So keeping in line with the whole theme of this blog (HINDsight)... I apologize that it takes me forever to post here sometimes. But just remember, I have to live through these mistakes before I can blog about it so you do not make the same ones!
The spring semester is finally OVER! I am so incredibly excited, you have no clue. But I am also quite disappointed in myself for the way I prioritized things and justified things to myself throughout these past 16 weeks.
For instance, WORK. I became a bartender about midway through the semester because cash-on-hand is a college kid's best friend. Waiting every week or two for a lump sum paycheck, then subsequently paying all of your bills with it leaves you very little pocket change to survive off of (this is where Ramen noodles usually come into play). So "what'ad'happened'wuz" I was working at the bar from like 8pm til 3:30am.... with a 9:30am class the next day. Then, on the other end of that, my last class would get out at 4:45pm and I would still have to get my you-know-what ready for work. Where does homework and studying come into play during all of this? EXACTLY. Needless to say, the two courses which required the most amount of studying I fell short and will have to retake ($$$$$$$$). So mad at myself for not giving them the time they deserved.
Keep in mind that I do not take out student loans; all I have are federal grants... and at the university level they do not cover the entire cost of my tuition or the cost of textbooks, a parking permit, online homework programs (which are so incredibly frustrating), clickers, clicker software, and the like. So I HAVE to work to make ends meet. Oh did I mention my own household bills like: rent, utilities, food/groceries, and cell phone? Also, start saving for a coffee fund. Yes, JUST coffee. You'll thank me later. Actually, I'm thinking about writing Starbucks and asking if they'd sponsor me since their iced coffee keeps me running most of the time. Eh, it's a thought.
Let's just say I've, as of now, used up all of my "outs" (i.e. grade forgiveness). I have the opportunity to make these up, have the new grade put in and have the old grades dropped from my GPA... but I'm seriously killing my chances at grad school!
Not to mention my mid-life crises through finals week... ugh. I'm stuck between my two majors: do I stick with the biomedical science route, or dive head first into the political science side? The most difficult thing about a double major, or at least those in which they are complete opposite concentrations, is being able to flip back and forth between them seamlessly. For instance, the day Hugo Chavez (Venezuelan President) passed away, I was on my way home from class and ready to study biology like crazy... I come home and turn on the news to catch the weather, and bam. There it was as a headline. I couldn't concentrate on sciences for at least 2 days because I was so deep in thought as to the gravity of that situation. *Now don't go thinking I'm some crazy vigilante; my dad lived in Venezuela per a contract job for about a year, and he had nothing but great things to say about the country and their people. If you are interested further, I HIGHLY recommend watching "South of the Border" on Netflix. You'll see South America and the US's stance on foreign policy in a whole new light.
Anyway, back to college.
We all go through ups and downs throughout this ridiculously expensive journey (if you're parents pay your tuition, grovel at their feet every so often... they've earned it), especially through finals. I'm sure I was not the only person going through some sort of personal crisis during the 2-3 weeks of balls-to-the-wall/24hr library/assignments-due-everyday, and don't think that this kind of stress will not get the better of you!
It will.
Not in some creepy "it's gonna getcha" ax-murderer style. It's all in how you deal with the stress, and how well prepared you MAINTAIN your studies throughout the semester. Keyword: maintain.
Do the work as it comes to lessen the stress towards the end. Don't be like me and make excuses to procrastinate on homework, papers, assignments, etc.
Also, another HUGE HUGE HUGE lesson.... every. point. counts.
Seriously! I was 10 stupid points away from having a good enough grade to advance to Organic Chem. I blame myself for 2 reasons: letting points go, and not buying the second homework program because "orgo doesn't need it, so why pay $120 for a program I'm going to use for one semester?" Um, here's why: because it will help you pass the *#^$ class!!!!!
So now I get the pleasure of re-taking chem over the summer, Monday thru Friday at 8am.
Don't be like me!
Showing posts with label college. Show all posts
Showing posts with label college. Show all posts
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Monday, November 12, 2012
Happy Birthday to meeee!
Yesterday was my 24th birthday! I was able to escape reality and have a ridiculous amount of fun luckily :) But now the day is over and I have two papers to write. I'm thankful though, because I really think that blowing off all that steam through birthday shenanigans will help me finish this semester strong.
*Yea I definitely lost it LOL I forgot today was Monday. Official birthday was Saturday.*
Friday, November 9, 2012
Forever and a half...
Sorry dudes, slacking over here.
Not much new stuff to report! Spring registration begins in a few weeks, and it looks like I won't get lucky enough to go to school for two days each week. Serious bummer.
One thing that sucks about taking higher level courses is the less availability of sections.. all the general classes have plentiful scheduling opportunities. Yet one polisci course is going to ruin it since there is only 1 section open (in the phys ed bldg, how weird is that?).
Otherwise, all is good. Except the general election but I'm sure you're tired of hearing about that. I had the opportunity to work the polls (insert stripper joke here) for both the primary election and the general election. I seriously recommend this to anyone! Voting is the foundation of our democratic republic, and to be able to take part in making it happen is a great feeling (and you get paid, too!). Plus I'm being promoted to either clerk or assistant clerk (clerk is the "head honcho" of each precinct) for the next election! Super stoked =)
Not much new stuff to report! Spring registration begins in a few weeks, and it looks like I won't get lucky enough to go to school for two days each week. Serious bummer.
One thing that sucks about taking higher level courses is the less availability of sections.. all the general classes have plentiful scheduling opportunities. Yet one polisci course is going to ruin it since there is only 1 section open (in the phys ed bldg, how weird is that?).
Otherwise, all is good. Except the general election but I'm sure you're tired of hearing about that. I had the opportunity to work the polls (insert stripper joke here) for both the primary election and the general election. I seriously recommend this to anyone! Voting is the foundation of our democratic republic, and to be able to take part in making it happen is a great feeling (and you get paid, too!). Plus I'm being promoted to either clerk or assistant clerk (clerk is the "head honcho" of each precinct) for the next election! Super stoked =)
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Hooray October!
Only two more months until the apocalypse!
Anyway..
So I'm still working on a "system" that works. Meaning, I'm still not in a good groove when talking about school + work.. it doesn't quite = success, but I'm still working on it.
I'm getting better though =)
Well, actually I can't even say that much because I literally got on my computer to start math homework, plus a quiz that's due at midnight... and here I am on Blogspot.
Oh, meeee... :finger wag:
Other than the obvious, school is doing alright besides my struggle for better managing my time. I did make it past the 2nd floor in the library today (go me?). Found a legit quiet study area so I'm sure I'll be frequenting it more often. It's like a real library (duh, because it IS a library) but the first two floors are literally like social hour, all the time. First floor has the circulation desk, computer lab, printers, group study area, Starbucks, more group study area, etc. Then USF just re-did the 2nd floor so that has (you guessed it) more computers and more group study areas (no 2nd Starbuck's though.. man that would be amazing). So I think everything above the 2nd floor is extra library-esque.
Ok I seriously have to do math now..
Serious.
For serious seriousness.
I'm going.
I swear..
Ahhhhhh!!
See?!
Geezus I hate math.
Ok I'm really going this time. Right now.. ready....GO!
Anyway..
So I'm still working on a "system" that works. Meaning, I'm still not in a good groove when talking about school + work.. it doesn't quite = success, but I'm still working on it.
I'm getting better though =)
Well, actually I can't even say that much because I literally got on my computer to start math homework, plus a quiz that's due at midnight... and here I am on Blogspot.
Oh, meeee... :finger wag:
Other than the obvious, school is doing alright besides my struggle for better managing my time. I did make it past the 2nd floor in the library today (go me?). Found a legit quiet study area so I'm sure I'll be frequenting it more often. It's like a real library (duh, because it IS a library) but the first two floors are literally like social hour, all the time. First floor has the circulation desk, computer lab, printers, group study area, Starbucks, more group study area, etc. Then USF just re-did the 2nd floor so that has (you guessed it) more computers and more group study areas (no 2nd Starbuck's though.. man that would be amazing). So I think everything above the 2nd floor is extra library-esque.
