March 28, 2013

Guest Blog: A Clemson Graduation Story

I received my Masters degree from Clemson in 2010. I remember as an undergrad I didn’t care to walk the stage. It seemed a boring task for me. But I was first generation in my family to graduate from college and it was important for my parents to see me walk. With my Masters, it was different. I’m more mature now and I really put 110% into the program. I worked hard for two years, sacrificing many things, including my family, to graduate with a 3.88 out of 4.00. (dang statistics ruining my 4.0!!) I wanted to walk. I wanted to walk for quite a few reasons.

Youth Development Leadership Cohort 4 at graduation, December 2010
I wanted my daughter to see me walk across the stage. She was about two weeks shy of seven when I graduated. I wanted the image planted in her head. She knew the amount of work I put into school. There were many nights she cried asking me to put the computer down and read to her. The 20-page paper was due the next day, I couldn’t put the computer down. There were many nights I cried thinking I took on too much, I couldn’t possibly be successful. There were many fights with my husband as he had to pick up the slack while I did school work. I wanted her to see how the hard work paid off. I wanted her to have a feeling of pride as she watched her mother cross the stage. I wanted her to recognize the importance of education and life-long learning.

Ashton & I - on a chilly day outside Littlejohn after graduation
I was part of an online graduate program. My classmates and I had the opportunity to meet on campus twice throughout the program. I am still amazed at the mutual respect and collaboration built over the two years of the program. I made very good friends that are still a part of my life. We all worked so hard and while not all of us could make the December graduation, for those of us that did, it was an amazing experience. We worked really hard as a team and to share the moment with them was invaluable. It was important for us to be together and walk. 

I’ve been asked numerous times how it feels to be a graduate. I’ve thought about it many times starting when I presented my Masters Research Project and received such positive feedback from my committee. That is when it hit me - I did it. I made it. I was going to graduate. I can’t really explain how it feels to be a graduate. I try to put into words how I feel. I can’t find the words. Suddenly, I am quiet. 

Celebrating with my Parents & Ashton
I’m sitting in the middle of Littlejohn Coliseum. There are hundreds of students with black gowns and graduation caps on. I’m thinking about my life since I left Clemson 13 years earlier. I made a promise to myself at graduation in December 1997: I would get a Masters degree. I wanted a goal for myself. I wanted to know I could do it. I wanted to know I was smart enough. 

I started graduate school at USC straight out of undergrad. I didn’t really know what to do so why not? But the problem with starting graduate school with no real plan is it becomes a huge liability on your time and wallet. And, let’s face it, for someone whose blood runs orange, it was hard to imagine myself with a degree from USC. So, I stopped school and went on with my life. Always searching for the one program that would be the right one.

Franklin, my husband, & I at a Clemson Football game - 2012
I made the decision to leave my career at the top of my game. I had exceeded and maybe even shattered everyone’s expectations of what I could accomplish at the company. I made the decision because the career, while completely amazing and fun, took me away from home on a regular basis and my baby was suffering. It was during this time I found my graduate program. It was a perfect fit. I was very interested in the curriculum, it was family friendly, and it was through Clemson. Finally, 10 years after quitting graduate school, I began a new graduate program with a purpose and a plan. 

Here I sit, in the middle of the Coliseum, looking around me. While Clemson still has many of the great things I fell in love with, there is a shift on the campus. Classes are taught differently (for the better). There are new buildings on campus. The cafeteria food is actually good. Technology is an integral part of teaching. Collaboration and partnership are the norm. Ice cream is no longer served in Newman Hall.

Dusty, our dog, at his first tailgate - he was so tired from playing with all the kids!
At the same time, things are the same. Mac’s still has the best burgers in town. Bowman Field still fills with students on warm, Spring days. Judge Keller’s still has the distinct smell of a longtime downtown store. And, when I turn on Perimeter Road and pass Death Valley, I still get chills. I hear the crowd. I see the Hill. I feel the excitement. So, while many things seem different, the core is still here. Clemson is a family. I became a part of the family 13 years ago, and now, I feel even more pride. I feel an even closer connection to my Tigers. 

My excitement is boiling over. The realization that not only did I do it,I did it well. I look through the crowd till I find my parents. Then I spot Ashton and Franklin. It has come full circle. My little girl is in the crowd jumping up and down, waving to me. She sees me. She sees me. She sees me. It hits me.

When I spotted Ashton - before the ceremony began
Every feeling I have right at this minute (pride, accomplishment, relief, etc), is nothing compared to the pride I see in her face looking at me. She is proud of me. 

