Tag Archives: Opportunities

There’s Plenty to Do

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By Aaron Harder

One of the many reasons I love attending Baylor is all the opportunities the university offers students. Certainly Baylor sets up its students well in post-graduate life with connections, a great education, and life-long friendships, but there also great opportunities to participate in as an undergrad.

Yes, Baylor is full of student organizations spanning almost every possible subject. However, Baylor also offers a lot of activities for students to do regardless of what club, organization, or Greek life group you join.

Baylor has a great theater program that produces at least two plays or musicals per semester. There is also an improv comedy group that usually performs three times a semester. In the fall there is Pigskin, which is the performance of the top eight acts from All-University Sing, during Homecoming Week. After Dark during Parents Weekend is a showcase of the artistic and musical talent Baylor has to offer and is a really cool show. In the spring there is All-University Sing, as well as Diadeloso, which is a campus-wide holiday in the middle of a week in April where students get the day off of classes and Baylor brings a ton of festivities to campus as well as a live band (last year it was Needtobreath).

While the Baylor football team and games are really exciting and (finally) competitive on a national scale, our athletic department is not just a football team. Baylor has nationally ranked women’s and men’s basketball teams, nationally competitive tennis teams, competitive baseball and softball teams, and a historically famous track and field team that currently boasts a few reigning national champions. Baylor also has a national championship winning equestrian team and usually top five nationally ranked acrobatics and tumbling team. Now one does not have to go to all of these, and obviously not every is interested in ALL of these sports, but the fact remains that there’s an abundance of great teams to watch and cheer for.

So bottom line, Baylor is great place to take advantage of watching some great sports, talented theatrics and live performances. Best part? Most of these events are free to students.

Finding My Place with Baylor Football

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By Jay Fankhauser

What do I like most about Baylor? Baylor has numerous opportunities for students to get involved and to contribute to the university’s culture by doing something that they are passionate about. In my case, as a freshman, I was given the opportunity to work as an assistant video coordinator for the football team, and I have done this job for the past two years. It has been a unique experience, traveling to road games and bowl games and filming practice everyday.

Working closely with the coaches and players in a sport that I enjoy and have spent my life around has increased my sense of pride in Baylor and has helped me find my place.  Working in the athletic department provides me the opportunity to be a professional in a learning environment. Going to school with 13,000 other students is drastically different than my high school experience, in which my graduating class consisted of only 250, but you can be as involved on Baylor’s campus as any school in the country because of the great amount of opportunities.

Positions to lead and innovate are everywhere at Baylor. Students run Baylor, and it is by students contributions that the university will continue to grow.  While others may have different experiences like student government positions or professional jobs on campus, students can actively make an impact at Baylor. A tip for you high school seniors – when you are applying to schools and you talk to admissions counselors at different universities, ask how great of an influence the students have over the university and if students have the opportunity to work professionally during their undergraduate careers. It is incredibly beneficial for students to be involved in an environment outside of the classroom.

Have a warm October, and Sic ‘Em Bears!

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Taken before the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale Arizona

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Jack Trice Stadium in Aimes, Iowa, through the lens.

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Following the final game at Floyd Casey and Baylor’s first BIG XII Championship

Am I Nervous or Just Going to Throw Up?

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By Aaron Harder

Have you ever felt so nervous that you feel like you’re going to throw up? I get this feeling all the time when I have to give a speech or a presentation – heck sometimes even before a flag football game.

If you’re like me, you understand that almost unreal amount of energy you have while waiting for your turn to give a presentation. No amount of rational talking to yourself helps. It’s just raw emotions making a ruckus in your stomach. You have an internal debate where you try to calm yourself down while also desperately trying to pay attention to what is happening in front of you. Heaven forbid if you have to take notes on the presentation in front of your own. Let’s be real teacher – it’s just not gonna happen.

I wonder if teachers sit in the back of class and observe who has the most nervous ticks before getting up for a speech. I would criticize those professors, but I would totally do the same thing.

Anyways, a couple of days ago, I began looking at these moments in my life in a different way. I confess I did not come up with this solution on my own. God seemed to drop it in my lap using a few emails from my mom and some cool videos and Facebook posts I saw while “studying.” What I am suggesting is not a microwavable, instant success formula. Embracing this idea might take some time.

So, here it is: Instead of getting nervous about what might happen, get excited about what might happen. When you think about college, lots of questions can make you nervous. Will I get accepted to my dream school? Who will be my friends? What classes will I take? What if I don’t like my roommate? Instead, try to get excited about the new opportunities available to you! Think about the interesting classes you get to take, the roommates that may become best friends and the chance to make friendships that could last a lifetime. It may take some time to fully embrace this idea, but in the end, it will make you more excited about college instead of being filled with dread at the thought of a university.

I was really nervous about climbing my first Fourteener, but the view is much from the top than the missed opportunity at the bottom.

I was really nervous about climbing my first Fourteener, but the view from the top was a thousand times better than the missed opportunity at the bottom.

