Life as a CSer by Kyle, Spring 2008

The End of an Era

2008-05-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

Our last week of CS has come and gone. Good times with great friends… its hard to believe our time is over. I met, and got to know some amazing people, and I can’t say enough about my internship.

Our goodbye part was hosted at The Parthenon in Greektown. OPA!

At dinner we talked about our future plans after graduation and beyond. It was a difficult night for me – although I loved working at WV, there didn’t appear to be position for me after graduation. Where to next? Back to Detroit, or Grand Rapids… or Peace Corps for two years?

Then, during the middle of dinner, my phone rang. It was my boss…

“Hey Kyle… its Michael. What are you up to?”
“Umm… I’m at the Chicago Semester Banquet. What’s up”
“If I told you there was a position for the Summer would you want to work with us?”
“!!!!!!”

I could hardly talk. I’m sure he knew the answer.

SO for the next four months, I will be employed by World Vision, and continue with the work I started. After that, who knows? God is good, and has been good, and I’m excited to see what’s next.

…BUT I’m not settling straight into the 8:30-5 thing yet. First, a week off for graduation and to visit friends at Calvin, and do some camping. Then off to meet my little sister, whom I haven’t seen since January, in Europe! We’re planning on backpacking Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Best graduation gift – ever. Thank you Mom and Dad.

My advice?

DO…

Find a church home. Park, Willow Creek Chicago, LaSalle Street Church and River City (in Humboldt Park) are all wonderful places to get connected and refreshed. Your Chicago Semester profs have their favorites too, and they’ll be happy to give recommendations.

Go to concerts (Schubas, House of Blues), baseball games (Cubs… but only them), neighborhoods (Pilsen, Chinatown, Uptown), museums, events and shows. There’s always something to do in Chicago. Many times its free.

Attend the Chicago Semester Arts Events. Even if you think the play named “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” sounds lame, it's not. It was sweet. And the orchestra? Free wine reception afterwards. Bonus!

Volunteer. Like most major cities, Chicago has great income disparity. Just blocks from the Magnificent Mile is Cabrini Green, the most infamous housing project. The after school programs in the area love to have helpers. I worked with the Alliance for Community Peace at 509 W Elm. There are shelters and organizations (like WorldVision!) that would love your help.

Carry a book with you for CTA rides and the inevitable breakdowns.

Submit pictures for the end of the year slideshow!

DON’T…

Fall asleep on the Metra in the morning. You might wake up four stops past the one you were supposed to get picked up at (Wheaton), be late for work by an hour (Sorry), and get made fun of by your co-workers (Amy). Whups.

Get onto the El without double checking that it’s not express, or going to 54th and Cermack instead of Forrest Park. Whups, and whups again. Yes, there are two stops named Cicero (and Damen, and Ashland, and Western, and Chicago, and Grand…!) No, they’re not the same stop. Yes, you’ll be late for work… again.

Do laundry on Sunday night. You’re not going to get a dryer.

Steal Steve’s juice or Nate’s cheese singles.

So that’s it! Thanks to all the people who run this semester and keep things smooth. We had an amazing experience. Judi, cin, Annie, and Mr. Dave Frenchak, thanks for the conversations, encouragement, advice and wisdom.

Graduates, congratulations! CSers, Thanks for the memories! Friends, keep in touch!!

Barleycorn’s anyone?

Chicago Semester, meet California.

2008-04-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Last week I had an opportunity that no intern could ever dream of or pass up: I went to California (all expenses paid) for a week! Ryan Hall, the Olympic marathoner I wrote about earlier this semester, agreed to be in a series of commercials for Team World Vision. Between training, traveling and his endorsement commitments his schedule is extremely busy, but he just finished the London marathon two weeks ago and had some recovery time open. Because I’ve had a fair amount of experience with video production and photography, it was cheaper to fly me out for the shoot than to hire someone in California. So last Monday I flew from O’Hare to San Diego, met up with my boss and good friend, Michael, and went over to the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista.

