Cramming for an internship or job interview is something many juniors and seniors find themselves doing.  Earlier preparation is probably smarter, but with so many things in the pipeline (tests, papers, org meetings, interviews, homework, going to class, sleep, IM sports, etc), it often comes down to the night and early morning before.  However, being in BC makes that process soooo much easier.

How?  It’s because I don’t ever have to rehearse an answer to the classic questions: “Tell me about a time when you had to work in a team and influence others,” or, “Can you explain a situation where you had to deal with incomplete information,” or, “Give me an example of when you had to lead,” or even, “What do you do for fun?”

Being in BC gives me these opportunities left and right, whether I look for them or not.  Being a part of one of our program committees forces you to deal with incomplete information at every step of the way.  Whether the room reservation gets cancelled at the last minute, the VIP requests something unexpected, you run out of food, or if you are given 4 months to plan an event with money you don’t have yet, you have to think on your toes.  The best part about that is that you are supported by 100 other amazing people the entire time.

Influence in BC can come in the form of being on Exec, as I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy for the past 2 terms, but it can also very easily be gained with a simple idea.  Everything starts somewhere.  Working in groups and teams gives our members the opportunities to develop themselves as leaders who can earn respect and gain influence easily through innovative ideas and hard work.

Most importantly, BC is fun.  It’s SO MUCH FUN!  I could be saying that because I’m in charge…but I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t enjoy it.  I’d encourage you to soak in the BC culture, whether or not you sit on Council.  Come to our meetings (they’re open!), attend our events, and apply for one of our three open committees this year.  Next up: Parents’ Day committee.

So I guess that’s pretty much the epiphany I had this morning at 6am as I was on a plane to Dallas for a second-round interview, hastily reading the Wall Street Journal and drinking a cup of coffee to keep me awake on the 2 hours of sleep I had gotten:  BC made it that much easier for me…it won me half the battle.

Families: Those Who Have Them, And Those Who Wish They Did 

‘Family’ is among the most fascinating of words. Evoking immediately a sense of utmost loyalty and devotion, the word ‘family’ has become a wild trend at UT.  

Organizations of all kinds- be they social, academic, professional, or whatnot- have all clamored at ‘family’s tall, ridged gates, eagerly anticipating their entrance. I have seen many attempt the reaching of this nirvana-like place, but only one organization I know of has truly attained its full power and meaning. 

The Undergraduate Business Council is quite a bit like the internet we as business students are so fond of and are rarely able to function without. That fluid, constantly adaptive system built upon a solid backbone: family. Whether or not we are Al Gore’s brainchild, we are a community of users logging in to a common interface- the organization- and using its resources. But like the world wide web, UBC is built upon a foundation- though thankfully in this case not a series of fiber-optic cables. I speak of families: the reason UBC has a firm posture when so many organizations suffer from extreme scoliosis. 

Some have curvature in their backs, where the families are existent at first but have dwindled into near-oblivion by years’-end; others suffer from inverted vertebrae, where the back is sore from attempting to support too large a structure. Like with Goldilocks and her three bears, I have found that UBC’s family structure is ‘just right’. 

Devotion is, to be honest, too tame a term to apply to these brave individuals who take upon themselves the role of parent. Loyalty, dedication, and stubbornness are apt, but also lacking in depth and scope. In no other land, as far and wide as one may seek, will a traveler come across parents such as these: father figures ready to guide their ‘children’ from ‘birth’ (incoming UBC members) to ‘old age’ (UBC graduating seniors); mother hens clucking tongues whilst wielding platters of baked goods; parental units often far more stable than our biological ones; siblings who form closer bonds than many ions.  

In truth, this is a phenomenon I have found of most curious nature and have studied since my first semester last year on Council. However, the fruits of my research go as follows: the mystery is not to be broken; UBC’s mysteriously-wonderful family system is one built upon its own reputation. Each year, potential parents are children, and seeing the example set by their current parents, follow suit- or attempt to impress further- during their tenure as parents. This never-ending cycle results in superior parenting- and a Christmas-Every-Day effect for their subsequent children. 

Regardless of its mystery, the system works wonders- Thus far, my two sets of parents have been nothing short of both miraculous and admirable in their verve. I doubt I could put forth a fourth (hah) of their effort were I to be wearing their shoes (though, preferably, not Jeff’s). And thus I say to current parents and past parents of UBC- rock on, parental units; your legacy goes not un-noticed J.  

“Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over.”  -F. Scott Fitzgerald

Everything these days feels like starting over. Moving in, joining new organizations, meeting new people. Everything is a fresh start. All these new beginnings could be overwhelming and intimidating but I feel like I’m ready. 

I was thrilled when I learned that I was selected to be an At-Large member of the Business Council. I can’t wait to participate in the Company Field Trip, attend VIP, and volunteer with other UBC members throughout the year. The passion that drives UBC members also brings them closer together. With programs like Toast To The Turkey at Thanksgiving and Lunch Buddies, I feel like BC members are more than just members of an organization.

