Social media, technology, and... horses?

Jewish Girl Lent

This past weekend I went to lunch and a movie with my friend Cat. When we were ordering our snacks before we went into the movie, she told me she couldn’t get any chocolate because she’d given it up for Lent. This got me thinking… what could be the benefits of giving something up and making that kind of commitment? What would that feel like? I struggle with self discipline on a daily basis. Maybe this is something I should try?

So, what is something I consume every day, that I feel is impossible to give up but would truly benefit me if I didn’t consume? Soda. And since I’m on my way to Austin for SxSW and will be staying with my good friend Shelby who’s been trying to get me off soda for years, I think this is the perfect time to kick off a challenge.

I’ve never challenged myself to something like this and pulled it off. Well, actually, I quit smoking a couple of years ago and completed a 5k last year, so it’s not like I’m a complete lost cause. But I’m definitely iffy about my self discipline. Gotta learn sometime, I guess, and maybe practice will make perfect?

Anyway, I’m really excited to see what it feels like to really give something up and stay committed. I drink Diet Coke and Diet Ginger Ale multiple times every day. What will it feel like to give up something I’m truly addicted to? Maybe if I can do this, l’ll be pumped to challenge myself to commit to something else?

I’m on the plane to Austin… so when I land, it will be the start of no soda for me for 30 days. Wish me luck!

5 Tips to Show Your Advisor Some Appreciation

An article I wrote for TalkNerdy2Me…

March 31^st is Advisor Appreciation Day. At NSCS, our advisors play a HUGE role in everything from fostering relationships between NSCS and schools to providing support to members and chapter officers. We owe major thanks to our advisors and use this special day to show our appreciation.

Even if you aren’t a chapter officer working directly with an NSCS advisor, I’m sure you have a campus advisor or professor that’s made an impact on your life in some way. For me, it was my very first college professor. He wasn’t my “official” advisor, but he became a mentor and friend to me throughout my (extra long) college career. I learned so much from him and in fact, the reason I’m passionate about working with college students today is because he showed me what having an “advisor” could really do for a college student. (Shout out to Mr. Michael Johnson at Middle Tennessee State University!)

Anyway, enough about me.

Here are 5 tips to show your advisor how much you appreciate them:

1. A thank-you note! So simple, yet SO powerful. I prefer handwritten. (Oh, and if you don’t have personalized stationary, I highly recommend getting some! Very classy. It’s cheap, you can design your own and you will use it like CRAZY. You can order it from a site like Vista Print or even find some SUPER cute designs at my favorite place for everything, Etsy.) For some tips on writing a thank-you note, read this article by Leslie Harpold.
   
   
2. Treats! Everyone loves a delicious treat, yes? Try making some simple, no bake cookies that are dorm room friendly. If you want to do a little baking, I’m a huge fan (thanks to years of my mom baking tons of these for holiday presents) of both the banana bread and cranberry bread. You can buy a mix for either of them and add a personal touch by wrapping them with plastic wrap or foil and ribbon.
   
   
3. A mug! Most everyone enjoys either a cup of coffee or hot tea in the mornings. Let your thank-you gift be a daily reminder of how awesome you think that person is. You can buy plain mugs just about anywhere, use a paint pen or acrylic paints to create a personal thank you message and voila!For more detailed instructions on decorating a ceramic mug, check out this eHow article.
   
   
4. Gift cards! Whether it’s a $5 gift card to Starbucks or a local coffee shop or a $25 gift card to a great restaurant, your advisor will appreciate the gesture. Giving someone a gift card is a great way to show thanks without being overly personal or sappy.
5. A book! One of my favorite ways to show someone I care is by giving them a book that has meant something to me. Hit up the used book store to find a good deal or check out Amazon.com for great prices. I always like to write a little note in the front of the book, as well, to make it even more personal. Hint: Make sure the book is appropriate. Twilight or The Encyclopedia of the Horse, while they may have meant something to you, are probably not the best choice.

Whatever you decide, any opportunity you take to thank your advisor for their hard work will definitely be appreciated.

How I Learned to Grab the Fruit

An article I wrote for the NSCS Wish You Worked Here Blog…

When I first started at NSCS, my supervisor, Bailey, was always expressing to me that a huge part of NSCS culture was for each of us to work to develop ourselves both personally and professionally. She always said that she would do that for me, but it was important for me to do that for myself, as well. At first I didn’t quite know what she meant by that. At that time I had a job, and that’s what mattered to me. As far as developing my career, I had no idea what that really meant. I knew that people had moved up at NSCS, but as far as my position and what I was doing, I just couldn’t quite envision where it could go. I also couldn’t imagine what could change, not just within my position, but with my career in general.

During one of my weekly meetings with Bailey, she drew a picture of a tree with a bunch of fruit hanging from it. She said, “The fruit on this tree are NSCS opportunities and you have to be willing to jump up and grab that fruit as soon as it becomes available.”She said she’d always be looking out for me and reaching up to grab the fruit on my behalf, but it’s also important for me to stay on top of the fruit that she may not see and reach up and grab it on my own. Again, I wasn’t quite sure what she meant by all of this, but it always stuck with me and I always pictured that in my mind. Bailey always encouraged me to figure out what I wanted out of my position, gave me feedback on what she thought I was especially good at and encouraged me to challenge myself to think outside of any sort of box I may have created for myself.

So now, about a year and a half later, after so much wonderful encouragement from Bailey and other colleagues, I finally understand. My position has grown, changed, morphed, and is in the process of changing even more. It’s like, out of nowhere, these changes became obvious to me and almost natural. As I became more involved in social media, attended tech conferences and learned about managing online communities, big things began to happen. I started working more with NSCS as a whole to incorporate social media in everything we do (from engaging members to increasing transparency to promoting and even developing programs) instead of just using it as a customer service tool. Originally, my position was sort of half customer service and half social media. At this point, social media has really morphed into its own world and customer service no longer fits in. Trying to balance two positions that are really each their own separate entity has become quite a challenge. Luckily I have a supervisor and an executive team that is supportive of my vision, willing to hear my ideas and actually listens to what I NEED. My position changed and now my needs have changed. At the same time, NSCS’ needs have changed. It’s become obvious how important it is to be active on social media, to have an engaged online community and to stay up to date with technology. Both NSCS and I have grown into different beings, if you will, and neither of us would be where we are without the other. Our needs line up. How cool is that?

Bottom line is this: After a year and a half at NSCS a whole new world has opened up to me and I can actually comprehend what it means to have a career. I’ve been given the opportunity to develop my career and the confidence to go for it. I have officially learned how to grab the fruit.

Too Much TV?

How sad is this…

I get on the train this morning and there are 2 US Airforce peeps sitting next to me. My first reaction is, “Oooh! I wonder if they know Chase!”

Chase is a character on One Tree Hill that joined the airforce.

Sad. And embarrassing.