Paige's Blog

May Days is Here!

 

For any current DU student, May Days is a BIG DEAL. 

It happens during Week 9 of Spring Quarter- the most perfectly planned week long event that happens on DU's campus. Not only do we have the summer itch, we all are going to burst from being inside a classroom all day. It's 80 degrees outside and we all just want to BE outside. Well, May Days is the perfect excuse to mix school and fun. 

Carnivals with fresh squeezed lemonade and funnel cakes. A Luau pig roast. Roller skating. Music. Food. Free T-Shirts. Concerts. The list of fun activities continues and is seeminly neverending. The hardest part of this week is finishing that ONE, or TWO or maybe THREE assignments....

To check out the full calendar of events.

Go to:  https://www.facebook.com/events/314650095278251/

Spring Into Your Career!

On Monday, May 7th, Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality was a nobel host for the DU's Career Center to put on an extremely success event for our undergraduates. 

It was the perfect place for students seeking suggestions and advice on how to pursue internships and how to handle the journey of "looking for a job."

The day began with 3 different panels that students could choose based on interest:

• current DU students that have had experience finding and completing internships   
•  community members and business professionals that spoke about                              "finding your passion."     
• informational session on body language and what it says about YOU during an interview

The second portion focused on "voices of experience"- which featured business professionals, community leaders and non-profit organizations that answered specific questions regarding their industry.

• Who are they hiring right now?
• What do they look for in recent graduates?
• What majors fit into their field of work?
• What internships are offered through their companies?

Specific trends in the work market were indentified and good tips and advice were given for interviewing, applications, cover letters and questions 

For the grand finale, a delicious dinner was served by the students and chefs  of our lovely hospitality school. 

During dinner, a former DU student shared some of her "real world" observations, tid bits of advice and led a dialogue that really brought the entire event to a nice close. Not to mention, I was able to snag at least 3 desserts while adamantly listening :-)

Why am I sharing this event with you all?

Well-- as a Junior in college, I am in the "blocking out the real world" mental state- but still trying to navigate through the maze towards a career. DU has excellent career services and each school offers specialized major advising, therefore I think it would be wise to take advantage of them! They need us to keep them busy, right? 

Check their website out: http://www.du.edu/studentlife/career/

Daniels Week= Success!

Congratulations to Daniels College of Business which celebrated its 104th anniversary this year at the University of Denver. As a Daniels student, I'm proud to say that it was well represented and many students on DU's campus take pride in our top ranking business school.

This week was officially "Daniels Week" and was bustling with activities (and really really good food). The most popular event is of course the Daniel's Spring Week BBQ- which was held this past Thursday. The gigantic white tent set-up outside on the lawn was not constructed for nothing, as more than 700 students, faculty and staff piled in for the celebration. It was catered by Famous Daves BBQ (YUM) and people actually stayed to mingle and chat- not dine and dash. 

Daniels Undergraduate Business Student Association (UBSA) is doing fantastic things for the students. Increasing visibility, inclusion and working on alumni relations top their list. They also have successfully started a quarterly student run campus newspaper appropriately titled the "Pioneer Business Review." 

Daniels featured "Voices of Experience" speaker for the month is Home Depot CEO and DU graduate, Carol Tome. These FREE speaking events ALWAYS fill up quickly and normally end up being standing room only. 

It is wonderful to be able to applaud my "home school" in doing a tremendous job in contributing to the Pionner reputation.

CONGRATULATIONS on another successful year Daniels College of Business!!!

Coffee. Where?!

Fun coffee places to check out around Denver 

Sometimes it's nice to just get off campus, or out of the dorm and enjoy Denver's hidden 'nooks.' My favorite places to study are homey and comfy coffee shops. The environment is 'study mode,' the coffee is an energetic boost and you may just meet some really cool people while you're out :-)

Check out a few of my favorites:

-Stella's- located on Pearl & Florida

-Kaladi's- located on Evans & Williams

-Wash Perk- 2 blocks west of Wash Park

-Fireside Books- Broadway & Hampden

-Leela's- downtown off of 15th and Champa

-Coffee at the Points- In 5 Points neighborhood off of Washington Street

- Of course any Starbucks will work  

These are perfect places to catch up with friends, study, or just enjoy the eclectic atmosphere. 

