Summertime

I survived another finals week! As of last night at 8:30, I am officially done for the semester. Both of my classes were a lot of work and finishing them has left me feeling productive and satisfied. In Administrative Law we had one more case brief to complete before receiving our extremely extensive study guide, which, luckily, we could have during the exam. There were 60 True/False questions that were very challenging, but I tried my best on, and about 10 short answer. In Research Methods, I had two presentations recently, one on phenomenological research, and another on public versus private higher education institutions with my group after we turned in our final paper. Then last night we had our exam, which was a lot of short answer and writing! After I finished I met my classmates for a celebratory drink. It was a good time! There are some great people in this program and I've really enjoyed getting to know them. Hopefully I'll see them all soon at the department cookout.

So, things are just about wrapped up for the semester. The VP of PASS and I attended an officer training conference a few weeks ago where we attended sessions on membership and conflict resolution. We got information on what we need to do to prepare for next school year and have been brainstorming ideas for a while now. We are really trying to get more students to attend the social events and recently surveyed active PASS members on their interest. We got some really good feedback and input that we look forward to implementing. Hopefully, this will be a great year for PASS. I also attended the ASPA Public Administrators of the Year event at The Phoenix downtown. What a beautiful place and awesome event! It was great to celebrate so many people who are doing wonderful things in the area. Next Thursday we'll again recognize those individuals who received awards and celebrate even more people who devote their time and hard work to improving our region at the Public Service Appreciation Day at Fountain Square.

I'm off to Florida for a week then I'll have a few days off at home before I start my internship in the Human Resources Department of the City of Cincinnati. I met with some employees last week and I'm very excited about this summer. There are two other interns, one is continuing their internship and another will be starting around the same time I am and working on the legal side of business. I hope to get some experience with the diversity and cultural training for the World Choir Games and some exposure to the policies HR deals with. I am really looking forward to it and I hope you all have summer plans you are looking forward to as well! See you in August!