So this blog entry was supposed to be geared toward my internship but I feel like I have to mention this snow storm! I was a little bummed it ruined my weekend plans but I never thought it would be this much!! My mom and I just shoveled 2 feet. And as we were shoveling, another 2 inches had come down. Thank God I'm not at my house in South Philly because I would never be able to get out of my tiny little street! Oh man. I do love a good snow. Why do most storms happen on the weekend?

Anyways...I'm coming up to being at my internship for almost a month. What a month it has been! We are starting to get verrrrrry busy planning Commencement for May and different award ceremonies. Temple had this huge 2020 plan where many new building will be going up so there is a lot of work going toward that. It's been a great experience thus far. I've been to meetings with school representatives and different offices, learning every aspect of events at Temple. I even got to go to a food tasting for an event we're having soon. Delish. I really am enjoying it and I think this is what I want to make a career out of. I hope it only gets better from here!

I'm also really glad that I'm still on campus. A lot of my friends have internships in DC, New York and event Memphis! But it's great to still be in Temple's atmosphere. I even get to stop by and visit everyone I miss from STHM! Nikki (the other blogger) and I are planning another dinner with our dean to catch up on things and see how his new students are!

Well, I guess I have to go shovel the next round of snow that has fallen in the last 2 hours since the last time I shoveled. This will be my workout for the year :)

Posted by Courtney Clarahan at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This week has certainly been one of change.

First off, my college career is almost over. An internship and my senior project stands between me and graduation. I never thought it would go by this fast. I am already terribly missing Senior Sem and all of my classmates. It really was the best class I ever had. I've made some amazing friends that will be in my life forever. I've already started looking into plane flights so I can visit some that are traveling for their internship!

I also just cut 13 inches of my hair! I've been wanting to do it for quite some time. I've had long hair all my life minus some strange period in like 5th/6th grade. I just felt like my hair was weighing me down and wasn't super professional looking. So after much debate, I made the choice to get it chopped. And I LOVE it! I would recommend it to anyone considering!

I feel like I am entering the next stage in my life. No more classes, a full time 9-5 internship, looking at possible jobs after graduation..there's a lot on my plate! My hope is to continue to stay busy and educate myself through this experience. My big project is planning commencement of Temple's graduating class of 2010! My hands are full and I am happy.

This winter break is MUCH needed. Between 18 credits, Senior Seminar, finals, papers, and a social life, the time has come for rest. I will miss this semester and live in the memories for the next few weeks. One of my fondest memories...When Mr. Montague took myself and Nikki (the other blogger) out to eat(El Vez mmm)! See in this major, you know your Dean on a personal level. One of the many reasons why I love STHM! I will miss it dearly!!!

Posted by Courtney Clarahan at 6:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am extremely sad the semester is almost over. this had been one of the most eye opening semesters of my college career. I've had one of the best classes of my life, Senior Seminar. Just to recap..I was not thrilled about the class in the beginning. Mainly because I had no idea what to expect. Now, 13 weeks later, I don't want it to end. I've made some of the best friends and have had so many wonderful experiences. Some classes, like Greek Mythology, I'm glad are almost over! Interesting, but too many weird names to memorize.

Last night happened to be the Semi-Formal. An event my section of Senior Seminar had been planning all semester. It was a great time. A few problems here and there but we all enjoyed ourselves. Here are Nikki (my fellow blogger) and myself with our dean Mr. Montague :)

And for those of you interested in STHM..you wana talk to this man, Mike Usino. Mike started the whole blogging scene with STHM and is an awesome person to know!

Well, 2 paper and 2 finals until I am officially done my classes at Temple! Then it's break and then the real world with my internship :) Enjoy the final weeks of classes!

Posted by Courtney Clarahan at 8:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Quick update from the Hotel Show in New York. It was a really great experience. Myself and a fellow classmate, Angela, did a great job planning and executing the event. Everyone was where they were supposed to be at the right time and we remain organized throughout! New York was crazy. I've been there several times before but this time reassured me that I am a Philly girl. Too many people, I hate crowds, crazy cabs, but I did enjoy it. I'll give New York much credit on their nightlife and scenery.

The Hotel Show itself was huge! I was there from 10-5 and I'm pretty sure I only saw about 60% of it. they had vendors from all over the country giving food demonstrations on selling new linens for hotels and just showing a lot of the up and coming amenities for hotels in the future. Temple had their own table and we had a lot of fun chatting with other schools and giving out info. Good time all around!

Here is some of us at the Temple table!

And us in Times Square with Mr. Montague and Dr. Barber!

Posted by Courtney Clarahan at 5:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'd like to thank SEPTA for making my life miserable. I take the subway from South Philly every day from campus but since they went on strike I can't. Luckily, I have a car. So I've been driving to school but I'd probably be better off walking. Everyone has the worst road rage because of the strike. Broad street was jammed! And everyone is biking too and I have probably almost killed 20 bikers. There are bike lanes for a reason people!!!

Speaking of even worse strikes, I hope the Phillies don't strike out tonight and Pedro can throw a bunch of them. I can't talk about this game. I'm too nervous.

