ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

Feeling sad is an odd emotion, and I don’t much care for it – not that many people do. Today, unlike most other days at work I couldn’t help but feel sad. There were several factors that played into this, one of them being that a co-worker is leaving. Due to the unique schedule of Drexel my co-op stretches longer than that of students from other schools, which I’m sure most Drexel students experience. I feel like I am buzzing along on a straight line and everyone else surrounding me has turns along their path. It forces me to wonder if staying at one location for co-op is really positive, or if spreading myself would have been more successful.

The other contributor to my sadness was that there seemed to be an elephant in the room. I never did quite understand that idiom. To my knowledge it means that there is something obvious that is being withheld or is going unmentioned. This elephant in the room seemed to be the upcoming Christmas party that was to be held tonight. One of the other interns and I discussed how we had both not been invited, this made me feel better because I knew that I wasn’t the only one that didn’t make the cut. However, it seemed that there was some mystery to whether or not the intern that was ending her co-op was going. Everyone around the office seemed to be highly interested in there own projects today, very much out of character.

I do not think that it is fair to allow one intern to do one thing and have the rest of the interns do another. I just feel left out, I know that it is a childish way to feel but I cannot help it. It just feels like I have a long four months ahead of me…

More To Learn

A #MondayMotivation graphic I created for the band's
social media based off Rolling Stones lyrics

As the first semester of my senior year of college comes to a close, the idea that I am just two short semesters away from graduation becomes increasingly more real. Knowing that the large chapter of my life dedicated to schooling (the only thing I remember!) is almost over with is exciting and very scary at the same time. Knowing that there is no more schooling ahead of me is weird to think about, this moment felt so far ahead of me and now it is just a few months away. It is an immense feeling, the unknown scares me but at the same time entices me from afar. 

As Winter break is even closer ahead of me (a grasp away!), I think about how excited I am for the conclusion of this semester. While on break I will still be working however I look forward to being able to dedicate my full attention to my job without school work on the back of my mind. As ideas on how to maximize and extend the branding of Colour of London are explored even further, each week I am constantly creating additional new graphics than the week prior. We have decided that no matter what we post on social media, whether related to the band, a holiday, or even a trend going around the Internet (#MorningInspiration, #WomanCrushWednesday, etc.) we will create and design our own graphic rather than reposting someone else's. This way we can claim the rights to the graphic and brand it with the COL logo on the bottom. This gives me more work to do however it helps the bands credibility and allows me to explore and sustain my creative juices always having to come up with a new spin on a weekly post. I look forward to increasing my education about graphic design and learning the ins and outs of Adobe software, as there is ALWAYS more to learn!

Keep Austin Weird

Earlier this year, I had finally saved enough money and planned a trip to visit my sister in Texas.  After a long week at work, two cups of coffee, and a stressful 6:00 am flight, I had finally arrived in Austin.  Having only been to Texas once before, I was more than excited to see my sister and return to one of my favorite cities in the country. 

Home to major festivals like SXSW, cute coffee shops, or award winning restaurants, Austin is not like its cowboy boot-wearing conservative partners.  I had the chance to spend the day, eating at a slew of local eateries, shopping at AMAZING thrift stores, and indulging myself with a trip to Pinkberry.  Since I do not travel here often, I made sure to take in my surroundings and appreciate everything the city has to offer.  However, I could not help but stress about the time I was taking off of work.  Taking four days of vacation has proven to be more difficult than I had imagined; however, I am grateful that co-op has given me the chance to get away.  Having classes everyday and homework on the weekends; I had never found the time to take this much needed visit. 

Since being on co-op, I have explored Philadelphia and visited far away cities; formed new relationships and rekindled old friendships; and reflected on the steps throughout my life and my hopes for the future.   Working has opened my eyes, and I am eager to continue what has truly been a rollercoaster ride.    

