Gone but not forgetting.

Slurping my cup of tea with a digestive DUNKable biscuit, I'm appreciating for, not the first, nor the last, my beautiful goodbye present from Northeastern University. The many kind words just edge me further towards trying to step out onto the plank and experience more. ....... 

 Note that quote: “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”- Dr Seuss 

See y'all Later!

Well that's that then.


My last day of Boston coming to an end. I'm currently sitting in the airport lounge in Boston Logan Intl Airport with my last Dunkin' slurping my freezing, and not so replenishing, frappacunio.
After avoiding a teary goodbye from my Kinross room and Apartment, saying a true 'see you later' to my Scottish girls, and a farewell to my closest American girly Michelle and her family, I'm now ready to go home.
Thankfully my suitcases were accepted onto the plane, and nicely enough the lady behind the desk didnt charge me eXXtra for my overweight bulging suitcase- a nice heavy RED alert tag was attached and off it went without more $$ required, thank you Aer Lingus.

It has been a great great great year!! (can we make sure the GREATs are emphasised a lot, since it truly was a great experience)  I have learned so very much which I will be able to take back to me to the Bonnie Island of Scotland, and of course take with me throughout my journey in life- anywhere I may find myself in the world.

Infront of me lies an overnight 6 hour flight, stopping in Ireland, to home. It has been one FULL year and a few days since I physically saw my family and friends, even the four legged ones- and I would be completely and utterly lying if I said I wasn't ready to go home.

Having said my goodbyes now for perhaps 3+ weeks, I'm ready to rekindle my life back home, connect and catch up with all those people who would like to, and probably lose my voice on multiple occasions from over talking and retelling my many wondrous stories about Boston and the United States of America.

To all those who I met this year, and to all those who helped make this full experience an amazing one, thank you- thank you, thank you!

I would love to come back and visit, sorry.. . I WILL BE BACK TO VISIT, so lets all keep in touch- let me know your bearings on the globe, and perhaps our paths shall intertwine once again to share smiles and laughter.

One last individual THANK YOU to of course, 'Northeastern University'- The creator of my journey, and helped me grow professionally and personally.

GoodBYE- Don't forget this name :)

Reflection

As I sit here and prep my thoughts for tomorrow, in my ‘Northeastern University’ red Tee and black shorts (so totally a diehard husky now) I cannot believe what day it is tomorrow.

Tomorrow, alas, is my final day within my Industrial Placement at Northeastern University.  I have had an incredible journey in the United States on placement, and could not have hoped that the year went any differently!  It will definitely be a ‘bitter sweet’ day with mixed emotions saying all of my goodbyes. I am so utterly excited to return home, after physically not seeing any family or friends since June 2012, and of course.. .. I am more than saddened by my time running out here in Boston.

It will be merely a see you later, farewell tomorrow- as, as always, c’est la vie. I knew I was going to have to go home after my 12 months were up, and I am embracing in the beauty that has been my rollercoaster of an experience in Boston throughout the times I have smiled, laughed, cried, shouted, screamed with happiness, and most importantly grew in knowledge and experience here within the Higher Institution.

This evening I managed to enjoy the Institute of Contemporary Art with my new ‘Boston babies’ the new international Co-ops, embracing our co-op positions for the 2013-2014 cycle of placement. It was a lovely night, to ease my mind whilst pondering around weird and wonderful sculptures and creations.. .. I should mention we also got FREE ‘Kickass Cupcakes’ en route home, a smile gets you a long way these days.. J

Lucky Charms

"Did you know: Northeastern's original mascot was a Siberian Husky named Mr. Husky who came to campus in 1927? In 2003, NU students voted to replace King Husky with Paws, our current Husky mascot. You can still find statues of King Husky around campus, including our lucky Husky in Ell Hall! Rub his nose and you'll have good luck for your exams!"

I will be most definitely heading into Ell Hall in the next few weeks to give this nose a propper good rub before heading back to Scotland!

Love & Laughter

Love is in the air baadaadaadadada, love is in the air! Chomping my way through chewy coconutterly good nanbreads at, ‘punjabs palace’ in Harvard ave myself and collegues met at an Indian restaurant to satisfy our craving for it during the week, Friday night. From Harvard ave, which is a really neat street in Brighton/Allston, offers all trendy people a grand night out dining and then onto wining with their range of bars and restaurants up and down the street- we went to a colleagues engagement gathering to celebrate the engagement of two wonderful love birds. I work with Nick, and have Zumbaaad with his now finance lovely Lane! It was a nice night of laughter and I even learnt a few new party games.. .. ….

