Miss My Heart is Beating Really Fast

I just finished my last final and my heart is beating really fast.

As I was filling out the last 5 questions on my bubble sheet for my econ exam, I almost started to cry. I can't decide it if was out of happiness because I will never touch economics again, or if it is because I am sad that my undergraduate degree is over.

Either way, my heart is beating so fast.

The teachers, people, jobs, classmates, friends, tests, papers, assignments, activities and opportunities that I have been part of here will never be forgotten.

Thank you BYU-I.

Miss Story of My Sister

Cut

By Mallory Guymon

She stood two inches taller than I, three pant sizes smaller than me, and one grade below me.  She was my baby sister, but I would never consider her a baby.

High school is never easy for anyone. Those who claim that it was—lied. This was even more true for my high school that was known for their competitive sports, arrogant attitude, and self-righteous behavior. My sophomore year went well being on the volleyball and softball team, having a “cool boyfriend,” and of course having a car. Going into my junior year my confidence was not so high.

My younger sister and I are 18 months apart so when I entered my junior year, she entered her sophomore year. She has the brains in the family and ended up taking the same science and math class as I. We even ended up in the same math class period together—that changed quickly.

Two weeks before school started, we both tried out for the high school volleyball team—I tried out for varsity and she tried out for junior varsity. The competition was high. We spent a week going through brutal sprints, jumps, rolls, and dives.

My sister has a vertical that obviously surpasses mine which is why I specialized in passing and bumping the ball. While I passed, she hit and she hit hard. Compliments rolled her way. I was happy for her.

Two days before school started, we anxiously awaited at home, still in our practice jerseys, the results of our hard work. We were told that the results would be posted on the gym doors after 8 p.m. Before we concluded tryouts our coaches asked us if we wanted to be considered for junior varsity, varsity, or both. I informed the coaches that I only wanted to be considered for varsity. If I didn’t make it, I didn’t want to play junior varsity.

My sister and I drove to the school, swerved into the gym parking lot, and linked arms as we walked towards the door. Our eyes scanned the two lists—13 girls on each. My name was absent and my sister’s name was on the junior varsity list.

There was silence.

We drove home in continued silence. I pulled up to the front rather than the driveway and said I would be home later. Tears ran down my cheeks and she closed the door slowly behind her and walked to the front door with her arms crossed and her chin down.

I went to see my cool boyfriend for sympathy an received a less than an adequate amount per usual. My mind raced and could hardly stomach the thought of going to school on Monday. Dramatically—my life was over.

I drove home at snail speed, and my mother met me at the back door. I sobbed in her arms and she listened, like mothers always do. She put her fingers through my hair and consoled me for a moment. I calmed down but still dreaded the next nine months of torture.

As my mother walked out the door, she turned around and mentioned that my sister came in crying, too. She thought she was the one who didn’t make the team. By the time she made out her words through her sobs, she found out that I didn’t make it.

My sister is still two inches taller than I, she got married before me and is currently expecting her fist baby girl in March. One day, that baby girl will have a sister and hopefully she will have a sister like mine.  

Miss Don't Be Weird.

How to Keep Eye Contact

By Mallory Guymon

Toddlers do it when they’re avoiding punishment, students do it when they ‘re avoiding giving the answer, and adults do it when they’re avoiding confrontation. What are their doing? Avoiding eye contact.

Many assumptions gather around those who avoid eye contact. It’s assumed that if one avoids eye contact they are nervous, insecure or lying. Keeping a visual connection can make someone feel uncomfortable in general but it may not indicate any of the previous.

You walk down the street, across campus or even around the house. Do you look up at a passerby? If you do, people may call you aggressive, romantic or just plain creepy. Having unbalanced eye contact can cause tense situations. For instance, maintaining eye contact with a gorilla can raise their temper and cause serious rage and danger.

Maintaining eye contact can be a taboo subject for the common person but for a celebrity, it’s a routine. Both Barbra Streisand and Michael Jordan have a habit of forcing hotel workers to turn and face the wall when they enter a room, goes the tale. Some even say Nicole Kidman insists her makeup artist refrains from making eye contact. Recently, musical artist Katy Perry’s tour rider indicated in the section covering her driver’s behavior that the chauffeur is to “not to start a conversation with the client or stare.”

Source: kyliecox.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest

To determine an amount of adequate eye contact depends on the situation. For example, if you were being interviewed for a new job, eye contact would be important throughout your interview. Continuous eye contact is not necessary but sincere eye contact with the hiring manager can establish an unconscious trust.  

  

If you were resolving a complication with a friend or spouse, eye contact could determine the whole mood. Avoiding eye contact with your spouse as you discuss a close friend of the opposite sex that you have, could lead them to believe that your behavior is untrue. Listening to a friend vent about their bad day or bad boyfriend may not require the same sincere eye contact.

There are situations where it is not necessary or critical to a relationship. Walking down the street and looking at your feet or talking on the phone is not seen as offensive to most individuals. It is especially not required to look someone in the eye when you are driving and having a conversation with him or her—that’s just dangerous and illogical.

There is no doubt that eye contact is important to have but it can be determined per situation. Now, you look me in the eye and tell me you don’t believe that. 

