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How To Deal With Friends With Money

Dear Christine,

“My core group of friends from college make a lot more money then I do. They all dove right into their careers right after college whereas I have been more of a floater trying to figure out what I really love. They do a lot of things I cannot afford which is hard on my ego so I overspend just to keep up. How can I stop feeling so inferior and jealous?”

- Falling Behind Financially, 27, New Jersey

Dear Falling Behind Financially,

Adjusting to friends with money is a tough transition as most of us were financial equals in college who split tabs and cut coupons for pizza deliveries. Differing levels of income between friends can create differences that weren’t there before. I understand that it’s discouraging to feel like you are the one at the table who reads the menu from right to left while your friends enjoy reading it from left to right; ordering what is appealing as opposed to what is the least expensive.

But how do you make peace inside with income inequality? First, consider the question, if your friends were not making more money than you, would you be content with where you are? If the answer is no, this issue is not really about money – it may boil down to the fact that you are judging your “floater” path and are perhaps it’s time to plant some roots in terms of your career. If the answer is yes, then you are playing a comparison game you will never win.

Comparison to anyone or anything else is a lose-lose game. There is always going to be someone richer, smarter, better looking, funnier, etc. The more you can focus on your own gifts and gratitude for the things you have in your life, the more successful you will be at not feeling inferior. If you keep your attention on what makes you feel separate, the more separate you will feel.

Money will only affect your friendship if you aren’t honest about what you can afford and your friends are insensitive to your boundaries. If they are always making pricey plans, say something like, “Hey that sounds like a ton of fun but I am watching my spending, how about xyz instead?” Suggest an alternative or be the one that makes the plans in the first place.

In terms of jealousy, keep in mind that you never really know if money is truly making anyone happy. Perhaps your friends have to work longer hours or tolerate more stress than you. They may even be racking up more debt whereas you are budgeting and watching your spending. It’s a well known fact that the more you make, the more you spend.

A way to transform jealous into something more useful is to use it as a fuel for learning. If you really do want what they have in terms of money, ask them to teach you more about it. Talk to them about your career and financial plans and goals. Ask them how they handle the green stuff – they may have some insight into investing, budgeting, or retirement plans.

The point is that it’s the friendship that matters, not the number of zeros in your bank account. And if money continues to affect what type of activities you are able to do with your friends, perhaps you need to make some new ones – preferably ones who are in your tax bracket.

- Christine

Christine Hassler supports individuals in discovering the answers to the questions: “Who Am I, What do I want, and How do I get it?” She is a Life Coach with a counseling emphasis specializing in relationships, career, finances, self-identity, personal and spiritual growth. Her expertise is centered on the twenty and early thirty something years of life.

Christine has authored two books: Twenty-Something, Twenty-Everything: A Quarter-life Woman’s Guide to Balance and Direction and The Twenty-Something Manifesto. As a professional speaker, Christine leads seminars and workshops to audiences around the country. She has spoken to over 10,000 college students as well as to conferences and corporations about generational diversity. Christine has appeared as an expert on The Today Show, CNN, ABC, CBS, FOX, E!, Style and PBS, as well as various local television and radio shows, speaking about life issues and “Expectation Hangovers^®” – a phenomenon she identified and trademarked.

Christine is the spokesperson for Zync from American Express and the key resource for their Quarterlife Program, which empowers young people to take control of their finances. She also created a life balance curriculum for the Leadership Institute and is a member of Northwestern University’s Council of 100. Beginning this fall, Christine will serve on the faculty of the University of Santa Monica.

Christine grew up in Dallas, graduated cum laude from Northwestern University and received her Masters Degree in Psychology from the University of Santa Monica.

You can connect with Christine on Facebook, through Twitter or at her website.

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Tags: graduate, money, NSCS, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Categories: biz geek, chic geek

Top 5 Spring Break Destinations: East Coast/Midwest

We know you’re all students and funds may be limited, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on Spring Break all together! Here’s your chance to travel on a shoestring budget. Head out West and check out the National Society Collegiate Scholars’ list of the top 5 destinations for Spring Break 2012.

This post is part of a spring break series. Be sure to check out our posts about Southern destinations and West Coast destinations.

New York City, New York

New York City is best explored by foot, allowing you to slow down amongst the hustle and bustle, and explore the hidden gems NYC has to offer.