Ok I seriously have to do math now..
Serious.
For serious seriousness.
I'm going.
I swear..
Ahhhhhh!!
See?!
Geezus I hate math.
Ok I'm really going this time. Right now.. ready....GO!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
late night update
First thing's first:
I withdrew from sorority recruitment on the last day before Bid Day. Long story short, I did not get the house that I thought was worth the price. I went through the recruitment process just for the sake of it, and if I would've gotten invited back on Pref Day to my house of choice, then it was a decision (and Pref Card) I was ready to sign on the dotted line. But, it wasn't. And I didn't want to join a sorority just for the sake of being in one. I went in with an open mind, met some great people, and had a fun experience.
Next:
I had my first trig test today... crash. and. burn. 'enough said. Nooo, no no no.. ok let's address this. I pushed it off. Guilty as charged. I went to the tutoring center literally one hour before my test to get a few loose ends tied up.. turned out that it was quite more than a few. First 6 problems, no problem. Subsequent 20, hah... yea ok, I'm done talking about this test.. all I can say is next time I need to be better prepared and balance my time to make sure ALL my homework gets done rather than being forced to prioritize your last remaining 10 hours or something.
Moving on:
Not much else going on. I'm still debating on if I want to get involved this semester, but I'm hesitant especially after bombing this math test. Maybe not this semester, but next. It's going to happen... it's just a matter of when (need it for med school apps!)
Finally:
I hope you are all doing well where ever you may be! Always feel free to leave comments and/or ask questions. If there's one thing that doesn't happen enough in the world is honest discussion.
With all that, I'm off to bed. It's 2:30am and I have to work tomorrow... also have a chem exam Friday to get ready for... and two papers to write... craaaaaap. See that's how it starts, I think of one thing I need to do then my brain nags at the rest which ultimately becomes a ridiculous laundry list full of un-fun work.
Oh well.
#collegekidprobs ^.^
I withdrew from sorority recruitment on the last day before Bid Day. Long story short, I did not get the house that I thought was worth the price. I went through the recruitment process just for the sake of it, and if I would've gotten invited back on Pref Day to my house of choice, then it was a decision (and Pref Card) I was ready to sign on the dotted line. But, it wasn't. And I didn't want to join a sorority just for the sake of being in one. I went in with an open mind, met some great people, and had a fun experience.
Next:
I had my first trig test today... crash. and. burn. 'enough said. Nooo, no no no.. ok let's address this. I pushed it off. Guilty as charged. I went to the tutoring center literally one hour before my test to get a few loose ends tied up.. turned out that it was quite more than a few. First 6 problems, no problem. Subsequent 20, hah... yea ok, I'm done talking about this test.. all I can say is next time I need to be better prepared and balance my time to make sure ALL my homework gets done rather than being forced to prioritize your last remaining 10 hours or something.
Moving on:
Not much else going on. I'm still debating on if I want to get involved this semester, but I'm hesitant especially after bombing this math test. Maybe not this semester, but next. It's going to happen... it's just a matter of when (need it for med school apps!)
Finally:
I hope you are all doing well where ever you may be! Always feel free to leave comments and/or ask questions. If there's one thing that doesn't happen enough in the world is honest discussion.
With all that, I'm off to bed. It's 2:30am and I have to work tomorrow... also have a chem exam Friday to get ready for... and two papers to write... craaaaaap. See that's how it starts, I think of one thing I need to do then my brain nags at the rest which ultimately becomes a ridiculous laundry list full of un-fun work.
Oh well.
#collegekidprobs ^.^
Monday, September 3, 2012
Rush/Recruitment, Round Two (Day Three)
So today we learned which houses wanted us back for more conversation. Although we started with 8 or 9 chapters, I was only invited back to 3. At first, it was kind of a bummer because I didn't feel like I clicked with two of the three that were listed on my schedule-of-the-day.
BUT! Now I understand why our Pi Chi's kept reiterating the fact that we need to keep our minds open, because although we (most of the time) didn't get picked by the houses we had hoped for doesn't mean that our home isn't with another house.
On Spirit Day (yesterday) one of the houses I talked with I didn't have a good conversation.. the girl was like on a different planet, not really paying attention and being really vague and just not an open and/or welcoming personality.. So instances like this explain why you speak with more than one member during each conversation session.
I ended up talking with a sorority member today who I spoke with in Round One (Spirit Day), so that was kind of cool. I know it sounds weird but seriously after talking to probably 30+ girls it was nice to see a familiar and friendly face.
I keep reminding myself to keep an open mind, stay positive, and be myself. The first two are a little harder than it may seem especially if you don't get picked by your "ideal" houses (i.e. the one's you had your hopes set on). Yes, it's a bummer.. but, again in the words of the almighty wise Pi Chi's, "Trust the process! Be honest and truthful, and you'll find your home. Because who knows, maybe that house you had your sights on wasn't what you thought it was after all..."
After thinking about it, I wouldn't want to form a life-long bond with a house that I thought seems great, but they may not see me in the same way. Or rather, they're inner ideals aren't compatible with what they saw in me. With the mutual selection process, you have to remember that as a group each of these houses are talking with each other at the end of the day about who can carry on their organization's mantra, legacy, ideals, etc. and who they will feel comfortable opening their hearts and home to you (practically as a stranger!).
On a similar note, I see where stereotypes come from.. I mean really, there wouldn't be a stereotype if there wasn't some truth to it. The houses that I saw myself in before this whole process started were based on what I could find on the web... because really I didn't know anyone from any of those houses (except for one, and she was super nice which is kind of what lead me to like her house before this process began) to base my decision on. So talking with these women over and over throughout the span of a week gives you a more realistic idea of who they are, how they feel about their chapter, and what they have to offer you (as well as what you have to offer them).
I trust the process. I feel at-home at one house in-particular already... so let's hope that I can concentrate on school during the week and wait patiently for Friday's next event, Sisterhood Day (round three). Then Saturday is Preference Day (round four), followed by the much anticipated Bid Day (the day you learn which chapter has extended you an invitation) on Sunday!
Ahhhhhhhh!!!! So antsy. Who knew I'd get this involved? I just wanted to see what it was like and how far I'd get, and what chapters would be interested in me... but really, why go through all of this only to say, "ok that was fun, bye girls!" ??
Why I decided to go through: It took me two years after high school to get into college because I thought that it was unnecessary in terms of finding a good job. When I decided to go I attended a community college and commuted. After getting my AA I transferred to a university for the 4-year degree (by the way, the year count is inaccurate. I was at a 2-yr community college for three years, and my boyfriend/fiance was at the university for five years. No doubt you can get it done in four/two, but you have to take a full courseload each semester, excel, and leave zero room for error). Anyway, yeah.. I feel like I never had that genuine college experience because I never lived in a dorm, didn't start at a university from freshman year, and started late. Joining a sorority, to me, will give me that wholesome experience I'm craving. I only have three years left, and I want them to be memorable, insanely fun, and have a lifelong bond with those that experienced it with me.
BUT! Now I understand why our Pi Chi's kept reiterating the fact that we need to keep our minds open, because although we (most of the time) didn't get picked by the houses we had hoped for doesn't mean that our home isn't with another house.
On Spirit Day (yesterday) one of the houses I talked with I didn't have a good conversation.. the girl was like on a different planet, not really paying attention and being really vague and just not an open and/or welcoming personality.. So instances like this explain why you speak with more than one member during each conversation session.
I ended up talking with a sorority member today who I spoke with in Round One (Spirit Day), so that was kind of cool. I know it sounds weird but seriously after talking to probably 30+ girls it was nice to see a familiar and friendly face.
