Just got back from St. Louis, and it was great!! Besides finally meeting my West coast classmates from USC, I had the unique chance to connect with hundreds of alumni, professionals, recruiters, colleagues, and supporters of the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management (www.cgsm.org) at their 40th Orientation Program (OP) for fellowship recipients.

Not only did the USC Consortium Class of 2008 (aka The Best from the West) finally unite for the first time this weekend, but in many ways, I feel we stood out amongst our peers, and I’m blessed to be part of this winning team.

For all who guided, coached, and prepared us for success (Kellee, Mike, Stephanie, & Chris), I can’t thank you enough.

And to my fellow Trojans…Fight on!!

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Click here for pics from OP:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/curtisjewell/sets/72157594159488745/

Whew!! Just got back last night from a two week vacation / business trip to Rio de Janeiro & Salvador, Brazil…and for me, it was an equally relaxing & challenging adventure.

This marked the first time I have every travelled abroad with another person — let alone 4 others (my sister - pictured - and 3 of her friends) who didn’t speak the language.

Between showing them the sites, bargaining for apartment deals, meeting with business contacts, bringing closure to a long-distance relationship, and just enjoying the sun, it was definitely a challenge, but one I would do again in a heartbeat.

So much to see, do, and experience in such a short time, but somehow, we managed.

For more pics, click here:

Brazil Pics - Part 1 (Rio de Janeiro)

Brazil Pics - Part 2 (Salvador da Bahia & Rio)

Hey all – I know it’s been a while since most of you have heard from me in the “outside world” (i.e. not in Cyberspace), and although I wish I had maintained contact a little better, I can definitely say that my months of self-imposed isolation have paid off – tremendously )

As some of you know, I left Accenture just over a year ago and immediately started working independently & applying to Business School. It hasn’t been easy making time for clients, GMAT exams, fellowship applications, and keeping in touch, but last month, I got the best news an aspiring student can hope for…

I just earned a full-tuition fellowship for the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles !!!!

I’m as happy to share this news as I was to hear it. With that, it looks like my days are numbered in the Big Apple as the fall semester approaches, so I’m on a self-appointed mission to re-connect with any and everybody in the months to come.

Also, since I’m not that familiar with L.A., I’d appreciate any advice, contacts, or free apartments you can throw my way (especially that last one). Seriously, since I have to find a new apartment, move my things, and buy a car before the end of July, I could also use a few extra pennies.

It turns out that New York is a hard place to save money (who knew?), so one thing you can do to help that is *completely free* is to CLICK ANY OF THE ADS YOU SEE ON THIS PAGE - ONCE A DAY, EVERY DAY That simple gesture will ensure that I get one step closer to making this huge transition a reality. In exchange, I’ll be sure to fill this blog with updates and interesting content on a regular basis.

Also, if you find it in the kindness of your heart to drop a dollar in the “collection plate,” just click the “Make a Donation” link above. Finally, I’m always eager to work for a living (even though I’m still committed other clients part-time), so if you know any freelance / short term technology gigs on the East Coast (ideally in a Media, Entertainment, or Financial firm), please let me know (or download my resume from the “About” section and pass it along).

Above all, though, I look forward to re-entering the “world of the living,” training Capoeira again, traveling, writing, and — most importantly — keeping in touch.

Hotep, Axé, & Peace

- Curtis