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Sydney
Hi, everyone. Welcome back to Redlands Rundown, your podcast for college, career and everything in between. We're joined today with my friend Dana Hunka, who is Assistant Director of Registrar's office, I believe is your title. And then also your committee head of the Student Events Committee. [Correct.] Okay. Yes. So, what we really wanted to talk about today is what we have here to offer at Redlands for our students as far as what events we do. So, I first just want to talk to you a little bit about maybe can you introduce yourself and share some of your roles here at the college?

Dana
Sure. So I, like Sydney, said, I am the Assistant Registrar here at Redlands. I also I'm the coordinator for student activities. I also serve on our Staff Association board. And I also am a member of the Employee Events committee.

Sydney
Yes. So, you do a little bit of all of it. I think sometimes maybe our students don't realize all the different things that kind of shape the college experience. And I think you do a really good job of trying to put those events out there for them. And so how did you get involved in planning student events?

Dana
I mean, I was just asked. [Duties as assigned.] Yeah. I mean, I think President Marr came to Holly, my boss, Holly, and, just asked if I would be interested in doing it, and then I said, sure. [Yeah.] And the rest is kind of history here.

Sydney
Yeah. I think you've been a great advocate for it because I, like I said, I don't think our students realize all the time all the different things that happen here on campus, but they also don't realize the behind the scenes of it and what goes into it. Just off the top of your head, what would you say you enjoy the most about working with college students specifically here at Redlands?

Dana
So I think that college is such an important season of life for someone. You're kind of going through a lot. [Yeah.] Not really, not really, it doesn't really matter what phase of life you're in. [Yeah.] Because it's just so important regardless. And so I just love being able to support students and serve students during that journey for them. [Yeah.] So and I think serving on the Student Events Committee, you really can kind of have fun because it's a fun committee. It's not super like uptight. It's really laid back. And we try to make our events really appealing for college students and make it fun. So we get to have fun with them. And it kind of helps take some of the pressure off of the stress that can kind of come with being a college student. And I think it's good for the students to kind of be able see us doing that for them. Because I know it can be kind of intimidating. [Yeah.] I mean, I know it is intimidating, right? [Yeah.] You know, whether you're fresh out of high school, coming to college, or you're, you know, later in life, College student, right? I know it can be intimidating coming to a college campus, not knowing anyone. And so and I've been really blessed with having a great Student Events committee. Everyone participates, and we're all very much here for the students. And we're all kind of, like, all hands on deck. So, I've been really fortunate in that aspect.

Sydney
Yeah, I think college really is one of the most formative times of our life. And like you said, regardless of if that's coming right out of high school or if you go back later in life, or if you just start later in life, it's a time that you probably either make some of the most important connections, or you are discovering, like, what am I going to do for the rest of ever, essentially, which is really intimidating. And like you said, I think like, I even look back on working with my college professors and being like, 'Oh my God, this is so scary.' And now I teach college classes and I'm like, the least scary person alive. And so I'm like, 'Oh, okay, this is what I needed.' Like I needed to be able to humanize it. And I think the Student Events Committee does a great job of that.

Dana
When I think also like they don't always know what they want to do. [Yeah.] And so and it's kind of fun to have those come. We do have those conversations with them at student events to let them know, like, hey, you're not alone, I was there. [Yeah.] At one time, we all were, you know, and so like, it's okay if you don't know what you're going to do, right? But, hey, you're here and you showed up.

Sydney
Yeah. I always think about you telling me whenever Macey came by and told you guys, like, yeah, I think I changed my major like three times the first week. And knowing Macey now, you're like, 'No, no way.' But it's such a, you know, not even a unique experience, but it feels unique in the time that you're having it. And then you realize, oh, no one knows exactly what's going on here. [Yeah.] Which is really nice.

Dana
You're the only one. Yeah, on that boat and you're not.

Sydney
No. And I feel like at the student events, you get to meet other people that you're like, okay, you're also lost or like, you're also in this major or whatever it might be, and kind of get to bond in that way. [Yeah.] So speaking of those events, what are some of the main types of student events that we put on throughout the year?