I keep reminding myself to keep an open mind, stay positive, and be myself. The first two are a little harder than it may seem especially if you don't get picked by your "ideal" houses (i.e. the one's you had your hopes set on). Yes, it's a bummer.. but, again in the words of the almighty wise Pi Chi's, "Trust the process! Be honest and truthful, and you'll find your home. Because who knows, maybe that house you had your sights on wasn't what you thought it was after all..."
After thinking about it, I wouldn't want to form a life-long bond with a house that I thought seems great, but they may not see me in the same way. Or rather, they're inner ideals aren't compatible with what they saw in me. With the mutual selection process, you have to remember that as a group each of these houses are talking with each other at the end of the day about who can carry on their organization's mantra, legacy, ideals, etc. and who they will feel comfortable opening their hearts and home to you (practically as a stranger!).
On a similar note, I see where stereotypes come from.. I mean really, there wouldn't be a stereotype if there wasn't some truth to it. The houses that I saw myself in before this whole process started were based on what I could find on the web... because really I didn't know anyone from any of those houses (except for one, and she was super nice which is kind of what lead me to like her house before this process began) to base my decision on. So talking with these women over and over throughout the span of a week gives you a more realistic idea of who they are, how they feel about their chapter, and what they have to offer you (as well as what you have to offer them).
I trust the process. I feel at-home at one house in-particular already... so let's hope that I can concentrate on school during the week and wait patiently for Friday's next event, Sisterhood Day (round three). Then Saturday is Preference Day (round four), followed by the much anticipated Bid Day (the day you learn which chapter has extended you an invitation) on Sunday!
Ahhhhhhhh!!!! So antsy. Who knew I'd get this involved? I just wanted to see what it was like and how far I'd get, and what chapters would be interested in me... but really, why go through all of this only to say, "ok that was fun, bye girls!" ??
Why I decided to go through: It took me two years after high school to get into college because I thought that it was unnecessary in terms of finding a good job. When I decided to go I attended a community college and commuted. After getting my AA I transferred to a university for the 4-year degree (by the way, the year count is inaccurate. I was at a 2-yr community college for three years, and my boyfriend/fiance was at the university for five years. No doubt you can get it done in four/two, but you have to take a full courseload each semester, excel, and leave zero room for error). Anyway, yeah.. I feel like I never had that genuine college experience because I never lived in a dorm, didn't start at a university from freshman year, and started late. Joining a sorority, to me, will give me that wholesome experience I'm craving. I only have three years left, and I want them to be memorable, insanely fun, and have a lifelong bond with those that experienced it with me.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Back to School + Rush/Recruitment Week
Sorry for the delay!
Well I'm sure you all know that the semester has already begun! Let me tell you about my first week in...
-Under trusted advice, I scheduled my classes all for two days out of the week. This way I won't have to be commuting everyday, and only going two days per week really frees up a day or two for doing homework in my PJs. So far, this schedule is working out really well. However one small additional necessity is, in fact, three cups of coffee (my average, at least) to maintain enough brain power and attention span to last throughout the day. I scheduled four classes each day, from 9:30am-7:45pm with a couple breaks in between for sanity purposes.
-I'm already swamped with homework and assignments and preparation to complete. Eek! I'm aiming high for straight A's this semester so I'm prepared to FaceBook=put my face in the book (haha my old algebra professor was European and had this sweet accent and would be like, "ohh yea make sure you go home and facebook.. you know, put your face in your book. and twitter.. twit you little pencil.. hah yea right."
-Panhellenic recruitment (better known as Rush) started on Friday with a mandatory orientation. It basically consisted of the Pan Board introducing themselves and going over the recruitment process. Afterwards we were separated into smaller "Pi Chi" groups with our own two recruitment counselors (disaffiliated-for-recruitment-purposes sorority members). According to the Pan Board, there are 500-something girls rushing this Fall, and they put I think 30 girls per Pi Chi group.
-Today was the second day of recruitment (really the first if you don't count orientation) which consisted of lots.. and lots... and LOTS of talking... to lots.. and lots.. and LOTS of sorority members from all nine chapters. I'm not gonna lie, by the time lunch was over and we had three or four more chapters to visit, I was wiped o-u-t.
Here's how it went: in our student center, part of it is a conference center.. so each chapter was in a different large room within the conference center, and two Pi Chi groups would visit each room for 20 something minutes. As they open the doors, you are greeted with 50+ sorority girls clapping and singing their own welcome songs as you enter the room. As our Pi Chi group was filing inwards, they're members were filing towards the door so each member (basically) greeted each PNM (potential new member), took them to some part of the room, took your tea card (aka: a piece of paper with your name on it) and start a conversation. About 5-8 minutes in, they would stop, sing a song, introduce their president and recruitment chairperson, then let you get back to more talking. About 8-10 minutes into your conversation, another sorority member would approach your conversation, and the girl you were speaking with introduces you to her, tells them what you were talking about, and hand you off to talk to another member.
Honestly I thought it was a pretty cool system. My first impression of this day was that we go into a room randomly and have to spark up conversations with random sorority girls. SO glad it wasn't like that! It was very structured and well organized. Now if you've been nerding it up researching other people's experiences with rushing, let me tell you that they are right when they say, "you just have to feel out each chapter," ... some have better vibes than others. Some girls you'll instantly click with, and others you'll have that awkward moment where one doesn't know what to say next. You may not like one girl's demeanor, while another makes you laugh like crazy.
After we visited all the chapters it was time to rank our favorites. We had to include all houses (as we couldn't just eliminate ones we were not clicking with). The first (6) were #1, plus (1) #2, and (1) #3. If I understand this correctly, tomorrow morning when we come in for the next event we will have "responses" from each house.. meaning, if I chose A, B, C, D, E, and F as my #1s, then G as #2, and H as #3, let's say only A, C, E, F, and G asked me back for more conversation. They call this "mutual selection".. so, for that day, I will only visit A, C, E, F, and G. By the end of the day, I rank these chapters again, and the process repeats itself.
On that note, got lots of homework to get done! Gotta be up early and in Greek Village by 9am. Keep checking back! =)
Well I'm sure you all know that the semester has already begun! Let me tell you about my first week in...
-Under trusted advice, I scheduled my classes all for two days out of the week. This way I won't have to be commuting everyday, and only going two days per week really frees up a day or two for doing homework in my PJs. So far, this schedule is working out really well. However one small additional necessity is, in fact, three cups of coffee (my average, at least) to maintain enough brain power and attention span to last throughout the day. I scheduled four classes each day, from 9:30am-7:45pm with a couple breaks in between for sanity purposes.
-I'm already swamped with homework and assignments and preparation to complete. Eek! I'm aiming high for straight A's this semester so I'm prepared to FaceBook=put my face in the book (haha my old algebra professor was European and had this sweet accent and would be like, "ohh yea make sure you go home and facebook.. you know, put your face in your book. and twitter.. twit you little pencil.. hah yea right."
-Panhellenic recruitment (better known as Rush) started on Friday with a mandatory orientation. It basically consisted of the Pan Board introducing themselves and going over the recruitment process. Afterwards we were separated into smaller "Pi Chi" groups with our own two recruitment counselors (disaffiliated-for-recruitment-purposes sorority members). According to the Pan Board, there are 500-something girls rushing this Fall, and they put I think 30 girls per Pi Chi group.
-Today was the second day of recruitment (really the first if you don't count orientation) which consisted of lots.. and lots... and LOTS of talking... to lots.. and lots.. and LOTS of sorority members from all nine chapters. I'm not gonna lie, by the time lunch was over and we had three or four more chapters to visit, I was wiped o-u-t.
