It has been quite some time since I was able to write to all of you. This summer school thing really doesn’t play around. In the beginning of this summer session, things were hard, yet they were also smooth all at the same time thanks to the best teacher I have ever had. He is not only my favorite teacher that I’ve had in college, but probably my favorite that I have had period. His name is Dr. John Tanner, and he recently experienced a great deal of misfortune. Tanner is a visiting professor from University of Louisiana Lafayette. He comes to A&M each summer to teach a couple of different classes in the Information System Department. The class that I am taking is INFO 305. Many consider this to be one of the toughest classes they take while at Mays. I had been advised to take this class during the summer since it is condensed, and because of Tanner’s amazing way of teaching tough material that may not be very appealing. A few years back, Tanner was in his office in Louisiana when someone attempted to rob him and proceeded to cut his throat. Tanner kept his composure by holding pressure on the wound until paramedics arrived, and he was back teaching the following day. He used this as an example to us in class which made so much sense to me. Just when you think you have it tough, consider the fact that you could be holding your life in your hand while waiting for medical attention to arrive. When he told us this story, I knew this man was a warrior, and an amazingly inspirational person. (more…)
Here are some easy step(s) on becoming a very poor college student.
1) Accept an unpaid internship in an expensive city
One thing that I have gained a deep appreciation of about College Station is the rent.
The price of living in a nice College Station house would equal the price of living in a nice closet in New York City. However, the biggest thing affecting my bank account is food.
A simple salad or burger around my office building is $14! And trust me, as much as I try to give myself excuses … it is not worth it. Not to mention, there is a $4 price increase in Jamba Juice here. (more…)
I have never been a good public speaker; in fact, I avoid it at all cost. I always knew this weakness would eventually catch up to me, but I never thought that day would be so soon. This week my business team, 7 Power Outreach, had to present a proposal to our entire class. One of the requirements was that every member had to speak! (more…)
My name is Christopher Kaspar and this summer I have the opportunity of a lifetime. I will be traveling throughout Europe with a study abroad group through Mays Business School’s Marketing Department. I am so excited about the adventures that we are going to have and I can’t wait to share them with you. Did I forget to mention that my blog is going to be not a written blog, but a video blog!
Just in from Honduras, life is sweet and sad at once. While there are things to enjoy about every place and face, something about the hospitality among the world’s poorest just reels one in and captivates the soul. The snaggle toothed “sonrisas” of children and the food made by women cooking from stone-aged “appliances” reaffirmed that it does not take many resources to give, to serve, to love and to invest in others.
I’d try to pick that all apart–to define what it is to give, serve, love and invest but this reasoning mind is weary, even as my heart pounds through images–some captured on film, some impossible to contain–like some sort of slideshow impossible to ignore. Seeing extreme poverty, then returning for a lunch in Dallas in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the country, I’m overwhelmed by both and for completely different reasons. The question is the same though: “Where do I start?” I could write a whole post on this alone. (more…)
Docking in the less-than-beautiful town of Freeport, we were greeted by genuinely happy residents.Deciding that I wanted to embark on some sort of athletic adventure, I hopped off the boat searching for something unique to do.However, with a party of ten, it takes a while to gather together.By the time we were all ready to go, all of the scooters had been rented, but luckily Chris, our cheery taxi driver, found us and took us in to town.
Key West, Florida:Margaritaville, home of Sloppy Joes, familiar to Ernest Hemingway, famous for Key Lime Pies and only 90 miles from Cuba.
Not to mention a steaming hot tourist town!
As much as I try to avoid tourist areas, this town is quaint and a ton of fun!Without a plan or ambition (which is the only way to enter Margaritaville) we wandered off the boat in search of an adventure.It didn’t take us long to find the sign that read “Bi-Plane Rides.”As avid aviation enthusiasts, my father and I were like salt on limes when we saw this.
Pomp and Circumstance… ahh, the melody we all know and recognize so well.It signifies the end of an academic era, and while I have spent four years at Texas A&M, this tune was not being played for me.It was for my brother.
My little brother Klent just graduated from Cypress Spring High School, my old alma mater, and will be the first in my nuclear family to break the tradition of continuing his undergraduate education as a Fightin’ Texas Aggie and will instead continue the football playing tradition started by my father at Austin College in Sherman, Texas.Go Roos! (more…)
It has been quite an interesting week for Texas A&M. We now have two more national titles, but we are also missing a University President. Who would have guessed that so many events could take place in such a small period of time?(more…)
‘You cahn’t git they-re frahm hee-yere’ says Jon in his thickest Maine accent.
The two of us were standing in Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal E, observing the people in line for security before embarking on our trip to his Lake Party in Maine.
The Fourth Annual Lake Party on Northeast Pond between Milton, New Hampshire and West Lebanon, Maine, hosted by Jon-Boy himself, at his grandparent’s Lake House.The enthusiasm that was expressed by his friends in anticipation for the party got my hopes up, and being introduced to New England and the rest of Jon’s life brought on a new level of excitement and anxiousness.(more…)