Dana
So, we do have a recurring event that we try to do every month. We try to do a coffee bar. Now, we don't always we're not always able to do that. It just kind of depends on what's going on that month. The months that we have breaks, it's kind of hard to fit into events, because I do try to do two events, per month, because I just think it's so important for the students to see our presence and that, we're here to serve them. [Yeah.] And so, like, the more we can be out there doing something, whether it's a small event or a big event, I just think that's super important. And so a coffee bar is kind of like a more low key, easy event that we can kind of put together. [Yeah.] And, the students love it. [Right.] You know, we get a really good response from it. So that's like one of the main ones. We do do a lot of this like similar events year-to-year. Yeah, I do try to change up little parts of them as far as, like what food I'm going to do, maybe the location. And I always try to do like a little fun, like spin on words. [Yeah.] You know, it's cheesy and it's corny, but hey, it gets people's attention. [I appreciate a pun.] I do too, yeah, I mean, I love them, so that's, I would say like coffee bar. It's probably like the main thing that we kind of do on a regular basis.

Sydney
And I think that's the thing also that maybe students don't realize is that all of those events or whatever, we're providing is free to them.

Dana
Yes. So that was one thing I was actually going to mention, because we get that question a lot. Yeah. I mean, I understand like college is not cheap. So you think that you have to pay for everything there. And for the most part that's probably true, right? But when it comes to student activities, it is not like everything is always 100% free, for students. And so I think that's one good thing for them to know. If you see us standing out there like we're here for you and it's always free.

Sydney
Right. Unless you want to give us a tip? I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. What are some of the annual or maybe signature events that students can look forward to every year?

Dana
So, like our Welcome Week and our Welcome Back Week, that is the events that we do the first week of the Fall and Spring semester. So we don't do any events during the Summer semester because, well, it's just those student body numbers a little bit lower. [Right] We don't have as many students on campus. But so we do our Welcome Week, and we do an event every day, Monday, not every day I guess, but Monday through Thursday, because Friday, we don't have classes. [Right.] So we try to do something, I try to do, like, a breakfast option on one day, a drink option on another day, a lunch option. Try to mix it up a little bit. [Yeah.] And then kind of same concept for the Spring except we call it Welcome Back Week, but same concept as far as, like what we're going to offer. But I do try to switch up the food option or the drink option. And then I would say like our signature event is probably the President's Pancake Dinner. I love the President's Pancake Dinner. I just think it's such a cool event, [Yeah.] because it's a time where our administration kind of gets to serve the student, and so, and employees.[Right.] Hosted by Student Events and Employee Events committees. So, I just think it's really cool that they come out there and they serve the students, and it's kind of like a congratulatory event like, hey, you made it here. It's right for graduation. And which is like, obviously why we're here. [Yeah.] Well, like everyone is here. And so I would that's probably like one of my favorite. [Yeah.] This is the pancake dinner.

Sydney
Right. And what people may not know about that is most of the time, in previous years at least, the administration is who makes even the pancake

They do. We are going to switch it up a little bit this year. [Right.] But yes, that has always been the tradition where they make the food. It's hot though.

Sydney
Yeah. It's hot hand cooking outside. [It's not ideal.] No. As far as getting our students involved, what would you say from maybe the perspective of both being a student in the past and also being someone who works here now, why is it so important for students to attend campus events?

Dana
So I think it's just a great way for students to kind of get out of the classroom. And, maybe help build some relationships. [Yeah.] Adding faces with staff members. You know, they might get an email from me as the Assistant Registrar, but then when they see me a student event, they're like, 'oh!' [Right.] You know. [Yeah.] And so I think it's just kind of cool for them to see like, 'oh, that's not all they do. They do this too.' But also I think it helps just to kind of remove some of the pressure of being a college student. [Yeah.] So I mean, obviously we want all of our students to come to all events. But, so I think it's I mean, I also just think it's a great way for students to kind of get out of their dorm. [Yeah] Get out of the classroom, go and have some fun and let off a little steam.

Sydney
I think it also can really build that sense of belonging. Like you talked about putting faces to names, figuring out who's who, who can I go to if this happens? But also it just really ties you back into the community. [Yeah.] And the college and I think also you like you said, you can network, you can make those friendships. And I think that is really helpful in college because a lot of the time when we start, we're really lost on who we are, what we're doing. We maybe just came from a group or group of friends that are now at different colleges, and so being able to go to those events and start trying to form that is really helpful.