For the record, Ryan and Sara Hall must be the kindest, most humble athletes on this earth. They are so excited to partner with Team World Vision, and use their fame to fight global poverty by raising awareness and funds for children and communities in Africa. Ryan and Sara showed us around the Olympic training center, took us out to the “best Mexican food in Chula Vista,” prayed, laughed a lot and dreamed ideas for Team World Vision.

They were so down to earth that I forgot to get an autograph.

Our commercials will take a week or two before they’re fully edited, but here’s a little example of what I get to do at work.

In Cali I had the chance to catch up with Kelly, who took me out the “best Mexican in San Diego”…different than Chula. Kelly is a friend from Calvin, and my soon to be sister’s-sister! (My brother, Derek, is engaged to her sister.) There’s a lot of reasons why Kelly is awesome - just one of them is that she decided to sponsor a Child through Team World Vision. It’s the first big step towards my goal of raising $2,000 for children in Africa. (www.firstgiving.org/kylevermeulen)

Speaking of Derek – Happy Birthday today! As a surprise, I bought Cubs tickets for the game tomorrow for him, a few of his friends and me. He thinks we’re going out to dinner. He will be surprised. I can write this now because he doesn’t read my blog. (haha!)

When I returned to the office today I was taken aback to see my e-mail inbox full of reminders that “Student Evaluations are due TODAY” Could it be? Chicago Semester is ending so soon? I cannot believe that this semester flew by so fast. What a fun, fast, insightful semester it was been. Graduation seems a little less intimidating after spending a semester in the “real world”, but It’s hard not to stress about the job hunt. For now, I’m trying to relax and enjoy the next two weeks, the last of my undergrad experience.

Anyone want to go to Pilsen for “the Best Mexican food in Chicago”?

Good music, good games, good times

2008-04-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

It’s been a while. Outside of work and class, here’s what I’ve been up to!

April 4th : Tristan Prettyman at the House of Blues.

Prettyman is a singer, songwriter and guitarist … sort of Colbie Caillat and Jack Johnson-esq. She used to date Jason Mraz. That must have ended badly, because when we shouted out a request to play Shy That Way, a song she co-wrote with him, Prettyman took a step back from the microphone, looked straight at us and said sadly “No, We don’t play that song anymore.” Whoops! Sorry TP.

Despite us bringing up Tristan’s ex, the show was wonderful. The House of Blues backporch is a real small venue – we were about 10 feet from the stage.
April 9th : Jason Mraz and the Metro.

No, we didn’t ask him to play a song with Prettyman. :)
Mraz is SO good in concert. Justin, Jennie and I were lucky to get tickets – this one sold out in a few hours. Justin and Jennie are surprisingly talented at weaseling their way up to the front, I recommend going to shows with them! Mraz played his new stuff, old stuff, and everything in between. I’ve seen Mraz in Grand Rapids, Detroit and Manchester, UK so it was a fun trip down memory lane.
Mraz concerts are very sing along friendly. I found a clip on youtube… I can’t take credit for this video (or the singing of the person by the camera!).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anB6kvG2jWc&feature=related

April 10th : Detroit Tigers versus the White Sox at US Cellular Field.

Last weekend was our final (hopefully!) taste of winter in Chicago. At the Tigers game we endured rain, sleet, bad quesadillas and rude fans…but we won!

The good news? Tigers win! The bad? It was only our second win in nine games. Ouch.

April 14th : Chicago Cubbies versus Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley.

Derek (my brother) called me just before the game an extra ticket… I borrowed some of his cubs gear and met up with him and a few of his co-workers.
Three stock traders and one non-profit intern always makes for good conversations, and that night was no exception. I understand the concept behind what my brother does (SP500 futures in the Chicago Mercantile Exchange) but when they start using their trader language it gets a little difficult to keep up.
“I was holding onto the futures because the puts and calls.. it’s easier to hedge deltas than.. vega trading.. and neutral deltas… and then buy the options you know!?”
yeah… OBVIOUSLY!

