prairie girl musings

Tag: university

  • Intern Nation

    Intern Nation

    One of the best things about completing an internship is actually having articles and clippings to add to one’s portfolio. Having studied English and Writing Studies, I definitely did A LOT of writing in my undergrad days. Unfortunately, (or maybe fortunately?) none of it was published, other than a few self-published portfolios for creative writing and poetry courses. This posed a dilemma when applying for both jobs and graduate programs. Who wants to hire someone who hasn’t had anything published and sends you a copy of their essay entitled, Gothic Fiction in Wuthering Heights for consideration? Luckily, Ottawa Magazine took a chance on me, even after reading my writing samples.

    After two months of travelling, I will tackle another internship – this time in Toronto. During this time I’ll need to plan my next move, and I have a feeling it will involve a bit of freelance work and maybe a few more entrepreneurial ventures. Other than crafting up some unique business cards, continuing to update and promote my blog, and launching a website, what else can I do to ensure I land a job every now and then? Well, without a portfolio, I was at a loss. Now thanks to Ottawa Magazine, I have several print and online articles I can submit to future employers or grad schools I am applying to. I am incredibly thankful for all the opportunities I’ve been given at St. Joseph Media, I couldn’t have asked for a better first internship or better colleagues.

    The November/December issue of Ottawa Magazine came out this Thursday, and I am thrilled that I’ve been able to contribute to such a respected publication. I had such a wonderful time working with the editorial staff and interviewing Rosina Mahlangu of Capital Fashion Consulting. I also picked out some snazzy snowboard gear (from local stores) for those chilly winter months. Check out my articles below:

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    Here are a few more of my articles, which were published on the Ottawa Magazine website:

    SHOP TALK

    SHELF LIFE: A roundup of unique children’s books by local authors and illustrators – Part 1

    SHELF LIFE: A roundup of unique children’s books by local authors and illustrators – Part 2

    SHELF LIFE: A roundup of unique children’s books by local authors and illustrators – Part 3

    SHELF LIFE: A roundup of unique children’s books by local authors and illustrators – Part 4

    TASTE TEST: Two local writers join forces to create the cookbook Fresh & Healthy Cooking For Two

  • they were kids that I once knew

    they were kids that I once knew

     

    Isn’t first love amazing? This photo is exceedingly nostalgic, and too adorable not to post on a overcast Friday morning. I’ve just finished a brisk, 6km run and am pouring over old photographs from the past three years as I’m on Nick’s  laptop (mine was left at university during finals, oops!) We’ve reached the end of our three week long holiday in Saskatchewan, and Nick is heading back to Auckland to resume his Honours degree in Transport Design.

    As Nick packs up his bags, I’m left with the remnants of our time together this summer. He recently spent his twenty-second birthday in Saskatchewan, as well as his twentieth and twenty-first. I’m utterly perplexed as to how we made this relationship work, despite the endless shifts we’ve encountered due to being from different continents. So, here we go again; another three months apart until I (possibly) return in October for my university convocation. My heart has been stretched, has expanded in so many ways over the past three and a half years. I neglected my first love, dance, in favour of new loves: travel, romance, and adventure. I never fathomed I could exist without it, but somehow I managed, even thrived without the thing that once defined me. Upon my return to North America, I jumped right back into it and planned on dancing on a cruise ship for 6-9 months. My first (and only) audition was flawless, and my mother watched as they ruthlessly cut the dancers down from 76 to 20, then to eight and finally, four. But foolishness always gets the best of me, and after my audition with Royal Caribbean Cruises in Edmonton, I decided instead to move to New Zealand to give love (and a liberal arts education) a fair chance. I’ll blame it on listening to far too much Celine Dion as a child.

    Before we head off to the airport, I’ll leave you with a photograph taken two summers ago. It was taken at a pub we still frequent in Saskatoon called O’Shea’s during Nick’s first visit to Canada. We hadn’t seen each other since February, and I was about to move to Auckland to begin my BA at the University of Auckland. Life was full of possibility as I embarked on a new journey.

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    As we grow and evolve, I hope we continue to see the choices we’re making at the moment as the right ones. Perhaps I’m a walking, breathing cliche, but following my heart has never failed me. I hope you have the courage to follow yours. x

    V.

  • Aotearoa

    Aotearoa

    It appears I have the attention span of a goldfish.

    After starting a travel blog at the end of 2010, following my first semester at the University of Auckland, I discarded la vie en tie-dye after two pitiful posts. Two posts. It’s not that I haven’t had a lot to write about. In fact, even I can barely keep up! This is probably what I have desperately needed over the past two years while living in New Zealand and travelling the world. I have had multiple requests from friends living overseas who wanted to stay in touch. So, here goes attempt no. 2 (or fourteen, but who’s counting?)

    Upon departing the ivory towers of university (albeit temporarily) last month, I’m ready to set foot in the real world. At least this is what I am perpetually telling myself. Self-doubt somehow always seems to cloud my thoughts, rendering me insecure and fearful. How will I ever fill the three-inch Louboutins of a big, working girl? Moving to Auckland was a challenge in itself due to both the distance and unfamiliarity. However, having already completed a semester abroad in 2009 – the leap felt natural. I told myself I would thrive in a big(ish) city and Auckland’s  1.5 million seemed like the perfect fit for my small-town, prairie girl troubles. Indeed it was, and my two years as an English major (after transferring from MSU) flew by. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts, and a eclectic bunch of amazing friends who intrigue, inspire and perplex me, it is now time for life’s next big challenge. I rather rapidly decided this meant leaving New Zealand for the more abundant job market of North America. Clearly, I’m still deciding whether this was the right decision for me.

    While I ruminate this decision, I’ll leave you with a few of my favourite Auckland memories and things. As any Kiwi-implant can tell you, New Zealand has a FANTASTIC and refreshing design scene. Wellington, the arty capital of cool, features amazing cafes and boutiques frequented by the country’s best artists. Auckland (despite its sprawl and public transport issues) possesses some the most diverse, well-heeled suburbs I have ever encountered. Obviously, I have developed a fascination with New Zealand’s small, but incredibly distinct fashion scene. Oh, if I could but spend another semester in Auckland, I would have my Nikon permanently strapped to my shoulder in order to capture some of the looks of the moment. Kiwis are a daring bunch, and university life in Auckland provided me with some of the best style moments in my twenty-three years.

    Here are some of my favourite local looks: (courtesy of Auckland Street Style)

    I’m in love with these Ruby stretch cords, she pulls them off on fashionable High Street in Auckland.

    Karen Walker is a hit for all ages, especially when paired down with Converse sneakers.

    Aucklanders are known for wearing lots of black, especially in the cold, rainy months of June, July and August. I love the billowy long skirt with the casual jumper on top.

    It is true, nobody does knitwear like Ruby and nobody looks as fabulous in Ruby as Nicole Warner from Gary Pepper Vintage.

    More to come on Saskatchewan summers.

    V.