SNOW

What a busy week for having several days off!!  Monday, I began the week by celebrating my birthday with a few close friends.  Then after several stressful days- I continued furious work on the various papers and tests due throughout the week.  Last week was also my first full week at my new internship with an accounting firm in Overland Park.  Its been an awesome opportunity to learn more about the accounting processes in real life situations.  Also this week has been "Winter Storm Q" that gave us two days off from classes!  We were all as happy as 10-year-olds with the Rock@lert telling us of the cancellation of Thursday's classes!  Although I had hoped to achieve an unattainable number of tasks and movie-watching, I only achieved a full day and night of sleep.  While most people had classes cancelled on Friday, I went into work for the day- but got a lot accomplished there!  The weekend came and went as quickly as imagined- I enjoyed a full day of work on Saturday (two jobs) and then a full day of homework on Sunday- the plaza library has over and over again been my favorite place to study and focus on all of my impending tasks.

Now today, I have gotten to thoroughly enjoy the same feeling again, with the announcement of school cancelled tomorrow for our next round of storms!  So I will sit here and enjoy the possibility of another day full of movies, (maybe a little less sleeping) and the ever-present thought of the papers and other homework I should accomplish.  With any luck, this snow day will rejuvenate me for the last 2 days of classes before Spring Break (rough life, I know)  :)



Stay safe out there!!

Mid- February

This week has been yet another whirlwind.  On Thursday however, my International Economics class welcomed yet another special visitor.  Ronald Reagan Okumu, a member of parliament from Uganda visited our class to talk about International Economics through his perspective and discuss some of the issues that he has faced during his last 17 years in office.  His experience with the changes that Uganda has seen over these years is absolutely amazing.  He has been the youngest member of parliament- since he began his term the first year following his university education.  He still has many years he may influence the future of Uganda as he looks forward to moving up in the world of politics.  I was amazed at the ability of our school to have such an honored guest visit our small school.  I learned a lot about the trading of goods across national lines in that eastern region of Africa, in addition to the developments that have taken place in that region in recent years.  It was such an amazing opportunity to really learn about the international side of what is going on.

This week has also held plenty of celebrations around campus- whether it was for Mardi Gras, the beginning of Lent or Valentine's Day was all determined by the solemnity and color theme for the evening.  (Tuesday being green and red, Wednesday being much more solemn, and Thursday being all shades of pink and red)  I can't say many people minded the extra excuses to bake and bring snacks to multiple meetings or just for everyone to enjoy- I would hope Thursday didn't ruin anyone's declarations from Wednesday's Lenten promises.

Oh, and this week I discovered a few more articles/ videos from the Grundfos challenge-- coming up in less than a month now!  I'm shown a little bit at the end of this video and briefly mentioned in the article in this KC Business Journal on page 16.  Getting excited!!

Visitors

We've had some exciting events and visitors here at Rockhurst this past week!  To begin with, on Thursday, both the CEO of Dollar General and the senior vice president of global strategic sourcing, Richard Dreiling and Jim Kopp, visited campus and came to several classes, one of which was my International Economics class.  As alumnus of Rockhurst, they made a special visit to Kansas City to visit EMBA classes in addition to some undergrad classes for the Helzberg School.  Mr Dreiling was the one who mostly spoke through our class.  I was absolutely delighted to get to hear all about his journey from Rockhurst in Kansas City, through each of his promotions to end up at the top of Dollar General.  He was very down-to-earth, speaking about everything from his corporate jet and Mike's to their recent phenomenal sales and how to keep their growth reasonable.  Hearing about his journey to his current position was inspiring- as I hope that each step that I take will lead me to a place of success, its encouraging to hear of someone who truly has.  

Richard Dreiling, CEO of Dollar General

Another exciting event on campus was the annual Competitive Scholars Day for high school seniors.  The day includes a chance to see the university, but most importantly, they are given a chance to interview for full tuition scholarships offered by Rockhurst.  This year, there were over 300 applicants for 30 full tuition scholarships.  To show you how much Rockhurst has grown, the year I interviewed, three years ago, there were 160 interviewees for only 9 full tuition scholarships.  This day is a huge chance for Rockhurst to attract potential new students, as I know many people I currently talk to also attended Competitive Scholars Day.  I hope to see plenty of these potential new freshmen around our campus next fall.  

