Editor's note: This is the latest in a series of guest posts from young VSCPA members dealing with topics of interest to young professionals. If you'd like to write or have a topic you'd like a future blogger to cover, please email VSCPA Academic & Career Development Coordinator Tracey Zink.
By Jasmine Gao, CPA
Mangham Associates
We never live in a stress-free world. The stress to meet a deadline, to pass an exam, to get long with people, or to become the person we want to be has long existed in our life and grown up with us. Stress management is never something new and it can be very personal. I grew up in a highly competitive and demanding academic environment, where I was ranked in everything I did as a child. Even worse, I’m a natural perfectionist. You would expect the stress level to be off the charts for somebody like me. Luckily, my stress levels are never out of control.
Realizing that stress is an integral part of life is my very first step to cope with it. Thinking that stress comes from me moving closer to my goals will actually make me feel stronger. However, I have to admit that sometimes just having a positive attitude is not enough. I also have some stress relievers that I find useful and I’m highlighting a top few:
- It’s ok to cry
- Talk to family and friends
- Learn to say no
- Take a walk outside
- Spend time doing a hobby
- Listen to music
Stress is a fact of life. While it’s not something that we all happily embrace, it can be reduced to a healthy level that motivates us to become the better selves. Have faith in yourself and you can achieve more with stress being your friend.
Jasmine graduated with distinction from University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce with double concentrations in Finance and Accounting and a double major in Financial Mathematics in 2011. She is working as an investment analyst with an endowment management firm in Charlottesville. She is responsible for sourcing and evaluating investment ideas and performing market and asset class research. She passed all three levels of the CFA exam and will be eligible for the CFA Charter upon completion of the required work experience.
By Gary Thomson, CPA
Dixon Hughes Goodman
How you can make a difference for the CPA profession in Virginia’s legislative process…..VSCPA’s CPA Assembly Day.
As CPAs we may often be hesitant to take an active role in Virginia’s annual General Assembly session. You may be wondering, how can I take time away from the office during Busy Season to attend the VSCPA CPA Assembly day? How can I make a difference anyway?
The VSCPA’s CPA Assembly Day, held this year on January 21, 2014, provides you with an excellent opportunity to engage in Virginia’s legislative process, become informed on key issues affecting businesses in our Commonwealth and also increase legislators’ awareness of our profession through advocacy at the General Assembly.
Become an active part of Virginia’s legislative process — Engage
This coming year in 2014, the General Assembly will convene for a 60 day period and enact the two-year state budget into law. Legislators rely on citizen and professional insight as they work to develop the state’s spending priorities and vote on legislation. To learn more about the legislative process, take a minute to go to the interactive General Assembly website. Get to know your legislator on this site, learn more about the state budget and find answers to common questions about the GA session. At CPA Assembly Day, you will also learn more about how to interact with legislators and take a trip to the Capitol and General Assembly Building to see all the action.
Become informed on key business issues affecting Virginia and the CPA profession — Learn
At VSCPA’s CPA Assembly Day, you will hear more about hot topics affecting the CPA profession and business community. The VSCPA government affairs team will also review its 2014 legislative priorities including bills the VSCPA is watching at the GA session. As trusted business advisors to our clients, CPA Assembly Day is an excellent way to stay informed about the latest legislation being considered in Virginia.
Become the voice of the CPA profession and increase our advocacy at the General Assembly — Advocate
As a member of the VSCPA, your outreach and advocacy of the CPA profession before the General Assembly is crucial. Our profession is well respected at the General Assembly and CPA Assembly Day is your opportunity to increase legislators’ awareness of financial and business related issues that affect our profession and clients. Your strong support of the VSCPA and participation does matter!
To learn more and RSVP for the January 21st CPA Assembly Day, click here. I look forward to seeing you there.
We never live in a stress-free world. The stress to meet a deadline, to pass an exam, to get long with people, or to become the person we want to be has long existed in our life and grown up with us. Stress management is never something new and it can be very personal. I grew up in a highly competitive and demanding academic environment, where I was ranked in everything I did as a child. Even worse, I’m a natural perfectionist. You would expect the stress level to be off the charts for somebody like me. Luckily, my stress levels are never out of control.
