Picture of NYC I like to keep this on my desk as inspiration of where I want to be in a few years! Big city dreaming!

While summer brings upon great weather, tan lines, and travel itineraries, it also brings on a work schedule. I’d say that’s bittersweet. While it’s nice to get experience in the field your interested it and make some $$$, it also takes away your sunshine time. My goal is to manage my schedule in a way that both maximizes my sunshine time and my work time. I do a lot of travel on the weekend during summer, and attend lots of local concerts and festivities at night during the week, all while simultaneously working a full workweek and staying on top of my game!

This summer’s looking to be exciting, too! I’m diving into the world of multiple jobs. My workweek will be split between a chemical company and an active lifestyle branding firm. In my off hours, I will continue to do contract marketing for a local firm, blog, and send out tweets for @UWPowersMe in July. Here’s a look at the companies and what I’ll be doing!

First Source Worldwide, LLC – Neenah, Wis.

I began working here last summer, continued over winter break, and will be returning after Labor Day. This company is really dynamic. They specialize in manufacturing and distributing chemicals in the US, Canada, and Mexico. It is headquartered in Neenah, Wis., and has lab and warehouse facilities across the US and in Mexico. This is a great fit for me because I’m able to utilize my Spanish language skills! An unexpected benefit! In the past, I worked with website development and marketing. Working with the marketing director and international coworkers, I redesigned a new English and Spanish website and put it live at the end of my term. I used so many skills that I had acquired at UW-Stevens Point in both the art department and in the College of Professional Studies (CPS) that allowed me to stay knowledgeable and solve problems that arose throughout the project.

This summer I’ll continue their marketing efforts. I’ll also be doing more work in their warehouse and lab facility in Milwaukee, Wis. I wanted to see more of the production side of the business, since most of my experience has been in-office with marketing or sales. My employer was eager to introduce me to this side of the business, so I’m excited to see what’s there to explore. Having Bus 360 and Bus 370 encouraged me to see the concepts I learned in class in a real-world situation, it sparked my curiosity to inquire further into this company I was already working for. I was pleased when my employer said he’d expose me to this area of the business … it’ll be a very educational few months here!

Motto Inc. – Appleton, Wis.

The end of my week will be spent in a hip, branding company. Motto started out selling skateboard deck tape and has expanded to branding the essentials needed to participate in extreme sports. My position will be to help expand its product line on its website, publish industry-related articles, and develop social media platforms. This will be a fun work environment since it’s a young company. There’s room for growth in its brand development and identity that I will be able to contribute to. With my love for endurance sports, this company really fits my interests outside of the office. I think that will help me as I market its products since I have experience using some of them myself!

aMark Marketing Services

I started working for aMark a few months ago remotely here at school. Its offices are located in Greenville, Wis., but I got a special opportunity to do contracted marketing as an intern. It’s been great! Not only is it cool to be outside of an office, but I also get to develop strong time and self management skills. I will be continuing at aMark over the summer doing editing, brand development, sales development, and social media. aMark is a ‘boutique’-style marketing firm that takes on marketing projects for businesses. It’s a fun place to work for because you get to see a lot of different approaches, end goals, designs, and preferences since you work for multiple companies in multiple industries. So not only do you grow in the marketing field, but you also get exposed to some of the happenings in other industries!

…and of course, I’ll continue blogging over the summer! Watch for posts about my travels, these jobs, and whatever other crazy opportunity comes my way! It’s going to be a fun ride yet again! Also, be sure to watch for my tweets on @UWPowersMe July 1-8! If you’re not following them, you should be!

See you in the sunshine!
-Courtney

Courtney Cerniglia is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point majoring in business administration and Spanish.

One of my favorite questions to ask myself is: “What would I pay to do?” I come alive when I share yoga with others, and when I talk about optimizing life and creativity with others! So I’m following my bliss. Starting UW-Stevens Point as a BFA in musical theater, I quickly gained a lead role as a freshman, being Berger, in Hair: the musical. After receiving this huge ego boost, I then got hit with a flurry of reality checks in class, not getting cast the following semester. I was producing crappy work that I knew was life-less … not filled with ME. I realized I couldn’t just wait around expecting my “muse” to come when I was “struck by inspiration.”

