Last week I was home sick with flu symptoms, like a large amount of my classmates at Quinnipiac. Due to the large number of people with flu like symptoms the hospital and clinic have stopped testing people to see if they have the flu or if they have swine flu, they're just sending people home with direction to take in fluids and get lots of rest loading up on fever reducers and pain reducers to help with the body pains, so that's what I did.
Every day I woke up saying I was going to take a quick drive to Quinnipiac to grab some things and everyday that never happened because I could hardly make it a few hours without a nap.
Five days later I thought I was all better, just battling a cough so I headed back to school. That wasn't a great plan as I found myself back home in bed the next night.
After seeing my regular doctor and an ENT and getting some prescription medications I'm much better and looking forward to heading back to school in the morning.
Going back to school is exciting and I'm looking forward to it but I'm not looking forward to my large to-do list.
If you need me you can find me locked in my room crossing things off my list and getting work done. Hopefully I'll emerge by Thanksgiving Break.
(FB users, read my full blog at http://chood214.blogspot.com )
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Confusion
Last week it was snowing, and today it's nice and warm and lady bugs are swarming campus. I think mother nature is just a little confused, as am I about how to get dressed every morning.
Since the last time I wrote things have been absolutely crazy here. It's October which always means stress! With the semester about half over it's midterm season and projects are getting piled on along with the first or second round of written assignments being due.
Outside of academic stress and crazy weather patterns, everything is pretty good. I'm working on job searching for after graduation, preparing for my trip to Washington DC in January, picking classes for my final semester here at QU, trying to spend time with my family, and balancing all that with the insane amount of Greek life stuff. I am still absolutely in love with Alpha Delta Pi.
With initiation weekend just around the corner there's lots to plan for and studying to be done. My letters have finally arrived, and I'm even making a special trip home to pick them up tonight. I'm super excited to see what my Long Distance Diamond Sister is sending me, a package that I can't open until initiation weekend!! The more involved I get and the more I learn about ADPi the more I love it.
Well that was the confusing over view of my life since I updated last....hopefully my next post will be more focused. Until then Sunshine and Smiles (just a little tag line I picked up from my favorite ADPi leadership consultant)
FB users check out my full blog at http://chood214.blogspot.com
<>
Since the last time I wrote things have been absolutely crazy here. It's October which always means stress! With the semester about half over it's midterm season and projects are getting piled on along with the first or second round of written assignments being due.
Outside of academic stress and crazy weather patterns, everything is pretty good. I'm working on job searching for after graduation, preparing for my trip to Washington DC in January, picking classes for my final semester here at QU, trying to spend time with my family, and balancing all that with the insane amount of Greek life stuff. I am still absolutely in love with Alpha Delta Pi.
With initiation weekend just around the corner there's lots to plan for and studying to be done. My letters have finally arrived, and I'm even making a special trip home to pick them up tonight. I'm super excited to see what my Long Distance Diamond Sister is sending me, a package that I can't open until initiation weekend!! The more involved I get and the more I learn about ADPi the more I love it.
Well that was the confusing over view of my life since I updated last....hopefully my next post will be more focused. Until then Sunshine and Smiles (just a little tag line I picked up from my favorite ADPi leadership consultant)
FB users check out my full blog at http://chood214.blogspot.com
<>
Monday, October 5, 2009
Time's flying by
Since my last post so much is happened that I actually had to make a list. I am officially an Alpha member of the Quinnipiac Colony of Alpha Delta Pi ( ΑΔΠ ) and will be initiated as part the installed chapter, both ceremonies to take place on October 31st.
Most of my family and friends at home don't really understand why I felt the need to shell out so much money to be a part of a group like this. They don't understand it and therefore don't have too many positive things to say about it, but what I have to say is that I LOVE ADPi!!! For the first time here at QU I finally feel like I belong and that I fit it. It took me three years but I finally love school, to the point that I almost wish I wasn't graduating in May (although the money I'll be saving is keeping me from reconsidering)
Since Bid Day we have had several events to get to know our sisters and to learn about being a member of ΑΔΠ so that we can prepare to be initiated members.
In addition to being in a sorority my classes and coursework have been piling up, keeping me busier than ever and working hard to do my best. This semester I can really feel the learning happening. Most often I see the learning in hindsight but this semester I can honestly say I'm learning something new everyday.
I'm still driving to Eastern CT State every Wednesday to spend some much needed and much loved time with my BFF/cousin Janelle and have also been spending a good amount of weekend time with my family. This might change a little bit as more commitments start to pile up, but family always comes first.
Well now you are all caught up on my life, and don't think I've taken a break from the professional side of my life, it's still on going and I'm attempting to avoid the job searching stress by deciding what it is that I really love about politics and government to narrow down my search. Well I'm off to do some homework and get pumped about the Greek Week event tonight in Alumni Hall.
<> ADPi <>
FB users check out my full blog at http://chood214.blogspot.com/
Most of my family and friends at home don't really understand why I felt the need to shell out so much money to be a part of a group like this. They don't understand it and therefore don't have too many positive things to say about it, but what I have to say is that I LOVE ADPi!!! For the first time here at QU I finally feel like I belong and that I fit it. It took me three years but I finally love school, to the point that I almost wish I wasn't graduating in May (although the money I'll be saving is keeping me from reconsidering)
Since Bid Day we have had several events to get to know our sisters and to learn about being a member of ΑΔΠ so that we can prepare to be initiated members.
In addition to being in a sorority my classes and coursework have been piling up, keeping me busier than ever and working hard to do my best. This semester I can really feel the learning happening. Most often I see the learning in hindsight but this semester I can honestly say I'm learning something new everyday.
I'm still driving to Eastern CT State every Wednesday to spend some much needed and much loved time with my BFF/cousin Janelle and have also been spending a good amount of weekend time with my family. This might change a little bit as more commitments start to pile up, but family always comes first.
Well now you are all caught up on my life, and don't think I've taken a break from the professional side of my life, it's still on going and I'm attempting to avoid the job searching stress by deciding what it is that I really love about politics and government to narrow down my search. Well I'm off to do some homework and get pumped about the Greek Week event tonight in Alumni Hall.
<> ADPi <>
FB users check out my full blog at http://chood214.blogspot.com/
Thursday, September 24, 2009
A Founding Sister <>
Today I accepted a bid to become a founding member of Quinnipiac's newest sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. After a anxious and very exciting week of recruitment I had my fingers crossed all night and morning long that I wouldn't get the phone call telling me that unfortunately I have not been chosen. Luckily12 noon rolled around (taking it's sweet time I might add) without having received a phone call! I walked down the hall in the student center at promptly 12 noon and found balloons hugs and smiles waiting for me and the other women with me along with envelopes with our names on them.
We all officially accepted our bids to join ADPi by filling out some paperwork and congratulating each other, who we now call sisters!
I am very excited to have "come home to Alpha Delta Pi," and can't wait to start meeting all my gorgeous sisters and to learn more about ADPi. For the next few weeks we will get to know each other and what it is like to be a member of the first ever secret society for college women founded back in 1851 at Wesleyan College in Macon GA, the school also known for being the first to grant degrees to women.
This is going to be an exciting time, I am so proud and lucky to have this opportunity, here during my last year at QU. This is something I've always wanted to do but it was just never the right time or the right sorority, but I know "Coming Home to ADPi" is the right choice for me!
<> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <>
FB users: check out my full blog at http://chood214.blogspot.com/
<> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <>
We all officially accepted our bids to join ADPi by filling out some paperwork and congratulating each other, who we now call sisters!
I am very excited to have "come home to Alpha Delta Pi," and can't wait to start meeting all my gorgeous sisters and to learn more about ADPi. For the next few weeks we will get to know each other and what it is like to be a member of the first ever secret society for college women founded back in 1851 at Wesleyan College in Macon GA, the school also known for being the first to grant degrees to women.
This is going to be an exciting time, I am so proud and lucky to have this opportunity, here during my last year at QU. This is something I've always wanted to do but it was just never the right time or the right sorority, but I know "Coming Home to ADPi" is the right choice for me!
<> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <>
FB users: check out my full blog at http://chood214.blogspot.com/
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Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Kasasa
I just received an email from a "bank" called Kasasa. Apparently they saw my blog and contacted me to let me know about this new way of banking designed for college students. I haven't done any research about it yet but it looked interesting.
