My Experience This Semester

What a great semester it has been! I'm in shock that it's already almost over. The ICE program has changed my life and has enabled me to become a better person. I won't write too much tonight because it is somewhat late. While in the ICE program I had the chance to read some wonderful books, "Getting To Yes" and "Leadership and Self Deception". I have come to a conclusion that it is improbable for me to work with an employer who has not read both of these books and much more that I've had the privilege of reading. There are many opportunities and adventures waiting beyond the walls of the classroom and I've been able to experience those first hand. This semester twenty two other students and I had the exciting opportunity to be trained in Six Sigma. If you don't know what that is, I would highly recommend that your business looks into it. Not only that but I'm very proud to say that as the first students in the ICE program at BYU-Idaho, we got a 96% on Harvard's Everest Simulation. That's right and I'll type it again, as undergraduates, the students of the ICE program scored remarkably high on Harvard's simulation tool. When I look at my classmates, I don't see typical students. I see future Doctors,  Lawyers, Teachers, Mothers and Fathers, CEO's and Business owners. I have encountered many wonderful people this semester and some of them have become my best friends and trusted associates. I will keep in contact with them the rest of my life.
I think that will be all for tonight, keep looking for a post about an opportunity to work for Doc Hastings as an intern.

Dinner For One?

Tonight I decided to spend some time in the kitchen. It's such a wonderful room. After cleaning everything with the help of my roommate we cleaned quickly. The meal took longer than I thought it would but with practice we can cut down the time. Here are some pictures. It's a baked chicken breast with garlic and some other poultry seasoning that for now will be a secret, on top of penne and wide egg noddles. On top is a three cheese tomato sauce and then sweet peas around it. After I started eating it the spices all together were a little overwhelming. I'll have to find a better balance between the flavors. Over all it did taste wonderful. It will definitely be on the menu when I get the restaurant ready!

A Vision In Mind

I've been debating what to do with my degree that is fast approaching. I've decided that I want to open my own restaurant. The title for now is to be kept a secret for fear that some would steel it. I have many ideas in mind and I'm so excited to talk to professionals about the in's and out's of a restaurant. It will be a classy place. One where prices aren't extreme and where all can enjoy a fancy meal. It will be a place of elegance. Low lighting, black velvet and red walls. We will have the finest chef's from around the world! Oh I can just see it now! You all know I'm always looking for connections. If you know anyone that you believe would be a benefit to talk to, please let me know.

O Magazine
Live Your Best Life – oprah.com

Written By: Rebecca Thompson

Music today means many different things to many different people. There are a number of music genres from classical to hip hop. Specific songs touch our hearts and inspire. For one college student, the song “I'm Gonna Live” by Maryjo Mundy has done just that.

Mikaela Stevens is 20 and attends Brigham Young University-Idaho. She's a communication major and enjoys music as much as the next young adult. When she heard “I'm Gonna Live” at the opening ceremony for the 2009 Special Olympics she was blown away.

“It feels really good to listen to. It's one of those inspirational songs and I always love to sing along,” Mikaela said.

The Special Olympics celebrated its 41st anniversary in 2009. They have athletes that compete all over the world during this special event.

“Special Olympics is a global force, powered by passion,” said J. Brady Lum the President and COO of the Special Olympics. “Not many multinational companies can accomplish the global feats this movement is able to do with minimal funds and minimal staff, all while facing enormous obstacles like the general lack of understanding and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities.”

According to the 2008 Annual Special Olympics Report North America had over 600 thousand athletes compete in 2008. The total number of athletes around the world was just over 3 million.

“Even though these athletes have disabilities, they live every moment to the fullest,” Mikaela said.

Medically, anyone under the height of 4 feet 10 inches has Dwarfism. Mikaela is under this height limit. She faces her own obstacles everyday but she doesn't let her so called condition get in the way of living her life.

“I'm not going to let a moment pass without giving my all, without living my life. Be the best you can be,” Mikaela said.

When asked why this song inspires her Mikaela said, “ It really makes me think how I'm living day to day. Life is a gift. I'm blessed and I need to be grateful for every moment because life goes by fast.”