Chapter 25

Chapter 25

What a difference a year can make:

“Suit to Suit”

 

It only takes a few seconds for the Dean E. Smith Center to become a nightmare for the opposing team. Fans from all levels of the stadium, row A to row ZZ (supposedly where they sell oxygen), stand and create an atmosphere like no other.

As my time as a Tar Heel fan, I have experienced this feeling in about every way possible. I’ve been in the upper deck, lower deck, in the student section dressed as a banana, and now as a JV Basketball Manager.

My view now as a manager is quite different. No longer am I waiting hours on end outside in the cold, rain, or snow, and I am definitely not throwing the banana suit on anymore. Even though I loved “jumping around” in the student section before every jump ball; this feeling of being a manager is much sweeter.

The JV team at Carolina is a tradition that was started by Coach Dean Smith. We play surrounding division three colleges, community colleges and some prep schools. The team is meant to give students the opportunity to play at the next level while attending a prestigious university. If selected to the JV team, you have two years of eligibility, and some earn the spot as a walk-on with the varsity team.  I am also given two years of eligibility as a JV manager in hopes to one day work with the varsity team.

As a JV manager we take on a variety of responsibilities. We help with practices and JV/Varsity games. We take on roles such as towel boys, water boys/girls, and we also set up the locker rooms for the opposing teams. For every varsity game two of the guy managers have to wipe the floor. The wiping part of the job is probably one of my favorites because of the fact I get to run on the Smith Center floor. Yes, I am wiping up sweat, but in a way it’s a dream come true for me. I will never have the opportunity to put on a jersey as a Tar Heel basketball player, but that was never my purpose. I guess my dream as a seven year old was a little too much to ask; however, I love every second of my job

It’s crazy what a difference a year can make. This year I wasn’t polishing up the banana suit, but I was suit shopping. One of the requirements to be a manager is to dress up for the games in a suit and tie. This is another aspect of the job that I am completely fond of. Who doesn’t like looking “fresh?” Even though I did love slipping on the banana suit; the blue and yellow tie feels much more comfortable and most definitely more fashionable.

I have been working with the team for a few months now, which has made time pass by much more quickly. This past semester was a bit harder than I had expected, but I survived! I also finished the business application process and will find out in a few weeks if I have been accepted or not. Just thinking about January 15, 2014 makes me nervous, but I must have faith. God has delivered more in this year than I ever could’ve imagined, and I must continue to believe.

Where ever you are in your walk/journey keep dreaming and keep pushing your limits. I still find it hard to believe how my role has changed. I was on a College GameDay commercial, but now I make the ways to the tv screen by me darting across the floor to wipe a slick spot.

I do remember observing some of the managers last year wishing I could be in their shoes.

So, I dreamed, I believed, and I became. It all started with a dream.

And don’t forget, just because I am sporting a new suit this year doesn’t mean my Carolina fandom has gone away. I’m just a bit more modest in the way I show my spirit!

 

 

Chapter 24

“I will” Campaign:

Why Wait?

November 2013

As a college student I am continually looking for advice about my future career and every time I have learned something completely different. However, this past time I learned more than I had ever expected.

On Nov 20, 2013 I walked into Dr. Jeremy Petranka’s or Dr. J’s office for a time to know him better and also for me to ask him some questions. Dr. J is the professor for my ECON 410: Intermediate Microeconomics class and I thought it would be beneficial to ask him questions regarding some of the business experiences he had been through.

The conversation began with me introducing myself and sharing some of the interests I had. What some of you might not realize is that in large lecture classes, such as the ECON class I am in; your professor might not ever know your name. So you must reach out!

After listening to Dr. J give me his background, I became the inquisitive person that I am. “If I know I want to own my own business, should I work at a large firm first?” “How do you choose between a family and a job, what are the time constraints with each job?” I kept spitting off questions like those, until he stopped me. He said, “Your probably 19, you don’t need to worry about if you are going to have a family or not, that’s something you don’t need to worry about.” He went on to explain that if you meet someone and your job becomes too much you “shift,” as he called it. Then he went on to attack the next question, he asked me simply “Why do you want to own your own business?” My answer was simple, “I want to make a difference, and I have a passion for business.” He then followed my answer with, “Then why work at a company?” I told him I had always heard that working at a company would be smart choice economically and I would learn more about running a company. He smiled and said, “Start-ups and Fortune 500 companies are totally different things, and if you want to start your own business don’t wait.”  For the first time in a non-exam like setting I was stumped.