Twists & Turns

I can't wait to spend time with my Dad! #tbt

The holiday season has arrived quicker than expected! I am leaving to go home to Florida for two weeks this Saturday and I cannot believe co-op is more than halfway through. I began to think about the future and realized I graduate in a year and half; I was suddenly shaken up by the thought of time flying so quickly. I remember being a freshman not knowing where I would even apply for co-ops and only dreaming about studying abroad, and now it seems like all of this is happening and more. However, is it coming together too soon? There are always so many unexpected twists and turns in life that even if you do have a plan, life loves to throw in the surprises. For example, originally I was supposed to go home to have a nice sunny Christmas break, instead my doctor suggested this would be a good time to take my adenoids and tonsils out! I was in utter disappointment; I knew I needed to have this procedure done, but why so soon and why now!  In the long run it is the wisest option to always take care of health problems as soon as possible, but you don’t necessarily foresee yourself taking the time to do it. Luckily, my manager was helpful and granted me as much time as I need to fully heal. I am thankful to have this type of support in my work life and I am eager to get back in tiptop shape. Also, I am happy to be going home regardless of my surgery; it is always so exciting to see the family and friends that I miss dearly. Maybe I will even get prescribed some yummy chocolate ice cream!

I had the best time reading everyone's posts this term! I hope that co-op continues to be successful, and I will see you all in the Spring! :) 

Happiest Time of the Year

     As much as I dislike the winter time, Christmas makes December a thousand times more enjoyable.  Everyone is in a giving, festive mood and Christmas lights illuminate the dreary, long winter nights.  Not to mention the days we get off are definitely something to look forward too.  Although we are lucky that we haven't had many super cold, terrible days yet.  It is even more comforting to know that is it roughly five degrees warmer here in Philly then by my house near New York City.

     This also happens to be the time of the year where I am incredibly thankful for a paid coop.  All I have been doing is shopping, shopping, and more shopping.  I happen to really enjoy giving people gifts.  I love having that satisfaction you get when you know you have found something absolutely perfect.  Needless to say, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have not been my friend this year.  

TIMES SQUARE

Leaving work early has to be one of the greatest feelings ever. Today my boss let me leave two hours early! Her exact instructions were to “Get out of here… go shopping or something!” I listened to her directives very intently and did exactly as she told me. I purchased a new dress for the upcoming holiday parties that I would be attending and also bought a few Christmas presents. This all took place in Times Square, I would never have been caught dead there at 6:00PM if I hadn’t gotten out early. I soon remembered why New Yorkers avoid Times Square like the plague, thousands of tourists flocked to the streets like bumble bees! I barely made it out alive!

When I was younger my family and I always went to Times Square – it was the tourist thing to do. I always wondered how the people handing out pamphlets and advertising city bus tours knew that we were tourists. Just like when I was a freshman at Drexel I always wondered how people knew instantly. It is so funny to me know looking back because it is so obvious! The people crowding into the streets of Times Square have “TOURIST!” pasted all over them, and the students going to the Hans for dinner scream “FRESHMEN!” I guess it was hard for me to understand how blatant my status was to others until I was on the other side.

Fun Findings

For the past three weeks I have been working on 5th avenue! Yay! Always a dream of mine. It's so much fun working near so many designer's offices of brands I love. We work in the same building as Tori Burch most notably and other brands like Kipling and Nautica so you never know who you are getting in the elevator with. We recently made the discovery that the Victoria's Secret Models live across the street from us when they are in town. I guess that VS has an apartment for them whenever they are in town and it happens to be across from my office. Since they were filming the fashion show a few weeks ago they were all there and my co-workers see Miranda Kerr and her son Flynn all of the time. So that's super exciting!

Besides that, New York is getting ready for the holidays and all of the buildings and parks are decorated! I love New York in the winter and always grew up going to the city in the winter to see the tree and the window displays at Bergdorf's and Saks. As I was walking past the flatiron building yesterday I saw this guy dug into the ground. Not sure about what that has to do with the holidays? But it's a new installation among all of the holiday decorations and it's pretty cute too!

I can't believe this year has gone by so fast and it's already the holidays. Happy Holidays from the Flatiron District!

Being Sick

While I am the type of person who tries to not let being sick take over my life, this past holiday weekend I had to let it. My voice was completely gone, my throat hurt, non-stop headaches, and overall tiredness. Celebrating with my family was as nice as it good have been feeling that way. I tried to relax as much as possible as I did really need the break but it was still not enough. I was supposed to go to work on Saturday but had to call in, with a very raspy voice, to say I could not come in. Normally I would have just stuck it out and gone in, but something clicked with me. Had I gone in, the customers, as well as people I work with all could have gotten sick which in turn would have been negative for the company. I also would not have been able to work up to the level I normally do. I think as I grow up and gain experience in the work field I am able to see that it is okay to take off days to make sure you are on your A game. Being sick is allowed in life, and though it will hinder certain things in life it is best to concentrate on your own health. Not working on Saturday allowed me to sleep a lot and make sure that I got better faster, which I can now say that I am almost at 100%. I was however still able to enjoy the holiday to some extent because I got to spend it with all of my family whom I have not seen in a few months now so all was not lost!