I was dumbfounded as to what I could do to be filled up again as an artist, and quickly fell into anxiety and depression that can commonly accompany being an artist. I quickly realized that I couldn’t find it through food or alcohol … all in fact, just distracted from my dharma, my work. I needed to inspire myself, rather than rely on outside sources for inspiration. After my sophomore year, I found Brian Johnson, and his work with Philosophersnotes and Entheos. His “notes” gave me do-able steps to implement into my life, realizing I create my reality, and life circumstances!

He gave me the guts to think: “Wait! You mean, my creativity and happiness are in my control? I can actively make myself a stronger and productive artist, while being ecstatic about my work and gut feelings? … and fall on my face … and get back up, confidently?” The answer was a resounding, “Hell yes!” Next question: “How could I systematically create the reality I wanted, by applying small things to my life, with hard work, discipline, and playfulness?”

Mastery of anything comes from showing up to do the art/work on the business/the yoga regiment with “Blissipline” (Bliss/Discipline), every morning, after waking. I immediately began letting these small changes happen, until they became habitual patterns of daily life! This included giving gratitude, meditation, running/cycling, eating amazing food that nourishes my body … and yoga … all before 10 a.m.!

After 16 years of baseball and weight lifting wreaked havoc on my knees and joints, I couldn’t even touch my shins at 21 years old. Yoga gave me back my body and kinesthetic awareness. I call it “getting in my body,” because I really feel in my skin, tapped into every feeling inch of my body, rather than just using my body as a vehicle for my head. Yoga could be a catalyst for creativity and incubating new ideas, and knowing that once I embody my highest self, the work can just flood forth through my mind to pen, clay, or machinery and body. One of the first things I did after beginning my “Blissiplines” was end a three-year relationship that wasn’t life giving or supporting my growth, or hers. I began to realize that I had a choice in literally every facet of my life, including the way I interpreted any situation in life. I created a small group of friends/loved ones, (including my highest self) that empowered me, and that I could do the same for.

I then added a second major of health promotion/wellness with an emphasis in wellness coaching, and attended the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Massachusetts for a month-long 200-hour YTT immersion, a life-altering experience. Now, after creating a Yoga and Meditation Club on my campus, I’ll be heading to Vancouver, British Columbia, in May to begin an internship for My Yoga Online! Jai five!

Ready to Rock your Highest Self?
Create.
Go.

Sincerely,
Matt

Matt Cooke is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point majoring in health promotion/wellness and musical theater.

There is a significance about firsts: a baby’s first word, a first time flying, the first day at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. According to my mom, my first word was mov, which means food in Hmong and is probably the reason why I pursued a career in both dietetics and communication. My first time flying was to Florida in 2004 and that’s where my love for traveling began. Before I go any further, I have a confession: UWSP is not my first university, but I remember my first day. I remember feeling for the first time determination I had never felt when I attended my previous university and of course, the undeniable fear everyone has on the first day of school: going to the wrong classroom. And for the first time in my life, I felt like I had a purpose.

Although UWSP is not my first university, I have had many firsts here. In fact, being born and raised in Wisconsin, this is the first time I have been proud to wear purple and gold together. I remember my first time meeting my roommates, whom I found on Craigslist, and the fear of them being crazy killers. Though I don’t recommend finding roommates on Craigslist, these were the best roommates I had.

It is said that one in four students from UWSP studies abroad. Through UWSP, I stepped in Europe for the first time. I went to Greece and in Greece, I ate squid, octopus and artichokes for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Through UWSP, I was one of eight students that received full funding to attend the National Conference on Race & Ethnicity in American Higher Education in New York City to represent UWSP for the first time. It was my first time in New York City and boy, did I take a big bite out of it. More importantly, it was the first time I questioned my self-identity as a woman of color.

But more significant than firsts are lasts, and I’m not just saying that because my last name starts with an X making me last in just about all of my classes. Ys and Zs, you know what I’m talking about. Lasts are a time of reflection. Reflection of the growth and achievements we have attained. Reflection of the struggles we have overcome. And even reflection of the failures we have had.