Spring into Spring Quarter

 

The past 2 weeks at DU have been ACTIVE. We have welcomed more than 1000 prospective students on tours and overnight stays on our beautiful sunny campus.

DU proudly welcomed DU Alumni Condoleezza Rice as she spoke at the Cable Center on April 2^nd and had a spectacular turn out. She was a phenomenally engaging speaker and served as a perfect example of what DU represents- excellence.

The Black Male Initiative Summit was held on Friday, April 6^th and was an extremely successful event for bringing African American youth on a college campus.

 Daniels College of Business is holding interviews for leadership positions for Undergraduate Business Student Association- future leaders in ethical business practices.

 

Discoveries Orientation Leader interviews are being held and only the best of the best will be leading our new class of PIOS! If you are going to be a first year student in the fall of 2012, be prepared for an amazing week of DU fun and getting to know some of your peers.

 This week was GREEK WEEK for those students who identify with our active sororities and fraternities on campus. Hilarious debate topics, relay races, volleyball tournaments, Mustache Bashes and more ran rampant on campus!

 

As you can see, Spring Quarter is just beginning and already the campus is bubbling with activity!

 

Looking forward for more -

PC

 

After Finals DE-Stress Mechanisms

Finally it is Spring Break :-) 

It was a race to the finish line as the quarter came to an end. The 70 degree weather during finals week was FANTASTICALLY distracting--- As soon as class was over, all of DU basically headed to Washington Park (3 blocks away) and set up camp under the sun. Nevermind that there was some serious studying to be done. The beauty of Colorado during all months of the year keeps everyone smiling and happy. There's hardly ever a day without at least a glimpse of a beautiful blue sky and bright shining sun.

Now it is time to officially DESTRESS--These are just a few suggestions :-)

1) Get some REST! Sleep in, go to bed early, take a nap or two

2) Get back into a routine 

3) Complete your "to do on a rainy day list"                                                                                            (I'm sure it's pretty long- it'll feel great to cross them off the list)

4) Call friends & family

5) If the weather is nice, enjoy some sun. Nature is a natural destresser believe it or not

6) Make a list of accomplishments from the quarter (or semester)

7) Enjoy several good meals

8) Treat yourself to something you feel like you've earned

9) Take some deep breaths 

10) Smile & Laugh

I also like to take some time to look back at some of my favorite memories. Look through old pictures, serf facebook, talk to cousins, eat lunch with old friends, ponder how I ever left such beautiful places...

 

DELICIOUS Stir Fry (My new favorite thing to make)

I love food.

Period.

I also like to cook, bake, look at, smell, watch and eat food. Yes, I'm a foodie.... Definitely.

SO- Here is one of my favorite recipes :-) 

Rice Noodle Stir Fry

Ingredients: 

4 Servings wide rice noodles

3 Cups of freshly chopped vegetables

2 TB. of minced garlic

3 TB. of minced onion

3 TB. Oil (olive, canola, peanut)

1 Cup of cooked cubed chicken, beef or tofu

3TB. Soy sauce 

1/2 Cup of Terriyaki sauce

1 Tspoon of hot sauce or red chili pepper flakes (optional)

1 LARGE APPETITE

 

Directions: 

Noodles: In large pot, bring water to a rapid boil. Remove from heat. Add rice noodles to hot water and let sit for 7-9 minutes. After the noodles are tender, drain and rinse with cold water to stop from cooking.

Vegetables: Heat oil, garlic and onion in a large skillet or wok. When sizzling, add the freshly chopped vegetables and saute for 5 minutes. Add cooked chicken, beef or tofu. Saute for 2 more minutes. Add the soy sauce and terriyaki sauce to mixture. Add drained noodles and stir the mixture together.  

Heat covered for several minutes until entire mixture is hot. 

Serve on your favorite plates and add toasted sesames, green onions or any other topping you like!

Picture coming soon! 

Have You Heard of Pinterest?

