There was a time in which I was not concerned with taking the time to meet others. It's hard to believe that when I started my first job out of college, I often went home after work and didn't take advantage of opportunities to meet others. Adjusting from being a full time student to a full time professional was difficult but staying in a lot didn't help with the adjustment. It was difficult being away from the setting I was used to on my college campus but I needed to make a life for myself beyond those college years.
After a long period of not taking the time to meet others, an epiphany hit me that it was time for me to start meeting other people. It took time and with the help of the Internet, I started to find different groups to be apart of and went to different networking events. Going to these functions not only gave me something to look forward to but allowed me to interact with people my own age and at similar stages in life.
Over a period of time, I managed to find several key people who have been great business contacts and have made some awesome friends along the way. Some of these relationships came from networking events; others came from taking time to get out in the community and meet others. It helped me create more of a balance in life and socialize with others.
Below are some ideas and tips to get out of the house and meet others:
1) Just Because You Are Not In College Does Not Mean You Can't Join a Club - Joining clubs is a great way to meet people with similar interests and develop friendships along the way. In my own life, being a lifelong hockey fan and wanting to be with others who had the same passion made it appealing for me to join the Cleveland Hockey Boosters Club. Knowing I enjoying talking pucks a lot, the club has been an awesome way to meet other people with the same interest and has given me something to look forward to.
2) The Power of the Internet Can Bring Groups and Interests to Your Reach - Popular sites such as Meetup.com often have groups with specialized interests that plan events on a weekly basis. Young professionals groups in cities typically have web-sites and it doesn't hurt to take a look. I found the Cleveland 20/30 Club through an Internet search (http://cleveland2030.org/) and going to their events helped me meet some incredible people.
3) You Are Never Too Old to Volunteer - Volunteering in the community is slightly different from networking but helps you meet people along the way. By taking photographs at Solon high school sporting events, I have been able to meet coaches, parents, administrators, athletic directors and other people who are involved with game day operations. All it took was for me to volunteer my time to take pictures at football games and I had another hobby and fun people to meet with.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Tips for Transitioning From High School to College
Graduating high school was one of my favorite times of my life. Knowing I had accomplished an incredible feat was an amazing feeling and looking to the times ahead in college was something I looked forward to with great anticipation. A new life was to begin for me that fall and I couldn't wait.
Several years have passed since I graduated high school and started college months later and I am still continuing my education to this day. The information and knowledge learned in the classroom during my undergraduate years at Otterbein has helped me beyond my college years but what I learned outside of the classroom helped open up my life even more.
Learning will take place inside the classroom but what a lot of you soon to be high school graduates can benefit from can be learned outside of the classroom. The work you put into a class will help but what you do outside of class can help you soar even farther.
Take some time to consider the following tips below prior to starting your college years:
1) Starting college is an opportunity to start a new life and put any bad memories, feelings or anger you felt in high school and leave it in the past - Take any negative experience you may have had since high school and leave it in the past. You will have a new opportunity to start a new life when you start college in the fall and take the time to work on creating new and fun memories instead of living any pains or frustrations you felt in the past. For most of you, moving away to college will take you to a setting where many people will not know you (I only knew two people at Otterbein when I moved down there in the fall of 2004) and use it as an opportunity to start over.
2) A small hello and conversation can pay big dividends - How often do you think the people who serve the food in the cafeteria, the people who work in the bookstore or the people who work in the library receive a small hello or conversation from a student? How many students do you think just always walk in and walk out without paying much attention to these people? The number may alarm you once you think about it and taking a few moments each day to say hello and get to know these people will help set you apart in a positive way. It may feel awkward at first but it will pay off in the end.
3) Keep your mind open - Had I been closed minded in college, I never would have gotten the internships I had during those years, I never would have found my love of photography and I wouldn't have made some of the friendships I created during that time. Take an opportunity to meet new people, find new hobbies and find different passions by keeping an open mind. You may never know what you might find or who you may meet.
4) If you are happy and you know it, spread it around! - Walking around with a smile on your face and a positive attitude will show and get noticed. If you have an awesome feeling inside, don't be afraid to show it. There may be those who say you need to tone down your personality or become more mellow (I have heard both from people) but don't be afraid to walk around with a positive attitude. Continue to be positive no matter what the circumstances are.
5) No matter how far you go, don't forget those who helped you along the way - Chances are, there have been people in your life growing up that provided the extra boost you needed at key times in your life. It may have been a tutor, teacher, coach, parent, friend, etc. that took the extra time to help and don't forget these people. Take the time to drop an e-mail, phone call or stop by to say hello. These people helped you along the way and don't forget the kindness they showed.