Rockhurst pulled out all the stops with classy lighting,
a jazz band, and  KC slideshow for the social  part of the event

Parks, travel, and to-do lists-- oh my

This week has provided a representation of all four seasons here in KC.  We had fall on Sunday- a day where I enjoyed a gorgeous day in a Topeka park with my boyfriend.  Then on Monday came summer, which I enjoyed with my roommate and a run along a trail near Brookside, called the Trolley Track Trail.  We conquered the tail end of it from 55th to Volker, then went along Brush Creek for a gorgeous day.  Tuesday was definitely spring with the amount of rain, but you know what they say, January showers bring February flowers?? (for Valentine's Day, right?)  Finally, Wednesday and today, winter has finally decided to arrive.  Bringing with it snow, frozen sidewalks, and freezing wind to just make it that much easier to wake up and go to class.  Oh, Midwest weather, you always win.

In other news, I am very excited to report that I have officially booked hotel rooms for Amsterdam!  For being a part of the Global Grundfos Challenge- see my earlier posts about this event here and here- the company decided to pay for our plane tickets to and from a few select European cities.  While I wasn't intending to do so originally, Sarah, one of the other competitors invited me to join her to go to Amsterdam for a few days following the competition in Bjerringbro, Denmark.  With someone to join me, I am very much looking forward to our relaxing trip to another European city following a stress-filled week of competition.

Additionally, this week has held a surprising amount of stress due to a very long to-do list that I've compiled throughout the week.  The cold and flu season also seems to be making its rounds at Rockhurst as many people are missing class.  However, today proved to be LITERALLY the most productive day I have had in... probably a year.  So I have prevailed and everything seems to looking good :)

Hope all you readers have a fantastic week, and enjoy the clips from one of my favorite shows (click on the word LITERALLY)!!

January day

Kansas City has proved itself to continue to be a chilly reminder of the winter I was hoping to avoid.  But nothing can keep class away.  Just a few things on my mind this afternoon- I finally got to see Les Mis earlier today- I love afternoon movies on the Plaza-- they're the perfect way to start the weekend!

• I can already tell with the first week of classes that I will be plenty busy this semester, even though I will have fewer meetings than in the past.  While this is the third semester in a row I have had a full class schedule of 18 hours, I know that my homework level will definitely be increased-- junior year everyone!  
• Yesterday, I went with my roommates to Yogurtini on the Plaza for the first time in quite some time.  I remember when I went to Yogurtini for the first time my freshmen year, with Social Mentors.  The whole school had been buzzing about the "froyo place on the Plaza" that everyone just had to try!  And recently, Rockhurst got something similar in P-Sub: a froyo machine with different flavors and toppings to add on that are weighed just like at Yogurtini!  (I have yet to try it- but one of these days, that'll be just what I need between classes)

• I can't believe how quickly time has passed since I began at Rockhurst!  I'm not even a senior, and I can already tell that my time in college is fleeting.  This isn't all bad though- it makes it easier to enjoy all the little things.  :)
• I have several friends celebrating birthdays this semester, (including mine!) so I'm looking forward to lots of excuses to make cake and enjoy dinners out all dressed up.  (at so many of KC's amazing restaurants)

Barcelona- each day better than the last

Thursday after our lesson, we arrived at the Port of Barcelona and were surprised to discover that we were going on a boat ride around the port!  For a few people, the motion was difficult to handle, but I for one found it to be a really fascinating experience!  After we spent the first part learning about the large amount of volume the port handles every year, we got to see where they were adding on, and where every part of their services were managed.

That afternoon, I took a little break from too much site-seeing and after a fun wander around the market, I spent the afternoon in a cafe down the street, just people watching and absorbing every part of my experience in Spain!  The fresh produce, fish, and every type of food imaginable is so amazing to see in the market.

La Fortaleza

City Hall

Friday, as our last classroom day, we had our lesson on the history of Spain.  Most years, this comes at the beginning, but our professor had been out of town for the first part of our trip.  Oh well- its still fun to learn about!  Then we went to a tour of city hall.  That building also had amazing history!  I loved how many similarities I saw between that city hall and La Fortaleza (the governor's house) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (ok, mostly just on the inside or something- putting them next to each other takes away some of the similarities in my head!)

Friday evening, we were able to eat dinner as a large group at La Taula- a discovery by our professors that had some of the most amazing food I have had!  It was really fun to have as a going-away celebration at the end of a long few weeks.

