Teaching 8 year-olds about Australia

One Monday morning whilst visiting the USA, I was offered the chance to teach a class of third-graders about Australia. My partner’s mother said that her cousin is a school teacher in Erwin Tennessee, about a half hour drive from where we were staying… and that it would truly make her day to enrich these children’s lives if they could learn about cultures and songs from around the world first-hand; especially as they hadn’t yet covered Australia.

With much pride, and my boyfriend in had as a safety blanket, we headed to Tennessee. Taking as many goodies as possible to keep these kids interested – eg, clip on koala toys, postcards of Australian sights and cities, Minties, Fantales, Vegemite and more – we taught the class of eight year olds for just over an hour.

They kept me totally amused with questions like “Can you ride in the pouch of a kangaroo?”, “Can you go hunting in Australia?”, and thinking the capital city, Canberra, is similar to the word Cranberry. In their defence, it was only a few days out from Thanksgiving!

After singing our national anthem “Advance Australia Fair”, and teaching them “Waltzing Matilda”, they sang their US anthem too.

A fun time was had by all. Here’s a photo from the experience.

Time to be Thankful

I’ve just returned from a whirlwind tour of the USA’s east coast, covering 14 states in 12 days. Why you may ask? My partner is American and so this year we decided to spend Thanksgiving with his family, gathering for a few days at his uncle’s place about an hour north of Atlanta – in between zooming around the land to see family and friends in all directions!

Celebrating my first Thanksgiving holiday was definitely a treat! Seeing the turkey so delicately cooked and carved, to experiencing fried ochra, pecan pie, turkey stuffing, and all the other traditions associated with this holiday. In the late afternoon I also drank some moonshine.

As we won’t be back over Xmas time, we also had our big present giving session. My partner’s family always manages to go above and beyond all expectations I ever have of this. Last year, we brought lots of gifts and received suitcases full too. This year, was the same – however, we weren’t caught out with the luggage restrictions, as we had a suitcase dedicated to the presents going home – which we were very thankful for.

I never realised that Thanksgiving is essentially a harvest festival, allowing people from all backgrounds and religions to get involved. “Thanksgiving Day is a harvest festival celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Traditionally, it has been a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. While there was an underlying religious element in the original celebration, Thanksgiving today is primarily identified as a secular holiday.” (Wikipedia)

We live such busy lives nowadays, when do we ever take time to step back and reflect on what we have, and to be thankful for it?! “Amen” to celebrating the good things in life – and to be surrounded by friends and family once a year to acknowledge it.

Not so keen on the way retail stores then have “Black Friday” – the biggest shopping day of the year for the US – but hey, I enjoy a good bargain too, so why not. Mind you, queuing in traffic and cashier lines for hours isn’t pleasant, especially in the middle of the night :-)

Another thing to appreciate is the talent of my partner. His former life involved him being an artist; and as we travelled around the country, I was lucky enough to view many of his artworks. From Xscape Lounge in Durham, NC, where we had drinks one night, to his friend Ty’s place in Washington DC. Clearly his natural ability in this area is admired by many – and although he hasn’t been able to get into this line of work since graduating from his recent postgraduate studies, which brought him to Australia, it was very special admiring the walls where his paintings now hang!




Cheers to enjoying the good things in life; and taking time to reflect on them.

ps. To view photos from the holiday, visit http://picasaweb.google.com/michelle29jacobs

Four out of five ain’t bad!

The first night of our Kenyan experience was spent in Nairobi, with 14 Chicago-based participants flying various routes round the world to get here, including me. Having not been in London or Europe in a long while, it was fun hearing British accents again when I stopped into Heathrow for three hours. A few people had problems with their flights, and visas, but by the third day everyone was fine and had arrived.

The following day, Sunday, we drove four hours north, to just above the equator - to the Mount Kenya National Park. We settled into our tents at the Sweetwaters Tented Camp; and then, following a huge rainstorm, took a three-hour safari drive around the national park.

Our first sightings were birds including the Marabou Stork, sparrows, all types of Deer, Impalas, Gazelles, Wharthogs and Baboons. Just before heading to the Chimpanzee conservatory, we saw the first of our Big Five animals – the African Elephant. It was a little off in the distance, but I was amazed by this bull – especially because of the size of it!

Next we visit the conservatory. The Chimps here are being protected as their natural habitat up north in the Congo and Rwanda is greatly suffering; and although I wasn’t that impressed by them, it was nice having the encounter.

We then saw hippo footprints by the river; before seeing a giraffe grazing amongst the trees. Great sight once again! And surprisingly, the giraffe is not one of the Big Five.

Further along, we saw lots of Water Buffalo (the next of our Big Five), with birds sitting on their backs and mingling around them.

Next, came a couple of Black Rhinos, one with a baby, walking by.

Then we went to another conservatory (within the private Sweetwaters property at the Mount Kenya National Park) with a white rhino in protection due to its blindness. The Rhinoceros is also one of the Big Five.

Finally, just as dusk was hitting, I spotted a male lion lying under a tree, enjoying the beautiful blue sky and late afternoon sunshine, with Mount Kenya spectacularly appearing out from behind the clouds in the distance.