 The following morning I earned some dollars at the garment district having a semi spring/summer clean of a lot, A LOT, of clothes which I don’t want to take back to Scotland, then giggled my ribs around at the AMC movie theater through seeing the Hangover 3 with molly.

Sunday brought a new location to my check list, I visited the sowa markets with Alana, Michelle and her delightful family. The markets are interesting, so many wonderful stalls and with the gorgeous weather that day I could have happily pondered about for the full day looking at pretty trinkets, and vintage peculiars.

 

After a stop at pret a manger (keeping it European) I headed to the airport to meet out new international coop from Scotland at logan airport. It was so thrilling to welcome a new face into Boston, and of course into her new life and journey ahead of her!

Fire and Ice-Chinese

Bonding with friends, bonding with food.

Best of both worlds.. . I guess. I really should make a point to ask if we can relax in a park with a salad, or some kiwis and melons- I should stop accepting foody invitations out around America, as scrummy as they are. … I don’t really want to be rolling back to Scotland in a few weeks!

Fire and Ice on Monday, with friends and Katies Scottish cousins- having never been here before, I found it a true treat.. getting to pick what I wanted to eat and watch it get fried and frazzled to a great taste right in front of me. Being the smiley person I am, the chef ended up giving me a free ‘toy’ since he asked if I was getting a happy meal.

Wednesday I enjoyed the company of my American girly, Michelle! Hearing her stories from London and Iceland, we talked for as long as we could, and caught up on stories and past movements in our busy lives with a Chinese, of course.

Thursday brought in the annual Scooperbow,l event in Boston- which I enjoyed with the Admissions Team.  The working day ended and we all headed to the Boston Scooperbowl madness beside Government Centre. 10$ which went to charity, and onwards we went to a melting death by chocolate chip mint ice-cream and dozens of freezing frosty flavors.  I unfortunately had a bit too much fun, and ended the even with terribly sticky hands, getting to feisty in the lines for the icecream.  If you are in Boston around this even in June, I would highly recommend going to it- not eating prior to going AND thanks to a colleague, bringing ready salted chips (crisps) with you, to mix and match your taste buds to manage to eat even MORE icecream.. Challenge accepted, right?  Go and have an Nicecream time, trying to eat as much icecream as possible- its for a good cause.. afterall.. .

Rockport is Rocky

Rocks, rocks and more rocks. It truly is a grand name for a little coastal location, arriving into Rockport after a pleasant 1 hour jaunt on the commuter rail for a mere 10$, we definitely saw some rocks!

Thankfully the town is small and quant which allowed a refresher from the Boston (however lovely it is) surroundings. Sunbathing on mammoth rocks, chitchattering about Scotland and Boston comparisons with Katie, Molly and Katies cousin from Scotland Gillian. Girly day out. I’m pretty sure it was a cracking sight to see, as not only were we lying down we were locking ourselves in interesting angles which the rocks slanted at… a new experience, whilst topping up my pale skin with some Vit D.

After Indiana jones’ing it around the rocky coast, we swayed from one rocky beach to another, with a tad more sand and sunbathed on new terrain, sand. Exploring the area afterwards I really got to see that this small village relied heavily on the tourists that flocked in and out of it weekly. A many of native American shops and arts and crafts shops, highlighted the long road like a colorful ribbon curving out and down towards a glorious coastal scene, Rockport.

 

 

 

SummesterSTARTS

Today was the first Wednesday on campus which the summer event started- Summester. Run by a few of the on campus clubs and societies, a lot of freebies are given out, music played and BEN and Jerrys Icecream scooped to students, for anyone who is patient enough to line up.

I received this cool banner which they personalised in your preference of colour or script, and made it up for you whilst waiting with your scrumptious tasty icecream. Today I melted over triple chocolate brownie flavours- which was just what I was needing this afternoon, a deligthful chocolate KICK!

Like sand through the hourglass.

BOY does time fly. I have been so occupied with exploring and experiencing and developing over in the U.S that everything has just crept up and over my diary pages.

I plan to update a lot in the next few days, from my days in NYC seeing the real Picasso and Pablo art work, NJ for my American Mothers Day weekend, my travels from L.A to Colorado-Las Vegas- Yosemite National park finishing out in San Francisco and then down to Miami for the long weekend.

Coming soooooooooooon.