At La Taula

Saturday we took a train to Monserrat, a mountain near Barcelona known for the historic Benedictine abbey that was also built there.  After touring the church and seeing the Black Madonna, we went up one part of the mountain on a fernicular which took us to an area with astounding views and the chance to see where the original hermitages were located.  Our professors even went all the way to the top and ventured along the edge with all of us students!  Finally, after most of the group went back to town, one other student and I climbed up the other side to a cross with even more incredible views.  This hike, while it was very steep, was one of the best parts simply for the experience.  The separation from the rest of the mountain gave us views of the monastery and the surrounding cities that were un-paralleled.

At the top of Monseratt- our second trip up

Climbing down the mountain the first time

Our awesome professors and a few students

On our final day, I began by attending church at the Barcelona Cathedral, or Basilica La Seu.  I can say that it was one of the most beautiful masses I have ever been to.  They had a very impressive choir, and about 13 priests holding the mass.  Combined with their use of incense and the overall environment in the cathedral, and I was overwhelmed by the whole experience.  Next, by the recommendation of our professors, we went to a little bakery for hot chocolate and churros which was much appreciated on such a rainy and cold day (the first of the trip).  Later on in the day, I went back to La Rambla and finally got the gelato I had been wanting the entire trip!

The chloister- there were geese and a rooster in the middle!

Monday was the last day, which started at 4:30 am (Barcelona time) and ended 18 hours later, at 5:30 (Central time)-- time difference makes it seem awkward.  The plane rides were long, and jet lag is going to be quite a challenge to work with, but every second was worth my incredible experience in Barcelona.

I have never been in a place where I am simply astounded everywhere I go at the history of a place, the view of a city, or simply the look of a building.  Beginning to learn about Spain in high school, and now having the opportunity to finally travel there was such a wonderful way to start 2013!

Barcelona... Not just another day

Every day has just been incredible here!  As I was reflecting on my experience, all I could think about is how  often I have just been filled with "wonderment" (ok, wonder is more appropriate)  as I'm simply walking around somewhere.

Waking up Sunday was just a phenomenal day.  We began by heading down to the Gothic Quarter to see Santa Maria del Mar, a church that was built during the 14th century.  I could not believe how well done the whole church was when it had been created so long ago!  My favorite part of that morning however, was when we went over to the Museo Picasso.  We took some small little streets and alley-ways and it was just so gorgeous and tranquil (especially when I got separated from the group for a few minutes later on).   

Later in the day, a group of us including Professor Fitzpatrick, Professor O'Connor, and Professor Janusik headed to the Roman and Greek ruins.  I can say right now that I wasn't super looking forward to this part, but I definitely wanted to take advantage of the day!  But because of how excited and passionate my professors are about every part of this trip, I can say that I really enjoyed it!  How can I not be excited about what appears to be old rocks when someone else is telling me the purpose it might have served in the past??

The architecture on this Cathedral- called La Seu Cathedral- was absolutely incredible!  It was built between the 13th and 15th centuries.  

Later that night, at the FC Barcelona game.  I was astounded to see so many people in one place! 

Monday, we went to Sagrada Familia after class.  My camera died halfway through my visit- the pictures are just on my phone from that day.  But we went up the towers, and I loved this view watching the cranes move over the top of the two towers.  Even with tourists all over, there was still work to be done at this incredible place.   

Tuesday we had a tour of Barcelona Activa.  I thought their business was incredible- helping entrepreneurs start their businesses is something that few people have the knowledge to do.  I loved the view as we were walking to their center downtown.  

Wednesday morning we visited a logistics center outside a small town about 45 minutes away from Barcelona called Igualada.  We had a gorgeous view of the mountains the whole bus ride up and I was pleasantly surprised how entertaining it was to see how their product moved about the warehouse in order to get to the end customer.  

Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon both included tours of places designed by Gaudi (I guess Monday could be included in that too!  The Casa Batlló modernist home was absolutely incredible!  They said that there were no straight lines in his design and I would believe it- with the curves in the ceiling, walls, windows and doorways, I'm not sure where else they would be. 

Then Wednesday afternoon we visited Parque Guell.  I learned that at one time he had hoped to have a whole community full of houses on this hillside (it has gorgeous views from every angle)  This picture was taken where he would have had the center of the community.

As each day has new adventures- I don't want to miss out on any one of them, so for now, farewell.  Only a few more days left of my fantastic adventure!