Hard Work Deserves a Reward

I am two semesters away from graduating and I cannot be more excited.  I stayed in Auburn every summer and took classes, I came in with 22 hours from Dual Enrollment classes, and I have managed to passed all my classes with mostly shining colors! And after seven and half years, I am a semester and half away from graduation.  Since all this hard work was put in on the front end, I believe it is time to reward myself.

This semester I am taking nine hours and next semester I am taking eight hours.  This light load is not because I want to make my life any easier.  Lord knows I am busy with millions of other things.  No, the light load is because those are the only classes I have left until I graduate from college.  I put in the work in the beginning and was able to make it less stressful so I could focus on finding a job, enjoying my last year as a college student, and really focus on my upper level classes.

A simple joke this semester has been about my light class load but another joke from the past three years I have been in the Hospitality Management program is, "Oh, you are here to get your MRS degree." While I have met an amazing guy, I do not plan on living my life through his to make sure I can stay afloat.  I am an independent person and I plan on living that way for a while.  I am in Hospitality Management because it is what I am passionate about.  I love serving others and meeting others expectations.  I guess this came about because I always had to have everything my way when I was little.  Now, hopefully, I can give guests exactly what they want and more.

This major is by no means easy.  Yes, it may be more interesting than watching fungus grow in a lab, or punching numbers into a calculator, or listening to children scream all day, but you made your choice to do those things with your life.  I made my career choice in enjoying the finer things in life.  So the next time you call my major an "MRS" degree or an easy way out of college, think to yourself, where would I stay on the business trips I have to go on for my job if it wasn't for that degree, where would you eat, would there be such a thing as vacation? Probably not!

California Wine Tour: Day 6

I cannot believe today was our last day of the wine tour.  It was an outstanding day and couldn't have ended the trip any better.  This morning we woke up early and headed to Bouchon Bakery which is owned by Thomas Keller.  He also owns and operates The French Laundry if you are familiar with that.  We enjoy fresh croissants and freshly brewed coffee.  Chef Matthew showed us around their tiny property and also gave us a kitchen tour of The French Laundry.  Also while we were in Yountville, we were able to tour The French Laundry's garden.  Yes, this restaurant is so prestige it needs it's own garden.  This garden was massive and everything is grown organic.  They make a list of availability of items the night before and the chef changes the menu daily based on the availability of items.  In the morning, the gardener harvests the crops and walks across the street for the kitchen to beginning cooking for 70 tables.

After our visit at the fabulous bakery, we headed to Domaine Carneros.  This winery is owned by Tattinger in France.  Tattinger (as most of you know) is a famous champagne company.  One cool thing I learned this week is that the only difference between champagne and sparkling wine is the name.  The only reason it is called sparkling wine is because of the treaty in the 1930's that prohibited the US from naming their sparkling wine champagne.  This wine was unlike anything we had had all week because it was sparkling.  Everything we've enjoyed has been stilled.  The interesting thing about sparkling wine is that the fermentation process happens within the bottle to build carbon dioxide.  The bottles are stored sideways and the cage they are located in shakes once every three to four hours and then turns the cage upside down.

After Domaine Carneros, we were finally able to relax and enjoy an all american lunch.  We had lunch at a place called Gatto's Roadside.  This place is famous for the hamburgers and milkshakes.  I did not get a milkshake but their hamburger was absolutely delicious.  And of course I got a side order of french fries and man were they delicious.  They also offered garlic fries and after I got my lunch figured I probably should have ordered those for my Mom's sake.  This meal could not have come at a better time in this trip because I was craving some usual (typical) food.

Leaving the fabulous burger joint, we headed over to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).  Today was graduation and instead of graduation caps, they throw their chef's hat.  Pretty cute.  Their gift shop was amazing and we learned about classes they have that specialize just in Beverages and Wine.  These classes are very serious but help with catapulting your career to the next level.

From 3:00pm to 9:40pm, we spent our last night at Trinchero.  This family and estate were so welcoming and taught us all soo much.  We learned how to pair food and wine and how to smell different aromas.  We enjoyed a short reception and then chowed down on the delicious dinner.  After dinner, every student stood up and said what the trip meant to them and thanked all the people involved.  I honestly didn't think I would become emotional but man it was a tear jerker.

This trip has seriously changed me more than anyone will every know.  I have this opportunistic look on life.  I honestly feel my horizon has been expanded and I can see that there is so much this world has to offer.  There is no point in doing anything in life if you do not have a passion for it.  Without the passion and education you have nothing to fulfill your life.  Living life to the fullest is definitely my mentality now.  There is no reason to be miserable in something that you easily have control over.  I'm taking away from this trip so many valuable lessons and one of them is the importance of giving back.  We talked a lot about this tonight at dinner but I can only hope I'll be well enough off that I am able to donate to this program and give students the exact same opportunity these donors gave us.

So blessed,

Kayla

California Wine Tour: Day 5

Wow, this week has gone by fast.  I could tell today that my body physically and mentally was completely worn out.  This marathon keeps testing me but I’m still trying to soak up every moment I can.

