Our Presentation

Our Presentation was March 25, 2010. We decided to present that Thursday that way the cycle could get started as quickly as possible because we did not have much time till the end of the semester was over. We started with an overview of what we were going to being talking about as any good speech should. Then we went on to discuss the schedule because we believed that was the first thing everyone wanted to know. After Sarah opened for us and talked about all of that Kaitlyn began talking about the dress code. We did a joke to the whole class that we were going to make everyone dress up in business attire everyday to class and then we put JUST KIDDING. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief because they did not want to have to dress up everyday to class just as we didn't. We decided that everyone should wear jeans and nice outfits everyday to class and then on the days they present they are to wear business attire. The rules we created for every other day but their presentation day was that shoes could be flip flops but nice one, nice shirts no tank tops, and the jeans should not have holes in them or look raggedy. We are pretty lenient with the dress code because we know it is getting toward the end of the semester and everyone is ready to be done with school. As long as they look nice and do not know that they look like they just roll out of bed then it would be okay. Kaitlyn then talked about the attendance policy that we set and the attendance violations. The last thing she talked about was the speech evaluations we did not make a slide for each position like the previous GCB did because we assumed that everyone would know what should be in the their speeches by now and if they had questions they could always come and ask one of us. I then talked about the hiring and firing of employees the last GCB did not talk about this but we as a GBC thought it was important because we wanted each corporation to know that they are not stuck with a member. Then I stood in front of the class and asked the corporations what they wanted their target market to be. We all felt like they should have the decision to decided because after all they are the ones that are going to have to be selling a product or service to this market. The class picked middle age people and this was not the age group I would have picked because I think it is going to be hard to get this age group to the trade fair. I then summed up the speech with talking about a small business grant, the budget, advertising cost, the little bit of information we had about the trade fair, and finally our contact information. I did not conclude the speech very well and also asked for questions before the class applauded. I felt defeated again the same way I did after my speech before but I realized that it wasn't a big deal I just need to learn how to conclude speeches better than I have before. Over all we got a 93% on our speech and overall did a good job of being funny yet still getting our point across.

GCB Me!

Before the first cycle was even over I knew I wanted to be on the GCB. It is hard work but it is hard work in a different way that being on a corporation. The final day before spring break after the IS Speeches, A.J.(our teacher) decided we were going to decide who was going to be on the GCB. There were nine of us in class that day that wanted to be on the GCB so she gave each one of us a number and did the random number finder from the Internet. As you could say I was one of the lucky 9 that got to be on the GCB. The other two members of the GCB are Sarah and Kaitlyn. Sarah and I were in the same corporation last cycle and got along pretty well so I was not worry about working with her and Kaitlyn and I had previously known each other before class and get along well so I also wasn't worried about working with her. I was happy with the members of the GBC and I felt that we would not only work well together but be on top of thing and get our work done. The GCB is in charge of setting up the schedule and this was our first big task. We decided to make every Tuesday a work day or a day to meet with the GCB and every Thursday a presentation day. This allowed every group to have time to discuss what each person was going to talk about before their speech that way they would not have to meet outside of class if they got everything done in class. The GCB is harder work than I expected everyone made it out to seem really easy but it has its difficult part too. You are still working with a group not of four but instead three. You also have to be the bad guy and set rules and regulations for every corporation to abide by. Being on the GCB is something that going to be an on going process until after the Trade Fair and the IS Speeches. We as a GCB are trying to make things run smoothly for all of the corporations.

Why did I go to School?

Why did I go to school? This is a question I have asked myself a million times when I get frustrated and fed up with school. I start with the reason I go to school is to get a degree but why do I need a degree? Is it because it is expected of me from society or is it because I felt it was my only option after high school? I did not go to college because I felt like it was expected of me because my Dad told me that if I wanted to start my own business he would help me. I decided against that idea because I wanted the college experience and I wanted to say I had a degree. I am very happy I made that decision now because now I can graduate with a degree and have an upper hand on other potential employees of companies. The degree I receive and spent so much money on is for a career that I enjoy. To be happy with my career so that everyday is not miserable. I also got a degree so that I could get a job that makes enough money starting off to support me and Robert(my boyfriend) and after awhile enough money to save up for a weeding and a family. Money does not give you happiness but is sure does help to support a family. I went to school to make my family proud and be the first person in my family to graduate from a four year college. I also went to school because I want to be a good example to my sisters. College was the next step for me after high school and although it seemed natural I am happy for the decision I made because it will allow me many more opportunities to provide for my family and have a career that I love. and this is why I went to college.

What has been going on this semester

This semester is my last semester in college and to explain everything that has been going on would take me hours to write. There are a few big things that I am going to talk about such as spring break, moving on, job hunting, classes, and relocating for love.