The bond that I share with Business Council members was formed immediately. Meeting other BC members at Informal Retreat was so easy because everyone was so friendly and energetic. Any older BC members that I met immediately offered advice about classes and organizations. They were genuinely wanted to make sure that I was aware of all the opportunities that UT and BC offers. The week before Informal Retreat I found out that I was selected to be a Texas Spirit. So many members of BC offered their congratulations upon meeting me that I felt at home with people who I had met only moments ago.  

When I arrived on campus I was excited to get involved with UBC. As I sat in the informational meeting during the first week of school, I was struck by the passion that each one of the UBC members held for their positions on council and for the school of business. I wanted to find that same confidence, passion sense of purpose that each of the members of UBC hold. I decided to apply for an At-Large position and was impressed by the first question on the application. It simply read “Was it worth it?” I looked back on my short time at UT and forward into the future and decided that I wanted to make my time at UT worth it. I know I should work as hard as I can but at the same time not hold any regrets. By doing this, I can fully appreciate the present while not dwelling in the past, have faith in my judgment, realize my potential and know that yes, it’s going to be worth it.

What are you expecting this year from UBC?

Absolutely nothing….’that is un-fun’.  Already having gone to formal orientation, informal retreat, and meetings I see that this is an awesome group of people; ’people love this stuff!’  As a 2nd year class rep for BC, I am anticipating a lot for the students of McCombs.  The group of reps already shows a strong passion for listening to students and trying to implement new programs in response to what students want from our organization.  We just recently discussed the possibility of having a table set up in McCombs once a month to give students the chance to come up to their rep and give their suggestions….so excited! 

So now I will start writing like my name is Amanda Peters.  So…expectations…hmmm the only expectations I have for BC this year, personally, are that it is going to be AWESOME and I will learn a lot!  I honestly, still, cannot fathom that I am in such an awesome organization with such amazing members.  Throughout the upcoming year I anticipate many friendships and relationships forming that will last a lifetime.  Already from the informal retreat I met so many people and know that I will be able to recall stories with them for a lifetime.  For example, the first night of informal was awesome.  As all of us made our way back to the cabin area around 2 30 am suddenly Scott introduced us to a secret weapon he had packed and brought with him to retreat.  This instrument was one of the most amazing creations I have ever laid eyes on; a marshmallow shooter complete with marshmallows for amo.  Seeing this, Matt got the idea that we should try to shoot Thomas and Hunter back at the main building.  So the three of us put on our dark gear and headed out into the night.  As we made our way closer to the building we got lower to the ground and whispered as to not attract Thomas or Hunter’s attention.  The whole time, we are laughing though because we all looked ridiculous and it seemed that the property owner’s Dalmatian thought we were predators so every time that we would crouch down the dog would try to bite our booty and attack us, well mostly the dog attacked me…  Any who, we were behind a wall and so Scott knew this was his chance and as he shot the marshmallow we heard the chairs move and we knew that Hunter and Thomas were going to try to get us.  Remember, it is dark , and the guys take off running and so do I… but somehow I got all turned around and I needed to get back with my ‘platoon’ …so, in the dark, I sprinted across the garden and before I knew it I was laying in a raised rock flower bed from falling in the dark… only to hear immediate laughter at my misfortune.  I am going to have a scar on my leg, but I am totally fine with that…it was an awesome time that I will remember forever.  Thanks UBC…I expect more crazy stuff like this.  

There are several things I took for granted until last night’s Exec Meeting.  Because Sung was on call with his RA job, he was not allowed to leave the premises of Jester and we had to meet there.  Also – because this university is overcrowded, all of the study space in the entire complex was taken up with supplemental housing.  We had to meet in an open room with different groups coming in and out and someone constantly “playing” the piano.  I realized last night that I am incredibly subconsciously grateful for the quiet, piano-less, brightly lit conference room in the Frito with thousands of electrical outlets for our laptops where we usually meet.

Somehow we withstood the noise, lack of power, light, and privacy to knock out the meeting in a very short five hours.  Last night was the first round of committee selections, which ran long because we received more applications for more committees than I’d ever seen during my two years on Exec.

Hopefully I don’t sound like I’m complaining because that couldn’t be further from the truth.  Don’t get me wrong, I wish we could get the work we have to put into this organization done in one short hour every week, but I truly have yet to reach a point where I’m tired of working so hard, so often, or so long for UBC.  Pouring over the dozens of applications on the plane to and from Vegas this weekend was not a chore.  In fact, going through the committee selection process is one of the most reenergizing things for me and all of Exec. 

We joked this week that the top ring in our logo has a gap in it simply because we are literally never done reading applications, but the truth is that it reminds us that Council members (both new and old) are still with us.  For me, it reminds me that members don’t take their spot on Council for granted.  It displays the incredibly colorful and vibrant passion that some members have for one, two, several, or all of our programs.  It shows the diverse interests, perspectives, and goals of Council, and most of all it brings us back to the mission of serving McCombs.

I’m looking forward to the next round, even though it looks to take just as long on OU weekend.  We are opening our first McCombs-wide committee this week, so I can’t wait to see the applications we get for that too.  I love it.  I love empowering people and ensuring that the UBC programs I love are well taken care of.  Keep ‘em coming!

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