Spring Break in NYC doesn’t have to break the bank! New York City is best explored by foot, allowing you to slow down amongst the hustle and bustle, and explore the hidden gems NYC has to offer. There are plenty of events to check-out on Governer’s Island, take a trip to the Brooklyn Flea to pickup interesting and unique items. And, just wander around neighborhoods like the West Village, Lower East Side, Astoria, Flushing, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Williamsburg, etc. Also, a walk onto the Brooklyn Bridge will present an amazing photo opp and a real NY experience. An alternative to visiting the Statue of Liberty is to take the Staten Island Ferry – it’s a great way to catch a glimpse of Ms. Liberty without having to spend the money on the ferry). Get lost exploring Rockefeller Center and Times Square during the day or night.

NYC is a Mecca for museums, especially art museums. Many popular museums offer specials once a week – take advantage of “pay what you wish” evenings, or Friday, when they offer free admission.

For cheap theater tickets, you can check with the TKTS booth in Times Square and ask what’s available. Or, you can get half price Broadway tickets by joining the early morning line-up/crowds.

NYC also offers an amazing alternative to viewing films – by projecting them onto sides of buildings. A personal favorite is Rooftop Films, a film-festival that offers indie films in interesting and unique locations across the city.

If you’re looking for a place to drop your things before heading out into the city, try checking out. For the more adventurous Spring Breakers checkout http://www.couchsurfing.org/, which now not only offers both a listing of locals willing to host travelers, as well as locals looking to meet up and catch up in the area. Cut the cost of transportation within the city, by walking and by buying a Metro card, which is only roughly $29 for a week of unlimited rides.

Check out the never ending battle, between the Carnegie Deli on 7th Ave and Katz’s, for the best pastrami in town.

Check out www.midtownlunch.com it’s consider the bible for street food, a provides a comprehensive list of cheap eating.

Chicago, Illinois

Fewer cities soak up the warmth and enjoy the Spring months, like Chi-town does. The city throws a plethora of parties in its own front yard, including the annual Taste of Chicago, which features culinary tastings from all over the world. There is also the less advertised Grant Park Music Festival, which offers a seasonal series of classical concerts at the Pritzker Pavilion. The open air, Sunday-only Maxwell Street Market is Chi-town’s premier destination for a little bit of everything, including the city’s best street food (mostly Mexican). It’s most definitely an interesting way to start your Sunday! (S. Des Plaines St., south of W. Harrison St.). Speaking of Mexican heritage, after you stop by the market, head over to the Pilsen neighborhood, where you can get your fill of the National Museum of Mexican Art and hit up the Chicano-cool Café Jumping Bean for an espresso and great people watching (1439 W. 18th St.).

“Go Chicago” card offers various attractions and if you’re still unsure of what you want to do during your stay in the Windy City, you don’t have to make your choices in advance. With the “Go Chicago” card you can see main attractions for free and in many places, there is no waiting in line. Enjoy Chicago’s scenic downtown and lakefront areas while catching a ride on the Double Deckers and Trolleys (reminiscent of San Fran’s cable cars). With the “Go Chicago” card, you can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, which houses Contemporary Art spanning 67 years. The Museum of Contemporary Art, along with the Art Institute of Chicago are free every Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.

Another option to checkout all the attractions Chicago has to offer is purchasing a Chicago CityPASS. This PASS includes a one-time admission to five (5) of Chicago’s most famous attractions. Once you have the pass, why not visits the Skydeck Chicago – the highest observatory in Chicago (1,353 feet) and the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Think Ferris Beuller’s Day Off with 360-degree views and access to The Ledge glass floor balconies.

Drop by the Parrot Cage Restaurant, which serves as a teaching site for the Washburne Culinary Institute. Getting there:

Alternative suggested route? Buy a train ticket and hop on! You’ll get the chance to take in some pretty up-close views of the countryside.

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland could be considered one of the most serene, pristine, untouched places left on the East Coast. And thanks to the National Park Service it seems it will remain that way. Did I mention wild ponies often roam the seashore? Imagine mountain a rugged barrier isle where wild horses graze the grass and the Atlantic Ocean rumbles just off Maryland’s sandy coast. Shades of autumn and misty waterfalls welcome you to this enchanted place. Treat yourself to a meal of superb blue crabs, caught fresh from the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland offers its visitors a multitude of natural and unforgettable vacation experiences. In addition, Maryland offers awesome campgrounds, which welcome travelers in both summer and winter months.