Let’s be honest... I had no idea what “we” were talking about. Next time I talk about World Vision, I’m going to use only industry language.

“Yeah, we’re a 501c3 NGO … we’re looking at ADP’s that are included in WAWI… MED will follow after the wells go in.”

haha. I had a great time with the guys from Andre, and look forward to the next time they want buy me tickets. :)

Next week is going to be great – I’ll fill you in soon.

Uptown Guy

2008-03-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my practicum group took the morning off from our jobs and explored the Chicago neighborhood Uptown for our end of the semester project. Uptown is a diverse neighborhood and home to some awesome community organizations. There you’ll find Jesus People USA, a Christian Commune in which all its members live in the same apartment complex and share their finances, the American Indian Center a place where natives can go to reconnect to their roots and enjoy pow-wows and meals together and Café Too a restaurant that trains and employs people who have battled homelessness, poverty and addictions (http://www.cafetoo.org/). I especially recommend the café – amazing food, great atmosphere and a wonderful program. “Change the world, one meal at a time” … Delicious!
Our group dined at Demera yesterday, an Ethiopian restaurant just 200 feet west of the Lawrence stop. They have a buffet from noon to four, Monday thru Friday. I loved it! For those who have never tried Ethiopian cuisine its mostly different stew-type dishes of lentils and veggies served on top of injera, a fermented sourdough bread that you scoop up the “mush” with (only use your right hand!) It was one of my favorite meals in Chicago so far, but not everyone shared the same enthusiasm. Rachel liked the flavor but not the texture, and Allison, according to her facebook status, “does not like ethopian food.” haha! Either way, we had a good time. (http://www.demeraethiopianrestaurant.com/)

Like the red line going north, Spring is moving very slowly in Chicago. A month ago it was warm enough to run along the lakeshore. Yesterday we had snow.

I can’t believe it’s almost April. I have a feeling its going to be a very good month: Tristan Prettyman concert on the 4th, Jason Mraz on the 9th, Tigers against the Sox at Cellular Field on the 19th and few Cubbies games in there. AND I just got word from work that I might be flying out to Cali for a few days to help shoot a commercial with Ryan and Sara Hall! So that would be incredible.

one more thing… HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY LAUREN!

Green Rivers and Grand Rapids

2008-03-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday my roommates had some high school buddies in town – we joined up with our Chicago Semester friends Phil, Lauren, Jennie, Rachel, and Jessica, and headed down to watch the famous Chicago-river-turning-green spectacle. My roommates and many of my friends down here are from Illinois. They assured me this was something worth seeing.

Me: “I’ve never seen the Chicago River dyed green on Saint Pattie's day!”
Illinois People: “Oh – it’s awesome! You have to!”

We heard that the dying was supposed to happen at 10:30. I was in charge of breakfast for our group of ten before the dramatic greening of the river. I cooked eggs, pancakes, and veggie–soy-sausage… people ate the eggs and pancakes. :)

We made it to the river at 10:35, five minutes behind schedule, worried that we had missed the whole things. Thousands of people were gathered to witness this epic annual event – on top of bridges, in the road and along the sides of the river. There were bagpipers, men in skirts and green everywhere. It was a chilly day – I instantly regretted going without a hat and gloves. But we made it in time! And that’s what’s important.

So here’s what I’m expecting. After five minutes of waiting, horns and cheering and fanfare erupt as the river suddenly lurches forward in true tidal wave fashion. Green water splashes through the canal like a summer water slide and instantly the Chicago rivers glows bright green! It would be sudden, shocking and glorious!

