25 Facts about CL Intern, Brittany!

Meet CL Intern Brittany!

  Name: Brittany Lavenski

Position: Fashion and Living Writer

University: West Virginia University

Major: Public Relations and Political Science

Organizational Involvement:  WVU Public Relations Student Society of America and WVU Gold and Blue Student Ambassador

Pets: An adorable 9 month old puppy named Toby!

Nickname: Britt

                                                                                                    Dream Job: Doing PR while working with animals.

 

Favorite color: Olive green

Favorite candy: ANYTHING chocolate.

Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing

Favorite cuisine: Italian

Favorite season: Fall

Coffee vs Tea: Coffee

PC vs Mac: PC

Coke vs Pepsi: Water!

Stripes vs Polka Dots: Stripes

 

3 words to describe me: Compassionate, spontaneous, personable.

3 words to describe my style: Casual Carrie Bradshaw.

 

You will find on my desk: My phone, always.

You will find on my DVR/Tivo: Sex and the City!

You will find on my Ipod: Adele and lots of acoustic music.

You will find in my refrigerator: Chocolate, always!

I have a slight obsession with: my dog!

I dislike: apathy.

 

My friends would say I am: a go-to for advice and a good laugh.

I am most happy when: I feel academically accomplished.

Most people are surprised to know I: am happily engaged.

A classy co-ed is: a girl who stumbles upon her life’s passion, and wholeheartedly pursues it with confidence, humility, and ambition.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Brittany Lavenski is a Fashion & Living writer at College Lifestyles ™. She enjoys studying PR and Political Science and is President of her university’s Chapter of PRSSA. When she’s not working, you can find her walking her dog or eating sushi and chocolate with her friends!

College Lifestyles Summer/Fall 2012 Internship Applications are Open!

Looking to jump into the world of writing, PR, and social media?  College Lifestyles is currently accepting applications for its virtual internship for the Summer/Fall 2012 year.

College Lifestyles is the premier nutrition, etiquette, career, and lifestyle firm for savvy co-eds and sorority ladies.  College Lifestyles prides itself in bringing the most current information on nutrition, the sorority experience, etiquette, fashion, health, careers tips, lifestyle, and image to it’s readers through our website, e-newsletter, Facebook page, Twitter, Pinterest, tumblr, collegiate/sorority programs and presentations.

 

Summer/Fall Internship positions we have available:

• Nutrition/Health Writer
• Fashion/Beauty Writer
• Sorority Life Writer
• Lifestyle (to include, but not limited to health, beauty, going green,    entertainment, dating) Writer
• Etiquette Writer
• Career Resources Writer
• College Prep Writer
• PR/Event Planning Team
• Advertising Team
• Social Media Team

Currently, College Lifestyles is on the ‘look-out’ for interns to share some fantastic stories and PR work!  In particular, we are looking with interns who need writing experience for a portfolio for class and/or looking for a future career in writing, social media, advertising, and PR.  Our greatest need for writing is fashion, nutrition, and sorority life writers.  If you want to give tips on the sorority life experience, show off your style, and/or share your cooking talents, this is the place to showcase!

We are looking for interns who are ‘go-getters’ and who are not afraid to set up interviews with classmates and professions, perform interviews for posting on our website, discuss College Lifestyles with friends, family, and sisters.

Interns can range from freshman to graduate students and can be any major; but we would prefer the following majors:

• PR/Marketing.
• Business.
• Nutrition/Dietetics/Health.
• Fashion Merchandising/Design.
• English.
• Journalism.
• Mass communication.
• Advertising/Business.

Requirements for internship include:

• Daily internet/computer access with access to Facebook, Skype, and Twitter. (please do not apply if you do not have any of the above social media accounts)
• Camera (for snap shots/pics).
• 20-30 minute biweekly SKYPE calls with our CEO and CL Interns.
• 5 hour week time commitment.
• Understanding of technology
• Represent the College Lifestyles brand at your university

While we are open to all styles of writing, we will only accept those interns who fit the mission and brand of our organization.  (Please read the about page on our site to learn about our mission and brand).

Applications are due by 5/6/12 (or sooner!) via email to info@collegelifestyles.org.

While this is not a paid position, students will gain worlds of experience to build your portfolio, working with teams (via email and Facebook), networking with peers, interviewing some pretty ‘great’ individuals, share your talents with the world (!) and showcase your talents.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, we encourage you to ‘Spread the Word!’ on our internship!

Contact us at info@collegelifestyles.org to request your application packet!