Dana
I also think that students really like when we learn their names. [Yeah.] And so because we are a smaller school, we have that opportunity to do that where we can call them by their first name or like, 'oh, you know who I am?' You know? And so it does give that sense of community and like family.

Sydney
It's funny that you said that because I had a, really not like, a negative experience, but one time one of my previous coworkers and I were walking across campus and one of these students walked by and we were like, 'hey, so-and-so!' And they turned and they were like, 'how do you know my name?' And I was like, 'I'm never calling anyone's name.' [Like 'Where did you come from?'] Yeah, exactly. I was like, I'm not a stalker like I swear. I was like, we've met before, but you don't remember me. And so I do think they appreciate it. But also now I'm really cautious about like, 'Should I say?' As far as that goes, still kind of on the same hand, what would you say to students who maybe feel shy or just unsure about joining us at those events?

Dana
I know, I know it's intimidating for them, especially because there's so many of us and to them were grown ups. [Yeah, adult.] Adult. So like, I know they get super standoffish, especially if we're doing a giveaway. [Yeah.] Because like, they don't want to sign their name on anything. [Yeah.] They're like what? [They don't want us to know.] Where are you putting my information? So we do try to tell them, like we're not going to put your information anywhere. I promise. We're just going to draw it out of here and you'll win a gift card. [Right.] I don't, I mean, like, come with a friend. I know it's, I don't, I mean, I don't really have a great answer for that. [Yeah.] Other than just to show up and try it and know that we're not going to charge you anything, [Right.] It's gonna force you to do anything you don't want to do. [Right] But we do try to like whatever it is that we're offering. We try to make it where it's appealing to everyone. [Yeah.] So, I mean, just show up, I guess. 

Sydney
It's really hard. And I think that's something that I always tell my students when they do go to events or workshops or whatever it might be. Because my friend, and I always joke when I'm planning events. He's like, you wouldn't have gone to any of these. And I'm like, no, no, I wouldn't have. And so it means a lot to me when students are brave enough and they want to get involved in it, because it's not that I didn't want to. I was scared too.

Dana
I mean, I can really relate to it because I'm by nature an introvert, so I mean, I'm totally that way, too. [Yeah.] But, the longer I've been here and the more involved I've been, I've kind of gotten out of that a little. [Yeah.] So I think it just takes like taking that first step. [Yeah.] Even though it's scary and like you're unsure about what's going to happen. I know, like whenever we're over in the Ray Porter building, right there in front of Cougar Corner, like as soon as they come in, we're all like, 'Hi!' [Yeah.] And you know, and I'm they're all like, especially on the first day of like Fall, you know, when they're brand new. Spring's a little different, [Right.] because they're like, 'oh, it's these people.' [Yeah.] Like 'oh yeah, we know who they are.' But like first day of Fall, especially, they all are like, and they're just so stressed about where to go. [Right.] Which is another I guess point I can make. Usually on the first day of each semester, I try to have my laptop out there because a lot of students don't know where to go. [Right.] They may not have their schedule or they're like thumbing through their phone, trying to find it, and they are stressed. And so I try, try to have that out there because I can look it up really quick, print it off for them, and it goes to our office, and I can just go and grab it for 'em, and we usually will walk them [Right.] to their class. And I think that like also just kind of helps to ease some of the pressure and the anxiety that just comes with starting something new. 

Sydney
Yeah. So we're nice people basically. So [We try.] Yeah. On like kind of behind the scenes or I guess fully behind the scenes: Could you maybe tell us a little bit about what goes into planning an event from start to finish?

