Affirmations, Ice Storms, and Dedication

Wow, the past 2 weeks have flown by in a blur! To think school hasn't even started yet!

Anyway, if you read the title, you're probably thinking....huh? what? Well, they're all separate topics which are inter-related [note: organized chaos is the key to the way my brain functions]. All points are related to the conference I went to in South Carolina.

Affirmations
The conference is held annually to give graduate students in hospitality and tourism a chance to share and present their research, and also to network with peers and faculty. It's not only a very academic setting, but a rather social event as well. Last year, I qualified to present my topic during a poster session. This year, I qualified to make stand-up presentations for two of my papers. That in itself was such a big achievement for me. It's one of those things that answered my question: "Is a PhD really what I want? Can I imagine myself doing research for the rest of my life?" It was a resounding "yes". After I registered at the desk, someone congratulate me. At first, I was surprised until I found out that one of my papers was nominated for best paper. Out of more than 200, only 18 were nominated. This time I was not only surprised...I was pleasantly shocked! That wasn't just a resounding "yes", it was definitely loud and clear! Being acknowledged by professors who are the best of the best was inexplicable. I was speechless (and that doesn't happen often, believe me!). Though I didn't end up winning it, getting nominated was enough of a personal victory!

Ice Storms
K-State was supposed to be well represented at the conference. For the first time in many years, a large number of K-State students (14) were accepted to present--most of us doing one or two stand-up presentations each. Unfortunately, the day before the conference, an ice storm hit Kansas and most of the flights were cancelled. Those of us who made it there flew in from different parts of the country and abroad. However, although half of us were not physically there, K-State still made quite an impression. Of the 18 nominees for best paper, six of us were from K-State. Dr. Ok won the best paper for foodservice and Kisang won the one for tourism. Kisang's paper was also the 2nd best paper overall. K-State HRIMD rocks! It's not just the students, but the guidance we get from our mentors is tremendous! Without their support, I'm not sure we would be able to truly develop awesome research skills and produce kick-ass papers [couldn't find a non-colloquial way to say it and still be able to get the same effect].

Dedication
And this is where dedication comes in. Dr. Jang, one of our professors, drove in the middle of the storm so that he could get to the conference. It took him six hours to drive from our university to Kansas City--and I'm talking of a drive that usually takes two hours, tops! He braved the icy roads because he felt compelled to be there to support the students. I think that is commendable! Likewise, Hugo, one of my classmates also braved the drive to KC. Hee-Sup and Myong Jae who were flying in from Korea, left their posters and suits with Hugo before they went home for the holidays. Of course, when they arrived, they panicked because everyone was stuck in Kansas--it was rather pointless to be there if they were not going to be able to present. However, Hugo still persevered to get to the airport and attend the conference, even if he was a day late. He wanted to show his support both of K-State and our classmates. I think that's wonderful...dangerous (that ice is crazy!), but wonderful. Those are the kids of people who inspire others. They don't only talk about being able to motivate others, they manifest it in their lives. They are definitely in the right field.

sigh....Anyway, I'm back in Kansas now. Started working just yesterday...at 7 am. Walking on icy pavements, in the dark, at 6:30 am is NO FUN! I felt like I was ice skating all the way to the office (which is about 1 mile away from my house). BBBRRRR!!!

Well, school starts tomorrow. I better get some shut-eye. It's been a long day!

Later!