Annual NAFSA Conference & Expo - Meme Interpretation

I'm going to preface this post with the note that I'm in the thick of NAFSA planning, TBEX planning, GoAbroad Innovation Awards prep, and getting over a nasty bit of a cold bug. It's safe to say that these factors combined have made me more than a bit loopy of late. (Not that that is anything out of the ordinary.)

Perhaps that's why I spent my Sunday night putting the following meme together after preparing for all that comes with a pre-NAFSA-Monday-in-the-office. Those of you in international education will know exactly what I mean ;)

In preparing for the 2013 NAFSA conference, there has been much excitement in the air at the GoAbroad offices. From getting ready to meet new people and old friends, to celebrating innovation and new programs, the Annual NAFSA Conference & Expo is like prom for international educators. We may not wear ballgowns, and are apt to choose Dr. Scholl's inserts over platform heels, but celebrating international education with thousands of delegates from around the world is part of what makes our world go round. 

We all know, though, that the pre-, during and post- NAFSA experiences can also be overwhelmingly stressful. My advice to you: don't let it get the best of you! There are so many awesome things to experience at NAFSA, that it isn't worth letting the stress ruin those moments. Easier said than done, I know. This is where a bit of humor comes in to save the day.

Please keep in mind that this meme is made in jest and good fun. When your stress levels are high, and your Google calendar is looking like it's going to explode out of your computer, any sort of lighthearted humor is necessary to get through the day. I mean, am I right, or am I right? 

For all you NAFSA-ians out there, enjoy. I also suggest stocking up on green tea, comfy shoes, and expectations of many 12 to 15 hour days ahead at the end of the month. Be seeing all yo' faces soon! Happy travels!

Shameless promotion ahead: if you're a social media enthusiast who will be at NAFSA, consider showing up for the #TweetIEs to earn prizes and connect with other social media gurus in the international education field.

 

When The Going Gets Tough, Get Tougher

Having a hard week? A hard couple of months? A hard start to the new year? 

We've all been there, at some point or another. You're more than entitled to letting the stress get to you, but we know how much fun the results of THAT are: sleepless nights, struggling to get through the day, missing out on get togethers with friends, and having a closet full of clothes of nothing to wear (to be fair, that last one can happen any day of the week ;)

Whether you're struggling to meet a deadline for a project at work, dealing with drama in your personal life, or even if you're just having a bad hair day, you owe it to yourself to work through these obstacles while keeping in mind that there is usually a light at the end of the tunnel. It can be hard, if not impossible, to remember this in the moment but I have faith in you. Or maybe it's an eternal supply of optimistic stupidity. Either way, neither have led me astray yet.

With that in mind, here are some recommendations for getting tougher when the going gets tough. Full disclaimer: there may or may not be tea involved.

Mid-Week Travel Inspiration

Sometimes you just need to hear this. And when it's the middle of the week, you have a big presentation to be prepping for, AND you're running low on coffee....well, like I said, you just need to hear this. 

Here's wishing everyone out there a good ol' aren't-you-glad-you've-made-it-halfway-through-the-workweek. Does it seem to matter that many of us had a holiday on Monday and so it's not really halfway? Nope. Doesn't matter one bit :)

Stop in the Name of Losing Your Mind

Seriously. Don't be this person.

You know that feeling of being totally overwhelmed? The one that sneaks up behind you, shoves you in the back, and then has the audacity to laugh as you flounder to find balance. Ya, I think we've all known that feeling a time or two.

In the world of international education, the start of the fall semester is known for producing this feeling more than is probably healthy. Sure, I'm still new to the field but I've experienced and observed enough to believe it to be true. And let me tell you, there are only so many cups of chamomile tea a girl can drink to try and stay calm. Trust me, I've tried.

So how does one shove that overwhelming feeling back without losing your sanity? I'm still learning, but here are a few suggestions to get you started. At the very least, I hope they will allow you to enjoy the onset of autumn the way it should be enjoyed - with lots of pie a la mode and a gym membership (that last part is definitely optional).