Dana
Oh dear, okay. A lot. [Yeah.] I mean, I really enjoy it because I'm a planner by nature. [Right.] I do try to plan out the events, like, for the entire year, which is a big bite to take, you know? [Yeah.] But, so I would say from start to finish, it's just trying to figure out, what I'm going to be doing month-to-month, because I don't want to do the same thing, [Yeah.] you know, month to month. So I try to switch it up a little bit. And, you know, I also have to think about cost, availability. So once I figure out, okay, I want to do a coffee bar this month and then I want to offer lunch, then I have to figure out, okay, well, what kind of lunch do I want to offer? [Yeah.] As I could do pizza and it cost this much. Or I could do, I don't know, hamburger or whatever, and it cost this much. Okay, how are we going to make them, where are we going to order them? So those are all like, things I have to kind of weigh. [Yeah.] Because obviously there's less costs if we make it, but then if we make it, that's more time. So I also have to take into account everyone's time. And sometimes it's just worth spending a little bit more. [Yeah.] If it's going to make it more convenient for [Right.] the committee. So once I kind of figure out, okay, this is what I want to do, I have to like look at the calendar, and then I have to reserve an area here on campus of where, we want to host it at. Then I have to contact vendors, place orders, if I'm ordering, like, some lunch or whatever it is. [Yeah.] And then if it's a bigger event, I do like to have a sit down meeting with my committee and sort of, like, delegate duties and just kind of let them know, okay, here's my idea, and we kind of just brainstorm together. And then I will, usually like the week before, sometimes the week of, I'll go and do, like my shopping and do all of that whatever we need for that event. And then, I also make all of our graphics that gets sent out, and then that can take a little bit of time. [Yeah.] And then on the day of the event, usually it takes, depending on what the event is, usually it takes about 30 minutes to an hour to set up. And then not quite that long to clean up, but usually about half an hour. So yeah, you know there's a lot.

Sydney
What I would really like everyone to know is, just as a reminder, this is not your full time job. [No.] Yeah. This this is like an added side bonus for you. [A little side hobby.] Right. Yeah, a side quest. How do you decide what kind of events to host every semester? 

Dana
So, I do reuse a lot of my events that, I mean, when I first started off, it was like starting from scratch. I kind of looked at what was done before. I think events are done so differently now that I literally just had to kind of start from square one, and I had to learn. I've learned as I go and I try to incorporate new events each year, but I do kind of have my staples, so I just have to kind of weigh, month-to-month, what's going on already [Yeah.] around campus. So and I try to switch it up. I don't like to do the same thing. [Right.] Like, do I always do Welcome Week? Yes. I do. But you know, [You do it differently every day.] I think last year we ordered a we offered like muffins one day. And so like we didn't do that this year so that kind of thing. So I kind of just stick to my staples. [Yeah.] And just like, tweak them just a little bit. 

Sydney
It's really hard because on one hand it's like, well, I know this went really well and so I want to do it again. But how do I do it in a way that is like stays fresh? It is something different for every student to experience. 

Dana
And I think we can accomplish that. [Yeah.] By switching up just those little things. And you know, our students change. [Yeah.] From year to year. So I mean, I know we do have some here that are here, are here for like a couple years, some a little longer or and that's okay. So that's how I kind of change, [Yeah.] or I might change the location. [Right.] You know, last year I did it in the conference center. So, this year I'm going to do it in the student center or whatever. 

Sydney
So, how do you make sure that your events appeal to a wide variety of students? 

Dana
Food. [Yes.] So I always say, I always say to my, my committee, like, if you feed them, they will come. [Yes.] And they're college students. Most college students, you know, don't have a ton of money. [Right.] And so like, they're just looking for food and they, they do like the giveaways. Not everyone, but mostly everyone does. So, I really do base my events around food. Like, what am I what kind of beverage or food option am I going to offer? [Yeah.] And then I might, that's how I kind of will shape my event and kind of like the vibe of it. [Yeah.] I, it is kind of hard because obviously, I mean, I'm a female, so like, I'm like, oh, that would be fun. [Yeah.] But then I'm like, none of the male students would want to come to that.

Sydney
I think also, which I'm, I'm 26, but I'm like, oh my gosh, that is so fun. And then I'm like, is that an old lady thing? 

Dana
Like, cause I, I really do struggle with that because I am older-ish and well, compared to a college, older-ish, you know, I am old enough to be their mother, so like, it's fine, I accept that. So I, it's probably one of the main things I struggled when I first started doing this the most. Yeah, like when we play music at events, I would pick one of the younger committee, like, play your music because they're not gonna want to listen to what I listen to, now, like that kind of stuff, like the graphics, [Yeah?] I'm really like on that when I'm making them, I'm like, does this look like an old lady made it? But I always get so many compliments. [Yeah. Cause it never does.] And from young people that are younger than me and then I'm like, okay, so I'm doing right. [I'm cool.] Yeah. 