When I came to Carolina I thought I had it all figured out. I wanted to graduate with a business degree, work for a big company for a few years, and then open my own company. However, Dr. J presented me with a dilemma. Why would I wait? He explained more about how he became a professor at UNC-Ch. He told me that he had always wanted to teach, but went against that and became a consultant for quite some time. He said he enjoyed his time as a consultant, but ever since becoming a professor he has found much more enjoyment. His words of, “If you know that’s what you want to do, start now, don’t wait,” kept repeating in my head.

We spoke for a bit longer on my future career and the more I sat in his office the more my eyes were opened. He warned me about getting what is called the “Halo Effect.” The Halo Effect is simply getting hooked on every idea that one sees or hears. Dr. J told me that in order to be successful in finding the right idea, you must analyze everything. Just because it sounds fun or exciting, doesn’t mean it is profitable or worthwhile.

Before I left his office he told me to continue to reach out for advice about anything. Without hesitation I informed him that he would be my go to man for business related questions.

I left his office a bit confused, but definitely a conversation that was much needed. I believe reaching out to professors with topics outside of the classroom is a great way to get to know them better and also a way to expand your knowledge. Since neither one of my parents are in the business field I have never had a business type of mentor, and I am grateful to have met Dr. Petranka. 

A few days after meeting with my professor, I sat down to reflect on what we had talked about. I concluded that I wasn’t exactly ready to own my own major business, but I was ready to start something else.

I have started an “I will” list. A list that I will follow in the next year and the list contains a variety of different things such as small goals and places to visit. This list is simple, yet it is something that will get me one step closer to my big overarching goals. Usually people make New Year’s resolution on things they aren’t going to do, but I am making a list of things I will do.

My challenge is that you will make an “I will” List for the upcoming year. Really make the list, and remember the list doesn’t have to have huge activities, just small tasks. I am firm believer in investing today for a richer tomorrow. The list will also let you see what you have accomplished throughout the year.

At the top of my list I wrote this paragraph to remind me of the importance of the list.

“I could die tomorrow. There is a great chance I could die tomorrow. I am making this list so that I will accomplish small tasks/goals I have for myself. I believe each individual task/goal will be an opportunity for me to become a better person. For now on I will do things that I have always wanted to do. No more waiting, the time is now! The goal is not to finish the list, but to continue to add to it. Once a task/goal is completed another will be added. If for some reason you are reading this and thing it is “dumb” or not worth it, you must start a task. You will be successful in this next year. It will be awesome, and I will live 2014 like its my first year on Earth.

Nothing is promised, and you will pursue these things because one day God will call you home. Now get to work”

Here are some of the things that are on my list for 2014

·         Be accepted into Business School

·         Go to London

·         Make the Dean’s list

·         Become a better person/Christian/brother/son/uncle

·         Wake up early at the beach to watch the sunrise

 

My list is simple, but its mine and it will lead me through this next year. I am big on goals. It is my challenge for you to become that way as well.

I will… it’s that simple.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 23: The longer you wait the sweeter it is

 

Chapter 23:

The longer you wait, the sweeter it is

October 2013

Life is crazy sometimes. Too crazy.

After being denied from the GLOBE program I was back to the grind and in search for more opportunities.

It wasn't longer after the rejection email that I received an email that reassured me that trusting in God is truly the best thing to do.

On Oct 2, 2013, I received an email from the assistant men's basketball coach, CB McGrath asking me to become a JV basketball manager. Cover your ears.

 I screamed. I yelled. And I punched my suite mate until all of my energy was gone. In short, I accepted the position and have been working as a manager for a few weeks now. The job is not as much as a time commitment as the varsity football position and also I actually have a passion for basketball. I will be sharing more about the position in a later chapter, but for now I am in love with the position. It is truly a dream come true.

I survived the first wave of exams and realized it was time for another fall break. It kind of snuck up on me; I guess time does fly when you’re having fun??

This fall break seemed different. I was less worried with what what my mom could cook for dinner, but I was more worried on just relaxing with my family with no worries. Fall break would be the first time I had been home in about 6 weeks. However, I found that the longer I was away from home the faster the time went. I didn't forget about the little town of Valdese but I was getting used to seeing something bigger. Not better just bigger and with bigger comes more adventure. And that's what I love. So venturing back home was awesome. I had missed my family, but not homesick, I had missed my town, but not that feeling of wanting to live there again.

My goals became clear. Moving away is needed for me to chase my dreams. However coming home is ever so sweet.