Pin It

Former College Lifestyles Interns: Updates, Career, and Staying Classy

Reconnecting with interns past has opened up a Pandora’s box of success stories and plenty of definitions for College Lifestyles’ coined term: classy co-ed. Thinking about interning with us? Make your decision easier by checking out what a few CL alumnae have been up to below!

 

Questions for The Classy Ladies:

1. How have you continued to live by College Lifestyles’ motto of being a “classy co-ed” post internship and/or post graduation?

2. In what way have you benefited the most from your former internship with College Lifestyles? 

3. Now that you are CL alumna, what have you done professionally since interning for College Lifestyles? 

Stephanie Hardiman Simon

1. I have continued to be a classy co-ed by following a rule that was ingrained in me in college: always try to be the best-dressed person in the room. Doing this conveys a level of professionalism and people take you seriously. I’ve also worked to volunteer my time to both my sorority and alma mater, Washington and Lee University. I don’t think there’s anything classier than working to help improve the things that mean the most to you.

2. More than anything, College Lifestyles forced me to write regularly, and as a function of that, to always brainstorm and think about the next “story.” Journalism moves fast, and you always have to have a foothold on a new project. I also learned about the anatomy of a good blog post and writing for the web, which is an important skill for anyone in communications today.

3. I graduated from Washington and Lee University and worked a handful of different reporting jobs. In the last year, I have been working for the Chicago Tribune, mostly as a web producer in the local news division. In June, I will have completed my masters degree in journalism from DePaul University. I’m also an alumnae adviser for the Pi Beta Phi chapter at Millikin University and a volunteer admissions interviewer with my alma mater.

Maggie Young

1. I have continued to strive for what I am passionate about while embracing the ups and downs that occur. Above all, I treat myself and others with respect and friendly character.

2. I learned that I can do what I want in life. Shelly really emphasized that you can take small ideas and turn them into a big reality.

3. I am a recent CL alumna, but I am now an intern at Parents magazine in NYC. I also founded Get Fit Get Life, an online magazine with a mission to empower young women to live with a healthy lifestyle.

Deirdre Cunnane

1. When I first started my internship with College Lifestyles in December 2009, I saw a classy co-ed as someone who works hard, takes time to enjoy herself, is open to trying new things, and goes forth in achieving her dreams. That description still rings true. The way in which I most try to live up to College Lifestyles’ motto is by being unafraid of change.  I moved to the Channel Islands last summer on my own and learned a lot about myself by doing so. We need to step outside of our comfort zones when the opportunity arises–it’s how you get a better perspective about life.

2. Hands down, I benefited most from the community of interns that I was a part of.  I’ve learned so much from these girls and I’m glad to say that we still keep in touch via Twitter and Facebook.  All of us are from different backgrounds, colleges, and even countries, and we wouldn’t have been brought together if it weren’t for College Lifestyles.

3. I’m a law student. Professionally, I have done a lot of work towards my goal of becoming an Irish-American attorney-at-law.  My third year of college was spent working full-time at two large law firms and the experience was invaluable.  I was so proud of having my work published in a professional periodical. I have tailored all of my final year subjects around business law which I’m now certain is what I want to specialize in. My head is currently buried in revenue, banking, and employment law books 24/7, but what can I say?  I’m loving it!

Rebecca Alberico

1. Being a classy co-ed is more of a lifestyle choice for me. Before I was a part of College Lifestyles I considered myself a classy co-ed, but once I signed on as an intern, it increased since I was working with such amazing ladies! I try to live by CL’s motto everyday — I put on a smile and my can-do attitude!

2. I have benefited the most from a past College Lifestyles internship with the connections and friendships that were created. I have friends from all over the country now! It’s not unusual for Deirdre [Cunnane] and I to tweet about our Diet Coke obsession. Just last week, a few of us were discussing the newest season of One Tree Hill! I was introduced to some wonderful girls, and I am so grateful for it!

3. After a full year (summer, fall and spring) with College Lifestyles, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. After graduating, I worker in retail for the summer and fall and then finally got a job in my field. Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been working as an Account Coordinator at a marketing communications firm in my hometown in Erie, PA. I absolutely love it!

Kaitlyn Kline

1. To me, living by the CL motto of being a classy co-ed just means always trying your best and being happy with yourself. I try to do both of those things in my everyday life! 

2. Before joining the College Lifestyles team, my plan was to go to graduate school for industrial/organizational psychology. After about a month with CL, I knew that would’ve been a mistake! I applied for a Journalism/Communication grad school program and realized it was the place for me. CL had sent me down a new path, which is where I was meant to be!