Moving on...
It is hard to believe that four years of school as come and gone. Everyone always said how fast it would go but I never seemed to believe them. There isn't one part of my college experience I regret. I had fun, got my work done, and made friends that will be in my life for forever. It is crazy to think that I won't see these people everyday and I won't only have class til noon and then have nothing to do but my homework. I am going to miss this lifestyle, Charleston, and all of my friends but it is time to move on. I am getting to that period in my life where I am ready to take the next step and move on with my life outside of college.


Spring Break:
Spring break is something I have participated in the past three years of school the first year my mom, sister, and me went to Mexico and relaxed for five days,the third year of school I went to Italy through the FCS department and took classes. Also when I went to Italy two of my Roommates went but those were the only people I knew. Since I had not done a spring break trip with all of my girl friends I thought it would be a great idea to go my senior year as one last hurrah. We booked our trip in October and planned it from Saturday to Saturday. As the semester went on I realized that I was a little nervous about going with 12 girls on a trip for 7 days. When we got to the airport I realized that the traveling was going to be the hardest part because everyone was trying to take charge and getting frustrated with each other. Other than the traveling part we all had a great time together got along great and even got a good tan. When we got home my mom asked me how it was and I told her it was a trip I will always remember with my friends from college but I was glad I only did it once.

Job Hunting:
Job hunting began early this semester because I did not want to graduate without a job. I began applying for anything that seemed interesting and that might pay well I figured it was work a shot. I had two interviews with Prudential and end up not liking the job they were offering me. As well as they gave me an assignment to list 200 people that I know to put into their system before I even began working for them. I thought this was crazy and was definitely not doing it. I also had an interview with ADM and they then called me back about 2 weeks later to tell me they filled the position internally. I also had an interview with Enterprise for the management training program. After none of these job interview went through I began to get very frustrated and my Dad told be to just let things fall into place.

Relocating for Love:
I got this title from one of the MTV documentaries and thought it was clever. After having all of these interviews and nothing working out Robert (my boyfriend of 6 years) got a job with a grain company called DeBruce. He asked me if I would go with him and I gave it a couple of weeks to decide what I really wanted not what he wanted me to do or my parents wanted me to do. I came to the decision that I wanted to go with him. The company that he is working for is not telling us where we are going to be located until April 19th. So until then I am on stand still for looking for a job and for finding us an apartment. This is a really big step in our relationship but I am comfortable with where we are at and excited for our new adventure together.

Class:
I have five classes this semester and find myself wishing I had less. This semester has been a lot of work with classes that have a lot of group work. At the beginning of the semester I was very motivated to finish strong for my last semester of collage but now as it is all start to wind down I am beginning to get senioritis. I have no desire to do any of the work anymore but I know that the sooner I get it finished the sooner I will be done. I can't wait to not have all of the homework, test, and papers to do but I am going to miss the lifestyle too. Also a lot of my teacher are loading on the work before the end of the semester and it is only stressing me out. I am trying to take care of things before we find out where we are going to be leaving so that once we find out I am not stressing about school as much too.

The end is bittersweet... I am so excited to get my life after college start and I know there are only good things to come but I am also sad to be leaving the life and the friends I have known for four years.

What makes me happy?

This is a very hard question to answer but as I think about it there is a lot. First I am going to start with the people that make me happy and then I am going to go into the things that make me happy.

1. My Mom: makes me happy and drives me crazy at the same time. I couldn't ask for a better Mom who always worries about me and would do anything for me in a heart beat. I hope I can be half of the mom she is to us girls


2. My Dad: is the person I go to when I need an opinion but I don't want a judgement. He has taught me how to be level headed and not always let me emotions get in the way.


3. My Sisters: are by best friends and always know the right thing to say to put me in a better mood. They are goofy when I am too serious and always keep the house laughing.


4. Robert: my boyfriend, is also my best friend who I talk to all day everyday. He know what to say to make me mad and he knows how to be there when I just need to cry. He is the first person I would go to about anything and is the love of my life.


5. My Grandparents: Although, I do not always agree with everything they do I have learned to appreciate them for who they are and what they have given me. They are a part of my family who have taught me about my religion and about who I am today.


6. My Boyfriend's Family: Although, they sometimes get on my nerves I appreciate who they are and how much they have welcomed me into their family. I also appreciate the son they have raised Robert to be. I always love going over to their house and catching up with them all.


7. Whitney: seems to know the exact days to call when I really just need someone to talk to. She is an amazing listener and someone who will always make me feel loved as a friend.


8. Mackenzie: I feel like we have been friends forever but don't talk everyday. She is the friend that when we get together we always catch up right where we left off. She knows how to be excited for me but always knows how to give me her honest opinion too.


9. My Roommates: My roommates at school have been a part of my everyday life this year and some last year too. They are my rock and are amazing friends. I will be lost without them when we graduate.
   

I am sure I left some people out but those are the people right now if my life that make me happy and who I am. I believe that everyone you come in contact with shapes who you are and the people that make you happy are in your life for a reason.

