How Much is Too Much?

How much is too much? I'm trying to stretch myself as thin as possible at school by taking on various projects and sitting on two boards of directors. I am doing this for a lot of reasons, including exposure, networking, and, most importantly, TO LEARN. Ultimately, I want to be as prepared as possible out of business school.

How are you going to learn something by just being another brick on the wall? You have to go expose yourself and hope that you can handle what is dealt to you. Despite it all, you can persevere through the challenges and find yourself at the top of the class!

Good Swim Workout

Today I had an amazing swim workout! I am on the LMU Masters Swim Team and have been swimming regularly with them for about two months now. Don't be fooled, I am NOT be any means a good swimmer; however, I have been making some good improvements and feel more comfortable in the water! I have gotten so into swimming, I now wear the infamous speedos -- no room for the imagination!

Our swim coach had us swim 500 meters without stopping - by far the furthest distance I have ever swam without resting (gasp...). Yet despite the intimidating distance, I completed the 20 laps fairly easily. I guess if you prepare your body for a long workout, you are able to mentally block out some of the fatigue.

The nice thing about swimming for such a long distance continuously is that you create a peaceful environment for yourself: you are able to relax and think about what's going on in your life. In fact, the long distance swim was almost therapeutic! Phil always relates this feeling to running/jogging long distances.

I have developed a great passion for swimming (the great tan, improved physique, and increased appetite make it nice too!) and am excited to see how good I can get.

Back to studying....

Welcome!

Hi everyone! This is my new blog. It has a binary purpose: 1) to have people who care a way to keep up with my simple but yet sometimes exciting life; 2) an avenue in which I can vent my emotions (both good and bad).

Thanks for taking the time to stop by! Don't be scared to leave a comment or suggestion!

Ice Breaker Speech

Today I took my first step in the journey of becoming a better public speaker. It's funny how life has a way of surprising you.

I joined Toastmasters to become a better public speaker (obviously!!!). In b-school, we give a lot of presentations; not only is it disheartening when you feel as though you look and sound like an idiot in front of your peers, but also darn embarrassing!!! Admittedly, I am really hard on myself -- it's only because of a desire to be great! The downfall of presenting in b-school is that I don't receive any feedback regarding the quality of my speaking.

Luckily, Toastmasters provides that feedback. While I was up there giving my speech today, I felt good: I was connecting with the audience, was flowing, and received great non-verbal feedback from everyone. When I read the feedback everyone provided me, I was completely blown away! Everyone wrote how much of a natural speaker I am and how I am so likable! Wow! In fact, one of my fellow club members even claimed that my speech was the best "ice breaker" speech he had heard.

So I feel more confident now in approaching my presentations in class as well as in Toastmasters. Hopefully, I can build upon this speech and improve on my next speaking engagement!