3. I have about seven months left in grad school, so that’s really exciting! I’ve also been doing some freelance work for Warner Brothers WBWord Division and that has been fun. I’m also a social media intern at Smith Brothers Agency and I absolutely adore it! It’s pretty much a dream come true.

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

Ways to Plan Out Your Day: Clutter Free

Many of you have headed back to school this week anticipating the long study hours and “sleepless nights”. This spring semester is a new opportunity to stop the bad habit of  procrastination. Procrastination comes in many forms with excuses ranging from what others know to be procrastination, to what you have programmed in your mind to think about yourself. The number one cure for procrastination is planning out your time and being organized. Allow me to assist you!

It is not difficult to keep a to-do-list or planner of tasks, responsibilities and personal goals, but it can be difficult if they are not used as should. In order to see the effectiveness of your to-do-list, consider these steps:

The first tip is to keep three planners with attached calendars. Did your eyes stretch wide when you read that last sentence? I had the same response when I realized how three planners helped me to achieve my important goals. As an organized young professional, it is important to know what duties lay ahead and keep to them. A planner should be kept for every huge sector of your life. This strategy can be instrumental if you are planning a college transfer which takes a high level of organization.

Planner number one should be kept for all school work. For all of your classes this semester, look through the syllabus and transfer all of the information from the syllabus onto the calendar. This should include exam dates, and due homework assignments. Make sure to specify what class the work is for. For example, One of my classes are entitled “China Today”. In my school planner you would find on the date of February 20, 2012 “China Today: Midterm exam 1”. If the class title is too long, make a shorter name.  Organizing your school work is giving you a head start on breaking procrastination. With this organized school calendar, you can see the due assignments with a flip of the calendar booklet.

With planner one, school work, do not fail to make a to-do-list. If the calendar organizer you brought has paper for a to-do-list to be attached, this is great! Your to-do-list should be composed of weekly tasks. Keep in mind that this to-do-list is only for school. DO NOT mix in any extra curricular activities. We will get to that later in the article. An example of the to-do-list will be the following:

To-Do-List

Read chapters 1-3 for China Today (2)

Watch Assigned Youtube Videos for International Wealth and Power (3)

Pick group topic for Wednesday’s class- American Foreign Policy (1)

This is just an example. You can also mark, next to the items on your to-do-list, what items you will complete first. I have shown you in the above to-do-list example.

Planner number two should keep all work/intern responsibilities. For this calendar include your work schedule and/ or intern due dates for particular assignments. This keeps me very organized while interning for College Lifestyles!  Also include a to-list-do to go with this calendar of work/intern responsibilities. The to-do-list should be the same  as the to-do-list used in the school work planner. It should be composed of weekly assignments numbered the way they will be completed. Again, do not mix other information that does not have to do with your work and/or internship into this to-do-list or calendar. If you do not have an internship, please stay tuned for latter articles I post.

Planner number three should be used for clubs and organizations. As a young professional, being involved on campus is the prime way to network and to be noticed by other young professionals. In this calendar include meeting times, locations, and  be specific on what organization the meeting is for. Do not fail to include a to-do-list. This is important especially if office positions are held. As an officer of an organization, staying organized is the best thing to do. This planner for organizations can also be mixed with personal tasks. Personal tasks can include going to your sister’s baby shower, getting your nails done, or making a specific date to go grocery shopping. A to-do-list for something like this might include a personal facial time!

Lastly, keep important times entered into your phone to remind you of important events that require time notice. If your sister’s baby shower starts at three in the afternoon, do not plan to meet up with someone at two in the afternoon for something totally different. Although you are learning how to be more organized this semester with separating different sectors of life, it is pivotal to also learn that it is okay to have gaps in your schedule. Use those gaps for study time or my personal favorite, “Me Time”!

This article gives great ways to stay organized. Remaining structured is the key to ending procrastination as a bad habit. Through experience, I have learned that separating sectors of my life is the best way to remain organized and I am sure you will find comfort in this technique. I never try to mix personal with business, and through this I have remained healthy relationships with those who I would have risked it with being too consumed on one sector of my life. Be more organized, and find yourself having more time! <3

Said with love,

Charlene Alexander is a Professional and Relationships Writer, Social Media, and Special Events Intern at College Lifestyles ™. Charlene is a Mass Communications Undergraduate at University of South Florida. Miss Alexander is an analogue girl in a digital world who enjoys writing.