The area is a perfect oasis for surfers and sunbathers. You can explore the bay by canoe, kayak or paddleboard, all of which can be rented locally. Camping, nature walks, bike trails and Park Ranger-led activities to join are also highlight.  Entrance Fee – $15 for your car to enter and it’s good for 7 days. This pass is purchased at the ranger gate entrance after the bridge past the visitor center.

If you’re feeling adventurers, head over to the Virginia end where you’ll find a dirt access road off the Wildlife Loop. An hour’s hike will put right in the middle of a herd of wild ponies.

Virginia Beach, Vermont

Virginia Beach Boardwalk is the Guinness book of World Records longest recreational beach in the world. Aside from the beach, you’ll find two amusement parks (consider it “a vintage touch of fun”), bike rentals, and even fishing off the pier. Sandbridge Beach is a clean, quiet beach great for escaping the crowds at the Boardwalk. Sandbridge Beach is a clean, quiet beach great for escaping the crowds at the Boardwalk. Tula Adventure Sports provides Stand up paddleboard rentals, lessons and tours. Explore beautiful secluded waterways, hidden from most visitors, or paddle out to sea to greet friendly, playful dolphins. Stand up paddle boarding is easy and fun. Tula Adventure Sports also offers wakeboarding, waterskiing and tubing.

Mayflower Cafe Incorporated serves up great Middle Eastern food. While the Surf Ride Grill let’s you come by car or boat and is considered a true locals spot. The Coastal Grill serves unique, good food. Although it’s somewhat pricey, it’s definitely worth it.

If the weather permits, why not try spending Spring Break camping outdoors – you’ll be sure to save money and come home with not your typical Spring Break stories! Scope out VenturePax.com to find great campsites and other activities in the area. Check out Tripadvisor.com or Hostels.com to find affordable fair in town.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach showcases 60 miles of beach, all with-in walking distance. Everything imaginable is offered in Myrtle Beach, including: Jet Ski Rentals, Parasailing, Kayaking, Boat Rentals, Scuba Diving, Windsurfing, Surfing & Surf Lessons, Catamaran Rentals and Lessons, Ocean and Bay Fishing and more. Try climbing the ropes challenge at Coastal Scuba in North Myrtle Beach. The outdoor Challenge Towers Ropes Course at Coastal Scuba, allows you to lock into a safety harness and climb the tower as well as walk the ropes. There are easy, medium and hard courses, depending on your level of skill, and confidence, with climbing. Dance your way into North Myrtle Beach making sure to stop at the clubs lined along Main Street and Ocean Boulevard. Options include Fat Harold’s Beach Club, Ducks, the Spanish Galleon and O.D. Arcade & Lounge.

The vibrant Myrtle Beach nightlife is well stocked with nightclubs, discos, sports bars, beach clubs, and other hot spots. The best advice is to match your mood. Feel like dancing? The Myrtle Beach area has a plethora of dance clubs. If you like to sing, test your talent at one of many popular karaoke clubs. Sports fans will feel right at home in one of the Myrtle Beach sports bars, all while sipping on an ice-cold brew. Dig live music? It’s everywhere, in every style imaginable.

Hamburger Joe’s in North Myrtle Beach is a full-service restaurant, with a reputation spanning 18 years. It offers favorites, like hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, barbecue, onion rings, wings and chicken fingers – all at reasonable prices.

Bianca Williams graduated from the University of Arizona where she spent 4 years as a DJ and PA for KAMP Student Radio, as well as interning for a local record/concert promotion company. She possess a love for all things New Media, traveling, languages, film, radio, photography, vintage bikes, snowboarding… everything! and is in pursuit of a career in freelance writing. All of her musical tastes and influences come from her world travels and the amazing people who have shared their lives with her along the way. Bianca is a member of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars and works as an NSCS Social Media Ambassador. Follow her on Twitter @biancadene.

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Tags: college, national society of collegiate scholars, NSCS, spring break, spring break destinations, TalkNerdy2Me, travel

Categories: campus geek, chic geek

Top 5 Spring Break Destinations: West Coast

This post is part of a spring break series. Be sure to check out our posts about Southern destinations and East Coast/Midwest destinations.