This morning, bright and early, we took a trip to Seguin Moreau.  This is the number one barrel company in the US and France.  They use French oak and American oak.  The men that make the barrels are called coopers.  After a cooper crafts barrels completely by hand (with no machine) for four years, they earn the name Master Cooper.  Today we were shown how to change a staff out and rebuild the barrel to make sure that it wouldn’t leak.  Seguin Moreau is completely sustainable and you might think that is weird since they cut down trees for their product.  But the French government overlooks everything they do in France and they can regulate the sustainable rules.  I have a lot of respect for barrel making now and can really appreciate aged wine in barrels.  Seguin Moreau sells 90,000 barrels a year but only 2% of the whole wine industry is barrel fermented.  

After the cooperage, we took an hour and a half drive to Sonoma County and pulled onto 1,700 acres on MacMurray Ranch.  This is the property I was in charge of studying and found out a lot of great information before coming there but nothing can compare to actually seeing the ranch.  We were able to walk through the two original barns that Fred MacMurray (Hollywood star in My Three Sons) built.  Also, we walked through the MacMurray’s house with all the furniture that was originally in the house.  This property has so much history and was extremely special to see especially since I studied it before hand.  Bridget was our host today.  She works for E & J Gallo, which is the company that owns the MacMurray Ranch.  I took so many pictures at this place because it was absolutely stunning.   I can only wish one day my everyday will consist of sitting on a wrap around porch sipping wine and looking out to beautiful property.

Leaving MacMurray Ranch we had about a thirty-minute drive to the restaurant Cyrus.  This restaurant was extreme luxury.  The Maître d’hôtel, Nick, was very nice in explaining their history and giving us advice on how to go about designing and taking a risk in being an entrepreneur for the restaurant business.   His executive chef, Chef Douglas, was very VERY honest about what he sees in the restaurant business and how he is also changing the menu to help cut food cost and make the biggest profit.  We only spent an hour there but learned a lot from this two gentlemen.

The last (semi-last) place we went was Gene’s house owner and entrepreneur of Barbers Q.  This restaurant is designed off of Memphis BBQ and he wanted to bring the concept to California.  Before I get into the restaurant, Gene opened his house to us and we enjoyed a two-hour reception with Rob Sinskey’s wine from his vineyard.  After the reception and seeing his beautiful property, we headed to Barbers Q.  The restaurant as this ambiance about it that is very modern.  The music is fun and energetic.  The tables are black with silver chairs and silver flatware.  This is BBQ at it’s best.  My food baby was massive after dinner. 

This week I can almost guarantee I gained at least 5 pounds.  Coming back to Auburn is going to be great but I will definitely miss this place.  California, especially the wine industry and food industry, have so much to offer to a young hospitality graduate.  Moving out here would be like a dream.  Being young and taking risks is how we are going to become successful.  If we keep ourselves in Small Town, USA we won’t maximize our greatness.  And I know our group is going to do wonders for this industry.  I cannot wait to start looking for jobs and venturing out into this huge world.

Dreaming big,

Kayla

California Wine Tour: Day 4

Today was a marathon.  OMG! I should have trained a little bit more but I must say today has been another fabulous day.  We visited four wineries today.  Yes, all in a matter of 13 hours!!

The first winery we visited this morning at 9am was Opus One.  This winery is closed to the public unless you set up an appointment to tour the facility with a tour guide.  Michael, the winemaker, never speaks to the public and every year feels it is necessary to speak with our group.  How could we be so lucky? Opus One makes only one wine, Cabernet Sauvignon.  Michael is extremely intelligent and was pretty much way over my head with most of the words that he said.  But it was amazing to be in his presence and listen to the art of winemaking, different growing techniques, and the harvesting, sorting, and pressing process.  After we toured the fermentation room we were able to go into the tasting room that out looks the barrel room.  Michael revered to that window as the hospital window looking onto his babies.  I thought it was a great analogy for any winemaker.

The second winery we visited was Quintessa.  This winery was extremely special because we had Auburn's very own alumnus giving us the tour through the property.  Katie, the alumnus, actually went on this trip five years ago and visited Quintessa and came back during the summer after the trip to go through harvest and see what it takes to make this wine.  Quintessa also makes only one wine.  It is a blended wine (as is Opus One).  The winemaker, Charles, gave a very great insight on what Quintessa strives for in their wines.  It's nothing particular but it's what makes the best version of the grapes grown on the estate.  After visiting with Katie, Charles, and Gwen (the marketing director) we had lunch on the back porch of the proprietors house.  The Huneeus were extremely welcoming and were great company to sit with and talk to at lunch.  The Huneeus founded their land and planted the first grapes and are completely biodynamic in farming (which means they rely on the earth's energy to help the growth of the grapes [Opus One is also taking on this way of farming]).

The third winery we visited was Franciscan which is my favorite wine (at least before we came here) because of the price range and the quality it presents.  Franciscan is also a blended wine.  They produce Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley vintages and just released a brand called Magnificat in 2004.  This wine is a mix the three winemakers decide on together.  Every year is different (as Jay, one of the winemakers) said.  They aren't striving for a specific taste but for dynamics that make the wine stand out.  At Franciscan, our group participated in a blending competition.  We were able to make our own wines in two categories: drinkable wine (as in now, the present) and age able wine.  My group (Dr. O'Neill and Mrs. Sue) were in the category of drinkable wine.  We competed against three other groups that submitted wines and my blend won.  I made a 60% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Malbec.  This exercise was a lot of fun and introduced us to a new side of wine making.  Also my prize for winning the competition was a magnum bottle of Magnificat.  My only worry now is how am I going to get it home?