Pin It

CL’s Guide to Making Initiation Special

Initiation is one of the most exciting times of year. The transition between being a new member to an active one is a moment that most dedicated sorority girls never forget. During my initiation, I remember that one girl in particular went to lengths to show me how happy she was that I became an active member. She bought me candy and a picture frame and also wrote me a heartfelt letter that reminded me of why I joined Kappa Kappa Gamma in the first place. In the spirit of many upcoming initiations, CL has decided to share a few things that can make it special for the new members:

 

• Write letters to, not only the girls you love so far, but also the ones you have yet to get to know. It will make the shyer women
  

  My family- My grandlittle is getting initiated tonight!!!!

  feel more welcome and let them know they are loved by all.

• Give them bags of candy or small party favors. Stickers, straws and nail polish all run for about $ 2-3 each and can lighten up a gift bag.
• Picture frames are always a fun present. Even if it is a small frame with your sorority’s name in it, the picture will still count for something and remind the new initiates of how awesome they are.
• You can never go wrong with a gift card for your little or grandlittle. They are easy to pick up and please everyone. Starbucks, Target and Wal-Mart are gift cards that are sensible and sure to please.
• After initiation is over, take the family out to dinner or to see a movie. Initiation is about bonding with your sisters, and you want to remind the new initiates that sorority life is about more than fun social events.

 

Remember, initiation is one of the most important events in a sorority girl’s life. Be excited and enthusiastic and make it special, because someone made it special for you. Have a great time and be sure to go the extra mile for someone else.

 

5 Stress Relievers for the Over-Programmed Sorority Girl

There is no doubt about it: college girls are busy, especially us sorority girls. Between our weekly chapter meetings, exchanges with other frats and sororities and the daily hassles of work and class keep our schedules packed full. We all have to let off steam at some point, so when it’s your time to relax, try some of our stress relievers to make your free time worth while.

1.)   Watch a movie: Whether you check out a new movie at the local theater or snag a new release from the Redbox around the corner, watching a movie can be a serious mood changer. Taking a break from your normal, hectic life in order to take part in someone else’s exciting love life will make you happy and feel better about that pile of work you have to do. Grab a few sisters and a bag of popcorn to make it a group movie night. There is nothing in the world that cannot be remedied by your sisters, cute movie stars and some well deserved junk food.

2.)   Exercise: I know what you’re thinking. The last thing you will feel like doing after a long day of College Algebra or Chemistry is a run on the treadmill, but trust me, you will feel better after. Running a mile outside in this beautiful fall weather will not only lift your spirits, but will also help your body feel better and make you feel more confident about that Halloween costume you have your eye on.

3.)   Naptime: Everyone loves to nap. Seriously, there is nothing that brightens my day more than when I have an hour or two to lie in my bed and take a slumber. If you don’t have time during your week to have a consistent naptime, be sure to take a few minutes out of your day to rest your eyes and breathe for a bit. Perhaps even listen to some calming tunes on your iPod. You will feel so much better after a little R&R and will be more prepared to take on the daily challenges.

4.)   Read a good book: Recreational reading can be a lot of fun. As college students, we are so often forced to read textbooks that drone on and on about meaningless definitions and facts. But, by picking up a book, whether it is re-reading a past favorite or picking up a new title, reading will allow your mind to relax and drift away for a while. Double points if the book is funny. Anything by Chelsea Handler will do the trick.

5.)   A night on the town: Sometimes the best remedy to a long week is a fun night out with friends. Dinner, a classy cocktail and good conversation will improve your mood in no time. Try going to a new dance club or hang out at a new casual spot off of campus. Sometimes getting away from the official university buildings can allow you to take a deep breath and realize you are ready for some much needed fun.

What are your favorite stress relievers? Do you have a go-to activity to make you relax?

Diary of a CL Sorority Girl- The Big & Little Relationship

A sister is a forever friend.  This statement is definitely true for the bond between a “Big” and “Little.” A Big is a sister assigned to a new member within the first few weeks of their pledge period.  That new member then becomes that sister’s Little.

The Big-Little relationship creates a family lineage.  So the Big of the Big of the new member becomes the new member’s Grand-Big.  A Big can also take on two Littles, in which the Littles become each other’s twins.  Family trees can expand and continue for many generations.

The purpose of the Big during the new member period is to act as a mentor for their Little.  It is their duty to introduce their Littles to the sorority and help them adjust to Greek life. Bigs answer any questions their Littles might have regarding the chapter, the sorority, college or with life in general.

