Breukelen?

I just reactivated my blog, mostly due to the fact that GoDaddy kept emailing me about renewing my domain, (you are probably reading this at harryberendsen.com), and I figured since my “gratis” web space on the U of O servers is expiring soon, I might as well transfer back to WordPress and blog once in while. Enough about that, big things have happened.

First, I graduated from the University of Oregon with a BA in Business Administration. I leave Eugene with 4 years of memories. Some good, some bad, many unforgettable. It’s impossible to leave without those pangs of “home”sickness, that feeling that you still belong when in reality you do not. Eugene will hold a special place for me, as will Autzen. From Stadium Park to 680, from my first game with my father to my last time watching Oregon win the Rose Bowl, I will never forget my time there. The people resonate just as strongly. I’m not usual the most sentimental of people when it comes to friendships, (byproduct of moving around several times while I was growing up), but I genuinely miss the friends, teachers, and brothers that I left behind. I hope to see many of them in my near future, (read- come visit me in Holland).

Second, I have returned to the beautiful and crazy country that is Holland. My birthplace, the country of residence for my entire family, and my home for (at least) the next 12 months. I’m pursuing my MBA at Nyenrode University, the most respected business university in the Netherlands. Classes have not officially begun yet, (first group meeting tonight), but I have a small grasp on how this tiny community works. Two major degrees, MBA and MSc. Two very distinct populations. My class, a group of 39 individuals from 19 countries, (our largest ethnic group is Indian), from all over the world. Different backgrounds, different beliefs, different values, different communication styles, different dreams. One goal. 12 months from now, we hope to do what the 2012 IMBA class did just today, graduate from Nyenrode with a monstrously large diploma. It will absolutely be a grueling battle, but we’ll have plenty of Indian food along the way to keep us motivated. The tiny city of Breukelen, (for which Brooklyn is named, true story), will be our home for the next year. Let the journey begin.

There you are. Not the most relevant of posts, (to you, anyway), but I wanted/needed to let them out.

Groetjes,

Harry

Winter Term

It’s almost done. Easily the most difficult term I’ve experienced at the University of Oregon, both academically and personally. Life doesn’t stop though, and we’ll keep moving on. My classes have been thoroughly enjoyable. Business leadership is fantastic, but very exhausting class. Marketing was an eye-opener. Business statistics I can’t say I enjoyed, although I think I’m starting to piece together multiple regression. The final is in 9 days, so I better get it together soon. I’ve got a tough week coming up:

• Italian Exam
• Italian Oral Final
• Italian Final Project due
• The third of three Marketing midterms
• BA final

It’s going to be interesting. But like I said, the term is almost over. A few tough weeks, and then I’ll have a week to collect myself before we start all over with Spring term. And then it will be summer, hopefully interning somewhere, then back to my final year at UO. People have always told me, the older you get, the faster time flies by, and they are very correct. It feels like only yesterday I was a wide-eyed freshman, stepping onto the UO campus without any idea of what was going to happen. Over two and a half years later, I can say I’m having a good time, and learning a few things.

 

Cheers

Matt Court Opening

So I just got back from the opening game in Matt Court. I have to admit, it’s amazing. I wasn’t quite as star struck as my friends when I heard we were getting a new arena here at UO, but after walking around and witnessing a game… Wow. It’s absolutely unbelievable. Lit up from outside, it’s gorgeous. Stepping inside, the wall murals are nostalgically impressive. When you finally step into a seating section, it’s flat out crazy. The basketball court is awesome. The built-in Duck Stores are sexy. The entire building screams class, inside and out. It’s an arena nicer than most professional venues, and if this doesn’t bring some 5-star basketball recruits to the University of Oregon, nothing will. It’s an experience.

The opening ceremonies were no slouch either. Pyrotechnics, Puddles the duck dropping from the ceiling, break dancers, cheer leaders, the dance squad, the band… Unexpectedly fun. Uncle Phil gave the opening speech, and was in tears before the beginning of the game.

Tyrone Nared had a jaw-dropping put back dunk before the half time buzzer sounded… I’m going to post that as soon as I find it online. Until next time, Go Ducks!