Currently, I am avoiding packing, because let’s face it, packing is the worst. I’m all for preparation but deciding what clothes to wear in advance without back up is always a struggle. I am, however, proud of myself for packing for 10 days in a carry on earlier in the summer. This trip requires more preparation though because I’m going to the Alpha Kappa Psi Convention in New Orleans!!

Excitement is an understatement. This is my face though. Or at least it will be once I’m packed and awake after trekking to New Orleans at 6:15 am.

But while I’m preparing for such a fantastic experience, I thought it would be a good time to explain what Alpha Kappa Psi is, at least at South Carolina, and why I chose to join. There are some distinct similarities and differences in a trade fraternity in comparison to a sorority or fraternity.

1. Successful People: Surrounding yourself with successful people with successful habits tends to rub off on you. Most let you pick their brain about classes, internships, balancing it all, and everything in between.
2. Connections: Brothers tend to post interesting things they come across, whether job opportunities, interesting articles, and cool events going on in the area.
3. Alumni Network: Many group boast about their alumni network but trade organizations help you connect with them. Opportunities such as conventions and LinkedIn groups connect you to past members with the other connections.
4. Professional Development: Trade groups tend to focus on what is going on in the trade. The goal is to allow members to further their skillset and expand their knowledge in an array of relevant topics.

These points seem similar to the rest of Greek Life across campuses. The difference lies in the focus of the organization: personal growth in the trade. As a result, they tend to be co-ed. Some limit based on major, while others do not. Ultimately, it depends on what you would like to get out of an organization. Many seem the same on the outside but the individual composition make the differences.

Like the rest of life, finding happiness in an organization comes from the type of fulfillment you would like to get out of an organization. Once you decide what’s best for you, move forward and make it happen. I have been fortunate to find a group of people who challenge me to become better while still giving me someone to laugh with at any point in time.

If you have any questions about joining a professional or trade organization or about Alpha Kappa Psi itself, comment below!

Rainbows and Rocket Ships,

Ann-Marie

I have been a horrible blogger over the past week! But, I have been productive in the real world. I have moved stuff into my apartment, dealt with parental units, and finished making a dress with a few hours to spare before a party. Living the life, right?

In between these awesome activities, I have stumbled upon the following words or phrases that have made me  laugh recently.

I will be the first to admit that I’m not a Monty Python fan. I attempted to watch the movie twice but failed due to sleep. This quote makes me laugh every time I see it though. Recently, our society has focused on liberation and freedom that we forget the inner workings behind the scenes. There is so much information we do not know whether from repression or from lack of interest. If more people had this type of attitude, maybe we would not be as repressed.

The minions never cease to make me laugh to the point where my sides hurt. Regardless of the shenanigan, and let’s be honest, there are many, the minions take everyday life and turn it into classic slapstick comedy.

I will be the first to admit, I have an obsession with clothes, make up, hair, and pretty much everything else involved in dressing up. I am not very girly in many other respects, but who needs all of the other stuff when football is on? I’m slowly conquering the beast that is my closet. But like most battles, it is uphill. Part of the reason why it has taken so long to post can be credited to the a partial closet expansion via my sewing projects.

Notoriously, I am the go to person of my group of friends for crazy outfits for themed parties, fashion trends, and everything else in between. Some people have hobbies, I have clothes.

I love this quote mainly because it comes from Albert Einstein, one of the greatest creators of all time. One of the main points is that one does not need to be locked down to a particular thing to succeed. So many are pushed to find their “thing,” whether it be major, passion, sport, that they lose sight of the fun. Being “passionately curious” fuels adventure, excitement, and fulfillment. Because without these things, man is boring.

Because there’s no such thing as too many minions in your life. Enjoy!

Rainbows and Rocket Ships,

Ann-Marie

To survive start off the month before I officially reign over the condo, I am going to explore the unknown. This adventure is also know as a 31 day blog challenge. This shall be the first manifestation of my obsession with Pinterest, as you shall soon find. So here goes nothing!

Day One: 5 Facts about me

1. I made my senior prom dress out of a shower curtain. Yes, you read that right, a shower curtain. I taught myself how to sew threw Pinterest and a few lovely ladies (Thanks, Ms. Gail and Grandma!!) who helped me with some basics. I have yet to take an actual sewing class but that’s changing this semester. Through the theater department, I’m taking a costume design class.

2.My dream after college is to move to New York City and work for an economic development firm. I became mesmerized by The City of Lights at such a young age, so young, I cannot remember when exactly it happened. There is just something about the atmosphere, diversity, and everything else about The City that I cannot wait to call my own.

3. I crossed skydiving off my bucket list last December. So when my cousin was 8, my uncle (my dad’s twin) took her skydiving. I thought this was the coolest thing ever. Naturally, the 8 year old me asked my dad if he would go with me. In my head, he said yes; in his, he said no. Though the world may never know exactly what happened, it remained on the bucket list. Six months and a day after my 18th birthday, I finally went.

4. I got a Twitter my freshman year of high school. These were the same days as MySpace and when a university email was required for Facebook. The main point of Twitter at that time was to follow celebrities who were not that interesting at the time. They pretty much posted tour dates and things magazines were saying about them. Nothing spectacular. Before I moved into college, I got a Twitter again to mainly keep up with my roommate and my little brother. Today, I use Twitter to follow websites and catch up with the latest headlines (and my little brother).

5.  I have insane, thick curly hair. The best part about it is the fact that I’m slowly learning to control the madness. Though it will never truly be tamed, it’s the thought that counts, right? On the bright side, I’ve tried pretty much every product under the sun so if you have a question about it, shoot me a message or comment below. Side note: Picture at right is from a sane day.

So there you go! Day Number One complete! Thanks for reading!

XOXO,

Ann-Marie