A Big is often the one who gives her Little her first set of letters along with many gifts and words of encouragement throughout the new member period.  A Little often gives her Big a decorated paddle at the end of the semester.  Although the Big may want to spoil her Little throughout the new member period, the role of the Big is not as a gift giver, but as someone to lean on.

A great way to get closer to your Big or Little is through family meals.  Get together with your Little, Big, Grand Big, etc. and get to know more about each other.  Discuss your ambitions within the sorority, college and after graduation.  Seek advice from your family if you plan on running for a position.  Your sorority family wants to help in any way they can and watch you succeed.

The bond between a Big and her Little is unique. The Big often becomes the Little’s first friend in the sorority, and her closest.  There is a large amount of mutual trust and respect in the relationship.  They rely on each other for advice and support.  As a Big, one tries to be a classy role model to her Little, in and out of the sorority.  The Little will turn to the Big for advice and encouragement.  Although the sorority as a whole works as a support system, it is your Big and Little who shine through the most.  The relationship consists of guidance, advice, laughter and support.

For me, and for many others, my Big is my closest friend in my sorority.  She has given me endless amount of support and has consistently been someone I can rely on.  I never knew what it meant to have a sister until I met her.  She will reach out to me when she knows that I am stressed or something is wrong, and I try to do the same.  My Big has helped smooth out my transition into Greek Life in a fun and meaningful way.  She is one person that I know that I can always count on and that I can trust.  I am proud to be her Little and I hope eventually my Little will feel the same way about me.

What does your Big/Little relationship mean to you?

What some other sorority ladies have to say about their Bigs and Littles:

“Big/lil is really being there for someone – on both ends – a big needs the encouragement for a job interview and a lil needs encouragement with the first big paper of her college career!” Shelly Marie Redmond, Alpha Sigma Tau, CL Editor & Chief & CEO

“I think the big/little relationship is the most important relationship a sister can have in a sorority. A big sister will always be there for you in good times and in bad. She is a shoulder to cry on or a person to laugh with. She is someone who you can always count on to be there throughout your life. Being a big sister is one of the best feelings about being in a sorority. I loved guiding my littles through the new member conference and spoiling them. When they became active members I loved seeing them succeed in the chapter. They are my closest friends in my sorority along with my big and the ones who I hope to keep as friends for the rest of my life,” Courtney Finnegan, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Zeta Chi Chapter, Marist College.

“My big was the reason I fell in love with Alpha Chi. She showed me what it meant to truly care about another person, to truly become invested in someone’s life and to look out for friends like family. She was a never-ending source of support, love and encouragement and was always there when I needed someone to talk to. She convinced me that being in a sorority was all about finding out more about yourself- not about trying to fit in.” Meaghan O’Connor, Alpha Chi Omega, University of Michigan.

“Being big & little means, to me, having someone I can look up to and aspire to be like. My big is a person I can vent to when something is bothering me – especially a problem involving my closest friends or a relationship. She can vent to me all she wants to, as well. It is a lifelong relationship and always wonderful to have one-on-one big/little time together. Even when your big has graduated, she is only a phone call or text away and will always be there to encourage and support.” Lauren Townsend, Phi Mu, Beta Nu Chapter, Bethany College.

“Big/little to me means making a friendship that, if properly cared for, can last a lifetime. I am obsessed with my little and love getting to know her. I feel like she looks to me as a mentor, and I love when she comes to me for advice. But having a big/little relationship also means having fun getting to know each other and someone that always has your back.” Megan Stein, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Gamma Theta Chapter, Drake University

“I feel like when you’re a big you’re supposed to pay attention, care for, and give respect to your little. It really shouldn’t matter what you get her or how much money you spent on her, but what kind of relationship you have.” Alex Kundrat, Pi Phi Ny Eta NYU.

“My Big relationship is the big sister I never had.  Whether I’m freaking out over a test and need to be calmed down, upset over something and need to vent to someone, need to borrow clothes, or just want a friend to go to lunch with- my big is there.” Kelly Wall, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Zeta Chi Chapter, Marist College.

Nicole is a CL intern who goes to Marist College.  She is a Communications major with a concentration in Journalism and PR.  Nicole is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Marist Ambassadors, and Communication Arts Society.  She enjoys running and hanging out with her sorority sisters and friends.

