New Year, New Me

Keri S.

December 20, 2009 - 11:07 PM

As I am gearing up for the holidays, I realize that New Years Eve and New Years are right around the corner. Although this means my ducks are about to embark on their big Rose Bowl game, it also means that another year has come and gone.

At the risk of sounding like an old person, I cannot believe that 2009 is already here and gone. Starting off the year with a break-up instead of a New Years' kiss led to a lot of change in my life-new schedule, new friends, new attitude...new everything. Although it has been a hard year, it has also been one of the best years of my life! As I reflect on my year, I want to share some of my best memories of 2009 with you:

1. Alpha Kappa Psi- As I have said before, and will probably say many more times, Alpha Kappa Psi was THE BEST decision of my college career. From partying in Sunriver, organizing a silent auction for Boys and Girls club, learning about leadership in the PBLI conference in Reno, and securing my first job interview post graduation...most of my best memories from this year revolve around this great organization. To all my Alpha Kappa Psi brothers-I love you all! Thank you all for your love and support this year. I hope I can give back to you what you have given to me in guidance, friendship, and support within my personal and student life over this year.

2. My Nike Internship- This year, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the Nike campus for a three day internship and extended job shadow. Being a HUGE fan of Nike, I honestly felt like I had died and gone to heaven. Nike flew me from Eugene to Portland, put me up in a five star hotel, and spoiled me with free Nike shoes, merchandise, fabulous dinners, and Blazer tickets. On top of all the fun stuff, I also got to see exactly how the company works. Here is my blog I wrote for www.seventeen.com if you want to learn more.This internship is where I got my love for social media and blogging, and probably why I am writing to you today. Through this internship, I also changed my concentration from Marketing to Sports Business and focused my studies from Advertising to PR. It gave me such a clearer picture of what I wanted to do once I graduated! Although I am still working out the details of my dream career, I know I would be on cloud nine if I had the honor of working for Nike.

3. Camp Greider- This summer, I worked as a camp counselor for the YMCA Camp Greider in Salem. I absolutely love working with children, and hope to someday combine my love of sports and children into a career. Every counselor chose a camp name, and I was known as "Duckie". Always sporting my finest yellow and green, my favorite day was "dress-up as your favorite counselor day" and I had my following of little ducklings. In addition to being a counselor, I also did some administrative work as a business intern. It was great to be able to combine my passion for children and business. This summer was bittersweet, however, because after two summers I had to retire my duck whistle in hopes of finding a career for this upcoming summer.

4. Oregon Football- This year, as you all know, Oregon kicked some major butt at football. It was so great to be able to follow them so much this year and attend so many games. From the downfall of the all mighty USC to the Civil War victory in Autzen, this football season was one I will always remember. Pac-10 champions and a Rose Bowl appearance...what a way to end my senior season as an avid duck fan! Go ducks and best of luck in the Rose Bowl! So excited to cheer you on from Salem!

Now after much reflection, it is time to start thinking about 2010 and all of the things that will come. I am so excited to finish up my time here at the University of Oregon and see what is in store for the year to follow!