I've grown....

As I tried to figure out what to focus on for my updates this time around, I started to realize that there was an ongoing theme in my life currently, and it's that I've grown. I have become more mature about the work place environment, the power of making friendships and bonds, the respect one earns not only by what they say but the work they do and how one presents their-self in every waking moment. My experience at my internship has affected my life in a way I couldn't have imagined. For the first time in my life, I feel as though I am completely apart of the department. I feel like one of them. I am not just the intern, the little one behind her desk working away, but I'm considered a professional. My thoughts, feelings, and emotions, are heard and accepted.On the other hand I realize the importance of being a team player, encouraging at all times, helpful when needed and cordial when the opportunity occurs. One example that has helped me learn the power of being open and cordial is back to my candy bowl.

The Candy Bowl
As mentioned in my last post, I have placed a bowl on my counter to force me to get out of my shell and talk. I never thought a simple gesture of filling candy on a weekly basis would open up so many doors. Over candy, I have been offered new opportunities, shared sweet stories (cough cough, some gossip) amongst my co-workers and have built bonds with folks that are seen as unapproachable. One person I have become close with is our Administrative Assistant. Let's just say she doesn't suck like so many do at "you know what university". She's amazing. We share laughs, talk about how Harry Potter is better than Twilight by a large scale(sorry but J.K. Rowling can write her tail off and should give Myers a lesson in not using adjectives to hide her suckness in writing) and why it's ok to be addicted to coffee cause there are so many other things I could be addicted to. Another person I have become even more tight with is Kevin, the student facility assistant. Over candy we talk about sports, me forcing him to become a GA for baseball (he's an ex baseball player at SEU) and where our lives will end up in the future. He's like my Gabe here and I appreciate our daily chats for I need someone to keep me straight with my sports and myself.

Week ahead....
Besides my candy bowl success, this week will be an ultimate test for me. First off we are in the last rope of our interview process for our head basketball coach. It's down to final four and I must say that I'm excited to finally meet the candidates in person. It has been countless weeks, hours, phone interviews and now we get to judge and make our final decision. I look forward to being apart of this final process, getting a hold and better understanding of what are some deciding factors into choosing a candidate and how the AD makes the ultimate decision into who will lead her major sport at SEU. This is a tall order to fill and I'm ready to follow in her footsteps and suck up the entire process.

Beyond all of the meetings that will fill up my schedule, working on my projects for Welcome Week and our Leadership Program, the Compliance Officer will be out all week. This is a tough week to miss since alot of coaches are finishing up their recruiting, are ready to sign players, and deal with any other occurrences with the NCAA Clearing House and Compliance at SEU. Since Melinda will be out at such a tough time, guess who's running compliance, ME. I'm not nervous but just anxious and must make sure to make NO mistakes. Mistakes are not allowed in Compliance. One mistake can lead to a violation and so on. It's alot of pressure but I've been trained, understand what needs to be done and I'm welcoming this experience with open arms since I won't be able to contact Melinda (St. Croix does that to you).

Along with work, I have played a little though. I must give props to the 4th of July weekend. I had an amazing time with alot of my friends, played golf with my grandpa, which was unexpected but a treat (I'm hooked), hung out with my parents while playing a mad game of monopoly with a money pot and lots of swimming (I'm so dark right now) but overall it was amazing and I was glad I was around my true friends and loved ones.

I will end this post with some memorable moments of the week:

1. Singing Carrie Underwood so much in the office, till the Facility Director started singing with me at my desk. I love the people at SEU, we're so tight, such a family, it's nuts:)

2. I was thisclose to getting a tattoo. I think it's going to happen, maybe.....

3. Putting on a dress. Hell has frozen over but it was a special moment. Some things can make the girl in me come out ;)

P.S. I wish I had the skills to pull something like this off, somedays I wish I was living a musical. Blame it on my my theater/show choir elementary through highschool days. Oh to sing and dance for fun again....