Anna Capeder

Yep, it’s midterms. Literally and figuratively. Students and Instructors alike are consumed with projects, papers, quizzes, exams, assignments, speeches, etc. It seems like everyone is overly tired, a little disoriented, and a lotta stressed out. We stay up past our bedtimes, and wake earlier than our alarms. We offer excuses for why things aren’t done, or why they aren’t done as well as we hoped. We ask to reschedule our commitments, and purposefully postpone anything that requires our precious brainpower. We criticise ourselves and participate in negative self-talk. We want someone to hold us, tell us it’ll all be OK, and this too shall pass. It is our version of Alexander’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day [or week(s)!]. Continue reading “Yep, it’s midterms.” →

Anna Capeder

It is so easy to react to life.  And, it is so easy to react in a negative or pessimistic way.  I am sure I have fellow “feelers” out there… you know, individuals who pick-up on emotion, or tend to feel their way through things instead of thinking.  If you are a feeler, this blog post is for you! Continue reading “Energy. Positivity. Peace” →

Anna Capeder

I found the Leadership Minor as a sophomore student.  My roommate was a transfer student and her advisor encouraged her to take Personal Leadership in the University to build a sense of community at the large University of Minnesota campus.  Throughout the semester, my roommate continued to “bring leadership class home”.  Some days, she was furious at the instructor and asked for guidance as she composed frustrated emails.  Other days, she was inspired and couldn’t wait for the next class.  Understandably, her actions (and reactions!) sparked my curiosity and I knew I had to enroll in the class during spring semester to figure out what this whole Leadership Minor thing was about.

Continue reading “Reflecting on (& Progressing in) Our Leadership Journeys” →

Anna Capeder

“We love what we do.  Do you love what you do?”

Continue reading “Love What You Do” →

Anna Capeder

Do you ever walk into a room and look for the nearest clock?  I know I do.  I have to know what time it is, all of the time.  Not knowing the time drives me absolutely crazy.  You’d think I’d wear a watch, but that is a completely separate fashion-related conversation I won’t bore you with.  Although it is a generalization, I believe American culture places value on efficiency, speed, punctuality, etc.  I hold true to this statement as I have a deep (and irrational) fear of not being timely.  Although I am cognizant of this fear, I had a wake-up call recently that I’d like to share with our readers.  

Continue reading “Constant Reminder to Self: SLOW DOWN!” →

Anna Capeder

Since working at the U, I’ve become a strong supporter of public transportation.  I love (almost) everything about public transportation including: extra time to complete quick tasks that I couldn’t squeeze into the work day, time to decompress and reflect on the day’s events, the opportunity to have conversations with random people, and most importantly, not having to navigate busy highway traffic on a daily basis.  For the first time ever, I view my commute as “me time” and although I haven’t confirmed with my doctor, I am confident my blood pressure peaks less times in the day.  

Continue reading “What would you do?” →