New Opportunities and Conclussions

It's about to be 2014, a whole new year and the start of a new experience for the incoming students. Now is a chance for those just starting to take the first steps to achieving their goals. Enrolling at Sullivan is a great start. You are not treated like a number, the small class sizes and availability of resources puts Sullivan above the rest. During registration, I had a chance to talk to some of the new graduate school students who we're going after MBA's and Masters of Human Resources, and there were several from U of L and UK. That shows that rather than stay there, they wanted what Sullivan has to offer, and that is a strong statement.
For those of us that have been here for a while, it's a good time to reflect on where we are now versus where we were at the beginning. We have all taken steps towards our future and learned more than we planned. Whether you're a new student or are returning, have a fun and safe New Years and we'll see you next week!

Brian

Labyrinth Walk

What college student does not feel stressed or overloaded from time to time?  For situations like these, and more, Sullivan University has a great Student Wellness Center.  One opportunity sponsored by the Wellness Center is The Labyrinth Walk, which emphasizes the release of tension.  The Labyrinth provides a relaxing atmosphere to which students may come to unwind.  Historically (over 4000 years old), a labyrinth was a maze-like structure that symbolized the journey of life.  The path into the center of the structure encourages self-reflection.  Then the path leads the participant back out in to the world with a better understanding of self and serenity. 

Labyrinth Walks are held at least once per quarter at Sullivan University, usually around mid-terms.  All students and faculty are welcome to come and take advantage of the relaxing environment, community support, and free refreshments!  A representative from Back, Body, and Beyond Chiropractic is available to accurately measure your level of tension before and after your Labyrinth experience.

Feel free to take advantage of these free services at Sullivan University.  Contact Dr. Renee, Wellness Director, for more information!

Hayley Charron

Great Fall Weather

It's a great time of year as the weather cools off and the leaves and schedule of sunlight changes, but it also makes it really hard to get out of bed. Now that Sullivan is an attendance taking school, there are only so many times to hit that snooze button. Now many of the teachers understand that life can get hectic and there may be times that we just can't get to class, but all we have to do is email the instructor if there is a good reason for missing class. A sick child, an unexpected work schedule, a medical or family emergency, the instructors will work with you to make sure you don't fall behind.
The further we go into the fall and winter season, the more likely that weather is going to cause some delays or even cancelling of classes, so be sure to sign up for the Dean's Alert System on your Sullivan Portal, it is under the Communications tab and the Emergency and Weather link. You can get text messages or voicemails to let you know if classes are cancelled, rather than driving to the campus.

Have a safe and happy quarter!

Brian

Graduation

The Graduation ceremony is in less than two weeks and I am very excited about wearing my cap and gown. I am especially excited that I was offered a job last week! All my hard work has paid off, all the networking I have done, and the contacts I have build with people in my profession. The skills I have learned in my professional development class have been a huge help at selling myself to prospective employers. I can only encourage everyone to take this class seriously and to accept the help the teachers are offering, they know what they are doing. If you follow their advice, you have made a huge step in the right direction. I was prepared for certain questions, I had perfected my resume, and I knew what to expect from an interview. I was told that there are so many candidates who can not write a good cover letter, or have resumes that look unprofessional. Do invest some time in creating your resume. Print it on good paper, it looks so much better. I received compliments for my resume paper (in fact, they told me that nobody seems to use it anymore, but they loved it, so it made mine stand out).

When I first started, I wondered how hard it would be to find a job. But now I know that Sullivan is a school with a great reputation, and that employers love to hire graduates from here.

I want to wish everyone good luck for their journey, mine was a great one, and the best part is just starting.

Claudia

Going Forward

Coming to the end of the Associate level programs and not sure if you want to continue? There's a lot of decisions to be made at that point, are you able to find a career you want? Will you need more education to move forward in that career?
Those questions really boil down to this one question... how much do you want to invest in yourself? It is a commitment to further your education, in both time and energy. Education requires some sacrifice, both personally and professionally.
While you are considering whether or not to go forward beyond the Associates level, think about the goals you have and what you want out of life. Also take a look at the possibilities that come with a Bachelors or Masters degree, and what does the current job market want from you? Who are you competing against and what sort of education do they have?
It's up to you on how far you want to go, you are the only person who measures your own success.

Brian

What a Year!!!

        The title says it all! I can't believe September is coming to a close and we're reaching October!!  This year has whizzed by!!  I am finally putting my Culinary degree to use and it's been so fun!
     
        Over the past few weeks, I've done two dinner parties.  The last one was for my husband's birthday! Everyone had a good time and enjoyed the food.  I posted the menu and pictures below!

Dinner Menu 

Appetizer: 

Roasted Shrimp Salad on Toasted Crostini 

Salad Course: 

Sweet Kale, accompanied with Chicory, Cabbage, Broccoli and Brussel Sprouts; bathed in a Mango-Lime Vinaigrette; 

topped with Spiced Walnuts and Goat Cheese 

 Main Course: 

Beef Tenderloin topped with Roquefort Pecan Butter, Roasted Sweet Paprika Potatoes and Crispy Lemon Crumbed Broccolini 

Dessert: 

Strawberry-Lemon Parfait with Brown Sugar Pound Cake 

Alona Beasley-Jenkins

PEOPLE SKILLS!

As I am nearing the end of my Hospitality Management degree, I have been fearful of the strenuous work load.  I recently met with a mentor chef who has been in my position, and we discussed the details of each course I have left.  In doing so, I was able to "map out" my last few quarters at Sullivan.  I will take similar classes concurrently, and I will not be as overwhelmed with expectations.

My classes this quarter are all focused on PEOPLE!  As a chef, my focus is centered more around the food the people eat, rather than the people themselves.  I am eager to develop better people skills, especially in a managerial sense.

• My online class is Human Resources Development in the Hospitality Industry, which discusses the issues regarding a company's HR Department.  I am particularly looking forward to learning the specific laws and guidelines for employee relations.
• My daytime class is The Manager as a Negotiator.  This course details negotiation strategies, which are used more than one would think.  Whether you are buying a new car, discussing stipulations with a potential business partner, or trying to get your 13-year-old son to clean his room, negotiations are everywhere.  You just have to be aware of the situation at hand, learn information about the other parties involved, and be able to use this knowledge to come to an agreement.  
• Lastly, my nighttime class is Organizational Behavior, which studies the characteristics of an company as a function of individual or interpersonal behavior.  In other words, this course discusses how people interact within the business world.

As I grow within the hospitality industry as a chef, I am learning that I cannot hide behind the food I create.  I have to establish a persona of success and character.  The only way to do that is through people: my superiors, my business partners, my employees, and, most importantly, my guests.  I aim to make "work" my passion, and it is important to emit that passion to each person I encounter.  These classes and my every day experiences at Sullivan University allow to to gradually build these necessary skills.

Hayley Charron