As we go on, we remember all the times we had together...

Yep, I just quoted Vitamin C.

I remember my first “Monday Morning Meeting.” I didn’t have a clue who anybody was, I had no idea what anybody was talking about, and I quietly listened while soaking everything up. Six months later, I know everybody by their first names, if not nicknames. I know what everybody is talking about and I find myself listening intently, if not participating. I even take the minutes (not by choice).
I have learned so much not only about myself, but about a working environment. I’ve learned to manage myself, not to mention others. I held important leadership positions. I’ve delegated, I’ve helped, and I’ve watched and listened. I feel like these 6 months have gone by so quickly and that I still have so much more to discover. Working here has made me excited to grow and learn more about myself and work harder on my weaknesses (confidence) and excel with my strengths.
The time has come to part ways and I must say it is very bittersweet. This time one year ago, I was counting down until my last day at Unisys. I was excited to no longer wake up at 6:30am and drive an hour to work. Fast forward to the present, and I have to say although I am excited for the Florida sun and being back on campus, I am not excited to leave these smiling faces and the three other co-ops who I have come to know as my friends, not just co-workers. Alex B, Alex D, Ashley Christine, George, Heather, Jen, Jill, Kari, Katie, Nadia, Todd and Vernita, thank you. Individually, you have each made my six months here more than memorable.

To Alex B: Snowflake! Although you were the designer (and nobody likes designers), you have been so much fun to work with these past six months. You always laugh at my dumb jokes and weird phrases (WHAAAAAAAAAAAT?!) and you don’t care when I make fun of you. Thank you so much for guiding me in creative briefs and helping me out when I needed advice for random things. You’re a hard worker, but you also keep things fun. I’m going to miss that, FML. PS – You can thank me for saving your ass with the headphones later. DAAAAAAAAAANG.

To Alex D: Hey there, slacker. I know how much you love pink.Thanks for always sending us funny articles and telling us about random things we would never know about, or need to know about. I need to learn more about this 9/11 conspiracy stuff! But really, you’ve been great to work with and have come to be a good friend. Thanks for spotting money for my lunch that one time. Keep partying like you do because we all need some FML stories in our life.

To Ashley: Hi lady! You’ve been amazing in answering all of my questions and joking around about your love for homeless people (don’t deny it). I hope that you continue to help the next round of MA’s the way you helped me. Ready, go-ski!

To Christine: WHERE’S MEREDITH!? You have been hilarious for the past six months and I’m glad I was able to help you with membership. Thanks for sharing your popcorn. Good luck teaching the next MA’s some new things, including your love for AJ Feely along with the rest of the Eagles. PS – I love watching clips from The Office with you.

To George: Although we didn’t know each other the entire six months I’ve been here, you have brought a smile to my face every time you come around and send out quizzes or other fun e-mails. Keep up with getting the staff involved Georgey Porgy.

To Heather: Thanks for getting me involved with some small PR stuff. Congratulations on the Oprah article and I wish the best for your success in the future. Keep listening to The Sleeping and keep trying to get Neil to be just a little bit more like Edward. Oh, and thanks for letting me use your hand lotion!

To Jen: We haven’t worked together very often but every time I see you, you are smiling and it makes me smile. I hope you have a healthy and happy baby! Good luck.

To Jill: DAAAAAAAAANG Jill. First we worked together, now we’re on CAB together, and who knows, maybe you’ll be joining DZ? I’m so glad that this isn’t the end for us! First of all, thank you SO much for being there for me whenever I’m upset and being a good listener. Thanks for advice, support, and caring. You’ve had my back these past six months more than anyone. You help me with my life, you help me when I have a lot to do and we work great together. I’m going to miss reading FML every morning before starting our day together and listening to your Peter Griffin laugh. I loved gossiping about everything (you know) and becoming good friends through this whole thing. I could write a novel, sort of like in a yearbook, but I won’t. HAGS. I’ll see you soon!!

To Kari: You’re always so kind and sweet, not to mention adorable and funny. You always have something to share that makes me laugh. Supper was so much fun and so was Twilight! Working with you has been nothing short of a pleasure.

To Katie: So much for passports, huh? If you’re still up for it, I am. I’m jealous of your cruise and like Heather would say; let’s get a ring on that finger!!

To Nadia: My love, you have always cheered me up when I am having a bad day whether it’s with cookies or laughing together at one of the boys. Thanks for answering any questions I have and giving me your opinion on so many things. If I could give you a karma coupon daily, I would. Good luck with your move, cookie monster! Also, I'm passing the Yahoo award to you.

To Todd: The Toddfather! Although you are a very busy person, you always made time to check in and see how I was doing. You made sure I realized the importance of things and have truly been a role model ever since my interview.

To Vernita: Your laugh makes me laugh. Your smile brightens a room and I love the silly comments you say to Dettmer. You have been so much fun. Don’t stress over Fellows applications, and I better see you on April 10^th! Graduation is so soon, good luck!

As far as leaving something behind for the next group of marketing assistants and to those coming a year from now, I just want to tell you that you can be successful in anything you put your mind to. A lot of people struggle with the definition of success, but I learned not very long ago, that success means being FIRST. Not first in line or first to do something. Not even first in terms of being the best FIRST stands for Friendship, Integrity, Responsibility, Stewardship, and Tolerance. Be friends with the people you meet, reach out to them and care about them. Have integrity and the drive to complete and finish a project. Be responsible for yourself and your work. Don’t be afraid to manage yourself and others (stewardship). Finally, be tolerant of yourself, your work and of others. Don’t let yourself get too stressed over something. Take it easy and enjoy these six months for all they’re worth.
No matter what, don’t take any of it for granted. Remember what you do each day; think back at the end of the day and think about actions you took that exemplify a great quality in yourself. Take pride in yourself and the projects you accomplish here. You’ll have to remember all of it later.
I am so happy to have had the experience that I did. I came into my interview knowing this was the place for me. I couldn’t believe they actually cared about my growth as a person as well as my growth professionally. I have had some amazing mentors and wouldn’t have traded this co-op for the world.

Finally, I walk around with the quote on me almost every day (it’s on a bag I use). Read it, live by it:

“Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.”