maysblog

Howdy, y’all!

It’s Eddie again. I can hardly believe it’s already been nearly a month since my last post. What an eventful month it has been! Allow me to outline what’s been going on here in Aggieland the last few weeks.

Tests, Tests, and more Tests. Midterm exams have been the unofficial theme of the month, and I’ve logged more than my share of hours preparing for this crucial round of tests. The test cycle of a college environment is as unpredictable as it is stressful. You may have all of your midterms in the same week, or they may be spread out over a two-week period. The most important thing I’m learning is that you have to modify your study habits to fit the types of classes you’re taking. For instance, I’m finding that studying MATH 141 with a group is extremely beneficial, but this method is only a distraction when it comes to my Economics course.

The main thing that made this last month exciting was that I had the chance to travel to Detroit, Michigan, with the Business Honors Program here at Mays. We stayed in the city for three days, visiting the primary employee training center of Ford Motor Company, one of Ford’s most historic plants, and the Henry Ford Museum. At the training center, we had the opportunity to meet some of Ford’s top executives, who gave us invaluable insights into the inner workings of the company. The first plant to utilize the assembly line, the Rouge (pronounced: ROOJ), is still in operation today. We had the unique opportunity to tour this historic landmark and even watched as brand-new vehicles were assembled before our eyes. The Henry Ford Museum is dedicated to the celebration of not only Henry Ford, but also American automobile ingenuity in general. If you’re a history buff and a car-lover, the Henry Ford Museum is like heaven on earth!

We managed to have some fun as well in our spare time in Detroit. The Business Honors Program paid for most of our meals, including a sumptuous meal at an authentic Greek restaurant in downtown Detroit and a meal at an authentic Japanese restaurant. We also toured the city, went to the Detroit Institute of Art, and took in the sights of Game 1 of the World Series. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I feel better for having gone.

The Business Honors Program sponsors several events (called “Professional Development events”) each year in order to develop students into well-rounded, competent businessmen and women. It is required that Business Honors students participate in at least 3 of these events during their freshman year. Trips to major companies such as the one from which I just returned usually occur once a year. However, there are many other ways to earn Professional Development during the year, such as attending seminars with quality host speakers and taking shorter business trips with the group. The trip to Detroit was my second Professional Development event this year, and I’m already looking forward to my third.

This month has definitely been one in which I’ve truly been able to settle into some semblance of a routine. I’m learning many invaluable lessons about managing my time so as to accomplish all of my goals here in college. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me during the rest of this semester!