KoMiSa's Top 5 Pet Peeves of Traveling

I was reading one of my favorite travel blogs "Oneika the Traveler". Oneika described her top 5 travel pet peeves, which got me to thinking what my top pet peeves are. Oneika and I have a few pet peeves in common (numbers 1, 4 and 5).

1. Everyone Should Speak English

  I think not! Maybe it is the language geek in me but I find that a lack of respect for the culture and native tongue to expect natives of that country to speak English when they have a their own language. I also find it rude. Instead try to learn or at least carry a few key phrases with you in the native tongue of your non-English speaking travel destination. Being able to say hello, please and thank you in the native tongue can get you farther than you may think. Speaking in the native tongue not only shows your respect but it often makes the other person more receptive to helping you. Put yourself in the native person's shoes. Be patient and gracious to whomever you interact with on your trip abroad whether their English is great, okay or nonexistent.

2. Close-mindedness:

Everything is not going to be the same as your home country. Expect both similarities and differences. Be open to the differences whether it be the language, the way the street signs are displayed, the food, the transportation, music, time zone change, etc. Isn't that one of the reasons to travel, to experience not only the similarities but the differences of the foreign land? Travel is so much more than going from place to place. It is about embracing the experiences, the culture, and atmosphere around you.

3. Stares:

I have to be honest, I sometimes dislike the stares that I get when I am traveling. I understand that in some of the places that I have traveled the native people there may not be used to seeing someone with my skin color or my hair texture thus I get stared at. I know that the stares are sometimes very innocent. We all often find ourselves staring at someone or something if it is new to us or not of the norm whether we intend to or not. That I understand and is not what I am referring to. 

What I am referring to are the times when I have a sense that the stares and the comments that follow are less admirable and cause me to feel a bit uncomfortable. I am fortunate that the latter has happened on very rare occasions and most often when I was traveling in a group rather than alone. What has always helped me with this is understanding a bit of the history and present day culture of the place I am traveling to. This helps me to put everything into it's proper perspective and enjoy my trip.

4. Paying for Checked Luggage:

Although I can pack a carry on with everything I need like no other, I hate that I have to pay for something that I feel should be included in the price of the ticket. I mean really, if I buy a ticket from New York to Hawaii for a week long trip, it makes sense that I will need to check a bag.  It is not like I haven't dropped a significant amount of money for plane tickets as it is.  I know that this fee is here to stay. It doesn't mean that I have to like it. Dare I say add the expense to the rest of the hidden fees that are included with the price of the airline ticket. As for now my trusty carry-on and I will continue to gallivant in and out of airports as my travel adventures continue.

5.  High Price of Airline and Airport Food:

I am not a fan of the higher price of airline food as well as the higher prices often found in airports. Some might say that I am frugal. I however like to think that I am just being smart with my money. I have already paid for the flight so I don't appreciate that I have to pay for a meal if I am taking a 6 hour domestic flight. (International flights, a meal is usually included.) To avoid paying for food on planes and higher priced food in airports I often bring my own. I stay in TSA regulations so no liquids but that pastrami sandwhich on rye with coleslaw is all me. 

To see my inspiration for this post check out Oneika's Travel Etiquitte: Her Top 5 Pet Peeve's.  (http://www.oneika-the-traveller.com/travel-etiquette-travel-pet-peeves.html) 
Thank you Oneika for inspiring me to think about and write about my pet peeves!

What are your top travel pet peeves? Leave a comment and let me know.

KoMiSa's Take Away Thoughts: Pet Peeve's may annoy you from time to time but it is no reason to hold you back from traveling nor a reason to ruin your trip. Recognize them for what they are if they pop up, then let them go, and enjoy your travels. 
 
Hasta el Proximo Vez,

KoMiSa

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, no It's KoMiSa Trapeze Flying

Trying new things was always a huge part of my study abroad experiences. Whether it was trying a native dish in Spain, learning to sketch an urban setting in Brazil, or meeting new friends while taking a free walking tour in Paris; trying new things and studying abroad/traveling go hand in hand for me. Should I have to stop trying new things while I am home in my native country?  Of course not!

I have come to realize that traveling and trying new things are important aspects of my life. They allow me to step outside of my comfort zone and grow as a person. Since I can't travel all the time, at least not yet, I figured I would try something out of my ordinary close to home. That is just what I did last week when I went ... Trapeze Flying.