Several years have passed since I graduated high school and started college months later and I am still continuing my education to this day. The information and knowledge learned in the classroom during my undergraduate years at Otterbein has helped me beyond my college years but what I learned outside of the classroom helped open up my life even more.
Learning will take place inside the classroom but what a lot of you soon to be high school graduates can benefit from can be learned outside of the classroom. The work you put into a class will help but what you do outside of class can help you soar even farther.
Take some time to consider the following tips below prior to starting your college years:
1) Starting college is an opportunity to start a new life and put any bad memories, feelings or anger you felt in high school and leave it in the past - Take any negative experience you may have had since high school and leave it in the past. You will have a new opportunity to start a new life when you start college in the fall and take the time to work on creating new and fun memories instead of living any pains or frustrations you felt in the past. For most of you, moving away to college will take you to a setting where many people will not know you (I only knew two people at Otterbein when I moved down there in the fall of 2004) and use it as an opportunity to start over.
2) A small hello and conversation can pay big dividends - How often do you think the people who serve the food in the cafeteria, the people who work in the bookstore or the people who work in the library receive a small hello or conversation from a student? How many students do you think just always walk in and walk out without paying much attention to these people? The number may alarm you once you think about it and taking a few moments each day to say hello and get to know these people will help set you apart in a positive way. It may feel awkward at first but it will pay off in the end.
3) Keep your mind open - Had I been closed minded in college, I never would have gotten the internships I had during those years, I never would have found my love of photography and I wouldn't have made some of the friendships I created during that time. Take an opportunity to meet new people, find new hobbies and find different passions by keeping an open mind. You may never know what you might find or who you may meet.
4) If you are happy and you know it, spread it around! - Walking around with a smile on your face and a positive attitude will show and get noticed. If you have an awesome feeling inside, don't be afraid to show it. There may be those who say you need to tone down your personality or become more mellow (I have heard both from people) but don't be afraid to walk around with a positive attitude. Continue to be positive no matter what the circumstances are.
5) No matter how far you go, don't forget those who helped you along the way - Chances are, there have been people in your life growing up that provided the extra boost you needed at key times in your life. It may have been a tutor, teacher, coach, parent, friend, etc. that took the extra time to help and don't forget these people. Take the time to drop an e-mail, phone call or stop by to say hello. These people helped you along the way and don't forget the kindness they showed.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
The Avengers Movie Review
The Avengers has been one of the most anticipated superhero movies due out for the late spring/early summer season. With characters such as Captain America, The Black Widow, Iron Man, The Hulk, and Thor all in one film, anticipation was high and there was going to be no shortage of action scenes.
For anyone planning on seeing The Avengers, make sure to brush up and watch Thor and Captain America beforehand. Some of the early scenes can be a bit hard to follow because references to those previous films are made throughout the beginning. The first few opening scenes, which set the movie and plot in motion, can be a bit hard to follow but it picks up and becomes easy to follow after that point.
Once the opening scenes are finished, the tone of the action of the film is set with a big fight sequence featuring The Black Widow (played by Scarlett Johannsson). Johhansson does an incredible job setting up the character for future scenes and the fight scenes foreshadow the battles yet to come.
There isn't a strong storyline to the film as there was in the films leading up to this but you still feel an emotionally attached to the characters as the film progresses. Early on, Chris Evans, who plays Steve Rogers and Captain American, is frustrated after being asleep for 70 years underneath ice and has trouble coming to terms with missing out on a large chunk of history. Robert Downey Jr. plays Tony Stark aka Iron Man very similar to the previous two films and his banter with the other characters leads to some entertaining moments. Chris Helmsworth is believable as Thor once again and Tom Hiddleston's portrayal of the evil Loki can give the audience goosebumps.
One pleasant surprise to the cast was the addition of Mark Ruffalo, who replaced Edward Norton as Bruce Banner aka The Hulk. Norton did an incredible job playing Banner in 2008's The Incredible Hulk but was replaced by Ruffalo when Norton and the studio could not come to an agreement. Ruffalo does have a good reputation in the industry and his portrayal was a little different from Norton's on the Bruce Banner character. Norton made the character intellectual, confident and action packed and while Ruffalo made the character more intellectual. Ruffalo's portrayal brought out more of the scientist in the Bruce Banner character and made for a great addition to the cast.
