Look out New Zealand! I'm comin for ya...

Just over a month ago, I was sitting in my room, avoiding endless amounts of homework and contemplating life and my future (as usual) and decided that it was time that I start looking for an internship! I'm currently studying advertising at the San Diego campus of many Art Institutes across North America. To graduate, with a pretty little piece of paper that claims I have a degree, I must complete a work placement.

Of course, in my adventurous nature, I started thinking about all of the places that I wanted to see in the world. Thailand, India, Indonesia, Australia... Newwwwwww Zealand!

I have many friends from New Zealand that I have met along my ways, here and there, and though all of them are out and about in the world, they have always spoken so highly of their native country. After hearing so many good things -- I was definitely intrigued. So as I sat at my desk, in my rickety, pink Ikea chair, my curiosity peaked at the possibility of an all encompassing, productive adventure. Why not go visit annnnnnnd do an internship there?! Win-win, if you ask me.

This is about the time when the googling began...

I looked up a list of advertising agencies in New Zealand, specifically in Auckland since most of my friends were from this area and could give me the most advice about it.

I emailed a few of the smaller agencies, thinking that I would have a better chance with the smaller ones, and then just for the heck of it.. I emailed a few of the agencies that are some of the biggest... the ones that have offices all over the world. I didn't think I would actually get a response back... I was sure they all get overloaded with emails on the daily... but then, not a few days later, I received an email back from someone at Whybin\TBWA! (One of the big'uns!)  ---- Big Deal!

Before I knew it, I was on a skype interview with the managing director of Eleven PR within the TBWA group. Holy moly. I was so nervous I'm pretty sure I stuttered my way through at least half the interview.
Anyways, we ended the interview agreeing that we would reconvene in about a week and decide whether we both thought Eleven PR would be a good fit for me as next intern.

Let's just say, it wasn't an easy sell to my parents. Having just gotten back from the most incredible Europe trip ever, they weren't exactly stoked to send me off on another epic and costly adventure. I played my best cards, because as anyone would be able to note, this is a pretty incredible opportunity! After a week-long "discussion," (insert a few frustrated tears, alcoholic beverages, late night research sessions, speech rehearsals, and the like) I finally received the green light!

I immediately emailed Eleven PR, "If you'll have me, I'll be there!" To which I was accepted and was welcomed by the team! Wahoo! :)

Within a week, I had all my paperwork sorted to send into the New Zealand Consulate in hopes they would approve a work visa, under the student and trainee policy. After excitedly UPS-ing everything in, I sat and waited it out for, what possibly was, the longest three weeks in the history of... well... this year. Haha -- Common, I have to be realistic!

My work visa arrived a week before I was planning to leave. As soon as it arrived, I jumped online, booked my flight, booked my hotel and started contemplating how I was going to bring my closet and excessive amount of shoes to New Zealand!

---

Monday September 21st came quickly and with many tears, not sure if this was due to lack of sleep, hormones or the obvious - that I would just miss my friends and family. I spent the morning packing my life up in two giant suitcases, clothes in one, shoes & etc in the other (yes, I did bring that many shoes lol). I said good bye to my two amazing best friends, my parents and my fur ball, pup. My boyfriend got off work a smidge early and was able to drive me to the airport, which of course led to another tearful goodbye, on my end of course. 

The flight was fantastic. Watched a few movies, listened to music, slept a solid 50% of it, ate... typical 13 hour flight, but quite comfortable. Air New Zealand, you know what's up. I will fly with you any day!

I landed to a wet and cloudy day in Auckland. I buzzed through customs, picked up my bags and as soon as I got out into the terminal I found the Telecom store to buy a sim card and data plan for my phone. Relieved that I had that part covered, I ventured out to get the "Super Shuttle" to drop me off at my hotel.

The people that were in the shuttle with me were very kind, one even offered up her contact details in case I needed any advice! And once I arrived at the hotel they all waved me off with a smile and well wishes.

My hotel was nice, I wouldn't say it's anything above an average hotel - comfy bed, mini fridge, bathroom, tv... can't complain at all! Wasn't in need of anything special! I spent the day wandering up and down the streets a bit before being back at the hotel by 3pm ready for a glass of wine and to lay in bed. Going 19 hours ahead was going to be interesting, hoping to adjust quickly!

I believe I fell asleep sometime around 5, lights on, tv on and remote still in hand... meh!

The Listserve

A couple of weeks ago I was sitting, procrastinating on a school assignment, and stumbled upon a video advertising a project called "The Listserve." I thought it was the neatest video, and it really had me thinking.

The Listserve is an email group that you register for and the whole theme of the project is "What would you say to one million people?" Each day, one person is picked from the registered list of people and they can say anything they want in an email to everybody on that email list. Every day, usually in the morning, I receive an email from someone, somewhere in the world, wanting to share something that they feel is important to them. Some are kind of silly, some are inspirational, some, honestly, I disregard... but whatever the message is, it has been absolutely fascinating reading them. You gain perspective on the values, interests and lives of other people and cultures around the world. It has become a constant topic of conversation between my mom, friends and I, who have all registered for The Listserve. 

One of the emails I recently received from the Listserve, I found it incredibly touching and felt it was good advice for everybody. The subject was "The view from 65," written by a woman named Penny Rice from Columbia, Maryland (USA) and this is what it said:

"Embrace love in all of its forms, live with a strong connection to your higher self, laugh loudly and often … with yourself as your main source of amusement.

Eliminate manufactured fear.  Root out all messages and warnings of fear instilled within you by parents, teachers, leaders, TV, media and your imagination.  Look around you and see the ways you are safe, secure and empowered.  Regardless of your circumstances, there is good in your life.  See it, acknowledge it, enjoy it and be thankful.

Life is an adventure.  There’re opportunities every day to learn new things, meet new people, gain new perspective and explore new ideas … many only appear once.  Don’t miss them.

Tell your truth of the moment.  (It will evolve as you grow and change.)  Be authentic by your definition, not what others cast upon you.

Treat each person you meet as the unique individual they are.  Learn something from every person.  Notice their eyes; their spirit, their beauty.  Acknowledge them with a smile, nod or thought.

Become aware of your negative and judgmental thoughts.  Counter them with love.  Forgive yourself for actions that have hurt others. Vow to change the behavior. Forgive those who have hurt you because in doing so, you make room for love, laughter and joy.

Remember and honor those who have loved, cherished, protected, guided, taught, and, yes, even those who have pissed you off.

The way I see it, Love is a much better place from which to live a life.

Thank you.


Penny Rice
pennyskysinger@gmail.com
Columbia, Maryland USA"

This message, has by far been my favorite of all the Listserve emails I have received and read thus far, so I wanted to share it!

Anyways, The Listserve has become something my friends and I all get excited to read every morning, so I thought I would share it! Feel free to check it out and register to see what it's all about! (You can unsubscribe at anytime too.)

www.thelistserve.com

Happy Tuesday!

:)