Channeling My Inner Jackie O

When my mother showed me this dress about a year ago, I fell in love immediately. It was classic and I LOVE classic. But it was sleeveless and I could never find the right thing to wear with it. So it wasted away in my closet. But my blessed roommate (and her more blessed closet) saved the day.

In a world of pantsuits and boyfriend jeans, sometimes we need to take a moment and express our feminine side. I just felt so posh with curls, pearls, and fuzz! Like I was Jackie O or something.

What do you do to bring out your girly side?

A Night at Manresa

I’ve realized that I have had some pretty crazy, abnormal experiences in my life. One such experience was when I won a food and wine tour with the Executive VP of Professional Services. This was a pretty ironic event. First, I don’t ever win raffles, auctions, sweepstakes, etc. Second, it was the most envied prize and the intern won it. And third, I don’t drink.

So the prize was altered a bit to accommodate my circumstances. Basically, less wine more food. Really expensive famous food. We decided to go to Manresa, a 2 michelin star, 5 regular star restaurant in Los Gatos, CA.

And we went there in a stretch limo—complete with disco lights and a bar.

The meal was absolutely fascinating. We did a tasting menu which essentially means you have no idea what you are going to be eating until it is directly before you. Portions are small, but then again it was a 12 course meal complete with bread basket. By the time the eighth course had come, I was feeling pretty full. But I stuck around for the dessert courses.

Speaking of dessert, I’m sure you want to know all about the food. Some of my favorite dishes include olive oil icecream with kale and squid with peas and fermented plums. There was a gorgeous salad complete with foam dressing. But there were some weird things I had. There was the chocolate and olive oil macaron. The first bite was like a brownie. And then I took and second bite and it was wet. Then there was the dessert that looked like a beautiful mint ice cream chocolate wonder. But it definitely didn’t taste that way. It was more like dirt and herbs.

Overall, my dinner at Manresa was an intellectual experience. My taste buds were definitely intrigued. But I still think I’d take Din Tai Fung’s one Michelin star xiao long bao any day.

Networking For Those Who Hate Networking

We all have that one friend who knows how to work a room. My one such friend could walk into a room of strangers and by the end of the night be buddy-buddy with majority of the room. Because of this strength (talent? gift?), my friend had a vast network. To prove this, one time we played a game in the Wilkinson Center to see who knew the most people in the building. My friend won by almost double my score. Some people are just natural networkers.

I, on the other hand, am not a natural networker. The thought of attending networking events fills me with dread. Introducing myself to strangers is a chore.

I am not alone. There’s a good chance you are reading this because you too find networking hard (or you are just stalking my blog to which I say, stalk away!)

But networking doesn’t have to be hard. It just requires taking control and networking on your own terms. Here are 3 strategies to make networking a little less scary and a whole lot more rewarding.

1      Seek out the wallflowers

Being in a room full of strangers can be overwhelming. And it’s probably overwhelming to other people too. I like to look around to see if there are other people on the edge—kind of alone, trying to get the courage to get out there. And then I go other there and introduce myself. They will be grateful you approached.

2     Tag team with a networking master

You know those natural networker friends? Use them to your advantage. Have them do the hard part of breaking the ice with people. Then you just have to smile and continue the conversation from there.

So when I would be with said friend from the introduction, lots of people would come and say hi to him. And then he would introduce me to them and then we could talk. That broke the ice and then I could carry my own from there.

3      One-on-one networking

I do a lot better in small groups or one on ones. Recently, I read a great article about networking and how millennials should do more one on ones over coffee (or hot chocolate, lunch, etc.) Read more about it here.

Networking doesn’t have to be that bad. Do you have any tips that help you with networking?

9 Ways to Make College Count

College is a wonderful time to explore the world and yourself. Here's a list on how to make the most of your college experience.

9. Go to Cultural Events

It amazes me how many awesome cultures you can get exposed to at college. I saw Chinese acrobatics, watched Iranian films, and participated in a Hindi festival.

8. Audit a Class



Because sometimes it's fun to just learn for the sake of learning and not worry about grades or homework.

7. Throw a Party

Complete with root beer, of course.

6. Weekend Trip with Friends

5. Go to Sporting Events

Even if you don't understand football or basketball, the energy of the crowd and stadium food makes it worth going to the games.

4. Homecoming Activities

Because who doesn't love dancing, parades, and alumni? Just kidding! We know it's all about the blue foam!

3. Join a Club

Being apart of a club can give you an identity and a group of like-minded friends.

2. Get an Internship

Because once you leave college, you'll find out that experience trumps education in the big bad world.

1. Go on a Study Abroad

Straight up the best thing you can do in college in my opinion. I learned so much while I lived in Hong Kong. It totally changed my life.