The lesson of this season:
Bringing them into a different community with different culture and language is hard for them. It is easier to move into their communities and meet them where they're at.
I had many negative stereotypes of their community and felt that my current community had a lot more to offer. But you know what, I've been learning a lot from them and feel like they have much to teach us.
It's funny how that works.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Memo to self
- Learn the five S's of Strategy
- Read up on the Wall Street Journal
- Follow Nasdaq & price of gold
- Remember people's names
Got it.
- Read up on the Wall Street Journal
- Follow Nasdaq & price of gold
- Remember people's names
Got it.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
I'm Now a Fraternity Pledge
Let me tell you the story...
It was around 10:30PM when I came back from Bible study, and I hadn't been in all day. Apparently some brothers were going to stop by and inform us whether or not we got a bid. Since it was so late, I was worried they had come when I wasn't in.
Then I hear a knock on the door and I run to the door and find two brothers there. They introduce themselves. "We're here to inform you that you did not receive a bid for Delta Sigma Pi this year. This rush class was the largest in our history and there were a lot of great applicants. It was very competitive. But we would love for you to apply again next year." Something along those lines. I walk away and mutter to my suitemate "sadness!"
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* "JOY! JOY!"
I open the door again. "JUST KIDDING! CONGRATS YOU GOT A BID FOR DSP!"
Phew! What a 5-sec emotional roller coaster!
So that is the story of how I'm now a pledge in Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity :)
It was around 10:30PM when I came back from Bible study, and I hadn't been in all day. Apparently some brothers were going to stop by and inform us whether or not we got a bid. Since it was so late, I was worried they had come when I wasn't in.
Then I hear a knock on the door and I run to the door and find two brothers there. They introduce themselves. "We're here to inform you that you did not receive a bid for Delta Sigma Pi this year. This rush class was the largest in our history and there were a lot of great applicants. It was very competitive. But we would love for you to apply again next year." Something along those lines. I walk away and mutter to my suitemate "sadness!"
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* "JOY! JOY!"
I open the door again. "JUST KIDDING! CONGRATS YOU GOT A BID FOR DSP!"
Phew! What a 5-sec emotional roller coaster!
So that is the story of how I'm now a pledge in Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity :)
Monday, February 15, 2010
Cup
Here is my cup
getting full
and I can't hold it much longer.
Can You take it from me?
Slowly...
one measure at a time
I pour it out.
I can breathe again.
Thank You
getting full
and I can't hold it much longer.
Can You take it from me?
Slowly...
one measure at a time
I pour it out.
I can breathe again.
Thank You
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Superbowl Commercials
After taking marketing courses, I catch myself analyzing commercials, advertisements, and other types of promotions. Needless to say, I definitely watched the Superbowl just for the commercials. For the most part, I wasn't too impressed by the ads this year. But here are some of my thoughts/analysis of some commercials.
Target Audience: Adult males, specifically 18-45 years old (my guess), sports fanatics
Values/needs: Fun, entertainment, food, girls, cars
Macroenvironmental factors: recession = need for security/stability; the green movement; Valentine's day is coming up = do something for loved one
FloTV: Spineless
I thought this was perfect in regards to having a value that meets a need. In my family, the guys HATE going shopping with me and my mom. They complain about how long we take and want to know when we're going home. Whenever we go shopping, I have to remind my brother to bring a book or his Nintendo DS so he'll have something to keep him entertained. I totally thought about my brother when I saw the guy in the commercial. Now thanks to FloTV, whenever the guys accompany girls shopping, they can watch sports to pass time. However, I think this commercial lacks the crude humor and aggression that would make this a PERFECT commercial for this target audience.
Hyundai: Brett Favre
Almost any sports fanatic knows who Brett Favre is and how he can't make up his mind if he's retiring or not. The problem is uncertainty. So the value that Hyundai provides is certainty and security because they have a warranty. I wasn't very impressed with most of the car commercials tonight except maybe Bachelor Party with the killer whale. But this one was probably the best for this target audience.
PERSONAL SUPERBOWL FAVORITES
Doritos: Play Nice
"Don't touch my mama, and don't touch my Doritos." Men desire women and food. This kid slaps the boyfriend to defend his woman (mom) and his food (Doritos). REALLY cute.
Google: Parisian Love
THIS WAS SO CUTE! Wow, google did a fantastic job with this one. By filling the screen with the search bar, it seems as if the viewer is the one typing, which allows for a deeper connection to the commercial. The searches start with college, then dating, then climaxes to getting married at a church and finally ends with planning for pregnancy. Family ties are one of the strongest in relationships, so this should really hit home for most people. Very good commercial, Google.
Also liked: Audi's Green Police and Cars.com's Growing up. They both based their ads on current macroenvironmental factors. This green movement has a lot of parts to it that can get overwhelming or confusing, but Audi makes it clear and simple: you can trust that their car is the greenest. And the cars.com one also catered to people who are freaking out during the recession and need a source they can really trust that can help them make the best decision possible.
Questionable: Coke's Simpsons Moving & Sleep Walking
WHAT IS COKE DOING?! It seems a bit out of character for them. They tend to be more traditional. Well, I can sorta see the Simpson's one... it has the same flavor as their Video Game (Grand theft auto) and Jinx (political parties at peace) commercials with the Coke Side of Life campaign. The Simpsons one also plays on how the recession can bring even the highest people down, but Coke will always be there to bring you happiness. But the Sleep Walking commercial?! I don't know... maybe it is because I've been to Kenya and know how unrealistic that is. And at first, it wasn't so obvious as to why he needs happiness. But I suppose it is because he's dreaming and anything is happen (animals) and people dream for happiness. But overall, I wasn't a big fan of the Coke commercials this year.
