Last Lecture

Overall my experience here at SHM has been exciting, busy, fun and very memorable. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it.” In my 6 months at SHM I have grown tremendously as a person. This quote summarizes the overall growth that I have achieved and I would like to offer to the future MA’s: stay confident—not only within your work and projects but also with yourself.

Honestly, I haven’t worked with a more exciting, hilarious group of people. Every day has been new, different and adventurous (as corny as that sounds). I have seen the difference that interaction and communication can provide within a small work environment. I have learned the struggles we face while marketing different products and events to our department. I have learned the benefits personally and professionally in a non-profit company. Last but not least, I have never learned so much from a group of determined and motivated people.

As much as I hate goodbyes, I would like to leave behind the following thoughts to each individual person (in random order):

The Toddfather-As a student I have learned a lot from you that I will take away in both my professional and personal life. I will surely miss your random, brilliant thoughts and what I like to call your deep moments. I have to say that you are one of the most creative people I have ever known! Keep doing an amazing job with the co-op program; it’s something that will benefit many others like me in the future!

Ashley-ski- Lady, you are one of the most sarcastic and funniest people I have ever met. What I love most about SHM is that you can just be yourself; the person that you are at home is the person you can be at work. I can definitely see that through your personality. I am very happy every co-op student has the chance to work with you; you give great advice and guidance in the early steps all way through the last few days. I hope to be as experienced and talented as you one day. Thanks for everything!

Kari-When someone looks at you I’m sure they thought what I did—you just look like a nice person! Your bubbly and exciting personality spills over to everyone in the department. In the beginning, I worked much more with you than I did during the last few months of co-op. In the time that I did work with you I learned that personally you are genuinely one of the most down to earth people I know and I honestly cannot say that I know too many people like that.

Vernitz-The one thing that I have learned from you is that anyone can do anything. You are a busy mother, student and employee. You have a great personality and your crazy laugh and beautiful smile are contagious! What I love the most about you is that you truly appreciate and recognize when other people help you. Good luck with college, you’re almost done!

Christiner Weiner- I think that I have had the closest connection with you, not just because I love sitting so close to you in meetings! We have shared crazy stories about our childhoods over FHM applications and hilarious personality is what truly makes you a great person to be around. Thanks for putting up with my million and one questions everyday and teaching me the value of membership! Good luck with everything!

Heather-I truly admire everything you do with PR to get SHM’s name out there and to spread awareness. Your almost heart attacks in meetings showed me how organized and prepared you were, which I really respect! You’ll be a great mother someday! (HAHA)

Katie- I have not worked with you one-on-one in many projects but during meetings and company activities I saw a lot of characteristics that I want to implement overtime within myself. The one that I would like to call out is your competitiveness! I also saw that you were really knowledgeable about a lot of products and the industry. I hope to see a ring on your finger in the future!

Jen- You were the first person that I worked with on major projects like attendance modeling and the SWOT analysis. You taught me a whole different side to marketing, the side that a lot of people seem to overlook. I learned from you that marketing was not just about great ads and subject lines but also about the numbers from past events and demographics that were in our audience. I am so happy I had the chance to work with you, thanks for everything and good luck with the little one and the baby!

Nadia-I really admire you in so many ways, being the youngest in our department really shows me how mature and responsible you are. Not too long ago you were a Marketing Assistant just like me and now you have responsibility in many, many projects. I also really respect the fact that you have a strong work ethic and are a hard worker. Besides, professionally I think personally you have such a great personality and are always willing to help us out no matter what. Good luck with your bright future and also the many men that want to date you and buy you expensive, shiny things!

Georgy Porgy- Oh Georgy, there is so much to say. A few months ago you were merely a stranger and now are someone that I look up to. Thank You so much for exposing me to that whole different side of marketing as Jen also did. I’ve also learned that I don’t have to figure out what I want to do in life right away and can still be successful as you have been. Stay funny!

Alex B.-Although most of your time was spent making fun of me, I really think you are a talented person not only through your design work but also as a confident, creative person. Your perfect imitations, movie quotes, funny jokes, YouTube videos and even making fun of my Peter Griffin giggle are things I am going to miss.

Dettmer-What I truly admire about you is your ability to think of things on the spot and quickly without any hesitation or doubt. Your confidence is something that I noticed when you present yourself. I learned so many random things and great websites from you. I’m sure we’ll see each other on campus!

Meredith-Where to start? At first you were this weird girl that sat across from me. You missed me so much that you had to move directly next to me. Professionally, you were that one person I always turned to for advice and help on projects. Personally, I really love a lot of things about you, including your creativity and hilarious personality. I’ll truly say that I’m going to miss your “WHAAAAAT?” and “DAAAAAAANG” moments so much. I think that you have so much potential but don’t give yourself enough credit- be cockier like Dettmer and Alex! I’ll miss you but I’m sure I’ll see you again through our mutual friends!

To the future MA’s there’s great insight within the updated Survival Guide—check it out!

“The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.”-Don Williams Jr.

KIT! HAGS! (Through Facebook and Twitter of course!) I’ll miss you all!