We went to the Diversity Career Symposium today. Leaving the bus, I never felt so nervous in my life because I did not know what to expect, but as the day went on, I loosened up and it was a great and beneficially experience. I learned that even in the professional world, it is okay to be yourself, in a professional manner. These companies want diverse candidates because they offer what other people can’t. Diverse candidates have insight and values that each company is yearning for. Each panel was beneficial. One that really stood out to me was S.P.I.C.E. It … Continue reading Winter Session; Class 8: Experiential Learning Career Fair

In class today, we brainstormed for our presentations. We only have 6 clicks and 3 minutes to tell the class why we are the way we are, what are goals are and how we will get there. It seems like such a hard task, but I know it is possible. We are advised to tell a story that stands out and also shows are strengths. Thinking about it, I want to tell the class who I am, which includes my name, where I’m from, my cultural background and my interest. The next slide, I would like to tell the class … Continue reading Winter Session; Class 7: “Sticky Stories”

Today in class was quite amusing, but necessary. We learned a correct way to hold a handshake. A correct was to hold a handshake is to shake their whole hand with a nice grasp. We watched a video on shaking hands. One that really stood out to be was “The Lobster” because I know of people that actually shake hands like that. The class and I went around the room and got feedback on each other’s handshakes which went pretty smoothly. Then we went into perfecting our elevator pitch. I went over and over my pitch with a mentor, but … Continue reading Winter Session; Class 6: Experiential Learning the Elevator Pitch

In class, we were doing preparations for the Diversity Career Symposium. We were told what to do and what not to do. We were told to meet the goals of getting informational interviews, creating a relationship into getting a mentor or mentors, and finding job shadowing programs or internships. They told us we only have two hours to complete each task. It was quite nerve racking to say the least. We were told to remember TIARA. T-Trends… Industry specifics. I-Insights… Individual views. A-Advice… As it applies to me, a student. R-Resources… What they did as a next step. A-Assignments… What … Continue reading Winter Session; Class 5: Opportunities You Seek

I feel as if there are a number of experiences that have built skills and character that I acquire. Through incidences at school, at home or out in the streets, I feel as if it all contributed to traits that I have and made me the person I am today. For instance, as the youngest in my family, I took on the role as mommy when my mom was not home. I love to clean, so everyday I would come home from school, do my homework and clean the house before my mom came home. My mom knew I solely … Continue reading Winter Session; Class 4: What Experiences Have Shaped You?

Coming into class, I was not expecting to be so moved as I was. Devon did a great job in leading the class. He left me emotional and speechless. Hearing him speak to us on what motivates us only reminded me of why I am trying so hard the way that I am. I remember a time when I was little. My parents used to fight constantly and consistently. My dad would always be so angry and it turned into many conflicts with not just my mom, but with my half siblings and myself. There was a point in time … Continue reading Winter Session; Class 3: What Motivates You to Push Forward?

Think Optimistically. Work efficiently. Lead Courageously. A lot of times, the question is asked, “Tell me about yourself”. It seems like an easy question at first, but when trying to answer, it can be overwhelming. Well to start, I am Melissa De Silva. I receive my education at the University of Oregon. I have hopes in getting my BA in business with the concentration of accounting. I am also going to double minor in Spanish and Econ. I am from Rancho Cucamonga, California. I am Filipino. I feel as if my heritage gave me a different view of the world. … Continue reading Winter Session; Class 2: Personal Brand

As break passed by and we entered the BBL classroom for the first time, in the new term, you could already tell the difference in the atmosphere. Coming in fall term everyone was quiet and reserved to themselves, now it’s like we created a family. A family with the same purpose and the same goals. It was a little hard to get class started because of all the chatter, but it went well underway. As always, we were challenged as a group. We had to take on the challenge of everyone stepping on a tarp and having to turn it … Continue reading Winter Session; Class 1: Objective Statements

This seminar was when everyone gave their final presentations. It amazes me how each group did an outstanding job. I could tell there was so much growth from week 1 until week 10! I am so glad I am apart of a group of people with the same ideas and values as myself. This class gives each and every student an opportunity to grow and get familiar with their strengths and their weaknesses. I remember before BBL, during a group project, as being a planner, I would just loved to take charge and get everything done independently. After these seminars, … Continue reading Class 9: Final Presentations

In this session of BBL, we were put to the test to use our resources around Lillis. We had the challenge of trying to find places like the tutoring center and the career center. It was a team effort and I would say we worked well together because we all contributed into finding the locations. Through the challenge, we discovered places that we did not even know was in the building. Also, we ran into the president of the UO himself! Through this challenge, I have gained more knowledge of Lillis and hope to use my resources when need be.