Where Did the Time Go?

April 10, 2019

As I sit here, trying to gather my thoughts to write this blog post, I find myself constantly switching between writing this post and looking at my photo album from the time I transferred to UNCW, back in 2016, to now. I’m still in shock and disbelief that this semester will be my last.

During my first two years, and still to this day, there would be times that I would walk up and down Chancellor’s and just smile because I worked diligently during my freshman year to get into UNCW. When I received the rejection letter from UNCW my senior year of high school, I knew that I would miss out on the first-year experience. However, I knew that attending Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) during my first year would provide me a solid foundation for me to continuing being successful once I transferred to UNCW. CPCC also introduced me into the major that I’ve enjoyed for the past four years, Communication Studies.

Although the transition from a two-year institution to a four-year university was without a doubt one of the hardest changes that I went through. The people and the professors that I’ve met made the transition more relaxed as the months passed on. I would like to pay tribute to Dr. Weber and Dr. Persuit. Dr. Weber made the “gateway to COM” course enjoyable and gave me the confidence to succeed in any COM class that I take. Dr. P’s Intro to Integrated Marketing Communication class started my journey into the IMC world. Without COM 231, I wouldn’t have enjoyed COM as much as I do now.

As for the friends that I met, the adventures that I embarked on, and the endless amounts of memories, I hope to remember it and hold on to it for as long as I live. To the person reading this post, know that you should cherish every moment that you have, never regret something you once wanted, and remember that the six core skills are not communication skills.

–Kristian Worthy ’19

As Cliche As It Sounds…

April 9, 2019

As I reflect on the last four years here at UNCW, it’s hard not to think in clichés. When people told me college would fly by, I rolled my eyes. At the time four years seemed like a lifetime away, but alas, they were right. Here I am picking up my cap and gown and furiously applying for “big girl” jobs.

As sad as it is that my college career has come to an end, it’s nice to look back and think of how much I have grown as a person in such a short amount of time (see I told you cliché). I came into college as a very shy person, I was content in the background never straying from my comfort zone. College terrified me at first because I knew I would have to fight what I thought was comfortable. In fact, my first year of college I strayed from majoring in Communication Studies, for the sheer fact that public speaking was a required course. Thankfully, I quickly learned that stepping outside of my norm was the best and most rewarding thing I could do for myself. Not only did I meet new and exciting people, but I also created experiences for myself that would have never otherwise happen.

Over the last four years, I have traveled, met incredible people, and most importantly learned a lot along the way. What I can honestly say about what was constant throughout this whole process was the encouragement and support I felt from UNCW, specifically the Communication Studies Department. UNCW has well prepared me to take on a role in the business world and I feel incredibly lucky to have received such a world-class education. What really stands out to me in terms of my education is how much applied learning the COM department offered me. I thrive from learning by doing, and while I have loved many of the lecture style classes I have taken, I have found the ability to immerse myself in first-hand experiences so invaluable. I thank the professors and staff at UNCW for allowing such unique and relevant ways to learn about the industries we strive to be in, and I can truly say I cannot recommend UNCW and the COM department enough.

While much of this blog post sounds like one big fat cliché, it’s honestly so true. These four years have been an incredible learning experience. They flew by and were packed with amazing memories. Perhaps one cliché that I feel doesn’t apply is that these years will have been the “best of my life”. I believe the experiences I’ve had at UNCW have prepared me to make the next coming years of my life the best yet.

-Tori Lyman

 

What is the Azalea Festival?

April 3, 2019

Hi there! Im back with another blog.

It is that time of the year when EVERYONE in Wilmington seems to be talking about one thing and one thing only: the Azalea Festival. If you’re a freshman at UNCW, you probably are a little confused at what the hype is all about.

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Basically, this festival is Wilmington’s annual community celebration. It is considered the largest festival of its kind in all of North Carolina. It has been around every April since 1948! The festival consists of “natural beauty, big-name entertainment, festive galas, fun family events and Southern hospitality” The events include concerts, garden tours, art shows, fairs, parades, luncheons and many more!  (click here to see the full schedule)

Some of the events, such as the Airlie Luncheon party are more exclusive and reserved for sponsors and their friends. Tickets run at about $1500 for just two people! However, the concerts and other events are way more affordable for a college student!