Movements in Miami

Our first morning, and first view of Miami Beach

After a ridiculous early morning rise, and flagging down a very fancy taxi we were jetsetting down south for a weekend of heat heat heat. Miami was our destination, relaxing was our aspiration. A Cuban breakfast, but of course, to start our weekend just one block from the beach, we checked into your lovely Hostel in North Miami Beach and awaited the arrival of my Scottish come Texas friends!  Sarah, a friend and student from Scotland at my University also on the same Industrial Placement Program as I- but working within a different industry in Texas met myself and Molly in Miami with her younger sister, Laura! Learn by doing. 

This whole weekend was again short but so sweet- I managed to relax and enjoy catching up with missed friendships, and most importantly GET SOME SUNSHINE! Viewing South Miami Beach was a treat, the historic art deco district, which spans far is beautiful.  All of the buildings seem like they should be picked up and placed in a different scenic landscape. We shopped (more like window shopped) the Kardashians boutique clothes shop, DASH and rollerbladed down the boardwalk! Can I let everyone into a mammoth secret, rollerblading is not as easy as it looks, I assumed I would be a pro (almost pro) with the knowledge of ice skating but I ended up only knowing how to go forward, and unable to stop. Luckily, or perhaps unluckily I flew down a hill within the boardwalk and CATAPULTED myself into a large green bush out of the bath, crash landing and stopped by objects= superrrrrrrrb.

In true tourist travels, we wondered the areas and stumbled up on memorials and landmarks in Miami, and ended our last night of the four day journey over in Downtown Miami at a scrumptious Chinese restaurant beside the harbor. Walking straight up the Ocean Drive strip was interesting, full of Cubans and holidays goers enjoying the sun and sangrias crowded by these magnificent buildings. It felt like I was in the game Grand Theft Auto walking up the grassy areas beside the beach with all of the public walking past. .. . You see, you believe.



It was a late night chatting, and saying our goodbyes before an early morning rise to fly back up to BOS on the Monday.

A marvelous long weekend enjoying the sights of Miami, I even think I tanned slightly!

South Miami Beach

3rd day on the beach

Smiles with Smores

It was nearing the end of the Katies cousins visiting time with us in Boston. We had planned a BBQ night with Anthony to thank him for treating us to our Mardi Gras evening, and a belated birthday treat!  Of course, then, a great eXXcuse for a BBQ! After finishing work we enjoyed burgers at their plenty, and sMOOREs for the 2nd time.

Eating into the chewy warm marshmallow, brought back the memories of Trek, sitting in the Grand Canyon camp site telling stories and eating smores.. . a different experience tonight but again- a grand one!
So happy to have had a pleasant foody night, with pleasant fabulous friends!

 

Pamered with Puppy Love

Travelling sleepy eyed I boarded the commuter rail to Attleboro for a hairy happy day with loving Labradors! Tricia, a colleague and friend on the International Admissions team welcomed me at the Attleboro stop to her humble abode. I spent the afternoon enjoying a movie and soaking up marvelous amounts of puppy love.
We walked around a park with the dogs and Tricia, just before a thunderstorm started as I left the town that night.  It was a great evening with Tricia and her prince and princess puppies- the whole reason was to help her start packing, although time wise and the amount we chatted, not much packing actually took place.. .. I look forward to hearing about her moving stories, and hope her new house is approved by her little babies (the doggies!)


 

Trek America- Western Wonder

Below is an itinerary of an AWESOME 10 day adventure around the west coast. After leaving my DuBows in New Jersey, I flew to L.A. and had an incredible journey across California, Nevada and Arizona whilst meeting the best people I could have travelled with.

If you visit my other page, up above, you will find my blog of the travel, I figured it was too good just to note on small things.
I will miss you TREKKERS, it was amazing!!


Day 1-2: San Francisco & Yosemite National Park
Set off, bidding San Francisco a reluctant farewell, to head east through California's gold country, where in 1848, the finding of a single nugget triggered a stampede of gold-seekers known as the 49'ers. Then, a scenic drive into the Yosemite National Park region and a chance to hike or bike, through the extraordinary landscape of glacier-carved granite monoliths and spectacular waterfalls. Once inside Yosemite, keep your eyes peeled for black bears. Coyote roam freely as well and when the sun goes down, their howling often echoes amidst pines and sequoias. Admit it, this is what clicks the spirit of the great outdoors up a notch or two.
Accommodation: Camping included

