And the countdown begins...

It’s almost that time again! Yes, I’m talking about SPRING BREAK!

I can practically see the light at the end of this week’s tunnel! Northwood’s official spring break begins on Monday, March 7^th and continues throughout that week. So we will be back in school on Monday, March 14^th.

But there are a few things that are in between that glorious last day of class and myself!

• Meetings, meetings, meetings!
• Management quiz.
• Ethics test.
• Career/Job fair.
• Classes and work as scheduled.

I love being busy, but why does it have to be the week before spring break?! I think the switch from terms to semesters has been hard on some of us, especially those juniors who had gotten used to Northwood’s terms.

There have been plenty of pros to this switch, though! For one, our winter break was one month long. It was amazing. And second, we are now buying books twice a year, instead of three times!

Everything takes some time to get used to, and this is just one of those things.

But back to the point: s p r i n g b r e a k. 

I’m positive that I’m not the only one excited for this. I’m also positive that I’m not the only one that plans on sleeping in as much as possible!

During my spring break in high school, I think I visited a few colleges. Now that I’m in college… well, that’s not really an option because I don’t plan on going to another school in the near future. But this can still be an option for you!

If you don’t have plans already or if you have narrowed your college choices down, go visit the schools! There is nothing like stepping onto a busy, buzzing college campus for the first time. It’s wonderful and so eye-opening!

When you guys get out of school on the 14^th, I’ll be back on campus, back to the usual routine of classes and work and meetings and homework. But I hope to see some of you visiting there! If you wanna talk, just ask one of the counselors to find me! To sign up for our myMonday (which is that Monday most of you are on spring break), sign up here: myMonday sign up!

Until then, take a moment or two to leave a comment with your spring break plans! Anything fun? Excited? College visits, maybe? Yes? Yes, sounds great! :)

I’ll update sometime next week to tell you about the amazing times that are sleeping until noon and not having homework!

Erica

Just a friendly reminder:

The sooner you fill it out, the more of a chance you have for grants & "free" money from the government. Also, a FAFSA is necessary to receive other scholarships from Northwood. :)

Circle of DECA

Last weekend was a busy one for a few of our student bloggers. Melissa, Josh and I were involved in the Career Development Conference for Texas Collegiate DECA. This is my 5th year compeiting in DECA and my second year competiting at the college level. From day one when I started in DECA I was completely hooked. I loved competiting and the conferences and all the new experiences that the DECA world opened up. I was lucky that in my first year in DECA my partner and I made it to International's to compete. We went to Orlando and had an awesome Disney experience. This past weekend my partner and I placed first at our state conference and are getting to compete at International's. Coincindentally this year Internationals this year is in Orlando. It is almost like I have made a full circle with my DECA career.

My high school State Vice President Campaign booth

During my time in DECA I have done way more than I ever thought possible. My Junior year in High School I ran for Texas State Vice President, I went to Internationals in Orlando and Louisville, and I am currently serving as one of the Vice Presidents of Northwood's Collegiate DECA chapter. Also, I am considering running for a National Officer position next year. There are so many opportunities you can have through involvement with DECA.

My partner Natasha Norman and I won First Place
in Business to Business Marketing

Many students are involved in DECA in high school but those numbers signficantly drop when they reach college. DECA at the college level is still just as much fun as the high school level. You still get to travel out of town and have a fun time staying up all night cramming for your test or presentation the next day. Many Universities in Texas simply do not have a DECA chapter. One of the reasons that I came to Northwood was for the DECA and the scholarship that Northwood offers for being a part of a business club.

Northwood Collegiate DECA competitors 

Northwood's DECA chapter took 21 competitors to state and everyone placed. We hope to have as much luck at Internationals this year.

-Christen

Loans, Taxes, and Business Oh My!

Loans:

College can be a scary, exciting thing when you first start out, but once you get the flow of each process down, it is much more simplistic and enjoyable. One of my first fears when thinking about college during my high school days was how I would afford tuition, books, housing, transportation, food, and the fun stuff. (And as you move into adulthood this list of expenses grows, but hopefully so does your paycheck!) 

~ I knew I would be getting certain scholarships if I went to Northwood. For example, there is a scholarship just for being a resident here in Texas! How easy is that? You just prove you live here and BAM first scholarship in the bag. 