The last place we visited tonight was a resort by the name of Solage Calistoga.  This property is one of seven in their company and is completely sustainable and organic (without the certification).  They strive for modernization and going green.  Their spa on the resort specializes in mud baths and the town of Calistoga is actually known for its mud baths.  At every villa, there are two bicycles that they provide for the guest to ride around the premises on.  After touring the property, we were able to talk to the General Manager Richard and a master sommelier, Emmanuel.  Emmanuel actually came to the hospitality gala this year as a featured winemaker so it was nice to see such a successful person in the industry again.  After mingling with them, we sat down at a huge table and enjoyed a four course meal! Every course paired with one of Emmanuel's wines.  We tasted a Sparking wine during the reception, a Chardonnay paired with oysters, a Pinot Noir paired with tuna, a Cabernet Sauvignon paired with short rib, and a Shyrah paired with goat cheese.  The dinner was absolutely divine!

The biggest lesson I learned today was that this industry is built off of hard work.  These things don't just happen for most of the people in this business.  The industry isn't just about passion; it's about education, passion, and hard work.  I definitely have much more appreciation for the wine I drink because of all the hard work that goes into making each wine to perfection.  I am taking more life lessons away from this trip that I could learn in a lifetime of working.  Thanks to our amazing donors and sponsors this trip could never be possible and I only hope that one day I'm able to give back to this growing program.

Blessed beyond belief,

Kayla

California Wine Tour: Day 3

Well friends, I definitely wrote way too early yesterday.  I wrote before dinner and did not have time to share about dinner that evening at Bernardus Lodge and the "treat" we received after dinner.  Right after I wrote the blog yesterday, I walked down to the wedding garden at the lodge where a reception was hosted and we were able to mingle with the general manager, Mike; grape grower, Matt; the wine master, Mark; and the executive chef, Chef Cal.  This reception consisted of walking through the beautiful vineyard that is planted in the entrance way to the lodge.  Adds a romantic touch, right?  Well the vineyard was beautiful and we listened and asked questions to Matt, the grape grower.  After that, we switched groups to walk through the garden were Marinus and Wicked (the two restaurants on the property) grow all of the ingredients they use while cooking every single meal.  During this time we talked with Chef Cal and wine master Mark about the farm to table method and the beautiful wine cellar they have below the property.  At dinner, I tried my first experience with Foie Gras.  If you do not know what that is, it's duck liver.  Everyone kept going on and on about how amazing this food was so I figured I must try it.  Well, I did the mistake and ate it by itself (Chef Leo would have killed me).  Chefs make dishes for everything to be eaten together but I grew up eating on sectioned plates that I wouldn't touch another food group until I was finished with the first one.  So, next time, I was ordered to put it on top of the beef like it was served.  During dinner, I had the honor of sitting next to celebrity Chef Cultino.  This man has done so many things throughout the years that I could only sit there and take in the wisdom he had to offer.  He has won so many awards, worked with chefs on TV shows, and has opened his own culinary school.  He began in the industry washing dishes.  AMAZING!  After dinner, we were whisked away by Lisa and brought to the spa where we indulged in chocolates, cake, cupcakes, and the biggest strawberries I had ever seen in my life!  In the spa, we were treated to coffee AND seven minute chair massages!! I have never had a massage before and after last night I think I'm going to find a way to spend $50-75 a month on a massage. I felt like a new person.  After all the sponsors and faculty left, we all sat by the fire and talked about how blessed we are to be out here at this point in our lifetime.  It's indescribable.

WOW! So that was just last night.  Today we were able to leave a little bit later but had to check out of the gorgeous Bernardus Lodge.  We drove an hour and a half to a vineyard that will never be open to the public: Pisoni Vineyard.  Unfortunately, this year, our group was unable to meet the famous Gary Pisoni who is the owner of Pisoni Vineyards.  The way business is done with him is by a hand shake and only if Gary likes you.  Luckily, we were blessed to spend the day with his son Mark (the grape grower of the family business) and his beautiful wife.  This morning was so relaxing! We enjoyed lunch in Gary's man cave (literally) of food that the Pisoni's hunt off of their land.  The meal was HUGE and it was only lunch time.  I did discover my new favorite wine and Brenden is going to kill me.  It's named Lucy and it is a Pisoni brand but it's a rosa wine that is so light on the palette.  It is extremely expensive but all Pisoni wines are. :)  After lunch, we were able to take the famous jeep ride with Mark through the vineyard and we got some amazing shots of the grapes and the scenery.  This place was a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Pisoni ended (unfortunately) and we rode on a bus from St. Lucia Highlands to Napa Valley, a three and a half hour drive!!  Our group definitely had a lot of fun on the bus but I was able to squeeze a quick nap in before we transferred to our new hotel River Terrace Inn.  This place reminds me a lot of the Hotel at Auburn University but in California they have wine in all the mini bars!  We were able to check in, put our luggage in the room, and run out the door to our next location: Far Niente.

