I love campus on the weekends. The atmosphere is drastically different and although many people do go home, the people who stay have much more fun.
This weekend was packed with good times. Friday started off with a movie marathon. Well, not a movie. A television show. I love T.V. Anyone who knows me in real life can attest to that. When I can immerse myself in that kind of in-depth story, it just makes me feel good. The show I marathoned was 'How I Met Your Mother' and I can to a realization: I am Ted Moseby. Optimistic, fun, outgoing, stable, and a bit sarcastic. That's me! With my relationships and work, I have a silimar outlook to Ted, he wants more and I am the same way.
I love my job becasue I get the opportunity to hang out with people all the time. I had a free ice cream and pizza party on Saturday just becasue I was bored. Yes, I really am that cool. Just hanging out with the people who are here on the weekends is so much fun, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Eating ice cream, watching television, and spend time with people I care about. Is anyone jealous of the fact taht this is how I work on the weekend?!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Welcome Week
This week I hit the ground running. I didn't expect to be so busy right out the gate this semester, but somehow, I managed to wriggle my way into classes that are pretty front-end heavy. I know that I will be able to manage this semester much better than last.
Someone very important to me said yesterday that I wasn't the best at managing my time last semester, and I would have to agree with her. It was hard to balance my relationships, work and school; but that is something that will always be a struggle. I know that the day that I am not torn in so many different directions, I will simply be heartbroken that I don't have so many things to occupy my time. Knowing that I have so many options, and so much to do, has always helped me to provide balance for my life. Being someone who has created a strong network of connections on campus has helped me to lead a healthy life. I know that I can depend on the people I live with and the people I chose to associate myself with to help create a balanced life.
I know that I tend to repeat myself a lot, but I tend to struggle with the same things... over and over. To be balanced and keep on running at the same speed are some things that I am ready to accomplish as this new school year begins. Wish me luck!
Someone very important to me said yesterday that I wasn't the best at managing my time last semester, and I would have to agree with her. It was hard to balance my relationships, work and school; but that is something that will always be a struggle. I know that the day that I am not torn in so many different directions, I will simply be heartbroken that I don't have so many things to occupy my time. Knowing that I have so many options, and so much to do, has always helped me to provide balance for my life. Being someone who has created a strong network of connections on campus has helped me to lead a healthy life. I know that I can depend on the people I live with and the people I chose to associate myself with to help create a balanced life.
I know that I tend to repeat myself a lot, but I tend to struggle with the same things... over and over. To be balanced and keep on running at the same speed are some things that I am ready to accomplish as this new school year begins. Wish me luck!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Winter Break 2009
Sorry for the late posting, my academics this semester took priority... this was the hardest academic semester of my life. I didn't know classes could be this hard, but that's what I get for taking three 400-level classes. Luckily, everything worked out well for me... I am rocking a 3.5, ladies and gentlemen!
This break could not have come at a better time. As much as I love school and my life on campus, I needed a little bit of time for me to breathe. Very rarely do I ever take time for myself, and this break that is all I have done. I am working in a manufacturing plant and all I do is work at a large machine with my iPod in, listening to the Harry Potter audio books. Being solo and working by myself has given me a new perspective on what I want to do in my next few semesters at UNC.
I always knew I wanted to work with students, but my involvement on campus and work as an RA has given me a way to work with students in a more practical application. I will be working as an intern in the Department of Housing and Residence Life! I am really excited for this new opportunity and can't wait to work with my bosses in order to make student living better here. I think I may get to work with LeadOn, which is a leadership program for incoming students, and I am really excited for that!
I move back to campus the first week in January,and I can't wait to get my floor ready for my residents to come back. If anyone has any ideas on what my "floor theme" should be... let me know in the comments!My break is moving really slowly. Ever since I found out that this intership is a "go", it has been the only thing occupying my mind, and no matter how much Harry Potter I listen to or how many fun themes I think of, my excitement for the next semester won't go away!
This break could not have come at a better time. As much as I love school and my life on campus, I needed a little bit of time for me to breathe. Very rarely do I ever take time for myself, and this break that is all I have done. I am working in a manufacturing plant and all I do is work at a large machine with my iPod in, listening to the Harry Potter audio books. Being solo and working by myself has given me a new perspective on what I want to do in my next few semesters at UNC.