On Friday night of Fall Break I went to my high school’s homecoming game. I do have to say I wasn't going for the game but for the people. It's very difficult to watch a high school football game when you are so used to the college football atmosphere. When I arrived at the game with my friend we were greeted with pins from our graduation year, which just gave me another reminder that I will be graduating again in the near future.

When you live in a small town like I do you know everyone, so a football game turns into a reunion. I was able to see a bunch of friends that I grew up with and some of my past teachers. I was walking through the concourse area when I heard a familiar voice, “Austin Helms.” As I turned around I saw my second grade teacher, Mrs. Leslie Cline. Without a doubt she is one of my all-time favorite teachers, and seeing her on this homecoming night seemed every so fitting.  She informed me that she reads my blog on the regular and she hopes that one day her son will be able to benefit from my experiences/advice. It put a huge smile knowing that she reads my blog and also knowing that I could make a difference in someone else’s life that had such an impact on mine. After we chatted for a while she made it clear that she better be one of the first ones to have a copy of my book!

Going back home is always awesome. I gain weight, get a bunch of loving, and get to catch up on the small town gossip. Life is defiantly crazy. But that's why it is so worth living.

 "The longer you wait the sweeter it is.” The last night of Fall Break my family and I went down to my Pawpaw Wade’s house to give him a visit. As we were pulling in I noticed how pretty the sky was and convinced my dad to drive out in the field so I could capture the moment. The beautifully pained orange sky lit up the mountains in the near distance. It was breathtaking. It looked a lot like my life. Way off in the distance I see something, but now I must wait and keep on working towards my goals.  There is something sweet out there, maybe not as sweet as your mommas loving, but keep working.

Chapter 22

 

Chapter 22:

Missing Opportunities:

Gaining Motivation

 

I’m mostly a positive person. Optimism has always been a part of my life. Life is a gift from God and being positive when life is in the dumps is the best way to overcome obstacles.

Even though I try to stay positive through everything, missing opportunities really gets to me.

This chapter is a challenge for me.  

 

Have you ever heard the saying, “when one door closes, another one opens?” Chances are you have heard it once or probably multiple times. I believe that the cliché has great significance, but I want to open your eyes to something bigger.

Imagine a house. A house that has one door and one window. The door is nothing special, the window is small, and looks like something you would have drawn in the third grade.

Imagine you want the house. You want the house so badly, but you can’t enter the house until you purchase it. You are allowed to look in the house through the window, but that is the only thing that can influence your decision. When you finally get a good look through the window, you decide that it is beautiful and it is all you have ever dreamed of having.

You seek advice. Before you make a fairly large offer on the house you seek advice from your closest relatives, friends, and lastly a loan officer. After determining the best financial offer, you cross your fingers and go all in.

Weeks or months pass. Finally you receive a call from the real estate agent. She explains to you that your offer was rejected and that there is no need for a counteroffer. The house can never be yours. You will never have to chance to open the door and enter what YOU thought was your dream house.

Anger and discouragement feels your soul. You can’t believe something you thought to be so perfect is not going to work out. The house/opportunity was perfect in your eyes.

Step back, and breathe. Then you remember looking in the window. YOU looked, and YOU thought YOU saw. God didn’t see that as your dream house, but YOU saw. Then you smile, and realize God has a greater plan. Maybe not right now, but it’s coming. God knows where your dream house is located, he’s has the spot picked out for years. As you think about it you get cold chills. Its God taking over. God is reassuring you to have faith and press on. He encourages you to keep looking because one day he’ll reveal that house/opportunity/life that you have been searching for. It’s not in this neighborhood; it’s in God’s neighborhood.

The other night I was lying in bed and these thoughts came to me. They came to me on the same day that I was rejected from the GLOBE program here at UNC. The study abroad program was something that I truly believed was for me. I was planning ahead so that I could financially afford the opportunity, and I knew it would be a life changing experience. Then I was rejected. Just like in the house analogy. God didn’t see me going abroad for a year, but something different. What? I am not sure of at the moment, but I believe it will be more of a life changing experience than GLOBE ever could have been.

Being denied from the GLOBE program doesn’t mean that I am not accepted into the business school; it just means I will be in Chapel Hill for my junior year. I will also hear back from the business school about admission later this year.

God has been speaking to me in a number of different ways this year. Through it all he has reassured me that I am truly in a great place. The GLOBE program was not for me. However, God blessed me with so many opportunities as a freshman, which makes me believe and have faith. That house with the small window is for sale, but God hasn’t revealed it to me just yet.

