Forums

Hey there everyone!

I've been on the forums for a while now, and listening longer than that, but I never really got around to posting here. So without further ado, a little about me:

My name is William Kelly, I'm a sophomore at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) pursuing a degree in Finance. While I am NOT a manager, I hope to be some day, and I feel that MT is really helping to prepare me for that time. I am an amateur composer, a violist, percussionist, pianist, guitarist, and a tenor. I acted extensively in high school, although I have yet to pick it back up in college. I am big fan of martial arts (especially MMA tournaments like the UFC), and have recently begun cross-training wth some friends in both striking arts and ground-fighting (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu).

I love science fiction, history, and classic literature. I almost always have an iPod playing my ear (usually a podcast). I'm also really big on paintball and golf, although I can only find time to play them when I'm back home in Reston, VA. When it comes to work I'm a VERY high D on the DISC model, and it when it comes to my social life I'm a VERY high I... I love to party.

But enough about me.... :-p Once again, an OFFICIAL hello to everyone on the forums, and especially to M&M, whose brilliant podcast brought me here in the first place.

- William

*Edit* P.S. You might be wondering about my forum name "XOLegato." First, the "XO" bit is short for "XiphosOphidian," the first screen name I ever had. When I was trying to come up with one 5 years ago, a friend suggested I flip to random words in the dictionary. Those words ended up being "Xiphos" (Latin for sword), and "Ophidian" (meaning serpentine or snake-like). "Legato" is a musical term meaning fluid and smooth. What does it all mean? Who knows. :-D

Mark's picture
Admin Role Badge

William-

I wish I had gone to college and had that many hobbies! I love it!

Welcome to Manager Tools. We're glad you're learning now, and hope your first team thinks that all managers are like you.

It's a privilege to serve...errr...even a Hokie. :wink:

Mark

XOLegato's picture

Heh, not a Hokie fan? I guess we DID lose rather sorrily last week in the NCAA tournament. Our football season wasn't too bad though! (10-2) I just hope Tyrone Taylor starts as QB next season, since we're playing harder teams.

And thanks for the support, I sincerely appreciate it, as well as everything I'm learning from you guys.

:-D

MattJBeckwith's picture
Licensee BadgeTraining Badge

William, welcome officially. I've enjoyed your other posts and the topics you've started.

Great explanation of the XOLegato name! I figured out the "legato" part but I was curious about how the XO fit in.

Mark's picture
Admin Role Badge

How could a West Pointer be a Hokie Fan?!?!?

I had a hokie in Officer Basic with me. He kept saying that his ring was bigger than mine, which was true. And I didn't have the heart to say anything more.

:wink:

Mark

pneuhardt's picture

*Sits and hums the Texas Tech fight song and tries not to get in to a discussion about athletic glory at the alma mater...*

William, I applaud you for learning what you can about management before you need it. I, like so many others, became the Accidental Manager when my reward for being an above average software engineer was to be suddenly transformed in to a below average manager by the stroke of a pen on a form in HR. I bungled my way through it for years. I wish you better, and I dare say you will be more prepared than I was.

Good luck to you.

XOLegato's picture

I know some of you may remember that I am student at Virginia Tech... Just wanted to let you know that I was not hurt during Monday's tragedy. Please keep the victim's families in your prayers. And thank you all for giving me something to focus on other than sadness these past few days.

TomW's picture
Training Badge

[quote="XOLegato"]I know some of you may remember that I am student at Virginia Tech... Just wanted to let you know that I was not hurt during Monday's tragedy. Please keep the victim's families in your prayers. And thank you all for giving me something to focus on other than sadness these past few days.[/quote]

That's good to hear that you're OK!

A large part of my company is made up of VT grads. They've been deeply upset and we're taking part in wearing the VT colors on Friday. Know that the VT graduates' hearts and prayers are with you.

MattJBeckwith's picture
Licensee BadgeTraining Badge

William, thanks for posting. You and your family and your community are in my thoughts.

sklosky's picture

William,

Glad to hear you're well.

Good luck with getting your life back to normal in Blacksburg.

Steve
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Class of 1990

RichRuh's picture
Licensee BadgeTraining Badge

William,

I'm very glad to hear you are unhurt. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your classmates.

Rich

Mark's picture
Admin Role Badge

William-

Glad you're okay. This month, we are ALL Hokies, and proud of it.

I saw a guy on a plane the other day with a Hokie shirt boarding. Everyone was giving him the rock...and he had tears in his eyes.

No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and [b]therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. [/b]

Mark