Chapter 40
Checking in &
Checking Out
April 2015
Chapter 40. Wow, it’s been a ride.
I hope you’re still intrigued by my stories/advice/life.
LWOC (last week of class) is approaching, which is crazy. Crazy that I will
only have one LWOC left of my undergraduate career after this one, and crazy
how much can change from LWOC to LWOC.
My mom, your mom, and your friends’ moms probably don’t want
to hear this, but here recently, I’ve almost checked out of school, and the
same will happen to you. It’s difficult to get motivated for business ethics,
law, analytics, and accounting, I know you’re jealous, but all majors have a
semester where you might not enjoy the material. It makes it especially
difficult to get motivated when there are so many exciting opportunities that
await me in the next few weeks. The Buddy’s team is traveling to Chapman University
in California for a start-up competition, I am going to South Africa for a
2-week study abroad program, and will be working a summer internship that will
allow me to use my entrepreneurial passions. The feelings I have towards exams,
papers, etc are much like my feelings I had during my senior year in high
school, yet there is one big difference. In high school there wasn’t the worry
of the “real world.” This “real world” is coming, and it’s coming quite fast.
And please note, although I am not entirely motivated currently, the grind is
approaching (FINALS week), and I will be checking in with authority.
A few weeks ago, I was traveling to another Buddy’s pitch
when I received a phone call. The phone call was from Dina Mills, one of UNC’s
entrepreneurial leaders. Her news almost caused me to wreck the car. She
informed me that the Buddy’s team was chosen to represent UNC in California at
the California Dreamin’ Competition at Chapman University.
Side note: sometimes when you receive super exciting news,
you must act like a little kid. Get hype!
Of course, I accepted the invitation, but this was going to
be the biggest pitch of the Buddy’s tenure, which would require a ton of
preparation. But, we get things done, so the preparation is just a part of the
fun, and excitement. I’m sure you’ll hear more about the trip in a coming
chapter, but currently, we’re just practicing, practicing, and practicing some
more. “You talkin’ about practice?”
Although a free, school paid trip to California is something
I can’t wait for, I am more excited for my 2-week immersion in South Africa.
Most colleges today have all kinds of study abroad programs, full-year,
semester, summer, and 2-week programs. Since I’m a picky eater, staying longer
than two weeks wouldn’t be healthy for my diet, no really. During my program,
we will spend the first week in Johannesburg, and the next week will be in Cape
Town. The trip will consist of culture immersion activities, company visits
(since it’s a business school trip), and other activities, such as swimming
with Great White Sharks. I have heard so many great things about the trip, and
going to a new place is always an exciting adventure.
Last chapter I told you of my internship opportunities, and
I have finally made a decision! I will be working with BootStrap Advisors, a
small consumer-based investment/coaching firm in Durham, NC. The internship
will allow me to be the head entrepreneur of a brand new product called,
YesSkin! Hopefully one day, it’ll be a well-known brand, but if not, I can’t
wait for this summer and all the opportunities is will hold.
No matter if you’re checking in to a new country or a new
job, or maybe checking out of school a bit early, make sure to be thankful of
your current status. My accounting professor, CJ Skender, encouraged my class
to call someone you love, or an old friend and let them know what they mean to
you. It was in my BUSI 101 (Skender’s class) freshman year, that I started a
countdown to graduation on my iPhone. That same countdown is almost at 365
days. It’s truly incredible what college can open your eyes too, so many new
worlds, so many opportunities, and it’s all coming to an end in one year. One
year, for more checking in, and checking out.