I used to walk by Pier 40 in New York City where the Trapeze School is located every day when I worked at Newsweek but it wasn't until I was in grad school in Spain that I realized that I wanted to take a class. Fast forward a year and I was on the roof of Pier 40 ready to step out of my comfort zone to see what Trapeze flying was all about.

I figured my birthday week would be a great time to take the class and celebrate God blessing me to see another year. Thus, last Tuesday I went to my old stomping grounds and took my first Trapeze Flying class. With my Sharon Striders' Breast Cancer Walk Shirt to represent my ancestors/ angels in heaven I was ready to "fly".

Surprisingly I was not as nervous as I thought I would be. Whenever a nervous thought popped into my head I would visualize myself having a good time. I told myself how freeing it would be and how good it would feel to do something new and different. Learning how to swing and do the beginner tricks was a lot of fun. I did far more than I ever thought I would or could for my first time. It was definitely a confidence booster. I stepped outside of my comfort zone and enjoyed yet another new experience. Would I go trapeze flying again. Definitely!!! Hopefully next time I can convince a few friends to enjoy in on the fun.

To see me "fly" check out the video below.

KoMiSa's Take Away Thoughts: It is great to try new things while traveling or studying abroad but don't forget to see what new things there are to experience right in your "own backyard".

Hasta el proximo,

KoMiSa

Sharing Some Good News

In Honors College at Hampton University, Dr. Davy would usually put students and alumni on the spot during an event, workshop or ceremony and ask, “What’s the Good News?” and you better be prepared to answer. In that spirit I wanted to share some good news you.

Last week I taught my first English as a Second Language (ESL) class at a local community college. The opportunity presented itself the day before I was to teach the class when I received a phone call from the Coordinator of the Corporate and Business Training Department asking if I was available to teach the very next day. I quickly thought about how I could rearrange my schedule and accepted the class. At that point I was only obligated to teach the one ESL class with a possibility of it being extended to last the entire semester based on enrollment. Due to the high enrollment and student attendance for the first day of class I was extended the offer to teach for the entire semester.  I am officially teaching my first ESL class. What a blessing! And to think I called the Coordinator of the department because of a question that I had regarding another one day training class that I will be teaching in a different subject area in a week yet another opportunity availed. God is good!

I have always loved teaching and helping others to learn and accomplish the goals set before them so when I was contacted 2 weeks ago to interview to become an instructor of the Corporate and Business Training Department at a local community college I jumped at the opportunity. I knew this would be a great way for me to get my foot in the door to Higher Education and earn valuable experience while doing something that I love, which is sharing my knowledge with others. Although I have taken many language classes and have tutored students in both the English and Spanish Language, I have never taught an ESL class before but I was up to the challenge. 

Teaching my first ESL class with less than a day to prepare was a thrill. I had no time to be nervous so that worked in my favor. I prayed, prepared my lesson, and went into the class with confidence. My students warmed up to me quickly and were receptive and actively participated in the class. It was an honor to teach so many different ages. Some of my students are a few years younger than me while some are old enough to be my grandparents. It was a great first class. One of my students came up to me after class and thanked me for teaching such a good class. During the interview to become an instructor I was asked how I measure success as a teacher, and that is one way I measure success, when my students feel that they have learned something, enjoyed the class, and look forward to returning to learn more. I look forward to helping my students improve their English through out the semester. 

Thanks for reading my good news! I look forward to sharing more good news in the near future.

Hasta el proximo vez,

KoMiSa

Are You Registered to Vote???

                                              
 
I loved my 8th grade English Class. Mrs. Russo knew how to make learning fun.  I read some great books and even had a poem published that year, but learning about the Presidential Election that took place proved to be one of the best projects that I have done in middle school that still impacts my life today. The year was 1996, Former President Clinton, Former President George Bush and Mr. Ross Perot were running for office.

The project taught me to learn about each of the perspective candidates, their platforms, and each political party that was represented. From the newspaper articles that were read, the television programs that were watched and discussed in class, and the analysis of the speeches made; looking back my classmates and I were some well informed eighth graders. Too bad we couldn't vote then lol. However, we sure are eligible to vote now!

 On the heels of the Republican and the Democratic Conventions, it is so important that all who are eligible to vote in this year's Presidential election vote!!!

Government decisions play a huge role in many of the topics that I write about such study abroad/ international programs and the grants/ scholarships that help students to participate in them and we all are well aware of the impact that the government has on our economy and the job market. Therefore it is imperative that we pay attention and vote!!!