Here’s what happened. After 20 minutes of craning my neck to see the river, clearly nothing had changed. After what felt like an hour of waiting, I began to wonder if the dark greenish tint in the river was the dye, and we had missed the whole un-impressive thing. Finally we spotted a bright green patch way up the river. It was not moving. We left our prized position on the State and Randolph bridge and walked towards the green. It was not moving. We got to the beginning of the bright green ink stain in the water, and it was still wasn’t moving. I stared at the water and realized it was moving… about 5 inches an hour.

Perhaps a college-educated person such as myself should have easily reasoned that dying a slow moving river like Chicago would be a long and less-than-dramatic process. Clearly, I did not. But by the mid-afternoon the river was an impressive sight to see! The process was less dramatic than I expected, but unquestionably “worth seeing.” I recommend arriving late. :)

On Monday my co-worker Michael and I took a quick road trip up to Grand Rapids for some work stuff. I had a few minutes to stop at Calvin, my college and soon to be alma matter. It was a blast to see everyone and catch up, but did remind me that I’m done with my formal classroom education at Calvin. Three and a half years went fast, and I miss being around friends in Grand Rapids…

… but I don’t miss mid-terms. Haha, enjoy studying guys!

26.2

2008-03-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

Long time, no update. Here’s what’s new.

First, I promised an update on work. I’m interning at the World Vision Central Region Headquarters building in Chicago, working with media, communication planning and Team World Vision. TWV is a national program that raises funding, awareness and hope for the world’s most vulnerable children. Last year, TWV raised more than a half million dollars from 500 runners. This year, we’re looking to raise close to a million dollars.

There’s a lot of excitement in the office this week - Olympic gold hopeful Ryan Hall and his wife Sara joined the team! Ryan is the only American to ever run a half marathon in under an hour. Ryan and his wife are absolutely amazing people who have used their fame to glorify God and bring attention to the plight of children and communities in need.

With all the positive energy flowing around our project I coundn't resist getting more involved. Partner with olympians, get in shape AND help children in africa? Who could resist?

so… I’m running the Chicago Marathon! haha. 26.2 MILES!!

You may be thinking “Kyle, have you ever run more than 8 miles at a time?”

No, I have never run more than 8 miles at a time.
No, I have never run a marathon.
No, I don’t have a clue what I’m getting in to… but I think its going to be a good time.

If you’re into running and want to help to children in Africa, or (in my case) you just want to help and you’re up for an adventure, join our team. It will make your the top ten list of the most-awesomest-things you’ve ever done.

Team World Vision provides free training, guided weekly runs, and a steady stream of communication to keep runners informed and excited. For more information check out the expertly designed media (wink, wink) at www.worldvision.org/teamhall or email me at kvermeul@worldvision.org.

A motivating and touching entry from fellow blogger Sara Hall about Team World Vision
http://www.thefinalsprint.com/2008/02/sara-hall-legacy-team-world-vision-elite-athlete-blog-entry-2/.

Week Two: The Place and the guys

2008-02-15T08:24:00.000-08:00

This is our place:

These are the guys:

“Nate-Dogg”

Nathan. A chess grand champion, Nathan is undefeated this semester with a record of 11-0 in inter-house contests. Nate attended Davenport Central in Iowa before attending Calvin for Business and Marketing. He is very protective of his groceries (especially American cheese singles.) Nate is interning at a small marketing firm in the loop.

“The Skeve”

Steven. Ten years from now Steven hopes to be pitching for the Cubs. “I know my break will come soon… I’m just waiting for the call.” Along with the Cubbies, Steve very much enjoys assorted juices, such as (but not limited to) grape juice, orange juice, iced tea and lemonade. He was a construction worker for Halloween. Steve also has an internship in advertising.

"House"

Justin’s favorite thing to eat is macaroni and cheese, and egg sandwiches with Nate’s American cheese singles. Justin’s claim to fame is that me met Lil’ Jon AND the east side boyz in an Illinois mall. He is an avid texter and a movie quoter extrodinaire. He’s working with a trading company in the Mercantile Exchange.

Me.