Arriving at Far Niente, we were greeted with a glass of Chardonnay and Beth, the owner herself in a barn filled with old fashion cars.  Beth use to own this winery with her husband Gill until he passed away about seven years ago.  Her story is just amazing but the neat thing about their winery is the name.  When they discovered the old abandoned stone building Far Niente was carved in the front.  In Italy that translates to "doing nothing".  Well, as Beth told us, Gill emphasized that Far Niente was meant to be how they enjoy the wine not how they make it.  And man was their wine fabulous.  We enjoyed a four course meal in what use to be Beth and Gill's apartment in the top of this exquisite estate.  We enjoyed four wines tonight.  Far Niente specialize in the King and Queen of all wines: Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.  But for dessert, Far Niente has a winery within the winery called Dolce.  This is a dessert wine and is made to smell like a white wine but to taste like a jubilance of flavors.  Far Niente was so nice and let us enjoy 1999 Dolce.  One bottle alone sells for $200!  AH! I don't even want to know the retail value for this trip.

But the retail value will never compare to the amount of knowledge I am gaining from this experience.  I cannot express enough how blessed I am to be on this trip.  Not only on it but on it as a junior.  My outlook on experiences and life have completely changed because of this trip.  I have learned more about what I am interested in, what I want to do after graduation, and where I want to end up.  This opportunity could not be any better.

Soaking up the greatness,

Kayla

California Wine Tour: Day 2

I'm writing a little early today but this is the free time that I have and didn't want to miss any details.  This morning we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at Marinus.  This restaurant is on location at Bernardus Lodge but is rated a top restaurant to go to in California.  (A guy we meet in Carmel said HE thinks it is better than The French Laundry, which is a really prestigious restaurant.)  After three cups of coffee, we listened to a lady by the name of Carol who is the destinations manager for CCM&E.  This traveling company has helped plan our whole trip.  Listening to Carol this morning solidified my desire to work with people and make their dreams come true.  She plans fabulous events and meetings for people all over the state of California and all over the U.S.  The events/meetings she plans are unlike any other because they are all specialized for each customer.  Carol cares about her customers and it shows.  She puts thought into details most people wouldn't think about.

After soaking up all the information I could about working with events, we hopped on the bus and headed to Sleepy Hollow where the Talbott Estates Winery is located.  This winery was so much fun to go to.  We listened to their winemaker, Dan talk so honestly about the winemaking process.  Simple put, he says, "It isn't winemaking.  The grapes know what to do.  They were designed to make wine.  There is no art in winemaking and I'm not a winemaker."  Talbott is a family owned winery and all of their wines are named after Mr. Talbott's kids (Kali Hart and Logan).  We were able to walk through their vineyard, talk and ask questions with Dan, and see the fermentation process.  The most interesting thing is how different everyone's wines are. Everyone has their own style of "winemaking" and Talbott is simply a wine that mimics exactly what they grow in their fields.

One thing I have learned today from numerous people (sponsors, sales director, random people in Tiffany's) is that you can have a plan of your life all you want but you can never plan everything.  Being passionate about something and taking steps to pursue that passion is the most important thing you can do for yourself.  As long as you are doing what you love and are talented in it you will be a happy and successful person.  What I'm taking away from today is following my heart and passion.  I have a lot of passions so following just one will be the most challenging part.

Tonight, we are dining at Bernardus Lodge in the wedding garden.  Bernardus is also a winery so we will be enjoying their fine wines along with a fabulous dinner prepared by Chef Cal.  If you have a passion for food and wine this is the place to live.  The food is spectacular and the wine matches every dish just perfectly.  My body is going into shock the amount of food I have consumed in the past day but I'm indulging in every thing that is put before me on this trip.  As Dan says, why enjoy an aged wine when you can enjoy what is here in the moment?

Living life to the fullest,

Kayla

California Wine Tour: Day 1

Today has been the most amazing day of all time.  I cannot believe this experience.  It is unlike anything I have ever experienced and it has completely surpassed my expectations.  Today, we boarded AirTran at 10:30 and landed in San Francisco at 12:40.  Yeah, you're thinking it was a two hour flight like me aren't you? FALSE! It was a FIVE hour flight.  I must say I enjoyed myself and took some pictures of the beautiful mountains in Arizona.

After landing in San Francisco, we headed straight to Los Gatos, CA to visit Testarossa Winery.  The winery is named Testarossa because the founder is a red head and Testarossa "red head" in Italian.  This place had so much history in this small business.  We enjoyed lunch in one of their cellars where we were able to talk and mingle with Rob Jensen, the owner and founder, himself.  What an experience.  I won't explain the history to you but if you want to know send me a message and I'd be happy to share.

The tree on Testarossa's label

The lodge we are staying at tonight is so exquisite.  The hospitality is beyond belief! I'm currently laying in bed with egyptian cotton sheets, listening to the fire place roar, and drinking distilled water from a glass bottle.  :) Life is good.  My tummy is completely full with more food than I could ever imagine of eating in one sitting.  It was a TEN course meal!! Unbelievable I know.  I'm going to come back two sizes bigger, but no worries, training starts the week I return.  As soon as we return from the restaurant tonight, one of our donors takes all 15 students to the bar at the lodge and orders all of us drinks on him.  I cross my fingers that one day I'm able to purchase 15 college students premium drinks.  This place is unbelievable.  I wish a picture could describe how miraculous this place is.  Right now it is 11:45 PM in California and I am not adjusting to the time well.  It's 1:45 AM in Alabama and my body is saying, "Let's shut down."  Tomorrow should be a relaxing day and I cannot wait to share all the fun we'll be having.

