Chapter 28:

Quick Updates:

Where am I now?

It has been some time since I have given you an actual update on where I am in my college journey. For starters, college continues to fly by; I am currently one month away from being halfway through with this journey.

Even if I am on semester number four, classes are still classes. This semester I am taking my last round of general education requirements, which means after this semester I will strictly be taking business courses for my major. When I came to UNC, I never thought that the non-business courses would actually be beneficial for my future. For example, when I began taking Italian for my language credit I thought that the class would be the death of me. The first class was extremely difficult, the second just as hard, but for some reason in the third and final class the material is finally clicking. By having to take classes outside of my major, the academics of college have pushed me to new limits.

I have not only pushed myself academically while in college, but also physically. I believe that in order to have a successful college career you must maintain balance. By maintaining balance in my college career I am able to have less stress. One way to relieve this stress is to keep active. The great thing about college is that there are a multitude of resources that help students keep an active lifestyle. During one of my runs through campus, something inspiring popped into my head. The thought was that each step I took was taking me one step closer to where I wanted to be. Sometimes I don’t know where I am going with my college journey, but I do know that I am taking a step in the right direction. So, challenging your body not only helps you maintain body weight, but also gives you some new outlooks on life.

It might be also noteworthy that I have still not found the “wifey.” I am learning that I mustn’t be impatient because that really isn’t going to solve anything. I do believe that in God’s timing, Mrs. Helms will come walking my way.

Since I have been in college for almost two years, I feel as if I have a favorite part. Friendships, it’s that simple. The friendships that I have made in college are something that I will forever cherish. These friendships are built through living with the same people for an entire year, laughing at each other, and taking “suite” dinners for special occasions. This past Friday, March 28^th, I experienced an unforgettable night with my suitemates. The night involved going out to eat at a local Mexican restaurant. At the restaurant we had a fake birthday celebration (they surprised me, my birthday isn’t until June), two of my suitemates sharing a Churro (they shared it Lady and Tramp style), and being tricked into entering an adult sex shop (the name was Cherry Pie, we believed that they sold dessert). In thirty years from now I will reminisce about college and the name La Hacienda will most definitely put a smile to my face. I will remember it because these friendships will last a lifetime.

As the halfway mark nears, I can only imagine the excitement of the next two years. Opportunities, hard classes/exams, new friends, and new memories all await me. I will keep running this race called college because I know that each step is a step toward my future.

 

My fake birthday celebration

 

Chapter 27- Live for the Moment

Chapter 27

Live for the Moment:

“There Snow Excuse This Time”

February 2014

I have become quite fond of this time of the year; spring is just around the corner, the IM basketball season has begun, and “The Game.” Since 1920, the UNC-Duke Game has been one of the most anticipated match-ups of the season. The rivalry only separated by only eight miles, has created some of the most memorable basketball games in the history of the game. When I came to Carolina I was well aware of the rivalry and had grown up watching the Heels beat the Devils on many occasions. However, all of the victories I had experienced were through television or radio.

            Since arriving on campus, we (Carolina) hadn’t beaten Duke in football or basketball. I was beginning to think that I had brought some sort of bad luck to the program. My UNC-Duke record as a student before February 20 was (0-4); we had two losses in football and two in basketball. However, for some reason this year felt different.

            The original game was scheduled to be played on February 12. However, at noon on game day, snow began to fall across the entire state of North Carolina. Chapel Hill, in the matter of hours became a winter wonderland. All classes after 1PM were canceled and the energy on the campus was electric. News came around 4PM that the game was still going to be played and the Dookies would be arriving shortly, or so we thought. The Dean Dome was preparing for what could have been the most hype game in college basketball ever. Since snow continued to fall, the season ticket holders were not going to be able to make the game. So, the University sent another email out shortly after the 4PM email, which explained that students would be allowed to enter the game to fill the empty seats. The energy of the campus continued to increase. The thought of a student filled Dean Dome was unfathomable. We all thought it would be a reality, until the news came at 5:30PM.

The Dookies, yes the Dookies, said that their bus couldn’t make it to the game.

The energy that the day had created evaporated in just a few seconds. It seemed as if all Carolina fans (students or not) let the world know what they thought about the Dookies. Every social media site totally blew up with posts, tweets, and pictures. If you were a Duke fan when the decision came out you probably stayed off of Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook because it was downright brutal.

The postponement was a disappointment to us all, but it also gave our Heels time to increase their win streak to 7 games. The game was rescheduled for February 20^th, exactly eight days from the original date, keep that number in mind. Duke was also able to gain some more momentum, ranking #5 in the nation, while we stood unranked.

When the day finally came there was no snow, no rain, but sunshine. This year I would be entering the Duke game as a manager, all suited up, for what would become a night I will never forget.  Although the Dean Dome was not completely filled with students, it was filled and it was filled with electricity. In the Pit (center-part of campus), hung a sign that said “There snow excuse this time.”

Without further a due, the ball was in the air, and the game had begun. The game had lived up to all of my expectations. The crowd was live the entire game, and by live I mean that the only time that the 21,750 fans sat down was during timeouts and halftime. Later, my parents told me that when they were watching the game on TV, it felt as if the screen was shaking.

We (Carolina) were losing almost the entire game, but every time Duke made a run, we had a run of our own. The entire game reminded me of a tennis match; Coach Williams would make a decision and then a counter-move by Coach K. Even though I missed a few minutes of the second half due to my manager duties, I caught the last few crucial minutes. These crucial minutes were fueled by a raging comeback, which eventually gave us the lead.