Little did we realise up ahead, that three lionesses (the last of the Big Five for the day) were eagerly watching two wharthogs about 50 metres away – with us thinking that was going to be their ‘kill’ for the night. They looked eager to pounce – so we waited around to watch; but after about 45 minutes, nothing had happened except for them gaining more distance, so we turned back to the camp, arriving in the dark.

Note: The Leopard is the only other animal we didn’t get to see, making up the fifth of the Big Five.

Following a day of animal discovery and many ‘firsts’; the group returned to the Camp for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Safari bound - 19 March 2010

The last few weeks have been tough to say the least. The end of my MBA degree posed some challenges, with several final papers, exams and assignments, as well as packing up the apartment I’d been living in whilst here in Chicago/Evanston; and trying to see more of the surrounding areas before leaving this region of the world.

Further, something I had been looking forward to since June 2009 had now come to an end; and issues that had arisen during my time away were starting to reach boiling point.

With everything now under control, except my burning desire for curiosity, I am heading to Africa. It’s totally random that of all places I am heading to Kenya for spring break; but the opportunity arose to travel with a group of MBA students from the Booth School of Management at the University of Chicago, so I took the chance while I could. Wish I had my beloved boyfriend here with me or another good friend to share this experience with, but no doubt my hundreds of photos will be shared when I return to Australia instead.

Earlier this week, I found out British Airways is having a strike on the weekend, which will affect my flight my London to Nairobi; but as of today (Friday), I hear the trip will still go ahead but with ‘limited in-flight services’. Once there, in Kenya, I should be greeted by an airport pick-up service; and taken to my hotel to meet up with other members of the group, and for a good night’s sleep – especially as our safari excursions start early on Sunday morning.

The plan is to go on one safari on Sunday/Monday; then by flight to Mombasa to visit a seaside resort Tues/Wed; and then to go to the Masa Mara National Park for another safari on Thurs/Fri (I think). Then on the weekend, we are going into the countryside to stay with the parents of one of the MBA girls who has organised the trip. Friday night, I believe we are having dinner with the Kenyan Foreign Minister for Trade; and late Sunday night, before flying out to return to the USA, we are going to the famous Carnivores restaurant in Nairobi for dinner.

Looking forward to the experience – and can’t wait to share when I get back.

Light at the end of the tunnel - 24 Feb 2010

For the first time in many months, I can see a light shining brightly. Currently studying in Chicago, in winter, with snow falling on a weekly basis, I knew it couldn’t be the sun attempting to shine through… so I wondered, what is it?

After a week of puzzled thoughts and rollercoaster emotions, I have realised it is in fact the reminder that my MBA studies will be complete in just over three weeks time! Of course, my counterparts back at the AGSM will still have a few weeks to go, as they don’t finish till early April, but mine will be done.

The journey has been hard: Friends and classmates adjusting to new expectations, non-negotiable time commitments, approaches to using our brains in ways we couldn’t have even imagined a year ago, and more.

The best thing has been the friendships. I remember a year ago, undertaking an exercise with my session one team, discussing what was more important: Performance, People or Learning. Although I have learnt a lot from an academic standpoint, the learnings I have gained through interactions with people have been most deep and life-changing. Even being in Chicago has added to this perspective.

Kellogg mind you, is no different to any other business school in the world. Yes it has a very reputable brand (and internationally-renowned professors), but essentially this is what you’re paying for. There’s more classes to choose from but the classmates are just as ‘similar’ to me; if anything, AGSM has a broader mix and the culture is 10 times better!

Hoping to make the most of my last few weeks in Chicago/ Evanston, with trips planned to Madison, Wisconsin, and the Amish town of Shipshewana, Indiana. I will also be heading with a friend to New Orleans this weekend, which should be fun.

Gotta run – I see the light!

Ps. If you ever want to visit my photos, they are available to view online at picasaweb.google.com/michelle29jacobs

Birthday dreaming...

Who’d have thought I’d end up on the Oprah Winfrey Show for my 31st birthday! Not exactly a dream of mine, but the whole morning felt so surreal that I could have very easily been dreaming. Only difference is there is proof – eg. photos/video.

Spending my birthday in New York (as well as Chicago earlier in the day) has been very interesting. It’s my favourite city of the USA but it just doesn’t have the same vibe in winter that I’ve loved about it at other times of year. Maybe it’s because it’s freezing cold, or I’m travelling here on my own, wishing my better half was here with me :-) or simply because I’ve moved on from thinking other places in the world are better than Sydney…

But I’ve now woken up. The things that used to be important to me over the last few years seem to have changed. No longer is it about the bigger the better. If anything I prefer the subtler or smaller the better.

I’m happily dating a guy that I’ve known the last year and he is a true treasure. My friends and family have always been important to me, so too my values, religion, interests and hometown… but each year I get older I think I realise how much being a better person to myself and those around me is just as important.

I’ve had many relationships growing up; and being in one really makes you learn about yourself, the world, and how to give more than take. My beau tests me in all ways imaginable and I have learnt so much from him for which I am grateful.