Quote of the day, "Don't be afraid to do what you want to do."  Sleep on that and wake up with that mentality tomorrow.  This is your life and you cannot be afraid to live it up.  Dream big and don't settle for less than you deserve.

Reaching for the stars,

Kayla

Cumulative Finals

The dreaded week of finals is finally here.  Everyone on campus is heading to the library, loading up on caffeine and bad food, and cramming for all the classes they didn't really learn anything all semester until last week when their professor said, "It's cumulative."

I understand the need for finals but does it have to be that stressful?  For the most part, I think we (as students) put the stress upon ourselves.  You have all semester to study for this one test.  Learn the material the first time and it won't be as hard to study for.  Or actually go to class and listen to what the professor has to say because they might just give you the answer to the final.  But why do finals have to be cumulative? Oh that's right, professors want to make sure we got the whole concept of the class and actually retained the information for 16 weeks! Well then my question is, why did you test us three times during the year? We obvious either got it or didn't on the past tests so why make us retest on the same information?

Luckily, only two out of the four of my finals are cumulative and of course they are going to be my hardest ones.  But surprisingly, I'm not stressing this semester.  It might be because I'm completely burnt out or that my classes are actually interesting and apply to my future jobs that I can retain the information a lot easier.  BUT guess what? My two cumulative finals are both in subjects I would only use in real life and not in my field of study.  Surprise, surprise. But another cool thing about one of my classes is instead of a final we got a hands on experience (THE Hospitality Gala) and our grade is based on how well we executed the event (we raised $200,000!).  Like someone said in my class today, "The money we raised goes TO the college.  They should GIVE us an A!" haha So hopefully, that class won't be a worry.

But to all you people freaking out about the cumulative finals, good luck studying in RBD where everyone else is going to be... not studying.  Studying is not communicating with your BFF that's in Italy on Skype.  Actually sticking your nose in a textbook is the only thing that is going to help you pass your finals.  But to all you people who can actually get things done at the library, I commend you.  My dining room table will work just fine for me.  Good luck on finals and just think, YOU'RE ALMOST DONE!

Waiting for summer,

Kayla

Diversity

Diversity seems to keep coming up in my life.  Being an Orientation Leader, we are trained to deal with diversity.  There is a session students are required to go to titled "Learning for Life".  When you see this on the schedule most students think it's a session for tips on how to survive in college (at least that's what I think); until you sit in on that session.  It is actually a session run by the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.  In this session, everyone is asked to participate and the leader asks random questions about where everyone is from, what college they are transferring from, how many students did they graduate from, etc. and in that room alone there are so many different types of people and there are only 50+ people.  It's fascinating to see all the different responses.

Yesterday, I picked up my yearbook and turned through the first couple of pages.  In the yearbook, is a letter from the university's president addressing the topic of diversity.  Auburn is continuing to grow in diversity and is all the way to 17% which is not a lot compared to some universities but I consider it quite impressive.  In his letter, he states that every student should have the opportunity to travel abroad and study because it will help us grow and learn about different cultures.  Every college on Auburn's campus (100%) offers a study abroad program.  My college has a university in Italy especially for Human Science studies.  Very neat!

But why do we need to be more cultured?  Why is diversity so important? When I was younger, this topic didn't seem to be at the top of the list of things you must know.  Because the world is becoming so globalized, it is imperative students know how to communicate with different people.  I currently work in a very diverse atmosphere.  There are students I work with studying in the United States all the way from South Korea to learn and take back what they learned to their country.  Even though this is the United States of America we must be more willing to accept diversity.  Our country is not just Americans! An American could be almost anyone know a days.

People in the U.S. seem to shut people out if they aren't just like them.  Be open to different people.  I know this seems difficult but we do not live in the 1940's anymore.  We are becoming one world with thousands of different people.  Do not shut somebody out because they are greek and you are not, do not not listen to certain music because it is not your favorite kind of music, do not walk away from somebody because they are a different race.  We are all different in someone's eyes.  One person may seem normal to you while to somebody else they are looked at like a foreign object.  Let's become diverse and accepting of all people.  (I sound like a politician now: utilitarian. Ah!)

Learning to accept all people,

Kayla

After Show: The Hospitality Gala

One word to describe this event and experience: WOW!

As most of you know, yesterday was The Hospitality Gala event my event's class has been planning.  The first week of this semester my class was handed four objectives for this event:

1. To provide a "Real-Life" and "Hands On" experience in event planning, event management and fundraising for HRMT students.
2. Increase the local, regional, and national presence and awareness of the HRMT program at Auburn University.
3. Raise funds for the HRMT program. (Our goal this year was $100,000!)
4. To be THE EVENT of the year amongst other fundraisers ... locally and regionally.

Again, one word: WOW!!! We accomplished every single one of these goals with flying colors.

The "hands on" experience was like no other.  This event required so much planning and managing.  The executives at the Hotel at Auburn University did an outstanding job and mentoring and providing assistance with anything and everything we needed help with during the past three months.  I feel so prepared to go into event planning after college because of this class.  My class and I were able to plan, organize, and execute an event (a fundraising event) for 390 people.  We learned to deal with the stress of last minute things going wrong (a truck of wine being stolen, a wine maker missing his flight, and a special guest double booking for the evening) and were treated as professionals in the industry.

