Penske Internship- Day Four

Today I was in the gift shop pretty much allllll day. There were so many people in today! We had over 300 in the store, so that was really exciting. Also, A.J. Almendinger came in the shop today for some reason, and just talked to some of the fans for a while. He was really nice, and actually pretty cute too, im not gonna lie (too bad he is married to a model haha).

There was another exciting moment when I got the honor to go get lunch for everyone today! It actually took a little bit longer just because there was so much traffic from all the fans and other lunch-goers. I went to subway for April and Mrs. Cathie and then went and got a smoothie from McDonalds for me! This is the first day I have eaten something other than what I packed for lunch, and I think Mrs. Cathie and April think I’m kinda crazy for it haha. Mrs. Cathie always asks what I brought, and when I tell her peanut butter, celery, and apple, and a granola bar, she just can’t believe it haha.

Oh and just so you guys know, I got my official Penske employee car today! They spelled my name AMason Burril though...so I’m not sure if its a typo, or its something for interns haha. But at least I’m on the records somehow!

Penske Internship- Day Three

Today was a big day because I had my new employee orientation! I learned all about hazard communication, and I even took a quiz. Hopefully I passed! Other than that, I also got my picture taken for my id badge, and my finger scanned to clock in and out. So, pretty much, I am totally legit now.

In other news, the gift shop was busy again today. I learned how to work the cash register, and I restocked the floor with new merchandise! I am finally getting acquainted with all of our products, so I am more of a help when customers are looking for specific items.

For lunch today I packed a grilled chicken wrap with green peppers, mushrooms, and hummus that I made last night! Yes, my dears, I am becoming quite the little chef over here in Mooresville. George Foreman and I are hitting it off smashingly. In fact, for dinner tonight, I marinated a chicken breast in italian dressing, then grilled it, and topped it off with a smoked mustard sauce; and for the sides I cooked up some mushrooms and broccoli on the stove. Mmmmm so tasty!

Penske Internship- Day Two

Today, I woke up with a lot less anxiety, mostly because I knew what I was getting into for the day. Jonathan told me to walk straight into the gift shop, and just spend all day there. Pretty simple.

So, I got up around 6:15. I was a little tired because I couldn’t resist staying up to watch the Bachalorette. I told myself it was a useful thing to watch because Emily, the Bachalorette, wanted to film in Charlotte (20 minutes from where I live). Then after I was dressed and ready, I grabbed my coffee and headed to work. I got there around 7:50, and from there I helped Mrs. Cathie set up the shop.

Since there is a race Saturday, there is a big influx of racefans in town this week, and so our store is especially busy. Today we had around 200 customers (normal is around 20 haha), and there were some serious characters.

Most of the people that come in are here for the week, and so they are hitting up all the race facilities (Hendrick, Kyle Busch Racing, and some others that I can’t remember the name of). Anyway, these customers just love racing so much and they will spend at least an hour going on the “fan walk”(a catwalk in the garage where fans can watch the guys work on the cars), and going over every piece of merchandise in the store. That part, watching them get excited over a little plastic racecar, is actually really fun for me. I love watching people get excited, and I love seeing people happy, so that is one of the best parts of this job.

Some of Brad Kaslowski’s family actually came it today, twice, and they were great! They were so excited to see Brad’s name on everything, so they pretty much bought everything with his name on it, which is like half our store haha. They were probably in our store for over two and a half hours. That’s family pride right there haha.

Anyhoo, I had a better day than yesterday because I didn’t have to go home at lunch and change!

One of the bad parts about moving is being lonely. This is my fourth night alone, and it’s kinda getting old. I am definitely missing my friends and family. After work I don’t have anything to do, so I just go to Starbucks to use the internet for a while, then I come home and cook dinner for myself. So, if anyone has a free night and wants a home-cooked meal, come visit me!

However, I know that this internship is going to help me learn a lot, and I can’t wait until I get to be in some of the real action! I really am lucky to work with such kind people, who put up with my incessant questions all day long haha.