Whistler (Blackcomb), British Columbia, Canada

Nestled in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Whatever your winter sport of choice may be, a two-hour sea to sky drive north of Vancouver leads to the award-winning ski town of Whistler. You won’t be disappointed by British Columbia’s north(western) ski town – picturesque scenery and a mild winter climate provide the backdrop for big mountain skiing, snowboarding, heli-skiing and cat-skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, as well as backcountry and Nordic trails.

From novice to expert, experience an immensely diverse terrain, encompassing everything from black-diamond steeps and chutes, to wide-open terrain and tree lines. The Blackcomb Mountains, each with a peak reaching elevations of more than 7,000 feet, provide this prime ski destination with perfect fresh powder. In 2010, Whistler was home to Alpine skiing and sliding events for the XXI Olympic Winter Games. And, In 2011, Whistler was named number one in Terrain Variety, Après\Nightlife, Off-Hill Activities by SKI Magazine. In 2011, Whistler was named number one in Nightlife and Terrain by TransWorld SNOWboarding so, why not pick-up Whistler Club Crawl Tickets, which include: Appy dinner, 5 drinks, 5 bars/clubs, line bypass for just 60 dollars (http://www.whistler.com/nightlife/). Will Whistler be your travel destination for Spring Break in 2012?

Check out Whistler 2012 Stay & Ski Packages for your Spring Break adventure!

Tulum, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Tulum, lies 1.5 hours south of Playa del Carmen, faces the crystal clear aquamarine Caribbean sea and is backed by vibrant, tropical jungle. It’s population is roughly 10,000 and the city is divided into three separate sections – the Mayan ruins, hotel zone and pueblo. While staying in Tulum, you can easily bike around town for everything you need. And, for the places you can’t bike to, grab a taxi, kick back and enjoy the breathtaking views!

Explore ancient Mayan ruins, some of the best preserved in the Yucatan, which are perched on cliffs along the coast and framed by a backdrop of lush green palms and clear aquamarine Caribbean waters. After what some may consider a short, hot hike to the top of these ruins, take a moment to hang out with the local iguanas and head down the path for a swim in the tranquil Caribbean. Snorkel and say ‘hello’ to spider monkeys who inhabit the Cenote Dos Ojos (underground rivers). Swim, dive, snorkel and even cliff jump at Gran Cenote.

For the fainter of heart, book a tour with a tour guide like Edventure Tour, where you can zip line, swim with sea turtles, snorkel cenotes… and best of all, you get to kick back and just enjoy the ride!

San Francisco, California

Who wouldn’t want to visit San Francisco? This Spring Break, take a break – get lost in the city wandering unfamiliar streets, meeting unfamiliar faces. Basically, San Francisco is your chance to forget about deadlines, schoolwork and stress. It’s your chance to just let it all go and live in the moment. After all, what can’t you do in San Fran?

If you feel the 1960s calling, wander Haight & Ashbury, which was famous for it’s hippie culture in the 60′s. Here you’ll find nostalgia of those roots with such sights as Amoeba Music, and independent and vintage clothing stores. Haight & Ashbury’s coffee shops and restaurants are a prime location to enjoy good food at a decent price, all while taking in a day of “hippie-watching.” The Castro district offers not only eclectic vibes and colorful scenery, but a trek up the steep streets to Noe Valley will present you with the opportunity to take in pristine views over San Francisco. Hitch a ride on a streetcar, for just a $2 ride on the F Line, and you can travel from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Castro District with excellent views. The Mission District is the oldest part of San Francisco and it’s also where you’ll get a peek into colorful Mexican culture and cuisine. What does this mean? Excellent food for very little money and excellent street art. The restaurant El Farolito serves up some of “the best tacos in town” for less than a cab ride. The Mission District is the quintessential place to get lost in street art and murals, which cover entire buildings and alleyways. A tour is suggested to discover the more hidden spaces, but really, the basic foundation of street art is spontaneity.

Why not take in a little art, San Francisco MOMA offers half-price Thursday evenings (6:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m, $9.00)?

