If You Are... new to reading these Blogs...WELCOME!
Did you know? METRO STATE has the 2nd Largest Undergraduate student population in the State of Colorado? --Providing high-quality and Colorado’s best value in higher education.
Even though we are a Commuter Campus and we come from all walks of life. We attend METRO because we all know we have the potential and the ability to become GREAT!
I am excited to be a part of the Apprentice Challenge because I have always been a hands-on learner and what better opportunity to apply what I have learned than this challenge. As I mentioned in my application, the reason I want to be a part of this challenge was to see if I was ready for the Real World?
Opportunities like this is what METRO is all about... we are urban college campus central to Downtown Denver, a breeding ground for real life experiences (even though many of us, work 30-40 hour jobs and go to school full-time)!
If there is anything you get out of this BLOG... I want you to put yourself in my shoes while take on these challenges... the late night planning, the numerous phone calls, Plan A, B, C, & D, meetings galore and the satisfaction or disappointment (whatever the emotion maybe) of your bright idea being put into action...Oh and I forgot one last thing, the anticipation of the outcome.
This is me in the Apprentice Challenge, but what would I be without this opportunity?? I dunno. I guess I would still be day-dreaming about whether I was ready or good enough to take on a challenge--I would still be questioning whether I should take a chance on myself. Well I did.
This is why I like METRO: Its more than attending class and paying expensive parking fees. Its's the ability to take a chance on yourself--As if behind closed eyelids, we barely began to see.
I thank you for taking time to check out the Apprentice Challenge. Follow me as I tell crazy stories, you'll laugh (my friend Felicia does) and you get to hear what bright ideas we have!
Stay Tuned on this awesome adventure... I'll be sure to keep it lively!
Signing off... JESSE MARTINEZ... Until Next Time Roadrunners...
Friday, February 27, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
15 DAY C O U N T D O W N to E-CYCLE!
3, 2, 1.... { LAUNCH }: Hello Everyone, today we are beginning our "Countdown"
For Immediate Release: 15 Day Countdown to E-Cycling 40 Tons of E-Waste: Residents encouraged to Recycle TVs and other E-Waste to keep electronics out of local landfills.
From Now until March 7th: Follow us ("The Contenders") as we countdown each day, unvieling facts, updates, and amazing prizes through the following online social media sites:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/EcycleCountdown
Blogspot: http://ecyclecountdown.blogspot.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ecyclecountdown
By joining, you'll be the first to Preview of our Video & Possibly Win a Prize!
Our Goal:
500 Car Visits
Recycle 40 tons of E-Waste equivalent to 80,000 lbs
Recycle 1000 Screens (Television & Monitors)
Educate and Engage over 800 citizens about E-Cycling and E-Waste
The Buzz?: See what all the BUZZ is about... Join our sites and see what we got up our sleeves... it's interesting.
NEXT... More News at Ecyclecountdown.blogspot.com & twitter.com/Ecyclecountdown
For Immediate Release: 15 Day Countdown to E-Cycling 40 Tons of E-Waste: Residents encouraged to Recycle TVs and other E-Waste to keep electronics out of local landfills.
From Now until March 7th: Follow us ("The Contenders") as we countdown each day, unvieling facts, updates, and amazing prizes through the following online social media sites:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/EcycleCountdown
Blogspot: http://ecyclecountdown.blogspot.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ecyclecountdown
By joining, you'll be the first to Preview of our Video & Possibly Win a Prize!
Our Goal:
500 Car Visits
Recycle 40 tons of E-Waste equivalent to 80,000 lbs
Recycle 1000 Screens (Television & Monitors)
Educate and Engage over 800 citizens about E-Cycling and E-Waste
The Buzz?: See what all the BUZZ is about... Join our sites and see what we got up our sleeves... it's interesting.
NEXT... More News at Ecyclecountdown.blogspot.com & twitter.com/Ecyclecountdown
Update!