~ Another way to help financially is done by completing the F.A.F.S.A. Based on your information you may be illegible to receive grants from the government (that you do not have to pay back!)

~ A third one is the L-word, loans. Many people I talk to, even family members, always get uneasy when I talk about loans, like how I took one out to help pay for my car's insurance. During the start of your school you do not want to be forced to work a full-time or even part-time job if it cuts into your school work. And if by taking out a loan your burden is lessened then DO IT! Subsidized loans are ones you do not pay off until you graduate, so you have time to pay it off if you can.  

Taxes:

Oh my word, I just did my taxes all by myself yesterday! It was really nerve racking at first, having to double check and triple check that I was putting the right numbers in the right box, but after a few pages I got the hang of it. Less than half of tax payers complete their own tax return and they soon find out it is quicker, cheaper, and more satisfying when they do it themselves. 

Since I am a student who does not own any stock in a company or have any special situations, my taxes are made simple. I only had one question come up that I was not sure about:

Q: I have my 1098-T from school, but where do I put my loans down at?

A: I looked and looked but could not find a box marked "loans", so I finally Googled it. Apparently, when you take out a loan that is subsidized, meaning I do not pay interest until 6 months after graduation, you do not claim it on your return. Not until you start paying it off with interest will you claim it. 

Now all I have to do is sit back and wait for my money to be directly deposited into my bank account! 

Business:

I just wanted to let you all know that I got hired on at the Grand Hyatt hotel at the DFW airport! I am super excited about this new full-time position for such an amazing group of workers. I will have to prioritize and unfortunately let go of a few organizations I loved being a part of, but now I am growing up and moving into the "real world". 

I heard about Hyatt through postings at Northwood and I am glad I applied. It is amazing how many students do not take the Career Services seriously when they say they are there to help us find jobs or internships. I highly recommend talking to your counselor about career options because they can help point you to the right person or link online.

I hope everyones weekend has been amazing and blessed! <3

-Shawna Grace-

Augustine: Jordan Meredith and Louis Johnson!

Jordan Meredith and Louis Johnson, Augustine.

Hey everyone! Hopefully you checked out the blog that Melissa just posted! It’s a great behind-the-scenes type of blog, and it shows all of CAB’s hard (but fun) work!

I’m going to take this opportunity to blog about seeing Augustine play live from a different perspective!

Okay, first, it’s story time: Freshman year, I attended a CAB Coffeehouse because Jonathan Clay was going to play! I was a fan of him back in the MySpace days, but I ended up forgetting about him when I left that social network. I found out about Jonathan playing at Northwood just by walking through the Student Activities Center (the SAC). CAB has a display board, where they always put up flyers for their events. I was simply walking past it, when a picture caught my eye. I stopped, turned to look at it, and literally gasped when I saw Jonathan’s name and picture. I immediately remembered “A Little Time,” which is my favorite song of his (and the first I ever heard). I decided to bring my sister and friend along with me, and we attended his acoustic set in the SAC. He played my favorite song, and I got to talk to him a little bit! We’ve kept in contact via e-mail. He’s such a sweetheart!

On Wednesday, Augustine was the featured band for the first CAB Coffeehouse of 2011. Here is their story, which is posted on their website!

“Jordan Meredith and Louis Johnson met in St. Augustine, and the two quickly recognized their shared passion for music, songwriting, and adventure. After forming Augustine, an electro-folk duo, they moved to NYC in 2009 and began playing guitar at venues all over the Northeast. Over the last year, Augustine embarked on their first national tour of colleges, clubs, and festivals. Louis (21) is a classically trained vocalist with a knack for arrangement, and Jordan (23) has a naturally graceful style. Put them together, and you have the striking harmonies for which Augustine is known. Refusing to be restricted to one genre, these kids mix it up with an acoustic/folk live performance and an electro/pop recorded demo. So, whether you're seeing them live or listening to them on your iPod, these two will surprise you every time.”

The show started at 8. I got off of work at 5, so that left me to do homework for three hours! (To be honest, I didn’t do homework. But I attempted!)

Louis tweeted me back! :D

When it was close to show-time, I headed towards the SAC. The show started, and I was so excited! Jordan and Louis are amazing singers and guitar players! I had listened to their music online during those few hours I procrastinated on my homework; but those songs were studio versions. Jordan and Louis played an acoustic set, which sounded even better. I love when I get the chance to listen to artists with just an acoustic guitar. It really showcases their voices!