Chapter 21

Finding Passion:

Easier than it looks

 

And it was just like that. I was back in the swing of things, writing to-do-lists on notecards for the following day, going to class, working a new job, and playing basketball anytime I had the chance. I’ve always heard that “time flies when you’re having fun” and oh is that so true. However, since I am now on my second year of a college, time flying by is just another reminder that the “real world” is just around the corner.

Since this so called “real world” is just around the corner I would like to help you find your passion if you haven’t already found it.

Finding your passion: I believe everyone has a passion in life, no matter what! Although it takes some people more time to find it than others, all people have a passion in life. I was able to find my passion for business early in life, but I am not exactly which field I would like to enter at the moment.

If you’re confused about life and what your purpose should be, I want to encourage you. It is so easy to get discouraged in college when you hear about other people’s hopes and dreams.  In order to find your passion you must explore. Remember back when you were a little kid? And your parents may have forced you to play a sport or two that you didn’t enjoy? Well, in a way that is how you find your passion. You MUST try everything that interests you! So if you hear/see something on campus that makes you stop and say “hmmm that’s cool” you GO. You don’t sit in your little comfort zone in your dorm room, but you explore like you’re a little kid.

When I give my tours on campus I always tell the prospective students this; “When you move in, you begin your application for your job,” most of the students don’t understand why I am telling them this. Although I always get a head nod from the parents. When I came in to college with that attitude it made everything go so smoothly. Build your resume you’ll hear, but there is no reason to wait until your junior or senior year. College provides you with too many resources to not find your passion some way or another.

By getting involved my eyes have been opened to a number of different possible career choices. When I worked for the Daily Tar Heel I was able to hear from people that were entering the advertising field, when involved with the marketing club I participated in a marketing project, and as an ambassador my public speaking skills have seen a huge improvement. The best aspect about getting involved with organizations or jobs that relate to your interest is the people that come with it. By listening to other people you really can figure out your passion. For instance, anytime I talk to someone about a start-up company idea they have, my body feels energized. It’s a weird feeling, but you’ve either felt it one day or you will soon. My passion for business is unreal, and my hope is that you find it, heck I know you will!

 

As I continue to chase my passion, I must prepare to take another step on achieving one of my goals. On Tuesday September 24, I have my interview for the Kenan-Flagler Business School. If you don’t remember, being accepted to the school is number two on my goals to being successful. I have been anticipating this interview since I arrived in Chapel Hill. I believe that the interview will go great, but at the moment I am still a bit nervous. Only because this is the last chance I have to show the KFBS that I have what it takes to be a part of their prestigious school. Sometimes your passion can lead you to difficult tasks, but work hard, believe you’ll achieve it and there is nothing more you can do. The only other thing I could do is practice my interview skills, in which I have had plenty of in this past year. I went after my passion and opportunites that sparked my interest in which most had interviews.

Never forget that you have a passion. Even if you don’t see it yet, it is there hiding under your skin. You have to go out and find it by trying anything and everything. Also don’t get discouraged by people sharing their dreams, other dreams should encourage you. When I hear another person’s dreams or passions I always see excitement. When you find that excitement your college experience will become even more satisfying.

Hey, stop reading! You have a passion to find!!!

 

 

 

 

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Chapel Hill Take 2:

From a different eye

August 21, 2013

 

As my eventful summer came to a halt, it was finally time for me to return to Chapel Hill for the second time.

The feeling was much different than I had expected. I no longer had that freshman fever or high as I liked to put it. I no longer was worried about making friends because I had already built strong friendships. The classes weren’t going to be any different, other than content, so that factor wasn’t there. However, this semester determines if I check off one of my goals, being accepted into the Kenan-Flagler Business School. I’m also living in an awesome “Super Suite” on a different side of campus. In short, your third semester, will feel much different in more ways than you know.

Even though you might feel a little different as I do, you made a commitment to yourself at the beginning of your college career. You were going to become a new person or in my case, I have big goals. So, dig deep and live like you did as a freshman. No, don’t carry a map around campus, but keep chasing all the opportunities. Keep pushing the limit.

After I quit the position as a football manager I knew that I couldn’t just be content with being an ambassador. I wanted to find something else to do. So I began searching jobs on the University website. I began to search for anything that might spark an interest. Luckily, I found a position with the General Alumni Association as a marketing intern. I emailed the administrator for the position and have lined up an interview for later this week. It’s the little things that gets you to where you want to be, apply for anything and everything!  