All in a Days Work: Today Erik, Felipe and I met up at our Rally site to check out our location and take a few video shots. Even though we had our game faces on, we couldn't help but poke fun at ourselves in front of the camera. From suttering to being blinded in the eyes by the sun, we maintained our cool but some how we looked goofy carrying around our hand-held video camera, as if we knew what we were doing :) Hey maybe we'll even include a bloopers video for all of you to see, but don't bet on it (We're professionals, K)
Lunch: After spending 3 hours at our mini-video shoot, we were exhausted by our beginning stardom... No, not really we were just hungry! We ended up heading back to campus and eating at a nearby Mexican restaurant (the one across from the Light Rail station and next to the Starbucks) I'm only explaining because I forgot the name, but it was good.
Have you ever had a Sopapilla?: Well as we begin working together, we learn a little bit about each other. What I learned was how funny Erik really is... if we do ever do the blooper video, you'll see! He's a rock star in front of the camera and has never had a Sopapilla. If YOU too have never had a Sopapilla , you can experience the amazing moment just like Erik when he bit into a freshly made, honey drenched Sopapilla... DELICIOUS! See already we're getting to know each other, just like Erik!!
Blurbs during Lunch: Team name will be "The Contenders," Felipe thinks he might have left his binder at our Rally site at I-25 and Dry Creek (and we are on campus... oh no!), Got to head to the Alumni office to meet Janell and fax, Maybe we should take back a sopapilla for Janell, and finally... "Can we have some more chips and salsa!"
NEXT... 1 Hour left as we begin our 15 Day Countdown to E-Cycling 40 Tons of E-Waste!... STAY TUNED!!
Lunch: After spending 3 hours at our mini-video shoot, we were exhausted by our beginning stardom... No, not really we were just hungry! We ended up heading back to campus and eating at a nearby Mexican restaurant (the one across from the Light Rail station and next to the Starbucks) I'm only explaining because I forgot the name, but it was good.
Have you ever had a Sopapilla?: Well as we begin working together, we learn a little bit about each other. What I learned was how funny Erik really is... if we do ever do the blooper video, you'll see! He's a rock star in front of the camera and has never had a Sopapilla. If YOU too have never had a Sopapilla , you can experience the amazing moment just like Erik when he bit into a freshly made, honey drenched Sopapilla... DELICIOUS! See already we're getting to know each other, just like Erik!!
Blurbs during Lunch: Team name will be "The Contenders," Felipe thinks he might have left his binder at our Rally site at I-25 and Dry Creek (and we are on campus... oh no!), Got to head to the Alumni office to meet Janell and fax, Maybe we should take back a sopapilla for Janell, and finally... "Can we have some more chips and salsa!"
NEXT... 1 Hour left as we begin our 15 Day Countdown to E-Cycling 40 Tons of E-Waste!... STAY TUNED!!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Rolling Out Project 2
E-Cycling: Is the name of the game. On Friday, we began Project 2. Working with Comcast, we will be assisting the cable company with reaching out to our assigned communities to inform citizens about the "E-Waste, ECO Rally" on March 7th from 7am-12pm. The purpose of the rally is to allow residents the opportunity to properly dispose of any E-Waste or Electronic waste at no charge!
Without events like the "E-Waste Rally" electronics like Televisions, Computers, VCRs, and other electronics would be normally be deposited into our city landfills, potentially causing harm to our health and environment due to the toxicity of E-waste.
Did you know??: A single TV may contain up to 8 pounds of Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Beryllium, and a host of other elements.
Did you also know??: E-waste accounts for 2% of the municipal waste stream, but its contribution as toxic waste is 70%.
A Few Good Gentlemen: For this challenge we were broken into our teams... the outcome... Boys verses Girls. Because Erik and Felipe were team leads for Project 1, I was automatically chosen to lead this challenge so... good luck ladies... Game On.
Our Location: The Guys team will be assigned to assist the rally at the Comcast Office at I-25 and Dry Creek. Our role is to invite area residents to dispose of their E-Waste at this location. Our goal is yet to be determined, but for now all you got to know is where the location of our Rally is going to be held...
Do you got a Pen?... What about a piece of Paper?: Please join us at: 183 Inverness Drive West on March 7th for our E-Waste, ECO-Rally! It will be fun and environmentally wise!
Please stay tuned...
Without events like the "E-Waste Rally" electronics like Televisions, Computers, VCRs, and other electronics would be normally be deposited into our city landfills, potentially causing harm to our health and environment due to the toxicity of E-waste.Did you know??: A single TV may contain up to 8 pounds of Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Beryllium, and a host of other elements.