After the show, I got to meet Augustine. I told them I was the girl who had sent them the at-reply on Twitter. Louis remembered me! (I actually got a reply back from him!) And Jordan told me that she read my message on their Facebook. I bought a shirt, their CD from 2009, and a download card with their newest CD. That was a great investment, especially since the 2009 CD is now autographed!

CAB members: You are doing a fantastic job! Thank you for a great Coffeehouse to start off the new year!

-Erica

Behind the Scenes of Augustine

Last October, I and six other students attended a conference held by the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA). While we not only learned about ways to improve events on campus and promote activities, attendees were also able to listen to dozens of various entertainment acts. From acoustic duos to magicians, and slam poets to an incredible saxophonist, members of the conference were far from bored!!  

(Lindsay Ponder, Conner McMindes, and Amanda Palmgren before the performance)

While we were at the conference, Northwood University’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) booked several events, one of which made their appearance last Wednesday night for our first Coffeehouse event of the school year! Always a popular event, students come into the homey cedar porch located alongside the Student Activities Center to enjoy music, friends, and refreshments. Our musical selections will vary in genre, in order to appeal to everyone’s musical taste. Last year, Zane Williams performed a fun set list of country songs, including the popular Hurry Home, which he wrote (you may have heard this on the radio, sung by Jason Michael Carroll). Founder’s Day also featured the Josh Goode Band, a fun performing group that entertains audiences with not only great music, but hilarious lyrics.

(Some of our newest CAB members! Jessica Rodriquez, Natasha Norman, and Jicela Cuellar)

 The most recent Coffeehouse featured the band Augustine, an acoustic duo that sang both cover songs as well as original pieces. And let me just say – they were a hit! Whether it was a new rendition on the hit pop song Lollipop, or a soft, gentle remake of a John Mayer tune, these two definitely knew how to engage a crowd.

(Jordan Meredith and Louis Johnson from Augustine)

 As a member of CAB, one of my favorite things about hosting these events is our opportunity to interact with the performers before and after the event. At a large concert, we become overwhelmed with the feeling that we are in the presence of a celebrity…but by interacting with the artists on a smaller scale, you realize that they are real people. Most of the individuals we come across are living out their dream, but are not afraid to be very honest when it comes to discussing the real facts of their lifestyle – living out of a suitcase, traveling with their fellow band mates, or difficult agents. But, behind all the struggles that they endured to get to where they are, each artist has such an endearing passion for their job…almost to the point that it’s no longer a job, it’s their life – and they love it. 

 I want to have that. My mom always said, “Do something you love and you will never work a day in your life.” It’s people like Louis Johnson and Jordan Meredith from Augustine that continue to inspire me to refocus on my journey ahead!!

(The members of CAB with Augustine!)

The Dynamic Duo!

This past weekend, my sister (Natasha) and I competed in the Texas Collegiate DECA conference! There are not many places where you will see college students confidently wearing suits, making business proposals, and competing with their persuasive words, thoughts, and ideas. The three days of this conference served as my first exposure to this organization at the college level, and I will say it was a memorable one! 

(Me and my sister, Natasha)

You may wonder why I, as a senior, have just decided to begin my DECA journey. Well, it was actually an opportunity that emerged from my Advertising Campaigns class I took during the fall semester. Professor Allday suggested that Natasha and I use the campaign we developed and put it to use!! So we did. 

Throughout the fall, we diligently spent our class hours developing the campaign for Tim Hortons, a fast-casual restaurant that is extremely popular in Canada and several northern U.S. states. Our presentation included a prospectus that outlined the entire project, including our campaign objective, primary and secondary target markets, our creative pieces (including outdoor boards, print, television, radio, guerrilla, and new media!), a budget, and a media schedule! Whew! 

The conference was held in downtown Dallas at the Crowne Plaza hotel and El Centro College. We were able to polish off our dining manners on Thursday night at an etiquette dinner, where we also began the networking adventure of meeting students from many other schools in Texas. The next day was very full, consisting of several fun leadership and team-building activities in the morning, and a tour of the Six Floor Museum (a museum in memory of former president John F. Kennedy) in the afternoon!