Miss Controversial

Whatever You Do, Don’t Vote

By Mallory Guymon

In the 2008, Senator Barak Obama won the United States presidential election by almost 200 electoral votes. Out of all of those votes, your voted didn’t matter.

Whatever you do, don’t vote.

As we approach the 2012 election, don’t go to the polls. Every moment that you watch a debate, listen to radio commentary and read a Wall Street Journal article, consider it wasted time you will never get back. Don’t watch, listen or read that garbage. Your vote doesn’t matter.

There were more voters during the 2008 election since the 1968 election where republicans voted President Richard Nixon into office. We all know how that turned out. And President Bill Clinton? Do we even have to mention that political office? History has shown us that your vote will make things worse.

If you go to the grocery store and they don’t have what you want on your list, do you end up buying unneeded items? This is like voting. If none of the opponents fit you political views, don’t vote for them and end up buying an unneeded item. People who are apathetic to voting are told to not complain about the resulting president but, one could say they would complain more if they did vote for the candidate and were let down by the candidates bad decisions.

Why be forced to choose between the lesser of two evils? If you have a molded banana peel and tray of soggy bread to choose from, would you? No, you wouldn’t. It would seem illogical—like voting.

When you give your vote, you give your freedom. We live in a country with freedoms that no other country will ever experience. Political activist claim that voting is a freedom but, in reality, we are forced to choose someone who will make our choices for us. We lose our personal accountability by giving it to someone else when we vote and, that is a freedom we can’t afford to give away. If voting is a right, it is also a right to not vote.

Forerunners also declare that our vote for them will make us equal. So we get in line in front of a person who was convinced by their parents, spouse, teacher or friend to vote and make a difference, even though they aren’t aware of the views of any of the candidates, that person ends up negating my vote and confirms that the process is a waste of time.

Don’t trust that your vote will matter and don’t trust that your chosen candidate will deliver. They will say what you have to hear to lure you to the polls. They don’t owe you anything and in turn, you don’t owe them anything. For example, President Obama promised to cut national debt and ended up spending more than he promised to save. If you voted him in office, way to go. 

When you go to the polls this November, choose to stay in bed instead. Do you want to make things worse for our country? With the majority of registered voters heading to the polls last year, we saw what happened and I suggest we learn from history.

Whatever you do, don’t vote this November. Don’t vote.  

Miss Choices

Choices, choices, choices.

Is it ingrained in us to know how to make the biggest choices we will ever make in our lives? Does it just come naturally? Is it an instinct? I'm not so sure.

I am at one of those crossroads in my life where I have to make choices. Which job do I take? Should I go to grad school? Should we move? How much money should we put in savings? When should we start having kids?

My mind is a whirlwind.

A few criteria to consider when making big choices:

• Who is involved? When you make your decision, be sure to realize who is involved when you make this decision. 
• Is it time sensitive? If your choice is time-sensitive, you should set an even earlier deadline for yourself.
• Try it on. Someone once taught me that if I am considering a choice but not fully sure of it, to try it on and see how I feel. For example, if I was trying to decided what school to go to, I would choose a school and start pursuing it and if it didn't feel right, I would then know for sure to rule it out. 
• Talk it out. I am famous for this. I have a choice and I talk it to death with my poor husband, family, friends  teachers, random strangers, etc. Talking may help you come to conclusions you never realized. It may cause you to over think, so you this technique with caution. 

Miss Finals, finally

Most people feel like finals sneak up on them. I disagree.

It's finals, finally.

I have 3 more finals to take and then I am done! Knowing that I have a job lined up now makes it hard, I admit, but I am still going to finish strong. 

And then, it will be time to celebrate. 

                                                                         Source: gusandlula.com via Kitty on Pinterest

Miss I got a job!

I received an offer today for my first, "big girl", job! It was such a crazy day running back and forth between interviews that I had in Idaho Falls but I didn't leave empty handed, and that was a miracle.

I had an interview lined up across town that I was already running late to (don't worry, I called and told them and they were running behind too) after I received the offer. I wasn't sure what to do but I needed to get back to Rexburg for class and I knew I the other job was not going to pay even close to what this job is paying (which is pretty dang good) so I called them and thanked them for the interview but informed them that I had just received a job offer.

That felt good. This whole situation feels good. It feels like a "fit".

So, now what? I just start working. And being a grown up. And not doing homework. And wearing dress pants every day. And meeting with adults that I can call by their first name instead of brother and sister.

This may be quite the transition. I may need a night class to ease me into it.

I will tell you more about the job later. I haven't officially accepted it. I will be making that glorious phone call tomorrow.

Miss Time Management

Lat night I was up until almost 3 a.m. My poor husband.

On Sunday, I visually plan my week. I plan what assignments are due, what tests to take and what study groups to hold. I also schedule my tutor, configure my work hours and other outside activities that I am involved it. There are so many things to consider and usually my head is spinning by the time I am done figuring it all out.

Last night, it was keeping me awake and I was very frustrated. Thank goodness for great husbands. He taught me a great principle: Plan Monday.

We went over what I am planning to do today and even planned on planning Tuesday on Monday night. It really helped me calm down and get a grip.

When you have a hectic week coming, plan one day at a time and manage your time on a daily basis.