Did you also know??: E-waste accounts for 2% of the municipal waste stream, but its contribution as toxic waste is 70%.
A Few Good Gentlemen: For this challenge we were broken into our teams... the outcome... Boys verses Girls. Because Erik and Felipe were team leads for Project 1, I was automatically chosen to lead this challenge so... good luck ladies... Game On.
Our Location: The Guys team will be assigned to assist the rally at the Comcast Office at I-25 and Dry Creek. Our role is to invite area residents to dispose of their E-Waste at this location. Our goal is yet to be determined, but for now all you got to know is where the location of our Rally is going to be held...
Do you got a Pen?... What about a piece of Paper?: Please join us at: 183 Inverness Drive West on March 7th for our E-Waste, ECO-Rally! It will be fun and environmentally wise!
Please stay tuned...
~As we roll out Project 2 and begin interacting via online. Follow us as we court our challenge and keep you informed every step of the way! ~
Until next time, Roadrunners!
Until next time, Roadrunners!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Skiing... So I'm not a Pro!
Our Reward Continued: After hearing that our reward was a ride on the SKI TRAIN to Winter Park to go skiing... I thought well done it before once so maybe its like riding a bike? NOT.
Rallying the Troops: In our reward package, we recieved a ticket on the SKI TRAIN, Free Rental Equpitment, and our lift ticket. Not really reading my packet, the idea popped into my head Saturday mid-day, that I should!
In reading my packet I found out that I needed to pick up my ski rental by 8:00pm. Thinking my compadres didn't read there stuff either I texted my fellow challengers stating "hav u pickd up ur ski rentals?"
In reply, my phone buzzes with texts!
"No, what do ya' mean?" Rallying the troops to get their ski rentals I alerted my amigos before the store closed. But, for me I ran out of time because I had to go to work! So I had to rent my skiis in Winter Park!
Early Morning: Freaking out because at the last minute I decided to find my ski pants, I rampaged through my drawers and possible places (thinking if I were my ski pants where would be?) Remembering I packed them in a box of clothes I rarely need, I found them!
All Aboard: Arriving at Union Station I walk in to find Felipe just ahead of me. Bundled from head to toe, we boarded Car #7 to find our seats! The ride took approximately 2 hours or so and the train even had a food car where you can purchase hot chocolate, coffee and breakfast burritos. Chantay, Felipe and Mr. Anderson all went to get food. I got a breakfast burrito and a hot chocolate. We all sat down in at a table and talked. Being bundled and sipping on my hot chocolate wasn't the best combo--I was burning up! One thing I most enjoyed about the train was the scenic views and before I knew it we were 5 Minutes away from Winter Park.
Winter Park: We arrived and it was cold! Walking to the resort we all scurried to get lockers. For me I had to find where the ski rental shop was so I could rent my skis. Taking about 25 minutes I got sized up and walked out in my boots to stick my bag in my locker.
Ready to Ski: Walking with our skis to the bunny slope, we got tips from Mr. Anderson aka Joshua on how to ski. Hearing phrases of "french fries" to "break like a pizza" I decided to take to "the slope" aka "the bunny hill." Having skied once before, I thought I could manage.
The Skiing Experience: We were all beginners and the day was all about staying on our two skis and for some their board. Having control was another objective for the day. After attempting a few runs, we helped one another learn how to ski. Chantay and Felipe have never skied before, but they definately worked at it!
After Lunch: Eating lunch at DOC's shack or "??" we had the bright idea of hitting the mountain. With support from Mr. Anderson he coached us on taking the lift and identifying our "Easy" slope. Chantay and I rode with Joshua telling us the in's and out's of exiting our lift chair.... "Poles in one hand, prepare to stand, stand, lift pushes you a little and your off!"
On the Mountain: When we arrived the slopes looked pretty level for us. Chantay and I thought this was the next best thing to the bunny hill. Waiting for Felipe, Cindy and her sister we examined which way we wanted to head down or more like which way were we suppose to go?
