Alumni Blog

Welcome to my new blog series, "Bearcats in the Kitchen!" 

Whether you commute to campus, work part-time at an internship or just moved into your first apartment after graduation, this series will provide you with cooking tips and recipes to fit your busy lifestyle.

From the time we're born, it seems as if our entire lives revolve around school and planning for this mystical thing called a career and future. Unfortunately, no one really tells you what happens when you get there. Thrust into the unknown territory of adult-hood for the first time, I found myself unable to navigate this "real-world" nightmare that had manifested itself in my life.

As my to-do lists grew longer, I started to feel even more overwhelmed with tasks: go shopping, get an oil change, make a dentist appointment, pay credit card, file taxes... It never ends! Keeping myself alive is a lot of hard work. Sometimes, I get writer's block while making a grocery list (I kid!). While my friends find this hilarious, it's not very efficient...

Did everyone have a nice Valentine's Weekend? 

After I opened up about some of my struggles in my last post, I'm happy to report that 2015 has started off on a really great note! 

Spoiler alert: No, I am not sitting next to you right now. But I do know that there have been two or three "resolutions" that have crossed your mind leading up to 2015, about which by now, mid-January, you've told yourself..."I guess I really don't need to change that" or "it's too cold/hot/busy/empty/far/close/early/late to go to the gym/workout/eat better." It happens to the best of us, and I know at least for me that it happens every year.

For college students, change is always constant, whether it is planned or not: new friends, new classes, new assignments, and before you know it, you've graduated and you're at a new place with a new job working for a new boss and new coworkers. It can all move pretty quickly, so here are four new year's resolutions applicable for any college student, but specifically for college seniors, to make your last semester everything that it should be while also easing the transition from college life to the real world.

One year ago, I graduated. Eight months ago, I accepted my first job and moved across the country. And one week ago, I stood alone, crying in an airport during the holidays. 

After graduation, the question "What should I do with my degree?" fills our thoughts on a constant basis.

With headlines expressing concern for high unemployment rates and crippling student debt, a quick Google search leaves most of us questioning the worth of our degrees at some point or another. However, simply correlating college degrees with potential earnings can lead us down a dangerous road of metrics, one filled with comparison, but void of any real substance. This is because the value of education extends far beyond monetary rewards. It affords you ability to think analytically, form opinions, and live a fulfilling life that aligns with your personal beliefs and values.  

"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all."- Aristotle

One of the most influential classes I took while at SVC was a theology course taught by Dr. King called God, Work and Money. This class allowed us to explore topics such as poverty in America and the role money plays in our lives. Through a series of self-reflective papers, Dr. King also encouraged us to discover our passions and engage in meaningful work throughout our careers. Upon completion of the class, students felt inspired to use their education to benefit society; regardless of whether or not they were paid for their efforts. Abby Bryant's blog, which tells about her experiences as an Agribusiness Volunteer in the Peace Corps, perfectly demonstrates this act of giving back. 

Below you will find some of the ways I use my business degree to give back as well!

Hi!

In honor of #GivingTuesday, I wanted to take a few minutes to write about my experiences giving back to the community during my time at Saint Vincent.

Greetings, Bearcats! 

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. Besides enjoying colorful leaves, apple cider, and cozy sweaters, I love the general atmosphere of giving thanks and showing our appreciation for one another.