Another great addition to the cast is Jeremy Renner, who plays Agent Clint Renner and Hawkeye. Renner had a brief cameo in Thor but the character was more developed in this film. Renner brings grit and toughness to the character and makes a nice addition to the cast.
As the movie progresses, the characters do develop and the emotions are felt throughout the film. During a conflict with Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson), it is easy to feel the emotions the characters and it brings back the distrust the characters have for Fury at times. This is an element that is often played in the comics and done well for the screen.
Being a native Clevelander, I was excited to see the scenes involving East. 9th Street and Public Square. Having walked in those areas numerous times, it is easy to distinguish the scenes that were shot in Public Square and East 9th and the Terminal Tower is visible in a couple of the shots.
While the storyline is not as strong as in some of the movies prior to this, the action sequences and comic relief make the film enjoyable and fun to watch. The fight scenes do not feel excessive and drive the key points of the film. The movie has been worth the wait and worth the admission.
Grade: A
For anyone planning on seeing The Avengers, make sure to brush up and watch Thor and Captain America beforehand. Some of the early scenes can be a bit hard to follow because references to those previous films are made throughout the beginning. The first few opening scenes, which set the movie and plot in motion, can be a bit hard to follow but it picks up and becomes easy to follow after that point.
Once the opening scenes are finished, the tone of the action of the film is set with a big fight sequence featuring The Black Widow (played by Scarlett Johannsson). Johhansson does an incredible job setting up the character for future scenes and the fight scenes foreshadow the battles yet to come.
There isn't a strong storyline to the film as there was in the films leading up to this but you still feel an emotionally attached to the characters as the film progresses. Early on, Chris Evans, who plays Steve Rogers and Captain American, is frustrated after being asleep for 70 years underneath ice and has trouble coming to terms with missing out on a large chunk of history. Robert Downey Jr. plays Tony Stark aka Iron Man very similar to the previous two films and his banter with the other characters leads to some entertaining moments. Chris Helmsworth is believable as Thor once again and Tom Hiddleston's portrayal of the evil Loki can give the audience goosebumps.
One pleasant surprise to the cast was the addition of Mark Ruffalo, who replaced Edward Norton as Bruce Banner aka The Hulk. Norton did an incredible job playing Banner in 2008's The Incredible Hulk but was replaced by Ruffalo when Norton and the studio could not come to an agreement. Ruffalo does have a good reputation in the industry and his portrayal was a little different from Norton's on the Bruce Banner character. Norton made the character intellectual, confident and action packed and while Ruffalo made the character more intellectual. Ruffalo's portrayal brought out more of the scientist in the Bruce Banner character and made for a great addition to the cast.
Another great addition to the cast is Jeremy Renner, who plays Agent Clint Renner and Hawkeye. Renner had a brief cameo in Thor but the character was more developed in this film. Renner brings grit and toughness to the character and makes a nice addition to the cast.
As the movie progresses, the characters do develop and the emotions are felt throughout the film. During a conflict with Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson), it is easy to feel the emotions the characters and it brings back the distrust the characters have for Fury at times. This is an element that is often played in the comics and done well for the screen.
Being a native Clevelander, I was excited to see the scenes involving East. 9th Street and Public Square. Having walked in those areas numerous times, it is easy to distinguish the scenes that were shot in Public Square and East 9th and the Terminal Tower is visible in a couple of the shots.
While the storyline is not as strong as in some of the movies prior to this, the action sequences and comic relief make the film enjoyable and fun to watch. The fight scenes do not feel excessive and drive the key points of the film. The movie has been worth the wait and worth the admission.
Grade: A
Saturday, April 14, 2012
The Key to Adjusting to Life Outside of College: Getting Out and Meeting People!
Making the transition from college life to young professional is not an easy transition. Going from being a full time student to a full time member of the workforce can be rough and one of the hardest adjustments to make in life. The move from being surrounded by your friends and classes on a daily basis gets replaced by getting up and going to work and it can be a scary transition to make. Making the transition is hard but not impossible.
When leaving college, the familiarity of campus, the people you see walking around the school on a daily basis, and your class schedule will be replaced by having to go to work, perform at your job and coming home at night. On paper, the transition may seem easy but it is an adjustment. Being away from your friends if you have to move away can be hard and starting over can be a hard experience.
On a personal note, I went from living in Columbus for four years of college to moving back to Cleveland and it was a tough transition. I had made some incredible friends while I was going to school at Otterbein and being away from them for the first several months was hard for me. I wasn't getting a chance to see them every day and while I had been back in the Cleveland area at times to visit relatives during my college years, I didn't have much of a friendship base there. I hadn't lived in the area since before I moved away and coming back was a bit rough.
