First, I have to apologize for leaving you so long. Yes it is 2012, a new year with new possibilities just waiting to be discovered. One of my resolutions this year is to maintain and keep my blog. I was bed ridden for most of the holidays with bronchitis and phenomia but I can officially say I am feeling a lot better.
Reflecting on 2011, I have determined it was a year of growth.
Not only did I finish my 3rd year of my BBA, I also had the opportunity to travel abroad to France in July. Camosun College joined with Capilano University in Vancouver to offer students an opportunity to study in Amien France at Ecole Superieure de Commerce d’Amiens Picardie. What an amazing learning opportunity to learn about WW1 and WW2 and visit the sites: Beaumont Hamel, Juno Beach, Dieppe and Vimy Ridge.
I also had an opportunity to meet Nathalie Dube, Commercial Counsellor for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Canada. She spoke about Canada’s relationship with France and the impact of trade between the two countries. In 2010 France was Canada’s 11th largest destination for exports and the 4th largest in Europe. Some of the products we use from France include: Christian Dior, L’Oreal Paris which includes Lancome, Lacoste, LVMH Luxury goods (Louis Vuitton, Moet et Chandon and Hennessy), Yoplait and Michelin Tires.
During the course of the month I also visited Nice, Canes, Monaco and Barcelona Spain. These cities were beautiful in their own way and culturally so different. Barcelona in July as well as today was struggling financially. The general population was over 65% unemployed which meant that crime was high. I can personally say standing in the Starbucks line, a man tried to pick pocket me. The nice Starbucks employee was too my rescue, little did he know that there was nothing in the pocket the man was attempting to rob and the main compartment of my purse had a lock. What an interesting way for people to live their lives. I couldn’t imagine.
When I returned home from France I was shocked at just how laid back, we are as a society in comparison. I was on the BC Ferry, a common sight is people using their laptops or carrying many bags. However, quite commonly people leave their possessions while they go to the bathroom or buy a coffee. You might be gone 5, 10 or 20 minutes, but in Europe you would never leave your bag unattended…Interesting.
When I returned home from France I also made a career move. I left my comfortable position as promotions assistant at 107.3 KOOL FM, to work for the direct competition, Ocean 98.5 as a weekend announcer. The 8 hour shifts on air proved to be too much. I can honestly say I really enjoy interacting with people; being stuck in the studio was just not my thing. This opportunity further proved to me that I am on the right path to pursue marketing communications and management.
So 2012, looking forward it will be an exciting year. Not only will I graduate in April 2012, but I will need to find and job and an apartment. Yes, my parents made it clear to me this Christmas when they gave me a “move out care package” that I must leave once I finish my degree… after all that was our arrangement. “Live at home rent free until your degree is finished, once it is done you must move out.” Does that scare me? Absolutely! But I am also grateful for the challenge, the kick in the pants to prove I can do it on my own. Most of my friends currently live on their own with their boyfriends, but to be quite honest I am quite content focusing on school and being self sufficient.
Cheers to 2012…This is going to be an exciting year!
Avery GrahamP.S- Also just launched my online portfolio check it out and let me know what you think!
A.G. Communications 