Miss Perspective

I am currently writing a satire for one of my classes. My subject is: Voting. My perspective: Don't vote.

As I was working on it this weekend, I would write a few paragraphs and then read it out loud to my husband. He was impressed with my points and said that they actually bring up good points. This made me nervous that my satire was going to be too convincing.

Writing this satire has brought a new perspective for me, the writer. That is one of the purposes for writing a satire--to bring perspective. Below are some tips if you are interested in writing a satire.


Tips To Writing a Satire

1. Have a good knowledge of current affairs.

2. Keep information current, hot, and simple.

3. Choose a solid topic that people can relate to.

4. Give yourself time to write it.

5. Choose a powerful title


I am turning the paper in today. After I receive my grade and critique, I will post it.

Miss Choke

All growing up, I played competitive sports. I started off dancing, then played softball, soccer, volleyball and even badminton. At every level that I played, I experienced pressure. Obviously the pressured varied from my t-ball game to my fast-pitch softball game that would take us to the Little League World Series if we won. But the pressure existed. 

Throughout those years, my dad tried to teach me about how to deal with the pressure by telling me, "Don't choke!" Countless times I went up to bat and turned my head to see my dad waving a 20 dollar bill at me mouthing, "Home run! Don't choke." My feet would sink deeper into the dirt.

Throughout the years, I have tried to figure out how to not choke. I've tried saying a prayer, taking a deep breath, focusing on the 'ball', closing my eyes, over-eating, taking a class that teaches me how to take tests, etc. Regardless of all those tests, the way I avoid 'choking' is by being prepared.

At BYU-Idaho, we believe in a model of learning. Check it out here. I use to teach classes to freshman on campus on how they can apply this learning into their studies and life in general a few semesters ago. I truly believe in it and I have seen it work in my studies as well as my personal life.

As I embark on my final classes and tests of my undergraduate degree, I am reminded that I have prepared, taught my classmates and I have pondered and done my work. I can now step up to the plate, clench my bat and take a swing. No choking necessary.

Miss Cap & Gown

I picked up my cap and gown today. Was I nervous? No. It's strange that I don't get those butterflies that I used to get when it was the last week of the school year--every school year. The anxiety and adrenaline must be weighing too heavily on my stomach for the butterflies to fly.

In the meantime, I will eat my cupcake from BYU-Idaho Alumni and be satisfied that I completed one final today and only have 5 more to go.

Miss PR Please

I thought I would take a moment to write my view on the BYU-I skinny jean ban.

                                                                                              Source: gap.com via April on Pinterest

Before you read on, you may want to read this: Testing Center Reminds Students of Dress and Grooming Standards

Last night in the grocery store I received a text from my brother that read, "Hey, what no skinny jeans?..." I was so confused.  I was with friends and around the same time they began this discussion. I wasn't surprised to hear that our school newspaper, The Scroll, wrote on such a controversial issue. This is a student run newspaper. Students will try and find any bit of headline appealing subject possible.

My friends and I went on last night discussing the topic and even ended up making a run to the school to grab the remaining newspapers left ina the closest building to us. After reading the article we realized that the article was very well written--no issue there as assumed. The problem was with the unprofessional comments made by the testing center.

Articles and broadcasts are flooding all media outlets because of the comments made by BYU-Idaho Testing Manager, John Dexter. The most surprising comment to me was the fact that he recognized the students overzealous execution of the rule but then ended up making the same mistake with his quote,"If a student prays and they think that the tight ‘formfitting’ clothing is accepted by the Lord, they have not asked, or have not asked the right question, or they have chosen an answer for their own gratification. I don’t believe the Lord would give approval to anyone to be disobedient to the CES Dress and Grooming Standards."  Oh. My. Calm down. He even said this after prefacing that he can be a little rash but that he modified the statement so that it is not too harsh. My question is how does this man define 'harsh'?

The point is--bad PR move. Although this is a school newspaper, you should never take that lightly. I don't know if he was misquoted (which I wouldn't doubt because of the reputation of the newspaper) and I don't doubt that John Dexter is a good man but as an administrator on campus, he should have been more cautious and stuck with the facts and left out the praying part. Esh. Religious or not, you don't tell someone that they did or didn't get an answer to their prayers--especially in that tone.


Well, needless to say, there is some clean up to do. University Communications has come out with a statement. Better late than never.

BYU-Idaho has not identified “skinny jeans” as a specific violation of the dress and grooming standard.  We are aware of the incident in the Testing Center, and the Student Honor Office has worked with the Testing Center to correct the issue.

The wording in the BYU-Idaho dress and grooming standard regarding formfitting clothing is as follows: “Clothing is inappropriate when it is sleeveless, strapless, backless, or revealing. It should not have slits above the knee or be formfitting.”
The foundation of this standard comes from “For the Strength of Youth” which states, “Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire. Young women should wear clothing that covers the shoulder and avoid clothing that is low-cut in the front or the back or revealing in any other manner.”
The Testing Center has not made any new standard, nor has there been a ban of a particular piece of clothing.  The effort of the Testing Center as well as with other employees and students is to encourage others in their commitment to comply with the Honor Code.