I recently discovered this incredible website called "Pinterest." I'm sure some of you have one already, but for those of you that have yet to discover the magic of Pinterest- allow me to share :-)

Pinterest is a virtual pin board that is used to organize and share cool things that are found on the web. It sounds bizarre, almost like a web scrapbook- BUT- it's actually an incredible way to connect and share your interests with people. For example, my friend has created 7 different "pin boards," labeled with titles like "a girl can dream" (wedding), "Edible Eats" (recipes), "If I Could Go Anywhere" (destination spots). Once you are on Pinterest, you can then begin following people whose boards you really like and people start following you- a giant interest group basically. 

(Jessica's Board)- Thanks!

After I logged in and created a couple of boards, I clicked on my friend's pin board and that was it- I was hooked! I began scrolling through all of these awesome pictures and ideas and clicking from one board to the next- discovering and "pinning" new recipes, "awwing" at wedding pics and ideas, gathering "free time" activity ideas.... 

(Ben's Board) Thanks!

It's a creative forum for people to rediscover interests in a fun, unique and personalized way. It's a reminder to save those things that make you go, "I need to remember that so I can do (make, plan, create)  'this' one day." Whatever it may be. 

For girls, it's  a head start on planning that "Perfect Wedding" - A girl can dream right?

Shout out to AIESEC!

This is just a little info on an organization that is making a difference on college campuses, not just in the nation, but in the ENTIRE WORLD. Read on to find out more!

AIESEC is the world's largest student driven organization. AIESEC is unique because they are a group of motivated college students that arrange international internships for other college students. (Nothing is more encouraging than seeing peers taking care of their peers) These internships are organized through a partnership with other AIESEC groups located in over 110 different countries around the world. They are dedicated to helping students pursue international careers, fulfilling desires to travel abroad and to students becoming global citizens. AIESEC is highly involved within their respective communities because they actively engage with local businesses, NGO's (Non-Governmental Organizations), corporations and community stakeholders.

Their goal is to provide opportunities to any person wanting to expand their professional network, gain valuable real-life skills, make positive impacts and increase their cultural awareness. They focus in areas of management, technology, education and development, but also serve as an extraordinary resource for any challenge you may want to take on.

If you feel like AIESEC is an organization you would like to get involved with, they also have incredible leadership opportunities to take advantage of. They have committees at the state, national and global level and are always looking for new leadership.

If you are entering college, a current undergraduate or graduate student, I strongly encourage you to check out AIESEC's website. 

http://www.aiesec.org/

The newest Colorado AIESEC organization is on University of Denver's campus and you can also get in contact with the with AIESEC University of Colorado at Boulder.

 

Valentine's Day!

So Adorable...

Chocolates? Check.

Candies?Check.

Dozen Roses? Check.

Card? Check.

 Wait? Are chocolates, roses and a card really the “keepsakes” girls want on Valentine’s Day?

 These are the questions we ask ourselves as all of the craziness of Valentine’s Day approaches.

What if we decide what love is and redefine our own Valentine’s Day?

 We ALL have someone special in our lives. We all are loved. We all deserve something sweet & nice, not only on February 14th, but any day of the week, month and YEAR. Let’s get away from the “norm” of chocolates & roses and treat ourselves and our loved ones with gifts that are symbolic of true love, appreciation and “charm.”   You get to define this gift. What if it's just a simple, "thinking of you" note? What if it is washing your mom's car and vacuuming the inside? What if it just paying someone a nice compliment, just because. I can think of 101 million other things I could do for other people that mean a lot to me, besides write them a Valentine or give them chocolates and roses. 

 I know that for Valentine’s Day this year, I will be enjoying a nice dinner with my 3 very best friends at one of our favorite restaurants, Old Chicago. Not because it’s V-Day and we are neither rejecting nor accepting the declared "holiday", we are just going for the fun of it. Why not go out to eat? We haven’t been to a dinner together since Winter Quarter took over our lives. V-Day simply reminded us that we should enjoy the time we have together. We are getting older, taking on the challenge of life and who knows....., next year we all might have "Real Dates?" Nah.... :-)

 

“Love isn’t hard to find, it’s hard to keep”