The Azalea festival is definitely something you should check out if you live in or near Wilmington!

See ya there!

-Manuela

 

Aliyah and The Sweetaholic Factory

March 30, 2019

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For most college students, including myself, Friday nights are the best times to look forward to. On these nights, we are able to put aside our college stresses and get ready for the fun surprises the weekend holds. Some of these surprises could include spontaneously traveling to another state to see your best friends, partying, or using your free time to catch up on some verrrrrry much-needed sleep. For me, this Friday night included a delicious surprise! I discovered THE sweetaholic’s (someone who is obsessed with sweets) paradise here in our city of Wilmington called Kilwin’s Ice Cream, Chocolates, and Fudge!

Kilwin’s Ice Cream, Chocolates, and Fudge is a sweets shop located on 16 Market Street in Wilmington, NC. The business started in Petoskey, MI by founders Don and Katy Kilwin in 1947. Since then, Kilwin’s business has spread all across the U.S. with 120 stores opening in 23 states. Kilwin’s also has gained a reputation for selling high-quality chocolate, ice cream, and homemade waffle cones. According to Entrepreneurs Magazine, Kilwins was listed as #68 for their 2019 Franchise 500 Ranking for the amount of money they make. From my visit to Kilwin’s this Friday, I can understand why they are ranked so highly!

Upon approaching their Wilmington shop, there was a long line of hungry customers outside wanting a piece of chocolatey heaven. I, myself, was in line for about 30 mins for their ice cream, but the beautifully decorated place made the wait worthwhile. Through the store windows, I was able to see a worker hand making Kilwin’s delectable fudge by massaging and cutting them into huge, thick brown slices. On the other side, I saw another worker making homemade waffle cones by carefully taking them out of a machine and rolling them into their notable shape. Just by watching this and smelling the sweet rich aroma made my mouth begin to water.

Once I was finally able to enter the store, I felt like I was Charlie and that I had won the golden ticket to the Chocolate Factory! The store was decorated with their fancy logo and photos of different ice cream flavors. Along the aisle where the customers and I stood in line, there were stations filled with Kilwin’s wonderful sweets.

 

 

One that caught my eye was their station filled with their Sea-Salt Chocolate Bark and All Milk Sea-Salt Caramels.

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Placing these sweets along the buying line was a great marketing strategy for Kilwin’s. It would let the customers gain more brand awareness as they were directly seeing the brand with the Kilwin’s logo along with the extra sweets they sold. By having the stations there, it encourages the most likely hungry customers into buying more things while they wait for their ice cream or fudge. Luckily, Kilwin’s couldn’t fool this IMC student. Aliyah: 1, Kilwin’s: 0!

Along with the sweet stations, towards the back of the store was the ice cream bar which I was waiting for. There were all kinds of flavors: Key Lime Pie, Georgia Peach, Fudgie Brownie, Cake Batter, and tons of others! Besides their endless selections of flavors, what also made their ice cream desirable was that they were made from Kilwin’s original recipe. Now, THIS I was dying to try!

In the end, I decided to get one of my all-time favorite flavors, Cookies and Cream, in a waffle cone bowl. With that delicious recipe, I was over-the-moon happy and had to take a picture of that moment.

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Overall, I would say that Kilwin’s has definitely gained themselves a new customer and her name is Aliyah!

To learn more about Kilwin’s and their endless sweets, check out their website!

Also in the comments, let me know what you think about Kilwin’s, their ice cream, and their branding!

– Aliyah Harris

Your Weekend Plans, Delivered

March 28, 2019

With spring break behind us and the end of the semester quickly approaching, now is the time where you scramble to complete all of your assignments. This time in the semester is undoubtedly the most stressful, but that doesn’t mean you have to let the heavy workload get the best of you or cut out anytime for yourself. Sometimes, it is perfectly necessary to step away from that textbook in favor of something that will give you a chance to relax and refocus your mind. Trust me, you deserve it.