Portland, Oregon

Known for it’s bike culture, youthful energy, forwarding-thinking creativity and environmental friendliness, Portland, Oregon is a must-see city. Downtown
Portland is a bustling city, without the hurried sidewalk feelings of NYC. Located within fareless square limits, it’s simple to take the MAX and head over to Pioneer Square, where you can grab a bite to eat from one of the plethora of food carts offered. “Food carts” provide quick, cheap meals (everything from Indian to French) when you’re in a hurry and on the go. If you’re thirsty, try a drink at Tugboat and after, relax in the South Park Block or walk along Waterfront Park. The Hawthorne District offers varying degrees of bars, pubs and food. You’ll also find movie theaters, tattoo parlors, vintage clothing, record stores, grocery stores, book stores and coffee shops lining the streets of the District. Baghdad Theater is a local favorite pub-theater, and not only offers excellent people watching, but also dinner and a movie… at the same time! It’s in the Alberta Arts District where you’ll find vegetarian restaurants, vintage clothing outlets, art galleries and (more) coffee shops. “Last Thursdays” are a popular event in the District, which means on the last Thursday of each month all galleries open at night. The restaurant, La Sirenita is very popular and an inexpensive Mexican. Vita Cafe is a mostly vegetarian restaurants considered a favorite among locals. BarFly Magazine’s bar search page is a great tool – you can find bars based on location and characteristics. Check it out here.

Ace Hotel – This two-year-old hotel will not only offer comfortable amenities at a reasonable price, but also tons of amazing freebies. Feel free to catch up on current events by reading the free magazines, Jorg & Olif bikes are available to hotel guests, and the coffee shop just across the street offers French press brews free on Mondays.

Bozeman, Montana

Locals have referred to their daily lives in Bozeman, Montana as scenes right out of Out Cold (if you’re not already familiar with this film, familiarize yourself). Bozeman is home to Montana State University (MSU), making it an eclectic college town. With Yellowstone National Park located 90 miles away, and Bridger Bowl just 16 miles, the town of Bozeman serves as a gateway community encompassing restaurants, nightclubs, shops, and locals that are sure to entertain. What makes Bozeman worth the trip? Besides Bridger Bowl, everything in town is an affordable price.

Speaking of which, if you haven’t been to Bridger Bowl, Montana then you’ve be missing the big picture. Bridger Bowl is considered a gem with it’s short lines, fresh powder, inexpensive lift tickets and next to no commercialization (think the opposite of Aspen, CO).With 350″ average seasonal snowfall, over 2,000 acres and 2.600 vertical feet, there is plenty of terrain for every skill level. In addition, Bridger Bowl serves as a private non-profit community ski area and ranks among many top 20 ski/snowboard lists. With a 16 mile beautifully easy scenic drive that will take you from Bozeman to Bridger Bowl, what are you waiting for?

The best lodging can be found at the Gallatin River Lodge. Though not the most inexpensive place to stay, it is the most memorable. Gorgeous mountain views and a warm staff will greet you after a short drive from the airport. Even locals take time out to stay and enjoy the Lodge’s experience. Some favorite local spots include: The Baxter, Plonk, The Zebra Cocktail Lounge and Wild Joe’s.

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Tags: college, national society of collegiate scholars, NSCS, spring break, TalkNerdy2Me, travel

Categories: campus geek, chic geek

Top 5 Spring Break Destinations: South

We know you’re all students and funds may be limited, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on Spring Break all together! Here’s your chance to travel on shoestring budget. Head down South and check out the National Society Collegiate Scholars’ list of the top 5 destinations for Spring Break 2012: South.

This post is part of a spring break series. Be sure to check out our posts about West Coast destinations and East Coast/Midwest destinations.

South Padre Island, Texas

Imagine Texas’ version of Hawaii – extensive sections of warm golden sand, miles of stretching swell and a nightlife rivaling a weekend in Las Vegas.

Down on South Padre Island thrill seekers can enjoy heart-racing activities like kiteboarding, windsurfing, snorkeling, parasailing, and even skydiving. For those of you who prefer to use fishing trips to relax, South Padre offers up the eclectic choices of bay fishing, deep-sea fishing and canyon deep sea fishing. If fishing isn’t your thing, but you love to explore the water, give scuba diving a shot, where pirate and explorer shipwrecks lay at Devil’s Elbow. But, just make sure to mind the blue advisory flag, which signifies a high number of jellyfish in the water. If you are a nature and animal lover, you’ll find a number of rare and interesting places to visit, like the Sea Turtles Rescue and dolphin watching tours. Each of these activities bring you up-close and personal with exotic wildlife in their own habitat.

