Free Agency

After Tuesday, I became a free agent. I am graduated and my internship with the LDS Church ended. It was such a blast. I learned so much from the five months I spent there. Here is a blog about what I did there. I know I was lead to this internship. God knew we would need it and I am grateful for the opportunity I had.

The Riverton Office Building (ROB)

Some things I enjoyed:

• The atmosphere. It was fulfilling to have a consecrated culture there. My coworkers were all very nice and helpful.
• Being able to provide answers to people around the world. I love knowing I can communicate critical information that blesses lives and makes things easier.
• Being mentored by my manager, Paul. He is a brilliant guy.
• Learning more about processes and procedures.

All in all, it was a great five months. I will be forever grateful for the time I spent there. Because of this internship, I'm considering studying Information Systems for a Master's degree. Getting to know technology is something that interests me greatly. So we'll see on that one.

I think Airin likes me around more. I can take care of Lily while she can get things done or sleep. I also love being home with them, especially seeing Lily grow up. 

Life is good. I cannot honestly complain. I have a great family, a nice home, a beautiful life and the most amazing wife and baby. I am incredibly blessed.

Graduation

L-R: Michael, Ethan, Shantel, Joshua, Airin, Lily, Me, Dad, Mom, Heidi

On May 3rd, I finally graduated with a Bachelor's degree. I had previously received an Associates Degree from Utah Valley University, so this was great to make the next step. My degree is a BS in Mass Communication, emphasis in Strategic Communication. It is all fancy talk for public relations, advertising and marketing.

Now that I'm at the end of my undergraduate degree, I have had a few thoughts about coming up to the U. 

Growing up, I was a huge BYU fan. My Dad would take us to football and basketball games occasionally. We would also listen to Paul James call football games on the radio during the season, or catch the game on the TV. I bled blue and white. 

Coming out of high school, I did not apply to go to the Y. I did not have the grades, nor did I take the ACT, so I went to UVSC (Utah Valley School of Champions). After spending a couple years in the music department at UVU (it became a University while on an LDS Church mission), I met Airin and really had to think about what I was studying and what I was going to do with my life. I finished up my final few generals to get my Associates degree, and transferred to the University of Utah. Airin got a job as an RN at Primary Children's Medical Center, so we moved to Salt Lake. It was just easier.

I was not sure how this would work. I did not like the U’s athletic program, but went there with an open mind. And it turned out to be a great experience. 

I had a number of fantastic internship opportunities because we lived in Salt Lake. I also met some amazing professors and learned a great deal from them. I also met some great classmates.

My Mom made me a beautiful lei. I also wore a blue/red tie, signifying my BYU loyalties.

So what is next? I’m not sure. Hopefully a job first, taking the GMAT or GRE next, and then if I’m able to, go back to school and get a Master’s degree. I’m thinking a Master’s in Communication, Masters of Information Systems, or Masters in Business Administration. We’ll see how the summer pans out.