The Slope: So we met up with our counterparts and they weren't ready to ski yet. So Chantay and I decided to ski the slope. You got to remember this is Chantay's first time and she is still mastering the pizza break. For me I was trying to master the control my my speed. Skiing past me, Chantay heads down the slope. I follow her and she breaks. Thinking we should wait to see when Felipe and the others are coming down we head toward their ski area. Skiing to their direction we notice it was getting a little steep. Going first I realized it was STEEP! Going down the hill I crashed and burned, I didn't know I was that flexible...Comotion of arms, legs, skis and poles :) Laughing from up above me is Chantay not even wanting to head down the steep hill we came to a full realization that this was STEEP!
Our Volunteer Guide: Seeing both of us, a volunteer ski guide watched us from across the slope. Skiing to me after my crash and burn, we await Chantay's decent. I ask her about the level of slope and she said it was fairly easy. She ends up telling Chantay and I if we want to take an easy route to go up a ski lift just below us and take Mounting Flats or Billy Bob something trail.
Practice doesn't neccessarily mean Perfect?:
We take her advise and ski to the ski lift so that we can return to where we started. Thinking we took the wrong slope for our level, we took a seat on the lift to hit the easy slope.
Getting ready to exit the chair, Chantay loses her poles and I look to see where they go. Thinking on instinct, I remember Joshua's steps on exiting the lift... Poles in one hand, ready to stand, stand, lift pushes you a little and your off!--Wait we totally missed the first step. So thinking I better stand up and take off, the lift chair was already making a turn and it body slams me to the snow--Ouch!!
Picking my head up, all I see is the bottom of Chantay's skis. Laughing uncontrollably, Chantay, the Ski Lift guy and I couldn't catch our breaths from laughing. Chantay was ok and so was I. Getting ourselves together, the ski lift guys says "You guys had a rough start" and that wasn't the end of this story either.
Skiing... So I'm not a Pro!: Heading on our way we took to the easy slope. Skiing first, I state "We should head in this direction" while Chantay says "We should go the other way, it says easy." Thinking we could do it, I put us on another steep slope--one that reminded me of a waterslide. So Chantay is like "No...not doing it." So I take my skis off and we walk up the hill where the easy slope begins. As we click on our skis, Chantay says "she's going to lead" so I follow. Asking for our next easy slope, the ski lift girl tells us that's it... following her pointing gesture, our eyes are set on a steep slope for our journey down the mountain. Knowing there was no way we were going to get off the mountain with out a steep hill I embraced the "pizza break." Falling a few times. We ended up down the mountain making our final slope, the bunny hill. Thinking about it we probably spent a good hour or more on the mountain trying to get down.
Boots Off, Shoes On: Glad to be back on the leveled ground, we headed to our lockers to change into shoes. Using every muscle to "pizza break," I was exhausted and already feeling sore.
Heading Home: Meeting up on Car #7, we fell right into our seats for a welcoming 2 hour ride back home. Felipe and I decided to head to food car and get something to eat. Upon getting our food, we sat down to talk. Talking all the way home we reflected on our Food Bank challenge and the funny moments of day. As I thought about it, I realized the signficance of this experience. Many times in my political science courses we talk about democracy and this idea of individualism. I realize we must find ourselves out of nothing, but why is it so hard to relate. If we are to keep an open mind about different lifestyles and opinons than all we need to do is share. Everytime I have the opportunity to sit down and get to know my fellow challenges and staff. I began to learn how simple we really are, even though we may hold titles or be seen as "bossy" there is a whole history to our individualism. We have great stories to tell and there is an illumination behind our words when we speak. I am glad to be a part of this experience because for the first time I feel like I can be open and share the real me.
Next.... Project 2 Kickoff: My Team!!
Rallying the Troops: In our reward package, we recieved a ticket on the SKI TRAIN, Free Rental Equpitment, and our lift ticket. Not really reading my packet, the idea popped into my head Saturday mid-day, that I should!
In reading my packet I found out that I needed to pick up my ski rental by 8:00pm. Thinking my compadres didn't read there stuff either I texted my fellow challengers stating "hav u pickd up ur ski rentals?"
In reply, my phone buzzes with texts!
"No, what do ya' mean?" Rallying the troops to get their ski rentals I alerted my amigos before the store closed. But, for me I ran out of time because I had to go to work! So I had to rent my skiis in Winter Park!