Vote like your life depends on it because in so many ways it does. You have a voice that many people fought so hard for many of you to have so who are you not to follow through on their efforts.

As Ed Gordon said on BET's coverage of the DNC "I am not here to tell you who to vote for. I am here to tell you to vote."

If you are not registered to vote there is no time like the present. Check out the  links below for more information on voting:

Rock the Vote: http://www.rockthevote.org/
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Voting.shtml


VOTE!!! Don't think of it as a choice but a blessed obligation.

Hasta el proximo vez,

KoMiSa

Career Corner - A Chat with Christina Brown of LoveBrownSugar

from www.lovebrownsugar.com

Many know Christina Brown from her widely popular blog LoveBrownSugar. If you have not you are missing out on Christina’s great insight on the latest fashion and beauty trends. She has recently been featured in Elle Magazine, has graced the runway for the BlogHer 12 Fashion Show, and has been a correspondent for Ford Motors at the BET 2012 Music Awards.  She is also celebrating 3 years of  her blog LoveBrownSugar. Congrats Christina!!! I can’t wait to see how her career continues to successfully unfold. Christina has a love for travel and studied abroad while attending the University of Pennsylvania. I love reading Christina’s blog and am excited to learn yet another facet about this amazing female on the rise.  

Have you studied abroad during your undergraduate and/or graduate school experience?

Yes, I had the opportunity to study abroad 

If so where did you go?

I studied in Paris, specifically a small suburb of Paris call Jouy-en-Josas at one of Paris' biggest business school HEC Paris. 

For how long?

I was in France from February 2008 until June 2008 so about 5 months. 

How was your experience abroad?

My experience abroad was incredible. I absolutely loved it. At first I was very nervous and scared. I had to take most of my classes in French and it's definitely not my first language (not even my second) so I was worried I wouldn't be able to keep up. But I made such amazing friends over there, both study abroad students and locals, and it was really 5 of the best months of my life.

How has studying abroad changed your life? You as a person?

It definitely made me way more independent. Until I went abroad I had never lived completely on my own. I had also never traveled anywhere by myself. That trip to Paris was an eye-opener. I explored the rural pathways of Jouy-en-Josas by myself. I forced myself to make friends who I normally wouldn't have if I was in the US. I really had to get out my comfort zone. And that, in turn, allowed me to grow and it also fed my itch for international travel. After that, I became addicted to travel!

Do you speak any other languages? If so how many?

Besides English, I can speak a little conversational Spanish and French. 

3a. How has studying abroad impacted your languages skills?

Well, while I was in Paris my conversational French was on point. But like muscles, language skills slowly deteriorate if you don't use them. I'm currently on the hunt for a meetup group in NYC dedicated to French language - I really want to get it back! 

How has speaking another language or your willingness to learn the native tongue of the country impacted your study abroad experience?

Well for me it was a requirement. I had to take most of my classes over there in French. So if I didn't understand the language, I was essentially screwed. But I had an amazing group of friends who were natives, who really helped me in class. They took notes for me in English and really worked with me on assignments so that I felt part of the loop. It's funny - as much as I tried to practice my French with them, they always talked to me in English! They wanted to learn English as badly as I wanted to learn French. So we helped each other. 

What is your current career position? How has studying abroad impacted your career choices? the way you look at fashion and culture?

Currently I'm a Social Media Specialist as well as a Blogger. The reason I even decided to go to Paris was because it's one of the fashion capitals of the world. I grew up in New York, so the next biggest fashion capital for me was Paris! It really helped fuel my desire to work in the industry. Parisians have this effortless chic about them. They wear all black like it's uniform. But they always manage to make it look so amazing. To be honest, my first ever "blog" was my Study-Abroad travel journal. It was online for all my friends and family to see. And that really helped me dip my toe into online journalism way before I started LoveBrownSugar.

Do you have any advice for others who want to study abroad?

Do it! Studying abroad is a great experience - you absolutely won't regret it. Not only will you get to experience a new culture, but you'll make lifelong friends and you will grow so much as a result. I really live by the rule that you should invest in life experiences over things so I think it's so incredibly important to spend time exploring the world, especially while you're young.