• Day 3-4: Las Vegas

  Next, Las Vegas - the greatest show on earth! The Strip, the shows, the casinos, the clubs; Sin City's glitziest and brashest spots are sure to impress as you cruise the Las Vegas Boulevard on an included limo ride! Hop onto one of the world's highest thrill rides at Vegas' Stratosphere and it won't just be your head that's spinning.And if that's not enough, take a helicopter flight down The Strip or just gamble the night away in one of the world class casinos.
  Accommodation: 2 en-route hotel nights paid locally

• Day 5: Grand Canyon National Park

  Leaving Las Vegas, explore America's premier National Park, and find out why it is called the Grand Canyon. The grandest canyon of them all can challenge your head for heights too. Keep your feet firmly on the ground or swoop above it all on an optional helicopter flight. One thing's for sure though, this place looks incredible from any angle, especially walking along the rim at sunset.
  Accommodation: Camping included

• Day 6: Colorado River

  Prepare to be wowed by vast swathes of Arizona's cactus studded desert and take a refreshing dip in the Colorado River. Enjoy one last blast on your final evening together, before striking out for the Californian coast.
  Accommodation: Camping included

• Day 7: Los Angeles

  Fresh from nature's most dramatic sets, you've stepped right into Movieland itself, we'll tour Los Angeles' famous Hollywood Boulevard and then you can star in your own snapshots in and around the city's iconic sights.

Glad for the Grads

(http://www.northeastern.edu/news/2013/05/commencement2013/)

An early 5am rise was completely worth being able to witness the sights and celebrations which took place today.  Northeastern University really knows how to host an event, volunteering my time at the TD Gardens, I worked alongside a mighty team of Northeastern professionals who also had volunteered their time to work behind and on the scenes of the 2013 commencement.  After a quick business breakfast we shuffled together and were given our priorities for the morning, I was working alongside a respected procurement colleague Mr. M.McNamara within the seating sections for NU staff and relations. It was a great task to have, as it allowed McMahon and McNamara to view the convocation in excellent birds eye positions.  The TD Gardens roared with student’s laughter, and parent’s glee mixed with tears of happiness when everyone started pouring down the aisles, with decorated caps and gowns everywhere I was in awe at the event taking place in front of me.  Being able to hear key speaker, Jim Yong Kim, president of the World Bank Group, speech and sigh at his hiccup of calling us Northwestern University, which I might add was very well recovered, it was a morning I won’t forget- witnessing an American Graduation.

 

After the graduating seniors received their certificate awards for their efforts, I met with friends on campus to congratulate them all on their superb successes and fruitful futures! It was then onwards to dinner with my close friend Michelle and her family and friends. Having the opportunity to be involved in such an emotional evening, I was very touched to be invited, and I could not be more proud of my clever cookie friend, Michelle! 

  

Congrats Huskies!!!

"Northeastern University welcomed students, university leadership, faculty, staff, family and friends to celebrate its 111th commencement on Friday, May 3, 2013 at TD Garden. Graduating seniors were lauded for their remarkable academic achievements and unique global experiences.

The uni­ver­sity presented hon­orary degrees to an accom­plished group of influ­en­tial leaders, as well as one that rec­og­nizes the first respon­ders and law enforce­ment per­sonnel who acted with extra­or­di­nary courage, com­pas­sion, and resolve fol­lowing the tragic Boston Marathon bombings." To watch the FULL commencement please see the youtube recording: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3uORGuT6eo 

She Said Yes!!

Is this not just beautiful?!

If Northeastern was not great enough, working the Welcome Weekend I even managed to see a love story blossom. SHE EVEN SAID YES.

LETS GO HUSKIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wise Words

I enjoy blogging. I enjoy reflecting. I enjoy sharing my experiences.

I would not pass by an opportunity to be able to share my year experience on an industrial placement, in America within Higher Education.
This week my small profile which has been created on the www.studentsonplacement.co.uk website has went live!!
Its quite exciting, I hope others students in the United Kingdom (and worldwide) read and become even more eager to venture into an industrial placement to experience the gains and growths that I myself have.

Please visit my profile and read on some of my reflections from my time so far in my industrial placement: http://studentsonplacement.co.uk/placement_profile_info.php?profile_ID=3


Any comments or advise is greatly welcomed (and appreciated) to: nicolemcmahon@ outlook. com

Thank you!!!

