UMass Amherst: Students 4 Real – Liliana

In my last post, I rambled about how excited I was go to Afrojack. I even pledged my unwillingness to miss him in concert for the 2nd time.

I almost feel like a fraud.

I was set on going– I had the ticket, the outfit, the group, the plan. I was pretty confident that I would be able to juggle all of my Monday- Tuesday responsibilities so that come Tuesday night nothing would be in my way.

Tuesday morning rolled around and as I stubbled out of bed after 4 1/2 hours of sleep, I realized there was noway I could go. The rest of this week is absolutely nuts. It’s a time when I need to be on my A+++ game and there’s no viable excuse for looking tired and disheveled or arriving unprepared.

I made the conscious choice to sell my ticket, clean my room, organize my things, and get work done.  Although I hate that I missed Afrojack TWICE, I know there’ll be another opportunity.  Life is about the choices we make.  I sometimes wonder if I’ve made a decision in the past that has completely changed who I am today and who I can possibly become tomorrow.

As midterms and projects continue to linger, as fellow classmates continue to apply and interview for full time positions, as others study for LSAT’s & GRE’s, etc. I urge all of you to really stop and think:

is this decision worth it? Is this worth the possible negative effects? Can I bounce back?

Stay savvy! And for all those who managed to make it out to Afrojack, I’m beyond jealous.

I’ve always wondered about how I would manage to keep my study abroad experience alive now that I’m no longer living in Spain. I must say that after several months, I’ve been able to really find comfort in music.

There are certain songs that just make me want to get up and dance. Over half the time, these are the songs I would constantly listen to while I was abroad in Spain. Sure, I’m no longer an American in Barcelona but I’m still very much that girl in search for an adventure.

When I heard that Afrojack –the artist responsible for one of my ALL-TIME favorite songs “Take Over Control”– was coming to UMass, I HAD to get tickets.  I was bummed when I couldn’t see him in Europe and refuse to let the same happen again in America. Not only do the catchy tunes remind me of my home in BCN, but they make me want to get up, drop everything I’m doing and just DANCE.

Afrojack will be at the Mullins Center on October 25,2011. Some tickets are still available! “Take Over Control” and come join the massive dance party with me on Tuesday night.

For those who don’t know who Afrojack is, check out the following clips:

Take Over Control

Bangduck

I can’t say I knew who Jeff Dunham was until a few weeks ago. Through my working with the UMass Marketing Club and the Mullins Center, I’ve discovered one of the funniest- and oddest forms of comedy. Jeff is a ventriloquist with a large selection of dummies and characters. He’s been on several acclaimed shows and networks such as The Tonight Show, Late Show with David Letterman, Sonny With a Chance, and Comedy Central.

He’s now decided to take his comedic skills and friends to the road with his tour: Jeff Dunham Controlled Chaos. I can’t wait to laugh my ass off with some good friends and a few dummies. I know it’s last minute but if you need a breather after crunching for midterms, Mullins is the place to go. Tickets are still available. CHECK IT OUT!

When I was 11, it’s safe to say I went boy crazy. I would only watch movies with Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and my ultimate favorite Vin Diesel. I was one of the only girls in the 6 grade who had her folders covered with pictures of my favorite boys. My parents didn’t seem to mind all the posters and online printed pictures covering my bedroom walls, but I think they started to get concerned when all I wanted to watch on TV was the Fast & the Furious or XXX with Vin Diesel.

By my freshman year of high school, little had changed. I had expanded my movie selection but Vin was still my main dreamboat. My locker was filled with pictures, most of him and Brad Pitt. I think some of the teachers at my Chicago Catholic high school were a bit disturbed by the shirtless photos lining my locker but whatever, it was MY locker!

It’s no surprise that after following Vin Diesel’s career from Fast & the Furious, to XXX, to the Pacifier,  that I’m now I’m beyond excited to see him in Fast Five. It’s a bummer I didn’t find time to get my hands on the DVD this weekend while off campus. (It was released 10/4/11).

None the less, I’m getting the DVD this week & my Vin Diesel fix.  For those who aren’t fans of bald men, Paul Walker or Tyrese aren’t bad eye candy either. For those who don’t care for men, there’s plenty of fast cars, sick stunts, gorgeous gals, and intense fights. It’s a win! win! for everyone. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, click on the link and check out the movie trailer below.

I guess as a college senior, some things haven’t changed… Enjoy!

Fast Five Movie Trailer

It’s not pronounced Dead- Mau- Five, it’s actually dead-mouse.

Before meeting my friend Jen a few years back, I didn’t understand electronic or house music. While she introduced me to some different beats during our car rides to work at TJX Companies, I was still pretty stuck on listening to my favorite rap tunes and Britney Spears (of course).  It wasn’t until I was in Europe that I got hooked and learned to appreciate the different beats.  Now all I crave is dub-step, electronic, house, etc. and on Pandora you can be certain that I have my station tuned to “Club Hits”.

