Everyday Pearls March 22nd!

There is no such thing as easing back into spring break! This past week was so much fun though, and it's nice to get back into my routine. Since being back I've put extra emphasis on my health. Working out regularly and eating healthy are huge. I'm also managing my time better in order to sleep more.

Here's what I've been up!

We went to a trampoline park to bond with our pledges this semester. You could say I had fun. 

My Little #2 EK! Love this girl, she's so sassy and driven! 

Selfie Central on my way to see Scotty McCreary

My grand little! Love her!

Badgers in the Final Four! 

Waiting for Scotty (we just HAD to get there early)

This woman is really my everything. My best friend, roommate and favorite date!

#TSM Very white girl with our letters, starbucks and (not pictures) leggings. 

My two littles, we volunteered together at the Great Bunny Train Sunday morning!

Cutest bunny ever. With one of the cutest littles ever. 

Have you ever seen the show Greek? We do it for the children. (Please tell me someone got that reference!) 

Public Relations Fridays: Race Together or Apart?

As many of you may know, last week Starbucks' employees were encouraged to discuss racial tensions and issues with their customers by writing "Race Together" on their cups. There has been a lot of criticism in the media over whether or not this was the correct manner in which to address the current racial disparity in the United States.

Via

From a communication perspective, this could have been a nightmare. You get one renegade customer or employee, and there could have been a public relations crisis. There hasn't been any word on whether or not employees received any sort of training on how to start conversations for them to be productive.

Many journalists believe that this was a shallow attempt at starting the conversation, and that Starbucks could do much more in terms of changing the discussion on race.

Jake Linshi, wrote for Times that Howard Schultz could learn from Chipotle's burrito. Chipotle started to publish great literary quotes on their paper products as part of a Linshi believes that Starbucks made this issue an argument, where you had to take sides, rather than an honest conversation about how racism is actually a problem everywhere.

In a letter to Starbucks Partners from Howard Schultz emphasizing that this campaign was the first step in the "Race Together" initiative. He assures shareholders and partners that they never expected praise, and stressed that this campaign is about “humanity: the promise of the American Dream should be available to every person in this country, not just a select few."  If Starbucks looks at this as a loss, they aren't showing it. 

From a different point of view, Starbucks was brave enough to make a big statement. Was it necessarily done the right way? Maybe not. But is there a right way to discuss race? In the current climate each side is on the defensive, and no one is holding out the olive branch. Racism is inherent in many systems in the United States, and those who say it's not haven't experienced it.

There should be the ability for people to ask frank questions about race. One of the problems is ignorance of racism in our daily lives. People often get defensive when asked about how they experience racism, but instead of getting defensive they should give examples. While it's not fair to have to explain yourself, it can give people a better understanding of white privilege.

As an optimist, there is most definitely a change that can occur here. There is a new generation that is already tackling huge social issues, such as gay marriage and healthcare. What really needs to happen is an honest conversation as to why there are stereotypes and how to change them. Including more diversity training, and programs that help at-risk youth. There are plenty of successful programs that could be expanded to assist youth in keeping off the streets and receiving a secondary education.

Starbucks did not do a very thorough issue analysis on their slogan, and it definitely does not have any sort of power behind it. #RaceTogether is boring and a little confusing. Hopefully the impact will be positive however.

There is a solution to this, and while Starbucks may not have done the best job at trying to find it at least they started.

Sunday Six!

Every Sunday I have decided that I am going to highlight six things such as events, what I'm going to need or what I really want this week!

1.Otterbox Defender Case: I love my iPhone 4s, and because of my history with phones, it has rarely seen day light.  I have had two different cases, this is my second and it is the reason that my phone still looks new. If you are looking for a nice case this is definitely the one the get! I have thrown mine, dropped it off my lofted bed and on concrete. It is basically "Ashley" proof. They also make cases for Android phones!

2. Starbucks Frappuccinos: Tired? Need a little pick me up? No time to wait for actual coffee? This is your friend! All of the cafe's on my campus sell them, and I like the Mocha's personally because they are the least calories, with all of the taste. It is a perfect pick me up, especially Monday's and Wednesday's, which are my busiest days!

3. 27 days until Germany!: MB and I are going to Germany for our Spring day, and there are only 27 days left until we leave (not including today)! Seeing my good family friends and being in Europe is my motivation to do well in my classes! Also, I need to shop for my trip also. (shoes are the most important!)

4. Couch to 5k: I hate running. I mean despise it, but I am trying to be more healthy in general, and without a gym membership this summer, I am going to train to run a 5k with my mom and hopefully my best friend KG. I hope that I can learn to love running, because of how convenient it is!

5. Nivea Lip Balm: Seriously, this is my savior this winter. I bite my lip all the time, and it isn't a problem with this cold, dry weather (ick) because this stuff is great! I like the milk and honey, but haven't tried an other types of lip balm from them. 

6. Zeta Omega Tau: I don't even know why, but every week I start off looking forward to our Wednesday night meetings! Especially now that we have pledges, I want to get to know all the new girls and grow closer with all of my other sisters! Look out for a guest blog post for Your Sorority Sister about ZOT! 

There it is! My first Sunday Six! What do you think? What would you like me to highlight each week? 

Have a great week!

xoxo

AV