Apparently you can use the interest made on your accounts (a rate they called "high" in the email) and put it towards credit on your iTunes account! For someone like me who loves to download new music the legal way via iTunes this could be REALLY cool!
(Pasted from the email)
You can read more about Kasasa on their blog at http://doyoukasasa.blogspot.com and can find some of their recent television commercials at http://www.youtube.com/doyoukasasa. A good summary about their products is here: http://doyoukasasa.blogspot.com/2009/05/kasasa-offers-something-different.html
Check it out! If you try it let me know how it is.
Happy Tuesday Night
FB Users: Check out my full blog at Chood214.blogspot.com
Apparently you can use the interest made on your accounts (a rate they called "high" in the email) and put it towards credit on your iTunes account! For someone like me who loves to download new music the legal way via iTunes this could be REALLY cool!
(Pasted from the email)
You can read more about Kasasa on their blog at http://doyoukasasa.blogspot.com and can find some of their recent television commercials at http://www.youtube.com/doyoukasasa. A good summary about their products is here: http://doyoukasasa.blogspot.com/2009/05/kasasa-offers-something-different.html
Check it out! If you try it let me know how it is.
Happy Tuesday Night
FB Users: Check out my full blog at Chood214.blogspot.com
Monday, September 14, 2009
Long Distance Families
I have always known that I had family scattered around the US but didn't really know them too well. In the last couple years I have gotten to know my family and have gotten close to them. It's a pain that I can't describe to well, when I think about how far away they are and how expensive flights to Texas and Idaho are. My number one wish is that I could see my family whenever I wanted to and not have to worry about traveling across the country and spending hundreds of dollars to do it. It's so sad to have gotten so close with my cousin Julia that she's like a best friend only to have to say goodbye and only see her once or twice a year.
Now not only do I miss my cousins in Texas and Idaho but I have to think about family moving away from here, HOME. My family is really small but my extended family of cousins is so close and I love them very much so it kills me to think that we may not be together forever and that I may have the same pain of missing them that I do my cousins out west and down south. I have a dream of working in politics and that dream may take me to Washington DC in a year or two but I will be just as happy working in CT so that I can be close to my family. Family is the most important thing in the world. Without it what do you have left? I say nothing worth a dime.
Now not only do I miss my cousins in Texas and Idaho but I have to think about family moving away from here, HOME. My family is really small but my extended family of cousins is so close and I love them very much so it kills me to think that we may not be together forever and that I may have the same pain of missing them that I do my cousins out west and down south. I have a dream of working in politics and that dream may take me to Washington DC in a year or two but I will be just as happy working in CT so that I can be close to my family. Family is the most important thing in the world. Without it what do you have left? I say nothing worth a dime.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
If you are a student, or really anyone with responsibilities of any kind you know how stressful it can be to watch your "to-do" list grow and grow and never seem to shrink.
Today I am at work in the equipment room at the school of communication from 4-7pm. I brought my homework along (since it's just the start of the semester and no one is needing cameras yet) but as you can see I am procrastinating by blogging instead of reading. On top of the reading and other various assignments (like memorizing where, and how to spell, 23 Middle Eastern Countries are on a map for a quiz tomorrow) I can't seem to find my glasses, my roommate told me this morning that she is going home for the week because of flu like symptoms (so now I need to go Lysol my apartment), and clean up my room tonight before I fall asleep.
The problem is not always that I put my work off but that I spend so much time doing other things outside of school related things, like running home to hang out with family or attend an event or like tomorrow I will be driving an hour each way to spend some time with Janelle because she currently hates school (only a week into freshman year). I would not trade any of my time with family and friends for anything because I think it's the most important thing in the world, but it certainly leads to a few stressful days and some long nights and sleepy mornings.
I am going to sign off now and get to work on my "to-do" list and I suggest you do the same. :)
Link to my full blog: http://chood214.blogspot.com
Today I am at work in the equipment room at the school of communication from 4-7pm. I brought my homework along (since it's just the start of the semester and no one is needing cameras yet) but as you can see I am procrastinating by blogging instead of reading. On top of the reading and other various assignments (like memorizing where, and how to spell, 23 Middle Eastern Countries are on a map for a quiz tomorrow) I can't seem to find my glasses, my roommate told me this morning that she is going home for the week because of flu like symptoms (so now I need to go Lysol my apartment), and clean up my room tonight before I fall asleep.
The problem is not always that I put my work off but that I spend so much time doing other things outside of school related things, like running home to hang out with family or attend an event or like tomorrow I will be driving an hour each way to spend some time with Janelle because she currently hates school (only a week into freshman year). I would not trade any of my time with family and friends for anything because I think it's the most important thing in the world, but it certainly leads to a few stressful days and some long nights and sleepy mornings.
I am going to sign off now and get to work on my "to-do" list and I suggest you do the same. :)
Link to my full blog: http://chood214.blogspot.com
Friday, September 4, 2009
Happy Friday :)
It's Friday morning and tonight I'm going to the Haddam Neck Fair with family and friends. That would be enough to put me in a good mood but I am just having a great day. It's absolutely beautiful outside and I feel great!
This morning I made breakfast, cleaned the chicken, did some laundry, finished up a little homework, and crossed some other items off my to-do list.
It's going to be a great day because I am going to make it that way.
Do yourself a favor today and make your day good no matter what happens.
HAPPY FRIDAY :)
This morning I made breakfast, cleaned the chicken, did some laundry, finished up a little homework, and crossed some other items off my to-do list.
It's going to be a great day because I am going to make it that way.
Do yourself a favor today and make your day good no matter what happens.
HAPPY FRIDAY :)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Mario World gets more fuel efficient
This summer my purple '95 Jeep Grand Cherokee, fondly known as Yoshi (including my Beanie baby stuffed Yoshi that went everywhere I did) started to go down hill. For me it was the same as losing a good friend. I know this sounds silly but we were close.
Before I traded it in using the Cash for Clunkers, government sponsored, program Yoshi's front doors were both falling off (for the 4th time-the mechanic told me he wouldn't fix them anymore), the right front signal light was falling off, the back window stopped working, and no matter what setting it was on there was always hot air blowing out the vents!
I loved my jeep but seriously there comes a time when you have to say good bye. Kelly Blue Book online quoted my car at being worth about $600 so when I had the chance to get $4500 through the CARS program I leaped at it!
With some major support from mom, offering to split the payments and co-sign the loan with me it only took two days before I drove away from Yoshi in my brand new Barcelona Red 2009 Toyota Yaris (whom I've started calling Mario to keep the tradition- I guess my next car will have to be green and called Luigi).
I now get 34mpg highway over the, at most, 15mp that I got in Yoshi, meaning that when I decide I want to run home just to see Lily's new hair cut, or Janelle wants to have dinner over an hour away at Eastern CT State University the cost of driving there is less than half what it used to be, not to mention that I'm like 100x safer in Mario than I was Yoshi.
Having a brand new car means that I have to become more responsible like now! I now have car payments, on top of my new responsibilities of living in a house rather than a dorm, plus Mario is going to need maintenance more often than Yoshi, especially since I only changed Yoshi's oil 2x in four years!!
Well I am off to campus for class so when you fellow commuters are searching for a parking spot look for Mario :)
Before I traded it in using the Cash for Clunkers, government sponsored, program Yoshi's front doors were both falling off (for the 4th time-the mechanic told me he wouldn't fix them anymore), the right front signal light was falling off, the back window stopped working, and no matter what setting it was on there was always hot air blowing out the vents!
I loved my jeep but seriously there comes a time when you have to say good bye. Kelly Blue Book online quoted my car at being worth about $600 so when I had the chance to get $4500 through the CARS program I leaped at it!
With some major support from mom, offering to split the payments and co-sign the loan with me it only took two days before I drove away from Yoshi in my brand new Barcelona Red 2009 Toyota Yaris (whom I've started calling Mario to keep the tradition- I guess my next car will have to be green and called Luigi).
I now get 34mpg highway over the, at most, 15mp that I got in Yoshi, meaning that when I decide I want to run home just to see Lily's new hair cut, or Janelle wants to have dinner over an hour away at Eastern CT State University the cost of driving there is less than half what it used to be, not to mention that I'm like 100x safer in Mario than I was Yoshi.