When I heard that DeadMau5 was coming to the Mullins Center at UMass, nothing would stop me from getting my hands on tickets. I woke up 8am and stood in line for nearly an hour to secure my spot on the floor.  While standing among zombie like students, some whom actually shared they have been in line since before 7:30 am, I realized just how badly I wanted to the concert.  After missing other major shows like DayGlow and Tiesto, I went ahead and splurged. I bought myself a floor ticket and will be attending the October 15th concert.

If you didn’t make it out of bed that Friday morning, tickets are still available at the Mullins Center box office and online at Ticket Master. To make sure you don’t miss out on other event updates, “Like” the Mullins Center on Facebook- it’s how I got the scoop on ticket sales.

Can’t wait to see it LIVE!

Bring pens, pencils, paper. Don’t neglect research articles or books. If confused, ask clarifying questions. Stay organized and be aware of deadlines. Punctuality is demanded and points will be deducted for tardiness. If you don’t do your homework, don’t even bother showing up. Arriving unprepared are grounds for failure.

Nope, that’s not part of a professor’s first day shpeel or excerpts from a syllabus. This is the expectation when pursing a full time job offer in a tough economy. There’s lots of talent and few openings. Not only do candidates need to be prepared, they need to bring their A-GAME. The only difference in this type of evaluation, is that there are no A’s & B’s. It’s only pass/ fail.

As the leaves continue to change color and eventually fall, the semester clearly draws closer to it’s half point. With that comes important application deadlines, interview dates, and (hopefully) job offers. Coming from someone who is in the midst of the extensive and stressful process, I can offer the following tips to EVERYONE looking for top internships & full time positions.

• Have an agenda book. Even if you’re not searching for employment opportunities, write everything down: birthdays, class work, exam dates, etc. it will help you so much with meeting deadlines.
• Schedule your time effectively. Facebook is great but limit your creeping and spend your time on more productive online searches.
• Make good choices, if you know you have a busy week ahead, stay in one night and get things done.
• Do your RESEARCH. Before career fairs, workshops with corporate recruiters, interviews, etc. learn about the companies you’ll be exposed to. Impress them with your understanding of their company.
• Practice a firm handshake. There’s nothing worse than a limp one.
• Have an elevator speech. This means, prepare a 30-60 second blurb about yourself that you can share with recruiters who may ask something like “tell me about yourself” or “what are you looking for?”
• HAVE A RESUME. Seek help from Career Services to get a resume together. It doesn’t matter if you’re a freshman or sophomore not actively looking, it’s vital to have something outlining some of your strengths and work experience.
• Have business casual and business professional attire!
• Be confident!
• Put yourself out there! Apply to competitive positions. You never know, you might actually be exactly what a company is looking for.

Hope this helps! Below is:

GQ’s idea of business casual for men

Business casual for women, according to TLC

A few days ago I attempted to take an online test consisting of 30 questions, 20 minutes, and multiple choices.  Correct answers were worth +1, wrong answers were -1, and no answers were 0. I was allowed a calculator, pen, and paper. Much like when I took the ACT’s and SAT’s, I could hear (yes, actually HEAR) my accelerated heart beat. However, this wasn’t an exam that could be made up with extra credit or that would only make a small dent in my GPA if I did poorly. This was an exam for a potential full time job offer.

Since August, my top priority has been securing an offer for post grad. In this economy, nothing is certain and even the most experienced or connected aren’t safe. The hot button topic among my friends- GETTING A JOB.  Not everyone is too stressed or at least are keeping a better cool. I on the other hand- live and breath cover letters and resumes.

Although my job hunt has just started, I’m trying to shake and let go. I’m not sure how my exam went. All I know is that I needed more time, but as I think and write about it, I’m beginning to realize that time is exactly what I have. I have some time to continue applying. Time to modify my resume. Time to put my self out there. Time to see what happens. Time to hope it’s enough. Time to pray for the best.

I hope this entry serves as a reminder to breathe, shake, & let it go to those whom are also anxiously waiting to see where life takes them. These are difficult times but I hope that what doesn’t kill us, will make us stronger. And until we regain our strength, we have the Jersey Shore cast to remind us that things could be worse… GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Before going abroad, Academic Programs International (API) and IPO (the study abroad office at UMass) both did a great job with preparing us for the range of emotions we would feel once we were away from home. We had info sessions, pamphlets, on- line resources, and more. I personally experienced too much of a roller-coaster except for those days when I really wanted a jar of peanut butter (it’s hard to find in Europe & pretty expensive if you locate it) or to watch the Chicago Blackhawks on T.V.  All of that became trivial when my weekends consisted of adventuresome travel, taking lots of pictures, and making memories that I’ll have the rest of my life.

I went to Europe prepared- with extra shampoo and everything- but I’ve returned to America completely off guard. After landing in JFK, I was so confused when I could use my visa without additional fees. It had been months since the last time I could do that.  Now that I’ve come to the realization that America is my home again, it’s become somewhat difficult readjusting to American culture. I knew I would probably change while away but I didn’t consider the change my friends would experience domestically. And now that I’m no longer the same person I as before I left, I don’t crave peanut butter as much- all I want is pan con tomato or all I can eat veggies from Maoz. When I used to want to speak English, all I want is someone to speak Spanish with me. After having missed my American friends, I miss my Spanish buddies.

