Free Cone Day needs no introduction. It’s #26 on the list of 101 Things To Do list and we took advantage of the Ben & Jerry’s shop on campus.
True to our personalities, Ryan had the non-dairy and non-conformist flavor, Peanut Butter & Cookies, and Derrick had the classic childhood flavor, Cookie Dough.
Oh, and took this picture — just because: 
In a few sentences can you tell the Class of 2015 a little about yourself.
My name is Jordan and I am a graduate of the Class of 2014 majoring in Art History and Visual Arts. I work for the City of Burlington in the Mayor’s Office.
What was your first year out like?
Living in Burlington was really important to me – I had spent the past four years here and developed many relationships and connections. I knew that I had the best shot at finding a career-path job was to stay here and continue to network.
Towards the end of my senior year, I started working at Hotel Vermont I worked there for over a year while looking for other jobs. Shortly after beginning my “second-year-out,” I landed a job working for the City of Burlington.
What was your biggest challenge that year and how did you overcome it?
I think that opportunities for success are somewhat lined up for you in college, and I was disappointed when I couldn’t find a more stable and career-oriented job right after graduation.
I wasn’t engaging anything I cared about and was rather going through the motions of having a job and managing basic responsibilities.
That fall, I emailed a local screen printing company, New Duds, and asked if I could intern for them in my free time. They were actually looking to hire someone part time so I was able to start working with them in addition to my job at Hotel Vermont. I learned a lot about running a small business and industrial screen printing.
While I wasn’t paid much, I was happy to engage an interest I cared about.
What surprised you the most about that year?
Vermont is a huge place outside of UVM! And I can imagine that Vermonters cringe when they hear people say that. As difficult as it is to admit it, UVM is a bubble, even if you are living off campus.
Working in a restaurant, I learned about the importance of local food and visited farms around the state. It was great to see all of the different things going on in Vermont outside of Burlington.
What’s one thing you wish someone told you your first year out?
Give yourself some time to adjust to a new lifestyle! I didn’t want to waitress forever, but I found a way to enjoy it and find value in it. I also got to go to the beach every day.
Do you have any advice for the Class of 2015?
I cannot emphasize the importance of networking! Sometimes, doing job searches online works, but I think you will have a much better shot at finding a job that you are happy with if you ask the people with whom you have relationships to help you. And they will!
It’s definitely hard to ask but almost always, people are really excited to help you find a job or connect you with a person also willing to help.
After last week’s fun trivia contest, we have some serious news to share about a new health condition the University is focusing on with students. It’s a little-known health condition, but it is reaching epidemic levels here on campus.
Read the news story from the University to find out more.
And be to watch the video, so you can prepare and prevent your own injuries in the future.
All month long we’ve been sharing our UVM knowledge with you. We’ve covered some serious topics – budget, governance, controversial news.
Now it’s time for the fun stuff. Today’s UVM Trivia features 10 fun facts you may or may not know about our alma mater.
The top fives scores (or fastest times, if there’s a tie) will win sweet UVM swag from the bookstore. We have sweatshirts, shirts, coffee mugs and books up for grabs!
We’ll announce the winners next Friday.
Good luck!
Derrick & Ryan
We’re never ones to shy away from controversy, so here are four on-going news stories involving UVM that have stirred up a lot of emotions.
You may have missed them, particularly if you don’t live in Burlington. But, they each involve important conversations that will shape UVM for years to come.
As always, let us know if you have comments or questions at afterword@uvm.edu.
1. Taxing Fraternity and Sorority Houses
Photo credit: James Buck, Seven Days
This topic has come up for many years, but in 2014 the Vermont Legislature passed a new law repealing the property tax exemption for the 10 fraternity and sorority houses starting in 2017.
Here’s the latest on the topic:
2. Building a New UVM Sports and Events Center in South Burlington
At the end of February, the City of South Burlington held a press conference about the possibility of a building brand-new multi-purpose events center in collaboration with UVM.
What does that mean? It means a new facility for our basketball and hockey teams and more fitness facilities for all students, since Gutterson and Patrick would be re-purposed.
Of course, it’s not that easy. There are big, huge questions to be answered first and lots of conversations to be had before anything happens.
Here’s the scoop on this story:
3. Construction on Campus
This one is a hot topic on campus and off-campus. Here’s a quick list of all the construction current and upcoming projects.
There’s construction everywhere and it certainly disrupts the daily schedules of thousands of students — but, there’s a lot of promise in all those trucks and cranes.
4. How UVM serves Vermonters
This is a perpetual topic of conversation on campus, in the community, and Vermont politics. And it’s filled with gray-areas, messy politics, and tons of statistics that tell a variety of stories.
Here are a few sides to the story.
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