I always knew I wanted to work with students, but my involvement on campus and work as an RA has given me a way to work with students in a more practical application. I will be working as an intern in the Department of Housing and Residence Life! I am really excited for this new opportunity and can't wait to work with my bosses in order to make student living better here. I think I may get to work with LeadOn, which is a leadership program for incoming students, and I am really excited for that!
I move back to campus the first week in January,and I can't wait to get my floor ready for my residents to come back. If anyone has any ideas on what my "floor theme" should be... let me know in the comments!My break is moving really slowly. Ever since I found out that this intership is a "go", it has been the only thing occupying my mind, and no matter how much Harry Potter I listen to or how many fun themes I think of, my excitement for the next semester won't go away!
Monday, November 9, 2009
It's That Time Again
Hey blogosphere!
So, It's about 1/2 way through the fall semester and I have been so busy this year! I have done so much work with housing this year, everything starts to run together. From our awesome Homecoming in South Hall, where we won overall spirit points, the Cans to Candelaria Food Drive competition, and the lobby decorating contest, to even my floor's awesome programs and our adventures throughout town, this has been a whirlwind of a semester.
I wish I could've been able to share more with you all! Living on campus really is all that it's cracked up to be, and meeting so many people and sharing all of these experiences really is fun. I may be a senior now, but that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy all of the activities that go on across campus.
This week is another packed week for me. I am leaving on Thursday for the IACURH conference at Northern Arizona University where I hope to learn some valuable skills about how to bring out some spirit in my residents. I went to the conference in the past, and I hope that this year is as much fun!
It's too bad I have to leave Greeley at 4 a.m. to make my flight.
So, It's about 1/2 way through the fall semester and I have been so busy this year! I have done so much work with housing this year, everything starts to run together. From our awesome Homecoming in South Hall, where we won overall spirit points, the Cans to Candelaria Food Drive competition, and the lobby decorating contest, to even my floor's awesome programs and our adventures throughout town, this has been a whirlwind of a semester.
I wish I could've been able to share more with you all! Living on campus really is all that it's cracked up to be, and meeting so many people and sharing all of these experiences really is fun. I may be a senior now, but that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy all of the activities that go on across campus.
This week is another packed week for me. I am leaving on Thursday for the IACURH conference at Northern Arizona University where I hope to learn some valuable skills about how to bring out some spirit in my residents. I went to the conference in the past, and I hope that this year is as much fun!
It's too bad I have to leave Greeley at 4 a.m. to make my flight.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Focus In!
Well, readers, this is it: the end of the semester.
Don’t panic, UNC-students, there is in fact two weeks left. But all of my hard finals are this week. Two tests, a presentation, and three papers. Gotta love it. I am relatively prepared, but that is only in comparison to the homework lockdown I was on this weekend. It was intense, but ironically enough, I didn’t get as much done as I wanted. I studied at the Library, wrote a paper in my room, even tried reading in the lobby, but I couldn’t get my focus “on”. It was rough, but then I thought about one of my favorite quotes by Anthony Robbins, an American entrepreneur and motivational speaker:
“It's not what's happening to you now or what has happened in your past that determines who you become. Rather, it's your decisions about what to focus on, what things mean to you, and what you're going to do about them that will determine your ultimate destiny.”
I think this really rings true in my life NOW. I have had a lack of focus in my life and I just need to put things in perspective, like my academics and my work in ResLife. I know that I can do it, it’s just putting one foot in front of the other and focusing on the things that really impact my life right now. I know that my academics are a current priority in my life, and it has taken me a while to get that ingrained in me over that last two weeks. Recently I’ve been more into being social and doing my job… its all about priorities these days, isn’t that what they all say? This next week will be all about how I can overcome the things that attract my focus and put it all back together again. But... that's what I say now, only time will tell if I really can do all that I set my mind to.
Don’t panic, UNC-students, there is in fact two weeks left. But all of my hard finals are this week. Two tests, a presentation, and three papers. Gotta love it. I am relatively prepared, but that is only in comparison to the homework lockdown I was on this weekend. It was intense, but ironically enough, I didn’t get as much done as I wanted. I studied at the Library, wrote a paper in my room, even tried reading in the lobby, but I couldn’t get my focus “on”. It was rough, but then I thought about one of my favorite quotes by Anthony Robbins, an American entrepreneur and motivational speaker:
“It's not what's happening to you now or what has happened in your past that determines who you become. Rather, it's your decisions about what to focus on, what things mean to you, and what you're going to do about them that will determine your ultimate destiny.”