A classy sorority woman- 30 years later

Sorority sisters last forever. Often times, people laugh at girls for saying they are sisters, but the friendships made in sororities are always the ones that last the longest. Still not convinced? Take Mary Deming, a classy sorority woman that is still treasuring her days at Sigma Sigma Sigma. She has also instilled these values in her daughter, who is also a part of greek life. Oh yeah, did I mention she’s my mom? Check out what she has to say about the way sorority life affected not only her college life, but also who she is today.

1.) Why did you join a sorority?

I joined because my sisters were in the sorority and it was a good experience for them.  I had met their friends and everyone was very nice.  I did not know anyone when I first went to college and going through rush and joining the sorority was a great way to meet people and get involved at college.
2.) What were your most and least favorite parts of being in a sorority?

My favorite part was hanging out at the sorority house and doing activities with my pledge sisters, so I could get to know all the girls better.  I enjoyed Greek Week and the functions with the fraternities.  My least favorite was that sometimes the meetings were too long and sometimes it was hard to fit everything into my schedule.  For example, when we had practices for Greek Sing, it really made for a busy time.
3.) Did you want your children to join greek life?

I enjoyed Greek life and it was a good experience for me at the university I was attending.  I would want my children to make their own decisions, based on their needs and the activities they want to be involved in.
4.) What did you gain from joining a sorority?

I gained a sense of responsibility and learned how to manage my time.  I learned how to work well with a large group of people and how to interact with different personalities.  It gave me more confidence and it also gave me a wider range of people to learn from.  I had more friends to go to for advice and I also learned how to look at things from another person’s perspective.
5.) What is one of your favorite memories?

I always enjoyed Greek Week in the spring and Greek Reunion in the summer.  Everyone was there from all the sororities and fraternities and it was just great to be able to see everyone.  For Greek Week, we had different games and races and the week ended with Greek Sing on Sunday.
6.) Are you still in contact with your sisters? If so, how?

I gained the best friends of my life.  My group of pledge sisters and I still get together once a year or so from around the country.  We meet in different cities for a long weekend and it is like we have never been apart.  We keep in contact my phone and email throughout the year.  We laugh and cry together.  These friendships have lasted a lifetime.
7.) Do you think your college experience would have been less enjoyable if you hadn’t gone greek?

I am sure the experience would still have been enjoyable, but not nearly as much because I almost all of my friends through the sorority and most of my extracurricular activities were centered on the sorority.  I really cannot imagine not having all of those experiences and connections with the girls and the other people I met through our functions.
8.) What was your favorite event?

I loved the informal and formal dances we had.  For the informal dances, we would have a theme, such as a 50′s dance or barn dance, and we would dress accordingly.  For the formal dances, we usually went to a hotel out of town and spent the night.  The dances were great.

Bravo’s ‘Platinum Hit’ Star Karen Waldrup chats with CL!

Karen Waldrup is the girl who won a vocal scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi, then packed up her things to follow her dreams. Sweet, versatile, and energetic are just the words that describe Karen. Millions of viewers tuned in weekly to watch her songwriting and leadership abilities on Bravo TV’s summer hit show ‘Platinum Hit’. Karen is more than a Southern Belle. Her go big or go home attitude made her a fan favorite. She sat down with College Lifestyles and shared the inside scoop on the music industry and what she’s up to now.

CL: We all watched you on Bravo’s hit show ‘Platinum Hit’ over the summer. How did you become a contestant? What was the audition process like?

KW: When people ask me about ‘Platinum Hit’, all I can say is that it was the exact thing that I needed to leverage my artist/songwriting career to a new level.  In 2011, it can be difficult to get movement going in music due to economical changes in the industry.  ’Platinum Hit’ brought me from playing thousands of live shows to playing for millions every Monday night summer 2011.  It started because I got an e-mail from a co-writer friend of mine, Sandy Ramos.  It was a show about songwriters for once and it instantly sparked my attention.  But, just like any other audition…I just put it on my calendar.  I just go audition for things and move on with my life without thinking about them.  That’s when you do well.  So I submitted an online package and put the date on my calendar. The audition date was on a hot and beautiful Sunday afternoon so I almost blew off the audition.  I just wanted to throw a Frisbee in Centennial Park with my man.  It was around 2 p.m. or so and I got a phone call from my Internet manager and my dear friend, Julian Bankston.  He said, “Where are you?” and I replied, “Julian- I don’t feel like waiting in the line with all those thousands of people in the heat on music row today.  It’s Sunday and I don’t feel like it”.  He said, “…you are obviously not that serious about your music.”  It struck a chord.  He was right.  It was a free audition that could give my songwriting ability exposure.  Eight more auditions later, a trip to Los Angeles, attorney meetings, and 2 packed suitcases later I was arriving in Los Angeles October of 2010 to live for 6 weeks on the set of ‘Platinum Hit’.  It was a dream come true!

