Coffee. <– The lyrics to the song describe my love for it. It calms and fuels my soul for the upcoming obstacles of the day. The simple, black liquid fills my favorite pale blue mug each morning, warming my heart and my hands before a long day of work and classes. Relaxing my body with its rich smells and aroma, the coffee delights my taste buds with the mix of flavors and distinct taste of each bean. As I relax and sink into my warm cup of coffee, I also begin to awaken my mind to my surroundings with a heightened sense of reaction to everything.

I know what you’re thinking. This girl’s one of those “hipster” people who drink their coffee black, only goes to “hipster” coffee shops, wears Wayfarer-style glasses, hates mainstream music… but that’s really not me. I do find those “hipster” coffee shops really cool, but I don’t own those big framed glasses. Black coffee is a taste that I’ve acquired over time, possibly symbolizing my aging and loss of youth… but I’m still into the mainstream EDM and pop. I just really love black coffee and want to talk about it!

When I travel, I like to see my new surroundings through a simple cup of coffee. Coffee can tell you a lot about a place, and it helps you immerse yourself into the culture. I believe that you can see the world through a cup of coffee, and I want to show you a glimpse of the world I’ve seen through the many cups of coffee I’ve consumed. Coffee has shown me the world from places I will probably only visit once in my life, to places where coffee has helped me find home.

1) Daily Morning Coffee in Venice

It was four college kids traveling through the sanctuary on a lagoon, lost in the labyrinth of alleys and hungry by nature. We came upon a small cafe off to the side of a not so busy square where the sun was beginning to creep over the buildings, casting shadows everywhere. As our stomachs led us to the seats of the cafe, I ordered a cup of coffee to start off my morning. Sipping on the foam of the milk mixed in with the espresso, I observed the lost tourists, the busy locals, the sneaky street performers trying to grab the attention and wallets of the tourists, and all I saw was a beautiful city with contrasting lives that arbitrarily overlapped. I found myself getting “lost” each morning after that, stumbling across the same cafe to sip on my morning coffee and fall more in love with the city and its people. Damn, that coffee was good.

2) Cafe Con Leche Addiction in Barcelona

Through the blur of the best summer of my life, I will never forget the daily cafe con leches that I downed every morning right before classes in the school cafe. With my broken Spanish, I made friends with the cafe guys, who knew my coffee order as soon as I walked in. If it had been a long night of exploring the Barcelona night life, my dear friend Guillermo would put in an extra shot of espresso just based on the look on my face. It was a constant habit that got me addicted to the strong, rich taste of espresso with hot milk–the bane of my functioning existence that summer. As I fell more and more in love with Barcelona, it hurt to have leave the city that brought me so much joy, introduced me to lifelong friends, and provided mornings with genuinely good coffee. What I would do to go back one more time, walk into that cafe, look Guillermo straight in the eye, and get that perfect cup of cafe con leche to start off my day.

3) Hipster Paradise at Elixir Coffee Roasters in Philadelphia

Traveling through the city with Carolyn, I wanted to see Philly for the coffee it had to offer, so we used Yelp to find that perfect cup of coffee (just like your dental practice or auto body shop can be found if you have great ratings ;D). Walking in, I knew that it was my kind of place–exposed brick walls, dark wooden tables, a variety of coffee makers, and the rich aroma of dark coffee wafting through the air. It was hipster paradise with a multitude of men in black beanies, scruffy beards, wayfarer glasses, skinny jeans, and the hipster aurora radiating off their bodies. Ordering a black coffee from beans made in Kenya, I sipped on my strong and flavorful coffee, reflecting over the few moments in college that I’ll have to explore the world with my best friends. Watching the strange, urban crowd of Philadelphia sift through the coffee shop, I found myself leaving a part of my heart in the city.

4) My Favorite Orange Coffee Bar in Duluth, Georgia

Back near my hometown, I stumbled upon a little coffee shop with the tacky name Orange Coffee Bar. If you disregard the name, you’ll also be mesmerized by the richness of the coffee that is served. The menu had no typical Starbucks drinks listed, but an assortment of fancy coffee names that I totally knew had to look up on Google. Ordering the most unique things on the menu, I was ecstatic to see my affogato come out as a glass goblet filled with ice cream, paired with a shot of espresso to pour on top–only to create the most mind-boggling, delicious combination of coffee and ice cream that I had ever come across. The macaroons, imported from France, were some of the best I’d ever had, and the iced espresso Coke combination blew my mind. My taste-buds were pleasantly treated to an assortment of great flavors. Immediately became my favorite coffee shop by home. Did I mention that it’s Korean owned? So I’m surrounded by my people. Lol.

