Nemo

February 8, 2013

I'm hiding in my dorm room, lying on my warm and comfy bed awaiting the wrath of Nemo (not sure why the media started naming storms). Everyone in the North Eastern US knows that a huge snowstorm is slowly creeping towards us, threatening over a foot of snow, possibly two. So far, I'm disappointed. Not that it affects me much, but Boston University canceled all classes and events for today and tomorrow in anticipation of being snowed in. However, snow has yet to stick to the ground. There is plenty falling from the sky, almost sideways because of the wind, but as soon as it hits the pavement, water. It's just a wet mess outside, but nothing we haven't seen before. At this point, it is not even creating slush. What a let down.

While staring out my window, wishing for more of that white fluffy stuff, I am doing my homework. I guess it's good that my catering shifts got canceled this weekend; more time to do my work and study for my upcoming statistics midterm. I'm not really sure how I feel yet, not confident, but at the same time, I'm not expecting to do poorly. Guess I'll just have to study hard. Additionally, my interview with Hyatt was canceled for today. That was a bummer, but Skype interview to come soon! Anyway, hopefully by tomorrow there will snowball quality snow on the ground. After all, if I get the majority of my work done today, I'll be spending my time playing tomorrow. Work hard, play hard, right? Well I'll get back to the first part of that saying right now.

More on Nemo to come, back to you statistics!

Relocation

February 6, 2013

I am only a sophomore, but with all the recruiting events coming up and NSMH Nationals, I can't help but think about my future. One of the things that recruiters and many managers & higher ups advise is to be flexible with your geographical preference. Especially, since my hometown is NYC, I'll be competing with everyone else from NYC, as well as everyone that wants to have the oh so (not very) glamorous city life. Secondary locations are easier to get, you have a lower housing cost, and it's not forever. But I wonder if by senior year I'll be okay with the idea of accepting a position that would take me way out of my comfort zone. Maybe.

I think the main reason I am not saying, "No, I definitely want to stay in the NYC/Boston area," is because I'm kind of interested in Resorts, recreation in particular. A division that is not exactly practical in large cities that can have all four seasons in one week. I truly want to take advantage of the opportunity to move around. I want to live in different cities, experience different people and experiences. It's scary growing up. It's even scarier to think about moving away from everything and everyone I know. I just hope when it's in front of me, I will says "Yes! I'll go!" I have a few years, I wonder how much I'll grow.

On a slightly different note, I don't really understand when recruiters suggest us to be geographically flexible when looking for summer internships. I can't speak for others, but I know I wouldn't have housing for 3 months in any location other than NYC...maybe I can find housing in Boston just because I am familiar with the area. But in general, I don't think most landlords are opened to three month leases. If people can do it, the more power to them. Sometimes it just puzzles me when the idea is suggested.

Fresh Start

February 5, 2013

When looking through job and internship postings, some applications ask for social media examples. Of course, these links are never required, but I want to show what I can do. I want to prove that I have knowledge of various websites without exposing my personal life to my professional life. Creating another Facebook or Twitter and keeping everything updated is simply not practical. Instead, I've decided to try a different blogging site, Blogger, owned by Google. Who will one day take over the world. Just kidding...I hope.

This blog will be a place that I can express my excitement, accomplishments, concerns, and struggles. This blog will be an opportunity for me to practice and improve my writing skills. When I go abroad, I will document my experiences here, whether that will be overcoming a difficult situation with a customer or hugging a koala bear or scuba diving near the Great Barrier Reef. I'm not joking about that last statement. Fingers crossed that I'll have the opportunity to do at least two of those things!

Just a quick note about the current title of my blog, "Always say hello." The first time I was explicitly told to say hello to everyone was when I was doing my externship at the Sheraton New York Hotel. The Director of Housekeeping made a point of telling us this because it is important to have a good relationship with everyone you work with, under, and above. Housekeeping is especially important, because the rest of the hotel would not run without them. The members of this department are also more likely to be there through dozens of managers. Never assume you know more than the person next to you, always be willing to learn and to grow. This, I will do my best to remember forever.

Now without further adieu, welcome to my new blog. Enjoy your stay!