Today is the last day as a student at UWSP for many of us. Today, we reflect on the years we have spent here at UWSP, whether it was two years, three years, four years or too many years to admit. Today, we reflect on the people that have entered our lives and hope that it will be a long time until it is the last time.

So take a moment to reflect on your favorite teacher, the one who always had time for you. Reflect on that teacher you had a difficult time with, the one who taught you self-motivation and tested your potential to succeed. Reflect on that boss or those supervisors who taught you that work can be enjoyable and if it wasn’t, reflect on the motivation you had to work harder so you could get out of that place. I have to be careful what I say about work, this blog is for my former workplace. Now reflect on those who supported you. The ones that may have bought you Belts’ when you failed an exam. The ones who cheered you on when you had no motivation to continue. The ones who listened to you complain about having to pull an all-nighter to finish a project because it definitely wasn’t your fault.

Today may be the last time you see many of these people, whether they are classmates, teachers, friends or me. While you reflect, remember that “last” doesn’t mean the end. In fact, the word commencement derives from the word commence, meaning “to begin.” And to begin, according to Webster, is “to do the first part of an action.” So together we end one journey and begin another. Thank you and congratulations class of 2013!

-Song

Song Xiong is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point majoring in dietetics and communication.

WAOW – Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

View from the roof terrace of the hostel in Tangier. On a clear day you can see Spain (only 14km away)

Hola chicos!

Santander

Happy finals week everyone! Hope everyone is doing well and not stressing too much. I know this time is always a little tense for most people but just try about the fact that summer is right around the corner! The end of the year is always a bittersweet time for me, and this year more than ever. My study abroad is coming to an end and I’m preparing to go back to the United States.

Santander

On May 4 we took our last class excursion to Santander, a city on the northern coast of Spain. It was a nice way to end our excursions with a laid back trip to the beach. It seemed so unreal that we were already on our last class excursion. When I was riding on the bus I couldn’t help but recall our first trips, from Segovia to Tordesillas to the Canyon; each which their own little lessons and amazing sites. I am so happy I was able to travel around Spain so much and learn about many different places and aspects of the culture, geography and history. I feel like I truly understand all of Spain and I feel a connection to the culture now. Not only do I speak the language, but I also feel that I am even more than that. I feel that part of me will forever be a ‘Spaniard,’ and I love that so much. I know I will miss Spain everyday and await the day for my return.

Loved all the doors in Tangier

On the last weekend before exams two of my friends and I took a trip to Tangier, Morocco. This was a trip that I’ve wanted to go on for a while and I can’t believe I finally got to go there. It was my first time to Africa and first time to an area primarily dominated by the Islamic religion and culture. It was a beautiful city and it really opened my eyes to a different part of the world that I had never experienced first hand like this. Our hostel was in the heart of the Medina, the old part of the city that is dominated with winding alleys, colorful markets, and promises something completely different then most travelers have ever experienced.

Tangier Market

We spent the weekend shopping in the markets for rugs, spices, Moroccan oil, beautiful clothing, and gifts made from camel bone. I loved all the shopping and barging with the shop owners. Many people speak some of both Spanish and English so it was nice to use some of each language. I also got a lot of exposer to Arabic, which is a language I have a strong desire to learn. This weekend I mastered one Arabic word Shukran, which means ‘thank you.’ I was proud of myself no only with that, but just being able to travel in a country that I obviously stand out in.

Tangier Market

The people were very nice and I never had any problem but we obviously looked like tourists but it was ok. It is clear after this study abroad that I am more than capable of traveling to a variety of places in the and I have no fear whatsoever of any place or situation I could encounter while traveling. I was kind of worried before I left to go to Morocco because many people warned me that it wasn’t safe and that I would have problems there. I realize that the people who say that have either never been there or just have very small minds. Just because something is different and not what you might be used to doesn’t mean it’s not safe. Never judge by stereotypes and never, ever make a judgment before you experience it yourself. I would highly recommend anyone and everyone to travel to places that might make you feel uncomfortable at first or places that are very different from where you are from. Everyone needs an eye opening experience every now and then, it keeps us aware and humble.

Kind of scared to eat this crazy sandwich in Tangier … But it was amazing so no worries.