Having a brand new car means that I have to become more responsible like now! I now have car payments, on top of my new responsibilities of living in a house rather than a dorm, plus Mario is going to need maintenance more often than Yoshi, especially since I only changed Yoshi's oil 2x in four years!!
Well I am off to campus for class so when you fellow commuters are searching for a parking spot look for Mario :)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Swine Flu at QU??
******update******** (9-2-09 3:35pm)
Email just came with a link to the announcment made at 2:55pm
******Update****** (9-2-09 3:15pm)
Today on MyQ there is an announcement that was posted by John Morgan at 2:55 explaining the crisis management team's work to handle an H1N1 outbreak. Still no email or letter sent to parents or students and no mention of the school being shut down by the state health department if an outbreak happens.
****
Today I had my second set of classes and in almost every class the professors have either talked about in detail or just briefly mentioned that the campus is working to prepare for a swine flu outbreak.
It seems from the professors that just mention it that they were only told to tell us that they are required to take attendance and report it if we are absent for two consecutive classes, but that's it!! In another class the professor gave a dramatic explanation of the possibility of sending us home and doing our course work online or having us come back January 3rd (which btw would mess up my plans to attend a 2 week seminar in Washington DC again this year) What I don't understand is why isn't QU sending out anything to the students or our parents directly??
The Washington Post is reporting that three federal agencies are teaming up with Sesame Street to teach children how to avoid the flu. It's obvious that work is being done to prevent an outbreak that is likely to happen with students returning to school, but still why haven't QU students been told?
I keep asking this same question because I am in a state of shock about it. I think it's great that QU is being prepared and is on top of this but having students find out via the rumor mill is only going to cause panic at some point right? If we are going to make it through flu season I think a little more communication is necessary.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/09/01/gesundheit_elmo_us_teams_with.html?hpid=topnews
Country Girl Moves to the Suburbs
When friends come to stay over at my lake house they often comment on the sound of the frogs in the cove and the crickets in the woods. They usually say how calming it is or how annoying it is and want the fan turned on (not just to keep cool but to drown out the noises of the great outdoors).
This morning I found myself in a similar situation. I was absolutely freezing last night (which is great because I love the fall) so I turned off the fan in the window, but what I woke up to was not so exciting! The sound of the cars driving back and forth past my new residence is extremely annoying!!! I can even hear the music come out of cars at all hours of the night and morning!! I guess tonight I will have to wear lots of layers so that I can keep my fan on!
Off to take care of some other things that are new to me living in a house rather than a dorm....garbage and cooking!!
This morning I found myself in a similar situation. I was absolutely freezing last night (which is great because I love the fall) so I turned off the fan in the window, but what I woke up to was not so exciting! The sound of the cars driving back and forth past my new residence is extremely annoying!!! I can even hear the music come out of cars at all hours of the night and morning!! I guess tonight I will have to wear lots of layers so that I can keep my fan on!
Off to take care of some other things that are new to me living in a house rather than a dorm....garbage and cooking!!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Go Quad News!
Tonight was the first Quad News general meeting of the semester and it was GREAT! I was shocked and ecstatic to see the number of people who were there when I walked into the cafe and how many new faces there were!
I think everyone is really excited for this upcoming year and I am too! I am so ready to take an organization that a small group of motivated journalism students created and do everything I can to be part of only making it better!
It was a great feeling tonight to sit in that meeting and at the E-Board meeting and feel like I am surrounded by a group of my peers who are so motivated and intelligent.
Get ready QU because Quad News is going places!
Lets go Bobcats!
www.QuadNews.Net
I think everyone is really excited for this upcoming year and I am too! I am so ready to take an organization that a small group of motivated journalism students created and do everything I can to be part of only making it better!
It was a great feeling tonight to sit in that meeting and at the E-Board meeting and feel like I am surrounded by a group of my peers who are so motivated and intelligent.
Get ready QU because Quad News is going places!
Lets go Bobcats!
www.QuadNews.Net
Three Years Later...
It only took three years but I can finally honestly say I love college! I love where I am at in my life right now. I am focused yet open to new ideas for my future, my classes seem great, although they may be some what challenging (but hey for what I pay to go to QU they should be a bit challenging), and I love where I am living!
This year I came into res life not expecting to be bff's with my roommates and that feeling is so incredibly liberating! If we end up friends it's only a bonus but right now I feel empowered and independent and ready to take on the world by myself.
Watch out QU, Watch out world because Chelsey Hood is heading into senior year full force!
This year I came into res life not expecting to be bff's with my roommates and that feeling is so incredibly liberating! If we end up friends it's only a bonus but right now I feel empowered and independent and ready to take on the world by myself.
Watch out QU, Watch out world because Chelsey Hood is heading into senior year full force!
Senior Year!!
Here I am writing to you from a desk in the school of communications where I am positioned until 9pm tonight trying to make what little money I can through work study. Senior year is officially under way with my first day of classes moving pretty quickly.
I moved back to school on Wednesday, living in university housing but in an off campus house this year at 82 New Road. Moving in was fun and not as exhausting as in past years. I love where I live and I love the girls I live with. The difference this year is that I have no expectations of being friends with my roommates so if we aren't friends I won't be upset. I have my own agenda this year and don't need to be waiting around trying to make friends. This new me is what I hope is a newer more independent more mature me.
My classes today all seem pretty good. Public Relations Research seems a little intense but I think the hard work will pay off. QU 301, The Middle East seems like it will be interesting as I have already started to learn a little Arabic (although here we are 5 hours later and I can't remember the 4 words I learned!) International business seems great! I expected that class to be boring but it already seems to be just the opposite.
Tonight is the first general meeting of the Quad News! I'm really excited about being the Advertising Manager this year and taking the organization to a new level.
Excited about senior year! Looking forward to meeting new people and getting closer to life outside of college.
I moved back to school on Wednesday, living in university housing but in an off campus house this year at 82 New Road. Moving in was fun and not as exhausting as in past years. I love where I live and I love the girls I live with. The difference this year is that I have no expectations of being friends with my roommates so if we aren't friends I won't be upset. I have my own agenda this year and don't need to be waiting around trying to make friends. This new me is what I hope is a newer more independent more mature me.
My classes today all seem pretty good. Public Relations Research seems a little intense but I think the hard work will pay off. QU 301, The Middle East seems like it will be interesting as I have already started to learn a little Arabic (although here we are 5 hours later and I can't remember the 4 words I learned!) International business seems great! I expected that class to be boring but it already seems to be just the opposite.
Tonight is the first general meeting of the Quad News! I'm really excited about being the Advertising Manager this year and taking the organization to a new level.
Excited about senior year! Looking forward to meeting new people and getting closer to life outside of college.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Today is my last day interning with Senator Dodd's office and all that is left of my summer semester is final short paper about my time here. Once that paper is written I will officially be a SENIOR!!
I am really looking forward to my senior year at QU! Getting ready for this year is as exciting as preparing for freshman year was! Living in a house means buying new things for furnish a house and not just a small portion of a bed room. I also have new priorities this year. I am no longer worried about getting that next internship but now I am getting ready for job searching and deciding what part of the country I want to live in!
I can't wait to get started with my new course and see all my friends. I have a lot to do to prepare and a lot to do when I get there! Look out QU Chelsey Hood is a senior!!
I am really looking forward to my senior year at QU! Getting ready for this year is as exciting as preparing for freshman year was! Living in a house means buying new things for furnish a house and not just a small portion of a bed room. I also have new priorities this year. I am no longer worried about getting that next internship but now I am getting ready for job searching and deciding what part of the country I want to live in!
I can't wait to get started with my new course and see all my friends. I have a lot to do to prepare and a lot to do when I get there! Look out QU Chelsey Hood is a senior!!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Walking down the hallway
We all know the saying, when "one door closes another door opens", but what happens in the middle? Is there a hallway that we pass through?
This is my last week of interning with Senator Chris Dodd's district office in Hartford. I will be spending the last few weeks of my summer break preparing for my senior year at Quinnipiac and soaking up some family time at the lake.
I am getting into high gear with Quad News, preparing to meet with businesses local to QU who are interested in boosting their business with the Quinnipiac community. The entire QN team has been hard at work this summer as QN prepares for it's second year as QU's independent voice. I can't wait to hear everyone's great ideas!
It's hard to believe that summer is coming to an end but I am very excited about starting my final year at QU. I will definitely be updating as I search for my next door leading to opportunity.