Kyle. I like vegetables, books, ethnic food and traveling. I am in the very (very) beginning stages of training for the Chicago Marathon. I love my internship at World Vision.

Next week: Chicago Culture and World Vision.

Week One: Our Adventure at La Bruqueña

2008-02-04T11:25:00.000-08:00

Week one is over… I can finally take a deep breath and relax. The semester started out fast – orientation, interviews, weighing my opportunities and then making an almost impossible decision between three amazing internships. I interviewed with three not-for-profit organizations that specialize in microfinance, holistic development and work to alleviate poverty. I was so impressed with each organization: they were different in their approaches and marketing strategy, yet they all are doing wonderful work to bring hope and opportunity to their clients. Two of the organizations were faith-based and predominately focused on international growth; one was a local lending institution. I am grateful for the time I spent in conversation with representatives from each company.

I took an afternoon to think, pray, nap and absorb my parents advice and I made a decision just moments after 5 PM on Friday. I will be interning at World Vision! My responsibilities involve press releases, print design and creative marketing. The semester will be changing and rewarding.

Last Tuesday (the night of the blizzard) a large group us went out to La Bruqueña, a “Puerto Rican Eatery” in Humboldt Park. Things started out great – delicious food, good conversation and wonderful service. The vegetarian menu was impressive; I had the garbanzos con arroz. Their signature dish is Mofongo con Carne Fritas (mashed plantains with fried pork) and is highly recommended by the staff. Make sure to try the fried plantains. An average meal is $8-$12, plan on more for seafood.

The real fun started after we left the restaurant… and promptly returned. In what comes as no surprise to people who know me, I forgot my bag (or purse as Joel the waiter called it, haha). Meghan and I walked a half mile in the white out blizzard before breaking down and anteing up for a taxi. We walked into La Bruqueña a half hour after we left, only this time we were frozen stiff. Joel made us drinks (on the house!) and we ended up talking with a few local guys for hours. We chatted about politics (they like Obama), Puetro Rico, Chicago, and social issues affecting the neighborhood today, weaving in and out of Spanish and English. A patron graciously drove us back to the hotel and we promised (and plan to!) return very soon.

La Bruqueña
2726 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622

From the Loop take the Blue Line North to Division.
Grab the CTA Bus #70 Westbound to Division and Washtenaw.

The Second City, The Windy City, The 312. Chi-Town: We’re on our way!

2008-01-24T07:06:00.000-08:00

Less than one week until Chicago Semester Spring 2008 kicks off. Tonight I start the process of packing up my earthly possessions and moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago. I’m excited about the move, apprehensive about the future and ecstatic to start this new chapter in my life.

My name is Kyle. I’m a senior at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I was born and raised in Plymouth, a suburb of Detroit just east of Ann Arbor. I am a Lions, Pistons, Red Wings and University of Michigan fan, and I can promise that this semester I will not root for any Chicago franchise sports teams, haha. (I’m still upset about the 1990-1991 basketball season. And Ben Wallace.) Except for the Cubbies, maybe. They’re so cute when they lose. :)

Aside from the Bulls and the Bears, I love Chicago. The buildings, the culture, the museums, the deep dish pizza (Pequod's), the beach, the pier… Chicago has so much to do. Since my brother Derek moved to Chicago two years ago, I have seen bits and pieces of what the city has to offer. I look forward to seeing the rest.

This weekend I’m moving with three other guys from Calvin into an apartment just south of the Chicago river. We have a great view of the city, we’re walking distance from the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park, and the L is just outside our lobby. It’s also six stories down from our living room window. Either way, we got a pretty good deal on the rent and we’re at the epicenter of it all inside the loop.

During the semester I will be working four days a week as an intern, and taking class on the day off. I’m a little nervous about my internship. I have a few interviews set up with but no clear choice at the moment.

As one of the official bloggers I’ll be updating regularly with stories and pictures from my experiences at work, class and around the city.

Can’t wait to meet everyone in the program!