Whatever you plan to do during the day, why not have a night (or two) on the town and enjoy South Padre’s nightlife. South Padre Island offers good company, beautiful sunsets, live music, drinking and all around good times. There is a wide assortment of bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Everything is bigger in Texas, including South Padre Island’s “Club Chaos” - Texas’ largest night club with 7 night clubs under one roof. Louie’s Backyard Dining & Cocktails, for example, hosts live entertainment including musical guests and even the Miss Hawaiian Tropic Bikini Contests. Its weekly events include: Live Music, DJs, Karaoke and Luaus.

Dirty Al’s is considered to serve up some the best seafood on the island at a reasonable price. Rave reviews center around the shrimp dishes. So, why not grab lunch or dinner before heading out.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Flavors of French, Spanish, Caribbean and African influences grace the city’s streets in every imaginable way making New Orleans unlike any other city in the United States. According to NPR, New Orleans boasts the most bars per capita in the US. While it’s entirely possible to party ’til dawn on Bourbon Street, there are other fascinating experiences New Orleans has to offer. Explore the French Quarter and find the true meaning of the word “Jazz.” Home to the world famous Mardi Gras, one can only assume their are good times to be had along the streets of this beautifully authentic neighborhood. The Faubourg Marigny neighborhood offers a snapshot in time, depicting 19th century style raised housing. What doesn’t sound like much, is actually offering a glimpse into the past and future of New Orleans as this was one of the original neighborhoods least destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The Garden District is becoming more commonly known for it’s architecture, rather than it’s gardens, due to the Victorian houses placed amongst 19th century mansions. All of this can be done on foot, or if you’re feeling a little more laid back, hop on the streetcar and enjoy the ride for $1.25.

New Orlean’s is also a mecca for the food connoisseur, so be sure to sample a taste of the local flavor whenever possible. When the French Quarter restaurant prices are a little too steep, check out: Mona’s Cafe serving some of the best Lebanese food at a low price (open seven days a week). Another is Moon Wok, which serves unbelievably large portions of Vietnamese and Chinese food for an amazingly small price. Acme Oyster House is said to offer some excellent and inexpensive seafood. Next door to the French Market is Cafe du Monde is 24-hour-a-day cafe, serving up heavenly “beignets” (think French donuts). You will find a crowd at all hours of the night and day here.

Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia

If you take a short drive down the Atlantic Coast and hop a ferry from St. Mary’s, Georgia, you’ll arrive at Cumberland Island National Seashore. Where tranquil beaches, glossy lakes, mossy oak forests, tidal creeks and miles of peaceful, endless dunes welcome you upon arrival. What was once used as a hunter’s paradise in the late 1800′s, is now one of the largest, and last, underdeveloped barrier islands in the United States. If you seek to enjoy a US beach in its most natural and purest form, then Cumberland Island National Seashore waits to welcome you, along with the island’s wild horses, as well as a sanctuary for roughly 1000′s of migrating birds. Renting a bike during your stay is a great way to get around the island and allows you to enjoy miles of un-crowded beach, while catching a glimpse of the local wild horses.

Spend a few nights camping at Sea Camp to have your fill of this beautiful National Seashore. Reservations can be made through the National Park Service.

The Florida Keys, Florida

Vacationing in the Florida Keys can be as hectic or as chill as you want it to be. You have the opportunity to go crazy, kick back and relax, or both!

Try relaxing on topical beaches surrounded by opal white sand, lush vegetation, palm trees and aromatic flowers. All while the aquamarine surf quietly, but steadily comes crashing in.

No matter where you go, the Florida Keys are sure to be beautiful. For a better idea of what the Keys have to offer, here’s a breakdown: Key Largo is the gateway for the Keys and is the self-proclaimed “Dive Capital of the World,” so why not give it a go? The best place for diving is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which offers snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottomed boat tours. Islamorada is actually the Sport fishing Capital of the World – need more be said? Marathon is located in the middle of the Keys, which makes it seemingly easier to travel between all of the islands and essentially puts you right in the middle of the action. Big Pine Key is actually a group of keys that offer a variety of eco-adventures and sightseeing. Snorkeling and diving trips, kayaking and back country fishing are just a few examples of what Big Pine has to entice you with. Key West is the smallest island of the Keys and is the United State’s southernmost city. This particular island has a history of pirates, smugglers and even a literary cast, which includes Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway and Truman Capote. Don’t forget to take a stroll down Duval Street where the colorful locals are sure to not disappoint. It’s commonly referred to as the longest street in the world – encompassing your fill of restaurants, bars and shops.