This is my last week of interning with Senator Chris Dodd's district office in Hartford. I will be spending the last few weeks of my summer break preparing for my senior year at Quinnipiac and soaking up some family time at the lake.
I am getting into high gear with Quad News, preparing to meet with businesses local to QU who are interested in boosting their business with the Quinnipiac community. The entire QN team has been hard at work this summer as QN prepares for it's second year as QU's independent voice. I can't wait to hear everyone's great ideas!
It's hard to believe that summer is coming to an end but I am very excited about starting my final year at QU. I will definitely be updating as I search for my next door leading to opportunity.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Time Flies When?
Time flies when you're having fun right? Right, but that's not the whole story, time flies regardless of what you are doing. Here we are July 27th and just yesterday was the first time this summer that Janelle, Aunt Sharon and I swam across the cove, in fact it was Aunt Sharon's first time in the water at all!!
Next week is my last week interning with Senator Dodd's office and then it's just 2 1/2 weeks until I move back into school!! Things have been somewhat stressful and very exhausting at home, but regardless I wouldn't want to spend my summer any other way. This summer I have become incredible close with my family, having spend little to no time with anyone outside of my family and it has been great! This summer has been filled with stress and difficult moments but the closeness I have found with my family is priceless.
Next week is my last week interning with Senator Dodd's office and then it's just 2 1/2 weeks until I move back into school!! Things have been somewhat stressful and very exhausting at home, but regardless I wouldn't want to spend my summer any other way. This summer I have become incredible close with my family, having spend little to no time with anyone outside of my family and it has been great! This summer has been filled with stress and difficult moments but the closeness I have found with my family is priceless.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
If I won a million dollars
Not that it's news to me or probably to any of you either but family is the most important thing in any one's life. Those of us who are lucky enough to have a family like mine, where we can stick together through thick and thin are the luckiest people on earth.
Of course I would love to win a million dollars, wouldn't you? It doesn't matter in life how much money you have but rather how you spend your time, money, and how you share your love. Those who know me know that I would describe myself as motivated and driven to achieve success in my life. Those who are close to me know that my number one goal is to make enough money to fix up my family's lake house.
We spend weekends, holidays, and really as much time as possible at the lake. It's my favorite place to be. Whether it's a rainy day and we watch a movie or play board games or a sunny day that we spend in the lake, laying in the sun, or taking crazy rides on the jet ski, the lake is always GREAT! This is a great place because here I am surrounded by family. I love my friends, but when push comes to shove family is all we have in this world because they will always be there for you.
So to my family, all of you, no matter how crazy we can all be at times, no matter what we are there for each other and because of that I love you all!
So what would you do if you won a million dollars?
Of course I would love to win a million dollars, wouldn't you? It doesn't matter in life how much money you have but rather how you spend your time, money, and how you share your love. Those who know me know that I would describe myself as motivated and driven to achieve success in my life. Those who are close to me know that my number one goal is to make enough money to fix up my family's lake house.
We spend weekends, holidays, and really as much time as possible at the lake. It's my favorite place to be. Whether it's a rainy day and we watch a movie or play board games or a sunny day that we spend in the lake, laying in the sun, or taking crazy rides on the jet ski, the lake is always GREAT! This is a great place because here I am surrounded by family. I love my friends, but when push comes to shove family is all we have in this world because they will always be there for you.
So to my family, all of you, no matter how crazy we can all be at times, no matter what we are there for each other and because of that I love you all!
So what would you do if you won a million dollars?
Friday, July 17, 2009
summer weather
Today I heard reports of a possible high of 90 degrees!! If it hits 90 today that will be the first time this summer!! It's hard to believe that it has been such a cool summer, wearing warmer clothes every night almost and wrapping up in a blanket, at night when the windows and fan were all on.
Although I love the warm weather and am lucky enough to have a relief from it at the lake, the humidity that often follows it here in New England is not always welcome, especially by my HAIR!!
Looking at the sunshine out the windows here in Hartford, I can't wait to jump into some shorts and head to the lake house tonight!
Although I love the warm weather and am lucky enough to have a relief from it at the lake, the humidity that often follows it here in New England is not always welcome, especially by my HAIR!!
Looking at the sunshine out the windows here in Hartford, I can't wait to jump into some shorts and head to the lake house tonight!
Fridays :)
It's Friday and I had to get up earlier than I would have liked to go to Hartford for my internship, but I woke up to the smell of homemade breakfast! Mom is home because she has Fridays off and breakfast is always a nice surprise :)
Off to eat breakfast and get ready to hit the road. Watch for more updates throughout the day from Hartford.
Off to eat breakfast and get ready to hit the road. Watch for more updates throughout the day from Hartford.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Summer is upon us!
Today was the first day that I was hot enough to bring up the air conditioners!! It was incredibly humid out today when I took my Gramma shopping in Manchester for a birthday gift for my Mom, who will be 50 on Monday. After that I met my mom and her friend John in Niantic for lunch before heading back to town to hang out at the lake for a while. Now I am back home after a quick swim at Gramma and Paka's pool listening to the crazy weather outside.
We are having quite the thunderstorm. The lightening is pretty impressive. I am looking forward to less humid air tonight and tomorrow after this storm passes.
Tomorrow I will be interning all day in Hartford (which means there will probably be more updates) and then possibly spending the night at the lake with Janelle.
I am off to watch the news before heading to bed. Good Night :)
We are having quite the thunderstorm. The lightening is pretty impressive. I am looking forward to less humid air tonight and tomorrow after this storm passes.
Tomorrow I will be interning all day in Hartford (which means there will probably be more updates) and then possibly spending the night at the lake with Janelle.
I am off to watch the news before heading to bed. Good Night :)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Deaming of the BEACH
Anyone who knows me knows that my favorite place in the world is the lake! I love to be at the lake with my family but lately I am craving sand and salt water!
A couple weeks ago, when my cousin Julia was visiting from Idaho we took the 1.5 hour drive over to Misquamicut RI to spend a couple hours at the beach, and since that day I have this terrible craving to go back!!
This is my last week of class and as soon as I write my final paper, due at midnight tomorrow, I will be free from homework and my schedule will be wide open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, what does that mean? That means that as soon as someone else says they want to go along for the ride my purple '95 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be pointing east and heading to the beach, and when the sun starts to fade I will turn back around and spend the night with my favorite people in the world at my favorite place! The Lake!
A couple weeks ago, when my cousin Julia was visiting from Idaho we took the 1.5 hour drive over to Misquamicut RI to spend a couple hours at the beach, and since that day I have this terrible craving to go back!!
This is my last week of class and as soon as I write my final paper, due at midnight tomorrow, I will be free from homework and my schedule will be wide open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, what does that mean? That means that as soon as someone else says they want to go along for the ride my purple '95 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be pointing east and heading to the beach, and when the sun starts to fade I will turn back around and spend the night with my favorite people in the world at my favorite place! The Lake!
outrage vs apathy
Working for the Senator, I take a lot of phone calls from constituents who are outraged by this bill or that bill or by something else they heard. Although being yelled at on the phone for 8 hours can be challenging at times it is a nice break from the apathy that I find myself surrounded with at other times.
Many of my classmates don't follow anything political. This isn't to say that all classmates are apathetic, many are very active in current events, but it is often frustrating to be with people who don't know what I am talking about when I mention something that I read in the newspaper that day.
It is a nice relief to hear from people who follow the news and are concerned about the policies coming out of Washington, even if they don't always have all the facts.
Many of my classmates don't follow anything political. This isn't to say that all classmates are apathetic, many are very active in current events, but it is often frustrating to be with people who don't know what I am talking about when I mention something that I read in the newspaper that day.
It is a nice relief to hear from people who follow the news and are concerned about the policies coming out of Washington, even if they don't always have all the facts.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Crazy Weekend
This past weekend was absolutely crazy!! Friday I was at my internship at Senator Dodd's office and I got a call from my mom that she was on her way to pick up my Grandfather, known affectionately as Paka, to take him to the hospital. He is doing much better now, his kidneys are working again and the narcotics that made him very confused and disoriented are now working their way out of his system. He is out of the critical care unit and we expect him home in the next few days.
Despite the scary events with Paka, we did manage to have some good parts of the weekend. Saturday was my cousin Janelle's graduation party which was a great success!! We had a great time celebrating her achievements! I can't believe she is starting college! It's soo exciting!! I am so happy to be so close to her. She is truly my best friend! Saturday night we went to Mohegan Sun to watch a basketball game and have dinner.
