Dear March: Bring it. ~Cary

I'm generally not a worrier. I'm a planner. I see things that need done, I do them (case in point: I recently re-did my residence hall's mailroom. I made sure the roster was up to date, that the combinations were correct, and assigned all of the new residents mailboxes). I hate seeing things go undone or not done at all. It irks me... just one of my little quirks.

Despite the fact there is a pile of bulletin board material on my floor (cut out for next week), a basket of shirts that need folded, and some class notes that need rearranged, I still consider myself a pretty organized person. The first programs of this semester are due today (Friday). I had my program last Tuesday and handed in the evaluation for it that Thursday. In addition, I also submitted my program proposal on this Tuesday and it was approved a short time later. Earlier today, I got funding for the program (and some extra, too, which was a nice surprise).

Even though it's only February 17 and my second program isn't due until March 30, I knew I had to get it done early. You might be asking yourself why I'm doing my program so early. Well, this is my March calendar (and with the busy life I lead, I won't be surprised to find myself adding more to it).

Dear March: Bring it.

Needless to say, it's going to be a busy month. But I'm ready for the challenge.

I'm also very excited about my program, which is probably why I keep mentioning it. Over the summer, I read about an organization called Project Linus. My aunt had also helped during an event to help the organization. Through blanket-making volunteers, Project Linus donates the handmade blankets to children who are "seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need" (http://projectlinus.org/).

I'm also meeting with an individual on campus next week to discuss making this a volunteer opportunity/community service hours project.  I'm hoping to get a lot of people involved with this program because I absolutely love volunteer work and helping the community at large, while also engaging others to do the same (my internship last summer allowed me to do both - I was an intern at the American Red Cross).

I can't wait to see how many people are interested in helping with this program - here's hoping it's an awesome experience for everyone involved!

Interview and connections and honors, oh my!

This week has been both exciting and scary for the same reasons... And it's only Wednesday!

On Monday, I was offered an interview at my top choice graduate school. I couldn't believe it. I had gotten an email the prior Wednesday stating that all of my application materials had been received and that they would begin to review everything. Sunday evening rolled around, which is when the application fee and transcripts were due, and I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing everything had already been submitted.

Fast-forward about 24 hours, and I read the email that said I was selected for an interview. I couldn't believe that I had been informed so soon. Needless to say, I was ecstatic (and still am) that I was chosen. As my residence hall director has advised me, I'm not putting all of my eggs in one basket, even though this basket is my top choice.

Today, I talked to an individual I know from when I had a work-study like position in a different office on campus who recently moved over to the Student Affairs division.  She is an absolutely incredible woman who I am so fortunate to know.  We talked for just about an hour, but in that hour, I realized how much passion I have for this field and how much I truly love it.

She helped me with some possible interview questions, eased some of my fears and trepidation that I was feeling, and simply just listened to my questions, as ridiculous as some of them probably were.

Having connections to people like this on campus make me glad I'm as involved as I am.  Sure, sometimes it all seems like a bit much, but looking back on how much I have done, I wouldn't change anything for the world.

I also learned earlier that I will be inducted into Pi Gamma Mu, which is the social sciences honors society.  Needless to say, I'm pretty excited about that!  During my freshman year of college, I was in a different major than I am now, and wasn't very happy.  As a result, my grades weren't the best, and I'll be the first to admit that.

However, after my freshman year, I not only changed my major, but I added two minor fields of study as well.  So, in only three years' time, I have completed all three of these things and changed my overall GPA from a 2.7 to my current 3.0 - and I couldn't be happier.

I'm excited to see what's next on the horizon for grad school and my future.  So, here we go...!