Early Morning: Freaking out because at the last minute I decided to find my ski pants, I rampaged through my drawers and possible places (thinking if I were my ski pants where would be?) Remembering I packed them in a box of clothes I rarely need, I found them!
All Aboard: Arriving at Union Station I walk in to find Felipe just ahead of me. Bundled from head to toe, we boarded Car #7 to find our seats! The ride took approximately 2 hours or so and the train even had a food car where you can purchase hot chocolate, coffee and breakfast burritos. Chantay, Felipe and Mr. Anderson all went to get food. I got a breakfast burrito and a hot chocolate. We all sat down in at a table and talked. Being bundled and sipping on my hot chocolate wasn't the best combo--I was burning up! One thing I most enjoyed about the train was the scenic views and before I knew it we were 5 Minutes away from Winter Park.
Winter Park: We arrived and it was cold! Walking to the resort we all scurried to get lockers. For me I had to find where the ski rental shop was so I could rent my skis. Taking about 25 minutes I got sized up and walked out in my boots to stick my bag in my locker.
Ready to Ski: Walking with our skis to the bunny slope, we got tips from Mr. Anderson aka Joshua on how to ski. Hearing phrases of "french fries" to "break like a pizza" I decided to take to "the slope" aka "the bunny hill." Having skied once before, I thought I could manage.
The Skiing Experience: We were all beginners and the day was all about staying on our two skis and for some their board. Having control was another objective for the day. After attempting a few runs, we helped one another learn how to ski. Chantay and Felipe have never skied before, but they definately worked at it!
After Lunch: Eating lunch at DOC's shack or "??" we had the bright idea of hitting the mountain. With support from Mr. Anderson he coached us on taking the lift and identifying our "Easy" slope. Chantay and I rode with Joshua telling us the in's and out's of exiting our lift chair.... "Poles in one hand, prepare to stand, stand, lift pushes you a little and your off!"
On the Mountain: When we arrived the slopes looked pretty level for us. Chantay and I thought this was the next best thing to the bunny hill. Waiting for Felipe, Cindy and her sister we examined which way we wanted to head down or more like which way were we suppose to go?
The Slope: So we met up with our counterparts and they weren't ready to ski yet. So Chantay and I decided to ski the slope. You got to remember this is Chantay's first time and she is still mastering the pizza break. For me I was trying to master the control my my speed. Skiing past me, Chantay heads down the slope. I follow her and she breaks. Thinking we should wait to see when Felipe and the others are coming down we head toward their ski area. Skiing to their direction we notice it was getting a little steep. Going first I realized it was STEEP! Going down the hill I crashed and burned, I didn't know I was that flexible...Comotion of arms, legs, skis and poles :) Laughing from up above me is Chantay not even wanting to head down the steep hill we came to a full realization that this was STEEP!
Our Volunteer Guide: Seeing both of us, a volunteer ski guide watched us from across the slope. Skiing to me after my crash and burn, we await Chantay's decent. I ask her about the level of slope and she said it was fairly easy. She ends up telling Chantay and I if we want to take an easy route to go up a ski lift just below us and take Mounting Flats or Billy Bob something trail.
Practice doesn't neccessarily mean Perfect?:
We take her advise and ski to the ski lift so that we can return to where we started. Thinking we took the wrong slope for our level, we took a seat on the lift to hit the easy slope.
Getting ready to exit the chair, Chantay loses her poles and I look to see where they go. Thinking on instinct, I remember Joshua's steps on exiting the lift... Poles in one hand, ready to stand, stand, lift pushes you a little and your off!--Wait we totally missed the first step. So thinking I better stand up and take off, the lift chair was already making a turn and it body slams me to the snow--Ouch!!
Picking my head up, all I see is the bottom of Chantay's skis. Laughing uncontrollably, Chantay, the Ski Lift guy and I couldn't catch our breaths from laughing. Chantay was ok and so was I. Getting ourselves together, the ski lift guys says "You guys had a rough start" and that wasn't the end of this story either.