Penske Internship- Day One

Last night I stayed up until around 11:30 picking out my outfit, packing my lunch, and getting all of my materials together. The most nerve racking part about this internship was not being prepared, and going in without really any racing knowledge at all. I am not a racing fan, so I spent yesterday trying to study up on racing details just so I would be able to keep up with what people were talking about around the office.

So, this morning I woke up around 5:45. Reason number one being that I was really nervous, and number two being that I wanted to get to Starbucks so I could do a little more research before I had to arrive at work at 8:00 (I don’t have internet in my apartment until later this week). So I put on my tangerine blouse, kacki penicl skirt, and nude heels and hit the road. I got to work around 7:45, and Jonathan Gibson (my boss) came and got me around 8:10. We went back to his office where he gave me the low-down of what was going to happen this summer.

Since there is the Indy 500 this coming weekend, and the office is just crazy, Jonathan said that I would be working in the merchandising and apparel department (aka the gift shop) this week. After this week, I’ll get my own office and I’ll move into “carpet-land” (aka business stuff). From there, I will spend time with Marketing, Branding, Licensing, Hospitality, Sponsors, and Public Relations. They want me to get a broad spectrum of the business, so I’m going to be with pretty much every department except building the car haha.

After the synopsis of my summer, Jonathan toured me around the facility to see all the departments, and introduced me into a bundle of employees. That part I really enjoyed, because everyone seemed so nice, and super personable. I could tell they all wanted to help me learn all I can.

So after the tour, I headed to the gift shop where I hung out with April and Mrs. Cathie and they just showed me basics of the merchandising part of Penske. Then April took me back to the warehouse where we packed, moved, and shipped merchandise to the driver’s trailers, and various internet orders. This part of the day was especially difficult given I was still in my pencil skirt and heels haha. By the time lunch came around, I was ready to saw off my feet. April and Mrs. Cathie told me that I could go home and change during my hour lunch break, so I was all over that haha.

So I rushed home and scarfed down some lunch, and changed into a button down, jeans, and tennis shoes. When I asked Mrs. Cathie if jeans were alright to wear, she said ok, so that was definitely the go-to after the morning my feet had haha. So I got back early, and went straight back to work! April had me doing all kinds of things, especially now that I could move quicker haha. But on our walk back over to the warehouse she said that jeans weren’t allowed, soI told her I asked Mrs. Cathie, and April quickly told me that Mrs. Cathie is deaf in one ear, so she will sometimes just say ok to things she can’t hear. Hahaha! What are the chances?

Anyway, for the rest of the day I worked the desk in the gift shop, I restocked the floor, labeled clothes, and greeted all our race-fan customers! I also got to spend some quality time with Mrs. Cathie and April, which was really nice. They are both really smart, and they have a lot of experience with Penske.

All in all, this was a long, hard day full of new people, knowledge, and experiences. I just hope the following days get a little bit more comfortable, and hopefully I will make some new friends!

A Workin' Woman

Hey Everyone!

So, I am finally here. I am living in Mooresville in my own apartment!  Mom, Looie, and I moved all my stuff in on Friday, and it still didn't sink in that I was actually going to be living there.  I have been telling people about moving to Mooresville for the summer since Christmas, but I don't think I ever really thought it would happen haha.  

Mom and I came down last Monday to check everything out in the apartment, and to explore the town, and thats when we realized we had a LOT of work cut out for us.  When we first walked in the apartment, it smelled so terrible, like I was holding my breath it was so bad.  We got a furnished apartment so we wouldn't have to move furniture, and the furniture consisted of not one, but two recliners, a coffee table, two lamps, a tv, a toaster, and a bed.  Seriously minimal stuff here.  However, I was still excited because that meant that we could really do whatever we wanted!  