What does it feel like to be a graduate? I made a significant, positive impact on my daughter and it feels great!

Our family photo - 2012 - Clemson campus - Tillman Hall
Guest post written by Karen Bunch Franklin.

Bio: Karen Bunch Franklin is originally from Summerville, SC and currently lives in Lexington, SC. She holds two degrees from Clemson and is currently pursuing a second Masters Degree at Clemson in Agriculture Education. She is married to Kevin Franklin, whom she met while attending Clemson as an undergrad. They have one daughter, Ashton, whose blood runs ORANGE! The family puppy is also a Clemson fan and attended his first tailgate last football season. She currently works for Clemson University in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). When not working or studying, Karen enjoys boating, camping, reading (for fun!), and all CLEMSON sports!!


March 22, 2013

Guest Blog: Living in a House Divided

I live in a house divided in its truest form in respect to the Palmetto State Rivalry. My blood runs orange and I’m passionate about my Tigers, but my husband loves the Gamecocks. My dad is a Clemson graduate, so naturally he and my mom raised us kids to be solid orange. When I met Mike, I had to get used to seeing garnet and black all the time, but I would not let it outshine my orange and purple!

Our garden flag out front one year when it snowed.
People always ask us is if we pull for the other team when we aren’t playing each other. In our case, the answer is a resounding no! You can bet when Clemson plays Florida State that my husband will be chanting along with the ‘Noles. You can also guarantee that when South Carolina plays Florida, I will be doing the Gator chomp. Somehow we manage not to throw chips and salsa across the room, but it does get rather spirited in our house on Saturday afternoons during football season!

My husband Mike and I (note the bunny ears).
In our house, we have house divided political correctness so to speak. For every Tiger Paw there is a Gamecock, and for every Gamecock there is a Tiger Paw. From towels to Duck Tape® we make sure to keep it even.

In the utility room in the backyard –
we cover every square inch.
Even the bath towels.
At Christmas time too!
Even the fold-out chairs are divided.
Of course the biggest ordeal in any house that is divided by orange and garnet is the much anticipated game during Thanksgiving weekend. We always make it fun and make the most of it no matter who wins. I love to decorate for any and every occasion, and the Clemson vs. South Carolina game is no exception. We have plenty of merchandise around the house from both teams, so all I have to do is use a little creativity.

My dining room table decorated for the Clemson vs. South Carolina game.
I put candy canes in these and set them out around the food.
Collage I made using some photos I found online.
I made these little jerseys from scratch.
Although my husband has had the bragging rights the past few years, I hope that will change this November. I support my Tigers no matter what, and I get chills every time I hear the Tiger Rag, which is every time I get a text message since that is my ring tone. : ) Amidst the rivalry in our house, my husband and I have a lot of love, a lot of laughs, and a lot of fun. Go Tigers!


Guest post written by Kelli Brannen.

Author Bio: Kelli Brannen is a life-long resident of Florence, South Carolina. She is a graduate of Francis Marion University and works as a Technical Writer at ACS Technologies. She is married to the love of her life Mike Brannen, and they have a cat named Morris who keeps them on their toes. She loves God, music, Clemson, and all things Disney; especially The Haunted Mansion.


March 15, 2013

Happy St. Patrick's Day 2013!

Friday finally showed up and tomorrow will be the start of many green festivities. We hope everyone has a wonderful (and safe) St. Patrick's Day weekend!! For those of you starting your Spring Break, lucky you and safe travels!

We think that Anna Maria Calhoun Clemson would have approved (and worn) our Clemson Girl St. Patrick's Day t-shirt, don't you think? After all, she really WAS a Clemson girl and she did marry Thomas GREEN Clemson. :)


Have a great weekend and may the luck of the Tiger be with you!


March 13, 2013

Ellis and Wiles Clemson clutch giveaway

Good morning Clemson Girls! Guess what? We are at the halfway point of the week. Who is working hard for the weekend? {raising my hand!}

Well today we have a fab giveaway from one of our sponsors that will make getting to the weekend that much easier.

One of our fave online boutiques and Clemson Girl sponsor, Ellis and Wiles, wanted to let you know about their new, limited edition, custom-made Clemson clutches. These handmade clutches are part of the Nana by Sally collection. This designer usually makes one-of-a-kind wallets and purses. However, she agreed to make small batches specifically for Ellis and Wiles.


These clutches would be a perfect accessory for any Clemson Girl -- and they were designed and made just for Ellis and Wiles, so you won't see a lot of other girls carrying the same clutch. Again, these were made in very small batches for Ellis and Wiles, so snag one while you can before they sell out!