Skiing... So I'm not a Pro!: Heading on our way we took to the easy slope. Skiing first, I state "We should head in this direction" while Chantay says "We should go the other way, it says easy." Thinking we could do it, I put us on another steep slope--one that reminded me of a waterslide. So Chantay is like "No...not doing it." So I take my skis off and we walk up the hill where the easy slope begins. As we click on our skis, Chantay says "she's going to lead" so I follow. Asking for our next easy slope, the ski lift girl tells us that's it... following her pointing gesture, our eyes are set on a steep slope for our journey down the mountain. Knowing there was no way we were going to get off the mountain with out a steep hill I embraced the "pizza break." Falling a few times. We ended up down the mountain making our final slope, the bunny hill. Thinking about it we probably spent a good hour or more on the mountain trying to get down.
Boots Off, Shoes On: Glad to be back on the leveled ground, we headed to our lockers to change into shoes. Using every muscle to "pizza break," I was exhausted and already feeling sore.
Heading Home: Meeting up on Car #7, we fell right into our seats for a welcoming 2 hour ride back home. Felipe and I decided to head to food car and get something to eat. Upon getting our food, we sat down to talk. Talking all the way home we reflected on our Food Bank challenge and the funny moments of day. As I thought about it, I realized the signficance of this experience. Many times in my political science courses we talk about democracy and this idea of individualism. I realize we must find ourselves out of nothing, but why is it so hard to relate. If we are to keep an open mind about different lifestyles and opinons than all we need to do is share. Everytime I have the opportunity to sit down and get to know my fellow challenges and staff. I began to learn how simple we really are, even though we may hold titles or be seen as "bossy" there is a whole history to our individualism. We have great stories to tell and there is an illumination behind our words when we speak. I am glad to be a part of this experience because for the first time I feel like I can be open and share the real me.
Next.... Project 2 Kickoff: My Team!!
The Culmination, Part Dos!
Getting to Know my Team: Wow, what a concept! As we held our brainstorming meetings it became apparent that we were headed in the right direction. Even though our ideas were scattered I know we were going to work hard to develop a strategic plan for the Food Bank.
My partner In Crime: First impressions matter to some but for others who look beyond this facade I uncovered my partner in crime (for now) just kidding...Rachel.Working on our tasks at hand, we feed off of eachothers ideas and even laughter. There came a point during our 8 hour brainstorming Sunday that we became a little looney. Messing around on Pandora, Rachel became our DJ. Feeling a little Lionle Richie she played "Hello," I have never laughed this hard in a l...o...n....g time. Tears that's all I got to say! Our laughter was contagious to the point we couldn't look at eachother while the song still play in the background. I don't think I will ever think of Lionel the same!It was fun and we got a lot of work done. But, most of all I was glad that I got to meet and work with the person I know as Rachel. It is more than a first impression that we must walk away with when shaking a hand or smiling across the room because you'll never know if it will be your friend for life or partner in crime :) And when I mean partner in crime I mean "buddy."
Wrapping up one not-so-late night: With only 16 hours before our presentation, the group met to review our strategic plan. Seeing that we still needed to work on the Executive summary, Mission, Vision and other statements we divided into pairs to work on these unfinished items.
Tic Toc, Tic Toc! Next... The powerpoint. Inputting the data into the powerpoint was the next step. Although Rachel led the way in formatting the late night was creeping slowly upon us.
The Debate... Who's going to get the powerpoint printed... I volunteered all along, but others wanted to as well. In the end, I researched the location and costs and headed to the nearest Kinkos for a 12:00am print job! My partner in crime was with me so it really wasn't too bad but we were getting a little sleepy. My only concern was having bags under my eyes at the presentation... not really...but I thought about it :)
The Presentation: Everyone looked good and we had all our stuff ready. Awaiting minutes until we presented we were ready to rock 'n' roll! As we individually presented our piece there was a reflection of accomplishment. We were actually helping the food bank become a self-sustaining organization.
The End: We received great feedback from our panel! They encourage cohesion of ideas and more tools they can use to further support their organization. Overall, we did great for our first project. But, this would be the last time we will work as a group because on project 2 we will be split into 2 groups! Let the competition begin...
Our Reward: A ride on the Ski Train to go skiing at Winter Park!! Whoo hooo!
UP NEXT.... Skiing--What it means to be a beginner!