Sunday after going to the hospital in the morning we spent some time relaxing at the lake after such a long exhausting couple of days.
Today I am interning until 5 pm and then I am going to visit Paka before having dinner with Mom and Gramma at bingo. Wish me luck!!
Despite the scary events with Paka, we did manage to have some good parts of the weekend. Saturday was my cousin Janelle's graduation party which was a great success!! We had a great time celebrating her achievements! I can't believe she is starting college! It's soo exciting!! I am so happy to be so close to her. She is truly my best friend! Saturday night we went to Mohegan Sun to watch a basketball game and have dinner.
Sunday after going to the hospital in the morning we spent some time relaxing at the lake after such a long exhausting couple of days.
Today I am interning until 5 pm and then I am going to visit Paka before having dinner with Mom and Gramma at bingo. Wish me luck!!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Memo from the intern desk
I am sitting here organizing one of the two intern desks in Senator Dodd's office in between phone calls. A lot of people are calling to register their opinions about the Cap and Trade Legislation and the Health care reform. I need to do more research before I can establish my own opinion about those issues. Guess I will do some more reading in the news now until the phone rings again.
What do you do when you are at work or interning and it's slow? Apparently I just blog and read the news....I also spend some time on facebook so go write on my wall!!
What do you do when you are at work or interning and it's slow? Apparently I just blog and read the news....I also spend some time on facebook so go write on my wall!!
Summer Stress
Here we are getting pretty deep into July and last night I had to shut the window because it was so cold out!! Usually by this time every year mom and I have already had our annual argument about who is going to carry the extremely heavy window unit air condition from her room down the hall to mine and then struggle for an hour while we try to install it, but not this year! Last night I was so cold sitting in the living room watching television before bed that we argued about who got to use which blanket!!
I can't believe how fast the summer is passing! It seems like I have spent most of the season stressed out about one thing or another and haven't had much time to enjoy it. Between homework, family, roommates, internships, and a whole pile of other things that all seem to be adding to the twitch my eye seems to have developed.
I am so ready for some relaxing summer days at the lake!
I can't believe how fast the summer is passing! It seems like I have spent most of the season stressed out about one thing or another and haven't had much time to enjoy it. Between homework, family, roommates, internships, and a whole pile of other things that all seem to be adding to the twitch my eye seems to have developed.
I am so ready for some relaxing summer days at the lake!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
updates
Well it's been a while since my last post-- Since May I have finished my internship with the CT General Assembly, been taking online courses through Quinnipiac, traveled to Boise Idaho, then from there drove to Wyoming and Montana to see Yellowstone National Park, then drove back to Boise to spend time with my cousins that live there. Then a week after returning home my cousin from Boise came to spend a week here in CT. Now that she has returned to Idaho I am finishing up my last online course, and am into my second week as an inter for US Senator Christopher Dodd's district office in Hartford.
I am very excited about this internship and love it so far!! Right now I answer the phones and take messages for people in the office and help with constituent casework. My internship is only about 6 weeks long but I am sure that I will learn a great deal just from being there that short time. On my first day, July 1st, the Senator was in the office but I just saw him walk by, and didn't have a chance to introduce myself to him.
Outside of interning and homework (which will be over next week!!! Can't wait!!) I spend as much time as possible with my family at the lake!! Janelle Schmittberger my cousin just graduated from Hale-Ray high school in Moodus, CT and that was a very exciting and stressful time for our family. No family is perfect but what is great about mine is that no matter how much stress we all have or who makes mistakes we are all there for each other and we stick together to work it out.
Well I am off to do some homework before I head out to the lake to see my little cousins, Alyssa (10) Evan (6) and Lily (4) and their beautiful mom Aunt Nicole, then to do a little shopping and have dinner with mom, Teri.
I am very excited about this internship and love it so far!! Right now I answer the phones and take messages for people in the office and help with constituent casework. My internship is only about 6 weeks long but I am sure that I will learn a great deal just from being there that short time. On my first day, July 1st, the Senator was in the office but I just saw him walk by, and didn't have a chance to introduce myself to him.
Outside of interning and homework (which will be over next week!!! Can't wait!!) I spend as much time as possible with my family at the lake!! Janelle Schmittberger my cousin just graduated from Hale-Ray high school in Moodus, CT and that was a very exciting and stressful time for our family. No family is perfect but what is great about mine is that no matter how much stress we all have or who makes mistakes we are all there for each other and we stick together to work it out.
Well I am off to do some homework before I head out to the lake to see my little cousins, Alyssa (10) Evan (6) and Lily (4) and their beautiful mom Aunt Nicole, then to do a little shopping and have dinner with mom, Teri.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
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Ralph Nader spoke about being a citizen and having citizen skills. After his presentation he did a book signing.
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Sunday, May 17, 2009
At the airport
Today is the big day. Today I am off to Washington DC to spend a week there with the Washington Center seminar program and a group of Quinnipiac students. Right now I am sitting by gate 4 at Bradley international, i chose to fly because an hour flight is MUCH better than the 7 hour train ride that I took when I did this in January.
Airports are funny places. I think it's one of those things that either you love or you hate and either you get it or you don't. Personally I like traveling and I think I pretty much get it. Other than the time I missed my stop because the speakers weren't working in my car and I didn't know I needed to move forward on the train, I haven't seem to have many slip ups traveling.
My flight leaves in an hour and then once I get to Baltimore I will have to take a shuttle to the end of the metro line and then take the metro to the, what I'm sure is amazing, apartment that Washington Center students stay in.
I am looking forward to this week; the networking and learning opportunities are endless. What I am not looking forward to is the lack of sleep and ton of work that is about to hit me face on before I even get to my apartment.
Just received an email from my professor Scott Mclean, this week we are going to hear from the Ambassador from Iraq, Ralph Nader, and a White House Briefing, which I am assuming/hoping means I may get to meet Robert Gibbs. If I get to meet Robert Gibbs I am going to be SOOOO excited because he currently holds me DREAM JOB!!
Well things are happening, perhaps I should shut down and pack up. Keep tuned this week for more updates about my trip :)
Airports are funny places. I think it's one of those things that either you love or you hate and either you get it or you don't. Personally I like traveling and I think I pretty much get it. Other than the time I missed my stop because the speakers weren't working in my car and I didn't know I needed to move forward on the train, I haven't seem to have many slip ups traveling.
My flight leaves in an hour and then once I get to Baltimore I will have to take a shuttle to the end of the metro line and then take the metro to the, what I'm sure is amazing, apartment that Washington Center students stay in.
I am looking forward to this week; the networking and learning opportunities are endless. What I am not looking forward to is the lack of sleep and ton of work that is about to hit me face on before I even get to my apartment.
Just received an email from my professor Scott Mclean, this week we are going to hear from the Ambassador from Iraq, Ralph Nader, and a White House Briefing, which I am assuming/hoping means I may get to meet Robert Gibbs. If I get to meet Robert Gibbs I am going to be SOOOO excited because he currently holds me DREAM JOB!!
Well things are happening, perhaps I should shut down and pack up. Keep tuned this week for more updates about my trip :)
Friday, May 1, 2009
Highlights of an internship
It was a great day to be an intern for the CGA yesterday. It started with the intern recognition reception where all the interns were presented with citations and had their pictures taken with the aids they worked for, but before my name was called I was sitting in the Senate Chamber with Sakina, the other intern for Senator Meyer's office and Jacqueline, Senator Meyer's legislative aid, when Senator Meyer stood up and recognized us in front of the entire Senate Chamber. This was probably the coolest thing EVER!! He presented us with framed citations and thanked us for our hard work as interns this session. After being presented with that citation I received the second citation that all the interns received and had my picture taken with Jacqueline. :)
Then in the afternoon Sakina, Colleen, and myself had a chance to meet the members of the UCONN Huskies women's basketball team, men's basketball team and the football team. This was a very cool event and I even had the chance to get some autographs and take some pictures.
It was definitely a cool day to be an intern.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Did that really have to be so awkward?
Today I'm walking back from class and I see a girl that I know from a class last semester. She wasn't just in the class but we were on the same project team. When we pass each other which is almost everyday I am always the first to say hello, much to her dismay. She always looks like she wants to run and hide when we make eye contact.