Miss What If

I bet you think I am going to talk about something sappy right? Like, "what if all my dreams came true!?" No. I am not talking about that.

I am talking about the what if calculator for my classes. Each of my classes have an online grade book that I can access to see all my assignments and submit assignments. It has completely phased out paper and it's awesome. I look at it several times a day but every other week I use the "what if calculator" feature. This feature calculates what your grade will be if you got a certain percentage on a project or paper or test.

Since the semester is concluding and I am graduating, this calculator and I have developed a close relationship. Not only do I use him daily, I think about him often. Today, for the 3rd time this week (it's Tuesday, mind you) we met again.

Here is the verdict on my final tests and papers in order to recieve decent grades:

                  Exam Grade               Final Grade
Economics:       40%                         80%
Law:                 87%                         90%
Media Writing:  50%                         80%
Finance:            60%                         80%
Mass Media:     65%                         90%
DNA:               70%                         80%

I am not to ashamed to admit that I am looking at the least possilbe grade to pass. After taking 19 credits this semester, my shield is down and I am vulnerable and I am okay with that.

Good thing I have my man, what if calculator, to make me feel better.

Miss Opinion on the Green Movement

Go Green, Not Extreme

Extreme views of green movement need to be evaluated

Source: grainedit.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Phasing out human life is necessary in order to restore the earth’s biosphere back to good health. This is the core belief of the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement (VHEMT), one of the top environmental extremist groups in the world. To propose a movement where humans should voluntarily agree to abstain from breeding in order to protect the earth is on the heavy end of the green spectrum.  The movement has become more extreme than ever and recognizing opposing viewpoints is just as important when deciding which end of the spectrum you will stand.

There is no doubt the earth has limited resources and that we need to be sensible and aware of our carbon footprint. But there is such a practice called greenwashing, a term deemed as the act of misleading consumers regarding the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service.

This is a term that has surfaced because of the extreme practices of eco-friendly fanatics.

Many people take on blind views when it comes to being environmentally responsive. According to the website 7 Sins of Greenwashing, unsubstantiated claims are made about how a product can benefit the environment. There is much emphasis on certain green aspects while hiding features that are not so eco-friendly and thus greenwashes individuals into thinking that they are being environmentally savvy. For example, the words "all-natural" on a label may trick buyers into thinking a product is green, but this isn't always the case.

Consumers are also deceived by the time and effort that goes into going green. For some, it may be as simple as walking across the room and throwing a paper in a blue garage pale. For others, it may be paying extra for recycling bins to be purchased and picked up or physically doing it yourself. A simple 3 minutes per week for over 300 million citizens to recycle can take up 7,800,000,000 man-hours of time per year. Many people put in much more time than that. It’s easier to say ‘go green’ rather than to be green.

The cost of going green is even more extreme than the time and effort. For example, when building a home, bamboo flooring is often considered an eco-friendly alternative to hardwood. Bamboo is harvested in China, so it must be shipped thousands of miles to the United States. Transportation of the bamboo consumes large amounts of fuel that pollutes the air which contradicts this green product. Society wants to be part of this movement but it is not always feasible. Specpan, a research firm, surveyed home builders and found that the greatest number estimated a 10% to 19% cost increase when going green.

Your standard daily green products (e.g. hair spray, cleaning products, organic food, etc.) often cost more due to the high cost of new research and technology needed to produce these products. These higher costs are also due to the small volume of green products in the market. Manufacturers are not yet able to enjoy the cost-cutting benefits of large-scale production which green marketing promises.

So let’s recycle and save 17 trees, reduce our heating bill, use a compact fluorescent light bulb, but let’s not risk human lives to protect the earth that depends on us to protect it. Go green, not extreme.

Miss Finish Line

Now is the time to sprint for the finish line.

I graduate from Brigham Young University--Idaho in three weeks. Three weeks, people. How do I feel about it? I haven't decided. Some days I feel like I couldn't leave campus fast enough because my brain is going to explode from trying to figure out whether Wal-Mart should shut down if Safeway moves into the neighborhood or how to calculate my retirement and write a will...heavy stuff, right?

All-in-all, I am utterly grateful.

I took a survey today in anticipation of being a graduate that asked if I feel like BYU-Idaho has prepared me for life. Yes and YES. BYU-Idaho has been an incredible experience for me. Here are a few things that I have been reflecting on the past few weeks:

• I have learned how to speak in public and train people on how to become leaders
• I know how edit photos
• My GPA is higher because I get a free tutor
• My resume is stacked because of all the programs that are offered
• The students rule and run the school
• Full-time faculty members are amazing, hands-down

Many more thoughts will be crossing my mind in the next few weeks but I am ready to sprint and finish strong.

Miss Frog Diet

Have any of you heard of this book? Well, I need to read it, and then do it.

Tomorrow, I am going to 'eat the frog' before the weekend. There--I said it. I am now accountable.

Miss TBI

What does TBI mean? To Be Interviewed....Clever, right?

At this transitional time in my life, I have been interviewed, a lot. This past 6 months I have estimated I have been interviewed about 6 times and I have interviewed others 3 times. This surprised me but I am pleased because the more practice, the better.