My partner In Crime: First impressions matter to some but for others who look beyond this facade I uncovered my partner in crime (for now) just kidding...Rachel.Working on our tasks at hand, we feed off of eachothers ideas and even laughter. There came a point during our 8 hour brainstorming Sunday that we became a little looney. Messing around on Pandora, Rachel became our DJ. Feeling a little Lionle Richie she played "Hello," I have never laughed this hard in a l...o...n....g time. Tears that's all I got to say! Our laughter was contagious to the point we couldn't look at eachother while the song still play in the background. I don't think I will ever think of Lionel the same!It was fun and we got a lot of work done. But, most of all I was glad that I got to meet and work with the person I know as Rachel. It is more than a first impression that we must walk away with when shaking a hand or smiling across the room because you'll never know if it will be your friend for life or partner in crime :) And when I mean partner in crime I mean "buddy."
Wrapping up one not-so-late night: With only 16 hours before our presentation, the group met to review our strategic plan. Seeing that we still needed to work on the Executive summary, Mission, Vision and other statements we divided into pairs to work on these unfinished items.
Tic Toc, Tic Toc! Next... The powerpoint. Inputting the data into the powerpoint was the next step. Although Rachel led the way in formatting the late night was creeping slowly upon us.
The Debate... Who's going to get the powerpoint printed... I volunteered all along, but others wanted to as well. In the end, I researched the location and costs and headed to the nearest Kinkos for a 12:00am print job! My partner in crime was with me so it really wasn't too bad but we were getting a little sleepy. My only concern was having bags under my eyes at the presentation... not really...but I thought about it :)
The Presentation: Everyone looked good and we had all our stuff ready. Awaiting minutes until we presented we were ready to rock 'n' roll! As we individually presented our piece there was a reflection of accomplishment. We were actually helping the food bank become a self-sustaining organization.
The End: We received great feedback from our panel! They encourage cohesion of ideas and more tools they can use to further support their organization. Overall, we did great for our first project. But, this would be the last time we will work as a group because on project 2 we will be split into 2 groups! Let the competition begin...
Our Reward: A ride on the Ski Train to go skiing at Winter Park!! Whoo hooo!
UP NEXT.... Skiing--What it means to be a beginner!
The Culmination, Part Uno!
Hey Everyone,
My journey has long begun! So far its been a fun exciting time meeting my apprentice contenders. I have learned to work with various people with various skill sets and leadership styles.
Speaking of style, I had to find me a suit for the January 16th, Apprentice Challenge Kickoff. This was definately a wake-up call, but not really and I will tell you why! I recently moved my mother and my little sister from Grand Junction, CO this past fall. Before then, I was living in a studio apartment on my own for five years. My life was simple then. Meaning I was living on pasta and my favorite choice of meat...chicken. I occasionally visited my ma' and lil' sis in Grand Junction and every time I did I ate homemade cooking! Delicious!!So this leads me to my wake-up call. So when I was finding a suit for the Apprentice Challenge Kickoff, I came to the realization I have gained a few pounds. Living with my ma' again I have been eating pretty well! Overall, my date for the night had the same issue! So my advice for gaining some pounds before an event...always wear black :)
THE KICKOFF: I meet a lot of interesting people at the kickoff. Some attached to the program and others that have sponsored our work. When introducing myself I practiced ahead of time with my date and blew it at the the mic... a little stutter. But, overall I thought the ladies did better than us guys.
THE CHALLENGE: For our very first challenge we have the opportunity to create a strategic plan for the Metro State Food Bank! As a person interested in sociology I see things in a functional perspective. When designing a program you have to keep in mind how your program is going to operate and whether its going to be effective. Focusing on 4 areas of the strategic plan, I chose communications. Tasks associated with Communications included: Designing a website and marketing materials for the Food Bank.
RESEARCH: Having volunteered at the Food Bank of the Rockies, I woke up to a dead phone because my charger was never plugged into the outlet. I knew I was scheduled to meet Felipe at the Food Bank of Rockies @ 9:00am. I ran a little late but I stopped to get us a Starbucks. When I got there I met Olive, a nice lady who coordinated the volunteers. I filled out my application while sipping on my hot coffee and begin to learn about teammate Felipe. As we folded letters to be mailed, we talked about our interests and pursuits. After we were done I scheduled a meeting with Agency Relations to learn about the benefits of partnering with the Food Bank of the Rockies and how they support their partner agencies. Olive told me the Agency Relations staff were away from their offices, but that I could speak with Lee.
