[Insert clever title]

Wow this semester is OVER already!?!? Times flies when you're stressed, lol. So I had 3 jobs this semester; RutgersZone, Quad 3 Prez and Student. All 3 required a lot of attenetion and time. It was hard in the beginning but I'm glad I did it. It was a challenge nessecary for my growth as a person. It taught me about time management and responsibilty. As managers, we were all presented tasks from Matt that made us step outside of our comfort zones. These tasks were meant to challenege us, but he knew we could handle it and 'rock it' as he says. haha. He was great with that, and he helped each of us along the way. I feel blessed because I was given this oppurtunity. This is an experience that not everyone will get and I love being a part of it. So to every crew member, all the managers and Matt thanks for making me better through this experience.

Phylifa Moore =)

First Semester Reflection

RutgersZone managers and staff survived the first semester of business! In reflection, we have had some successes and some failures. At the risk of sounding nostalgic, my experience is largely attributed to the crew members whom have kept the energy alive. Teamwork is the essence of what we do here. Some managers may disagree and say customer service or creating an experience, but in my opinion those two goals are unachievable without teamwork.

I have never worked in and WITH a large group of people for more than a constrained period of time. Being a RutgersZone manager has given me this experience, allowed me to take risk, fail, and succeed.


Also, I have never managed anyone before. I am thankful for when crew members work to there utmost potential while on duty, because it allows for me to focus on my specific duties as a manager. I am thankful for the involvement of the staff outside of "shift work", because I can observe the growth of their communication skills, operational skills, and overall self esteem. And oddly enough, I am thankful for the crew members that have made mistakes for me to correct. Their mistakes have given me an opportunity to practice reprimanding, correcting, and building a one-to-one relationship with them. There is something extremely personal about when a person makes a mistake. He or she becomes very vulnerable to their manager. Each person reacts in a different way whether it is defense, pity, apology, or silence. Each situation has allowed me to test myself in this role. And let us not forget that I also report to a manager. Living through enteractions I have with my staff helps me be a better employee to my boss.

One more semester left for me & lots to do!
Chat soon.
Becky

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas..... Already?!

Hi all! I can't believe that it's already December - where does the time go?! Things are wrapping up at the Zone for the semester and (oh joy) finals are on the way. It's really weird to think that this semester is coming to a close so soon. I feel like I just started my senior year a few weeks ago! This past week the managers were able to get together for an end of the semester manager dinner which was really nice. Things have been crazy for all of us so it was a nice diversion for a few hours - with good food and good people! There's nothing better than group get togethers, especially so close to Christmas. It makes you thankful and happy to be surrounded by great people everyday - and i'm happy to have them as friends as well as co-workers.

See you next time,
Lisa


P.S. - Shout out to Sam B. and Bridget, the amazing crew members on duty right now!

Christmas Time is here!

....I feel like that song and Donny Hathaway's "This Christmas" jump-start my Christmas spirit. However this year along with Christmas spirit I have a bit of worry. We are an ice cream shoppe. How can we sell ice cream during the coldest months of the year when people want warm pie and hot chocolate? That is my dilemma and task as promotions manager. What will make people want to buy a product that contradicts their desires to be warm? Just a little venting question for you readers out there (there are readers here right?).

Phylisha =) [aka Phylifa]