Yesterday, I went to another interview. (I will tell you what is was for at a later date, hopefully) The day before an interview, I usually prepare by going over interview questions. You can find typical interview questions on any given site you find when you Google: interview questions. I usually talk out loud to my poor husband or I talk into a mirror. I am not always that prepared but most of the times I am thinking about it constantly for days or hours before and that prep alone is enough for me sometimes.

For this interview, I prepared by answering this list of questions. (I am super lucky to be able to work in HR and be present in interviews and hear the questions they ask and learn about how they evaluate candidates. This alone has prepared me so much for the future.)

Consider these questions before your next interview:

• Tell us about gifts or talents that you feel you have been blessed with that apply to this job.
• Tell us about a time where you had to be the bearer of bad news.
• Tell us about a time when people disagreed with you, but you knew you were right.
• Contrast: Tell us about a time when you thought you were right, but later found out you were wrong. 
• Tell us about the most challenging work relationship you ever had.
•  Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10. 1 being someone who likes things organized, stable, routine, normal, regular and typical. 10 being someone who is wildly out of the box, creative, bold, fearless, forward thinking, zealous, ambitious.
• Tell us about the worst professional decision you have ever made.
• Comparing the importance of policy vs. customer needs, who would you be the advocate for?
• Tell us about the last time you extended an apology in a professional setting. 
• Tell us the worst professional decision you have ever made.
• Tell us about a time that you collaborated with a team.
• What was the nature of the project?
• How did it turn out?
• How did you ensure the project got done? 

Some other tips for interviewing are:

1. Arrive at least 5 minutes early. If you arrive more than 10 minutes, they won't know what to do with you. Give yourself enough time to take off your coat, introduce yourself to the receptionist or secretary and take a deep breath. Too much time may psych you out.
2. Prepare. Talking in the mirror can help you see your facial expressions. Body language and tone are huge. You need to sound competent no matter what job you are applying for. Make sure your body language and tone are appropriate for the job description.
3. Research the company. Know when they were established, their history and their mission. They will most likely bring it up and the more you know the better. Show interest in the company and they will show interest in you. 
4. While in the interview, listen. Don't worry about what you are going to say next. If you practiced, it will come to you. If you need to stall, ask for a moment to think. It is better for you to explain the silence rather than be too quiet or answer too quickly. Find a balance.
5. Be yourself. (Insert cheesy grin here) In the end, they are hiring YOU, not the fake person you interviewed as. It always helps me to think, "If I am not the best fit for the company, I don't want to work there." You will  not be able to put on a face very long. 

Finding a job that is exactly what you want to do and fitting the requisites is not easy. Getting an interview is even harder. If you get one, be present and be ready.

Miss HR, whaaa?

So, I work in HR now. I recently transferred departments and I have been enjoying it. I mainly work as an employment coordinator assisting in posting jobs and reviewing applications. I am also working on a few small projects. Currently I am working on a project that has to do with the Rehabilitation Act, section 504.  It's been interesting and I am learning a lot about legal and ethical issues.

Human Resources is more than just hiring and firing. HR deals with the internal employment structure in a company, or in my case, a university. Here are a few gems that I have learned over the past 2 weeks:

• Patience looks really good on you
• People who apply for a job, usually think they should get it...no matter what
• Being the bearer of bad news takes practice
• You are a therapist 
• Reviewing 30 applications is the easy part
• Asking the right questions is is great way to reveal character
• You resume doesn't get you the job, your interview does

I know there is so much more to learn but this has been such a great opportunity for me. I am learning and growing in new ways and expanding my skills and abilities.

Miss Midterms...

This week is midterms and I have a little humor for you.

You know you spend too much time in the library when...

• You have a designated area and the computer remembers your passwords
• Your tutor says, "I'll see you next week," without even asking if you are signed up
• You spread out your work across 2 work spaces like it's no big deal
• You wash your grapes you packed for lunch in the drinking fountain
• You go to 'your' designated stall in 'your' bathroom
• You know which computers are slower and faster than others
• You know all the shortcuts 

Yes. This would be my experience in the library the last few semesters. However, I feel like studying at the library is best for me. My husband rather study at home but I work better in the library so we usually strike a compromise.

I have 4 midterms and I have taken 2 already. I got a 93% on my law midterm and an 81% on my mass media midterm. I'm feeling lucky...I still have my micro-economics midterm and my finance midterm.

What is the best way to prepare for a midterm? I took some advice from my teacher via The Wall Street Journal.

 

The only thing I would add to this list is take occasional breaks...which is why I am blogging right now. 

Wish me luck!

Miss Innovation

"Innovation is more than just being creative, it's about finding new platforms for growth." Clark Gilbert

The College of Business and Communication Summit went so well! I got to campus at 7:30 AM and left campus at 7:30 PM. A long day but well worth it.

I learned so much from the speakers. Here are my notes:

Curtis Peterson-

• Don't lose faith! You will find a job. 
• You may not end up in the field of work that you expected. 
• Internships are crucial, whether the company is big or small.

Susan Preytor

• Do I want to be an entrepreneur? 
• Non-profit isn't always the best option for a business is you are working with investors. 
• You need resources to create.

Clark Gilbert

• There are two aspects to innovation.