CL: While you were studying at the University of Southern Mississippi, did you participate in any activities to perfect your singing or songwriting?

KW: This is an impressive question and I’ve never gotten it before!  The answer to this is absolutely yes!  I remember one night sitting up late in the vending machine room in the dorm my freshman year at midnight with my guitar.  It was late and when it got late, you had to be careful how loud you played as girls were sleeping.  But on this night I just sat in this empty cold room and jokingly wrote some lyrics about this guy that conveniently called me at midnight when the time was right for him.  I felt like as a college girl living in the dorm that I could laugh about this and we could turn him into the joke since he clearly had no real dating skills.  So I wrote one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written “Midnight Queen”.  It relates to a lot of women because it is funny and silly.  It’s my way of saying how I felt as a freshman in college.  I was also the song chairman of Delta Delta Delta sorority and was the one making up the Delta jingles.  I was  in charge of getting the sorority girls to sing Christmas songs and anything involving music throughout the year.  I was also in a touring local female duet called “Shades of Green” and we were always writing!  While swinging a crazy life, I was also a member of the University of Southern Mississippi orchestra choir!  This helped me learn how to sing better, write better, harmonize better and sing with others.  I’ve just always been a songbird.

CL: Your music is fresh and catchy. What inspires and motivates you to write/sing your songs? Also, does poetry ever influence your music? I recently heard the singer Jewel gave you a Pablo Neruda book.

KW: Life inspires me to write my songs.  Relationships with other people, friends, a beautiful beach, love, finances, bills, food…life.  As a songwriter, I’m ALWAYS writing!  No matter if I am on a train in Europe or a grocery store down the street from home, there is always an idea in my head.  I enjoy listening to other female writers like Alanis Morissette, Shania Twain, Jewel, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Sara Bareilles, Grace Potter and plenty more.  I review the albums and listen to every note.  I know a hit song and love studying the crafting they have done to write successful/moving music.  On ‘Platinum Hit’, Jewel took an interest in helping me craft myself into a better lyricist via poetry.  She felt like if I studied the movement in the writing in a specific Pablo Neruda poem, then I could create a better movement in my writing.  She was right.  I took the Pablo Neruda book backpacking in Europe right after ‘Platinum Hit’ was taped and read a poem to other folks in the hostels every night.  Everyday it was a different message (the poetry is really good!).  I remember one night being in Venice, Italy with the windows open to the street and I was playing guitar in the window.  That nights poem was about traveling.

CL: You moved from Louisiana to Nashville to pursue your dream. What advice would you give to co-eds who have a passion to be in the entertainment industry?

KW: Yes, I sure did. I love Nashville and everything, but the city of New Orleans has some true personality!  I love the WHO DAT nation!  Moving to Nashville was perfect for me because it is such a songwriting town.  It’s exactly where I belong, but will retire in New Orleans!  If I could give advice to anyone wanting to be in the music industry I would just recommend being in it for the long haul.  Just go ahead and plan on buying a one-way ticket into it!  It’s an addictive thing to not be able to quit making music.  I can’t help but wonder what’s next and what else I can create.  Although, it’s hard work, it is the business of fun.  If you ain’t having fun, you ain’t doing it right!

CW: What next will we be seeing from you?

KW: A 27 city tour!  From September 29-November 2 I will be playing ALL ACROSS the southeast!  I have to get my music out there and share it with the world.  So, I’m going to start with the southeast.  See you there?

Stay in touch with Karen on her website and be sure to follow her on Twitter @KarenWaldrup.

