Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Waiting for "Superman"
If you have not heard of the documentary "Waiting for Superman," I suggest you do a quick google search. This film, which I saw today, was fantastic. It is about education in America. A system that is in desperate need of attention. A system I learn more and more about because my best friend has been thrust into the world of it. She is a Teach For America teacher, and has horror stories of 16 year-old sixth graders.
But back to the movie: the part of the movie that struck me the most was when the film maker discusses track systems. The first time I can remember being put into a track was in 4th grade. We were divided by our math capabilities. There was the GT (gifted and talented) program, and then everyone was broken down from there. I was in Mrs. Jones' math class, which was right below GT. The next time I remember how big of a deal the track system was, was between 7th and 8th grade. There was a test that was to be taken to determine whether or not you could take algebra in 8th grade. It may not seem like a huge deal, but that test would determine my class schedule for the next 4-5 years. I did not pass the test right away. I was put on a waiting list, and had to go talk to the principle with my mother to get placed into the algebra class.
Why was it such a big deal? Well if I was on the regular track I would take biology as a sophomore, and chemistry as a junior in high school. Rather, I took biology as a freshmen and chemistry as a sophomore. I would take pre-calculus, and trig. I would then have the decision my senior year as to whether I wanted to take calculus or advanced placement classes. I guess I was on the fast track -- I am not sure where that fast track was taking me.
Did I really receive a better education because I was on this track? Were the expectations of me greater? I know they were greater from my parents. Majority of my friends were on the same track. Were we friends because we were going places?
This movie made me take a look back at my education. Even through out college -- did I get what I paid for? The teacher's assistant was about 3 years older than me -- were they capable of teaching me what I needed to know? Overall, this movie digs deeper into the education system, and how if you attend one bad school through out your childhood, you are that much further behind. I hope everyone goes to see this movie. It was truly eye-opening.
GO SEE IT NOW!
But back to the movie: the part of the movie that struck me the most was when the film maker discusses track systems. The first time I can remember being put into a track was in 4th grade. We were divided by our math capabilities. There was the GT (gifted and talented) program, and then everyone was broken down from there. I was in Mrs. Jones' math class, which was right below GT. The next time I remember how big of a deal the track system was, was between 7th and 8th grade. There was a test that was to be taken to determine whether or not you could take algebra in 8th grade. It may not seem like a huge deal, but that test would determine my class schedule for the next 4-5 years. I did not pass the test right away. I was put on a waiting list, and had to go talk to the principle with my mother to get placed into the algebra class.
Why was it such a big deal? Well if I was on the regular track I would take biology as a sophomore, and chemistry as a junior in high school. Rather, I took biology as a freshmen and chemistry as a sophomore. I would take pre-calculus, and trig. I would then have the decision my senior year as to whether I wanted to take calculus or advanced placement classes. I guess I was on the fast track -- I am not sure where that fast track was taking me.
Did I really receive a better education because I was on this track? Were the expectations of me greater? I know they were greater from my parents. Majority of my friends were on the same track. Were we friends because we were going places?
This movie made me take a look back at my education. Even through out college -- did I get what I paid for? The teacher's assistant was about 3 years older than me -- were they capable of teaching me what I needed to know? Overall, this movie digs deeper into the education system, and how if you attend one bad school through out your childhood, you are that much further behind. I hope everyone goes to see this movie. It was truly eye-opening.
GO SEE IT NOW!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Yelp Helps!
Tonight was a magnificent evening filled with good company, good drinks, and non-profits. Tonight, my friend Brittany and I attended an event called "Yelp Helps." In case you are behind the times, Yelp is a website that allows users to rate and review restaurants they have visited. It is a website that others can search for restaurants, and see people's honest opinions. Let's be honest -- it's great.
Anyways, this event was to showcase non-profits through out the Denver area. There was everything from Livestrong, Planned Parenthood, Denver Dumb Friend's League, to the highlight of the night, the Denver Firefighters. Let's just say we saved the best for last.
The most intriguing booth we visited was an organization that was registering people for the national bone marrow registry. It was simple. We swished water for 10 seconds, and then swabbed our mouths. We handed our swabs to the people, and they will ship them off to be processed. Seems pretty painless. Now that I am back in the comfort of my room, I have started thinking about the what ifs. What if I am a match? What if they call me? What if someone needs my help? What will I do?
Will I go through the procedure to save someone I do not know? Well of course! It is hard to believe by doing that simple test I have put myself out there to now help an individual as much as I can as they struggle to fight for their life. I almost wish that I am presented with the opportunity. I want to be able to help someone.
