My name is Elyse, and I am working toward a double major, Accounting and Finance. Last summer, I went with the business college to Italy to study abroad. While I was there, I took Cost Accounting, which has been my favorite class so far. It may sound boring at first, however, we partnered with a winery to create an extensive financial report, detailing the specifics of how their business has been doing and offering suggestions on how to improve. In a real-world context, Cost Accounting becomes highly enjoyable to someone who likes working with numbers and has an analytical mind. Especially when you are sitting on a mountain, drinking wine, and touring a beautiful vineyard!
Next summer, I am going to be interning at Koch Industries up in Wichita. It is only over the summer, however, I hope that it will give me experience I can use in the future, as well as help me to discover exactly what kind of a job I want when I graduate.
One thing people like to know about me is my travel experience, I was born in New Orleans, I have lived in Aruba and several other states such as Georgia and Delaware. I have also traveled all around north and central America, the surrounding islands, and now Italy. I love to travel and hope to continue throughout my life.
One thing people like to know about me is my travel experience, I was born in New Orleans, I have lived in Aruba and several other states such as Georgia and Delaware. I have also traveled all around north and central America, the surrounding islands, and now Italy. I love to travel and hope to continue throughout my life.
My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Each time I read it, I discover something new. Austen has an amazing ability to describe many different types of people so vividly that you can compare them with people you know now, despite the book being over 200 years old. On the nine-hour flight back from Italy, I watched A Few Good Men, mainly because I had watched a few scenes for my Film Score class here at OU. I loved the story of the movie and I would recommend it to anyone.
I have a black German Shepherd back at home. Here is a picture I took of her:
Personal photo
I am a really picky eater. One of the best things about living on my own is no one ever complains about me not eating their food. People really take it personally when I say that I won’t eat something. I love cooking and my favorite dishes to make are a creole red beans and rice dish, which is made with plenty of ham, sausage, and Tony Chachere, which I inherited from my mother from when we lived in New Orleans. I also like making brown sugar teriyaki chicken. I make my own sauce so there is plenty to mix in the rice and vegetables.
I love to kayak and hike when the weather is nice. Here is a picture from a kayaking trip me and my friend went on. We went on a two day float down the Buffalo River in Arkansas, it was a lot of fun!
Personal photo
On my next free day, however, I plan on reading. I have been buying a lot of books recently, however, last semester I was too busy with classes to do much pleasure reading. I am excited for this class which makes reading an assignment, so I don’t have to feel guilty about reading instead of working on school.
I look forward to revisiting some of my favorite books this semester and finding some new ones.
Accounting in Italy: that sounds like so much fun, Elyse! I spent a lot of my grad school time in Siena (my advisor was a professor at the University of Siena who also taught at Berkeley)... and I have so many great memories of that beautiful place! And food is such a great gateway to stories and cultures: maybe you will use this class to learn more about Italian storytelling traditions, or maybe the storytelling traditions of New Orleans and Cajun country. I would be very happy if the reading for this class can be pleasure reading for you... I am a bookaholic, and I love the way this class gives me an excuse to be reading stories all the time, including during school.
ReplyDeleteAnd maybe you will add your lovely dog to the Pets Padlet; here's the link: Padlet Tech Tips. Especially when pets are far away, their pictures are so important, and she is a lovely dog! (We had a German Shepherd when I was little, but with a tan-colored coat, not a dramatic black coat like your girl has.) All the extra credit stuff like those tech tips starts in Week 2, but of course you can leap ahead. Leaping ahead is a great strategy for this class in general. :-)
Hello Elyse,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading through your introduction. It is great that you are an accounting and finance double major. Although I am terrible at math, I recognize the great skill and drive needed to pursue such a major. I also think it is great that you love New Orleans style food. They have some of the tastiest food I have ever had.
Best of luck this semester!
-Andy
Hi Elyse!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, your name is beautiful! Also, I think it was amazing that you are an accounting and finance major. I have always loved math, but I don't think I could ever apply it to the real world like you. Also, I had a friend who interned at Koch Industries, too but as a computer science major. Her name is Nicole Hutton if you know her! Lastly, listening you describe your favorite foods is making me hungry. Maybe you'll post some pictures of them.
Hope you have a great semester, and I can't wait to read your stories.
-Anhthu
Hi Elyse!
ReplyDeleteMy little sister is an accounting major - I thought it sounded really boring until she explained her career goal (which is to be a fraud investigator for the FBI, which is really cool). I guess if you love numbers then it could be really fun.
I love that photo of the river in Arkansas. It looks really green and beautiful!
I hope you have a good semester!
Hi, Elyse!
ReplyDeleteReading about your study abroad program in Italy last summer was really interesting! It's neat how you were able to work on something in your passion but still relevant to the culture of Italy.