1. Sustaining Innovation-to maintain creating and changing norms to create a profit.
2. Disruptive Innovation-companies innovate faster than customers' lives change.

An few examples of disruptive innovations are: the kindle, the ipod, the telephone, the electric car and online media. All of these inventions took companies out of their comfort zones, took a step into the dark and plunged into the future.

This presentation hit me the hardest. As I reflect upon the Talent Activities program, which I am the area director for, we have made many changes this semester. We went on faith, with little logic, but are seeing results. Some good and some 'learning experiences'. Regardless, I am glad that we made them because I know they will help the program in the future.

In a late post, I will talk about the innovations we have made this semester in the program. Stay tuned. :)

Miss College Event Planner

Last semester and this semester, I have bad the privilege of being on the events board for the College of Business and Communication. Every semester, we plan a summit for the students in the college to attend and hear from working professionals in their desired field. I can still remember the first summit I attended. I learned so much and every semester the event helps me define my career even more. (There is something to say about empathy, to me. It means a lot.)

Last semester, I got to host the keynote speaker, Robert Whitman, the CEO of FranklinCovey. It was REMARKABLE! The whole day I kept pinching myself. Within the first 10 minutes of meeting him, he offered to set me up with a job at one of the Wynn hotels (that he a partial owner of) as an event planner! It was incredible. Throughout the day, he soaked up his time with the students. He is such a humble man.

I ended up being invited to reminisce with him and his Harvard buddy and BYU-Idaho's president, Kim B. Clark.That was unforgettable.

He spoke a university forum in the afternoon and shed some words of wisdom about success. He based it off the principles below-

It was so inspirational and I reflect upon these principles almost weekly.

This semester, I get to host Curtis Peterson, who is the Planning Analyst for the Idaho and North America Central Areas of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The event is next week and I can't wait to meet him and the other speakers.

Check out who is coming this semester.

Miss Digital This or That?

The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow.
-Bill Gates 

Just because we have it, does it mean everything has to go digital? Does this have to go digital or does that go digital? How decides?


We have a newspaper publication on campus called, The Scroll. Check it out. Honestly, I don't read it much because I don't have time in between classes to actually read. But, the articles aren't awful and occasionally controversial among the student body. (You know us opinionated educated folk. We always have our 2 cents to throw in.)

The question was posed recently if it should go fully digital and expire the print version. My original reaction was, no. There is something to be said about the nostalgia of holding a newspaper in hand. But, as I thought about it more, I thought objectively and about our future. Is internet really going to be the "global village of tomorrow"?

I am not sure what The Scroll is going to do but if they do change, here are my suggestions for going digital:

• Start campaigning early in a creative way
• Improve the current site and purchase the domain name, "www.thescroll.com"
• Use more multi-media
• Receive feedback for leverage
  
  
  

What do you think? Does every publication need to go digital to be useful and effective for all users?

Miss Messaging

Admit it. We are all judgmental. What makes us judgmental? I believe it is messaging.

What is messaging? Well, in common jargon, messaging can be anything from a text message to a Facebook message to a tweet. In interpersonal jargon, messaging can be anything from how you fold your arms to the tone of your voice to the color of your socks. And, in marketing jargon, messaging is knowing your audience and conveying an idea, opinion or product in a way they understand. 

How can you make your message effective? Well. It isn't as easy as putting a minimum wage employee into a banana costume and having him hold up a "Buy One J****, Get One Free!" sign. (Let's keep this objective.) Messaging takes a few keep principles:

• Research
• Time
• Experience
• Asking a lot of questions
• Making assumptions and drawing conclusions

One of the best things I learned in my marketing classes is "You find out what consumers want and then you make the products. You don't make the products and try to market it to the consumer." In innovative times such as today, before we start a small business, invest in a big company or participate in a non-profit organization, we should all consider this statement.

What are some useless products you have seen? What kind of messaging have they done to promote their product, business or service?

Here are a few that I have seen:

• I need this.
• Of course I need this.
• Who doesn't need this?

Mrs. Tips are for free, today.

A few months ago, a representative from a group on campus came to me and asked me for some advice on planning events? Me? Really? Okay, fine. (Blush)

When it comes to people asking me adivce of certain things (event planning, cooking, careers, friendship, style, etc) I LOVE it.
That is kind of a secret, but, I thought I would let it out.

I believe you can apply this list to any event you are planning. From birthday parties to concerts to dinner parties or even work gatherings. For some random reason, I thought about it today, and felt like I should share it. (I think it's because I have been helping plan a BBQ for work that we have today.)


Here is what I gave her. Enjoy!


Anything else you would add? Let me know. I am curious what you think.

Mrs. Magazine

What have I been up to lately? A lot of coordinating.

Over the past few weeks, I have been making sure that the Fall 2011 BYU-Idaho Alumni Magazine gets published on time. This year, we are publishing the whole issue online (which makes it a lot easier). As the project coordinator, I set all the deadlines and proposed it to: web, design, photo, video and copywriting. Since then, I have been helping everyone stay on task and help them hit their deadlines.

In between, I have been managing BYU-Idaho's first institutional brochure (all universities have a piece like this), a 'mall' map for the student union building, the first official Legacy Hall (all universities have a piece like this as well), helping with the new website and other small production projects. Whew.