The people that attended this event came from all over the United States.  Our three chefs came from Miami, New York, and Southern California.  Our three winemakers came from France, San Francisco, and Spain.  That in itself is amazing! The man honored at the event who has brought meaning to the word "hospitality", Mr. Horst Schulze, has traveled all over the world building hotels with the Ritz-Carlton and the West Paces Hotel Group.  Locally, businesses supported us, professors from other colleges attended, and social status people of the community were there in support of the Hotel & Restaurant management program.

The goal at the beginning of the semester ($100,000) seemed so far off!  No one in Auburn University history of fundraising has ever raised more than $100,000 in one night of an event.  Last night, we were able to raise $200,000!!!!! Unbelievable.  I can't wait to see what is in store for next year.  We broke a program record in silent auction donations as well raising $15,500!  The donors who attended could not be thanked enough for their generous donations.  This program would not be where its at if it wasn't for the people who support our program.  The Hospitality Management department is growing at an exponential rate thanks to the support of the community, board members, alumnus, faculty, and industry professionals.

Becoming THE event of the year is a very hard task to accomplish.  I believe we accomplished this goal as well.  Last night there were two other events going on in Auburn, AL: Dancing with the Stars and Big Man on Campus.  The Hospitality Gala sold out of tickets before the invitations were even sent out.  The waiting list kept growing a week before the event.  People who were not able to attend missed out on an exquisite event.  THE event of the year! Everyone was extremely elegant and the details put in to making this event top notch were just amazing.

The four teams (Design, Marketing, Operations, and Auction) could not have been a better group of students.  Everyone did a spectacular job at building anticipation, putting all the minor details on things, executing the flow of event, and gathering objects for the auction.  This experience was like no other for me.  I cannot believe it is over and this semester is coming so close to an end.  Well, I guess I know what's next: NAPA VALLEY!

Until next time,

Kayla

The Hospitality Gala

Hello all.

As most of you know,  I have been enrolled in a class this semester called Catering & Events Management.  Before January, I was beyond thrilled to be in this class because I have the luxury of planning a gala for the Hotel & Restaurant Management Program.  Event planning was exactly what I wanted to do after graduation, until I started this class.

This is not a complaining post whatsoever (or so I hope it will not be).  I have been extremely blessed to be apart of this class.  Only 22 students are able to participate in planning this fundraiser for the Hotel & Restaurant Management Program.  This event is called The Hospitality Gala.  It is an event hosted by the 22 students who plan and design the event.  This event has grown tremendously in the past two years and the first week of January we had expectations already set in place for our class to top last year's gala.  We have definitely exceeded last year's gala's numbers but lets just hope the night of the event goes just as well as last year if not better.

I have learned so much this semester about event planning.  This is not something you want to plan in a three month period, that is for sure.  The leaders plan this event year around and the students just work on finalizing the execution the three months before the event.  Stressful!  I have learned how to adapt to changes extremely fast.  My patience and outward expressions have also developed over the course of three months.  While I am extremely stressed this week, I have been able to manage it fairly well (I think, some people would disagree), continue to work part-time and keep my grades up in my other classes.

This is the last week of planning for the gala.  It will take place at 5:30pm on March 31st, 2011.  Wish me luck.  There are so many details that go into an event that no one will ever know how hard each and every person planning this event has gone through.  That's kind of the joy behind it.  Seeing our hard work pay off will definitely be worth it the night of the event.

Last words of wisdom (or shall I say things you already know I'm just know learning), take pride and appreciation for all the hard work you do.  I have bashed this class a lot this semester but I must say I will be so excited when the planning is done and I can look back and say "Wow, that was an amazing experience."  I have learned so much about myself and event planning I will never be able to trade this opportunity.

Until after the gala,

Kayla

Manic Monday

Yesterday was a day.  That's all... just a day.  I procrastinated Sunday night so I could watch my shows and I would finish my homework before class on Monday.  I was casually eating breakfast in my kitchen on the bar and reading a passage for ethics that I had to answer questions on by 10am.  It's now 8:45am and I spill orange juice on the keypad of my MacBook. First thought, I'm going to have to buy a new computer.  Second, it's just orange juice how much damage could it do? I should have stuck with the first thought because that is exactly what I had to do.  I ran over to the AU Bookstore where we have an Apple Store (many students don't seem to know we have this amazing tool! Utilize it! We are one of two stores in the state of Alabama.) and talked to the tech guy and it was obvious I had fried the computer.  I went to class, made a phone call to my mother dearest and decided to buy a new laptop.  This world, well I should just say me, doesn't know how to function without a laptop!  I took notes the old school way with pen and paper and participated in class discussions.

After my first two classes, I headed back over to the bookstore where they scanned my credit card for a new MacBook Pro and I headed to the tech guys to move all my data over from my orange juiced computer to this sleek professional looking computer.  I told the guy not to touch it because it looked so fresh coming out of it's box. (haha) I went to my next class where I am planning The Hospitality Gala and it's only 10 days away (click on the blue to see the webpage).  It is crucial I have all my spreadsheets, Powerpoints, and word documents for this class and I'm unable to attain them because of my computer.  Oh well, it wasn't necessary for that class but I still need it to finish all the minor details for this event.  So after class I head back to the bookstore to pick up my laptop and go straight home to make sure everything is there and I'm able to access all my files.