Christina has awesome fashion and beauty secrets, trends, and so much more to share so be sure to check out her:

Blog: LoveBrownSugar,  Twitter,  Instgram,  Facebook, and Pinterest

A huge thank you to Christina for doing this interview. It was a true pleasure to meet you and run into you again at events in NYC!!!

Paying Homage to an Extraordinary Educator: Dr. Davy

Today I walked a familiar hallway in Dubois Hall on Hampton University’s campus on my way to the Honors College Office. I had planned to visit the Honors College office when I planned my trip down to my Home by the Sea months ago. I had no idea that the most familiar face of Honors College would no longer be there. Anyone who has ever been in Honors College or has come in contact with woman to whom I am speaking of can guess who it is without me saying her name but for those of you who may not have had the blessing of meeting her, I will no longer keep you in suspense. Dr. Freddye Sue Davy was an extraordinary educator, Alpha Kappa Alpha Woman and a force to be wrecking with. To know her was to lover her no matter how hard or tough she was on you. In her eyes we, her students were never good enough; for there was more that we could learn, do, strive for and accomplish. Settling was never an option to even contemplate. Dr. Davy always saw more in us than we saw in our selves and she sought to cultivate us to dream bigger, achiever higher, stretch further, and give more of our selves in all areas of our lives. I don’t think she ever took no for an answer from anyone and worked to make sure that we were well prepared for the lives that we were to live once we graduated from the Honors College Program and Hampton University.

Honors College was not for the faint at heart and Dr. Davy made sure you knew it before you signed your name on the dotted line to commit to being an Honors College student. Dr. Davy did not take any mess and did not play any games. She was no nonsense and we all knew it. She never gave anything above a C during midterm grades to make sure that no one got to comfortable in her classes. She made you work and earn everything that you had and then work some more.

Dr. Davy instilled pride in who were as people. She instilled faith that we could make it through any challenge life may throw at us. She made it a point to dispel any doubt that we were less than anyone or anything. She cultivated us as men and women of service, making community service and giving back a vital part of our Honors College curriculum. She also encouraged us to go beyond any physical or mental boundaries that we thought were set. Dr. Davy also encouraged us to explore the world both near and far and was a supporter of studying abroad as well as promoted and cultivated Rhode Scholars, Fulbright Scholars, and Marshall Scholars.  

Although Dr. Davy has gone on to Heaven I definitely felt her presence in her office today. I am so thankful that I got to see Dr. Davy one last time this past December 2011 and chatted with her about my recent accomplishments. I will always remember the smile and the big hug she gave me that day. She told me that she was proud of me. That phrase only comes from Dr. Davy if she feels that you have earned it so to have heard that from her meant a lot. It was a true blessing.

Dr. Davy has touched the lives of so many students, colleagues,  family members, friends, etc. She will truly be missed but her legacy will live on in all of us.

KoMiSa’s Thoughts: Thanks just isn’t enough for your many years of service, for the wisdom and the knowledge that you, Dr. Davy, have imparted on so many. Thank you for the challenges that you constantly set before us and for always seeing more in us than we saw in ourselves. It will not be the same without you in the Honors College Office but we know you do not want us sad and all so we will pick up your baton and triumphantly carry on.

To learn more about the Dr. Freddye Davy Honors College at Hampton University please click the link below

http://honorscollege.hamptonu.edu/

Hasta el Proximo Vez,

KoMiSa

My Experience at the Rising Affluent Conference 2012

On Saturday May 12, 2012 my sister and I hoped on the train with tickets in hand to attend the Rising Affluent Advancement &Achievement Conference 2012: Reaching Your Full Potential, at the Faculty House at Columbia University. It was definitely an insightful event. It is always a great time when there are opportunities to network and learn from peers and experts and share knowledge and experiences in various areas.

I found out about the conference while reading a tweet from Demetra Lucas author of “A Belle in Brooklyn” (good book by the way) and a panelist for, “The Gentle Art of Side Hustling and Moonlighting with an End Goal”. I looked into the conference and saw that it was in New York City, which would be an easy commute for me. I also enjoyed reading about the conference from last year and saw some Hampton Alumni, in the pictures and knew that if my fellow Hamptonians attended the conference last year it must be a cool event. J

