Exciting news in camp Brian recently.. With the completion of my Service Learning recently, I am on schedule to graduate in a short week and a half. It may have taken me just under three years to do but I am finally almost done with my Associate’s degree.
Looking back I realize that I have done a lot with my time and learned even more; from simple tests in my data entry class to running our own small business in entrepreneurship. I have grown up a little bit along the way, to say the least. Dealing with family loss, job placement, and just general growing pains that every college student has to go through has shaped who I am today.
I plan on starting my Bachelors in the spring term here at AIB in Business Administration. While being in school full-time, I am also on the search for a full-time job in my marketing field, but we all know how the economy is nowadays. Hopefully this degree will not take as long, I certainly do not plan on it.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Winter Holiday Break
With the winter season comes the annual Jingle Jog sponsored by Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). The event was held at Gray's Lake just north of AIB's campus on Saturday, December 18th. Jingle Jog is used as a yearly fundraiser for both SIFE and the Education Brain Trust.
With over 180 runners registered, this was a big event for all participating. Not only was the weather decent, the cause is great too. All money raised by volunteers, runners, sponsors and organizers right back into SIFE and Education Brain Trust. There were over 80 carolers in attendance as well spreading holiday cheer while the event took place.
Although most students have left campus for the holiday break, there is still a lot going on around here. Currently, Campus Management is putting new carpet in fenton Hall first floor since the recent remodeling. There are also plans in the future to recarpet second floor as well.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday break! I know I am not the only one that is going to be overindulging myself in sugar and cookies.
With over 180 runners registered, this was a big event for all participating. Not only was the weather decent, the cause is great too. All money raised by volunteers, runners, sponsors and organizers right back into SIFE and Education Brain Trust. There were over 80 carolers in attendance as well spreading holiday cheer while the event took place.
Although most students have left campus for the holiday break, there is still a lot going on around here. Currently, Campus Management is putting new carpet in fenton Hall first floor since the recent remodeling. There are also plans in the future to recarpet second floor as well.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday break! I know I am not the only one that is going to be overindulging myself in sugar and cookies.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Winter Activites.. Minus the Snow!
As with every other winter term, comes social events such as basketball games, winter outings, or a hopeful snow day once in a blue moon. The problem with this lately is that we have yet to get any snow! But, word on the weather street is that it’s supposed to snow this weekend and the talk around campus is a hopeful snow day sometime soon!
Also with winter term comes indoor athletics. The AIB women’s basketball team has kicked off their season recently before the Thanksgiving break. This season is looking up compared to those in the past. With the addition of Men’s basketball and Women’s volleyball next year, the gym is looking to be very busy in the next year or so. Go Eagles!
Also with winter term comes indoor athletics. The AIB women’s basketball team has kicked off their season recently before the Thanksgiving break. This season is looking up compared to those in the past. With the addition of Men’s basketball and Women’s volleyball next year, the gym is looking to be very busy in the next year or so. Go Eagles!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
No, I cannot do a backflip.
By Brian Maruska
With finals week approaching fast and the added stress of tests and final projects, Student Government Association and Activities decided to sponsor a trip to Minneapolis to ease the tension.
We left Saturday morning before the sun came up around 6 am. An easy four hour bus ride later we have arrived at our destination – Fairfield Inn. We then had the decision to go tear up the slopes at Afton Alps or simply go a block to the Mall of America.
Being the dare devil that I am, along with five others, we loaded up on the bus to head for the ski lifts. We were not sure what to expect when we arrived. The first hill we see pulling up.. HUGE. Needless to say, we were in desperate need of a “bunny” hill. After trying my luck at snowboarding, I decided to switch to skis, a much wiser decision.
We decided to return back to the motel around 4 pm, took a nice shower and ended up taking a little cat nap. The same group of people that went skiing decided we were now interested in going to a casino, catching a movie, or just hanging out at the mall. “When in Rome” is quite the movie. Yes, it would be considered a “chick flick”, but when you’re only with one other male you are not going to win the vote on what movie to watch.
After a very cold walk back to the hotel we went straight to bed to rest up for a short day of shopping on Sunday.
Well.. Sunday proved to be quite the day. The ultimate test for a relationship is to definitely go shopping in a large mall, in my opinion. All in all, the mall was an interesting time. All I bought in the couple hours we were there were a couple clearance shirts at PacSun and lunch.
We left the Mall of America around 3 pm and had a short bus ride back. As we pulled into the AIB parking lot before we got dropped, I slowly realized it’s back to the real life of being busy again. School, two part-time jobs, volleyball, and homework.. Livin’ the dream.
With finals week approaching fast and the added stress of tests and final projects, Student Government Association and Activities decided to sponsor a trip to Minneapolis to ease the tension.