After several months where I didn't go out much, I decided it was time to meet some new people. I started going to Cleveland 20/30 events and joined the Cleveland Hockey Boosters and participating with those groups helped lay the foundation for me to create a life outside of work. It gave me something to look forward to, helped me socialize with other people and gave me something to build upon.
Not too long after I started going to Cleveland 20/30 and Cleveland Hockey Boosters events, another hobby of mine started to take flight. I started to take pictures at Solon high school football games and what started out as a hobby has become a favorite activity of mine. It gave me something to look forward to and best of all, I have been able to meet some awesome people in the process.
It took me some time to understand this but getting out and meeting new people helped me create a life outside of work. As a result, I was able to adjust to life on the outside and it has provided me with a great lifestyle in the process.
When leaving college, the familiarity of campus, the people you see walking around the school on a daily basis, and your class schedule will be replaced by having to go to work, perform at your job and coming home at night. On paper, the transition may seem easy but it is an adjustment. Being away from your friends if you have to move away can be hard and starting over can be a hard experience.
On a personal note, I went from living in Columbus for four years of college to moving back to Cleveland and it was a tough transition. I had made some incredible friends while I was going to school at Otterbein and being away from them for the first several months was hard for me. I wasn't getting a chance to see them every day and while I had been back in the Cleveland area at times to visit relatives during my college years, I didn't have much of a friendship base there. I hadn't lived in the area since before I moved away and coming back was a bit rough.
After several months where I didn't go out much, I decided it was time to meet some new people. I started going to Cleveland 20/30 events and joined the Cleveland Hockey Boosters and participating with those groups helped lay the foundation for me to create a life outside of work. It gave me something to look forward to, helped me socialize with other people and gave me something to build upon.
Not too long after I started going to Cleveland 20/30 and Cleveland Hockey Boosters events, another hobby of mine started to take flight. I started to take pictures at Solon high school football games and what started out as a hobby has become a favorite activity of mine. It gave me something to look forward to and best of all, I have been able to meet some awesome people in the process.
It took me some time to understand this but getting out and meeting new people helped me create a life outside of work. As a result, I was able to adjust to life on the outside and it has provided me with a great lifestyle in the process.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Starting Your Day Off With A Positive Thought
My Facebook followers have often mentioned that they enjoy seeing some of the positive posts I put as my status. I usually put a "Happiness is" saying on there or some other words of wisdom. I started putting up "Happiness is" phrases just to post something and it has started to catch on.
Most recently, I started posting up words of inspiration in the mornings and it has slowly caught on. I usually post something in regards to being happy because I have coffee in my system or I am looking forward to getting what could be a good day started. I am usually happy in the mornings so I figured that sharing the feelings on Facebook wouldn't hurt.
Starting off the day can be rough but thinking of something positive while driving into work can be helpful. Thoughts can range from your passions, simple pleasures or what you have planned after work but taking a few moments to think of a simple happy thought can help get the day started right.
To think of a simple pleasure or phrase that is positive, take what LaVar Burton did on almost every episode of Reading Rainbow, the PBS television show that encouraged children to read. Growing up and watching the show occasionally, it always seemed like Burton started off each episode with a positive phrase. There was always a shot of him doing a simple task and he would say something like "There is nothing like a glass of cold lemonade on a hot day" or "there is nothing like a good book on a rainy afternoon" to start off the episode. I am sure there are more sayings Burton said on the show but he always started it off with a positive spin.
To get the day started right, think of a happy thought and spread it around!
Most recently, I started posting up words of inspiration in the mornings and it has slowly caught on. I usually post something in regards to being happy because I have coffee in my system or I am looking forward to getting what could be a good day started. I am usually happy in the mornings so I figured that sharing the feelings on Facebook wouldn't hurt.
Starting off the day can be rough but thinking of something positive while driving into work can be helpful. Thoughts can range from your passions, simple pleasures or what you have planned after work but taking a few moments to think of a simple happy thought can help get the day started right.
To think of a simple pleasure or phrase that is positive, take what LaVar Burton did on almost every episode of Reading Rainbow, the PBS television show that encouraged children to read. Growing up and watching the show occasionally, it always seemed like Burton started off each episode with a positive phrase. There was always a shot of him doing a simple task and he would say something like "There is nothing like a glass of cold lemonade on a hot day" or "there is nothing like a good book on a rainy afternoon" to start off the episode. I am sure there are more sayings Burton said on the show but he always started it off with a positive spin.
