Happy summer, folks! Or, in the case of my fellow Duckies, happy finals week! The past few days have been a tornado of finals, major essays and projects, internship prep, packing, meetings and a healthy dose of tearful goodbyes. It may be the deceptive eye of the storm, but I’ve touched down in Arlington, Virginia and am catching my breath before Thursday, June 9— the first day of my internship here with Lidl!
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The beginning of something big. #LidlSurprises
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On the flight, I did some summer reading for Lidl. It was a little fable-like book called Who Moved My Cheese? I guess I’ve officially gone corporate now, as it has apparently been one of the most-required readings for employees in large corporations since the 90s. It was a lovely mix of blatant metaphors and corny dialogue between friends at a high school reunion. Despite its literary faults, the 100 pages or so of point 20 font had merit. It made me reflect on the past year and my own journey in pursuit of My Cheese— a metaphor for a good job, happy family, healthy relationship, playing golf, etc.
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Not just any roommate is game to reenact SNL gags! (#4444Ever)
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The key to happiness for me has been pretty consistent throughout my short life: build community. Last year in Aachen it was essential— through my soccer team, host family, schoolmates, fellow exchange students, the Aachener-Zeitung student board, various big bands— and the same held true in Eugene. Duck TV, Toastmasters, UO PRSSA, and Marching Band provided me with excellent opportunities, outlets for my various passions and, perhaps most importantly, a place to connect with people who possess common interests. Where I built the strongest relationships, however, was in the Global Scholars Hall, particularly on my floor, with my wonderful roomie and the German Immersion Program participants.
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Hallo Haus GSH!
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Next year I’ll be living in an apartment with my roommate from this year as well as two of our friends. Although it will be different than dorm life in many respects— no RAs, communal bathrooms or prepared dining downstairs— many things will be similar. For one, I believe a fourth or more of our hall will be living in the same apartment complex as us. And for another, I plan on remaining active in the UO German community, which will start with some German classes fall term. Jippie! Grammatik und Gruppenarbeit!
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On loan from the Smithsonian’s Cutest Things of 21st Century collection.
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After building this vibrant personal community, many of whom live within two hours of my home in Salem, and not to mention my amazing boyfriend, hopping across the country to spend the summer in a hot, humid, utterly foreign place began to lose its appeal. Why not go hiking with my family during Oregon’s prime season? Or reconnect with my dearest friends who have been gone since last August? Or road trip down the West Coast with my boyfriend? Or a million other, just as worthy things. It’s because the chance to intern in the Lidl (Lee-dle) US public relations department is an exciting opportunity that speaks to exactly what I want to do someday. In short, it’s My Cheese.
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| Bye bye Oregon, hellooooooooo DC! |
A year ago, I would have scoffed. At the time, My Cheese was to become a Foreign Service Officer. It’s amazing what can become evident in a year, both professionally and personally. That so-called Cheese can change appearance in accordance to the lighting in your mind and sometimes you just have to go through a bit of a maze to find the New Cheese. I guess this is Day One of that maze. I am tingling with anticipation to begin learning and working at Lidl! Shoutout to UO PRSSA, Kathryn Kuttis, Matthias Vogel, Tiffany Gallicano, my other wonderful professors and PR mentors for guiding me toward this opportunity!
And the other Cheeses I’ve uncovered this year— a successful freshman year academically, earning leadership roles in various UO organizations, snagging my dream s.o., maintaining a strong relationship with my family— aren’t going away anytime soon. Part of the whole extended metaphor is about being ready for change, adapting to it and continuing to be prepared for unexpected happenings, but it’s also about maintaining what’s positive and productive in the current situation. So, to keep this whole blatant metaphor going, I’ll be making special care to place my current Cheeses in the fridge and check on them regularly. Thank you, everyone who has made this year at the UO a memorable and enriching one! I’m looking forward to the summer and next year already, but for now it’s time to explore D.C.!