We left Saturday morning before the sun came up around 6 am. An easy four hour bus ride later we have arrived at our destination – Fairfield Inn. We then had the decision to go tear up the slopes at Afton Alps or simply go a block to the Mall of America.
Being the dare devil that I am, along with five others, we loaded up on the bus to head for the ski lifts. We were not sure what to expect when we arrived. The first hill we see pulling up.. HUGE. Needless to say, we were in desperate need of a “bunny” hill. After trying my luck at snowboarding, I decided to switch to skis, a much wiser decision.
We decided to return back to the motel around 4 pm, took a nice shower and ended up taking a little cat nap. The same group of people that went skiing decided we were now interested in going to a casino, catching a movie, or just hanging out at the mall. “When in Rome” is quite the movie. Yes, it would be considered a “chick flick”, but when you’re only with one other male you are not going to win the vote on what movie to watch.
After a very cold walk back to the hotel we went straight to bed to rest up for a short day of shopping on Sunday.
Well.. Sunday proved to be quite the day. The ultimate test for a relationship is to definitely go shopping in a large mall, in my opinion. All in all, the mall was an interesting time. All I bought in the couple hours we were there were a couple clearance shirts at PacSun and lunch.
We left the Mall of America around 3 pm and had a short bus ride back. As we pulled into the AIB parking lot before we got dropped, I slowly realized it’s back to the real life of being busy again. School, two part-time jobs, volleyball, and homework.. Livin’ the dream.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Oh the weather outside is frightful..
By Brian Maruska
With the recent weather in the past couple months, most students hope for the beloved “snow day”. But, what happens when you have so many that you have start making them up? Attitudes definitely change.
As of this morning, we have had 5 “snow days”. Although it is extremely nice to sleep in until noon knowing that we do not have classes that day, it comes with a price. Just like high school, professors sometimes scramble to fit everything into their week that was originally planned. This presents a problem for most students because they almost feel rushed. But that could happen at any time in the year realistically.
Currently, I am waiting for my phone to vibrate at 6:34 in the morning while sitting at work. All AIB students and staff receive a text message and phone call stating that we do not have classes for the day. If you listen in Fenton Hall on certain nights, you can actually hear the roar of people cheer when they receive this message. Just brings a smile to my face knowing that we can all sleep in and not have to worry about classes the next day. “Well, looks like I am playing Call of Duty all night!”
When school is cancelled, I don’t just skip out on class. Since I work on campus in the Activities Center, as well as a Marketing Assistant, I do not have to go to work because offices are closed. So I definitely have it made when it comes to school being cancelled.
All in all, I guess I can’t really complain. I will continue to sit here and wait for the coveted text message from a random 212 phone number..
With the recent weather in the past couple months, most students hope for the beloved “snow day”. But, what happens when you have so many that you have start making them up? Attitudes definitely change.
As of this morning, we have had 5 “snow days”. Although it is extremely nice to sleep in until noon knowing that we do not have classes that day, it comes with a price. Just like high school, professors sometimes scramble to fit everything into their week that was originally planned. This presents a problem for most students because they almost feel rushed. But that could happen at any time in the year realistically.
Currently, I am waiting for my phone to vibrate at 6:34 in the morning while sitting at work. All AIB students and staff receive a text message and phone call stating that we do not have classes for the day. If you listen in Fenton Hall on certain nights, you can actually hear the roar of people cheer when they receive this message. Just brings a smile to my face knowing that we can all sleep in and not have to worry about classes the next day. “Well, looks like I am playing Call of Duty all night!”
When school is cancelled, I don’t just skip out on class. Since I work on campus in the Activities Center, as well as a Marketing Assistant, I do not have to go to work because offices are closed. So I definitely have it made when it comes to school being cancelled.
All in all, I guess I can’t really complain. I will continue to sit here and wait for the coveted text message from a random 212 phone number..
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Student's Perspective
By Brian Maruska
As a student, I see campus in a different light than most. Contrary to most employees, students take the opportunity to get involved on campus apart from work or class.
There are many students involved in athletics apart from class, many of them working on and off campus. I personally help out our women’s basketball team and scrimmage them in practice along with four other friends of mine. Volunteering a little time to help out the team is nice because not only do I get much needed exercise, it lets me belong to the team in a sort of way.
Also on campus is our newly organized co-ed volleyball club. Teams meet once a week for practice and play Tuesday and Thursdays in a multi-week tournament in West Des Moines. I personally love the sport of volleyball and have grown a huge appreciation for our coach Dianne Leonard. The club has brought over twenty students together and it’s usually a good time.
Apart from club volleyball, there is also intramurals. The only intramural offered so far this year is volleyball but flag football, basketball, and other sports are soon to come I hope. The best part so far is knowing our team is going to demolish my boss, Jose de Jesus, and the rest of his team. There is a common conversation at work of smack talking the other’s respected team. I guess only time will tell to see who will get the bragging rights for a year.