(Paige Eldridge, Natasha Elder, Christen Noble, and I at the Six Floor museum!)

But the real DECA action began Saturday morning, as each student proceeded to the college for their various competitions. Whether it was a case study involving Hospitality and Tourism, or a prepared event such as Advertising Campaigns, students presented before judges all morning long. 

Natasha and I were so eager to present our ideas about our beloved Canadian restaurant. With our portfolio full of laminated creative ideas in one hand, and notes in the other, we marched into the conference room to stand before our judge. A very enthused and kind gentleman, our judge LOVED the ideas! He gave us some great feedback, and somehow managed to guess that we were related… 

(All the Northwood students that participated in the competition!!)

But, I am excited to say that the next step is nationals in Orlando, Florida! So…ICDC, here we come! 

Hello Blogging World!

Hope everyone had a beautiful and love filled Valentines Day!

The workers at Chick-Fil-A really tried to put their customers in the Valentines Day spirit. When I first unwrapped the chicken biscuit I thought someone had bitten into it, but then it dawned on me why the shape was like a heart and not a circle. "A" for effort Chick-Fil-A!

I hope everyone stayed warm and safe during the crazy ice/sleet/snow days that were almost everywhere a few weeks ago. I was sick with the flu for the entire two weeks of that craziness, so I am one of the few extremely thankful to be out of the house and back in class and work! Not sure who all  knows what cabin fever is, but I have experienced it in copious amounts this month and really missed the warm Texas weather and human contact.

Well look at that, the 70 degree weather is back this week. Oh how I (and many others I would assume) have missed you! Who wants to bet that next week we will have a monsoon? Anyone? 

I am a constantly changing person who loves a scene change, and having weather around me with this same mentality can be bittersweet. Good for the sunny, warm days for having a picnic, but for allergies and sickness it can be miserable. If you are the unlucky one who gets sick easily, your best bet in preventing the flu or cold the next season change is as follows:

1. Build your immune system up through Vitamin C, vegetables, and fruits.

2. Exercise consistently to strengthen your physical body.

3. R&R. You thought it was annoying for mom to unplug your t.v. for bed, but she was smart because your body functions best with rest. (THAT RHYMED)

4.Minimize stress. You can do yoga, take a bath, or just plan instead of procrastinate.

Everything above is what we all know should be done, but doing it is much more difficult than saying we will.

My apartments in Arlington, the snow was b-e-a-utiful!

I hope everyone is happy and enjoying life, and I will talk to you all soon! Hopefully I can make a video or get some cool pictures up here too, now that I am back in the swing of things.

^_^ Peace, Love, and Zen.
~Shawna Grace~

SNOW DAY! Classes Cancelled.

All TX campus daytime classes canceled and offices closed for Tuesday, Feb. 1 due to inclement weather. Check Blackboard and website for updates.


Now that is an e-mail that I don't mind waking up to! Every college student L-OV-E-S icy days when classes are cancelled. Most of us were praying that we would wake up to a NorthwoodNow text, which Northwood's mass messaging alert system that let's us know via text and e-mail if classes are cancelled for whatever reason. Texas only has about one "snow day" a year. This year it was more of a sleet and icy day but we'll take either. 


Our campus is nestled back in the woods and we have lots of trees and it is beautiful to see our campus with snow or ice. Last year we had record breaking amounts of snow! Since we have a lot of commuter students Northwood usually closes down with any amount of snow but last year we had a foot and a half or more! Since I am commuting this year I was told that the snow this year is a tad disappointing. Take a look and compare.

Swalwell Student Union (taken by Melissa)

Drive on bridge on campus (taken by one of our students)

And this is last year's snow day..........

Knights Court Dorms

Part of the Northwood Sign covered in snow

Most students take snow days as a chance to to catch up on much needed sleep, some had movie marathons but I took this day to bake and cook! I made some delicious gumbo and chocolate chip cookies. I tried staying out of the cold but my German Shepherd loves the cold weather and insisted we play outside for a bit. 

My dog Madi

Northwood students usually get to experience one snow day a year and they are definitely cherished.
Hopefully you got to enjoy a snow day today! 

~Christen


P.S. NEWS JUST IN!!!! Class is cancelled tomorrow as well! How did we get so lucky?