Sydney
Yeah. I know whenever we had, we had the student come on that did his interview on here, one of the things he said was like, we're young, we like want to go outside. And I was like, oh, you're like, you can still bend your knees is what you're trying to say to me. Like, got it. Okay. Understood. Yeah. Speaking of students, though, is there ever an opportunity for them, maybe to, like, bring their event, their ideas for events to life?

Dana
I mean, I would love that. I have been trying to figure out ways to get more involvement [Yeah.] from the students on, like, our side of it. It's just been kind of hard to execute. [Yeah.] Getting a hold of, like, which student, [Right.] like how do I know who to contact? So I was actually approached, just a little while ago, about involving our student ambassadors? [Yeah.] And, which I love the idea, and so I think that is something we are going to try and accomplish next year is involving our student ambassadors, which I just think it's going to be so cool, like seeing students serve students. [Yeah.] And plus, it'll probably be less intimidating. [Yeah.] For like our new students that are coming in to see like, 'oh, those are my people.'

Sydney
Right. Those are not the Grown-Ups. 

Dana
Those are not the adults, you know, for all, like, I mean, I know they're adults. 

Sydney
Right. Right. What has been your favorite event plan so far, would you say?

Dana
You know, I love them all. [Yeah.] You know, I pour my heart into all of them, so it's hard to choose just one. I mean, Welcome Week and Welcome Back Week are probably some of my most favorite ones because I can really get kind of creative with them. My most memorable event, I would say, so a couple years ago we did, a solar eclipse [Yeah.] event. And it was literally it was like a last minute thing that I was approached with. And, our science department was able to get us the glasses. And so I think that was my first year doing it. So I wasn't really sure what to expect. [Right.] And I think we had like, I want to say like 150 to 200 glasses. And we ran out. [Crazy.] And so it was like something that is just etched in my memory because I had never seen that many students, and it's like at an event. [Yeah.] And it was just so awesome to see, like our whole front lawn full of the students. And I don't, students probably don't realize this, but like how much we love seeing them on campus. I mean, like, that is why we're here [Right.] So like that was just so awesome to see. I mean, I hated that we ran out, you know, it was like such a good problem. 

Sydney
Yeah, yeah. And I remember because I had just started working here during that. And I remember like everyone passing around their glasses so that you could switch off and see it. [Yeah.] And it was really cool because I, I'm sure the students do know this, but we don't always get a huge turnout. 

Dana
We don't, you know, and that's kind of like that just kind of comes along with it because of schedules and whatnot. And like it's hard on this side of things to know. All right, this day of the week and not a good week, we've learned that this year. [You're right.] You know? But you know, you live and you learn, and next year we'll do it differently. [Right.] That's okay. 

Sydney
Would you say that you have had an event like you had like, a huge turnout, other than the, the one that you just mentioned? 

Dana
So, yeah. I think it was last year at our Welcome Week, we offered Raising Cane's. [Yeah.] And we ran out of chicken, like, in the first hour? I mean, it was stressful. Don't get me wrong, but I was like, 'oh no, what am I going to do?' But thankfully we got plenty of places here in town that offer chicken. I just ran and got some more. It was a good problem. [Right.] And another one this year was our, when we offer Nothing Bundt Cakes. [Yeah.] Listen, they will come for some Nothing Bundt Cakes, I mean everybody will. [Yeah.] But, I think we ran out like within 30 minutes? [Right.] So, I would say those are, we always have a good turnout at our, our Pre-Finals Frenzy because we offer Chick-Fil-A. [Right.] Last year it was really fun because we had like, little games set up and they, I wasn't really sure if they would go for it, but they really loved it. 

Sydney
Yeah. It is, it is always just really fun and very rewarding when they do show up and they are entertained and like you're like, 'okay, you want to be here.' 

Dana
It, I mean, it just makes it all worthwhile, you know, like it is a lot of work. [Yeah.] A lot of time goes into it. And so it's just awesome for me, you know, like just to see them show up and to enjoy it and they're always so appreciative and thankful, whenever we're there. So I love seeing them show up for things. But those are probably the ones. Those are kind of our staple events too. And so it's kind of cool that they show up for that too. So our, events information is always sent out through their student email. [Okay.] It's always posted on social media, the website, and then if you're here on campus, it's on our monitors. But I would say primarily like it will always go out in your email. [Yeah.] We do have a couple of fliers. I kind of have gotten away with posting fliers, around campus, but we do post a couple over in housing for students that go in and out of housing. So yeah. [So check your email.] So check your email.