Here's how it went: in our student center, part of it is a conference center.. so each chapter was in a different large room within the conference center, and two Pi Chi groups would visit each room for 20 something minutes. As they open the doors, you are greeted with 50+ sorority girls clapping and singing their own welcome songs as you enter the room. As our Pi Chi group was filing inwards, they're members were filing towards the door so each member (basically) greeted each PNM (potential new member), took them to some part of the room, took your tea card (aka: a piece of paper with your name on it) and start a conversation. About 5-8 minutes in, they would stop, sing a song, introduce their president and recruitment chairperson, then let you get back to more talking. About 8-10 minutes into your conversation, another sorority member would approach your conversation, and the girl you were speaking with introduces you to her, tells them what you were talking about, and hand you off to talk to another member.
Honestly I thought it was a pretty cool system. My first impression of this day was that we go into a room randomly and have to spark up conversations with random sorority girls. SO glad it wasn't like that! It was very structured and well organized. Now if you've been nerding it up researching other people's experiences with rushing, let me tell you that they are right when they say, "you just have to feel out each chapter," ... some have better vibes than others. Some girls you'll instantly click with, and others you'll have that awkward moment where one doesn't know what to say next. You may not like one girl's demeanor, while another makes you laugh like crazy.
After we visited all the chapters it was time to rank our favorites. We had to include all houses (as we couldn't just eliminate ones we were not clicking with). The first (6) were #1, plus (1) #2, and (1) #3. If I understand this correctly, tomorrow morning when we come in for the next event we will have "responses" from each house.. meaning, if I chose A, B, C, D, E, and F as my #1s, then G as #2, and H as #3, let's say only A, C, E, F, and G asked me back for more conversation. They call this "mutual selection".. so, for that day, I will only visit A, C, E, F, and G. By the end of the day, I rank these chapters again, and the process repeats itself.
On that note, got lots of homework to get done! Gotta be up early and in Greek Village by 9am. Keep checking back! =)
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Crazy savings!
Ok, I just HAVE to share this with you all....
Remember one of my previous posts about shopping around for textbooks before you buy them from your campus bookstore?
Well, my campus bookstore has the math book I need, used, for something like $125. As I was shopping around, I was going to buy another student's book for $50.. geez I thought that was a good deal.
LUCKILYYYY this transaction was going on via a Facebook group for USF students called "Free/For Sale". A freakin ANGEL informed me that Bookholders.com has the exact same book for like $2 and some change.
With Tampa being an awesome place as it is, they actually have a Bookholders.com store right across from campus. Honestly, I did not believe the website's price.. so I went to the store because I was thinking it was some sort of eBay scam where it's like a picture of the book, or completely torn up or something of the like.
Lo and behold, I bought this math book from Bookholders for $2.98 !!!! It is in AMAZING condition, too =)
Remember one of my previous posts about shopping around for textbooks before you buy them from your campus bookstore?
Well, my campus bookstore has the math book I need, used, for something like $125. As I was shopping around, I was going to buy another student's book for $50.. geez I thought that was a good deal.
LUCKILYYYY this transaction was going on via a Facebook group for USF students called "Free/For Sale". A freakin ANGEL informed me that Bookholders.com has the exact same book for like $2 and some change.
With Tampa being an awesome place as it is, they actually have a Bookholders.com store right across from campus. Honestly, I did not believe the website's price.. so I went to the store because I was thinking it was some sort of eBay scam where it's like a picture of the book, or completely torn up or something of the like.
Lo and behold, I bought this math book from Bookholders for $2.98 !!!! It is in AMAZING condition, too =)
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Woohoo!
So let me update you:
I quit my job at the nightclub doing bottle service last Friday evening on my own free will. Basically a manager ultimatum'd me, saying if I chose to take a weekend off then there was no guarantee I would be put back on the schedule immediately thereafter (probably thinking I'd be too afraid to lose my job or something... good thing I'm not a p*ssy haha).... so ultimately I thank that manager for giving me the push to do the right thing and get into my field of study.
Almost one week out of work I went on my first interview at a pediatricians office, aaand I got hired on-the-spot! As I skipped out of the office I went straight to the scrub supply store and bought my first pair, which (in case you're interested) I decided on a pair of hot pink scrub pants and a brown top with green and hot pink circles. I'll take a pic on my first day which is Wednesday =)
The office is a family-owned and operated practice run by a husband and wife team. I did a little research and they received numerous praise from parents, so I am excited to learn their procedures in order to maintain that positive image and experience for both the parents and their kids.
It's kind of ironic that the first medical office I will be working at is a pediatrician, because if you ask anyone who knows me they will tell you I don't seem to be fond of kids.. but really.. I am. Kids are little sponges that soak up their surroundings and actions given off by others.. Kids can be AWESOME! They're fun, cute, innocent, and it's a great feeling when you teach them something and they learn from it... so priceless. I guess really I can trace my distaste for certain kids to their parents who do not properly look after or teach their children.
I'm excited to work with a pediatrician because I will finally gain experience in a doctors office setting while also being a small part of that child's life to perhaps teach them something positive in which they can carry with them, all-the-while keeping them healthy and happy.
It sucks to say but some people aren't good parents/guardians to their kids.
Now I know I don't know the entire background on this kid, but seriously... WHERE DOES A KID LEARN THIS BEHAVIOR?! News story and video here.
~~
Moving on.....
I got my chemistry books yesterday as well. On FaceBook there is a page for students at my school called "For Sale/Free" and I found a girl who was selling her chemistry textbook and solutions manual for $100. The book alone (used) is $120+... quite the bargain.
Also, I'm not sure if I will be able to accept a bid (if given) from a Greek organization =( Now that I do not have a "disposable income" job, the money I make I expect to be very steady.. so an extra couple hundred bucks here and there (which is what I was relying on to pay dues) isn't going to happen. I already paid my registration fee, so I will still go through the recruitment process. Who knows, I hear some organizations have payment plans... there may be hope for me yet. Only time will tell, I'm sure.
Oh! Alsooo, because I am double-majoring in both biomedical science and political science, I am now a poll-worker for the Supervisor of Elections in my county! Nerdy excited, I know. Honestly I think I was one of the youngest people at orientation this morning.
Also related to political science, I read on the YAL FaceBook page (YAL: Young Americans for Liberty) that there is a Leadership seminar, aka: bootcamp for politics, up at the University of Florida coming up for only $15! It includes food and hotel (yea I couldn't believe that either, so I double-checked by asking haha)!
In closing,
MY ADVICE: One thing that I wholeheartedly recommend to all students who have a fairly good idea of what they're interested in... use social networking to your advantage! Find your school (or schools you're interested in) and add them.. add student groups, follow them on Twitter.. they'll keep you updated on events and such that you can choose to participate in. For you to succeed, you need to surround yourself with like-minded people.. then you'll be surprised how much you'll grow/learn, and how far you'll get, and how many connections you'll make throughout the process.
I quit my job at the nightclub doing bottle service last Friday evening on my own free will. Basically a manager ultimatum'd me, saying if I chose to take a weekend off then there was no guarantee I would be put back on the schedule immediately thereafter (probably thinking I'd be too afraid to lose my job or something... good thing I'm not a p*ssy haha).... so ultimately I thank that manager for giving me the push to do the right thing and get into my field of study.
Almost one week out of work I went on my first interview at a pediatricians office, aaand I got hired on-the-spot! As I skipped out of the office I went straight to the scrub supply store and bought my first pair, which (in case you're interested) I decided on a pair of hot pink scrub pants and a brown top with green and hot pink circles. I'll take a pic on my first day which is Wednesday =)
The office is a family-owned and operated practice run by a husband and wife team. I did a little research and they received numerous praise from parents, so I am excited to learn their procedures in order to maintain that positive image and experience for both the parents and their kids.