Looking forward to finishing out this fall term strong in academics, sports, and getting some progress done at work!
As a student, I see campus in a different light than most. Contrary to most employees, students take the opportunity to get involved on campus apart from work or class.
There are many students involved in athletics apart from class, many of them working on and off campus. I personally help out our women’s basketball team and scrimmage them in practice along with four other friends of mine. Volunteering a little time to help out the team is nice because not only do I get much needed exercise, it lets me belong to the team in a sort of way.
Also on campus is our newly organized co-ed volleyball club. Teams meet once a week for practice and play Tuesday and Thursdays in a multi-week tournament in West Des Moines. I personally love the sport of volleyball and have grown a huge appreciation for our coach Dianne Leonard. The club has brought over twenty students together and it’s usually a good time.
Apart from club volleyball, there is also intramurals. The only intramural offered so far this year is volleyball but flag football, basketball, and other sports are soon to come I hope. The best part so far is knowing our team is going to demolish my boss, Jose de Jesus, and the rest of his team. There is a common conversation at work of smack talking the other’s respected team. I guess only time will tell to see who will get the bragging rights for a year.
Looking forward to finishing out this fall term strong in academics, sports, and getting some progress done at work!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Campus Wide Service Day = Success!
On September 21, AIB held the 3rd annual Campus Wide Service Day: Eagles in Action! With a speaker in the morning, service projects in the afternoon, and a BBQ in the evening, Service Day was a fun event for everyone involved.
Starting the day off was Steve Farber, best-selling author and President of Extreme Leadership, Inc. With a presentation entitled "Lessons in Extreme Leadership," Farber spoke to a packed house of AIB students, faculty, and staff about the qualities necessary to become an extreme leader. Farber's light hearted, yet powerful presentation left listeners excited and ready for an afternoon of service.
Over 125 students, faculty, and staff participated in the afternoon service projects, serving 7 community organizations. Participants completed tasks such as planting trees, painting recycle bins, mentoring children, organizing mass mailings, and cleaning libraries. The service projects amounted to $7,593.75 given back to the Des Moines community (according to http://www.independentsector.org/, the monetary value of 1 volunteer hour is $20.25). Way to go AIB!
Starting the day off was Steve Farber, best-selling author and President of Extreme Leadership, Inc. With a presentation entitled "Lessons in Extreme Leadership," Farber spoke to a packed house of AIB students, faculty, and staff about the qualities necessary to become an extreme leader. Farber's light hearted, yet powerful presentation left listeners excited and ready for an afternoon of service.
Over 125 students, faculty, and staff participated in the afternoon service projects, serving 7 community organizations. Participants completed tasks such as planting trees, painting recycle bins, mentoring children, organizing mass mailings, and cleaning libraries. The service projects amounted to $7,593.75 given back to the Des Moines community (according to http://www.independentsector.org/, the monetary value of 1 volunteer hour is $20.25). Way to go AIB! 
The day ended with a BBQ in the Diner. Service Day participants enjoyed burgers grilled by SGA members Brian Maruska and Bryant Blay. Special thanks go to West Bank, the Service Learning Center, and Activities for making this day a success.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Welcome Week... The Aftermath
By Brian Maruska
As all of us know last week was Welcome Week for the new incoming students. Needless to say… It was intense in the sense that all new personalities were on campus at one shot and the wave of new students was awesome!
A week ago, students started arriving on campus bright and early Monday morning. You could tell that the new students were excited, scared, sad, and anxious all at the same time. The Student Orientation Staff offered nothing but great help with moving boxes and furniture with a smile on their face. That night, we organized some open gym volleyball and had upwards of 40 students that came to play.
On Tuesday, the freshman had their first day of classes along with a few orientations. The mood all around was good even though the students got a small dose of what classes were like at AIB. That night, Activities sponsored a free pasta dinner. There was a good showing to this in the sense that any college student can not turn down free food. After the pasta dinner, a main highlight of the week, was the hypnotist. There were quite a few students in attendance to get their daily laughs. Turns out, the joke was on me. I got picked to come to the floor and make a fool of myself. That I did to say the least.
On Wednesday night was the yearly organizational mini-golf outing. In the Activities Center, ten organizations on campus built courses for the students to show their skills. There were over $500 in prizes and give-a-ways along with ol’ fashion golf skills
.
Thursday is usually the start of an average AIB student’s weekend. As normal classes were held Thursday the vibe on campus was high because of moonlight bowling being held that night. BMA sponsored upwards of 80 students at Air Lanes up the street. It is always a good time when AIB goes bowling and even better when there are that many students!