I was suppose to have a meeting Monday afternoon to finalize a Powerpoint for the night of the event.  I click on the file and the programs won't open.  I need my product key from when I purchased it in December.  Okay, easy.  I'll go get the license from my filing cabinet and type it in... The CD (product key) is no where to be found.  I tear my filing cabinet apart trying to find that stupid black sleeve and never do.  So I call the bookstore hoping to get some help, "Well, if you can't find it by in the morning come by and we'll put in the product key for you."  So much for that meeting.  Post-poned.  I decide I've looked far and wide and it is no where to be find, I'll just wait until the morning.

I go to the bookstore this morning (Tuesday) and tell them I couldn't find it.  "Oh, we only have the 2008 version and you have the 2011 version.  Sorry. Call Microsoft and they should help you. IF you need proof of purchase, just come back."  I'm thinking to myself, I have spent so much money and time here in the past 24 hours and you are telling me to come back WHEN they need proof of purchase. UGH, fine.  So I go to a meeting, go to class, grab Chickfila (because it's irresistible), and call Microsoft.  After a 15 minute conversation, oh you've called the wrong line.  You have a Mac so you need to call Macafee. Maca-what? Okay, fine.  I call them, automated phone conversation.  Oh how those make me so mad! "Press 1 to be connected to blah, Press 2 to be connected to blah!" I finally get a lady on the phone and we have a 20 minute conversation, she takes all my information, and NOW she can transfer me to customer service.  Well thanks.  (and of course I can't understand a word any of these people I've talked to on the phone so far are saying)  I get this lady on the phone who can't do anything for me because she has to have her supervisor email me within the next 24 hours.  Well that doesn't help.  I needed these files accessed yesterday!! Oh and they need proof of purchase.  I go back to the bookstore to obtain my proof of purchase and I wait and wait and wait until 45 minutes pass and they can't find my receipt of when I purchased it.  By this time, I'm about ready to just buy a new program and install it.  BUT of course when it comes down to the crunch they always have something up their sleeves they just want to see you waste your whole afternoon before they do something for you.  10 minutes later, Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and Outlook are all working on my computer no problem!

So needless to say, the past 24 hours have been a heck of a time coming back from Spring Break.  BUT the day gets better.  No really, it does. :) I finally get home after running around campus and check my email.  I have an email I've been waiting for for a week now.  I have been accepted to go on a trip of a lifetime to Napa Valley, CA for the Hotel & Restaurant Management program all expenses paid to study wine and wineries for 9 days in May.  I will have the privilege to meet famous chefs, wine makers, and go on private tours through wineries.  AH! While this trip sounds so relaxing and fun, it is a study tour.  It is considered a class and I will be extremely busy in those 9 days.  I could not be more excited about how much this trip will benefit me in the long run for jobs, sommelier classes (wine masters), and learning more about the art of pair food with wine.  So to end these hectic 36 hours, I will be sipping red wine, watching the Biggest Loser and cooking a fabulous dinner for myself to unwind and be thankful for all the things I have in my life.

Until next time,

Kayla

Dedication and Determination

Hello friends.

It has been quite some time since I last posted.  Spring Break is this week and I completely isolated myself from computers and Internet access.  The reason I am on the Internet now is because I'm back to reality with school work, work work, gala planning, training, and everything else that goes on in my life.  Full force will hit Monday.  Especially since it's the day after my first half-marathon.  I could not be more excited about finishing this race.

I watched a few shows over break and some of the people in the shows lacked dedication, determination, self-awareness, and confidence.  While I was watching the episodes, it occurred to me that not everyone has the same characteristics as everyone else.  It is so hard to think that there are people in this world who do not have the drive to get up in the morning and do things for themselves or other people.  It is crazy for me to think about people not having confidence in themselves and awareness of how they control most aspects of their lives.  Then as I was shopping today it dawned on me how I obtained my strong characteristics of dedication, determination, self-awareness, and confidence.  I was mainly brought up that way but it took a little bit of myself to make those decisions for myself.  I was raised to be dedicated to everything I did 110%.  I was never allowed to quit teams and I most certainly never missed deadlines for projects.  Determination came from my skills in gymnastics and my father because he is so competitive.  I always wanted to be better and learn more.  Confidence could not have come from anywhere but within myself.  I was very awkward growing up and high school was not my finest moments.  Learning how to deal with rude/mean people and clothes never fitting and being the black sheep of the family made my confidence sky rocket when I came to college and found who I was.

Dedication and determination are such a natural thing for me now that I can't imagine not having it.  I always strive to be the best at everything I do and never let anyone down.  I set way too high of expectations but it keeps me on my toes.  If you don't have that natural drive, find something you are good at and reach for the stars.  Having confidence will only help with dedication and determination.  Like I've stated before my training has been difficult but I have been completely dedicated because I'm running for someone other than myself.  My determination can only come within myself to complete this 13.1 mile run and say to anyone who asks, "I completed my first half-marathon in 2.30.00."

Stay strong,

Kayla

We are the Champions!