It's kind of ironic that the first medical office I will be working at is a pediatrician, because if you ask anyone who knows me they will tell you I don't seem to be fond of kids.. but really.. I am. Kids are little sponges that soak up their surroundings and actions given off by others.. Kids can be AWESOME! They're fun, cute, innocent, and it's a great feeling when you teach them something and they learn from it... so priceless. I guess really I can trace my distaste for certain kids to their parents who do not properly look after or teach their children.
I'm excited to work with a pediatrician because I will finally gain experience in a doctors office setting while also being a small part of that child's life to perhaps teach them something positive in which they can carry with them, all-the-while keeping them healthy and happy.
It sucks to say but some people aren't good parents/guardians to their kids.
Now I know I don't know the entire background on this kid, but seriously... WHERE DOES A KID LEARN THIS BEHAVIOR?! News story and video here.
~~
Moving on.....
I got my chemistry books yesterday as well. On FaceBook there is a page for students at my school called "For Sale/Free" and I found a girl who was selling her chemistry textbook and solutions manual for $100. The book alone (used) is $120+... quite the bargain.
Also, I'm not sure if I will be able to accept a bid (if given) from a Greek organization =( Now that I do not have a "disposable income" job, the money I make I expect to be very steady.. so an extra couple hundred bucks here and there (which is what I was relying on to pay dues) isn't going to happen. I already paid my registration fee, so I will still go through the recruitment process. Who knows, I hear some organizations have payment plans... there may be hope for me yet. Only time will tell, I'm sure.
Oh! Alsooo, because I am double-majoring in both biomedical science and political science, I am now a poll-worker for the Supervisor of Elections in my county! Nerdy excited, I know. Honestly I think I was one of the youngest people at orientation this morning.
Also related to political science, I read on the YAL FaceBook page (YAL: Young Americans for Liberty) that there is a Leadership seminar, aka: bootcamp for politics, up at the University of Florida coming up for only $15! It includes food and hotel (yea I couldn't believe that either, so I double-checked by asking haha)!
In closing,
MY ADVICE: One thing that I wholeheartedly recommend to all students who have a fairly good idea of what they're interested in... use social networking to your advantage! Find your school (or schools you're interested in) and add them.. add student groups, follow them on Twitter.. they'll keep you updated on events and such that you can choose to participate in. For you to succeed, you need to surround yourself with like-minded people.. then you'll be surprised how much you'll grow/learn, and how far you'll get, and how many connections you'll make throughout the process.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Break the Cycle
I'm not sure about you out there, but I can personally say that ever since I started working in the "job market" at 15 I've worked nothing but BS jobs... serving, tossing pizzas, scooping ice cream, bottle service at nightclubs, answering phones.... hey, money is money right?
Well right now I'm at a point where I would really love more income, but there is a side of my brain that is saying, "dude, give up the crappy jobs and get working in your field of study!" Because really, isn't that why people go to college? To get a high-paying skilled career?
I finally have my two-year Associates degree specifically in Medical Sciences yet I am not working in the medical field... so I think the time is now. I've been pussyfooting around while looking at more BS jobs that I'm used to, but each time I look into it I hear myself thinking, "oh yay $4.65 per hour.. I hope people tip their servers as much as I normally do," but most of the time people don't tip their servers like I do... sighhh..
The fall semester is just over a month away and I don't have the kind of bankroll I was hoping for when I committed myself to working all summer long in order to work less during school.. I definitely don't have enough saved for sorority dues if I were offered a bid =( that much is kind of depressing.. on top of it we're moving into our new apartment one week before classes start which will cost more than what we pay now (granted, the extra space and new area are totally worth it)...
Something has got to give.. whether it's my fed-up-ness (totally not a word, but hopefully you catch my drift) with the jobs that I currently have, or a big break in the medical field, or perhaps biting the bullet and doing the last possible thing that can get me in the medical field... volunteer at a hospital. I just don't like that V word.. granted I know we all must serve our time to gain experience, but I'm committed to gaining experience AND getting paid for it.
Seriously, I'm nearly twenty-four mutha-truckin years old! Time to get seriously serious about my career field of choice. I'm pretty excited for school to start so I can at least join student-professional groups and clubs to build and expand my medical field network and connections.
Well right now I'm at a point where I would really love more income, but there is a side of my brain that is saying, "dude, give up the crappy jobs and get working in your field of study!" Because really, isn't that why people go to college? To get a high-paying skilled career?
I finally have my two-year Associates degree specifically in Medical Sciences yet I am not working in the medical field... so I think the time is now. I've been pussyfooting around while looking at more BS jobs that I'm used to, but each time I look into it I hear myself thinking, "oh yay $4.65 per hour.. I hope people tip their servers as much as I normally do," but most of the time people don't tip their servers like I do... sighhh..
The fall semester is just over a month away and I don't have the kind of bankroll I was hoping for when I committed myself to working all summer long in order to work less during school.. I definitely don't have enough saved for sorority dues if I were offered a bid =( that much is kind of depressing.. on top of it we're moving into our new apartment one week before classes start which will cost more than what we pay now (granted, the extra space and new area are totally worth it)...
Something has got to give.. whether it's my fed-up-ness (totally not a word, but hopefully you catch my drift) with the jobs that I currently have, or a big break in the medical field, or perhaps biting the bullet and doing the last possible thing that can get me in the medical field... volunteer at a hospital. I just don't like that V word.. granted I know we all must serve our time to gain experience, but I'm committed to gaining experience AND getting paid for it.
Seriously, I'm nearly twenty-four mutha-truckin years old! Time to get seriously serious about my career field of choice. I'm pretty excited for school to start so I can at least join student-professional groups and clubs to build and expand my medical field network and connections.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Greek Update
Thanks Gina for the comment :)
I did, in fact, finish my application and paid the fee... recruitment is official!
I'm excited to be surrounded with other ladies who have big plans in life and aim to be successful. If there has been anything that I've learned over the years it is to surround yourself with like-minded people. Those who are unmotivated with neither ambition nor plans will more-often-than-not bring you down in more ways than one. By going through recruitment I hope to find a sisterhood that keeps me aiming high even when I find myself tired and drained.
The organizations are, w/(nicknames):
AΔπ - Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi)
AOÏ€ -Alpha Omicron Pi (Alpha O)
ΓΦB - Gamma Phi Beta (Gamma Phi)
XΩ - Chi Omega (Chi-O)
ΔΔΔ - Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta)
ΔΓ - Delta Gamma (Dee-Gee)
KΔ - Kappa Delta (Kay-Dee)
ΣΔT - Sigma Delta Tau (Sig Delt)
ZTA - Zeta Tau Alpha (Zeta)
[What to Wear: casual]
-Sunday, 9/2: Spirit Day @ 9am. Consists of (9) 25-minute events where potential new members (PNMs) will visit all Panhellenic chapters in a meet-n-greet.
[What to Wear: casual, simple tops with shorts or pants]
-Monday, 9/3: Philanthropy Day @ 9am. Consists of (6) events lasting 40-minutes each. PNMs will participate in an activity (usually making a craft) that will support each chapter's philanthropy.
[What to Wear: casual clothes, nothing expensive due to paint and/or glue in crafts]
-Friday, 9/7: Sisterhood Day @ 1pm. Consists of (4) events lasting 50-minutes each. Sororities will show PNMs a video displaying their chapter's sisterhood, philanthropy, activities, and other highlights.
[What to Wear: slightly formal, wearing outfits you would wear to a nice dinner or church]
-Saturday, 9/8: Preference Day @ 9am. Consists of (2) events lasting an hour each. Sororities welcome PNMs for a deeper look into their sisterhood, traditions, and/or rituals.
[What to Wear: formal dresses, such as cocktail or semi-formal events]
-Sunday 9/9: Bid Day @ noon. The day PNMs fins out which sorority has extended them an invitation to join their sisterhood!
[What to Wear: the recruitment t-shirt provided, and comfortable shoes and bottoms]
There is other useful information in the booklet they provided, such as "What to Talk About" during each day of recruitment.