To finish off the busy week, Activities sponsored a Pool Party with live DJ next to AIB’s on campus pool. It was definitely a good time along with bean-bag toss and horseshoes. There were plenty of grilled goods to go around as well as enough chips to feed an army.
All in all, the vibe on campus is strong as well as exciting. I can already tell its going to be a very good year.
As all of us know last week was Welcome Week for the new incoming students. Needless to say… It was intense in the sense that all new personalities were on campus at one shot and the wave of new students was awesome!
A week ago, students started arriving on campus bright and early Monday morning. You could tell that the new students were excited, scared, sad, and anxious all at the same time. The Student Orientation Staff offered nothing but great help with moving boxes and furniture with a smile on their face. That night, we organized some open gym volleyball and had upwards of 40 students that came to play.
On Tuesday, the freshman had their first day of classes along with a few orientations. The mood all around was good even though the students got a small dose of what classes were like at AIB. That night, Activities sponsored a free pasta dinner. There was a good showing to this in the sense that any college student can not turn down free food. After the pasta dinner, a main highlight of the week, was the hypnotist. There were quite a few students in attendance to get their daily laughs. Turns out, the joke was on me. I got picked to come to the floor and make a fool of myself. That I did to say the least.
On Wednesday night was the yearly organizational mini-golf outing. In the Activities Center, ten organizations on campus built courses for the students to show their skills. There were over $500 in prizes and give-a-ways along with ol’ fashion golf skills
.
Thursday is usually the start of an average AIB student’s weekend. As normal classes were held Thursday the vibe on campus was high because of moonlight bowling being held that night. BMA sponsored upwards of 80 students at Air Lanes up the street. It is always a good time when AIB goes bowling and even better when there are that many students!
To finish off the busy week, Activities sponsored a Pool Party with live DJ next to AIB’s on campus pool. It was definitely a good time along with bean-bag toss and horseshoes. There were plenty of grilled goods to go around as well as enough chips to feed an army.
All in all, the vibe on campus is strong as well as exciting. I can already tell its going to be a very good year.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Mother impressed with AIB!
By José de Jesús
Exactly 12 years ago I moved from Puerto Rico to Iowa to attend college. I remember being nervous because of the many unknowns – I’ve never been to Iowa, didn’t know anyone and English wasn’t a language I quite dominated.
But, I was able to overcome all of those fears by staying positive and reminding myself what my purpose was for being in Iowa: to get a great education.
Yesterday, I shared that experience with Lavida Cottoy. Lavida’s daughter, Desirae, is a first-year student at AIB who comes from the tiny U.S. Caribbean territory of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands – which is not that far of a boat ride to Puerto Rico! Lavida came to accompany her daughter as she makes her transition from high school to college.
Lavida told me that she really believes her daughter is in good hands here at AIB, and therefore, leaving her is much easier than what she anticipated. “I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m very happy she’s here. They have treated us great,” Lavida said.
Lavida said a couple of things made her feel at peace: the warm welcome she received from the campus community and how everyone knew them by name, and how well they were treated by Sarah Van Den Broeke, an admissions counselor. Lavida said that Sarah guided them from the moment they inquired about AIB to the moment they arrived to the campus. “She is wonderful,” she said. “She is a great asset to AIB.”
Lavida is leaving Saturday for St. Thomas. “I don’t want to leave; I really like AIB,” Lavida told me.
IRIS Ice Cream Social!
Last month, AIB’s City View Diner hosted more than 80 IRIS volunteer readers and listeners for awards and ice cream. IRIS stands for the Iowa Radio Reading Information Service for the Blind and Print Handicapped. It is a free news radio broadcasting service for those that are blind or print handicapped. IRIS recruits volunteers to read and record a news broadcast for surrounding towns in Iowa. This broadcast is then aired through radios given out to those interested, free of charge.
The IRIS Ice Cream Social was in celebration of 20 successful years for IRIS! Many AIB students, faculty, and staff volunteer for IRIS on a monthly basis, submitting a news broadcast for the Council Bluffs area. AIB hosts a recording studio in the Academic Center Library.
If you are interested in becoming an IRIS volunteer, please contact the Service Learning Center at servicelearning@aib.edu. Five volunteers are needed each week. All training is provided.
You may also view the IRIS website at: http://www.iowaradioreading.org/
The IRIS Ice Cream Social was in celebration of 20 successful years for IRIS! Many AIB students, faculty, and staff volunteer for IRIS on a monthly basis, submitting a news broadcast for the Council Bluffs area. AIB hosts a recording studio in the Academic Center Library.
If you are interested in becoming an IRIS volunteer, please contact the Service Learning Center at servicelearning@aib.edu. Five volunteers are needed each week. All training is provided.
You may also view the IRIS website at: http://www.iowaradioreading.org/
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