I think this really rings true in my life NOW. I have had a lack of focus in my life and I just need to put things in perspective, like my academics and my work in ResLife. I know that I can do it, it’s just putting one foot in front of the other and focusing on the things that really impact my life right now. I know that my academics are a current priority in my life, and it has taken me a while to get that ingrained in me over that last two weeks. Recently I’ve been more into being social and doing my job… its all about priorities these days, isn’t that what they all say? This next week will be all about how I can overcome the things that attract my focus and put it all back together again. But... that's what I say now, only time will tell if I really can do all that I set my mind to.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
FALL OUT BOY!!! and duty...
This week has been a hectic one, to say the least. It started off with a BANG when I went to the Fall Out Boy concert in Denver. One of my favorite bands ever- Metro Station played too. The song “Shake It” is one of the best, since it reminds me of my summer camp. I had such a fun time and was traumatized by a mosh pit… and a weird dancing boy (who was under the influence of something questionable…). But regardless of the crazies, I has a blast with all of the girls I went with. They always seem to keep me on my toes. From then, my week took a drastic turn: DUTY.
Duty is the fun term that encompasses a Resident Assistant’s responsibility to do safety and security walks through the building to make sure that all the residents are making good choices and not putting themselves in harm’s way. I was on duty for three days straight. THREE! That means three late nights with ridiculous stories and great friends. And three days of minimal sleep and lots of time at the Front Desk.
I love my job, but it just gets ridiculous when that is all that I do for three days. I had stuff to do, yes but I couldn’t leave the building nor have an outlet to be ridiculous. I NEED TO BE RIDICULOUS! I thrive on that, and after my mentality was worn so low, I didn’t know how to be ridiculous. That is, until softball came around. My team is great, we represent Turner Hall and I get such a kick out of playing. I miss sports, and this team is a way for me to play, but not be in the uber-competitive environment that made me quit baseball in the first place. Winning our game today was great. I feel so accomplished and I am so grateful to have my teammates who keep me laughing during the games. Our team is in a really good place come finals next week.
I am totally winding down. Summer is 19 days away… and I feel it with every minute that passes.
Duty is the fun term that encompasses a Resident Assistant’s responsibility to do safety and security walks through the building to make sure that all the residents are making good choices and not putting themselves in harm’s way. I was on duty for three days straight. THREE! That means three late nights with ridiculous stories and great friends. And three days of minimal sleep and lots of time at the Front Desk.
I love my job, but it just gets ridiculous when that is all that I do for three days. I had stuff to do, yes but I couldn’t leave the building nor have an outlet to be ridiculous. I NEED TO BE RIDICULOUS! I thrive on that, and after my mentality was worn so low, I didn’t know how to be ridiculous. That is, until softball came around. My team is great, we represent Turner Hall and I get such a kick out of playing. I miss sports, and this team is a way for me to play, but not be in the uber-competitive environment that made me quit baseball in the first place. Winning our game today was great. I feel so accomplished and I am so grateful to have my teammates who keep me laughing during the games. Our team is in a really good place come finals next week.
I am totally winding down. Summer is 19 days away… and I feel it with every minute that passes.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Relay for Life and the Hecticness that Followed
I am t-minus one hour for registering for my classes to start my Senior year of college. Woah. Talk about a throwback to 90’s television. I have spent the last few weeks working on prepping my life for this moment: making it to my fourth year of college.
I am really proud of my floor this week. For the Relay for Life we raised over 100 dollars in a Penny War. Turner, as a whole, raised over 500 dollars! It was such a moving experience and being a part of the Relay was great. I loved the Luminaria ceremony where all 500 participants walked on the track in remembrance and celebration of those who have lost the fight, or are still fighting cancer. Together, UNC was able to raise over 35,000 dollars for the American Cancer Society’s research. Yes, it was not a misprint. $35,000. To learn more about the relay, check here: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/ and see what you can do to help end cancer.
My life has been really hectic since then, with school and my social life (don’t laugh, yes… I have one) I have been constantly busy. I submitted all of the Bids for RHA on Friday as well. Bids are just a fancy way of recognizing greatness on campus, and Turner Hall (my home) is up for both Hall of the Year and Hall Event of the Year, both of which are huge accomplishments.