After those last little adventures it was time to come back and crack down on finals. Today I had half of my finals and I feel very confident about them, tomorrow I have the rest. I am excited to get my grades on Thursday, and then see how the transfer back to UW-Stevens Point. I can’t believe tomorrow is my very last day of class and finals and just school in Spain. I will never get over how fast this trip went and I don’t want it to end. I am definitely excited to go back to the United States and see my family and friends, but I know I will miss Spain deeply. Like I said, I feel that I am partially a Spaniard now and I will always hold this time in my life close to my heart.

Well the next time I write I will be back in Wisconsin and trying to get back to normal life and be all adjusted hopefully. I hope everyone finishes up this semester how they want, and good luck on finals to everyone!

Hasta Luego,
Alexia

Alexia Szabo, a junior majoring in accounting, Spanish and international studies at UW-Stevens Point, is blogging about her study abroad experience in Spain.

In my last few days on campus, I must reflect on all the things I will really miss. My job in the dean’s office in the UWSP College of Professional Studies and the amazing staff, girls night at the spur-of-the-moment, and seeing great friends on a daily basis.

In my first blog I mentioned how I didn’t need friends because my best friend from the past 16 years had come to Stevens Point as well. What I didn’t mention is that she transferred schools at the end of our freshman year. By this time I had met a few acquaintances but no one I would call up to hang out with, until one day.

I had this GDR history course freshman year. I sat in the middle of the row near no one and doodled in my notebook while my professor ranted about Napoleon. In my own little world I didn’t realize that this short blonde was sitting a few rows back watching me sketch out my next IA project. She had the same assignment in her section of that 100 level IA course. Slowly throughout the semester she changed her seat until one day she was one chair away from me and said “hi.” She told me we had actually met at orientation and I helped her figure out her schedule (because I knew what the heck was going on :/). We would talk a bit here and there about our classes, and professors and we ended up studying for our final exam for that history class together–the rest is pretty much history. Not only did Lauren and I plan our schedules together but we became partners for everything–IA projects, studying, shopping, coffee breaks, work outs, pigging out, spring breaks, movie nights, emotional support and now wedding planning. Oddly enough her fiancé and I are eerily similar. The rest of our class and friends know we are attached at the hip and you can count on that if I’m going to an event Lauren will be there, too. She’s in my speed dial and we both have had months where we texted and called each other more than our boyfriends or our parents. She’s my sidekick and my best friend.

Little did I know that that small blonde who essentially creeped on me for three months would be probably the best thing that ever happened to me at Point. Freshmen, don’t think you don’t need to make friends like I did. Talk to that person sitting next to you in class. Creep if you must! They may take over the best friend role and change your college career.

To my sarcastic counterpart, Lauren (Lo Lo, Lolita, and little one)–thank you for always being honest, pushing me to do better, try harder and telling me to take a break to loosen up and have fun. Thank you for being my partner-in-crime, I’ll miss you!!

Sincerely,
Your sappy friend Meg

Meg Buchmann is a senior in the interior architecture program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Last first day | Last last day

Alas, the day has finally arrived for me to write my final blog. For the past few days I have stared at a blank sheet of paper wondering what insightful thoughts I could share with those who are reading this post. The time that I have been at UW-Stevens Point and the various experiences that have come with this time have taught me so many great life lessons, so I would like to share them:

1. There are so many great things to do at UWSP.
2. Discover your own “quiet space.”
3. Find a balance between work and play.
4. Study abroad while in college.
5. Don’t forget to say thank you.
6. Network as often as possible.
7. Pursue internships as they may lead to future careers.
8. The more involved you are, the less you procrastinate.
9. Remember to take the time to just stop and listen to others.
10. Find ways to give back to your community.
11. Don’t be afraid to come into college undecided or change your major while here.
12. Celebrate and be thankful for all of the relationships in your life.
13. Accountability partners are important when striving for a goal.
14. Find a way to brand yourself.
15. Get involved on campus and in the community.
16. Be aware that you are making an impression even when you aren’t speaking.
17. Apply for scholarships … free money!
18. Look for free activities to participate in within the community.
19. Often it is better to give than to receive, so pass it on!
20. Life will fly by in the blink of an eye, so enjoy it.