This week I really invested myself in the magazine. I conducted a meeting yesterday and had a power-point with each feature or section of the magazine on a slide. We went over what has been done and what other assignments need to be done. After the meeting, I ended up making a  looooong do to list. Esh. So, it's been a busy week but really good. I have had some monumental opportunities and events that will hopefully pay off soon.

Anyway- currently, I am clocked out, auto-reply email is turned on and I am packing for our vacation to sunny AZ...Can't wait!

Mrs. Scared to Death

Hi, All. I'm back.

Semester is done and here are the results...

Not bad. It got me a partial academic scholarship (never thought I would say that) in addition to my full-ride leadership scholarship that I have again for next semester.

I'm pretty happy with the results-all things considered. Being a newlywed, taking 17 credits, working 20 hours and then being director over an events program (volunteer)...it got crazy. In fact, Nephi and I almost cried driving out of town on our first vacation. We were so happy, relieved and had some legitimate bagagge and angst against this semester. The hard part for me, personally, was that I had so many classes to work on, it was hard for me to just enjoy one. I gave about equal amount to each class, in the end, but didn't fancy one over the other. I did learn a lot and felt immense growth and more drive towards graduating and starting a 'real job'.

This is where the real tears come in...

No more excuses, it's time to start applying for my first 'real job' post graduation. My emotions race daily with the thought of what is going to happen in December when I graduate.

Am I going to be one of those graduates who has a job lined up and walks into the office first Monday after graduation? Am I going to be one of those graduates that wakes up the day after graduation, grabs the classifieds and starts applying? Or, am I going to be one of those graduates that is going to start applying early, to 15 + places, get 2 interviews and have nothing to show for it except 15 different cover letters?

I fear all 3, especially option 3.

Ambiguity in life plans has never been my strong suit. I am working on it but I do have a strong belief in a system that has worked for me in the past - work your butt off, pray, be good, follow-up and be yourself and things will work out. This theory has proven to work, however, I am still scared to death...

This is where I am at. Thinking every waking hour about where I will be in 5 months. How I will support my husband. How I will feel accomplished. How I will stayed motivated when pushed down. How I will hold back all the tears.

I don't know, but I am willing to find out and prove my theory, right.

Wish me l u c k. (And let me know if you hear of any job openings in eastern Idaho)

Mrs. New Job. Well, kind of.

Since January, I have been working for University Communications as a project manager. It's been such an incredible experience that it is hard to explain. I have grown so much! Job, after job, I always think I can't learn more than I did in the past job or internship-but I always do!

Some of the principles that I have learned is:
*The client is not always right, you just need to make them feel that way.

-I know immediately, all your heads turn to your neighbor and scoff, “Psh, PR. A whole bunch of spinning is what she is doing.” My response would be, yes and no. Yes, this job is PR and no we do not spin the truth –we just give the client a new perspective.

*I am a student, but I am powerful.

-For example, as an intern, there were many moments where I felt like I was treated like a 'intern'. I had to prove myself over and over again and in the end, I felt like I still struggled to win them over. Here, I feel like my work is worth something and with every project I do well, I gain more respect, trust and stewardship. I love that feeling.

*The mission of the University is to serve the students.

-Each project I work on, in a roundabout, is always for the students. Your now nudging your neighbor thinking, “Duh, you work at a university.” Bust seriously. All my clients are sincere about helping the students understand the message they are trying to convey. It’s not about power or position. It's about people.

*My peers are amazing.

-I work with a team of graphic designers and web programmers, all students, all amazing. They shock me with their talents, daily. I have learned so much from them, not just about design principles, but about talent and expressing your talents. I want to be like them when I grow up.


Those are just a few of the many principles that I have learned here at University Communications. This job really was a miracle and I feel good and fulfilled in this position.

Now, along to my ‘new job, well, kinda’ scenario. My supervisor, I guess you could call her, was the Project Coordinator for University Communications. Instead of her just managing print, she does web, video and photo as well. She has a student project manager in each area that she works with but mostly she manages the bigger projects and the face-time. Fortunately, we worked in the same office and became great friends. She is a great example to me and I loved working with her. Recently, she was offered a new position on campus and she felt it was time for a change in her life and switched departments at the end of July.


With her leaving, there was an obvious vacancy that couldn’t be filled immediately. The job posting just closed and they are currently seeking a new employee. So, how have we been surviving? Me. Ahem, humbly. I am now in her position. And since school is out for the break, I am also the photo coordinator and the web coordinator. A doozy, eh? Nah. It’s been great.

I attend meetings with the director of University Communications, weekly, as well as manage projects in web, print, photo and video. I meet with the managers of each of those departments weekly as well and make sure they are all on top of things. Yes—it’s weird giving assignments and deadlines to men quite superior to me in age, status and pay grade (especially pay grade). But, they are all WONDERFUL to work with. They only enable me to be better. The other day during my meeting with the director he said that he doesn’t look at me as a student, but as a full-time working professional that is to represent University Communications. Wow—that was nice to hear.

Although I will only be in this position a few more weeks, I again, see it as such a miracle. Again, I have learned and grown so much. I hope this trial period is preparing me for something greater in my life. I know, wherever I apply and work [post graduation] I will be prepared because of the experience I have had here.