Most of us would agree that when we pass someone we know but are not close to on dorm road that is is awkward. Most of us will quickly reach for our cell phones and start fake texting (we ALL do it so don't try to deny it!) but if eye contact has already been made why can't people just smile and say brightly "hey! How are you?"
If you just kind of look away or act like you don't know me you are only making the whole situation more uncomfortable. Why are people so afraid to say hello? I mean if its your old roommate from freshman year that you absolutely can't stand that's one thing but if you spent all semester working on a project and got to know them pretty well a simple "hey" WILL NOT KILL YOU! You will not die of embarrassment and it will be over in just a couple seconds.
People spend more time trying to avoid other people than they would if they actually made some eye contact and said a few words. Try it and if you come down with a serious illness from it let me know!
(Although perhaps with the swine flu in our midst we should avoid talking or looking at anyone right now without a mask on?)
Most of us would agree that when we pass someone we know but are not close to on dorm road that is is awkward. Most of us will quickly reach for our cell phones and start fake texting (we ALL do it so don't try to deny it!) but if eye contact has already been made why can't people just smile and say brightly "hey! How are you?"
If you just kind of look away or act like you don't know me you are only making the whole situation more uncomfortable. Why are people so afraid to say hello? I mean if its your old roommate from freshman year that you absolutely can't stand that's one thing but if you spent all semester working on a project and got to know them pretty well a simple "hey" WILL NOT KILL YOU! You will not die of embarrassment and it will be over in just a couple seconds.
People spend more time trying to avoid other people than they would if they actually made some eye contact and said a few words. Try it and if you come down with a serious illness from it let me know!
(Although perhaps with the swine flu in our midst we should avoid talking or looking at anyone right now without a mask on?)
Monday, April 27, 2009
A burst to my bubble
Most of my complaints everyday are small unimportant things like, it's a little to hot in my room, or I don't feel like going to work or writing that paper; but every now and then the bubble that I seem to be living in bursts, only to rebuild itself later.
Just now I was reading on CNN.com about the WHO's upgrade of the Swine Flu to a pandemic alert, which after some research I learned means it's worse than an epidemic because it affects people in a large region. It moments like this that I realize that I am not in a bubble. It is possible that I could contract the Swine Flu. Although I will go back to my room tonight and warn my roommate of the virus and she will chuckle and say that I am always telling her about a new health warning, I think this is a serious one, just as I was worried about the peanut butter scare a few weeks ago.
It is entirely possible that this problem could get worse and affect myself or people I know. I read that there have been cases in NY, just one state away, of several children staying home with flu like symptoms. There is a chance, I'm hoping, that those children don't have the swine flu, but it really hit home that it is so close.
After the swine flu problem goes away, which can't come fast enough, I will probably return to my bubble of feeling safe until the next outbreak of some kind appears. Its amazing how myself and so many other people often go around knowing there are terrible diseases out there affecting so many people but feeling completely confident that we won't contract them. Now I'm not saying we should walk around afraid to touch door knobs (btw I don't touch a lot of them--don't judge) or being afraid all the time, but I do think it is important to take warnings seriously and be concerned when the WHO is calling this a pandemic, especially when the last pandemic was in 1968 the Hong Kong flu killed over 1 million and in 1918 the Spanish flu killed more than 100 million people.
Lets not become a statistic of the dead, face it your bubble has been burst, now go wash your hands!
Just now I was reading on CNN.com about the WHO's upgrade of the Swine Flu to a pandemic alert, which after some research I learned means it's worse than an epidemic because it affects people in a large region. It moments like this that I realize that I am not in a bubble. It is possible that I could contract the Swine Flu. Although I will go back to my room tonight and warn my roommate of the virus and she will chuckle and say that I am always telling her about a new health warning, I think this is a serious one, just as I was worried about the peanut butter scare a few weeks ago.
It is entirely possible that this problem could get worse and affect myself or people I know. I read that there have been cases in NY, just one state away, of several children staying home with flu like symptoms. There is a chance, I'm hoping, that those children don't have the swine flu, but it really hit home that it is so close.
After the swine flu problem goes away, which can't come fast enough, I will probably return to my bubble of feeling safe until the next outbreak of some kind appears. Its amazing how myself and so many other people often go around knowing there are terrible diseases out there affecting so many people but feeling completely confident that we won't contract them. Now I'm not saying we should walk around afraid to touch door knobs (btw I don't touch a lot of them--don't judge) or being afraid all the time, but I do think it is important to take warnings seriously and be concerned when the WHO is calling this a pandemic, especially when the last pandemic was in 1968 the Hong Kong flu killed over 1 million and in 1918 the Spanish flu killed more than 100 million people.
Lets not become a statistic of the dead, face it your bubble has been burst, now go wash your hands!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
WE ARE NOT ALL SLACKERS
Today when I was in the house chamber, after having my picture taken with Gov. M. Jodi Rell, which was fun!!, I was talking with Dr. Forst. Dr. Forst is the internship program director and the one who grades our internship assignments. This Thursday we have a 10 paged paper due about the state budget process and one area of the budget that we have had experience with.
During my conversation he made a comment about me only having two days and that it would be incredible if I got it done in time, along with a shocked look when I told him I did the first half last night, staying up until 2:30 am. My question here is - why is it that professors think that just because we have had all semester to complete an assignment that we are going to start in the beginning of the semester? Myself along with almost every student I know tend to wait until the last possible moment to even look over the assignment. This isn't entirely because we are lazy or big time procrastinators, like I find that most professors believe us to be, but rather because we HAVE OTHER CLASSES!!
I have a schedule like many other students that is very busy. I intern 2x per week in Hartford, I take 3 courses on campus the other days, I work 5 hours per week in the school of communications trying to make a little spending money, I am a writer for QUAD News, and I am also partly involved in other organizations. In addition to all that students like me also have to worry about what classes to take next semester, when and where are they going to be interning this summer, finals are a coming up really soon, our mom's wanting us to call home more often, our roommates telling us our laundry smells, our other roommates give us dirty looks from across the room because in a moment of utter exhaustion you flipped out on them last week, your professor just sent out an email saying your presentation is this week not next, it's time to start packing, I still don't have roommates or a place to live next year, my friends blew me off last weekend and I'm still debating if I should make plans with them last week, oh and making time for a trip to the gym a couple times a week to work off the calories you took in last weekend from the 1 a.m. call to dominoes.
So with all our course work plus those issues and a few more I DID HAVE TO PUT MY PAPER OFF UNTIL THE LAST WEEK!! BUT I PROMISE IT WILL BE AMAZING! SO STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE I'M A SLACKER!
During my conversation he made a comment about me only having two days and that it would be incredible if I got it done in time, along with a shocked look when I told him I did the first half last night, staying up until 2:30 am. My question here is - why is it that professors think that just because we have had all semester to complete an assignment that we are going to start in the beginning of the semester? Myself along with almost every student I know tend to wait until the last possible moment to even look over the assignment. This isn't entirely because we are lazy or big time procrastinators, like I find that most professors believe us to be, but rather because we HAVE OTHER CLASSES!!
I have a schedule like many other students that is very busy. I intern 2x per week in Hartford, I take 3 courses on campus the other days, I work 5 hours per week in the school of communications trying to make a little spending money, I am a writer for QUAD News, and I am also partly involved in other organizations. In addition to all that students like me also have to worry about what classes to take next semester, when and where are they going to be interning this summer, finals are a coming up really soon, our mom's wanting us to call home more often, our roommates telling us our laundry smells, our other roommates give us dirty looks from across the room because in a moment of utter exhaustion you flipped out on them last week, your professor just sent out an email saying your presentation is this week not next, it's time to start packing, I still don't have roommates or a place to live next year, my friends blew me off last weekend and I'm still debating if I should make plans with them last week, oh and making time for a trip to the gym a couple times a week to work off the calories you took in last weekend from the 1 a.m. call to dominoes.
