The GHC Excitement Sets In

The closer it gets to GHC, the more and more people I'm telling about it. "Hey I just met you but guess where I'll be in 10 days!!" Okay, maybe not quite like that but everyone that I do talk to know where I'll be from October 7-12. I'm just so excited! Not only is it a mini-vacation from school-life, it's such an amazing opportunity. Networking, hearing inspirational speakers, making new friends - and who could forget the swag bag and dance party! - it's a chance to discover, innovate, and celebrate. I can't wait to learn about the careers of other women in the tech field and how they've built their success. In particular, I'm looking forward to the Student Opportunity Lab where I can hopefully gain new insights as a student entering the work force, or potentially graduate studies. (Grad school isn't on the top of my list, but maybe I'll learn more that would change my mind!) I'm looking forward to going in with an open mind and see how the three days unfold! Although I'm usually a master-planner, I think I need to keep it simple and go with the flow, as not to be disappointed if things don't go exactly as I imagined. There's so much to see and do, I don't think you can go wrong whatever your experience is! The number one goal is to enjoy myself and make the most of each day! 

Countdown to GHC is on!

There's exactly 2 weeks until I will be in Phoenix, Arizona attending the Grace Hopper Conference! I can't believe how fast times flies! There's so much to do before then - assignments, tests, packing, planning - but it's going to be here in no time! Having already submitted my resume on the GHC resume database, I've already been contacted to meet up with different companies and organizations during the conference (I actually just got another email while writing this post!!). It's making me so excited for what's in store! At the same time, I'm also a bit nervous - there is going to be SO many people there, I hope it's not too overwhelming! And I also don't want to forgot anything essential at home (Phoenix to Ottawa is a bit of hike!). My plan is to get my school work done asap then start making lists for before and during the conference! Making lists tends to be always be my plan (I love lists.). I just have to remember to relax and enjoy myself - if I miss seeing something or someone, there's always next year! :)

Med Night

Last night I participated in my first Med Night. As a mentor with the Science Student Success Centre (SSSC), I volunteered to help run the event. Med Night brings in professionals in the field of science (doctors, dentists, medical students, etc.) that talk to students in a speed dating format - each table has one or more professionals and the students then get to talk to them for about 20 minutes, and then switch tables, so the students gets to talk to as many professionals as possible. Unfortunately for me, this event really wasn't relevant to computer science/tech, so I couldn't entirely contribute. But I worked the welcome table so I could at least feel a bit useful. Talking with the other mentors that are looking to go into med school though, it sounded like the event was a success. They learned valuable information on what it is like in their career path. I'm hoping we can run a similar event that relates more to computing. I don't know if as many people would show up (we had around 100 students sign up for med night!) but I think it would be great to have CS students see what it's like to work in their field. I would be there if I were a first year student! We'll have to collect feedback and see if everyone enjoyed themselves and maybe there's a chance for us CS students! 

After Grad - It's not as bad you think

I've just come across this article:  Six reasons to stop panicking about what you'll do after university. Great advice for anyone that, like me, is hugely stressing about what to do after graduation. Even though school is only a few weeks in, I can feel the weight of post education looming in the not-too-distant future. I can't tell you how many times I've talked to family or new acquaintances that say "You're in your last year! You must be excited! What are your plans afterwards?", to which I usually mumble a "Yeah sure, I don't really know, let's not talk about it..." I never know how to respond because I honestly have no clue - and the thought of leaving school after 17 of my 21 years taking place in hallways and classrooms gives me the shakes. Although I will be glad to finally finish my degree, it's also heartbreaking to leave everything behind. I'm not one to like change: I have my set routine - school, home, bed, repeat. But at the same time, I think it is time to break out of my comfort shell. School is my safety blanket and I need to break free and see what else the world has to offer. I know, cliché much? But it's true. I think graduation will be the time for me to start fresh and not let my fears drag me down. I tend to worry about EVERYTHING, but I'm hoping the accomplishment of getting through university will help me reign in those doubts. As this article says, we're not alone - everyone has the same uncertainties about life after graduation. It's all about staying calm and taking one step at a time. For now, though, the priority is school - and making sure I get to that graduation date.

Blogger Newbie

I've finally given in and made my own blog! After months of putting it off, I figured it was time. So here it is! I'm not usually one to write down my thoughts (1. They are usually all over the place. 2. Writing and I have a love/hate relationship. 3. I'm a super perfectionist and can't ever get the right words out), but hey, let's see how this goes! I've also downloaded this nifty Blogger app so I can post things on the go! Yay for mobile technology! Anyway, I'll keep this first post short. 

More ramblings to come!