To get the day started right, think of a happy thought and spread it around!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Creating Balance Starts With Getting Out of the House
Creating a balance between work and personal life isn't always easy but it isn't impossible either. Having a balance helps create a lifestyle in which you can focus on work but leave it at work when you go home.
Balance isn't impossible to achieve and it starts with one simple concept; taking the time to get out of the house. Taking the time to relax at home can be beneficial but taking time to get out of the house and meeting new people or doing your hobbies can help create that balance.
Having a demanding job can be tough and it is easy to just want to come home and do nothing. Taking a couple of nights a week to yourself is okay but doing it too much can make it difficult to create a balance.
Below are some tips for finding time to get out of the house and enjoying life outside of work:
1) Plan when to do household chores in advance and stick with that schedule - Plan when you want to do your household chores such as cleaning, cooking, improvements, etc. in advance. If possible, try and plan a couple of jobs during the week so your weekends can be freed up for other opportunities.
2) Make time for your hobbies - Hobbies can help us relax outside of work and make time to do them. This will help you get out of the house, possibly meet others and provide something for you to look forward to
3) Plan times to meet with people in advance - If planning something last minute doesn't help, plan in advance! Take the time to plan time to meet up with friends and plan the times in advance if needed.
Balance isn't impossible to achieve and it starts with one simple concept; taking the time to get out of the house. Taking the time to relax at home can be beneficial but taking time to get out of the house and meeting new people or doing your hobbies can help create that balance.
Having a demanding job can be tough and it is easy to just want to come home and do nothing. Taking a couple of nights a week to yourself is okay but doing it too much can make it difficult to create a balance.
Below are some tips for finding time to get out of the house and enjoying life outside of work:
1) Plan when to do household chores in advance and stick with that schedule - Plan when you want to do your household chores such as cleaning, cooking, improvements, etc. in advance. If possible, try and plan a couple of jobs during the week so your weekends can be freed up for other opportunities.
2) Make time for your hobbies - Hobbies can help us relax outside of work and make time to do them. This will help you get out of the house, possibly meet others and provide something for you to look forward to
3) Plan times to meet with people in advance - If planning something last minute doesn't help, plan in advance! Take the time to plan time to meet up with friends and plan the times in advance if needed.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Key Rules To First Dates
Online dating continues to grow rapidly and getting the first date can make or break what happens next. Making a good first impression is important but not rocket science either.
Below are some first tips to setting up the first date and what to do on the day of:
1) Try Having a Phone Conversation With The Person First Before Setting Up a Time and Place to Meet - Arranging a meeting via e-mail is easy to do but you will want to make sure you can have a conversation with the person first. Someone may be comfortable e-mailing you back and forth but the two of you may not be able to have much of a conversation in person. Try setting up a phone conversation beforehand to see if the other person is someone you can talk to easily.
2) Pick a Place That Is Comfortable For Both of You - Picking a place that is familiar and comfortable for both of you will help make the first date more relaxing. This will help both of you settle in and begin a conversation.
3) Relax, Relax, Relax - It's okay to be a little nervous on a first date but remember to just relax and let the conversation flow. Building a good conversation can take a little skill at time but isn't as overbearing as it seems. Sit back, relax and enjoy your date for the evening.
4) Take Time to Get to Know the Other Person - Avoid babbling about yourself or random topics and focus your time on getting to know the other person. Find out what his or her interests are, what he or she likes to do and learn about that person. Take the time to listen and respond and you will develop a conversation.
Below are some first tips to setting up the first date and what to do on the day of:
1) Try Having a Phone Conversation With The Person First Before Setting Up a Time and Place to Meet - Arranging a meeting via e-mail is easy to do but you will want to make sure you can have a conversation with the person first. Someone may be comfortable e-mailing you back and forth but the two of you may not be able to have much of a conversation in person. Try setting up a phone conversation beforehand to see if the other person is someone you can talk to easily.
2) Pick a Place That Is Comfortable For Both of You - Picking a place that is familiar and comfortable for both of you will help make the first date more relaxing. This will help both of you settle in and begin a conversation.
3) Relax, Relax, Relax - It's okay to be a little nervous on a first date but remember to just relax and let the conversation flow. Building a good conversation can take a little skill at time but isn't as overbearing as it seems. Sit back, relax and enjoy your date for the evening.
4) Take Time to Get to Know the Other Person - Avoid babbling about yourself or random topics and focus your time on getting to know the other person. Find out what his or her interests are, what he or she likes to do and learn about that person. Take the time to listen and respond and you will develop a conversation.
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