I have to admit, Pride and Prejudice is definitely not my favorite book, but it's definitely a classic and reading about why you love it has (maybe) convinced me to give it another shot.
I'm also a picky eater, so I definitely related when you talked about how nice it is to cook for yourself. Brown sugar teriyaki chicken sounds really good! One of my favorite recipes to make is a cashew chicken stir fry. Super easy, but really delicious!
Hi Elyse!
ReplyDeleteMy sister is also an accounting major but she's double majoring in MIS as well. Unfortunately, I don't think she shared your passion for her cost accounting classes. I also love Jane Austen books! Pride and Prejudice is definitely a classic and one of my favorites, when I went on my study abroad at Oxford we went to Bath and the Jane Austen museum. While I was there I got an I heart Darcy sticker and put it on my laptop and I get questions about it all the time. I look forward to reading your stories as the semester goes on!
Hey Elyse!
ReplyDeleteWow, congrats on having the guts to go for a double major! One has kept me busy enough, I don’t get how you guys get it all done. I’m jealous that you got the chance to study abroad. If I could go back in college, I would take a semester to get out of Norman and other parts of the world. Best of luck with the upcoming internship.
- JD
Elyse,
ReplyDeleteAhaha, what a coincidence that one of your favorite books is Pride and Prejudice! I was just coming from your week two story, and now it makes sense what could have influenced it. I dunno how the heck you are surviving, doing both finance and accounting. Good on ya for doing something that you are passionate about.
Best of luck in this course, and have fun!
-Lance J.
Hi Elyse,
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome you are double majoring in finance and accounting. I have a lot of friends majoring in accounting and are in the middle of internships with some of the Big 4 accounting firms like PWC, KPMG, and Deloitte. They clock in a lot of hours, but majority of them are really enjoying it. I also studied abroad in Italy, the summer after my freshman year. The Arezzo campus is beautiful and I had so much fun with OU. Hope you have a great semester. I look forward to getting to know you better!
-Madee
Hi Elyse,
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to go Italy, but sadly haven't got the chance. It's nice to hear that you had fantastic time. Congratulations on your internship, I hope you learn a lot. I also have a friend that doing an internship for Koch this summer in Wichita, but she's doing it for IT. Also, you dog is really cute but you didn't tell us her name.
I look forward to reading your stories throughout the semester!
Best,
Kevin.
Hey there Elyse,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading through your introduction. It is pretty cool that you are an accounting and finance major. I do love math that is why I am a mechanical engineering major, but I think it is very cool that math can be applied in so many different avenues. It is also cool that you enjoy Cajun and new Orleans style food, I would have to agree that they do have some of the best tasting food. Good luck this semester.
Best,
Drew
Hey howdy Elyse! You seem like you have quite a full load. I am impressed that you can keep everything in order and wish you tons of luck as you finish out. I would wonder how your picky eating affected your time over seas, but who wouldn't like Italian food? Looking forward to reading your stuff. PS- Great looking dog!
ReplyDeleteHi Elyse,
ReplyDeleteI think it's so cool that you studied abroad last summer. Studying abroad was something that I always wanted to do in college but could never find the time. I'm graduating in December and unfortunately, won't be able to study abroad before I leave. Your German Shepherd is absolutely beautiful. I love dogs and have a Miniature Maltipoo that I got last summer. Also, I am a huge picky eater, too. I'm working on becoming a bit more adventurous but so far am not having very much luck. I hope to keep up with you throughout the semester and can't wait to read more of your stories.
Hi there Elyse!
ReplyDeletePride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books too! I think it's interesting how many future accountants we have in this class. I took one accounting class as a business major before switching my major to social work, and I really admire your patience to stick with that kind of work! Your dog is adorable, by the way. Your kayaking adventure looks super cool! I hope you have plenty of time to catch up on your reading this semester!
Hey Elyse!
ReplyDeleteI love your photo of your dog, he is so cute! Also of the Buffalo River! I love hiking in Arkansas as well, but I'm not as adventurous on water haha. My roommate is also an accounting major; the stuff you guys do looks super complex and confusing at times, it is awesome that you enjoy it. I loved hearing about your travels; travelling is one of my biggest passions and I love hearing other people's stories about their own adventures. It was nice getting to know you! Looking forward to what you'll contribute this semester!
-Moriah C.
Hello, Elyse!
ReplyDeleteFirst things first--your puppy is too cute! I love German Shepherds and am actually about to add a new one to my family in a few weeks! They are really amazing dogs. I also love Pride and Prejudice and pretty much all of Jane Austin's works. Sadly, I also don't have much time to read what with classes and work--but I graduate in May so hopefully then I can make up for lost time! I also think it is so cool that you studied abroad in Italy! I have only been to Milan but would love to travel around Italy sometime!