We are the Champions, my friend *sing in Queen's voice*!!! :D  I can't believe that we actually won the National Championship.  It still hasn't set in.  I guess that's why I've driven/walked by Toomer's a total of six times just to look at the toilet paper! I swear it's prettier than snow.  Speaking of snow, the little "Snow Storm" the south had was non existent in Auburn, AL.  While my mother and sister got a good four-five inches of snow only 100 or so miles above me, Auburn got windshields covered in 1/4th of an inch of ice.  The state of Alabama doesn't see snow very often so when they do the whole state shuts down until there is nothing left on the ground.  My sister has been out of school for three days and Auburn was closed for two because..... well we'll just say it was for the National Championship because there was no snow. :)

Today, I embarked on my first day of classes in my second semester of my junior year.  I can't believe I am this old.  College has flown by.  I am taking some not so interesting classes this year but I'm also taking some classes that I'm so excited about I might just quit school now to start my career in these classes.  The two I'm talking about are Catering & Event Management and Club Management.  I know what you are thinking: "Is this girl serious? Is she actually going to school to take a class on that?" Why yes, yes I am.  Call it what you want (MRS degree, joke classes, etc.) I LOVE my major!! While I still think it should be called Hospitality Management, I'm enjoying my professional electives already and I haven't even been to Club Management yet.

I had an interview today for an internship I've been wanting since before Thanksgiving.  I hope everything turns out my way because I turned down the best opportunity any college kid could get.  This past fall, I applied to the Disney College Internship Program, got a position, and turned it down.  I know, I know.  You are thinking again: "This girl is crazy! She takes joke classes in college and can work for Mickey Mouse for a semester paid and she turned it down?!"  Well, after reviewing everything, I came to the conclusion that the position wasn't where I wanted to get my experience.  This opportunity would have opened doors to anywhere I wanted a job because let's face it, nobody does hospitality like Disney!  So here's to hoping I find an internship that will be spectacular, paid, and in a position that I can get the experience I want.

I'm going to go ahead and call myself superwoman this year.  I know it's conceded but let me explain myself.  I am taking 17 hours this semester, I have a job that I work crazy hours for but enjoy very much, I am planning a Gala for my Catering & Events class, I might be taking on a small second job, AND I am an SOS Orientation Leader.  You probably understand where most of my superpowers will be going towards except you might not know what an SOS Orientation Leader is.  Well, SOS is a sophomore/transfer/students who cannot attend Camp War Eagle, orientation program that the orientation leaders (that's me) run.  We help get these students on the right track to have a successful career at Auburn University.  If you don't know me then you might not know yet that I'm crazy obsessed about Auburn University.  I love knowing facts about this place that nobody knows, I love the people/atmosphere, and most of all I love love love everything about this campus.  Some of the tasks an orientation leader is in charge of is giving tours of the campus, leading a small group of students in discussions about the classes/Auburn/stuff you need to know to get you around this place.  Tomorrow, I have my first knowledge test.  The information for the first one is just the fight song and the alma mater.  The second test, OMG! Please keep your fingers crossed for me and say a little prayer.  It is a TON of information and one of the things is knowing the creed which will probably be the easiest thing on that test. :/  BUT I wanted to test my knowledge so I'm going to type it out for you and I promise I'm not looking.

Alma Mater: On the rolling plains of Dixie, Neath it's sun kissed sky, Proudly stands our Alma Mater, Banners high. To thy name we'll sing thy praise, From hearts that love so true, And pledge to they our loyalty, the ages through.  We hail the Auburn and we vow, to work for thy just fame, And hold in memory as we do now, Thy cherished name.

Fight Song: War Eagle fly down the field, Ever to conquer, Never to yield, War Eagle fearless and true, Fight on you orange and blue, Go Go Go, on to vict'ry strike up the band, Give 'em hell, Give 'em hell, stand up and yell, hey! War Eagle, win for Auburn power of Dixie Land!

Well I know the fight song but the Alma Mater might be a little messed up.  Thanks for the practice.  I hope everyone is having a blessed week and until next time....

WAR EAGLE!
Kayla :)

Finals are over and life is good!

Finals are finished! Everyone can go back to being there fun loving selves again.  Yesterday, I was in between my final at 12 and my final at 4 somewhat studying.  I got an email from my finance professor and I told myself do not look until after your last final cause you will either be disappointed or too excited to focus on it. Well I went ahead and looked and I was way too excited to take my last exam (I got an A - in Finance! I worked my butt off for that grade!). But it's a two hour class about hotels, common sense stuff about hotels.  I work at a hotel so I was thinking, "Oh, this won't be bad!" That final was ridiculous!!! I got the 50 point question right but if I didn't do so well on the rest of the exam, that class will be my only B. So frustrating!

Well, I told some people yesterday that my blog was going to be about some people yesterday and I didn't want them to think it was about them.  I have had a change of heart and have decided to leave the bashing for girls nights ONLY! haha Cyberspace is risky and you never know what's going to bite you in the butt in the long run.  Except I have a Facebook, a Twitter, a blog, and a LinkedIn. I'm a social networking freak! haha I hope that doesn't hurt me in the long run.  Anyways, I had a girls night with my long lost friends from the semester and oh how I miss girls nights!!!  The girls night are being reinstated next semester with no excuses!! It's my only break away from life when I'm with these girls! We have way too much fun together! 

On another note, finals are over and Christmas break has started!  I leave for Jamaica in 15 days! :D The goal is two workouts a day! Starting tomorrow. Today is going to be so much fun! Two tacky Christmas sweater parties, lunch with some friends, dinner with my awesome boyfriend, and fitting a workout in after lunch.  Cannot wait! I hope everyone has a fantastic day.  Until next time, laugh a lot, life happy, and STOP being negative!

Peace, Love, and Happiness!

Kayla