If you're interested in a custom clutch design, contact Ellis and Wiles (info@ellisandwiles.com) and they can special order a one-of-a-kind clutch just for you!

Ellis and Wiles Clemson Clutch Giveaway
Ellis and Wiles boutique has generously offered to give one of these custom designed Clemson clutches to a very lucky Clemson Girl.


Use the widget below to enter in the giveaway...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Deadline for all entries is tonight at midnight EST. We will draw a winner at random tomorrow, Thursday, March 14, and contact the winner by email. The winner will have 48 hours to reply or we will draw a new winner.

Special thanks to Ellis and Wiles for sponsoring today's giveaway!! Good luck ladies and Go Tigers!!


March 11, 2013

Tailgate Recipe - St. Patrick's Day Chocolate Guinness Cake

St. Patrick's Day is one of our favorite holidays...really! It's a great opportunity to celebrate just how lucky and blessed we are, and a day to forget about your worries and just have fun with friends and family.
This Chocolate Guinness Cake looks divine - and would be a nice, sweet treat for St. Patrick's Day or for a future Clemson tailgate. Yummy!


Chocolate Guinness Cake

Ingredients:
1 cup Guinness (dark beer)
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
2 eggs, beaten
2/3 cup sour cream
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
Topping Ingredients:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Directions:
  • Grease a 9-in. springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper; set aside.
  • In a small saucepan, heat beer and butter until butter is melted. Remove from the heat; whisk in sugar and cocoa until blended. Combine the eggs, sour cream and vanilla; whisk into beer mixture. Combine flour and baking soda; whisk into beer mixture until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  • Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Remove sides of pan.
  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar and cream; beat until smooth (do not over-beat). Remove cake from the pan and place on a platter or cake stand. Ice top of cake so that it resembles a frothy pint of beer. Refrigerate leftovers. Yields: 12 servings.
Recipe Source: tasteofhome.com

Speaking of St. Patrick's Day -- have you ordered your Clemson Girl St. Patrick's Day shirt yet? We are almost sold out of size Small and size XXL, and the numbers for the other sizes are starting to dwindle. Make sure you get your orders in soon so you can get your shirt in time to wear for St. Patrick's Day!



March 6, 2013

Get gorgeous and unique gameday nails with Jamberry Nails (+ a giveaway)

Good morning Clemson Girls! We are halfway through the week {whoo hoo} and working for the weekend. Today we have a brand new sponsor to introduce you to and a great giveaway too!

I love when my nails are painted, but I'll be honest, I rarely get manicures because with my busy lifestyle, it's only a matter or hours before it's messed up - chipped, smudged, etc. If you experience the same issues, or you just like to change up your manicures often, then you are going to love Jamberry Nails!

Jamberry Nails are resilient, vinyl-based nail shields that can be applied at home with a simple heat and pressure technique using a standard hairdryer. The nail shields come in a variety of colors and patterns and allow you to easily and creatively decorate your nails (or toenails!) without the hassle of polish. Plus, one application can last up to 14 days (up to 4 weeks on your toes) and you can usually get up to three applications from one pack of Jamberry Nails!




Jamberry Nails would be such a fun way to accessorize your Clemson gameday looks. Watch the video below to learn more about Jamberry Nails and to see how easy it is to apply them.


Jamberry Nails is currently running a buy 3 get 1 free promotion - buy 3 Jamberry Nails nail shield sheets and get a third design for free! You can shop and buy your Jamberry Nails online - they run around $15 a sheet.



Just this past Friday, Jamberry Nails launched a new Nail Art Studio, an online customization tool so anyone can create personalized nail wraps by simply uploading their own pattern, graphic design or photo at jamberrynails.com. You better believe I'll be creating Clemson Girl nail designs to wear in the Fall! The customized styles will retail for only $25 per sheet. Such a cool idea!

Jamberry Nails Giveaway
One very lucky Clemson Girl is going to win a sheet of these fun, tiger striped orange Jamberry Nails! You'll get up to three different applications from this pack, each lasting up to 14 days!


Use the widget below to enter...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Deadline for all entries is tonight at midnight EST. We will draw a winner at random tomorrow, Thursday, March 7, and contact the winner by email (please check your emails ladies!). The winner will have 48 hours to reply to our email or we will draw a new winner.

Special thanks to Lisa Swain of Jamberry Nails for sponsoring today's fabulous giveaway!




Good luck ladies and happy shopping! :)
Related Posts with Thumbnails