I attached this song in dedication to all the people who have made me happy and have shaped my life. Each one of you "came into my life for a reason bringing something we must learn and we lead to those who help us most to grow if we let them and we help them in return. I know I am who I am today because I knew you. " Wicked
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx3rjS_vSM4

Things that make me happy:

My Bed: I love to sleep and take naps. My bed is something that makes me happy because it allows me to wake up with a positive attitude every morning.

My Dog: Bella is our family dog and I look forward to seeing her every time I come home. Dogs are someone who love you no matter what and she is always excited to see me.

Traveling: is something my parents have installed in me since I was little and I love to explore and see new places.

Volunteering: I love to volunteer for many different types of organizations. I makes me feel happy to be helping someone else.

Ice Cream: ice cream is my comfort food and always makes me happy. For some people its coffee or chocolate for me its ice cream.

Although these are some things that make me happy I believe that first of all you have to make yourself happy before anyone else or anything can make you happy. :)

Who am I in the Simulations Class?

Someone who is....

• scared to mess up in front of the whole class


• quite yet speaks up when I have to


• wanting a good grade but doesn't know how to get it


• hiding behind my opinions


• easily annoyed


• sometimes bored with the simulation


• excited to see the new corporations of cycle 2


• curious about how people will work together


• always trying to take charge secretly


• scared of the change


• unsure of how we are going to get middle age people to the trade fair


• hoping to impress our class as the GCB


• disappointed in my past corporation


• not disappointed because we didn't do well but because we didn't work well together


• excited to have it all over with


• happy to have had the experience


• struggling to finish


• looking forward to others speeches but not my own


• not liking to rank other people speeches
  

Overall this is just a little bit of who I feel I am in this class during this semester. At times I have felt very down on myself because of this class and at other times I feel a sense of accomplishment. I believe that this is how you are supposed to feel during this semester because when you are in a actual corporation you will not only feel as sense of accomplishment but sometimes feel as though you couldn't have done worse. I believe that this class has taught me how to get back up when I don't do as well as I think and still continue on so that our corporation can succeed as a whole. This is what you have to do in the real world. A good example of this is when my Dad invested a good amount of money into a water bottle business. This business was where he bought water bottles and put different labels on them for different types of business or events. This business did not end up being profitable and although he enjoyed it, it wasn't worth doing if he did not make money. So I understand how this class is not trying to make us feel bad about ourselves but instead prepare us for the job world.

Overall Ratings & Comments

Our Corporation Sports & Beyond was rated over all 4th because we had a total of 1600 points.

Although, we did not get last I was disappointed in not getting a higher rating. Basket Cases Corporation was ranked first and I believe that they deserved it because they had the best product that most people wanted to by. They also had very good team members that all did a good job of presenting.

We each person in the corporation received bonuses for their ranking on their own speeches.
Sarah got 2nd- giving here 400 bonus points
Megan S. got 5th-giving here 100 bonus points
Megan M. got 3rd-giving here 300 bonus points
I received 5th as well-giving me 100 bonus points

This gave us 900 bonus points total. Which also set us at 4th in the overall rankings of the corporations presentation bonuses.

We also received 200 dollar bonus for our advertising campaign which put us in 4th place as well.

In our corporate success bonus we received 400 points which put us in second for our overall income.

For the overall best trade fair booth we received 100 bonus points which put us in last.

My overall grade after cycle one with over test is a 79%. I am not necessarily happy with this grade but I know that being on the GCB next cycle and working hard will allow me to bring this up. As well as this paper will help me get a better grade if I put the time and effort into it.

Comments:

Sports & Beyond: Seems really fun! Nice booth and sales pitch. Somewhat over priced for this area but really creative!

Packages on one side and activities on the other but relationship between specific activities and packages not on display

Costs don’t seem a value for purchasing packages

Typical cost for these activities is below and others charge for individual activities. The advantage of packaging with an additional cost without additional service seems questionable from a consumer’s perspective

Your package cost is an additional $30 over your competitors for the “pairing package” and $130 more for the “extreme package” without offer any additional service (at least no additional service was noted in the conversation and none are discussed on the handout)

Sports and Beyond did a great job of coming to me and told me what they were selling. Sports and Beyond also did a great job of giving me the history of the company and telling me their own experience of what they were selling (i.e. they’ve all done what they are selling).

•I really enjoyed reading all of these different evaluations that we received from the teachers that came through and even the student who attended. I agreed with most of the comments that we received such as it was over priced for the area but with the type of product we were selling you could not go much lower or the prices would not be reasonable. I also agree with the fact that we should have found a product that was not just focused on one niche group of extreme people because in real life I am not one of those people and would never have bought our package unless for a gift. We did a good job of telling our customers that they could split the packages up and give part or all of it away for a gift. Overall I was glad for the feedback because I think it would show us what to do if we were all together as a group in the second cycle.