I'm really excited to find out if we win... but regardless, I'm proud of my floor and my building for all the great work we've done this year.
I am really proud of my floor this week. For the Relay for Life we raised over 100 dollars in a Penny War. Turner, as a whole, raised over 500 dollars! It was such a moving experience and being a part of the Relay was great. I loved the Luminaria ceremony where all 500 participants walked on the track in remembrance and celebration of those who have lost the fight, or are still fighting cancer. Together, UNC was able to raise over 35,000 dollars for the American Cancer Society’s research. Yes, it was not a misprint. $35,000. To learn more about the relay, check here: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/ and see what you can do to help end cancer.
My life has been really hectic since then, with school and my social life (don’t laugh, yes… I have one) I have been constantly busy. I submitted all of the Bids for RHA on Friday as well. Bids are just a fancy way of recognizing greatness on campus, and Turner Hall (my home) is up for both Hall of the Year and Hall Event of the Year, both of which are huge accomplishments.
I'm really excited to find out if we win... but regardless, I'm proud of my floor and my building for all the great work we've done this year.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sick. On a Snow Day. Seriously?!
Ok. So I’ve been sick as a dog for the last week. I had a great Spring Break, fun and relaxing, and as soon as I get to school… BAM! I’m hit with this sickness. And man, what a sickness it is! I’ve been completely out of commission for three days, and haven’t been able to talk in a week. I’ve had the worst sore throat EVER!
But I’m vastly improving. I went to the Student Health Center in the middle of last week and they hooked me up with a diagnosis: a viral throat infection; and some advice: stay in bed. Advice I gladly took. Being able to relax and take time to watch my favorite television shows was a great extension of break. I was really able to spend time focusing on myself. Really getting to the heart of what I’m studying and what I’m focusing on in my life. I know that this blog has often turned into “Erik’s Reflections” and it gets kinda boring, but I really do spend a lot of time making sure I am focusing enough on myself since so much of my life is devoted to other people. My job as a Resident Assistant is something I wouldn’t trade in for the world, but my bosses always say that we need to take time for ourselves as RAs, and this sickness was the only was I could do that. I tend to throw myself into things, 100%, and until something shakes me out of that, I don’t tend to pull myself out on my own. Even when I was sick on UNC’s Snow Day (YES, WE HAD A SNOW DAY IN COLLEGE! IT WAS EPIC!)I had my door open and my residents came to “talk” with me. I wasn’t contagious, so don’t freak out and I say “talk” because my kids spoke, and I texted and showed them my phone.
I am so glad to be so near to the Health Center. A ten minute drive and I was there. Perfect. Just what I need when I’m sick. I’m thankful that I’m finally on the mend… let’s hope I can make it to class this week.
But I’m vastly improving. I went to the Student Health Center in the middle of last week and they hooked me up with a diagnosis: a viral throat infection; and some advice: stay in bed. Advice I gladly took. Being able to relax and take time to watch my favorite television shows was a great extension of break. I was really able to spend time focusing on myself. Really getting to the heart of what I’m studying and what I’m focusing on in my life. I know that this blog has often turned into “Erik’s Reflections” and it gets kinda boring, but I really do spend a lot of time making sure I am focusing enough on myself since so much of my life is devoted to other people. My job as a Resident Assistant is something I wouldn’t trade in for the world, but my bosses always say that we need to take time for ourselves as RAs, and this sickness was the only was I could do that. I tend to throw myself into things, 100%, and until something shakes me out of that, I don’t tend to pull myself out on my own. Even when I was sick on UNC’s Snow Day (YES, WE HAD A SNOW DAY IN COLLEGE! IT WAS EPIC!)I had my door open and my residents came to “talk” with me. I wasn’t contagious, so don’t freak out and I say “talk” because my kids spoke, and I texted and showed them my phone.
I am so glad to be so near to the Health Center. A ten minute drive and I was there. Perfect. Just what I need when I’m sick. I’m thankful that I’m finally on the mend… let’s hope I can make it to class this week.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Disneyland of Mexican Restaurants
I decided that the TV show South Park is hilarious. Even more hilarious to Colorado natives since there is so much underlying humor built in the show for us Coloradans. Yesterday I went to the “Disneyland of Mexican Restaurants,” Casa Bonita! If it wasn’t for South Park, I think this place would have gone under years ago. The episode where the gang or Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny trek to South Park is one of my favorites.