I think that there has been something missing in my life. I think what might be missing is giving back. As the holiday season approaches, I am always reminded of how lucky I am. I have a father who has successful battled cancer and has been cancer-free for nearly 10 years. I have a wonderful, and loving family. I have amazing friends.
I hope that this year, I can donate my time or money to a good cause to help some else's holiday be as merry as mine. Does anyone have any good suggestions as to what organizations might need the most help this winter?
To find out more about the non-profits that were at the event please go here.
Anyways, this event was to showcase non-profits through out the Denver area. There was everything from Livestrong, Planned Parenthood, Denver Dumb Friend's League, to the highlight of the night, the Denver Firefighters. Let's just say we saved the best for last.
The most intriguing booth we visited was an organization that was registering people for the national bone marrow registry. It was simple. We swished water for 10 seconds, and then swabbed our mouths. We handed our swabs to the people, and they will ship them off to be processed. Seems pretty painless. Now that I am back in the comfort of my room, I have started thinking about the what ifs. What if I am a match? What if they call me? What if someone needs my help? What will I do?
Will I go through the procedure to save someone I do not know? Well of course! It is hard to believe by doing that simple test I have put myself out there to now help an individual as much as I can as they struggle to fight for their life. I almost wish that I am presented with the opportunity. I want to be able to help someone.
I think that there has been something missing in my life. I think what might be missing is giving back. As the holiday season approaches, I am always reminded of how lucky I am. I have a father who has successful battled cancer and has been cancer-free for nearly 10 years. I have a wonderful, and loving family. I have amazing friends.
I hope that this year, I can donate my time or money to a good cause to help some else's holiday be as merry as mine. Does anyone have any good suggestions as to what organizations might need the most help this winter?
To find out more about the non-profits that were at the event please go here.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Help...
I just finished reading this fascinating book. Yes, I might be behind. But I have been busy! Anyways, this book by Kathryn Stockett is a must-read. Personally, I love these stories. My parents grew up in the south. My dad, more specifically, was alive during all of this. He grew up in a southern country club. I am positive his mother's friends had this type of help, although my dad has never mentioned it.
This book, along with a course I took in college, had me questioning my parents. I asked them why they never spoke of this time. They struggled to answer me. They replied they were young. My dad was 10 when Brown V. Board was passed. At 10 years old, you begin to remember things. Where you were when certain things happened, and what you were doing.
The sociological aspect of race, and gender fascinate me. People are socialized to believe certain things about them and the world. Why does a little girl have to have a pink bib? Why does the white girl have to have a white doll? I still don't get it. For as far as we are forward in many aspects, the world is still so far behind on others.
This book, along with a course I took in college, had me questioning my parents. I asked them why they never spoke of this time. They struggled to answer me. They replied they were young. My dad was 10 when Brown V. Board was passed. At 10 years old, you begin to remember things. Where you were when certain things happened, and what you were doing.
The sociological aspect of race, and gender fascinate me. People are socialized to believe certain things about them and the world. Why does a little girl have to have a pink bib? Why does the white girl have to have a white doll? I still don't get it. For as far as we are forward in many aspects, the world is still so far behind on others.
Oh The Life of an Airline Child...
Let's face it, being the child of a pilot has its perks. I have reaped the benefits of it for as long as I can remember. As I approach 25, (in 2.5 years) I realize I need to take FULL advantage of the benefits while I still can. So, this past weekend I had nothing to do. I had just gotten to my parent's house from the gym. (I have to water their plants while they, too, reap the benefits of free travel.) It was noon, and I was curious as to what my big brother was doing that night. He lives in Vegas. It's a strange question to ask someone who is hours away from you. Well, I decided I was going to go visit him for the night. Just the night. I had to work Monday. (Remember, I am a grown up now?) Anyways, I check the flights to see if they are open. Well just my luck, there was a flight at 16:04 to Las Vegas that was pretty much wide open! It is now 1pm, and I am half an hour away from my apartment. I need to pack, shower, look professional, (you have to represent the airline in a positive way), and be out the door NO LATER THAN 2:15 if I want to be able to make it to the airport in time to catch the flight.
Welp, I made it! I was off to Vegas. With this being a VERY last minute trip, we had nothing planned. We decided to go see Le Reve at the Wynn. The show was amazing. It was a water show with acrobats and such. They had one minor tech problem, but other than that I felt as though I was transported into a dream; like the title of the show suggests. And because my brother is a local, we received a discount on our tickets. (There are always deals, you just have to ask!) I won $40 playing video poker, while my brother lost $20. He was not to pleased. We had a late night snack of In-N-Out. I cheated, and bought a ticket home, because I could not play the "wait in the airport and hope I make it home game" flying stand-by. Overall, my 27 hours in Vegas was a success. My otherwise boring weekend, turned into quite the adventure.