Now as you each carry on past May to the next stage of life, whether that means more school in the fall or a full time job, I do not want to say good luck, but instead … blessings on your journey. Cherish the time you have left in whatever stage of life you are at because it will quickly disappear.

-Brittany

Brittany Melby is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point majoring in business administration and interior architecture.

To the master of procrastination,
Telling great tales of justification,
For exactly why we waited so long…

To study for the final exam,
The one we put off all semester to cram,
Even though we know its force will be strong.

Its presence is scary,
It leaves us quite wary,
Of our bleak final score.

While we muster up strength,
To attack its great length,
We soon fall asleep in our bore.

With coffee and tea,
And set times to pee,
Balancing the load we must bear.

But we are often distracted,
And quite frankly attracted,
To the hottie at the left with the hair.

But, no I must!
I cannot trust!
My final grade from which it began.

If I don’t succeed,
My soul will bleed,
As I sign up for this course yet again.

So I pick up my pen,
And return to my Zen,
To tackle the books one more time…

As I muster my luck,
To sift through this muck,
And dominate these finals of mine.

Why yes, I did write this while putting off studying for finals

(Special thanks to Carly, my sister, for helping me find some good rhyming words)

*Picture of Audry Hepburn: http://bellesbookshelf.blogspot.com/2011/06/reading-icons-audrey-hepburn.html

-Courtney

Courtney Cerniglia is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point majoring in business administration and Spanish.

Thanks to the efforts of University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point students, a young athlete with Cerebral Palsy will be able to participate in a half-Ironman competition this summer.

Led by health promotion/wellness graduating senior Aaron Hunnel and the UWSP National Wellness Institute student chapter, $3,658 was raised so Katie Neuman can take on the 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run in Door County on July 21, 2013. The incentive to donate was the opportunity to shave the heads of married professors Annie and Tom Wetter from the School of Health Promotion & Human Development (HPHD). The goal of $2,500 to shave the head of one of the Wetters or $3,200 for both Wetters was surpassed as Hunnel spent 11 hours on a treadmill to help raise funds. The head shaving took place at the HPHD End of the Year Celebration in the CPS Café on May 10. [Photo Gallery]

Neuman is an inspiring young athlete who pursues excellence despite challenges with Cerebral Palsey. She currently works at the Children’s Museum in Appleton, Wis., and recently graduated from the Tech House at Neenah High School. This summer, she will triumph with Hunnel, an Army veteran and health promotion/wellness student at the UW-Stevens Point, as a part of my TEAM TRIUMPH. Together, they make Team Katie.

Dear UWSP,

Though I love you very much, and we have shared many memories together, we must part ways. It’s not you; it’s me. Right now I need to focus on my career. I hope you understand and that we can still see each other from time to time.

Much love,
Song

There comes that point in everyone’s life when you know you have to move forward to something new, even if it’s scary and hard to do. Today is officially my last day of classes at UWSP. Though it saddens me to leave, life doesn’t wait. So where is life taking me next? Nowhere. It’s where I’m taking life next.

The next step for me is a tiny little town called Keene, N.H., where I was accepted to do my dietetics internship. Now if you thought Stevens Point was small, Keene is half that size. Though I am a big town girl, I have the heart of a small town girl and am honored to be selected as one of the 16 interns at Keene State College (KSC).

Similar to the concept of doing a residency before become a medical doctor, a dietetics internship requires completion of a minimum of 1,200 supervised hours in at least clinical, community and food services rotations before being able to sit for the exam to become a registered dietitian. KSC has an excellent dietetics internship program focused on community wellness and nutrition education. I will also be completing 18 graduate credits.

Though Keene is small, it is located two hours away from Boston and four hours away from New York City. I’ve been told the mountains are gorgeous, and I hate to be that person to mention this amidst the warm weather we are finally getting, but I cannot wait to test out my snowboard on the slopes.

Although my heart wanders from place to place, my heart will always belong to Wisconsin and UW-Stevens Point. Wherever I go, I will bring a part of UWSP with me. And besides, UWSP is so awesome, everywhere should have a part of it.

-Song

Song Xiong is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point majoring in dietetics and communication.