So with all our course work plus those issues and a few more I DID HAVE TO PUT MY PAPER OFF UNTIL THE LAST WEEK!! BUT I PROMISE IT WILL BE AMAZING! SO STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE I'M A SLACKER!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Photo op with Gov. M. Jodi Rell
Tomorrow, if i wake up on time after staying up all night writing the budget paper, I will make the trip up to Hartford for my internship. Tomorrow, although I have lots of letters to stuff I will probably be leaving that for the law student intern to do because there will be a CCSU informational event that the interns are encouraged to attend to learn about different issues affecting the state and the legislature. Last time it was about Long Island Sound and the protection of it. Not sure what tomorrow's is about..maybe I should find out? But anyway I also read that tomorrow there will be a photo op for the interns with the Governor M. Jodi Rell. (side note--what does the M. stand for? Another thing I should look into.)
I am excited to meet the governor. I think it will be an exciting time. I am hoping that it won't be a crazy event with all 90 interns because then I will get nothing more than a hand shake with her.
Well now it's time for a QUAD News staff and E-Board meeting...look for updates tomorrow about my time with Gov. M. Jodi Rell.
Don't forget to visit WWW.QuadNews.Net.
I am excited to meet the governor. I think it will be an exciting time. I am hoping that it won't be a crazy event with all 90 interns because then I will get nothing more than a hand shake with her.
Well now it's time for a QUAD News staff and E-Board meeting...look for updates tomorrow about my time with Gov. M. Jodi Rell.
Don't forget to visit WWW.QuadNews.Net.
Our professors are right..Networking is the key!
For two years or more teachers have been saying that networking is the key to finding internships and jobs. At first I was a bit worried, although I don't have a shy personality the idea of networking was a bit confusing and I wasn't sure if I would be any good at it. I knew that at home my family knew a lot of people and that helped during hs to get school projects done but how was that going to help me get a job in Washington DC?
Now just two weeks away from my second year in college, looking forward to a summer of classes and just one more year here at QU, the concept of networking has fallen into place. It really isn't that difficult at all. All there is to it is meeting as many people as you can and getting their contact information and staying in touch because you never know when that person might be able to lead you to yet another opportunity to meet someone else.
Here's an example that I am really excited about. When I started my internship with the CT General Assembly I met Chris Zavagnin, an assistant clerk for the environment committee who, just through conversation I learned, happens to be friends with Mindy Crane (now Mindy Glabe) who was the State FFA President a few years back, an organization that I was a part of as well. A couple weeks ago I asked Chris if he could get me in touch with Mindy because I remembered that she worked for the Department of Ag for a while.
So now I have been emailing with Mindy for a couple weeks and she has put me in contact with someone who currently works for the department of Ag, Ralph Otto that I am going to try and schedule and appointment with to meet during my week in DC next month. Mindy also gave me a name of a friend who is a legislative aid for a congressman that I am going to try and meet while I am in DC.
So my point is that networking is a great thing and you never know what opportunities will pop up just by introducing yourself and getting a business card. (click link to make free business cards of your own--just pay shipping)
Now just two weeks away from my second year in college, looking forward to a summer of classes and just one more year here at QU, the concept of networking has fallen into place. It really isn't that difficult at all. All there is to it is meeting as many people as you can and getting their contact information and staying in touch because you never know when that person might be able to lead you to yet another opportunity to meet someone else.
Here's an example that I am really excited about. When I started my internship with the CT General Assembly I met Chris Zavagnin, an assistant clerk for the environment committee who, just through conversation I learned, happens to be friends with Mindy Crane (now Mindy Glabe) who was the State FFA President a few years back, an organization that I was a part of as well. A couple weeks ago I asked Chris if he could get me in touch with Mindy because I remembered that she worked for the Department of Ag for a while.
So now I have been emailing with Mindy for a couple weeks and she has put me in contact with someone who currently works for the department of Ag, Ralph Otto that I am going to try and schedule and appointment with to meet during my week in DC next month. Mindy also gave me a name of a friend who is a legislative aid for a congressman that I am going to try and meet while I am in DC.
So my point is that networking is a great thing and you never know what opportunities will pop up just by introducing yourself and getting a business card. (click link to make free business cards of your own--just pay shipping)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Quinnipiac Vs. The Real World
Every Tuesday and Thursday my cell phone alarm rings at 8am, to the dismay of my roommate who has also asked that I find a new song really soon, and I roll groggily out of bed and start getting ready for the day. As you know I am a legislative intern for the CT General Assembly so not only do I have to get dressed but I have to look somewhat presentable, which isn't an easy task when your roommate is a super light sleeper. After tip toeing around the room getting ready for the day I head out to wait for the shuttle.
The Quinnipiac shuttles are their own story alone, from the nice drivers to the crazy ones to the cranky ones, oh and lets not forget the ones who turn the heat up all the way and make me want to stick my head out the window like a dog. Waiting for the shuttle to take me about 2 miles to where my car is parked can be anywhere from a 10 minute success to a 30 minute failure. Once I have made it to my car I head off on the 40 minute drive to Hartford, trying to rush if the shuttle made me later than I had hoped to be while being careful of where the cops are sitting. A couple weeks ago I got a ticket for speeding. Once I get to Hartford and park in Lot C, which is of questionable safety levels, where I then have to wait for yet another shuttle to take me to the Legislative Office Building, LOB. I am then ready to start the best part of my day. (read my other posts for more about my internship)
At somepoint around 4pm it's time to head out and I do the shuttle-drive-shuttle experience all over again. Until recently I thought I was cranky when I got back to QU because I was tired from the commute but I was wrong. All day at my internship I spend my time with real people, doing real work, leading to a real future, and then I come back to the bubble. QU is a bubble. I have realized that when I am back here at QU the issues that student are dealing with don't have the same level of importance as the issues I learn about and hear about in Hartford, real issues that affect people's lives in CT.
I think I am becoming annoyed by the issues here at QU because they just don't seem as important to me anymore. I think more students should leave QU and experience real world issues to gain some perspective on the issues they spend hours stressing out over here at QU, like what kind of pizza the cafe is serving today.
The Quinnipiac shuttles are their own story alone, from the nice drivers to the crazy ones to the cranky ones, oh and lets not forget the ones who turn the heat up all the way and make me want to stick my head out the window like a dog. Waiting for the shuttle to take me about 2 miles to where my car is parked can be anywhere from a 10 minute success to a 30 minute failure. Once I have made it to my car I head off on the 40 minute drive to Hartford, trying to rush if the shuttle made me later than I had hoped to be while being careful of where the cops are sitting. A couple weeks ago I got a ticket for speeding. Once I get to Hartford and park in Lot C, which is of questionable safety levels, where I then have to wait for yet another shuttle to take me to the Legislative Office Building, LOB. I am then ready to start the best part of my day. (read my other posts for more about my internship)
At somepoint around 4pm it's time to head out and I do the shuttle-drive-shuttle experience all over again. Until recently I thought I was cranky when I got back to QU because I was tired from the commute but I was wrong. All day at my internship I spend my time with real people, doing real work, leading to a real future, and then I come back to the bubble. QU is a bubble. I have realized that when I am back here at QU the issues that student are dealing with don't have the same level of importance as the issues I learn about and hear about in Hartford, real issues that affect people's lives in CT.
I think I am becoming annoyed by the issues here at QU because they just don't seem as important to me anymore. I think more students should leave QU and experience real world issues to gain some perspective on the issues they spend hours stressing out over here at QU, like what kind of pizza the cafe is serving today.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Sitting in the CT State Senate Gallery
Right now I am sitting in the front row of the Senate Gallery at the CT General Assembly. The Senators are voting on nominations for members to boards of different things. Bring an intern here has been a great experience that is soon coming to an end. I am an intern for Senator Ed Meyer. I would strongly recommend this internship opportunity to anyone interested in politics. Even if it isn't you major it's a great place to learn about how our government is run.
One thing that I have found particularly interesting is the role that the media plays in state politics. There have been a couple issues that I have learned about by researching legislation and speaking with different people here in Hartford that sound much different on the evening news. It makes me wonder what other issues get a spin on them in the media from what the legislature really meant. People trust the media to be a liaison between our state and the issues to our lives but if an issue is shown in a different way than it's original meeting. I guess my point is that although I am a communications student and part of student media I have that it is very important to question everything. Question the media, question rumors and ask questions until you have an honest idea of the truth.
During my internship I have learned to ask questions. I am no longer afraid to ask questions and keep asking until I understand. I have learned to do effective research both by talking to experts as well as by reading documents and looking up information.
The Senators are still voting. Just as a side note to my points about questions and answers....it is SOOOO cool being here at the Capitol!!!
