Kelly Rhoades' Digital Portfolio
 
Last Thursday was the Presidential Luncheon and the Spring 2011 Phonathon Banquet. I had to leave the banquet early to attend the etiquette dinner and senior presentations. It's such a relief they are over, but also sad! I feel as if I've been waiting for it forever and it's over!

I received my graduation present this weekend! My mom and my brother got me a "class ring." By class ring, I mean it isn't the official ring of SRU or anything. I just told my mom that I wanted a ring with an emerald that signify's SRU. It's a huge emerald and is really shiny. Now when I look at it I can think about all the great memories I have from Slippery Rock.

This week has been emotional and I haven't even graduated yet. First, it's the last week of class! These past four years have gone so fast. Everyone tells you they will, but it's hard to believe when you're only a freshman or sophomore.

I had my last Green and White Society meeting which I didn't think was going to be that emotional, but turned out to be. They had someone talk about each of the seniors and had the seniors give a little speech. All the seniors were asked to go to the front of the room. We were given little gifts and were hugged by our advisors. I've never seen them get so emotional! It's already hard not to cry when so many other people are, especially me, miss emotional. So first, our one advisor, Brad, spoke about us. We've all been in the group for two or more years so we've worked with our advisors a lot! Brad just said how connected me feels to us because we were the group to really work hard to bring the organization to what it is today. That the seven of us graduating are the people who the younger members should look up to as leaders. He got choked up a couple times, which makes it harder not to cry! After he gave his little speech, the president of SRU, President Smith, gave us a standing ovation which was precious. He also gave a little speech and he's retiring in January so he was getting choked up. Geeze, I love this university.

I held back the tears until after we ended the meeting because everyone got to mingle before leaving. My one mentee, Mark, came up to me and thanked me for showing him the ropes when he first entered the group and to keep in touch. For some reason, he opened the flood gates! Then this past year's treasurer, who I've worked with a lot with the tuition raffle, came up to me and said what she was going to say wasn't going to help my tears stop! So she preceeded to tell me how me and another member, who I'm really good friends with, were the first ones who accepted her in the organization. When she started she didn't really know what the organization was about and how she was going to like it and I was one of the reasons why she continued being a part of it. It just touched me so much to be told that I helped her stay involved and I made her feel welcome. Also that I provided a great atmosphere, where people wanted to be around and have fun. Tears were litterally rolling down and dripping off my face.

I continued mingling and giving everyone hugs. I ended up not leaving until around 7:15.

It's almost midnight, so I should either sleep or do some homework.

We'll be true to thee oh S.R. true for aye and aye! Love you, Slippery Rock University.
 
Today, after an hour of utter confusion, I registered for graduate school courses! I asked my advisor what classes he would recommend me take and when I tried to schedule them I ended up only being able to register one. One wasn't even offered and the other was closed. So I'm taking Communication Research Methods, Communication/Conflict Resolution and Culture and Media.

Today was also my last day at my internship! I wrote two articles for the next Rock Alumni Cafe newsletter. Deb, the secretary, told me that I'll be able to work there over the summer! I'm so excited! It'll look really great on my resume and give me even more experience!

I had a Green and White Society meeting today. We talked about stuff for next year, which is sad because I won't be there! Since you've invested to much time in building up the organization, starting events and fundraisers and making great friendships.

I'm now going to work on my senior presentation. If I get that done, I'll work on finishing my internship journals and starting my internship paper.

Tomorrow and Thursday are going to be stressful with the presidential luncheon and the phonathon banquet followed by senior presentations. I will be so happy when this week is over with!

Now to watch some America's Funniest Home Videos and do homework!
 
Yesterday I finished my self-assessment! Wooo! What a weight off my shoulders!

For my internship, I worked the Alumni Association  Scholarship and Awards Banquet. I love going to events like that, it really shows the dedication alumni and donors have to the university. I love listening to President Smith speak, he's so passionate about SRU. You can't help but burst with pride.

Today I worked at Old Navy from 10-5 then the call center from 5:30-9; what a long day!

Below are some pictures of more callers for our direct mailing!

 
Well, I've definitely been busy, that's for sure.

I've been working, going to class, going to meetings and trying to get homework done.

At the call center, we are going to be sending a direct mailing to those alumni who haven't given yet. We are actually sending a postcard type document that opens up. We are going to put pictures of students in it with information about them and why they like the university/call center/talking with alumni/giving back to the university. I've been taking pictures of students all day today. They are the one's located at the bottom of the entry.

This weekend is Relay for Life and the Young Alumni Awards Banquet. After working the banquet, my internship is pretty much done, since I will have gotten all of my hours. I'll probably go in one or two days next week to finish up some loose ties.

Next week I'll be stressing out about finishing my self-assessment for senior presentations on Thursday night! We also have the Presidential Luncheon and the Call Center Banquet on Thursday. Then I want to have the campaign book for my Campaigns class done by Saturday so I can have it finished for presentations in two weeks.

I need to make sure I update the internship section of my digital portfolio before presentations so it's up-to-date.

I also bought my cap and gown and ordered my announcements today. I can't believe I'm graduating!