Caitlin's blog
Class of 2008, Business Adm. Major, from Crystal Lake, IL

So I last left you when I was about to leave for the SHRM state conference in LaCrosse Wisconsin. It definitely was not Vegas but it was a great time. I got to see some friends I made in Vegas as well as meet and network with new people. It was a nice experience to mingle with Wisconsin companies rather than the massive amounts of companies at the National SHRM Conference.

Well since then a ton has happened, I have been constantly studying for my four classes, working, cheerleading, SHRM and much more! This semester I am taking Vietnam War, Persuasion, Business& Professional Speaking, and Business Seminar. Vietnam War is a very interesting class because Vietnam was the only war that was televised and visually documented. Therefore, our professor has shown many videos, pictures, etc. to illustrate what she is teaching us. It is very gruesome but also extremely eye opening. In Persuasion we are learning different techniques, terminology and theories on how to persuade and then prevent being persuaded. Business and Professional Speaking is basically a public speaking course. Within this course I have had to conduct an informational interview, prepare a resume and cover letter and give three speeches/ presentations in front of my peers using different strategies. Finally, in Business Seminar I, along with my group have had to advise a simulated company in its decisions. I would say that all of my classes are interesting but also difficult.

Cheerleading has been fun relief though! I am so glad that I did cheerleading, it not only got me involved but it helped me with my time management skills along with making sure I am active at least twice a week! We have forsure been busy throughout football season only to become hectic with basketball season! Even though I LOVE football it is nice to have only two halves (INSIDE) now rather than four quarters (OUTSIDE). The boys played a great game this past Saturday they were in the first round of NCAA Division III Playoffs against Eau Claire at Minahan Stadium (home). Unfortunately, in the remaining seconds of the game Eau Claire scored a touchdown and ended up winning the game. It was really hard for the guys (Midwest Conference Champions), coaches and fans.
The past couple of weeks have just been crazy for me… I have been attempting to figure out my schedule for next semester and thought I had planned everything out accordingly. Unfortunately I didn’t look into to minor details and as a result I kind of was screwed over. I took three summer classes so I could free up four spots my senior year to complete my minor in communications. However the four classes I left for next semester can’t be taken at the same time. So now I can’t get my minor which is a big bummer and instead I am going to take two communication courses so I will at least have the knowledge. While attempting to figure out my schedule I have also been pursuing an internship at the YMCA in the HR department, I have an interview on Wednesday… wish me luck. Otherwise, I have been having a crazy cheerleading schedule: we cheered Friday, two games Saturday, Sunday and we have games today and Wednesday.

On a brighter note, I went to the Resch Center and saw SALTIMBANCO (Cirque Du Soleil) with Ryan last week Tuesday and that was fantastic! He got tickets that were in the front row!! I would definitely recommend going see any Cirque Du Soleil show, the talent is amazing!
So everyone is leaving soon for Thanksgiving break and I will be cheering my little heart out until Wednesday night. I guess this way I don’t have to worry about helping prepare everything  Have a great Thanksgiving!