Suggestions like: Why did you join a sorority, and what is your favorite part? What are some requirements for your chapter? What is your best memory with your sorority? What other types of events do you participate in, and which are your favorites? Ask about social, time, and financial commitments... Open up towards the end to those you felt a stronger connection to...
I did, in fact, finish my application and paid the fee... recruitment is official!
I'm excited to be surrounded with other ladies who have big plans in life and aim to be successful. If there has been anything that I've learned over the years it is to surround yourself with like-minded people. Those who are unmotivated with neither ambition nor plans will more-often-than-not bring you down in more ways than one. By going through recruitment I hope to find a sisterhood that keeps me aiming high even when I find myself tired and drained.
The organizations are, w/(nicknames):
AΔπ - Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi)
AOÏ€ -Alpha Omicron Pi (Alpha O)
ΓΦB - Gamma Phi Beta (Gamma Phi)
XΩ - Chi Omega (Chi-O)
ΔΔΔ - Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta)
ΔΓ - Delta Gamma (Dee-Gee)
KΔ - Kappa Delta (Kay-Dee)
ΣΔT - Sigma Delta Tau (Sig Delt)
ZTA - Zeta Tau Alpha (Zeta)
They gave me a book explaining recruitment, so here are the events that are scheduled (some is transcribed verbatim, with credit to USF Panhellenic) :
-Friday, 8/31: Orientation Night @ 7pm. Mandatory orientation; meet Pi Chi's (recruitment counselors) and the Panhellenic Executive Board; answer all questions and distribute final schedules for the week of recruitment.[What to Wear: casual]
-Sunday, 9/2: Spirit Day @ 9am. Consists of (9) 25-minute events where potential new members (PNMs) will visit all Panhellenic chapters in a meet-n-greet.
[What to Wear: casual, simple tops with shorts or pants]
-Monday, 9/3: Philanthropy Day @ 9am. Consists of (6) events lasting 40-minutes each. PNMs will participate in an activity (usually making a craft) that will support each chapter's philanthropy.
[What to Wear: casual clothes, nothing expensive due to paint and/or glue in crafts]
-Friday, 9/7: Sisterhood Day @ 1pm. Consists of (4) events lasting 50-minutes each. Sororities will show PNMs a video displaying their chapter's sisterhood, philanthropy, activities, and other highlights.
[What to Wear: slightly formal, wearing outfits you would wear to a nice dinner or church]
-Saturday, 9/8: Preference Day @ 9am. Consists of (2) events lasting an hour each. Sororities welcome PNMs for a deeper look into their sisterhood, traditions, and/or rituals.
[What to Wear: formal dresses, such as cocktail or semi-formal events]
-Sunday 9/9: Bid Day @ noon. The day PNMs fins out which sorority has extended them an invitation to join their sisterhood!
[What to Wear: the recruitment t-shirt provided, and comfortable shoes and bottoms]
There is other useful information in the booklet they provided, such as "What to Talk About" during each day of recruitment.
Suggestions like: Why did you join a sorority, and what is your favorite part? What are some requirements for your chapter? What is your best memory with your sorority? What other types of events do you participate in, and which are your favorites? Ask about social, time, and financial commitments... Open up towards the end to those you felt a stronger connection to...
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Greek
I'm deciding whether or not to join Greek Life...
There was an info meeting last night, and it seemed alright. It was setup in a "science fair" style with each sorority having a table and decorated poster-board on display. You can definitely tell the different feel with each group, but for only spending a few minutes talking it may be too soon to tell. There are designated "counselors" who are basically girls that "give up their letters for recruitment so they can help new members find their letters," and there to help you with any questions and such.
They gave us a nifty Sorority Life Guide that lays out all the info about Greek Life, recruitment and the different chapters at the university. It is a helpful tool, for sure.
Honestly, I just felt OLD. All the girls seemed to be barely 20 and high-school-y.. no offense to those of you who are still getting through high school! For going on 24 and just now getting into the university lifestyle, it will just take a little getting used to.
I've filled out the application probably three times now, but every time I get to the end I'm not sure it's something I want to spend $65 on. Not to mention what happens if I get a bid... then I have to worry about $800-$1200 in dues PER semester, plus the time commitment. Buuuut then you have all those current members saying how they also work, do well in classes, and have a ton of fun with their sisters... so I don't know if I'm just being speculative.
Maybe I'll go through with it. You're only in college once, right? Besides, then I can tell you all about it in case you are thinking of doing the same. =)
There was an info meeting last night, and it seemed alright. It was setup in a "science fair" style with each sorority having a table and decorated poster-board on display. You can definitely tell the different feel with each group, but for only spending a few minutes talking it may be too soon to tell. There are designated "counselors" who are basically girls that "give up their letters for recruitment so they can help new members find their letters," and there to help you with any questions and such.
They gave us a nifty Sorority Life Guide that lays out all the info about Greek Life, recruitment and the different chapters at the university. It is a helpful tool, for sure.
Honestly, I just felt OLD. All the girls seemed to be barely 20 and high-school-y.. no offense to those of you who are still getting through high school! For going on 24 and just now getting into the university lifestyle, it will just take a little getting used to.
I've filled out the application probably three times now, but every time I get to the end I'm not sure it's something I want to spend $65 on. Not to mention what happens if I get a bid... then I have to worry about $800-$1200 in dues PER semester, plus the time commitment. Buuuut then you have all those current members saying how they also work, do well in classes, and have a ton of fun with their sisters... so I don't know if I'm just being speculative.
Maybe I'll go through with it. You're only in college once, right? Besides, then I can tell you all about it in case you are thinking of doing the same. =)
Thursday, June 14, 2012
5 Note-Taking Tips
Along with textbooks being provided to you free of charge, GONE are the days of your teachers giving you class notes to copy. YOU, dear friend, are now responsible for writing down notes from spoken lectures in your classes. Do you have good note-taking skills? Let me give you a few tips on how to efficiently write notes in college:
~~~
1.) If your professor repeats a phrase, or says it rather slowly or louder than usual (to ensure you write each word down), then write it down and highlight it! I've found that professors do this when students commonly miss questions on an exam relating to what they are saying. *Note: Do not only write down these obvious hints from your professor! They alone will NOT get you by. You must actively pay attention and take notes throughout your classes.
2.) Always define terms (vocabulary) in your notes. It is also a good idea to highlight defined terms in the same color highlighter that way you can easily spot them.
3.) Read the textbook section BEFORE coming to class (it will be stated in your syllabus)! If you have read the text assigned for that day, then you can more efficiently take notes by knowing what material will be covered, and how specific you should be when noting certain topics. Also, use chapter summaries to make sure you covered all the major learning objectives! For instance, in chemistry if you didn't read the text and your professor is explaining an example of how something works, more often than not you will hastily write down their elaborate explanation rather than the concise material via the text.
4.) Outline! Are you familiar with outlining? Check this out if you aren't: http://thatcollegekid.com/how-to-create-a-successful-outline/ Note!: Usually it is difficult to write a fluent, mistake-free outline while taking notes during lecture. The best outlines are made while you are studying with all the notes you took during class-time... that way you can organize your textbook notes, lecture notes, and examples in a clean and orderly fashion (and so they're all in one place for easy use when exam study-time comes around!)
5.) Abbreviate! This is a super helpful tip, just be sure to be consistent in your abbreviations. For instance, I use "b/c" for "because"... I use "para" (spanish, haha) for "in order to"... and in chemistry I use element symbols instead of writing out the whole word. Large annoying phrases like "significant figures" can be shortened to "sig figs," and "aggregate expenditure" can be "AE."
Saturday, June 9, 2012
"20 Things I Should Have Known at 20" -Julian S.
