope that my journey is giving someone else comfort in knowing that they are not alone. I personally felt alone until I talked to classmates that were going through the same thing. This made me feel better and at ease. As always thanks for reading and please comment.

The reality of being a college grad during a recession

After three and a half years I graduated last Saturday from college. It was a wonderful day filled with hugs, tears and gifts. I finally reached my goal of finishing college. Then that question that we all dread was asked, "what are you going to do now that you've graduated?". I have always imagined myself graduating and starting a full time dream job shortly after. However with the current state of the economy, it is hard to find any job. Never in a million years did I think that I would be an unemployed college graduate. It as though college has been a shield from the real world and the harsh reality of the state of the country. I however am not alone in this feeling, after talking to about twenty college grads, all with different majors, only three actually have found a full time job.

Each morning I search job postings and spend hours submitting applications and on the business networking site Linkedin but I have found that very few companies reply. I see postings for all these jobs, and I apply because I meet qualifications, but I have yet to hear anything back from most. If I do hear back its an automated reply saying they will keep my resume on file, (which I personally believe is a lie). I have yet to give up because well, I have only been out of school for three days and it is almost the holidays. I guess the one thing that we didn't learn in college is that we are not immune from the real world. I have found myself working on various arts and crafts projects to keep me occupied, and it actually is fun.

Have a safe and happy holidays! If any of loyal followers know of any merchandising employment opportunities please let me know by commenting.

P.S.- I have opened the comments so that non-followers may now comment. Please comment!

The Final Stretch

With the semester approaching the end, I am preparing for my last finals of my undergraduate career. While I am very excited about graduating in just six days, I have had little time to think about it. I have four finals of which two are comprehensive. I cannot believe that this moment is finally here, I feel that college went by so fast. Sometimes I feel like I am still that 18 year old that entered college just three years and half years ago.

I have also been doing final interviews and waiting to hear back from companies. I am no longer just interviewing for a job, but a career and place to grow. It did not dawn on me until I was in one of my classes and my professor said, "Choose your first job and company wisely, this will set the foundation for the rest of your career". I have lived by this quote when applying for jobs and going on interviews. I am no longer applying for anything that has merchandising in it title, but positions that I feel truly suit my skills and companies that offer opportunities for training and advancement. I hope to hear back and make final decisions soon but I have also realized that just because you are graduating, you are not automatically entitled to a job. it is a tough but harsh reality that sometimes gets me down. I know that there are tons of opportunities out there and with all of my experience I am confident that i will find one that is perfect for me.

Good luck on finals and Happy Holidays!

P.S.- If you know of any opportunities please don't hesitate to contact me.

School, Work and Betsey Johnson

Sorry that it’s been so long since I've updated. This semester has been very hectic! Not only am I graduating in just two months but I am also trying to prepare myself for my future. I can't believe that I am actually at the point in my life that I need to be a grown up. I never really understood why adults always said to enjoy your childhood but now I do. Though its scary at times, I am excited to see what the future holds for me. I have taken out time to really reflect on the things that I want to accomplish in the next five years, and can't wait for the journey. All in all I can't believe that this is it. I am in my last two months of my undergrad education, and soon I will be starting my career. It seems like I just graduated high school yesterday, I am actually all grown up!

Now that I been profound lets catch up on my life. I have been very busy working part time at The Hanger Project and UNT, while taking five classes. Also I am preparing to leave for New York in just six days to attend teen Vogue’s Fashion University. Though this is not my first trip to the event, each year has its own excitement and this year its none other than my idol, Betsey Johnson. Since the age of seven I have always credited her with introducing me to the world of fashion. I am not sure what I will say to her but, I think about it every day. Hopefully it will be something memorable that leave a good impression.

As always I have a somewhat cheesy closing. My advice to you is enjoy life it goes by so quickly! Do not have regrets just memories.

The Beginning of The End

Well it's finally here and I can't believe it, the summer is over and my final semester of college is about to begin. This summer has been such a learning and growing experience for me. I am so glad that I decided to take the internship at The Hanger Project, because it has developed many skills and increased my knowledge. I feel that interning with this smaller company has given me a more in depth experience than any other larger company could have.

I have been so busy that I haven't updated as much as I'd like but I'll feel you in on a few things:

1.)I finally got another colleague this summer who was a perfect match, the few weeks we worked together were amazing and we are sure to be life long friends.

2.) I was offered a part time position to stay on in the fall, which is great because I really love what I do.

3.) I have a fabulous new apartment

Now that my internship is over I am focusing on finishing this semester with a bang and securing a job. I have looked into a few graduate programs and have learned that I need a little bit more work experience if I want to get into some of the top programs that I am interested in. In addition to that I am enjoying my final months of being a college student. Looking back at the past three and a half years, I have changed and done so much. These years have truly been the best of my life so far and I can't wait to see what's next.

Overall this summer has been filled with both wonderful and less than desirable moments but I have learned more about myself and life. I can honestly say that I wouldn't change a thing, even the moments when I thought life really sucked, I see it all as a growing experience. As always please continue to comment and let me know what you think.

Single Lady

Life has been very hectic the past two months. I don't think that I have ever been this busy in my life, but the weird thing is I love it. Everyday I am putting on some new hat and becoming a different part of the company. I have realized that being single is the best bet for me right now, I barely have enough time to cook dinner let alone be in a relationship. At this time in my life I am in a committed relationship with pursing my dream career.


Just yesterday I traveled to Dallas Market Center and met with showroom representatives to pick out new products, basically I saw what it would be like to be a buyer. I even had to use things I learned in school such as retail math and my textiles training. This was my first chance to really see how all the time I spent studying for these classes paid off in the real world. I actually impressed my boss with the knowledge I had. As I near graduation I can't help wonder what other things that I have learned but pushed into the back of my mind these past three years, that can make me stand out.


In addition to being busy with my internship and summer school, I am constantly being bombarded with questions about what I will do after graduation. Of course I give the politically correct answer, but I often want to tell people to just let me enjoy my last few moments of college. Don't get me wrong I do have a list of companies that I am interested in working for but I think its too soon for me to worry about that. I need to focus on finishing my final semester with a bang!

Intern Update!

I apologize for the delay in my post but June has been a very busy month. I am interning, taking two classes and helping plan a wedding! I haven't had free time in a while, but here's an update to what is going on.

I am so in love with my internship. I have learned so much over the past month and can't wait to graduate so that I can use all that I've learned. I initially was brought on a Public Relations intern, now I am not only doing Public Relations but I am also help run the company. My boss has been on a business trip for two weeks and has left me in charge of running things. It was challenging at first but I have finally gotten the swing of things, now know how to deal with things immediately without waiting from an email from my boss. Overall I am so glad that I chose this company, it has really prepared me for the corporate world. I know that any company I work for will most likely have more than two employees but I think that it has given  me a good foundation.