Messy Desks, Creativity, and Intellect

I'm a Five Star® Ambassador. See me at www.tinyurl.com/FSTeam

“If a cluttered desk signs a cluttered mind, of what, then is an empty desk a sign?”  

~Albert Einstein

The fact that I’m typing this right now either means one of two things. I’m procrastinating for writing a paper that is due in a week or I’ve actually found some free time to not think about chemistry, musical dictation, Latin American independence, or AMA citations.

I’ve been in college for about 4 weeks now. As seen from my last post, it’s obvious that my college studies have taken over my life. Seriously, the only reason I’m able to type this now is because I had a chemistry test on Friday. Therefore, the professor did not assign Mastering Chemistry for the weekend (which has consumed at least 3-4 hours of my day each weekend).

College classes can be tough. It really can be. I do remind myself though that everyday that this is what I was looking for when I applied for all those colleges. I was looking for a challenge. I was looking for a campus driven with passion. I was looking for a student body where everyone was not seeking to be the most popular but instead have a great intellectual factor that would inspire me to ask questions and require me to step out of my comfort zone. Thankfully, so far, Carolina has lived up to my expectations.

So, as my desk clutters up with historical documents, dimensional analysis problems, and music bar line paper, I always continue to appreciate the fact that I was accepted to this amazing place where there are so many other students with messy desks, creativity, and intellect.

Summer: Where There Are No Problems, Only Situations

I just floated there in the Atlantic Ocean. The crystal blue waters were ever so refreshing. Underneath that H₂0 surface, schools of fish, colonies of coral, and clever, little crabs were abounding living in their salty environment. The sun was shining brighter than ever showing the beauty of the incredible landscape around me. I let my feet sink into the soft, grainy sand. I allowed myself to relax and forget about the world I left behind. Aboard one of the largest cruise ships in the world, I could close my eyes and hear the waves crashing to and fro and ever so slightly feel the ship rock back and forth. At night, entertainment was at its best. Jaw dropping acrobats and divers amazed me, as my eyes would blink in disbelief. Outstanding actors, singers, and musicians would perform and deserve those rewarding standing ovations. For one week, time was never a concern and perhaps even forgotten. It seemed as these moments on and off that ship could go on forever.  I was continuously thinking, 

  “This is Paradise.”

The past week I packed my bags (how much is too much?) and traveled on the Allure of the Seas with Royal Caribbean. I vacationed on and off board for seven days. I truly enjoyed it. I never really wanted to go home but now it looks like I’m back to reality.

Some of my favorite activities that I was able to check off my vacation bucket list included swimming with the dolphins in Cozumel Mexico, watching the Broadway show: Chicago, learning how to boogie Board and surf on the ship’s FlowRider®, participating in a flash mob, rock climbing, and drinking coconut juice in Falmouth, Jamaica.

A piece of advice for anyone going on the cruise: There is so much stuff to do. Luckily, I brought my Five Star® composition book so I could write down all the times of the activities I wanted to do. It was really easy to do.  I would bring it with me everywhere, even at the pool. This composition book has a hardback covering, therefore it can’t be destroyed.

Like I’ve mentioned before, I am a Five Star® Brand Ambassador. Other ambassadors on Team Five Star® have been traveling as well from the beach, to attending camps, and even going to other continents. Check out where they’ve been at www.tinyurl.com/fsteam.

Well, coming back to reality can truly be a Debbie Downer. It’s not a problem though, only a situation as they say in Jamaica. Looking ahead, I am spending my last moments with my swim team, preparing to move into my dorm room at UNC, and spending more precious moments with my family. So yep, life is good. No worries.

Twitter: @kconsing

Tumblr: kconsing.tumblr.com

A Summer Unlike Any Other

"Be Brave. Take Risks. Nothing can substitute experience."

~Paulo Coelho

My summer has been a summer like no other. I am blessed that God has offered me so much opportunities these few weeks of summer to experience things I have never done before. From UNC orientation to swimming with dolphins, I have so far experienced a lot in my summer vacation. Thankfully, it is only halfway done! There are still plenty of things to learn, discover, and appreciate.

For the first time, I am experiencing my first official job. I've been able to earn a couple of cash here and there from teaching swim lessons at the Catawba Valley Aquatic Club, but I was more of a substitute teacher because I had a busy schedule. So, my first official job is with Mead Five Star®. Yes, I'm talking about the notebook company.  Yes, the one that sells school supplies. To some it might be a bit ironic that I am working with a school supply company over the summer but, hey, why not?

I was picked along with 6 other high school and college students across the country to represent Mead Five Star's notebooks, binders, planners, folders, etc. The 7 of us are called Team Five Star. We are student ambassadors promoting the company. When I found out I was chosen, I was pretty shocked. I "liked" the Five Star® page a while back and saw the 2011 Team Five Star® Ambassador program on their wall. When the application came out for the 2012 program, I just filled it out for fun! I wasn't expecting to be chosen. Being chosen was a wonderful surprise.

So basically, I'll be discussing my love for the Five Star® school supplies throughout the summer! I can't wait to work with all the other amazing ambassadors that I met at Boot Camp in Connecticut!

I would love it if everyone who reads this would "Like" the Five Star® Facebook page at www.tinyurl.com/fsteam. It's a really friendly page and normally Five Star® Likes or comments your post! So, if your bored, check it out! You can also learn more about their Giveaways and products as well. 

Summer may be hot and sweltering but it has definitely been a summer unlike any other. May your summer be unlike any other as well.

Team Five Star®: Meet Kirsten

I've been spending my summer with Team Five Star®! I recently met all the ambassadors in Connecticut. It was truly a fantastic experience! I am so excited to be representing Five Star® as a Brand Ambassador. Meet all the other ambassadors at www.tinyurl.com/fsteam.