Blogs

UPDATE:Unfortunately we had some technical difficulties and we were unable to get a live stream out. Sorry Everyone! But not to worry there is plenty of footage that will be up soon on the Conclave Gallery If you cant make it to the Conclave this year make sure to mark your calendars because I'm...

I don’t know if this has ever happened to you, but I have fallen in the trap of planning a really fun and affordable road trip —while using an online travel site to book an inexpensive hotel—only to show up at said hotel to see that the place is actually a dump and looks nothing like...

The day has come! Registration for the 2009 Student Conclave is officially open ! Make sure you register today (and get the early bird discount!). While you are at it, reserve a hotel room. Call your friends and plan your road trip to Charm City! Just a quick reminder: 2009 Student Conclave Baltimore...

I remember the day I graduated college with my bachelor’s degree, my godfather shook my hand and said sternly, “you know, one day you will have to get a real job .” I smiled, told him that of course I knew that, but secretly was so happy that on my desk at home was my letter of acceptance...

Exactly two years ago I purchased my Mini Cooper all by myself. Sure, it wasn’t my first car, but it was the first car that I bought as an adult. The process of car buying is equally exciting and nauseating. If you’re not careful, you could wind up spending hours online searching through...

I don’t know what the parking situation is at your university, but at Louisiana State University (my alma mater, Geaux Tigers, Beat Bama!—sorry I had to...) parking on campus is a nightmare. First off you pay an ungodly amount for a parking permit, then you learn that the permit only allows...

As fun as I have on road trips, I’ll be honest, there is a certain point on drives longer than 6-8 hours where we all just get exhausted. It’s usually a little before or after midpoint. The first hour or so, the giddiness of the trip consumes your attention and conversation with fellow passengers...

My husband and I take the train in the morning to work. He takes the train all the way in to Union Station in downtown Washington, D.C. and one morning he called and said there were secret service men all over Union Station and huge black SUVs parked outside. I told him it was probably our Vice President...

I don’t know what it is about driving by myself, but I always find it the opportune time to test out my vocal cords and figure out, once again, why I never would have made it on American Idol. Despite my lack of talent, I never have to think twice about belting out my favorite tunes as loudly as...

I don’t know about your state, but growing up in Louisiana I had to have a driver’s permit for 6 months before being able to get my driver’s license. I remember those 6 months vividly. My poor mother never had to go on so many errands because every chance I’d get, I would suggest...

We’re officially one week away from the 2009 Student Conclave ! In an earlier post, I wrote about how participating with AOTA advocacy is like having car insurance for your future career , and urged you to attend the Conclave Capitol Hill Day on Friday morning (which, 150 students are interested...

After my 6 years of university life (don’t worry, I got two degrees…) I have to say one of the best things about college is the road trip . Sometimes they are rather impromptu—sitting around late Thursday night and deciding with some friends, “hey let’s go to the away football...

As you may know, AOTA headquarters are in Bethesda, MD, which is a mere two mile walk to the Washington D.C. line. One of the not-so-fabulous parts of living in the D.C. metro area is the traffic, particularly the interstates. If you’ve ever lived or traveled in the area, you probably know about...

If you want to talk about top of the line, technologically advanced vehicles, then the best place to start would be the U.S. military. The vehicles driven by our armed forces are incredibly advanced and innovative. You’ve got the now-oh-so-very familiar Humvee (thanks to the civilian Hummer craze...

When you grow up in a Southern state, such as Louisiana, you rarely have the opportunity to learn how to drive in icy or snowy weather. The only inclement weather that you deal with on a frequent basis is driving during thunderstorms. And, as anyone who has driven through both knows, driving through...

Guest blogger, Molly , knows Baltimore better than anyone else at AOTA Headquarters , so I asked her to give us a run down on the best things students can do while they are in Baltimore for the 2009 Student Conclave. Here are her tips and recommendations: (and feel free to comment with your own Baltimore...

I recently bought a road bike and while I’ve known how to ride a bike for, oh, 20 something years now, with a new bike there’s always a learning curve. Recently I took my bike out to the hilliest spot I could find and tested it out on some steep uphill climbs. One thing I am learning is how...

One of my least favorite parts of driving—especially on road trips—is paying tolls. Every time I plan a trip, I always try to find out whether the route I’m taking will have toll roads. If there is a toll, how much will it cost? Finally, will I have to pay cash for the toll? I rarely...

Growing up, my family took a vacation every summer and each year—no matter the distance of our destination—we drove. Sometimes that would mean a measly 6-hour drive, and other times it would mean driving clear across the country. My dad thought it was a waste of time to spend the night in...

We're officially in Baltimore and it's a beautiful day for conclaving! Everything is set up, registration is open, students are trickling in to the exhibit space (and picking up their freebies! woo!), and I'm taking the time to come and let you know that Conclave is officially on! If you...

I can’t believe Student Conclave is next week! If you didn’t get a chance to be one of the more than 500 students to register online , you can still attend Conclave and register on-site in Baltimore. Recently while on vacation, my husband and I rented a car and when we were asked if we wanted...

Student Conclave starts tomorrow. You read that right, my friends. Tomorrow! And I, for one, am pretty darn excited about it. I’ve been blogging about Student Conclave since July and during that time–I don’t want to toot my own horn or anything–but I’ve taken the metaphor...

My dad is what media researchers call an “early adopter” of technology. Every time there’s a new product or technological innovation, you can bet that within a very short amount of time he will own it and use it. So it should not be surprising that even a decade ago my dad was using...

Here at AOTA Headquarters we're looking out for our students. Not only are we offering you an exciting and beneficial event created completely for students with the focus of helping you get in gear for your future career, we also know that you love to save some money . With that in mind, we've...

It’s probably happened to you before. You get in your car; put the key in the ignition, turn it, and…nothing happens. And when a random, but kind, stranger pulls up their fully functional car and battery beside you to give your dead car a jump, you remember in your head to always help out...