 

 

I am glad I took the opportunity to speak and share the gospel at my church. I remember being really nervous about it, next time I am going to look forward to the opportunity instead of being nervous about it.

I am glad I took the opportunity to speak and share the gospel at my church. I remember being really nervous about it. Next time, I am going to look forward to the opportunity instead of being nervous about it.

Opportunity Knocks

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By Patara Williams

My heart leapt.

I whispered, “Praise God!”

I got the interview.

Let’s backtrack a bit.

I am a Pre-Med Sociology major who is slightly hesitant to go to medical school. I just don’t think I am ready to commit to another four years of rigorous course study…yet. So, right now, I’m considering graduate school or going directly into the work force.

I graduate in December. So, I need to know my plans for the future by about….YESTERDAY.

But, that’s not how God operates. My plan never goes as I planned.

Have you ever told someone that you’re a Sociology major? If you have, you’ve heard at least one of these:

  • What the heck are ya’ gonna do with that?
  • Is that the same thing as Social Work?
  • Social Workers are the best!
  • You’re definitely going to graduate school.
  • Good luck with finding a job.
  • Yikes (followed by the person ambling away awkwardly).

In lieu of this, I decided to take up an offer I found in one of my Baylor emails [READ THOSE] and went to the HireABear Career Fair at the Waco Convention Center. Dressed in my best pencil skirt and blazer, I approached dozens of companies, handing out copies of my resume to every recruiter.

There were more than 150 different companies there, so the job opportunities were endless! I had never entertained the thought of working immediately after college…I honestly didn’t know I could.

I left the fair feeling very optimistic about my future and less worried about what I desired to do. I realized that as long as I enjoy doing whatever it is I’ll be doing…I’ll be absolutely fine!

Fast-forward six days: I was notified that I was chosen for one of the most coveted interviews for recent graduates. The rest…is history in the making.

In all things, be willing to explore your options and when opportunities knock, at the very least, peek through the peephole.

Wish me luck!

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HireABear Career Fair 2014

From Baylor, to Peru and Back!

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By Avery Jackson

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I just got back from spending a little more than a week in Peru (Yes, the country in South America!). I can honestly say that it was one of the most meaningful things I have ever gotten to do! I went with the organization Kids Alive International to see what they have been doing to help the people in Peru, specifically the children and the mothers. While there, I spent time in several different types of climates and atmospheres, including Lima (the coast), Pulcallpa (the jungle), Cuzco and Machu Picchu (the mountains) and Manchay (the dessert).

I was able to see several of the projects there, including the Oasis Care Center, the Juniper Tree Children’s Home and The Pulcallpa Care Center. I did not need to raise money to go to Peru, but I was asked to bring items for classrooms and homes like sleeping bags, colored pencils, etc. I decided to put my public relations major to good use and ask companies here in Waco for donations! In less than five days, I had donations of school supplies and sports equipment from OfficeMax, Crop-Paper-Scissors, Wal-Mart and Baylor too!

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I ended up taking two crammed packed suitcases and a backpack filled to the brim with all of the supplies including: 9 sports balls, more than 1,000 pencils, 87 boxes of crayons, 150 glue sticks and much more!

I am following up with my donors by writing them a thank you letter and photos from my trip! I even got the kids to hold up thank you signs to give to each of my donors as well!

I loved being able to use my major to do impactful things for others.What a great experience!

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Update from New York

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IMG_0029By Charlie Foster

For those of you keeping up with me, I’m currently in New York City interning for CBS. I work in their Entertainment Publicity department, and I absolutely love it. I never know what to expect, as my job almost changes every day in order to match the needs of the shows. A couple of weeks ago, I went to the set of a new show that’s currently on pilot for CBS.

As a part of the publicity department, we interviewed Jim Gaffigan (comedian) and Ashley Williams (of How I Met Your Mother), both of whom are stars of the new show. I asked the producer of the interviews to take a picture of me on the interview set. Here it is:

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This is my view of the New York City skyline. I absolutely love it. It changes every day, and I always see something new. Every morning, I sit on my couch and look out at this as I have a quiet time. I love to see this crazy place that He has created, but I also know that He’s very much here. This has been an adventure of a lifetime, and I’m excited for the second half that’s coming soon.

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Also, as a surprise, I flew to Waco to watch All-University Sing. My fraternity, Phi Kappa Chi, partnered with Pi Beta Phi this year. We competed with an act about Romeo and Juliet. I love Sing, and it has always been one of my favorite aspects of the university. My little didn’t know I was coming, so I surprised him after his performance. I enjoyed getting to see family and friends – they are what I miss most while I’m in New York City. Nonetheless, this opportunity is COMPLETELY worth it. I’m loving every second of it. I hope you will find something like this that you love, as well!

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Projects and Celebrations

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By Avery Jackson

Spring Break is finally upon us! Unfortunately, that means midterms and projects as well. One of the fun things about being a Journalism, Public Relations & New Media major is that a lot of my midterms are just huge projects. Instead of memorizing pages of information for a test, I get to spend my all-nighters being creative on a computer.