There is my new job summary and a small tribute to University Communications. Thanking you.

Mrs...photographer!?

Yes. I haven't blogged in forever. It's bad. I wish I could blog. Daily. I have enough to say, just not enough time. One day. Soon.


FYI, I have a photo blog. I am taking a digital imaging class that has taught me how to take pictures and edit them! We invested in a DSLR Cannon Rebel camera and we really like it! Check out my blog and the work I have done this semester!

Stay tuned. I will be back.

Mrs Life is Cake

 

Here is my schedule for the fall 2011 semester. My LAST semester of my undergraduate studies. Only 16 credits next semester, opposed to my current 17. Feel free to feel sorry for me...lend words of encouragement...put my name on the prayer roll....etc. 

But really, life is cake with this man. 

These past, officially today, 2 months have been incredible.

I don't know how I lasted the last 23 years without him.

Miss Wedding Pictures

Want to see the wedding pictures? Check out my facebook, for now. I will have more posted here soon!

Miss...wait, uh...MRS. Guymon

Just Married

4.14.11

 

 

 new family blog being constructed...stay tuned :)


 




 (Looks like I need to change this.)

Miss Horror Story #2 and ONE WEEK!

Horror story # 2:
{refer to horror story # 1, if you are confused about this sequence.}

I want to first of all say that this story lacks A LOT of empathy. And sympathy, as well...

We filled out a "application" [which we thought was a contract] for an apartment almost 2 months ago. The apartment was going to be great and I hadn't stopped envisioning it since that day. About 3 weeks about, we find out that it was just an application, not a contract. I freaked basically. About every other day since then, I've been in tears about this apartment, trying to get a hold of this guy. I left it up to Nephi and he did everything he could but this was one of the WORST services I have ever worked with.

We would call him, and he would email maybe 3-4 days later with a response, but never fully answering our questions. He asked for basically all our personal financial information, and we got it to him the same day, but still took him FOREVER to get back to us. Even with us basically pleading for some sort of answer, because we were getting married in 3 weeks...nothing. I sent him my resume, a separate application with my information only and I even informed him of my full-ride scholarship next semester. Still, we were a *risk to them. Maybe because my parents aren't paying my rent? ( currently, sarcasm is dripping from my lips.) Finally, one day, after getting out of the temple, Nephi told me he called asking for our financial aid information and I LOST IT! I balled and balled and felt so hopeless. I don't get it. This guy is r i d i c u l o u s. I felt like no one involved was helping us or even cared. So, we decided to look for places on our own. And we did.

Nephi saw a place last week and on Saturday I went and checked out 2 places. It was fun actually. One thing that all these places had in common was, great management. They are a little more expensive (not by much) but their managers are really on top of things. We ended up really interested in this cute basement apartment.

• 2 bedrooms
• Utilities included in rent payment (including cable)
• NICE lighting
• Windows in living room and master bedroom
• HUGE living room!
• Washer and dryer
• 7-10 min walk from campus and Main street
• Current tenants were helpful and easy to contact
• A GREAT manager

It has everything we need, except it's a basement apartment. That was of course pretty weary to us but, we did it anyway!

We gave them our application on Sunday night and by Monday afternoon we had talked to the manager and she sent over a lease. We filled it out, sent it back and all we have to do is put down the deposit and we are good to go!

Lesson Learned. I am DONE with unreliable people and BAD service. You missed out dang renters. We are awesome.

I am SO excited. Really. I already feel like it's our home and I get so excited to think that is is going to be Nephi and I's first place together.

*They told us that we were a risk because we don't have "renting experience"...uh, excuse me, but, seriously. I definately had a mouth full to say after I heard that! Good thing Nephi talked to them, not me.

GUESS WHAT...

In ONE week, I get to marry this cute boy...

Can't wait!



...not for long ;)

Miss First Wedding Gift

Last Friday, I came home from work and had a giant Bed Bath and Beyond box on my bed. What a surprise! I was so excited. I wanted to open it right away, but, I had to wait for Nephi to come over.

Nephi and I had a great time registering at Bed Bath and Beyond. I made an appointment (I know, who does this? I do. We tried 2 other times to register there but it was crazy busy. So, I made an appointment and I am so glad I did. Remember they are in the service industry. aka: serve-US.) We met with the associate, a girl named Jess, and she was GREAT help! I have to admit, at first, I was a litte worried because she was staying with us and kept the gun in her hand. (Uh, hello, that gun is the only reason why Nephi and I wanted to register in the store instead of online!) After a few minutes, I asked her if she was going to stay with us the whole time and she said yes but said she could leave if we wanted her to. I didn't want to say yes, of course, and I am SO glad I didn't! She was amazing. She gave us the greatest tips, advice, product information, and laughs.

Thank YOU, Jess! 

We registered for 160 items, which isn't a lot. But, I feel like if we get everything on our list, and then a few gift cards, we will be so unbelievably happy.

Okay, here is what we got for our first gift...

(I look kind of pregnant here. Don't worry, it was just my shirt!)

(Yeah, I know, I need to dye my hair. Badly.)

Yay for a Crockpot! I am so excited!