Tour Dates:

September 29             Golf Tournament Benefit        Nashville, TN

September 30             Steadfast & True Yoga          Nashville, TN

October 2                   Meo Mio’s Cajun                 Paris, TN

October 3                   Neil’s Music Room                Memphis, TN

October 4                   Madison Hotel                         Memphis, TN

October 6                   Good Morning AR- Chan 7    Hot Springs, AR

October 6                   The Big Chill                          Hot Springs, AR

October 7                   Khalil’s Pub                          Little Rock, AR

October 8                   Memphis Farmer’s Market    Memphis, TN

October 9                   The Bluebird Café                 Nashville, TN

October 11                 Innisfree                              Tuscaloosa, AL

October 12                 The Yellowhammer Inn         Tuscaloosa, AL

October 12                 The Brick House                   Tuscaloosa, AL

October 13                 Shucker’s Oyster Bar            Hattiesburg, MS

October 15                 Wooden Boat Festival          Madisonville, LA

October 15                 The 12 Bar                           New Orleans, LA

October 16                 Wooden Boat Festival           Madisonville, LA

October 17                 The Green Room                   Covington, LA

October 18                 La Plantation(Private)            Denham Springs, LA

October 20                 Boudreaux and Thibodeaux    Baton Rouge, LA

October 21                 Ohana Pier                            Slidell, LA

October 22                 Mosaic Tapas Bar                  Ocean Srings, MS

October 23                 Silver Moon Stage                  Pensacola, FL

October 25                 Florabama                               Pensacola, FL

October 27                 The Rock House                    Tybee Island, GA

October 28                 The Montreux                         Charleston SC

October 29                 BackStage Cafe                     Georgetown, SC

October 31                 Creatures Cafe                       Asheville, NC

November 1               Mulligan’s                               Knoxville, TN

Amber Ferguson is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is sophomore at Prince George’s Community College studying English. She’s the first girl out on the dance floor, is obsessed with reality TV, and loves getting stamps on her passport when she travels to new places.

Squash those Sorority Stereotypes!

Ask not what your sorority can do for you, but ask what you can do for your sorority.  An adapted version of John F. Kennedy’s famous saying.  Your sorority is a united group of women with a common mission and similar values in life.  They are strong, independent individuals that work together towards a shared goal.

People who are not members of Greek system tend to not see the beauty of sorority life.  To the non- Greek public, sorority girls are considered cruel and vindictive, while the fraternity men are dumb and incompetent.  But we sorority ladies know the truth, and we try to convey our classiness through philanthropy and kindness.  We expect this stigma from the public, and we hope to squash it.  Yet what happens when inside the system, we have our own stereotypes?

The blonde sorority, the partying sorority, the geeky sorority, the snobby sorority and the socially awkward ones.  Many of us have heard these labels, among many others, discussed throughout campus.  Each label has a negative connotation to it; it becomes something the girls are not proud of.  So you ask, what can I do for my sorority to rid us of these negative ideas?

Allow diversity into your chapter.  During recruitment, keep in mind ladies with original ideas and unique qualities.  Accept a co-ed based on her personality and interests, not just her looks. Your events and meetings become more fun when you allow room for creative ideas and different traits!

Be the change. Change can be good within a sorority.  Hold onto your goals and values, but also make adjustments to be the best you can be.  When a girl enters college, she hopes to develop and grow as an intellectual and a human being.  Allow your sorority to do the same.  Perhaps recruit in different ways, or allow more opportunities for discussion within your chapter.  A good, informal, way to discuss change is through sisterhood events.

Stop the stereotypes from within.  Sometimes, we subconsciously thrive off the stereotypes.  We take it as a way that we are supposed to act; the way the public expects us to act.  Remember that no matter where you are and what you are doing; you are always wearing your letters.  People recognize you outside the sorority.  Act in a way that makes your sisters proud.  In my sorority, we tell people to keep it “Kappa Klassy.”

Make it a positive twist.  Hear someone saying that you and your sisters are the geeky sorority?  Stand up to them and put a positive connotation to it.  Say, “Yes, we like to study and do well in school, but we do many things outside of the classroom.  And I don’t see anything bad about being intelligent.”  Are you the partying sorority?  Try, “My sisters and I like to have fun, but we like to keep it classy.  We also boast a high cumulative GPA as an organization.”

Show the community what you are all about.  Be more active on campus to show students and faculty what your values really are and what your organization wishes to accomplish.  Do events and philanthropies that interest your chapter as a whole.  Encourage your peers to look past the label and see the sophisticated, fabulous, well-rounded group of women that you are.

Don’t listen to the labels the sororities on your campus have.  Know what values you and your sorority represent and do your best as a whole to represent them.  Be proud and confident of who you and your sorority are and show off your uniqueness in a savvy and genuine manner.  Encourage development within your sorority and be passionate about your mission and values.  What are some amazing things you have done for your sorority?

Nicole is a CL intern who goes to Marist College.  She is a Communications major with a concentration in Journalism and PR.  Nicole is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Marist Ambassadors, and Communication Arts Society.  She enjoys running and hanging out with her sorority sisters and friends.

Next Page »