It’s important to dream but also to be real; and he has certainly reminded me of this. As much as it was fun being a star for a morning, and having 15 seconds of fame on the Oprah Show, that is not me. My Bear produces creative works that deserve the limelight and publicity and I enjoy supporting him in his ventures. My time at Harpo Studios reminded me of this. I enjoyed my TV days – but they are now gone, and I have happily (and definitely) moved onto the next chapter of my life.

I look forward to utilising the skills and experience I’ve picked up over the years to help those around me; and that future birthdays are as good as any dream can be.

I’m making the most of being in the USA, and at the same time realising how wonderful things are back at home. I miss you JB; and my beautiful friends GA & DT who are having their wedding later this week; and of course my other family and friends. It’s when you’re not surrounded by everything that you have time to think, wake up and realise how amazing things really are.

Thank you everyone for making my first 31 years of my life an inspirational journey. Here’s to dreams, reality and anything else that inspires us!

To view the 90-second clip of me on the Oprah Winfrey Show, from 29 January 2010, kindly put together by Eric Blackwell, visit:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=0&release=103233203

Chicago in Winter

I have now been in the USA for just over three weeks so I have no excuses for being jet lagged - "weather lagged", maybe!

Being in North Carolina for the first 12 days, where it's warmer, was heaven! Not only did I get to meet my boyfriend's family and friends, but I got to adjust slowly to the colder temperatures that were coming my way. Further, I was able to go shopping and buy all the necessary jackets and boots that I was going to desperately need when I got to Chicago.

Kellogg School of Management is based north of Chicago in its own little town, so as much as I 'know' I'm in Chicago it really doesn't feel like it. I'm not surrounded by skyscrapers (unlike the downtown campus for Kellogg or even Booth), or lots of American accents, or even things that remind me I am in the USA. Maybe I am so used to visiting the States that it has all just become familiar to me. I feel at home.

My apartment at McManus is very nice, no complaints. It's in a large building (wide/long not tall) and has a number of study rooms, computer and printer areas, recreational lounge, gym (which I use a few times a week - stepper, treadmill mostly) and is about a 10 minute walk from Northwestern University and where my class are held, in none other than the "Jacobs Center" (no relation!).

Everyone in the first week and even when I meet them now asks why on earth I would come to Chicago in winter?! I simply say that it's my last term of my MBA studies and so it was the best time to come; and more so, that the weather isn't really that bad. Of course it's not as nice as when I've been to Chicago in summer, but having known this was going to be the case and thus prepared myself mentally for it, I think I'm doing pretty well so far. It's all about the layers!!!!!

I do hear that the weather can get worse in February time so I won't jump the gun just yet to say that the weather is fine, especially when it's below freezing (ie less than 0 C or 32 F), but it's bearable. Okay so I spend more time indoors and can't go running outside, and when I want to go somewhere I think about what else I need to do in that direction so I can make only one trip there, but it's all good.

People here are nice and despite the cold no one is really grumpy, surprisingly! I was expecting the attitudes to be more like London where everyone seems so unfriendly when it's cold - but that hasn't been my experience so far, thankfully.

Tuesdays are the big night here at Kellogg as no one has classes on Wednesday mornings. I have been out a bit here n' there. There's Bar Louie with $1 burgers on Tuesday nights, Pete Millers, Prairie Moon, Nevin's and the all-time favourite "The Keg" where everyone seems to gather post midnight, till late. Not sure if beer pong and flip cup are my thing but at least there's a dance floor to have a good boogie and the company is great, as I enjoy meeting new people.

Other than that, I have enjoyed my first real weekend in Chicago. I spent most of it downtown. I went sightseeing with some of the other AGSM people on Saturday, including walking the Magnificent Mile in the snow, going to the Art Institute of Chicago (which was great as always, especially their new Modern Art wing), taking the lift up to the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower) to see the Chicago skyline at night, and then we saw a Chicago Bulls NBA game at the United Center where they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves. Afterwards we headed uptown to the Green Mill to hear live jazz but unfortunately wasn't a fan of the band playing. It was too loud and had way too much drum kit and noise going on. Hopefully next time I will see something more traditional.

On the Friday night I also got to meet up with a friend from New York City who was in town visiting his girlfriend, so Hub 51 and Underground were our meeting places; and thanks to my sweet boyfriend Jonathan, he arranged for me to connect with an old high school friend of his from Lubbock, so she was kind enough for me to borrow her couch afterwards. We did also spend a good day together on Sunday with her friends up at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. Although there were no plants or lakes to be seen, we did have fun going 'snow shoeing' and I got to do my first 'snow angel' which was fun. (To see this video, visit my Facebook page or see the link provided below.)

So it's now Thursday and I'm about to start another chapter of reading; followed by two classes in the next 24 hours and then a trip out of town for the long weekend. The US is celebrating Martin Luther King Day on Monday...

For anyone that would like to come visit me in Chicago, bring a warm jacket and I look forward to seeing you. Otherwise if you're Down Under, keep enjoying the sunshine and get some colour for me too!

Much love xx