5) The Coffee that Flows like Water at Radius

If there’s one place I know will always have coffee flowing like water, it’s Radius. Since the first day I started working, I watched everyone walk into the small kitchen with their mugs, eager to get a few pumps of coffee to start the morning meeting. What I didn’t know was that Radius would make me an addict, so I write this blog with jittering hands and dilated pupils. The most heartbreaking moment is when I go to the coffee machine, the sign says “Full,” but the sign has lied because it’s empty. The sputtering sound of a coffee-dry machine hurts me more than is should… Other than that, I love grabbing one of the various mugs on the counter, filling it with the black liquid of life, and drinking it while working on my assignments. Best part is that I know I’m drinking it in the coolest office ever with the coolest people. My heart will forever will be with Radius… and the coffee that’s always there for me.

6) The Simplistic French Press Coffee in My Apartment

3 tablespoons of dark roast Arabian coffee + 2 tablespoons of Pumpkin Spice coffee = perfection. Whether I am waking up in the morning, staying up all night for school, or just trying to get my daily coffee in, I can always trust my handy french press to make my perfect cup of coffee. Fall is my favorite season, so the kick of pumpkin in my mug gets me going. Sitting in my apartment, I sit on the left side of the dining table, where I can see the city skyline at an angle from the window. Living on the 10th floor, I get a straight view of the pencil building, a constant reminder as my dad says “to remind you to study all the time,” and a look onto the traffic accidents on I-75. With the Christmas lights strung across the living room, a feeling of peace fills my body as I sip my coffee, enjoying my time as a college student. Tech may be hard, but relaxing to your favorite cup of joe reminds you to reflect on the good things in life.

Coffee is everywhere you go. Take time to step back from the world, get yourself a cup of coffee, and see where it takes you. It helps you relax and reflect on the good parts of life that you usually overlook. For me, I remember cities and places based on that one cup of coffee I had there. It’s like a place-marker on places and times in life that I hold dear to my heart. Coffee is my way of seeing life.

So here’s to exploring and conquering the world–one coffee cup at a time.

Sincerely,

Online Marketing Intern

As I have grown older, I have developed a fond interest in traveling. As cliché as it sounds, traveling changed my life. I studied abroad in Istanbul and Budapest, worked in Montenegro, have family in Germany and have been on multiple road trips in the great United States of America. Words cannot describe the memories and experiences I have made while traveling around the World. Though I have visited many places, I have barely scratched the surface of this planet called Earth. Here is a list of 10 cities I recommend visiting (and hope to visit) in the near future:

10) Seoul, South Korea

With a population of 10 million people, Seoul is the capital city and largest metro area of South Korea. Seoul is known for its technologically advanced infrastructure, boasting economy (4th largest in the World), KPOP music industry and Gangnam district. Don’t be shocked when you see how well dressed everyone is, because this is one of the most fashion-driven cities in the World. Seoul is a large city with a futuristic feel that is definitely worth exploring.

9) Dubai, United Arab Emirates

One of the fastest growing cities of all times, Dubai is a city of contrasts. People from around the World visit  this area of desert, ocean and sprawling city to experience how a real modern city feels. Dubai offers a lot for any traveler, including: skydiving, sailing, visiting the World’s largest mall, clubbing, renting a room in the World’s only 6-star hotel and much more. Just make sure to save your money: Dubai is in the top 10 most expensive cities for vacations.

8) Singapore

Another Asian country made my top 10 list! At #8, Singapore hits the list for its luxurious pools, classy experiences and surrounding scenery. This is definitely an island I would enjoy visiting for work or a romantic date.

7) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

One of the most beautiful cities in the World, Rio de Janeiro takes the 7th spot on my top 10 list. Rio is famous for it’s carnivals, especially  Cordão do Bola Preta which holds around 2.5 million people every year! Rio is also known for Copacabana Beach, Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Tijuca Forest and holding the 2014 World Cup. Prepare to get a few months of hard gym training in before heading to Rio – the people here have placed #1 in attractiveness for the past 5 years!

6) Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is known for its vast variety of “fairy chimneys”, which are tall, thin rods of rock. Cappadocia is ranked 2nd in the World for these “fairy chimney” natural wonders and 1st for the best place to ride hot-air balloons. Hey, who wouldn’t want to ride a hot-air balloon?

5) Gold Coast, Australia

Often called “Surfer’s Paradise” for its perfect waves, Gold Coast is a great place for any beach lover! Gold Coast boasts numerous activities such as water sports, tanning, fishing and snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef. As if the beaches weren’t already enough reason to go to Australia, the people here are amazing as well. Australians are fun-living, healthy people with a very optimistic outlook on life. Definitely worth a vacation!

4) Patagonia, Argentina

Widely known from the popular clothing brand, Patagonia is near the bottom coast of South America. Originally a secret spot for backpackers, the region has become a very popular place to stop for cruisers visiting Antarctica.  The region has a wide variety of grasslands, rivers, plains and of course, mountains. Patagonia is also one of the last regions to see wild horses in their natural habitat. Definitely the perfect spot for anybody interested in rock climbing and hiking!

3) Hunan, China

Hunan, China offers a lot of opportunities for any traveler wanting to experience the ancient culture of China. Hunan contains the Wulingyuan region, which consists of sharp, tall spears of rock formations unlike any others in the World. Hunan also has large cities, ancient temples, mountains and forests, making it a perfect place for all adventure-driven enthusiasts.

2) Munich, Germany

If you are a snowboarder or enjoy snow-skiing, make sure to head to Munich, Germany! Munich is the 3rd best place in the World for skiing and also one of the funnest cities to live. Munich offers a lot of old German culture and architecture, as well as a boasting economy and relatively young population. If you aren’t planning to ski the Bavarian Alps, make sure to check out Frauenkirche, Hofbräuhaus or the famous Oktoberfest. The region is also great for foodies that would enjoy tasting cuisines such as Weißwurst (white sausage), Weissbier and Apfelstrudel. Sports, cuisine, parties and all-around fun in this historic city!

1) London, England

The capital city of England, a city of opportunity, a city that never stops….it’s London! London took my #1 spot because 9/10 people say they would love to visit (and I am one of them). Fashion, business, technology, innovation, arts and sports are all huge in London, England. The city also has a very diverse, young culture due to its 43 international and regional Universities such as Oxford University. Some cool spots to visit in London include: the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Piccadilly Circus, and Hyde Park. Cricket, football (the international kind) and rugby are all huge sports in London, so try to be somewhat knowledgeable when visiting!

Sincerely,

Online Marketing Intern

The Interview (Not the Seth Rogen and James Franco Movie)

I remember my first time as a online marketing intern at RadiusOnline like it was yesterday. I came in all set and ready for my interview, only to find out that I had come in a week earlier than scheduled. My clumsy brain had messed up… again. When I came in on the actual day, I got a look at the office and fell in love. With the exposed pipes on the ceiling and the open, door-free office space, I knew that Radius was different. At that time, I was undecided on my concentration because I had recently dropped finance due to its dry nature, so I was nervous to talk about what I was interested in doing. Explaining that I wanted to try out new things in order to find out what I really love, I was at ease when they told me that the internship program would allow me to work on many different things. I’m the type of person that loves changing up my day-to-day schedule and taking on new challenges, so I found that this internship was the perfect opportunity to learn and try out projects that I never would’ve tried otherwise. As I was leaving, I heard 2 Chainz playing on the speakers and fell a little harder for Radius.

The Initial Impression

My first week starting off, I met the other interns as well as the rest of the team. The environment was friendly, my favorite EDM music was playing on the speakers, coffee flowed like water, everyone was working hard but also taking the time to socialize, and I took it all in, knowing that I had found a company whose culture and values fit mine. I’m the type of person who takes a while to relax and act like my normal self in a new environment, but it happened in no time at Radius. It was probably my About Me presentation that set it off. Nowhere I had worked before cared about letting the office know about who I was and my interests, so I decided to let everyone know the “unique” side of me off the bat. After the generic passions and general info slides, I showed a bit of my personality and humor with my “weird” talents slide. So I went ahead and barked, licked my elbow, cried like a new-born baby, etc. until I had the room cracking up. Weirdly enough, I had stumbled upon a great group of diverse and accepting people that found it entertaining, and I knew that I had found a place that fit me.