Coincidentally, speaking on reflecting I worked at the Welcome Day today for Admitted Students on Northeasterns Campus. It was a bright sunny beaming day, all round! I thoroughly enjoy meeting new prospective Huskies and their families, along with alumni and faculty/staff across campus on these days.  Every event I work on campus is so enlightening, seeing students start their paths to fruitful futures and hope they all entail down a mighty marvelous road within NU, its exciting to wonder which, if not all, are going to be the leaders of the future, creators of the next big thing, speakers of the next generational movements- anything they want to be, believe and they will achieve, with the help, support and cozy community around them at Northeastern!

My cheekbones were in pain from smiling at all of the wonderful happenings on campus today; the CPS students graduating, a proposal from the graduating students, the bright and dusty colorful celebration of the annual holi amongst students on the centennial common, the bright fresh families that floated through our welcoming open doors and a whole day working with colleagues who, tremendously, make every day a happy one. (even at weekends)

Marathon Monday

After hearing the awful news from this afternoons explosions during Boston’s most famous marathon, it saddens me to type that I was so thankful and happy to have missed the manic madness during the marathon.  Having planned this weekend so far back, we had clashed dates with many events such as the Husky Ambassador gala and marathon Monday. I would have been lying if I said once this realization hit before the weekend I wasn’t upset at the event clashes, but as I sit here on thus back to Boston full of best wishes and hope for the injured, I am so glad to have spent a crazily cheery weekend away from Beantown.

Sadly I’ll remember this day of missing the marathon with my thoughts of fear for friends that could have been injured in the explosions which occurred at the final of the Boston marathon, on Boylston street right in the city center. Its terrible news, which no one ever wants to read and my thoughts go out to everyone who experienced the trauma today, and to the families who have lost their loved ones.

In west Philadelphia born and raised.

Sitting emotionally and physically exhausted, unsure whether I should be gleefully smiling with happiness, or gleefully crying with pain I slumped in my Bolt bus chair heading to PHILADELPHIA. After a slight time confusion, we ran late rather than organized and early to our 1015am bus. Running from the T station to the bus station, carrying my weekend bags I had a harsh realization that the time spent in the gym clearly isn’t enough. Hahaha. Ok exaggeration over, we made the bus by the skin of our teeth and YAY onwards to Philly we go.

After a surprisingly pleasant ride through the states we arrived to a warm welcome at the train station by Mollys ‘uncle’. We sat that night catching up and meeting each another, over a grand meal thanks to Lisa Tay-funs wife.  Sunday we became the happy little tourist under tour guide Lisa’s wings, after an absolute incredible breakfast, croissants, pancakes, sausages, bagels, and tea …. .after all breakfast is the most important meal of the day… .. We managed to see rocky balboa statue, the line of flags, many sculptures, tried a Philly cheesesteak, and touristed together around Philadelphia on one of the nicest days so far of America 2013. We ended the evening in an Italian restaurant Maggianos wining and dining with new friends we then carried on the conversations with monster strawberries and delights back at home, spoiled.

Monday started off not as early with another mighty marvelous meal. Stealing Lisa’s omelet recipe as they were fabulously fluffy and full of flavor! We packed our gear and headed back into the city for a last few hours of sightseeing. We managed to make it down to the magic garden, boy were they magic. Walking down to the garden you are teased by small murals in the ghetto areas walls and side of buildings. Once you were there it was incredible! I really enjoyed seeing all of the art splodged and splatted around Philly, it makes the streets a lot more interesting.

Walking back up with promenade/river, we chilled with coffee before boarding our bus back to BOSTON!

Bon voyage!!

Beaunos springbreak, we all shouted at our French friend Roman as he entered the room. Surprise going away celebrations are the best.  Spending the night dancing to country music, laughing at ridiculous things, enjoying an inside BBQ since the weather decided to turn-  we all shared our time with Roman before he begins to count down his days,for travels in Europe before starring his summer coop.

Inspirational.

Tonight I had the pleasure of accompanying my very good friend Michelle to her awards ceremony in frost lounge.  Tonight on campus was the northeastern university scholarship awards, certificates, recommending speeches and congrats are given to all incredible outgoing students on campus.  These students have participated in the most events, researches, charity raisers, show exceptionally high dedication to tasks and determination to improve and better not only their selves but people around them also, inspirational young adults.  Listening to all of the achievements was an inexperience I won’t forget, as it truly is a reminder to me to really reach goals and push boundaries. Being an absolute proud friend I watched and clapped enthusiastically as Michelle received one of the top two awards possible of this academic year. You go girrrrl, I’ll take note of your movements and question when you actually have time to ever sleep! Such an involved incredible female!