I JUST completed a three minute video for a class and also for my work (Crop-Paper-Scissors) as well as some posters and info cards. Below are two things I’ve been working on recently. The first is a poster I had to make for my class while the second is a picture of the beginning stages of my business cards. I hand-drew the birds and the flowers.

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So. Much. Fun! But of course, so much work.

As I walked to my class this morning, I was complaining to myself about the cold and the fact that I didn’t make myself coffee. But then I realized that I was so blessed. I get to play and not have to worry about a nine to five job just yet. By “play,” I mean I get to learn all sorts of new software and create amazing designs and images!

College is such a great, fantastic time to learn things you NEVER considered learning! I have never ever liked computers, and I just bought a new one. Now, I can put tons of software on it that I can use on my own as well as for school.

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Yeah, I am happy Spring Break is around the corner, but honestly Baylor has been wonderful! I feel like I am really learning stuff that can help me do my dream job one day.

Interning for Crop-Paper-Scissors

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By Avery Jackson

I need to brag for a minute; I just landed an internship that almost EVERY girl in my Advanced Public Relations class seemed to want. I am now the official intern for Crop-Paper-Scissors, a local craft store that specializes in paper products including scrapbooking, invitations and stationary. A few girls had already interviewed when I came into the store, and a bunch more had emailed and called. She hired me after a two-hour interview. I didn’t think I could get ANY more excited until I realized I would get to do crafts as part of my job description! I like to think of myself as a creative/crafty person, so this job couldn’t have been better.

So far I have been put in charge of the store’s blog, Facebook, Twitter, parts of the online store, and soon-to-be Pinterest account. I also did the décor for Valentine’s Day in the store’s windows! Soon, I will be helping manage the online store, designing invitations and other fun stuff!

Doing an internship and 18 hours of school work is challenging, but I am really loving what I’m doing! These photos show how I laid out the stores merchandise as well as some of the paper things I made for frames and decoration!

I am loving life (Even if it starts at six a.m. and doesn’t end till three or four hours before).

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The Adventure Begins…

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By Charlie Fosterphoto

I moved to New York City five days ago, and in all honesty, it was one of the most exhilarating things I have ever done.

Although it wasn’t on a whim, I picked up my things and took off on an adventure with a lot of uncertainty. I had never been to New York City. I didn’t know anyone that I was moving up there with well, and I was leaving everything that I knew behind.

It was the best decision I could have ever made.

I came up here to work with CBS Media Relations in publicity and public relations. I work Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and on Mondays and Wednesdays, I have a night class from 7 to 10 p.m. Technically, I’m a full-time student, but it doesn’t feel like it one bit. Work takes up most of the day, and I must constantly revolve my schedule around that.

In fact, if you want to be up here, send an email to my professor at Joe_Kickasola@baylor.edu with questions or information about the program. Applications for next year are due soon!

Anyway, my time up here has been wonderful so far, and I’m so glad that I’m here.

Part of my gut told me to just go for it. Apply for the opportunity, and if you get it, go. That’s what I did, and now I’m here. I’m following a dream, living in a city that I could only imagine visiting on a normal day. Now, I live and work here.

So far, I’ve walked through Times Square, taken the train everywhere I go, spent late nights talking with my roommates, met other Bears up for dinner and ate dinner in hole-in-the-wall New York places. The best part is that the adventure has just begun.

You’ll hear more about it all. I promise you that.

Serving the Community

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By Valonia Walker

I have the awesome opportunity to work where I live. For a year and a half now, I have been a Community Leader­ here at Baylor. Other schools would call me a Residential Assistant, but Community Leader sounds so much better!  When you come into Baylor as a freshman or transfer student your Community Leader (CL) is one of the first people you will meet.

Campus Living & Learning’s definition of a CL is, “a person who serves students in one of Baylor’s residential communities by exemplifying and implementing the policies and values of Campus Living & Learning. The CL provides leadership by fostering community and cultivating relationships, mentoring residents, and facilitating learning through efforts that integrate aspects of diversity, faith development, academics and relationships.”

I have always been very passionate about building relationships with people, and that is the reason I became a Community Leader. College is the best time to meet new people and create meaningful relationships. Since I have been at Baylor, I have had two other work-study jobs, and I think this is by far the best position to have at Baylor.

Even with a full school schedule, I still make time to hang out with my residents. Whether it is having lunch at one of the dining halls or watching The Walking Dead with a few residents on Sundays. Being a CL is much more than “leading the community.” It is being available to your residents when they need you, even if it is 2 a.m. when they are locked out of their bedrooms or 10 p.m. when they want to come over to your apartment to study. Being a community leader has helped me in so many ways. It has helped me grow as a leader, given me practice working with a large staff, forced me to manage my time and allowed me be more intentional with my relationships.  All of which are very important in college and in life.

Becoming a CL is probably one of the best opportunities that I have had at Baylor, and I have had some of the best residents. I am sad that this will be my last semester as a CL, but my position has taught me many things that I can take into the real world. And, I am grateful for that.