The main themes of Reaching Your Full Potential we segmented into two focal points, Personal Branding and Entrepreneurship. This was right up my alley since my master thesis , completed in October 2012, was “Personal Branding: A Case Study of four Entrepreneurs on their Quest to Achieve Professional Success in the Age of the Personal Brand”. I really enjoyed Christina Brown, Editor, Fashion Blogger and Social Media Expert, of the first panel “Me Inc.” in which she and her fellow panelist discussed personal branding, social networking and social media. Christina Brown built her personal brand “Love Brown Sugar” (www.lovebrownsugar.com) through social media. One of the great points that Christina made about personal branding was to “Ask your friends and family what you really do well...Sometimes it is about self reflection. Other times it is a reflection from others.” In other words, self identity versus self image. This panel discussion reiterated points in my academic research and continued its practical use of personal branding for entrepreneurs and young professionals. I must have been on to something when I decided on my thesis topic. I love to see my research come to life unexpectedly to help and empower other young professionals and see it play out in other’s lives much as it has helped my own. Needless to say that was one of my favorite panel discussions.

Another panel discussion that I really enjoyed was “Exit Strategies: Changing Career Lanes Without Losing Control”. This panel really spoke to me because this is exactly where I am in my life. My career trajectory has evolved and changed from corporate international marketing to Higher Education Administration, more specifically study abroad/ international programs. This is something I am truly passionate about and has allowed me to merge my educational background, work experience, travel, and interest into a career that I enjoy pursuing. Sheena Neal, who moderated the panel, Toni A. Harrison and Tiffany Gooden all work in Higher Education Administration and were among the panelist for this session. They had various paths to get to where they are in their present Higher Education Administration careers. It was enlightening for me to hear their stories and receive the advice they shared with my fellow conference participants and I. Of the great advice that was shared one thing that stuck with me is the value of letting others know who you are and what you want to do. I used to have a hard time with this. My former shy tendencies used to kick into gear along with self doubt and nervousness but once I tapped into my passion and allowed myself the space and time to cultivate that passion my confidence began to soar and my new/evolved career choice organically presented itself. I realized how much easier it was to open up not only to value who I am but to confidently share my passion and career choice with others.

Going Global was another panel that I loved. As you can tell from the major premise of this blog I am geeked about discussions on global topics and issues. I was very intrigued to see how this panel discussion was going to unfold. Two of the panelist that I really enjoyed were Michael J. Cooper and Yetunde Odugbesan. It was interesting to hear Michael’s perspective of being born and spending his early childhood in Trinidad before moving to South America and eventually the United States all before deciding to give back to his homeland by going back as an adult to work in trading and securities. I appreciated the love and pride that he exudes for his home country. I enjoyed the aspect that no matter where you go and the experiences you have when a love and loyalty for your homeland has been cultivated from childhood there is really no other place like it. Having Nigerian cousins, I was very intrigued to hear about the work that Nigerian-American, Yetunde Odugbesan does as she pursues her Doctorate in Global Affairs, is the CEO and Founder of Yetunde Global Consulting LLC. and the Founder and Executive Director of Young Womans Guide that provides mentorship, empowerment events, resources, etc for women and girls in the United States and Africa. Hearing all that she does on a global scale is truly inspiring. Knowing that she has accomplished so many things and is serving her community and the world is very humbling and has given me even more drive and determination to accomplish my international goals.

There was no place that I’d rather be than at the Rising Affluent Conference on Saturday May 12^th and to share the experience with my sister made it that much better. The networking opportunities with other young professionals, the caliber of speakers, panelists, and moderators, and the overall experience exceeded my expectations. I look forward to attending the Rising Afflunent Conference again next year. A big thank you to Kyle McCullers, Managing Partner, Michael J. Cooper, Partner , the panelists, moderators, guest speakers, attendees and all who made this conference such a success.

KoMiSa’s Take Away Thoughts: This goes to show you that when you are in the place that you are supposed to be at the appointed time it becomes evident as you indulge in the experience. I have no doubt that this is where I was supposed to be and my decision to attend the conference was correct. When you are presented with opportunities that you feel would be extremely beneficial whether it be attending a conference or a study abroad experience pursue it. Gather the information that is needed to make the right decision for you, even if everything is not spelled out, then go for the experience. If it is anything like my experiences studying abroad or attending this conference they are more than worth the time and resources that it take to invest in yourself to pursue it.

For more information about the Rising Affluent Conference visit www.risingaffluent.com  

Be on the look out in the coming months for an interview with Christina Brown about her study abroad experiences. I am so happy to have her in the Study Abroad Corner in a few weeks.

Hasta el Proximo Vez,

KoMiSa