The Work and Skills

I was given a project of working on eDentalImage, helping improve the SEO of the website by editing the blogs and changing words to make them more dental search engine friendly. There was a great feeling of accomplishment when I was asked to publish them all onto the website, and I knew that I had taken part in helping develop the company website. I’m currently working on writing new blogs for CarCareConnect, and the more I research on how to write effective blogs, the more I learn about optimizing the website in different ways. I was able to apply things I had learned in my IT class and actually put it to use. Working with digital marketing, I have learned so much about utilizing social media and the importance of an efficient company website. These have just been the initial projects, but I can’t wait to take on other projects that teach me new skills and push the borders of my learning.

The Company Culture

As I am learning new things and taking on different projects, I can’t help but be excited everyday that I’m here. Every Friday, we have catered lunch from a variety of amazing Atlanta restaurants that I never knew existed. Food is a passion of mine, and they take food very seriously here–a great thing in my opinion. Everyone works hard, seen in the increasing numbers we hear about at each meeting, but we also know how to play hard. I’ve learned the importance of creating a company culture that fosters the growth of the relationship of the team, and I fall more and more in love with Radius each day because of it. Also, I’m taking an organizational behavior class, and everything that I’ve learned in that class about a great company environment has been defined by what Radius does. There’s always company social events, including an upcoming Karaoke night at the office, and I can’t wait to get to know the people even more. I feel more and more at home as time goes on.

From Here On

I’m excited to keep on working and developing all sorts of skills with RadiusOnline. I love the people that I work with, learning new things that I never thought I’d be interested in, trying new foods, drinking coffee on the daily like a boss, and growing with a company that is doing great things. Here’s to a great semester!

My first few weeks here as an online marketing intern RadiusOnline have been incredible! I have learned a lot about the business and the people I am surrounded by. Here is a list of some of my experience here at RadiusOnline:

Atmosphere:
The atmosphere at RadiusOnline is a lot different than what I am familiar with from previous internship atmospheres. Unlike most corporate offices, it is very laid back and comfortable here in the office. Big chairs, a kitchen, a putting green, and lots of space to move around. Staying in one spot can be very hard at times, so I really enjoy that I can move freely through the office to work. I also enjoy that the office is fun. One day the team even brought in their dogs for us to hang out with! Was pretty shocked to learn that I can accomplish work while also feeling extremely comfortable. Another thing I enjoy are all the inspirational quotes. The whole team receives an inspirational quote everyday to start the day with a fresh, new start. It’s a great atmosphere.

Coworkers:
My coworkers are awesome! All very bright, humorous people. We have lunch together every Friday* and we always have great conversations. I felt welcome the first day I started working, because everyone is very easy to get along with. Not going to lie, it took a really long time for me to actually learn everyone’s names, but it became easier after speaking to everyone individually. I did an “About Me” so everyone could learn more about myself, and it broke the ice fairly quickly. I am definitely looking forward to hanging out more in the future – especially Karaoke night.

*Food is a hot topic here at RadiusOnline

Skills:
My favorite part of the internship is all the knowledge I am gaining for a future career. Before RadiusOnline, I was unfamiliar with the world of Digital Marketing and Search Engine Optimization. Through team meetings and training I have broadened my horizon about how Digital Marketing and SEO work. I have also learned a lot about the bridge between Marketing and Sales. Marketing and Sales go hand-in-hand, and it is awesome to learn first-hand how each action can affect the other. The other skills I have gained include: creating blogs, organizing a billing system, working in a team and growing/managing social media. Although I have learned a lot, one of the most important things I have learned at RadiusOnline is time management. Managing my time interning, going to school, working and exercising has been a challenge that I have learned to overcome. Over the past few weeks, I have experienced first hand how time management and teamwork can grow a company. I am excited to see what else I will learn in the future!

Other:
In addition to all the skills I have gained from RadiusOnline, I have also learned a lot about the surrounding World. Everyone in the office is very involved in the surrounding community and global issues. We often engage in discussions about development projects in Atlanta, sports, music, food and global epidemics. There was a day that I spent a whole lunch break with some coworkers discussing organic farming, travel and cultural differences. It is a great feeling to come into an office where people are so involved and complex.