Good luck with your studies and I can't wait to see the stories you come up with!
Hi Elyse,
ReplyDeleteI love Pride and Prejudice! I completely agree with what you said about learning something new every time you read it. I am actually in the process of reading it for the 4th (I think) time. My favorite character is Jane, of course, because she is such a good person. Lizzy is pretty cool too, even though she is flawed. Austen is a superb author.
It's cool that you like to kayak and hike. I enjoy the outdoors, but find myself stuck inside with schoolwork most of the time! I have never been kayaking, but I want to try it.
I read a lot in my spare time, but I totally get being too busy with classes. I feel that way all the time! One of the worst things is about college is having no free time! My latest read is Dragon Pearl, by Yoon Ha Lee. It is a YA book about Korean mythology and is in the Rick Riordan Presents collection. I haven't finished it, but so far it is interesting and unique. Based on what I've read, I would recommend it if you like mythology and/or books set in space.
Wishing you a good semester
-Ann Marie
Hey Elyse,
ReplyDeleteThat is pretty cool that you got to study abroad in Italy! I also had the opportunity to do that a few years ago, and that is one of my favorite college experiences so far! Your german shepherd is really cute, and they have such a nice coat color. Hiking and kayaking sound really fun. I wish I had more opportunities to hike more!
Hi Elyse,
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome that you have a double major in accounting and finance. I also went to Italy to study abroad and it has been my favorite college experience so far. I love that you have traveled so much. I hope to get to a point where I can travel a lot. I love the Buffalo River! I am actually from Arkansas so I have spent a lot of time at the Buffalo River.
Elyse, it was really great getting to know you some through your introduction post. I think it is so cool that we are able to interact even though we are in two separate classes (I'm in Indian Epics). I think it is cool that having an online class like this allows us to do that. Again, it was great getting to know you some and the best of luck to you on your future endeavors.
ReplyDeleteHey Elyse!
ReplyDeleteI remember reading through your intro earlier this year, but I figured I’d check in and see how your semester is going! Have you written anything for this class that your fond of?
Also, I forgot to comment the first time around that I’m a dog lover myself. Best of luck finishing up the semester and the upcoming internship!
Best,
JD
Hey Elyse, first time I'm running into your blog, and I must say I love the color palette you have going on. The light and dark greys are very pleasing to the eye, so looking over your intro was not just interesting but very visually appealing. Accounting definitely is not for me, I don't really love math, but my freshman suite mate was an accounting major and she really liked it so I wish you the best of luck with that. Have a good semester.
ReplyDeleteHi Elyse,
ReplyDeleteI believe that I've had the opportunity to come across your blog and intro before but was assigned to revisit it this week. I really loved your story this week and think that you've done such a great job this semester. Your major sounds so difficult but so rewarding at the same time! No pain no gain, right? I was never a big math person but always respected those around me that were. So more props to you! Once again, great job this semester and I wish you the best with the rest of your college career.
Hi Elyse,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to meet you I havent gotten to meet everyone in the class yet so its refreshing to meet someone new. I enjoyed your intro I am definitely not a math person so accounting would not be the path I would have chosen. I hope that overall you have had a great semester and I hope that you will be successful in all that you do. I wish you good luck with finals and a good end of the semester.
Hey Elyse,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed getting to know a little bit about you. I am also an accounting major and I feel your pain. The math is something that I have always struggled with, but it will be worth it when you are making the big bucks! I am also excited to read your stories so be looking for my comments. Hope you have a great rest of the semester and good luck in the future.
Hi Elyse,
ReplyDeleteHonestly, accounting in Italy does not sound boring at all. Now for me, it sounds interesting, but not enjoyable. However, that is because I am not good at math. I love traveling as well, but I have not been able to get out of the States. I plan to, but it just has not happened yet. Your pup is absolutely adorable! I can relate to you on the book obtaining level because I have also been buying more books, but have no time to read. However I plan to aid that this summer. Good luck this summer and I hope that you have a great rest of your semester! Good luck on finals!
Hey Elyse!
ReplyDeleteFinance seems like an incredibly interesting field to study. I'm in Math myself, and I'm about to enter an MBA program, so I might end up down a similar field of study. Accounting is something I've also considered, more from an analytical perspective like auditing, personally.
Welcome to the end of the semester! Good luck with your internship!
Hey Elyse, it’s nice to see a fellow person who did a study abroad program! I went to Scotland a couple years ago and completed my capstone while I was over there. My class didn’t get involved with a local business like yours did, but we did talk about the differences between the laws in the UK and the laws in the US. Congrats on living alone! I have a roommate, but I do wish iI could have my own place sometimes. I get what you mean about not having a lot of free time to read, as well. It’s been great having you in class!
ReplyDelete