Pointing Me In The Right Direction: Lee Boteler works for Kids Cafe, a program that provides a backpack of food for over 400 students a week in the Denver Metro Area. They also run a program that provides food for students in before and after school programs. When talking with Lee he told me about how he runs his program. Simular in size to the Metro State Food bank, I correlated the numbers of Kids Cafe to the Metro State Food Bank, giving us base for costs associated with food purchase per week. Lee also connected me with LaDonna, a woman with a wealth of information. LaDonna provided Felipe and I information about The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). TEFAP is a governmental assistance program that provides emergency food to indivduals and their families based on need. Since approximately 37.4 % of students at Metro are Pell Grant eligible, over 8, 000 are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and could potentially qualifiy for TEFAP reducing Metro State Food Bank costs based on this program. Good News!!
But... More research to be continued!
Posted by Jesse at 10:10 PM
My journey has long begun! So far its been a fun exciting time meeting my apprentice contenders. I have learned to work with various people with various skill sets and leadership styles.
Speaking of style, I had to find me a suit for the January 16th, Apprentice Challenge Kickoff. This was definately a wake-up call, but not really and I will tell you why! I recently moved my mother and my little sister from Grand Junction, CO this past fall. Before then, I was living in a studio apartment on my own for five years. My life was simple then. Meaning I was living on pasta and my favorite choice of meat...chicken. I occasionally visited my ma' and lil' sis in Grand Junction and every time I did I ate homemade cooking! Delicious!!So this leads me to my wake-up call. So when I was finding a suit for the Apprentice Challenge Kickoff, I came to the realization I have gained a few pounds. Living with my ma' again I have been eating pretty well! Overall, my date for the night had the same issue! So my advice for gaining some pounds before an event...always wear black :)
THE KICKOFF: I meet a lot of interesting people at the kickoff. Some attached to the program and others that have sponsored our work. When introducing myself I practiced ahead of time with my date and blew it at the the mic... a little stutter. But, overall I thought the ladies did better than us guys.
THE CHALLENGE: For our very first challenge we have the opportunity to create a strategic plan for the Metro State Food Bank! As a person interested in sociology I see things in a functional perspective. When designing a program you have to keep in mind how your program is going to operate and whether its going to be effective. Focusing on 4 areas of the strategic plan, I chose communications. Tasks associated with Communications included: Designing a website and marketing materials for the Food Bank.
RESEARCH: Having volunteered at the Food Bank of the Rockies, I woke up to a dead phone because my charger was never plugged into the outlet. I knew I was scheduled to meet Felipe at the Food Bank of Rockies @ 9:00am. I ran a little late but I stopped to get us a Starbucks. When I got there I met Olive, a nice lady who coordinated the volunteers. I filled out my application while sipping on my hot coffee and begin to learn about teammate Felipe. As we folded letters to be mailed, we talked about our interests and pursuits. After we were done I scheduled a meeting with Agency Relations to learn about the benefits of partnering with the Food Bank of the Rockies and how they support their partner agencies. Olive told me the Agency Relations staff were away from their offices, but that I could speak with Lee.
Pointing Me In The Right Direction: Lee Boteler works for Kids Cafe, a program that provides a backpack of food for over 400 students a week in the Denver Metro Area. They also run a program that provides food for students in before and after school programs. When talking with Lee he told me about how he runs his program. Simular in size to the Metro State Food bank, I correlated the numbers of Kids Cafe to the Metro State Food Bank, giving us base for costs associated with food purchase per week. Lee also connected me with LaDonna, a woman with a wealth of information. LaDonna provided Felipe and I information about The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). TEFAP is a governmental assistance program that provides emergency food to indivduals and their families based on need. Since approximately 37.4 % of students at Metro are Pell Grant eligible, over 8, 000 are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and could potentially qualifiy for TEFAP reducing Metro State Food Bank costs based on this program. Good News!!
But... More research to be continued!
Posted by Jesse at 10:10 PM
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