a few things about love
something that never gets old
something I never expected to see on the Yahoo! home page
a few things I miss about new york
“it’s none of their business that you have to learn how to write. let them think you were born that way.”
“that is what we are supposed to do when we are at our best - make it all up - but make it up so truly that later it will happen that way.”
“they say the seeds of what we will do are in all of us, but it always seemed to me that in those who make jokes in life the seeds are covered with better soil and with a higher grade of manure.”
1. Plain and simple: USC grads are awesome
My time at USC has prepared me for anything I may come across in my life, both professionally and personally. As a Trojan, I learned the value of balance: how to manage research papers, club meetings, football games, long hours in the newsroom, and a social life… while still getting a few hours of sleep here and there. I learned to balance overlapping exam, paper, and homework deadlines, and never stopped fighting on. As Design Director of the Daily Trojan newspaper, I gained invaluable leadership and time-management skills, which I used to successfully manage and motivate a team of designers. Working on the editorial board of a daily publication, I learned how to manage and adapt to ever-changing deadlines. Outside of my work at the newspaper, I co-founded a chapter of the national undergraduate English honors society, Sigma Tau Delta, on the USC campus. In my work with this organization, I used excellent interpersonal skills to coordinate events and work with those interested in the organization to decide how it would be most successfully run and organized. I devoted precious hours of free time to USC’s chapter of Colleges Against Cancer, attending weekly meetings planning, and ultimately attending and working, the 24-hour Relay for Life charity event. I also found time for friends, fun, and food, exploring new restaurants in Downtown LA and on the West side.
2. The USC ideal: Breadth and Depth
USC believes its students should embody the values of breadth and depth throughout their courses of study. What does this mean, exactly? They aren’t just looking for psychics majors who only spend their free time reading Richard Feynman’s biography. It is just as much about what the students can do for USC as it is about what USC can do for its students. The USC community is based on the idea that every interest and passion its students bring to the table make it the dynamic place that it is. What does this mean for me? Well… I’m a painter, a doer, a writer, a tutor, a researcher, a reporter, a drawer, a quick learner, a world traveler, a creator, a dreamer, an excellent speller, a forward thinker, a photographer, a blogger, an expert napper, a swimmer, an avid reader, a tennis player, an awesome organizer, a photoshopper… Just try to put me in a box.
A few things I’m not? A singer, a parallel parker, or a chopstick-user. Hope these aren’t deal-breakers, but if so, I can learn.
3. I’ve held the following previous titles:
Editorial Assistant (Us Weekly Magazine), Staff Writer (Daily Trojan Newspaper), Public Relations Intern (Jarvis Communications), Designer (Daily Trojan Newspaper), Staff Writer (Los Angeles Loyolan), Photojournalism Intern (College Prowler), Co-Founder/Vice President (Eta Omega Chapter, Sigma Tau Delta International English Honors Society), Survivorship Committee Member (USC Colleges Against Cancer), Tutor (LMU ARTSmart Program), Member (Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society).
4. For someone who refuses to go near a Kindle, I’m pretty well integrated into the 21st century
I type 85 words per minute; have extensive knowledge of Microsoft software (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook) and all Apple products; experience with Photoshop and InDesign software; and I’m skilled with Lexis Nexis and various other online databases and clipping services.
5. I’ll have your best interest at heart
If that PowerPoint presentation could use a few more eye-catching visuals and a few less distracting transitions to more effectively prove your point, I won’t be afraid to share my opinion. Not sure if the red tie or blue tie matches your shirt better? I’ve got your back.
6. My work doesn’t have to stop at the office
Need a restaurant recommendation? New wine to try? Food blog to follow? Awesome band to check out? A recipe for pumpkin spice cake? I’m your girl. Cool, no?
7. If all that wasn’t enough…
Besides my professional and collegiate work, I’m well-read, well-spoken and well-traveled. I’ve read and analyzed everything from Hemingway to Vonnegut, I’ve organized (and won) debate platforms for public speaking classes, and I’ve learned how to effectively communicate with people from different cultures in personal travel pursuits to Italy, Germany, and the Czech Republic.
What I have to offer as an employee is a culmination of everything I’ve done; professionally, academically and personally. I’m self-motivated, passionate, and creative, and my academic background and professional experience shows that.
1. When my cat, Huckleberry Finn - a bushy but tiny thing - graces me with even five minutes of his presence to sit on my lap and get a chin rub.
2. Foggy mornings at home on the peninsula. Call me crazy, but June gloom is my absolute favorite.
3. Moleskin journals, in all colors and sizes, and for all purposes. How many do I have lying around now? I lost count at around twenty-seven…
4. Living out of boxes and suitcases for months on end. Just kidding.
5. Hardcover books. WHY must I love you so? You have literally destroyed my AmEx bill.
6. Creamy perfection in the form of risotto. Exhibit A: The asparagus risotto with prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella I had in Prague that my mouth still waters for on a daily basis.
7. Ugg slippers. I know, I know. So 2006. But have you ever put your feet into these things on a cold morning with hardwood floors?
8. The perfect comeback. Delivered, not received.
9. Chocolate chip cookies. Real original, I know. But come on, if they don’t make you happy… then that’s just sad.
A few weeks ago at the grocery store I bought mustard. It was the first time I had ever a) purchased mustard, and b) willingly purchased mustard for myself. When I was younger it was a taste that really didn’t sit well with me. I didn’t understand it - is it spicy? savory? I just couldn’t get on board with it.
I can remember the way my dad used to make mustard sandwiches in the kitchen. Really, MUSTARD sandwiches. If you need a visual: two pieces of toasted bread with mustard (yes, just mustard) in the middle. I was appalled (horrified, disgusted..) every time he got a craving for one. And my dad would bend down to be eye level with me, bring his mustard sandwich to his mouth, take a biiiiiiiiig bite, and smile at me with a stuffed mouth and a mustard-y grin. I, of course, would squeal in exaggerated (but quite real) horror.
It’s a taste I apparently acquired fairly rapidly. Last semester, waiting for a sandwich in the cafeteria, when the man asked me if I wanted mustard, I surprised myself by answering “yes.” I was actually answering “yes” to my own internal question of “Do I want chips, too?” but it was too late - the mustard had been already been slathered across my toasted wheat bread.
Even more surprising? I liked it. I found myself saying “yes” to mustard every time after that. Now, when I reach for the mustard to add to sandwiches (no, not mustard sandwiches like my dad, but turkey and an assortment of cheeses), I can picture my dad grinning and squealing “Ewwwwwwwww!” in mock disgust.
So today I’m thankful for mustard, and for the things that my dad is still teaching me.
Michael Kors skinny cargo pants; the man can do no wrong
Perfect-for-fall gray suede booties
A pair of red and white striped TOMS
Gucci Flora perfume - so deliciously intoxicating
A very large glass of Pinot Noir, thank you very much
And maybe, I guess, the funds to purchase all of these things
things i love, hate, need to say, know, wish i knew, wish i didn't know, want, want to go away, and can't get enough of
mixed media by Danlikestrees
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