Now, this restaurant is not the most delicious, nor is it the least expensive thing ever, but when you go, it envelops you in an entirely different atmosphere. I went with some of my closest friends: my staff. The Casa Bonita experience is not complete without the genius of the sopapillas. These magical pieces of puff pastry are awesome when drenched in honey… I had 5 of them. Needless to say, my stomach was pissed for a while. But the notion of driving over an hour for a not-so-great restraint for the pure atmosphere is crazy! Going there was so much fun. With Black Bart’s Cave and Piñatas, my staff and I had a great time bonding and taking a break from campus.
As much fun as campus is, it can’t be your whole life, and every once in a while it’s good to get away and gain new energy for the rest of the semester. Now with Spring Break right around the corner, I can’t wait to see what other things I can do to keep my energy up. It really is true what Cartman says about Casa Bonita: “Food, Fun and a Festive atmosphere!”
Now, this restaurant is not the most delicious, nor is it the least expensive thing ever, but when you go, it envelops you in an entirely different atmosphere. I went with some of my closest friends: my staff. The Casa Bonita experience is not complete without the genius of the sopapillas. These magical pieces of puff pastry are awesome when drenched in honey… I had 5 of them. Needless to say, my stomach was pissed for a while. But the notion of driving over an hour for a not-so-great restraint for the pure atmosphere is crazy! Going there was so much fun. With Black Bart’s Cave and Piñatas, my staff and I had a great time bonding and taking a break from campus.
As much fun as campus is, it can’t be your whole life, and every once in a while it’s good to get away and gain new energy for the rest of the semester. Now with Spring Break right around the corner, I can’t wait to see what other things I can do to keep my energy up. It really is true what Cartman says about Casa Bonita: “Food, Fun and a Festive atmosphere!”
Sunday, February 22, 2009
SuperFriends
I just got back from a stellar experience.
I just had the chance to have my life impacted by some of the most powerful young leaders. Being a chaperone at a Student Body retreat for Loveland High School. Being 4 years removed from the whole “High School” experience, this weekend was just what I needed to prioritize my life. Or should I say, RE-prioritize. The stories that I heard this week really hit home to me and helped me to realize that some experiences are universal regardless of age level. Fitting in, peer pressure, finding your place, it all comes down to being true to yourself. I didn’t expect to gain as much as I did from this experience: I was just supposed to make sure the guys respected the lights-out and quiet hour policies. I didn’t expect to be taught so much about the human condition.
This learning experience was coupled with me spending time with my best friend, Mark. Having known each other for over a decade (WOW, I sound so old) and being involved with all sorts of leadership activities, it is always great to hang out with a good friend. Though he’s not that far away in Boulder, we don’t hang out enough and this experience was a great way for the two of us to re-connect and make our friendship grow stronger. Spending the time with friends and taking time out the craziness that is college life is something I don’t do enough, but I’m working on.
At the end of camp, I was really able to put my life and see if I was living the life I want to. I know there is a lot I need to change, but as long as I keep the lessons I learned the weekend in mind, and have my friends behind me, I can make the changes in my life I need to.
I just had the chance to have my life impacted by some of the most powerful young leaders. Being a chaperone at a Student Body retreat for Loveland High School. Being 4 years removed from the whole “High School” experience, this weekend was just what I needed to prioritize my life. Or should I say, RE-prioritize. The stories that I heard this week really hit home to me and helped me to realize that some experiences are universal regardless of age level. Fitting in, peer pressure, finding your place, it all comes down to being true to yourself. I didn’t expect to gain as much as I did from this experience: I was just supposed to make sure the guys respected the lights-out and quiet hour policies. I didn’t expect to be taught so much about the human condition.
This learning experience was coupled with me spending time with my best friend, Mark. Having known each other for over a decade (WOW, I sound so old) and being involved with all sorts of leadership activities, it is always great to hang out with a good friend. Though he’s not that far away in Boulder, we don’t hang out enough and this experience was a great way for the two of us to re-connect and make our friendship grow stronger. Spending the time with friends and taking time out the craziness that is college life is something I don’t do enough, but I’m working on.
At the end of camp, I was really able to put my life and see if I was living the life I want to. I know there is a lot I need to change, but as long as I keep the lessons I learned the weekend in mind, and have my friends behind me, I can make the changes in my life I need to.
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