New years resolutions come and go. One month out of the year people try their best to keep their word; but eventually they just give up.

For the most part I don’t participate in the resolution game. However, resolving to do something implies an effort to make improvements to your lifestyle. This year I am making resolutions. Instead of setting one drastic goal, I have decided to set a few smaller goals.

• Write a new blog post at least once a week – I have the domain, why not use it properly. Plus, with this post, I only have 51 more to go.
• Learn to play a song on the guitar - I don’t want to be able to play anything, just something.
• Volunteer more of my time – Often times people ask for my help, but I find that I am too busy. I want to make a bigger impact in peoples lives.
• Be a better man - I’m sick of seeing weak men with no respect for anyone or anything. I want to be a better man

These may not seem like the most extravagant goals, but I find them important. If I find that I have accomplished them before the years end I will add to it.

For now — Happy New Year!

Champions don't talk, they preform! ~ -Elementary School Sign

For the past month Glenwood Elementary School has had this quote on their sign. Its a very true statement that a lot more people should listen to.

Ignore the weird screenshot that was chosen for the YouTube…

This video is both funny and creepy at the same time. Google does really know everything about me (I use all the services hinted at in the clip).

I enjoy listening to this band and was pleasantly surprised to see they also have some creative music videos. Check it out

Yesterday after work I was at a local elementary school hanging a banner advertising an upcoming event the Credit Union is helping with.

A man approached us and gave an elaborate story describing how his daughter just gave birth, he was from Girard ( a suburb 30 mins away from where we were), and he ran out of gas. He was looking for people to give him a few bucks so he could fill his diesel truck.

My immediate reaction was that he was lying, but then I wondered what if he wasn’t? I am probably one of the most skeptical people I know but for some reason I decieded to give him a couple bucks.

There is always the possibility those three dollars went to a local happy hour special, or to buy a pack of cigarettes… but what if they didn’t? If he really was telling the truth then I’m sure he will remember the time complete strangers gave him some money so his wife could meet their granddaughter for the first time. Maybe he will remember those three dollars when someone he meets is in need.

Sure its a long shot, and I’m probably crazy… but its worth a try.

I saw this video on twitter and thought it was pretty interesting and good for anyone!

If I had to condense my PCUA Youth Ambassador Experience into one word, it would be ‘Incredible’. I placed as 2nd alternate (out of 12 participants), but more importantly, it was a great learning experience for myself and fellow contestants.

Our time at the convention was not only filled with the Youth Ambassador contest, and educational sessions; but also the opportunity to socialize with Credit Union executives from all over the state. My favorite thing to ask these professionals was how they got to where they were at and see what advice they could offer me.

I heard things like… ”If you want to be a manager, start thinking like management. If you don’t agree with something, don’t just disagree with it, figure out how that outcome was agreed upon. If you think you can do it better, present the options, be prepared to be shot down… but your time will come. Be Patient!”

Another executive told me how they had been with their Credit Union as an intern, started their marketing department, and then became the CEO. According to them the key was “Going above and beyond what people expect of you, getting involved with committees, and making things happen”. It was a process that took 15 years, but they are now I see how they are one of the most respected CEO’s in the state (and have been in that position for 10 years).

Not only did I meet a lot of great executives and leaders in the credit union movement, but I got to know many of the Youth Ambassador contestants. It was great to see people my own age who are also passionate about the movement! While we certainly had fun together, we were also able to learn a lot from each-other.

I look forward to attending many events and conferences such as this in the future!

For my latest project with the Credit Union I’m working on a financial literacy website designed to give high-school and college age students information about the Credit Union, in terms the average person can understand.

The project is called InSight Financial Education and can be found at www.erieinsight.com

While I can’t give away all the secrets just yet, below is a video introduction that we made. Visit the website for more information and to keep updated!

For the project we were assigned the task to “develop a non-fiction video production, which will demonstrate their understanding of the various aspects of the craft. Each student will be responsible for the entirety of the production and its end result, including the lighting, audio, camerawork and editing.”

I chose to work with something that I had invested a lot of personal time in, the InProve Charitable Giving program. I interviewed a few people I work with at the Credit Union, and got their opinions of how the project was going, and why they wanted to be a part of it.

For the audio I used an external Mic that I synchronized with the video inside Adobe Premiere. There is more I would like to add to this project, unfortunately the people I would also like to interview are busy with their yearly audit.