I like Twitter.. having said that, I follow Chegg (that nifty online textbook rental company) and they posted a link to the following:
~~~
(theburiedlife.tumblr.com)
2. Do not have faith in institutions to educate you. By the time they build the curriculum, it’s likely that the system is outdated– sometimes utterly broken. You both learn and get respect from people worth getting it from by leading and doing, not by following.
3. Read as much as you can. Learn to speed read with high retention. Emerson Spartz taught me this while I was at a Summit Series event. If he reads 2-3 books a week, you can read one.
4. Connect with everyone, all the time. Be genuine about it. Learn to find something you like in each person, and then speak to that thing.
5. Don’t waste time being shy. Shyness is the belief that your emotions should be the arbitrators of your decision making process when the opposite is actually true.
6. If you feel weird about something during a relationship, that’s usually what you end up breaking up over.
7. Have as much contact as possible with older people. Personally, I met people at Podcamps. My friend Greg, at the age of 13, met his first future employer sitting next to him on a plane. The reason this is so valuable is because people your age don’t usually have the decision-making ability to help you very much. Also they know almost everything you will learn later, so ask them.
8. Find people that are cooler than you and hang out with them too. This and the corollary are both important: “don’t attempt to be average inside your group. Continuously attempt to be cooler than them (by doing cooler things, being more laid back, accepting, ambitious, etc.).”
9. You will become more conservative over time. This is just a fact. Those you surround yourself with create a kind of “bubble” that pushes you to support the status quo. For this reason, you need to do your craziest stuff NOW. Later on, you’ll become too afraid. Trust me.
10. Reduce all expenses as much as possible. I mean it. This creates a safety net that will allow you to do the crazier shit I mentioned above.
11. Instead of getting status through objects (which provide only temporary boosts), do it through experiences. In other words, a trip to Paris is a better choice than a new wardrobe. Studies show this also boosts happiness.
12. While you are living on the cheap, solve the money problem. Use the internet, because it’s like a cool little machine that helps you do your bidding. If you are currently living paycheck to paycheck, extend that to three weeks instead of two. Then, as you get better, you can think a month ahead, then three months, then six, and finally a year ahead. (The goal is to get to a point where you are thinking 5 years ahead.)
13. Learn to program.
14. Get a six-pack (or get thin, whatever your goal is) while you are young. Your hormones are in a better place to help you do this at a younger age. Don’t waste this opportunity, trust me.
15. Learn to cook. This will make everything much easier and it turns food from a chore + expensive habit into a pleasant + frugal one. I’m a big Jamie Oliver fan, but whatever you like is fine.
16. Sleep well. This and cooking will help with the six pack. If you think “I can sleep when I’m dead” or “I have too much to do to sleep,” I have news for you: you are INEFFICIENT, and sleep deprivation isn’t helping.
17. Get a reminder app for everything. Do not trust your own brain for your memory. Do not trust it for what you “feel like” you should be doing. Trust only the reminder app. I use RE.minder and Action Method.
18. Choose something huge to do, as well as allowing the waves of opportunity to help you along. If you don’t set goals, some stuff may happen, but if you do choose, lots more will.
19. Get known for one thing. Spend like 5 years doing it instead of flopping around all over the place. If you want to shift afterwards, go ahead. Like I said, choose something.
20. Don’t try to “fix” anyone. Instead, look for someone who isn’t broken.
(Written by: Julian Smith inoveryourhead.net)
~~~
I completely agree with most of these..they each have a lesson we will need to learn at some point, but the ones I list below I have more experience with (and I'm just going to skip over the money ones because we all know how bad I suck at handling money.. luckily I'm getting better though!) :-)
-number 1 speaks volumesssss. If you aren't educated to some degree you will eat up what everyone else says, whether it's true or not. Take for instance, economics. I've always been intimidated by the subject... well I finally had to take a macroeconomics course and not only did I become less afraid of money markets and their jargon, but my professor said something along the lines of, "now that you all know this, you will constantly see misinformation on major news networks when they speak of the economy," and she is totally right. I'd give you an example but then I'd need to explain subsidies, GDP, and media bias which will definitely take more than a paragraph LOL.
-number 2 makes a great point... educational institutions are bound by state legislatures (for public schools). Coming back to economics, they need to make our education as cost effective as possible. So what's the next best thing? If you said EXPERIENCE, then you win! Get out there and find an extra-curricular group who's mission is something you are interested in. Whether it's politics, environmentalism, money management, swing dance, foreign language... 98% of the time there is a student group out there of others who are interested in the same thing.. and the best part? You as students get to decide what you want to do as a group (if your group is part of your student government, then you get funds to budget and further your cause, whatever it may be). The other 2%? If your group isn't on campus, you can start your own! See your student government for more details.
-for number 8 I would use a different word than "cool" because really, that all depends on who defines that slang term. How about, people that are better than you? Now I don't mean that in a derogatory way, but a mentor of mine taught me how to really shoot pool (billiards) and his number one advice is, "always play someone better than you, otherwise your skills don't get better."
-number 15 is great advice not only for your own health, but so many people rely on box meals (Hamburger Helper, EasyMac, and the like) for their nutritional needs. Big mistake, and it comes back around to number 14 because your body would much rather have simple foods compared to boxed meals loaded with unnatural preservatives.
-number 17 can be done in other ways. Me personally, I'm a list-maker. If I don't make a list, I don't get everything done (if at all!). Whether it's the grocery store, chores, my bills, or errands... if I don't have a list, I forget. Have a calendar, or a reminder app, use alarms and the like to keep your obligations to a minimum... besides, what happens when you forget to pay a bill on-time? Your credit score goes down and you get hit with extra fees (more money that should be in your pocket!)
-number 19 I can vouch for because my philosophy used to be, "why only do one thing when you can do so many?" I have a lot of interests, but the main problem with doing so many different things is that you never have enough time to dedicate your time and energy to just ONE of them so you can consequently excel at it.
~~~
(theburiedlife.tumblr.com)
20 Things I Should Have Known at 20.
1. The world is trying to keep you stupid. From bank fees to interest rates to miracle diets, people who are not educated are easier to get money from and easier to lead. Educate yourself as much as possible for wealth, independence, and happiness.2. Do not have faith in institutions to educate you. By the time they build the curriculum, it’s likely that the system is outdated– sometimes utterly broken. You both learn and get respect from people worth getting it from by leading and doing, not by following.
3. Read as much as you can. Learn to speed read with high retention. Emerson Spartz taught me this while I was at a Summit Series event. If he reads 2-3 books a week, you can read one.
4. Connect with everyone, all the time. Be genuine about it. Learn to find something you like in each person, and then speak to that thing.
5. Don’t waste time being shy. Shyness is the belief that your emotions should be the arbitrators of your decision making process when the opposite is actually true.
6. If you feel weird about something during a relationship, that’s usually what you end up breaking up over.
7. Have as much contact as possible with older people. Personally, I met people at Podcamps. My friend Greg, at the age of 13, met his first future employer sitting next to him on a plane. The reason this is so valuable is because people your age don’t usually have the decision-making ability to help you very much. Also they know almost everything you will learn later, so ask them.
8. Find people that are cooler than you and hang out with them too. This and the corollary are both important: “don’t attempt to be average inside your group. Continuously attempt to be cooler than them (by doing cooler things, being more laid back, accepting, ambitious, etc.).”
9. You will become more conservative over time. This is just a fact. Those you surround yourself with create a kind of “bubble” that pushes you to support the status quo. For this reason, you need to do your craziest stuff NOW. Later on, you’ll become too afraid. Trust me.
10. Reduce all expenses as much as possible. I mean it. This creates a safety net that will allow you to do the crazier shit I mentioned above.
11. Instead of getting status through objects (which provide only temporary boosts), do it through experiences. In other words, a trip to Paris is a better choice than a new wardrobe. Studies show this also boosts happiness.