At the beginning of last semester, I had just moved into a centrally located spacious apartment in a major Spanish city. I was speaking a different language and learning how to do some of the basics: getting home after school without getting lost, taking the metro, turning on the T.V., buying groceries, using my cell phone, etc. It was like being a college freshman all over again but better!

Although I still struggle to accept that I am no longer in Catalonia and that I am in Amherst, I can’t forget how thankful I am to have been able to experience life away. If I could, I would do it all over again. If you’re going abroad, don’t worry about reverse culture shock. You’ll get over it. Go away & enjoy it! Hands down it’ll be one of the best experiences you’ll ever have.

Some tips that have helped me with reverse culture shock:

• talk to other people who also studied abroad, guaranteed they’re also feeling the same.
• keep your study abroad experience alive!
• get involved with IPO at UMass
• work with exchange students from other countries studying at UMass
• educate your friends on the foods you ate, make them dinner
• encourage people to study abroad
• share pictures with your friends
• find groups where you can continue to practice the language skills you acquired
• take a class at one of the 5 colleges. Even tough you’re going it on this side of the pond, it can feel like being away again
• take your time. I’ve been home for 4-5 months and I still haven’t fully adjusted.

MORE INFO ON STUDY ABROAD: CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES:

www.umass.edu/ipo/

www.apistudyabroad.com

While abroad, I didn’t really think about everything I was missing back in America. Sure I heard about Day Glow and Spring Concert, lots of snow days, and canceled Ho-Downs, but I never once wondered about all the little things that would add up and make it evident that I lived in a completely different time zone for nearly 6 months.

I feel like I’ve been living under a rock that I thought my other American roommates would keep me from out under with their Jersey Shore and Teen Mom updates. Or at least I thought I got the dish on ‘important’ happening in the States through their MTV news bits.

Now that I’m in the States I’m like from a different planet. Everyone has these new movie quotes that leave me puzzled and laughing nervously. They joke and quote while the only material I have left are Step Brothers classics: “this wedding’s horse______ (you fill the blank)”.

Speaking of weddings, everyone is talking about BRIDESMAIDS. Legit, scouts honor, even my 60 year old Marketing Professor was cracking jokes about it, saying it was the funniest thing he’s seen all year, and asking if I had seen it. AKWARD…

“Lily, have you seen Bridesmaids? The movie with the girl from SNL”.

Confession 1: I haven’t seen Bridesmaids yet.

Confession 2: I’m ashamed to admit it.

Everyone I’ve talked to has told me it’s awesome and emphasized its actually worth buying on DVD. So until it’s released on OCTOBER 20th, I’m sitting here left out while people keep bringing it up every time it flashes on a commercial break.

Moral of the story is, I hope to get out from under my rock and actually laugh out loud. Hence, as soon as I get out of class I will be re-joining society and getting my dose of Bridesmaids. Anyone wanna buy me the DVD?

In the next few weeks there’s way too many important upcoming events. Much to do, little time. So staying organized is going to be KEY! Below I’m listing some clutch dates to mark in your planners:

Monday Sept 19th: Last day for ADD/DROP at UMass. It’s super easy you just log into SPIRE & click the add/drop box, check the class you want to drop and follow the rest of the steps until you’re confirmed out of the class.

WARNING: in order to be a full time student and able to live in the dorms, etc you need have at least 12 credits. So don’t drop too many classes.

Monday Sept 19th: Study Abroad Fair hosted by IPO will be at the Student Union Ballroom from 4pm-6pm. Stop by to hear from diverse study abroad agencies, their programs, locations, etc. Even if you don’t think you’ll go abroad, it doesn’t hurt to stop by and see what options are out there.

Monday Sept 19th: TIESTO! Tickets are still available at the Mullins Center. Cost is $30 for seats & $50 for floor. (Pretty positive floor is sold out)

Tuesday Sept 20th: Marketing Club first meeting of the year! Even if you’re not a marketing major or even part of Isenberg, the club is open to all students. Come to Isenberg room 106 @ 7pm to hear about some exciting upcoming projects with unique opportunities to work on real marketing campaigns, win free tickets to Mullins Center events, and interact with company executives.

Thursday Sept 22nd: Cheer on Women’s Soccer vs Brown @ 4pm! The soccer fields are located near the softball fields behind southwest.

Friday Sept 23rd: Resumania at Goodell hosted by Career Services. The event is from 12-4pm. Regardless of your age: freshman or senior, having a well polished resume is a must! It’s never too late or too early to get prepared and put our best foot forward.

Tuesday Sept 27th: Isenberg Career Day! Top companies will be at UMass looking for qualified candidates for both full time and internship opportunities. The event will be from 11-3pm. Be sure you have updated and well organized copies of your resume and are dressed sharply.

Update your calendars & good luck with your respective events. That’s all, now FOOTBALL TIME! I’m off to cheer on the Minutemen in their first home game of the season.

GO UMASS!