Le Reve
Find out more here.
Next weekend I am thinking I may trek to Kansas.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Oh yea, that half marathon...
training and idea is dead. Who has the energy to work out after a long day in their cube? Not I.
I'll work on it.
I'll work on it.
The First Photo...
Yesterday I had the opportunity to run a photo shoot. Yes, I was working with elderly people, and their adult children, but it was still a fantastic experience. I found the photographer we wanted to work with. Set the appointment up. Made sure we had the check to paid her. Helped decide on clothing, and spots to snap the photos. I saw it from start to finish.
Six weeks ago I never would have imagined having the opportunity to do this. Because my company has internal marketing (we don't use an outside agency), I get to see projects from start to finish. It really is quite fascinating. An example of this is placing an ad in a newspaper. I find the newspaper we want to advertise in. Find a media contact, and request a media kit. I then help decide if we should place an ad in their publication, how big it should be, and if it should be in color or black and white. If we decide to advertise with that paper, I buy the ad space. I then help create the art for the ad. Once the ad is approved by the community it is representing, I send the as, or traffic it to the publication. I request a read receipt, and tear sheets. Tear sheets will show us that the ad actually ran, and what the quality looked like. A few weeks later, I receive the invoice, and verify that we are paying the correct amount.
How cool is that? If I worked at an advertising agency, I would see MAYBE one step. I know for a fact I would not see the whole process in its entirety. For a first job, this is turning out to be pretty legit!
(To view the photographer we used in Fort Collins, CO click here.)
Six weeks ago I never would have imagined having the opportunity to do this. Because my company has internal marketing (we don't use an outside agency), I get to see projects from start to finish. It really is quite fascinating. An example of this is placing an ad in a newspaper. I find the newspaper we want to advertise in. Find a media contact, and request a media kit. I then help decide if we should place an ad in their publication, how big it should be, and if it should be in color or black and white. If we decide to advertise with that paper, I buy the ad space. I then help create the art for the ad. Once the ad is approved by the community it is representing, I send the as, or traffic it to the publication. I request a read receipt, and tear sheets. Tear sheets will show us that the ad actually ran, and what the quality looked like. A few weeks later, I receive the invoice, and verify that we are paying the correct amount.
How cool is that? If I worked at an advertising agency, I would see MAYBE one step. I know for a fact I would not see the whole process in its entirety. For a first job, this is turning out to be pretty legit!
(To view the photographer we used in Fort Collins, CO click here.)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Drastically Different
My life has become drastically different since my last blog, and I am not sure where to even begin.
I have officially begun my adult life in the working world. I support 95% of my life and its adventures. (My parents still generously pay for my cell phone bill, and gym membership). It is hard to believe that in the economy, I was able to find a job BEFORE my internship even ended. Currently, I work as the Marketing and Sales Coordinator for Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC. I help with creative services for 21 retirement communities across 9 different states. Everyday is different, and never dull. The most upsetting part of my job is when I run the weekly reports and see residents have moved out because they have become deceased.
Everyday I learn new tricks of the trade. Tomorrow, for instance, I will be at our community in Fort Collins running a photo shoot. I never would have thought I would be in charge on running a photo shoot! I have been with the company for about 90 days which is so minimal considering the lady I work with has been working for the same individuals for 22 years!
Next, I have moved out of my parent's basement! I now live in LoDo area of Denver. My backyard is Coors Field. While the Rockies were playing it was fantastic for people watching! I have yet to truly explore all that Denver has to offer. I am hoping that I can soon! My goal is to find the perfect coffee shop for the winter season that is approaching.
I have officially begun my adult life in the working world. I support 95% of my life and its adventures. (My parents still generously pay for my cell phone bill, and gym membership). It is hard to believe that in the economy, I was able to find a job BEFORE my internship even ended. Currently, I work as the Marketing and Sales Coordinator for Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC. I help with creative services for 21 retirement communities across 9 different states. Everyday is different, and never dull. The most upsetting part of my job is when I run the weekly reports and see residents have moved out because they have become deceased.
Everyday I learn new tricks of the trade. Tomorrow, for instance, I will be at our community in Fort Collins running a photo shoot. I never would have thought I would be in charge on running a photo shoot! I have been with the company for about 90 days which is so minimal considering the lady I work with has been working for the same individuals for 22 years!
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