Best way to get around on the islands?: By bike. Numerous local inns and hotels offer bikes free to their guests. You can also rent a bike – The Bike Ship charges roughly $10 for a full day’s ride.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan offers a little bit of everything – a variety of gorgeously stunning beaches, ecletic Caribbean nightlife, rum factories (Bacardi anyone?). Not to mention, tropical, lush rainforest and an old Spanish Fort overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

The town is comprised of EL Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan), which consists of 400 restored buildings from the 16- and 17-th century. Castillo de San Cristobal is a 27-acre series of fortifications (the largest built by the Spanish in the New World). Ocean Beach Park is one of San Juan’s most popular beaches and considered the liveliest, as well.

While staying in San Juan why not book an “adventure trip?” After all, you can party all you want in town, but shouldn’t Spring Break include some adventure? Ecoquest Adventures & Tours specializes in organizing half-day and full-day trips. Their Campo Rico Ziplining Adventure will have you hiking and kayaking through a subtropical forest and eventually lands you at the Mojito Bar, where you can even enjoy a Puerto Rican meal. While the San Salvador Rainforest Adventure takes you into the Caguas mountains and will have you trekking canyons and rivers, all in an effort to take 3 heart racing ziplines, and eventually rappelling into an 80ft waterfall.

You even have the possibility to easily and comfortably explore all the area has to offer. Head over to Vierques Beach where you’ll find a laid-back atmosphere, along with beautiful untouched beaches and bioluminescent bays. Why not hike in the El Yunque National Rainforest? Better known as “El Yunque,” this tropical rainforest is the only one of its kind the United States. The forest has 13 well-marked hiking trails that range in difficulty. Visit El Yunque’s official website for more details.

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Tags: beach, fun, South, spring break, vacation

Categories: campus geek, chic geek

Becoming a Campus Ambassador

If you’re a college student, there’s a pretty good chance you spend a lot of time on social media sites. You spend time on Facebook liking pages and posting statuses, you tweet about your day and retweet things you are passionate about, and you actively utilize LinkedIn for networking purposes. If you’ve mastered all of the ins and outs of these websites, there is a good chance a company will want you as their campus ambassador!

Campus Ambassadors represent a particular brand or company on their college campus and on their personal social media sites. They also frequently have access to the social media sites of the company itself. One such position which was formed recently is NSCS’ Social Media Ambassador. The ambassador’s job is to like, comment on, share, +1 and reply to blog posts, Facebook posts, notes and pictures, YouTube videos and pages on the NSCS website—all activities that you probably participate in anyway! So, if there is a brand you are passionate about, check their website to see if they are searching for college representatives.

Last semester I became a campus ambassador for Intern Queen Inc. My role as an ambassador is to blog for InternQueen.com and promote Intern Queen Inc. on my social media sites. I have had such a great experience from getting to connect with other ambassadors across the country who are as passionate as I am about internships, to meeting the Intern Queen Lauren Berger the day of her interview on the Today Show at the beginning of January.

Different brands have other requirements. If you are a campus ambassador for a company that manufactures something, there is a great chance you will be given lots of free samples to try out and to share around school. Clothing brands such as Victoria Secret PINK, for example, send their ambassadors clothing to review and provide coupons and freebies for fun promotional events that the ambassadors get to plan and run.

There are unique campus ambassador positions for a wide variety of interests and levels of commitment, and all are great résumé boosters with the practical skills you will have to put to use, so be sure to apply this semester!

Amanda Gallucci is a junior at Providence College in Rhode Island, studying English and Business. She is actively involved in Dance Club, Social Justice Advocacy, Student Alumni Association and is a member of NSCS. She hopes to one day land a marketing position in New York City. Follow her on Twitter @agalluch.

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Tags: campus ambassador, Intern Queen, NSCS, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Categories: campus geek, chic geek

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the honour roll

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) is an honors organization that recognizes and elevates high achievers. NSCS provides career and graduate school connections, leadership and service experiences, access to discounts and savings as well as $250,000 in scholarships annually. NSCS members are deeply committed to service, integrity and scholarship and, as a result, are impacting their campus and local communities every day. Read more...

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