Dove: You are a man
I'm quite skeptical about this product line. Dove is associated with women and true beauty and gentleness. Even the logo of a dove is a very peaceful and feminine animal. Why would "real" men want to be associated with that? Sports fanatics want to be strong, rough and aggressive. Definitely not a match with the messaging.
Target Audience: Adult males, specifically 18-45 years old (my guess), sports fanatics
Values/needs: Fun, entertainment, food, girls, cars
Macroenvironmental factors: recession = need for security/stability; the green movement; Valentine's day is coming up = do something for loved one
FloTV: Spineless
I thought this was perfect in regards to having a value that meets a need. In my family, the guys HATE going shopping with me and my mom. They complain about how long we take and want to know when we're going home. Whenever we go shopping, I have to remind my brother to bring a book or his Nintendo DS so he'll have something to keep him entertained. I totally thought about my brother when I saw the guy in the commercial. Now thanks to FloTV, whenever the guys accompany girls shopping, they can watch sports to pass time. However, I think this commercial lacks the crude humor and aggression that would make this a PERFECT commercial for this target audience.
Hyundai: Brett Favre
Almost any sports fanatic knows who Brett Favre is and how he can't make up his mind if he's retiring or not. The problem is uncertainty. So the value that Hyundai provides is certainty and security because they have a warranty. I wasn't very impressed with most of the car commercials tonight except maybe Bachelor Party with the killer whale. But this one was probably the best for this target audience.
PERSONAL SUPERBOWL FAVORITES
Doritos: Play Nice
"Don't touch my mama, and don't touch my Doritos." Men desire women and food. This kid slaps the boyfriend to defend his woman (mom) and his food (Doritos). REALLY cute.
Google: Parisian Love
THIS WAS SO CUTE! Wow, google did a fantastic job with this one. By filling the screen with the search bar, it seems as if the viewer is the one typing, which allows for a deeper connection to the commercial. The searches start with college, then dating, then climaxes to getting married at a church and finally ends with planning for pregnancy. Family ties are one of the strongest in relationships, so this should really hit home for most people. Very good commercial, Google.
Also liked: Audi's Green Police and Cars.com's Growing up. They both based their ads on current macroenvironmental factors. This green movement has a lot of parts to it that can get overwhelming or confusing, but Audi makes it clear and simple: you can trust that their car is the greenest. And the cars.com one also catered to people who are freaking out during the recession and need a source they can really trust that can help them make the best decision possible.
Questionable: Coke's Simpsons Moving & Sleep Walking
WHAT IS COKE DOING?! It seems a bit out of character for them. They tend to be more traditional. Well, I can sorta see the Simpson's one... it has the same flavor as their Video Game (Grand theft auto) and Jinx (political parties at peace) commercials with the Coke Side of Life campaign. The Simpsons one also plays on how the recession can bring even the highest people down, but Coke will always be there to bring you happiness. But the Sleep Walking commercial?! I don't know... maybe it is because I've been to Kenya and know how unrealistic that is. And at first, it wasn't so obvious as to why he needs happiness. But I suppose it is because he's dreaming and anything is happen (animals) and people dream for happiness. But overall, I wasn't a big fan of the Coke commercials this year.
Dove: You are a man
I'm quite skeptical about this product line. Dove is associated with women and true beauty and gentleness. Even the logo of a dove is a very peaceful and feminine animal. Why would "real" men want to be associated with that? Sports fanatics want to be strong, rough and aggressive. Definitely not a match with the messaging.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Random
Today I realized that often when I'm walking alone, I'll try to copy the pace and stepping pattern of the stranger in front of me. I time it so that my right foot lifts when theirs lifts and vice versa with the left foot, then I see if I'm walking as fast as they are.
The sad thing is that I realize I'm still slower than them because my legs are too short. :(
The sad thing is that I realize I'm still slower than them because my legs are too short. :(
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Character Strengths
I'm in the process of interviewing to be a Residential Advisor, and one of the activities they made us do is fill out an online test on our character strengths. Do you think these describe me well?
Your Top Strength
Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith
You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you.
Your Second Strength
Bravery and valor
You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions.
Your Third Strength
Capacity to love and be loved
You value close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated. The people to whom you feel most close are the same people who feel most close to you.
Your Fourth Strength
Curiosity and interest in the world
You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.
Your Fifth Strength
Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness
You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the future is something that you can control.
--------------------
*edit*
I'm also definitely a lion.
Your Top Strength
Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith
You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you.
Your Second Strength
Bravery and valor
You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions.
Your Third Strength
Capacity to love and be loved
You value close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated. The people to whom you feel most close are the same people who feel most close to you.
Your Fourth Strength
Curiosity and interest in the world
You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.
Your Fifth Strength
Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness
You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the future is something that you can control.
--------------------
*edit*
I'm also definitely a lion.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
WashU is Gorgeous
This is the first time I've studied in Olin Library this semester. As I'm sitting here at the computer, I look out the glass wall on my left and see this beautiful view of the west part of campus. Graham Chapel is on the left, my favorite tree is in the middle with the quad in the background, and the pink gothic architecture of McMillian and Labsci are on the right. Shades of green, brown, grey, blue and pink all in one view. I forgot how beautiful WashU is. I'm so blessed to go to a university with such a gorgeous campus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)