Regional Engagement---Part 1

Week one of the new job was great! I was welcomed with open arms by the Office of Engagement while we hosted the UVaExpress, coordinated transportation for First Year international students from Dulles airport to Alumni Hall at UVa. I spent the first morning helping students get oriented to their surroundings and spent the afternoon on the bus picking up a group from the airport.  I rode up to DC with two Second Year students from China who were helping with the event, and rode back with students from China, India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Singapore. Stephen, one of the students from a small city outside of Shanghai, spent the entire 2 hour ride peering out the window with a smile from ear-to-ear. "Carrie--beautiful mountains", he said while pointing to the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east. His enthusiasm and smile made my entire day worthwhile.

Tuesday and Wednesday was spent at Alumni Hall unloading luggage, pointing out important landmarks (where to go for an ID card, bank account, and cell phone), and chatting with the newest members of our community. I was on a natural high all day and had a spectacular time at the International Student and Parents Dinner where Blake and I met a fascinating (and extremely nice) father/son duo from the United Kingdom. Thursday and Friday provided my first glimpse into life in the office. I have a window (which is a huge bonus) but it is much quieter than my desk at Darden, where I would welcome dozens (if not hundreds) of people everyday...this will take an adjustment and I am missing my Darden family terribly. Luckily, Everette and company invited Blake and I to join them for Happy Hour on Thursday so I recieved many hugs and a much needed confidence boost from great friends!

The weekend was glorious as I revelved in Charlottesville culture: Fridays After Five, Beer Run with  our friend Jerry, Bikram Yoga, trips to local foodie shops, date night with Blake, and a Sunday afternoon wine tasting at Pollack Vineyards in Crozet. This week brings much excitment as I gain more insight into my first UVaClubs (Charlotte, Triangle, Coastal Carolinas, Winston-Salem, and Greensboro), learn more about the Development and Public Affairs community, and anticipate the arrival of our good friends, Colin and Kristen, who will be visiting from New York City.

I am very thankful for this new challenge. As I have been reminded many times this week, change is extremely difficult but it is the only way we can grow and truly become our best selves.

Top Ten Darden Memories

The last three years has been an amazing experience and Chapter 3 of my life is officially closed. My last day at the Darden School of Business, where I spent three years working in the Career Development Center and Admissions, was yesterday. My colleagues and friends gathered for a swell going away bash and I had the opportunity to tell them how much the community became my family. The quantity of people who became inspirations, mentors, and friends is unbelievable and I look back with nothing but positive admiration. While there are many great memories, here are some of my favorites.

1) Trivia Nights with Rachel, Kristen, Sarah, and Arielle. These were my first friends at Darden and we spent many nights at Mellow Mushroom Pizza and McGrady's Irish Pub participating in weekly trivia.

2) Trips to Boston and Keystone Resort, Colorado for the MBA Career Services Council Conference. On both occasions, I met a bunch of people, spent time with friends, and participated in fun events. I have fond memories of cruising on the Boston Harbor, eating at the Barking Crab, teaching colleagues how to swing a rope (yes, it's a hidden life skill), and breathing in the mountain air while participating in a poolside Yoga class.

3) International Food Festival. For the price of a good meal in Charlottesville, I filled up on delicious food prepared by our International Students (and Texans).  Some of my favorite dishes? Brazilian Empanadas, Israeli Pitas, Indian Dal, and French Crepes.

4) Iron Chef Judging. Whenever there is promise of good food, I am there! This past spring I was asked to be a judge during Darden Iron Chef, secret ingredient: beets! The goat cheese and beet risotto blew me away and I went back for thirds of this delightful dish.

5) Orientation Week. This may sound crazye but I absolutely LOVED the first day of school (even though it was the initial wave in the fall tsunami). Summer time was always lonely for me because I missed the student's energy and spirit, and I counted the days until the community was buzzing with activity.

6) Darden Book Club. Last year, I was invited by my friend Sarah to join a ladies book club. We met at lunch in one of the beautiful gardens to discuss life's struggles and opportunities, good books, and Darden happenings. It was always a highlight.

7) Day of Caring and Building Goodness in April. Service to the community is something that has always been an integral part of my life. I was so fortunate to serve with colleagues to beautify gardens, deliver meals, sort clothing, and create cookie mixes for the Boys & Girls Club. BGiA is a student-driven service project where I assisted in building a playground and renovating homes.

8) Staff Council. I was so fortunate to be elected by my peers to serve. I enjoyed our monthly meetings (I have never had so much fun in meetings), hosting the annual Cinco de Mayo party, and being a strong advocate for the staff members.

9) Darden Days. Even before I started working in Admissions, this was my favorite day of the year. Blake and I met some of our very closest friends at this annual spring yield event. Every year, I would wake up early anticipating all of the new relationships I would build and look forward to spending the evening at beautiful King Family Vineyards. Blake is already asking if we are still invited next spring.

10) Dancing with the Darden Stars. This event was the highlight of my Darden career (and it was also the scariest). The thought of dancing in front of hundreds of people was terrifying but I look back with only happiness and fond memories.

Wow, what a phenomenal experience. I cannot believe this was my first job out of college and how much I grew from the love and support of my colleagues, friends, and students. Thank you to all!