Birds may fly South for winter, but it’s about to become quite clear that Ducks are a unique breed. Ducks, unlike other birds, actually fly East for spring. Well, at least 100 or so do. It is an honor to be one of the Ducks that gets a chance to go to New York next week. It is an honor to be a part of a program with the vast reach that the UO SOJC has.
I believe I can safely speak on behalf of my fellow students and say that we are feeling excited and a little nervous, but most of all, ready. Ready for big opportunities. Ready for new avenues. Ready to flock to the far reaches of the world and make an impact. No matter one’s nerves, there’s no denying that what this next week will bring is excitement. We are ready for any challenges. We are ready for all the networking, handshakes, and rapid-absorption of information about to take place.
Don’t underestimate our passion and energy. Or do, and just be prepared to be amazed. We are ready. We are Ducks.
When I was little, I was really good at two things: making lists and asking lots of questions. Now I am 22. I am better at a few more things, but I still make lists and ask a lot of questions. That’s why I’m a strategist in advertising. Ever since I found out I was going to New York in March, I have been making lists upon lists, double checking to make sure I have everything covered. While I have completed my lists of agencies to visit, coffee dates to attend, and addresses and emergency contacts to remember, there were two lists I had a hard time finishing this last week: places to see and foods to taste. As a strategist, everything I do in my free time is just as important as the opportunities I experience in the agencies I visit. My job is to understand people who are different than me and reach a human truth. That means I have to go see the sights, taste the food, and talk to a stranger or two along the way. The catch is I only have a couple hours each day for six days to cram in as many experiences as I can. So I’ve done my research, asked some of my New York connections, and put them through the budget filter to reach these final two lists. Will I make them all in this trip? Probably not. But am I excited to try? Definitely. Emily Garcia, Strategist5.2.2017
