Miss EDU them

I recently created a board on my Pinterest called "Continuing EDU...". There is not much on it yet but it made me realize how I am still interested in learning even though I am not in school.

This is a good sign.

This week I launched a mini campaign on my companies Facebook page that encouraged people to share a photo on their wall and tell their story of why they love our products and joined our team. (I work for a MLM company.) And, zilch. NO ONE has shared the photo.

My thoughts:

We only have 300 something likes...maybe none of those 300 people have logged on to Facebook in the last 24 hours?! 


Maybe I didn't explain it clear enough?


Did everyone quit the company last night!?


Am I a horrible person?

Okay, okay, I will stop the thoughts. They get progressively worse, I promise.

After reflecting on it today, I thought about something I was taught a few years ago. It was from a training that I received and the phrase often comes into my head: Teach them 'how to' before 'will you'.


DUH.

Our demographic is age 40-65 and many of them are not computer savvy-sit at a desk all day-kind of people. So, chances are, they don't even know HOW to share a photo.

Hence, HOW TO:

Simple, but helpful--hopefully. 

Thoughts:

Please restore my confidence and help me reach my social media goals. 

What does this have to do with my Pinterest board? Well, not everyone is seeking to learn things on their own and they need some help along the way. Don't be scared to "dummy" things down for people. 

*That may have been a stretch but it made sense to me before I started writing it all out.*

Miss Brand Recognition

Currently, we are coming out with a new product line and are in need of a name for the line. Seems simple enough, right?

Nope.

As we were brainstorming, people were making suggestions and my mind would wander with each suggestion thinking, "How can I sell that?" "I think I've heard that name before?" "What color/font would we use?" And the ultimate question,

"How does that align with our brand?"

After our meeting this morning, I found this video on Pinterest and I couldn't resist in sharing it with the office. Hopefully it will help us all (and maybe you) consider our brand recognition at all times.

Enjoy.

Miss 1 Month

Did I mention that I graduated? It's been a month and it's been great. 

Miss Vegas

Vegas was wonderful! We landed, ran around to 4 different resorts and then jumped back in the plane and came back home. The weather was gorgeous and I didn't want to leave. It reminded me of my honeymoon and hubby and I wanted to go back!

Vegas was a success and we have chosen a venue. You can find out where, here. Make sure you "like" the Facebook page. (Come on people, I manage social media and i've got goals. What do you expect?)

Here are a few pictures I got with my phone!

Flying is not easy. I flew for an HOUR and I was exhausted, My body was so tense.

It was a great trip because (A) I didn't really get sick (B) Got to know my co-workers and boss well and had lots of laughs (C) I got to take charge and lead (D) I love Vegas, I really do (E) I learned that I hate saying no to people who are really nice but that you have to. 

So now, I just work round the clock to get this event planned and marketed in 2 months!

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 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 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 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 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. :)

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

Just Married

4.14.11

 

 

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


 




 (Looks like I need to change this.)

Miss Via Las Vegas!

For our honeymoon we are staying one night in phoenix and 2 nights in Vegas!

Any fun cheap/free/appropriate for Nephi's eyes ideas of what we can do in Vegas!?

This is where we will be staying...

Our room...

Larger Room, Free High-Speed Internet, Refrigerator, HBO, Pillow top Mattress, and Interior Corridor.

 

...and yep, we got it for $35/night using a Goupon. (yay for email spam)




Can't wait to get AWAY. Seriously.

Miss Where is the sun?

There were days when I served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that I felt:

discouraged

hated

angry

depressed

hopeless

belittled

...

On those days, in a certain city I served in, I knew that I could always see this certain lady, and afterwards feel,

"This is so worth it."

Meet, Rosa.

----
THANK YOU, FOR PARTICIPATE WITH MY FAMILY THE NOTICE ABOUT YOUR MARRIAGE


YOU LOOKS VERY HAPPY AND THIS MAKE MY SMILE AND FEELS THS NEPHI IS A GREAT MAN.

I WANT THE BEST OFR BOTH OF YOU ALL YOU LIFE.


ALWAYS THANKFULL FOR YOU GREAT HEART AND THE LOVE YOU EXPRESS TO ME AND MY FAMILY

----



I'm grateful for the sun that finally came up today...via email.