On a happier note, I'm headed to New York (boooooooooo) with my fellow classmates for the hotel show. I'll share all the details when I get back! And I can't believe it's already November. Time flies when your having fun. I'm pretty excited for Thanksgiving though :)

Here's one that will make you laugh...
Sailor, Aretha Franklin's hat from the Inauguration and a Strawberry Daiquiri.

Posted by Courtney Clarahan at 7:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So 3 big things going on at the moment.

1. The Phillies. I love them. Bad thing is, I don't have cable so I've been listening to every game on the radio and it is extremely stressful! I don't want to jinx anything so I will end the Phillies convo now. Go Phils!!!!

2. I have my Research Methodology midterm tomorrow! I've been studying for a few hours now. I'm feeling good about it. That usually changes once the test is in front of me. It's mostly about the foundations of research, measurement theories and survey design. Good stuff. Wish me luck!

3. I got an internship!!!!! Wonderful news, the best by far today. I had an interview with Temple's Special Events Office this morning. This internship was my #1 all along because A. I love being at Temple. and B. I get to plan a variety of events including graduation! So after my hour and a half interview, the director offered me the position on the spot. I had to say yes!! I could not have been more excited. I interviewed at a few other places but it wasn't really what I wanted and I know this is a perfect fit!

Happy Belated Birthday to my awesome buddy Mike!

Posted by Courtney Clarahan at 9:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

ME.

Just to give you an idea of you senior year is here's a sample of my week next week.

Monday:
Work 9-1
Senior Seminar Meeting 10-11
Meeting with the CSPD to talk about internships 2:30
Meeting with Angela to discuss the Hotel Show in NY we are organizing 3:00

Tuesday and Thursday, class 8-8

Wedneday:
Volunteering at the Palomar Hotel opening 8-11
Work 12-5
Meeting with Global Events Partners for a job next week I have 6:00

Friday:
Work 9-1
Volunteering again at the Palomar Hotel 1-3

On top of all that, I have my 6 classes I'm taking and all the homework and studying. Be prepared. I have to stretch myself thin because STHM provides so many great opportunities, like the Palomar Hotel.

We met with the director of sales and marketing today to get a tour of the hotel and learn about it. It is GORGEOUS! We will be serving as "hotel ambassadors" during the opening process. We also go invited to a luncheon with the CEO of the company! What an amazing opportunity! Don't pass anything up. Especially if it can lead to a career later on!

Posted by Courtney Clarahan at 7:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So the past week has been very hectic...but I absolutely love it. I thought I would dread senior year with the course load I have, but I am falling in love with being super busy.

For example, today, I had a meeting at 10 with my group for Senior Seminar. I am in the Sponsorship Committee. Our goal is to raise $12,000 from sponsors to fund the Semi Formal. My group is outstanding. We are all very hard workers and ready for the challenge.
After that I had work til 1. Then I met with my partner for our Research Methodology proposal. Our topic is what motivates college students to work while getting an education.
After that I had a STHM Student Association Meeting.

Finally I'm able to sit in bed. But... This week I have 4 papers due, plus 5 one page papers. I was stressing over the weekend but taking it one thing at a time is helping immensely. I'm already ahead of schedule :)

Posted by Courtney Clarahan at 8:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

with the Sounds of Music! I watched movie this weekend and can't get the songs out of my head!!! I have never watched the whole movie because it is way too long!

Anyway..

First week of school is done with! it was very stressful but I made it out alive! Now on to week two! all of my Professors are really really great. I'm taking a Greek Myth class that I'm not really interested in so that's a little dry but the Prof is enjoyable. All of my tourism classes are great. Senior Seminar is going to be a lot work but I'm up for the challenge...or so I think.

I've not only had classes but I'm trying to make myself go to more student organizations. Yesterday I went to the HSMAI meeting (hospitality, sales and markerting association international). I couldn't stay long because I had a class at 5:30 but it was great! tonight I 'm going to another meeting today! I feel so accomplished!

Also, tomorrow is Speakman Halls open house for Tourism and Hospitality. We made the move to Speakman over the summer so now it's time to celebrate it! It will be nice to mingle with some friends and faculty.

So far so good!!

Posted by Courtney Clarahan at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So I start my classes tomorrow. Today, I had work from 10-8! Crazy. The Owl Ambassador office is going threw a lot of change..in a good way..so there was a lot of information to retain.

I have to get up around 6 tomorrow to be on the subway by 7:20 in time for my 8am class! UH! Anyways, here's my schedule for tomorrow...

8-920 Research Methodology
930-1050 Greek Mythology
1230-150 Senior Seminar
530-8 Intro to the Bible (Tuesdays only)
530-8 Legal Issues in STHM (Thursdays only)

I am super nervous and I don't know why! I feel like I'm starting school for the first time ever. I'm really just nervous about senior seminar. I just don't know what to expect and I want to make sure everything goes smoothly.

On a good note...all my favorite country singers are performing on ABC. And I got tickets to the Zac Brown Band!!!! Woooo..

I'll let you know how tomorrow goes! Wish me luck!!!!!!

Posted by Courtney Clarahan at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)