The Little Steps

My Thanksgiving break consisted of food, family, old friends, food and some more food. Reconnecting with loved ones reminds me of old memories, and more importantly my roots. Although I have made so many new incredible friends at college, I have made it a goal to remain connected to old friends and family. I was thankful to have the chance to meet up with my high school friends and catch up for a few hours. It is always a great feeling to pick up right where you left off. After meeting my friend Kathryn for brunch, I couldn’t help but reflect on the past. I began to think about all of the minor steps I have made throughout my life that have led me to where I am now. In the moment these steps do not feel significant, but I have realized now how important each of these steps has been.

A major topic that came about while reconnecting with my family and friends was college and career. Most of my friends will be graduating this year, and many of them have expressed the discomfort with this reality. My sister Danielle will be graduating this May, and the topic alone makes her anxious. Seeing some of my friends struggle to find jobs post graduation evokes a discomforting feeling within me as well. That being said, I can understand why my sister and most students are not thrilled to graduate. Graduating from college means stepping into the real world with the pressure of finding a job that makes you feel content. However, I think the pressure of knowing exactly what we want to do with our life is also a stress. This weight hovers over most of us, since a majority of students do not have the slightest clue as to what they want to do with their lives. As my mom always says, her generation had much more “wiggle room” and ours does not. I think this pressure hinders the process of finding our destiny in life. Rather than having the opportunity to explore and figure it out gradually, we are thrown into it and forced to make a quick decision.  Unfortunately, this pressure is something we cannot just ignore. I have been very thankful to have always known my interests are in fashion. Despite my uncertainty for not knowing exactly what I would like to do within the fashion industry, I will keep reminding myself of the little steps that will lead me to it.

Downward Dog

With the holiday season quickly approaching and my work schedule picking up, I can become a pretty anxious person.  This past weekend I decided to put a list together of activities to do to relax.  Although I have taken on many responsibilities at work, I attribute most of my stress to wasted energy, so I decided to channel this energy into something new,Yoga.  Located on 15th and Sansom is a yoga studio that I had the pleasure of stumbling into early Monday night.  Never having taken a class before or exercising at all for that matter, I was both excited and apprehensive to participate in a beginners class. 

What proved to be the most challenging aspect was not maneuvering my body in different positions, burt rather getting used to the feeling of doing something outside of my element.  I have become used to my daily task of going to work and coming right home, so it was refreshing to mix up my routine.  

I am happy with my decision to try yoga.  It has challenged both my personal growth and physical growth, and I do not regret the experience.  I am constantly looking to try new things, especially ones that bring positivity and excitement to my life.  Now that I have conquered yoga, I feel that I can conquer the world. Next up, Pilates! 

So Thankful

This week has really made me see how thankful I am for everything I have in this life. As well as how much I have gotten to experience because of it. While spending time at home with my family this break I realized how much I enjoy just relaxing with them. It is really a blessing to spend time with family both close and extended and just not worry about anything but if the Eagles are going to win this upcoming Sunday game. The fact that we can spend this time all together really means everything to me.  One day spent just relaxing really is wonderful now and then. I am so thankful for how close my mother and I are. Staying up till 3 am with your mother just talking about life is probably unheard of and its really something I never stop loving about our relationship.

Besides my family life, I also feel that I have been blessed with many opportunities. While cleaning out my mothers file cabinet in preparation to have guests, we came across all of the college letters I received (we are hoarders in my house).  It really made me realize how glad I am I accepted at Drexel. I am so lucky that my parents were able to send me to such a great school that has a program like Design and Merchandising. It has taught me a lot about responsibility as well as balancing a full plate. I feel that Drexel also prepared me for all of the internships I have been taking on. With the program making me balance the creative and analytical sides of my mind it is a good prep course for real industry work. I have made life long friends and bonds that I truly cherish and love. I couldn’t ask for more. I really have a lot to be thankful for.

Hope your week was as wonderful and relaxing as mine!

XX

Michelle