(back at QU now)
As luck, or coincidence, would have it my fortune from my fortune cookie that I just ate with dinner says this "Questions provide the key to unlocking our unlimited potential."
One thing that I have found particularly interesting is the role that the media plays in state politics. There have been a couple issues that I have learned about by researching legislation and speaking with different people here in Hartford that sound much different on the evening news. It makes me wonder what other issues get a spin on them in the media from what the legislature really meant. People trust the media to be a liaison between our state and the issues to our lives but if an issue is shown in a different way than it's original meeting. I guess my point is that although I am a communications student and part of student media I have that it is very important to question everything. Question the media, question rumors and ask questions until you have an honest idea of the truth.
During my internship I have learned to ask questions. I am no longer afraid to ask questions and keep asking until I understand. I have learned to do effective research both by talking to experts as well as by reading documents and looking up information.
The Senators are still voting. Just as a side note to my points about questions and answers....it is SOOOO cool being here at the Capitol!!!
(back at QU now)
As luck, or coincidence, would have it my fortune from my fortune cookie that I just ate with dinner says this "Questions provide the key to unlocking our unlimited potential."
should we be nervous?
This morning I was reading this article in the NYTimes http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/15/world/asia/15korea.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&hp "North Korea Vows to Restart Plant and Boycott Talks" and the one thing that came to mind while reading this is should I be nervous about N. Korea? This article stresses the seriousness of the issue but it also reads like any other article about any other issue or day, and that makes me somewhat nervous.
I follow the news more than a lot of my peers here at Quinnipiac, but still I am not a news junkie, although I might be if I had more time to sit down and read the paper, but from this article and a few other stories I have read and heard about the issues with N. Korea I am feeling a bit nervous about the situation. I am wondering how the rest of the country is feeling about this. I can be certain that my roommates and a couple of my friends know nothing about this issue but if a nation with a history of being unresponsive to diplomatic relations is building a nuclear facility and refusing to talk with world leaders shouldn't be all be a little bit afraid?
The one short quote from President Obama just says that "Rules must be binding...Violations must be punished." What kind of punishment are we talking about here? I am sure, more hoping than sure, that President Obama has more a of a grasp on this issue than just a comment like this that turned up in the Times, but still I would feel much better if I were to start hearing more about this issue from perhaps the White House itself. I think that the American people need to know more about this issue and whether we should be nervous. I'm sure there are probably a whole bunch of articles and statements out there about it but how about the people who don't follow the news everyday? Shouldn't they be informed too? The more it's talked about the more people will learn about it, so I think there needs to be more in the media about it!
I follow the news more than a lot of my peers here at Quinnipiac, but still I am not a news junkie, although I might be if I had more time to sit down and read the paper, but from this article and a few other stories I have read and heard about the issues with N. Korea I am feeling a bit nervous about the situation. I am wondering how the rest of the country is feeling about this. I can be certain that my roommates and a couple of my friends know nothing about this issue but if a nation with a history of being unresponsive to diplomatic relations is building a nuclear facility and refusing to talk with world leaders shouldn't be all be a little bit afraid?
The one short quote from President Obama just says that "Rules must be binding...Violations must be punished." What kind of punishment are we talking about here? I am sure, more hoping than sure, that President Obama has more a of a grasp on this issue than just a comment like this that turned up in the Times, but still I would feel much better if I were to start hearing more about this issue from perhaps the White House itself. I think that the American people need to know more about this issue and whether we should be nervous. I'm sure there are probably a whole bunch of articles and statements out there about it but how about the people who don't follow the news everyday? Shouldn't they be informed too? The more it's talked about the more people will learn about it, so I think there needs to be more in the media about it!
Monday, April 13, 2009
First day of blogging
Ok well I have finally done it! I created a blog! I have one year left of college and I know that soon those 500 business cards I ordered are going to need to be recycled because I will no longer have access to Chelsey.Hood@Quinnipiac.edu and so I have created my new "grown-up" email address; CHood214@gmail.com, which by the way I am not sure I like yet and truthfully I would like to find the owner of the Chelsey.Hood@Gmail.com address because that one would be much better, at least until I get married.
So here is my first blog. Professors here say in almost every class I take that blogging is important and that we should all have one, so now I do. I'm not really sure what I want to talk about in my blog yet, so I thought I would just start by introducing myself. But now I am wondering to who am I introducing myself to? Will anyone even read this? I am not much of a read of blogs thus far in my life but perhaps I should read some to get some ideas. Most that I have seen looked like just responses to news clips that I saw on Yahoo! this morning. I do a lot of responding in classes, perhaps I'll just use my blog to vent and brainstorm?
So about me...my name is Chelsey Hood and I am a junior at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT and a life time resident of East Haddam, CT. I am a public relations major with a minor in political science. I have narrowed my education down to this: I study public relations for the skills it teaches me about communication but I study politics because it is my passion. My passion for politics, I think has been a part of me for longer than I realize, but it really grew during President Obama's campaign. I guess that puts me in a boat with a whole bunch of other college aged people who became inspired by Obama. My curiosity of the world of politics led me to take some PO classes and even to a three week trip in Washington DC this past January where I did the tourist thing with my mom before joining my classmates for a 10 day intensive seminar where I heard from and visited various speakers who included political figures and journalism icons. The trip ended with the inauguration, which was the most incredible experience. People ask me all the time what was it like, but all I can say is amazing. It's hard to put into words the feelings I had, and those I didn't because it was so cold, but honestly it was just amazing. This trip to Washington gave me, what my professor called, Potomac Fever, and I just can't wait to graduate and move down to DC. As hard as it might be to leave home next year, the time I spent in Washington gave me that intense feeling that it is where I am meant to be for the rest of my life.
Now that I'm back, and the spring semester is coming to a close everything I have done since that trip has been working towards building a future in Washington. This semester I have been a legislative intern for the Connecticut General Assembly, working for State Senator Meyer's office. This internship has again increased my love of politics and has taught me so much about how a career in politics might look for me after school. I have also just accepted an offer to intern with Senator Christopher Dodd this summer in his district office, which I am REALLY excited about!!
so...how did I do? Are you bored to death? I hope not. This was my first attempt at a blog and hopefully someone will read it...more to come in the future. Find me on Twitter Chood214
So here is my first blog. Professors here say in almost every class I take that blogging is important and that we should all have one, so now I do. I'm not really sure what I want to talk about in my blog yet, so I thought I would just start by introducing myself. But now I am wondering to who am I introducing myself to? Will anyone even read this? I am not much of a read of blogs thus far in my life but perhaps I should read some to get some ideas. Most that I have seen looked like just responses to news clips that I saw on Yahoo! this morning. I do a lot of responding in classes, perhaps I'll just use my blog to vent and brainstorm?
So about me...my name is Chelsey Hood and I am a junior at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT and a life time resident of East Haddam, CT. I am a public relations major with a minor in political science. I have narrowed my education down to this: I study public relations for the skills it teaches me about communication but I study politics because it is my passion. My passion for politics, I think has been a part of me for longer than I realize, but it really grew during President Obama's campaign. I guess that puts me in a boat with a whole bunch of other college aged people who became inspired by Obama. My curiosity of the world of politics led me to take some PO classes and even to a three week trip in Washington DC this past January where I did the tourist thing with my mom before joining my classmates for a 10 day intensive seminar where I heard from and visited various speakers who included political figures and journalism icons. The trip ended with the inauguration, which was the most incredible experience. People ask me all the time what was it like, but all I can say is amazing. It's hard to put into words the feelings I had, and those I didn't because it was so cold, but honestly it was just amazing. This trip to Washington gave me, what my professor called, Potomac Fever, and I just can't wait to graduate and move down to DC. As hard as it might be to leave home next year, the time I spent in Washington gave me that intense feeling that it is where I am meant to be for the rest of my life.
Now that I'm back, and the spring semester is coming to a close everything I have done since that trip has been working towards building a future in Washington. This semester I have been a legislative intern for the Connecticut General Assembly, working for State Senator Meyer's office. This internship has again increased my love of politics and has taught me so much about how a career in politics might look for me after school. I have also just accepted an offer to intern with Senator Christopher Dodd this summer in his district office, which I am REALLY excited about!!
so...how did I do? Are you bored to death? I hope not. This was my first attempt at a blog and hopefully someone will read it...more to come in the future. Find me on Twitter Chood214
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