One of my favorite coastal destinations not too far from Wilmington is Charleston, SC. Charleston is a charming, historical city lined with brightly colored houses on the streets and palm trees everywhere your eye can see. Stroll along Waterfront Park with some friends and don’t forget to take pictures in front of the famous pineapple fountain (below) while you’re there. Of course, you can’t miss King Street, the hub of Charleston filled with endless stores, restaurants, and other attractions. The food is also worth the trip itself. With so much to do in this city, there is a reason why Southern Living named it the South’s Best City of 2019!

waterfront-park-pineappleSource: South Carolina Picture Project

If you are your friends are looking to have a weekend full of adventure, head down to Shallotte River Swamp Park located in Ocean Isle Beach, 45 minutes away from Wilmington. Swamp Park features the longest, fastest, and tallest zipline tour on the east cost. The tour lasts about two hours and gives you the ability to look at the park in the most unique way possible. However, if soaring in the sky doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, there is also an aerial adventure park for you to challenge your friends on. The park features 53 different elements, including a climbing wall, tightrope, and monkey bars. Lastly, if you’re interested in learning more about the swamp itself, including its rich history, opt for the guided Shallotte River boat tour. You must book your adventures in advance, and lucky for you, group discounts are available! Learn more about the park and book your weekend plans here.

o_1a5i6d5jbe8990pq3fgt01qrqaSource: Shallotte River Swamp Park

No matter what you choose to do with your weekend, it is important to take time for yourself and do something you enjoy. The end of the semester can be hectic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a break once in a while! Grab your friends and go have fun!

–Colleen Worrell

 

Sunset chasing

March 25, 2019

For as long as I remember, my favorite thing in the world is to watch the sunset. When I was little, I used to think that if I ran fast enough I could catch the sunset. I would patiently wait for 6 o’clock to come around before rushing out the door with my mom and running down the street. My mom would play along with me and tell me that if I ran fast enough I could catch it.  When my family and I were on the boat, I would yell at my dad to go faster so I’d have a better chance of catching the sun before it disappeared into the water.

My obsession didn’t end as I grew up. Over the years I have complied an entire album on my phone of sunset pictures . I have over 100 pictures on my phone of just sunsets (see pictures below). Although some are prettier than others they each represent different eras of my life (I actually cried when I broke my phone and thought all the picture were gone.)

Continuing into college, my sunset chasing is still going strong. Regardless of how hectic my life may be, I always make time to drive to the beach and catch even just the last few minutes of the sunset. This has become very therapeutic to me. Watching the sunset is something that reminds of my childhood, and years later, still bring me the same joy as it did when I was 8 years old.

My advice to you is to find something this season that makes you stop and take in all that life has to offer. Whether it’s watching the sunset or taking a yoga class; It is important to find something that inspires you and makes you slow down and breathe.

-Manuela

The Port City Rainy Day Guide

March 22, 2019

 

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Surprise! It’s raining in Wilmington, what else is new?

It’s no secret that the Port City receives a significant amount of rainfall. However, now Spring has officially begun, and with it will come a greater chance of heavy downpour. Have no worries though, as there are always things to do in Wilmington despite the weather.

Case in point, if you wish to combat the drizzly day with a fun pastime, then a trip to the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher might suffice. However, if aquariums aren’t your thing, then Jungle Rapids is a worthy mention because it houses multiple indoor activities. These activities consist of the arcade, laser tag, mini-bowling, rock climbing, and go-karts. At Jungle Rapids, there are endless possibilities and zero ways to get bored.

For those who love some rainy-day shopping and dining, downtown is where to go. In the heart of the Port City resides popular retail centers like the Cotton Exchange and the Old Wilmington City Market. Both places boast a unique shopping atmosphere and are a sure way to keep busy amidst the rain.

But if you happen to be a history nerd, Wilmington is quite the historical gem. Aside from the USS North Carolina Battleship, there are plenty other landmarks and museums to visit. Some of these options include the likes of Poplar Grove Plantation, Bellamy Mansion Museum, Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, Museum of the Bizarre, Wilmington Railroad Museum, and the nationally-recognized Thalian Hall of Performing Arts. Each destination provides a memorable experience for everyone and serves as the perfect way to kick the rainy-day blues.

Whether it’s a rainy Spring day, or merely a boring one, this guide is designed to help turn things around. Although these recommendations might not stack up to the beach, they’re definitely just as fun.

Who needs the sunshine anyway, am I right?

-Kristen Weiderman