Here are the before pictures:

With a little bit a creativity, and some paint and nails, we spruced this place up! So here are the after pictures:

 

The Wardrobe Room

The Relaxation Station

La Cocina

Sleepin Space

My first night sleeping there was last night, and it was nothing short of weird.  I have been going non-stop since I have gotten home from school, constantly surrounded by people and things to do.  But last night I got home from Callen's state track meet, and I literally had nothing to do.  I was just alone.  I immediately had to turn on the radio just to get rid of the silence, and after dancing around I felt better.  I spend like three hours unpacking, and organizing, because I just needed something to do.  So, once everything was perfectly organized, I finally had to just sit down and chill.  I thought I could make some dinner, but I really wasn't hungry.  I actually haven't really had an appetite at all since I got here, but I think its just the nerves about my first day tomorrow.

The internship I am starting tomorrow is with Penske Racing, and I am going to be working with their PR, Advertising, and Business departments.  At this point, I really have no idea what I am going to be doing, and I think thats the part that scares me the most. Since I'm not a die-hard race fan, I am kinda scared that I will just look dumb because everyone else will know so much about racing.  Thats why today I have been studying up a storm on everything NASCAR and racing haha.  If you guys have any input help a girl out!

On a separate note, I mentioned that Callen went to the State Track Meet yesterday.  She made it all the way to State in TWO EVENTS! (thats really good by the way)  She competed in the Triple Jump, and the Pole Vault (she was the first place conference champ in both, the third place regional champ in the triple, and the first place regional champ in pole vault--pretty much she is a beast).  Anyhoo, after the move in on Friday, Mom, Looie, and I all went to Greensburo to meet up with Callen and Dad for the State Meet.  Because we were so proud, Looie, Mom and Dad, and I all made posters for our little champion!  

Callen ended up not doing as well as she wanted, but in the end it was a win because she met the guy who tweets #polevaulterprobs!! I am so proud of Callen, and I just can't believe there was a Burril who even made it to State!  That is an accomplishment in itself.

All in all, it has definitely been an exciting weekend! I am going to try to blog as much as I can about my life this summer, so stay tuned!

I'm not quite sure what my mailing address is yet, but I will be sure to let you guys know as soon as I find out!  I love you all, and please keep me in your prayers!

Peace and Adventures,

Mason :)

Ready, Set, Don't Go

Hey Guys!

I am in shock right now.  I only have 6 more days of class as a college freshman. How did this even happen?  It seems like I was just lofting my bed with Areshia yesterday.  But now, I almost have an entire year of college under my belt!  It has been so cool to be on this crazy adventure.  Being a college freshman is such a unique experience, and I'm getting really sad that it's going to be over in 6 school days!

There are a few things that I just want to reminisce on about my Freshman Year:

-Going to the first UGA home game as a student, and feeling totally out of the loop
-Knocking on all the girls doors on my hall with cookies, and getting denied
-Having to scan my hand to eat in the dining hall, get in the dorm, and go to the gym
-Being able to walk around the dorm and seeing a zillion familiar faces because we all live 5 minutes from each other
-Going to the bathroom with Ke$ha blasting in the background
-Going to my Econ test and forgetting my calculator and Student ID
-Having to introduce myself to every single person down here, because no one knew me beforehand
-Gaining 5 lbs in the first couple months because of the delicious dining hall cookies
-Having to learn to turn in all my assignments online, and realizing how your have to make sure there isn't an error before you go out so you don't get a major point deduction
-Learning that coffee is it's own food group
-Watching all 7 seasons of Gilmore Girls in one semester is completely possible
-Learning that there are amazing, friendly people everywhere
-Always trusting in the Lord that he will provide

Ahhh I could just go on forever haha

But I want to make sure I tell you all about some of the exciting things going on right now!

1. I signed up to be on leadership with the Wesley Foundation (aka Freshley, the group I went to Jamaica with), and I got my first choice of doing Freshley Fellowship Events!!  We had to interview and go through a whole application process, so I am realllllllyyyyy excited!  As a part of Freshley Fellowship Events, I get to throw all the really fun parties and activities for freshman next year.  This year I went to almost all of the Freshley Events, and they are always so fun, and my team members are all really great people!