Sydney
I think I say that, I know that if the students are listening to this, they're like, 'this lady is so hateful' because I'm always like, 'check your email!' [Yeah.] I'm begging you, check your email. 

Dana
You need to like, change the subject of the email, like open this and you get a prize. Makes them think, that way they see. 

Sydney
Yeah, okay. They're gonna get spam. I'm afraid they're going to. I'm not, not doing that. [Yeah.] Do you have any new or upcoming events that you're excited about? 

Dana
Yeah. So we're finishing out the year, so I think so for March, we have our Tassel Time, which is for our graduates. And so we have that on March the 11th. And then at the end of March on the 26th, we have a coffee bar. And then in April we have our Pre-Finals Frenzy, where we'll do the Chick-Fil-A sandwiches. And then I think our last coffee bar is in April. And then we're going to finish out the year with our President's Pancake Dinner, and, then of course, graduation. [Yes.] And I would love it if more students came to graduation, [Yeah.] that aren't graduating. [Right.] You know, because it's just such a fun event and it is our biggest event of the year, and it is a lot of work, but it's just rewarding [Yeah.] to see. And it's cool, like when we serve in this capacity to be able to see them walk across the stage. [Yeah.] So it kind of comes full circle. 

Sydney
Yeah I always remember I think it would have been last year that graduation was my first set of students that, like I had when I first started here, that came in and then graduated, and it was really cool to get to watch them because you do get to I know it's not a super long time, but there's at least a handful of them that you get to make a special connection with and really get to know and then get to see them accomplish this thing. [Yeah.] That they've been planning on doing and wanting to do and walk across the stage. So I think they also really appreciate it when their friends are there. [Yeah.] Like friends and family celebrating them too. So... 

Dana
And I also think that like, Associate's degrees can be kind of minimized. [Yeah.] And, but people need to understand that like it is an accomplishment. Like it took work and it took discipline to do it. And so everyone should be celebrated whenever any type of, [Right.] Yeah. 

Sydney
There is no small feat when it comes to college. And it's something else that, like your knowledge can never be taken from you. And so being able to do that and accomplish that, that's yours forever. And I think that's such a huge thing. [Absolutely.] What advice would you give students who are wanting to get more involved? 

Dana
[Just do it.] Just show up. [Nike] Just do it, do it. Yeah. I mean, that just kind of goes back to what we talked about earlier. I know it's like kind of intimidating. [Yeah.] I think once you just start doing it, [it gets easier] it gets easier. We do have like the same students like our, our faithful series that will come to every single event. And I'm sure they were nervous in the beginning. They tend to kind of come [Yeah.] in groups, which is great. [Right.] Like whenever, we know when nursing gets out because they all come together, which we love [Right.] We love that they all come over there, you know, but they do all kind of come and in a herd, together.

Sydney
Yeah. Which is like the best because you get rid of more stuff. 

Dana
Yes. I'm like your take it home. 

Sydney
Yeah. All right. What's one event that you think every student should attend before graduating? 

Dana
That's so hard. Probably the Pancake Dinner. [Yeah.] Yeah, I just think because, like, everyone's in the same room. [Yeah.] So, like, students can kind of eat with, you know, their instructors or with President Marr or someone, or, you know, with each other too. [Yeah.] And so I just think that that's cool just to have everyone in the same room and it's like at the end of the year. So it's like, we all did it. [Right.] We made it. 

Sydney
And yeah, I do think that goes back to like that humanizing thing that we were talking about, because I do think that's at least one of the activities or events that we have here on campus where it probably feels a little bit weird, but then you're like, oh, you're just a person to like, I'm sitting here across from you eating my pancakes or whatever it is, and I'm realizing you're also just a human, and that's really when [And oh you get syrup on you're shirt, too.] Yeah. It's so, good to know. [Good to know.] Well, thank you so much for being here and giving us this kind of a behind-the-scenes look and also reminding of reminding us and our students of how many opportunities we have to get connected on campus. And if you're listening and you have not been to an event yet, you have heard it here from the source herself, that we have lots of different opportunities for you to get involved. And you never know what you might find out when you do it, so. Thanks for listening. And you can find us on all the platforms that you listen to your podcast, and we will see you next time. Bye, guys.