It would make since for me to give you the play-by-play of the last two minutes, but I think you know how the game turned out. Instead of recapping the last minutes, I want to emphasize the meaning of “living in the moment.”

As the clock hit zero and my Heels secured the victory, something special happened. In the matter of seconds the Dean Dome floor was filled with fans from all ages. Screaming, jumping, fist-pumping were all being played out before my eyes, and then I joined them. I took off my “manager tag” and happily put on my “student tag,” for this moment was special. We had won the game 74-66, which ironically was an eight point advantage.

Rushing the court after a win against your arch rival is a surreal experience. I was chest bumping with people I had never met, screaming until I couldn’t scream anymore, and felt as if I was in a dream. For a few brief minutes, I gave life on that court, everything I had; I was living in the moment.

I have found in my 19 years of existence that it’s not often that we as humans get to experience situations like the one I experienced. Our (and my) lives are too predictable. We go to grade school for 12 years, some of us go to college, and most of us will have families, get a job… and so on. This cycle has become a part of our culture. However, what if we lived for “the moment” every day? What if, people (including myself) woke up every morning with an upbeat and positive attitude to storm the court called life? The answer is simple. We would become better and we would experience life in a different, much more enjoyable way.

If I wake up in the morning (Feb 26), I will remember “the moment” of rushing the floor at the Duke game. The picture on my phone will most likely send chills up my arm because I can still feel the Dean Dome shaking. But, tomorrow won’t be February 20^th, it’s a new day, it’s time is ticking away, and it’s time to live for a new moment.

 

Ian, Me, Kellan (Post Court-Rush)

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Milestones for Both

“Semester 4”

January 2014

During winter break I had time to brainstorm new ideas for chapters, eat plenty of food, and anxiously await the business school admission.

When I began to brainstorm new ideas for chapters in my book I found that all of the chapters only voiced my opinion. So, in my search for new opinions I decided to interview a senior, dental hygiene major.

The interview gave me some new insight and also reiterated some of the ideas that I have already learned/written.  During the interview I learned that the interviewee would be the first member of her family to graduate college. So to say that this is just another college graduate would be a huge understatement, but a milestone that the interviewee will forever cherish.

Here are some of the questions that I asked during the interview:

1.      If you could go back, what would you have changed?

“I would have been involved in more UNC clubs or activities”

 

2.      What has been the most difficult thing for you to overcome while in college?

“Accepting the fact that I cannot make perfect grades as I did in high school. The course load I took at UNC my freshman year included many sciences and was a lot more challenging than I had expected. I thought the first C I received was going to kill me, but I quickly learned that sometimes a B or a C is the best I can do and that is fine.”

 

3.      What advice would you offer about making the decision about your degree or career?

“Shadow your job of interest, take classes in that subject, visit offices, talk to employees, and get as much information about your career of interest to see if it is something you would enjoy.”

 

4.      How did or do you deal with homesickness?

“Phones calls and visits home are the best cure when feeling homesick; Letters in the mail and surprise packages aren’t too bad either”

 

5.      Why party or why not? Or how did you deal with the social aspect of college?

“Whatever you feel comfortable doing; Partying is what you make it, there are many aspects to it; If it’s something you are interested in, then go to a few parties with your friends and see if you enjoy it; If you can still manage your school work while relaxing on the weekends and going to a couple parties, but staying out of trouble then I see no problem; The problem arises when grades begin to slip and students are getting into trouble.”

 

6.      What has been the best thing about your college experience at UNC or what will you remember the most?

“The friendships I have made in college are some of the best I have ever had; I will miss living with my roommates and hanging out with all of my UNC friends the most; Whether it is tailgating for a football game, going out to eat, studying in the library together, or watching a basketball game, those experiences bring memories and friendships that last a lifetime.”

After rereading the answers from the interviewee, it became apparent that there were very few regrets, and college is all about living in the moment. From freshman year to senior year one must take college as an opportunity like no other. No matter if you are a first generation college student or not make the most of your college experience, each and every day.

During my life I have had the opportunity to reach a few milestones such as: driving a car for the first time alone, being accepted into my dream college, graduating high school, beginning college, and on January 15, 2014 a new milestone was reached.

I can still remember the day after deciding to attend UNC. (March 2012)

After school I went to visit my mom in her classroom and for some reason I got on the computer and began to research the Kenan Flagler Business School. When I applied to UNC I didn’t realize that the undergraduate business program was so prestigious. At the time the website said that the program was the 5^th best business school in the nation. The more I explored the more I fell in love. The programs, the classes, the faculty all caught my eye. Then I saw the admission requirements: Average GPA- 3.56, 50% acceptance rate. The requirements scared me for a moment, but I knew it was going to be reachable, yet challenging.

For almost two years, I stared at “Be accepted into Kenan-Flagler Business School” on my goal list.  

The day of January 15^th, was such a long day. The business school had informed us that the admission decision would be available on the 15^th, but never specified a time. So, I waited, along with the hundreds of the other students.

Finally at 4:18 PM, “We are delighted to offer you admission...” was all I needed to send me into a whirlwind of excitement. As soon as I heard I called my parents, friends, relatives, past teachers, and maybe even people that didn’t care. I had reached a milestone. Through the two years of hard work I relied on my faith in Jesus Christ, and the support from my friends and family.  

No longer will I have stare at an empty check box on my goal list, but a nice, milestone bearing check mark.

 

   

 

 

 

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.