‘Chicago’
Claudia Willen's Day Off
Oct. 27, 2016—Inspired by the one and only Ferris Bueller, I decided to book a flight for this past Wednesday and spend my class-free Thursday roaming the streets of Chicago. Okay, only half true. I was inspired by the classic coming-of-age film, but my trip was definitely not as spontaneous and care-free as I like to make...
Study Abroad without Studying Abroad
May. 2, 2014—If you’ve ever spent at least 60 seconds with a college student who has studied abroad, chances are that they told you the story of how (insert country here) changed their life for the better. Reflecting upon my semester in Chicago doing my HOD internship, I’ve realized that I have almost had that same study abroad experience (minus the abroad part, of course). Experiencing a new city gave me the chance to take a step away from Vandy, try out the whole independence thing, and eat some of the best food I’ve ever had.
Competitions Galore and Glory!
May. 2, 2014—The month-long hiatus of Blair news is over! It's been busy over here on the Blair side. Just a few weeks ago, Blair students competed in two competitions: the Music Teachers National Association's Divisional Chamber Music Competition and Vanderbilt University's Concerto Competition. Success prevailed!
The HOD Internship Experience
May. 2, 2014—If you, dear reader, eventually find yourself in the same position as me (a stunningly attractive junior or senior in the Human and Organizational Development program at Vandy), then you will be required to complete an HOD Internship. The HOD Internship is a capstone project of sorts for HOD majors, during which students apply the organizational concepts they've learned in class in a real-world setting, a semester-long full-time internship.
Go Nuts for Doughnuts
Apr. 27, 2014—Two weekends ago, it was SEVENTY degrees in Chicago. I know, I couldn't believe it myself. A far cry from the negative sixteen degree weather I experienced on my first day in the Windy City, the pleasant weather necessitated that I go outside for my weekend shenanigans. Enter DOUGHNUT CRAWL.
Storytime Snippets
Mar. 31, 2014—Hello friends! Time to draft a list of everything blog-worthy that has happened in, oh say, the past two months that I haven't yet told you about. Okay Ann. Goal-setting time. I'm going to tackle each one of these subjects, including events like Unveiling the Hijab, BCM Spring SPOTS, a trip to Chattanooga, and perhaps twelve other things, and write about them. Just one a week. Doable.
That One Time I Started a Small Fire
Mar. 27, 2014—Something that happens when you live in a place where you can't stand to loiter outside is that many of your hobbies are replaced by eating. You see, the fabulous thing about food is that it can be enjoyed indoors. Where there is no snow. I digress.
Winternship
Jan. 29, 2014—Winternship is not the summation of win and internship, but rather WINTER and internship. Winter in Chicago is not for the faint of heart, and they really weren’t kidding when they nicknamed this place the Windy City. The big question I have been getting recently is, “Why, again, did you decide to move to Chicago during the coldest season of the year?” They smirk. I stare at them blankly. I DON’T KNOW.
Transitions
Dec. 10, 2013—Next semester I get the scary-cool opportunity to take a break from Vanderbilt's campus and intern in the campus recruiting department for Deloitte in Chicago. This will serve as my HOD internship, a requirement for my degree program that sort of acts as a capstone project.
Chicago – My Journey Outside the Vandy Bubble
Nov. 5, 2012—Last weekend I got to take a trip to Chicago to visit one of my best friends! I’d only been to Chicago once before and I hadn't really had time to explore it thoroughly, so I was super-excited!