2.  Yesterday, I went to go hear the editor of Glamour Magazine, Cynthia Leive, speak about her job, and the impact that social media has had on it.   She was so inspirational, and you can tell she is a woman that means business.  She started early with her career, and so it was really cool hearing her tips for us as future journalists.  I have to also mention that she had on the cutest outfit.  It was a black and white flowy dress, paired with charcoal platform pumps. So cute. This lady had it going on. I just hope someday I will be able to be as happy as she is with her job!

3. Last night I went to my first rodeo ever!! Oh my gosh.  It was so hilarious. I don't think I have ever seen that many rhinestone belt buckles in one place.  I felt like I was back at home with the good ole' country folk.  But second to the entertaining people, the rodeo action was so intense! There were bucking broncos, barrel racers, rodeo clowns (those guys run around and try and distract the bucking horses from running over the cowboys, they are crazy), bull riders, and there was even a miniature horse!! Personally, I think the miniature horse stole the show haha.  But while we were there, we did what any rowdy cowgirls would do. We bought cowboy hats and funnel cakes, and yelled GIT-ER-DONE all night!

 

4. A bunch of my friends wanted to go on a road trip next weekend before we get down and dirty with our textbooks for finals, and they all decided they wanted to come to Asheville!! So, next weekend I am going to have around 10 girls come back home and stay with me! We are probably just going to do the whole touristy thing, but if you are in town you guys should drop by the house one night and meet everyone.  I think we are going to be coming on Friday afternoon and leaving on Sunday sometime. So just let me know!

There are so many things going on down here, and I just wish I could write about every single one! But if I did that I think I might fail my classes haha. I think it is safe to say that life down here is pretty great right now, but with finals coming up it's about to get real intense.  I hope that all is well with you guys, please keep me updated about life back at home!

I love you all, and I hope each and every one of you have a fantabulous day!

Cowboys and Comfort,

Mason :)

Egg-citing Stuff!

Hey Everyone!

So, there is less than a month of class left, and I am just shocked how fast this year has gone by.  It seems like yesterday that I wrote my first email to you guys.  This year I have learned so much about myself.  It really is cool to look back on those beginning weeks of school and see how I have changed.

I have settled in nicely with an awesome group of friends down here who love and support me, and I finally think I am figuring out the whole classes thing.  I am taking an Intro to Public Relations class, and I just turned in my huge project for the semester! I seriously cannot even remember how many hours I spent on that thing, but it actually turned out pretty cool.  I'll put a link on here so you guys can look at it if you want, its a press kit for a "Streetside Starbucks"(super snazzy name, I know haha).  But just like turning in this project, a lot of my classes are starting to wrap up, so I have a lot of final projects and papers I'm working on.

Along with finishing up these classes, I have to register for classes for next semester! I only have like 3 prerequisites I have left to fulfill to apply for Public Relations in Grady, so I have to decide what I want as a minor.  This process is kind of stressful because I really have no idea what I want to do with this, and I am also working on my study abroad classes for Spring semester, so I just need to make up my mind.  If you guys have any advice about this, I'd appreciate it, cause I am just so lost here haha.

In other news, tonight there is PRSSA elections for next year, and tonight at the meeting we are going to get to watch the candidate's videos. I am excited to hear all about these peeps because I want to become more involved with PRSSA next year.  I also sent in my application for Wesley Leadership for next year! I signed up to work with Freshley Fellowship, and they are the ones who do the events, and greet people at the door and I am totes all about that :)

Speaking of big events, IT"S EASTER THIS WEEKEND!!  I am seriously so pumped for Easter.
Reasons Why:
1. I get to spend my first 2 nights with Sir Mateo Burril
2. I get to come home and sleep in my comfy bed and take a shower without shower shoes.
3. I am skipping english class on Friday...Holla!
4. I am going to see the Titanic in 3D...can it get any better?
5. I finally get to see my friends! (missed out on spring break)
6. Easter Sunday is just one of my fav days of the year! -Its going to be egg-citing!!!

Please keep all of us college students in your prayers as we wrap up the school year :)

I love all you guys, and I can't wait to see everyone this weekend!

Hops and Kissses,

Mason :)