Since I am applying to business school and the GLOBE program, which is an 18-month study abroad program, I have decided only to take 12 hours. By only taking a small number of hours it will allow me to make the best possible grades in my classes. I am also motivated by the view I am fortunate to see every morning when I walk out of my suite. The Dean Dome and the Kenan-Flagler Business School greet me every morning as I walk to class. My childhood dream and my future are just sitting there looking at me. The view is quite breathtaking, unless however you are an “ABC” fan. (Anybody but Carolina)

When you become a sophomore you notice things that you never noticed before. The most interesting thing thus far is listening to the dreams of freshman, and actually getting to know them. Because I was there just a year ago, and even though I am no longer a freshman, I am still living life as a freshman. I’m excited about new things, anxious for my business application interview, and stoked to throw on that blue paint again at the football games.

My mom told me this freshman year, “beginnings are scary, endings are sad, but what happens in the middle matters the most.” Just reading that quote makes me smile every time. The middle, the time that is most challenging, will be the most rewarding. Here’s to sophomore year!

Just in case you need some more inspiration:

1.      Don’t forget to shake the professors hand and introduce yourself

2.      Buy used or online books if possible, the university charges too much

3.      Continue to meet people, people are great—elevator conversations are the best way

4.      Make a schedule every day, it makes a world of difference

5.      Pray often and don't worry, you'll make it. You only have 5 more first days

6.      Walk outside, take a breath, take it in, and be thankful for where you are. That'll give you the faith to get where you need to be.

 

                      

Chapter 19

 The Mountain is Steep:

Much steeper than I thought

 

A week ago I packed my bags and headed to Chapel Hill for an opportunity of a lifetime. I was becoming a UNC Football Manager, which is something that the few have ever had the chance to do. I was super excited about the position, but I was a little skeptical about the time commitment.

When I arrived on Saturday, July 27^th I began my journey as a college football manager.

Most people probably don’t realize how much effort is put in behind the scene at any college sport. In fact, it was an eye opening experience for me because I really have never appreciated how much time people work each day for very little pay. Cooks, hotel maids, teachers, and a manager are just a few of the career fields that were created to serve others.

A manger has many responsibilities outside of helping set up for practice. For instance, during the first couple of days we sorted and issued clothing for each of the players. This task was by no means strenuous on the body, but mentally exhausting.  I was able to learn how to fold a shirt in a retail fold, which I didn’t even know existed. The manager job required me to be on my feet for almost 12 hours. I am not one to back down from hard work, but during summer football camp, the life of a manager is pretty grueling.

While we were working I would hear stories about past managers, and how of an awesome time they had. I heard stories about the bowl game experience. Then, I heard stories of people only seeing their family a few times a year, and only attending one Christmas in three years. Those words hurt. They hurt because my family has been the reason that I have been successful and the reason that I am in the position I am in. The rings, the clothes, and all of the rest of the gear sounded so nice, but none of it could match Christmas with my family.  After hearing all of the meat behind the job it made me really reconsider the job I had taken.

I began thinking almost every second after I heard news that I probably wouldn’t be home for Christmas.  Then I got to thinking about the time that I would spend with the team during practice, games, and travel.  My GPA was something that kept crossing my mind. I still haven’t marked getting into business school off my goals. Now, I am not saying that the manager position would have lowered my GPA, but I was just worried that it would be very difficult to maintain a decent GPA, be a manager, and still live the college life that I love. When I speak about the mountain that was steeper than I thought, I am talking about college. College is an uphill climb the whole way. There are no down hills, no breaks, and no short cuts. It’s something that is a learning process and each day will bring a new challenge.

So, after dinner tonight I called my parents. I had already been texting them with the emotions that I was feeling. They of course allowed me to make the decision, but they were able to steer me in the correct direction.

After I got off the phone with my parents, I decided that it would be in my best interest to quit the manager position. I decided this solely on my goal to be accepted into the business school, and to apply to a very competitive program called GLOBE.

I am disappointed in myself that I didn’t see this once in a lifetime experience through, but I also know that there was a reason for being a manager for only six days. Maybe it was to learn how to fold clothes properly, or maybe it was just for me to have that short lived experience. College is about the journey, no matter the task. It is not about just moving in or graduating, but it’s about the climb to the podium.

I may have fallen down, but I will be back on my feet shortly, climbing till I can’t climb no more.