12. While you are living on the cheap, solve the money problem. Use the internet, because it’s like a cool little machine that helps you do your bidding. If you are currently living paycheck to paycheck, extend that to three weeks instead of two. Then, as you get better, you can think a month ahead, then three months, then six, and finally a year ahead. (The goal is to get to a point where you are thinking 5 years ahead.)
13. Learn to program.
14. Get a six-pack (or get thin, whatever your goal is) while you are young. Your hormones are in a better place to help you do this at a younger age. Don’t waste this opportunity, trust me.
15. Learn to cook. This will make everything much easier and it turns food from a chore + expensive habit into a pleasant + frugal one. I’m a big Jamie Oliver fan, but whatever you like is fine.
16. Sleep well. This and cooking will help with the six pack. If you think “I can sleep when I’m dead” or “I have too much to do to sleep,” I have news for you: you are INEFFICIENT, and sleep deprivation isn’t helping.
17. Get a reminder app for everything. Do not trust your own brain for your memory. Do not trust it for what you “feel like” you should be doing. Trust only the reminder app. I use RE.minder and Action Method.
18. Choose something huge to do, as well as allowing the waves of opportunity to help you along. If you don’t set goals, some stuff may happen, but if you do choose, lots more will.
19. Get known for one thing. Spend like 5 years doing it instead of flopping around all over the place. If you want to shift afterwards, go ahead. Like I said, choose something.
20. Don’t try to “fix” anyone. Instead, look for someone who isn’t broken.
(Written by: Julian Smith inoveryourhead.net)
~~~
I completely agree with most of these..they each have a lesson we will need to learn at some point, but the ones I list below I have more experience with (and I'm just going to skip over the money ones because we all know how bad I suck at handling money.. luckily I'm getting better though!) :-)
-number 1 speaks volumesssss. If you aren't educated to some degree you will eat up what everyone else says, whether it's true or not. Take for instance, economics. I've always been intimidated by the subject... well I finally had to take a macroeconomics course and not only did I become less afraid of money markets and their jargon, but my professor said something along the lines of, "now that you all know this, you will constantly see misinformation on major news networks when they speak of the economy," and she is totally right. I'd give you an example but then I'd need to explain subsidies, GDP, and media bias which will definitely take more than a paragraph LOL.
-number 2 makes a great point... educational institutions are bound by state legislatures (for public schools). Coming back to economics, they need to make our education as cost effective as possible. So what's the next best thing? If you said EXPERIENCE, then you win! Get out there and find an extra-curricular group who's mission is something you are interested in. Whether it's politics, environmentalism, money management, swing dance, foreign language... 98% of the time there is a student group out there of others who are interested in the same thing.. and the best part? You as students get to decide what you want to do as a group (if your group is part of your student government, then you get funds to budget and further your cause, whatever it may be). The other 2%? If your group isn't on campus, you can start your own! See your student government for more details.
-for number 8 I would use a different word than "cool" because really, that all depends on who defines that slang term. How about, people that are better than you? Now I don't mean that in a derogatory way, but a mentor of mine taught me how to really shoot pool (billiards) and his number one advice is, "always play someone better than you, otherwise your skills don't get better."
-number 15 is great advice not only for your own health, but so many people rely on box meals (Hamburger Helper, EasyMac, and the like) for their nutritional needs. Big mistake, and it comes back around to number 14 because your body would much rather have simple foods compared to boxed meals loaded with unnatural preservatives.
-number 17 can be done in other ways. Me personally, I'm a list-maker. If I don't make a list, I don't get everything done (if at all!). Whether it's the grocery store, chores, my bills, or errands... if I don't have a list, I forget. Have a calendar, or a reminder app, use alarms and the like to keep your obligations to a minimum... besides, what happens when you forget to pay a bill on-time? Your credit score goes down and you get hit with extra fees (more money that should be in your pocket!)
-number 19 I can vouch for because my philosophy used to be, "why only do one thing when you can do so many?" I have a lot of interests, but the main problem with doing so many different things is that you never have enough time to dedicate your time and energy to just ONE of them so you can consequently excel at it.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Smart $hopper!
Who says you can't be a smart shopper when it comes to textbooks?
One of the biggest expenses (besides tuition) college kids have to deal with are ... sighh... textbooks. No longer are we lucky enough to have high schools simply provide us with a textbook to use.However, if you have a little time and patience you can find these (usually expensive) textbooks for a better deal than your campus bookstore can provide.
For example, last night I looked up the textbooks I will be using for this Fall semester's courses.. (only a few were available considering it is the beginning of June). Now the MAIN THING you NEED when looking for your particular textbook elsewhere is the ISBN number. It is basically a serial number for that specific title, author, and EDITION textbook your professor requires.
*Pay special attention to Edition numbers! Some professors don't mind if you have an earlier edition, however page numbers will be off and you will make life just a little bit harder on yourself.*
Let's take my International Relations course.
Now when looking up your textbooks, most likely your college/university will automatically direct you to their store. BUT! With that nifty ISBN number, we can easily look up the same textbook in other online venues.
Notice that there are 3 prices.
The first is the RENTAL price. Renting textbooks is kind of a new thing, but basically you pay to use the particular textbook for the semester and then return it as soon as your course is over in the SAME condition that you received it in.*To be honest, I've never rented a textbook; I fold pages, write/highlight, and sometimes I get caught in the rain when riding my motorcycle... so for me I find it safer to just outright buy the thing... just in case. Because if whoever you rent it from calls you out on returning their book in less than ideal conditions, you have to dish out more money which we all know doesn't grow on trees.
The second price is how much a USED textbook will cost you. A used textbook is simply that... a book that has been used by another student who chose to "sell it back" after their course was over. No harm in that!
The last price is the FULL RETAIL VALUE when brand spankin' new.
Phase One: complete. We know which particular textbook our professor assigned for the course.
Phase Two: finding the best deal. Take the ISBN number given (something like 12ish numbers long; you can find it in the first few pages of nearly all books... you know, where all that publisher information is, OR it is usually listed on/near the barcode) and Plug-N-Chug! Start with Google.. all the websites that have it available will come up, such as Amazon, Chegg, Alibris, Textbooks, etc.
I found a BRAND NEW textbook, still in the wrapper (the one listed above) at Alibris.com for the following:
So to sum it up, I purchased a brand new textbook for 70% less than full retail value. AND! With that awesome little promo code, I virtually got free shipping =)
My Mistake: My first two semesters in college I really didn't care how much textbooks cost because I got a ridiculous amount of financial aid and I had enough left over from tuition to be able to pay for new books. A new Anatomy&Physiology textbook ran about $250, not to mention the other four classes I was taking. Granted, this shouldn't really be considered a mistake, but rather a bad habit of expecting money to be there. What happens when the next year, you do not receive as much aid? Or you don't get that scholarship two years in a row?
My Advice: Save Save Save whenever possible! Don't kick yourself because there was an opportunity for you to save some money that could've been used to help you in-the-now.
((UPDATE! The book came early and in perfect condition, still wrapped in plastic. Happy camper.))
Friday, May 25, 2012
Balance/Moderation
Balance and Moderation...
Two simple words each implying steadfastness and the mental ability to know when too much is really too much.
Work, course loads, obligations, promises, family matters, and the like... ALL require this. Too much of any can cause stress, irritability, fatigue, and hopelessness. Not enough can cause rifts in relationships, carelessness, and sometimes mild spouts of depression-like feelings.Balancing all of your obligations, family matters, school work, job(s), and the nitty gritty details inbetween is, in fact, a challenge that everyone struggles with... even for those not in college. So you can imagine how hectic some of us students get when we have midterms/finals on top of all the other crap we have to deal with. Solution? Balance and Moderation.
When I went to orientation for the university, all the faculty members kept reiterating something like, "Hey we know how stressful it is to do what you do.. so we encourage you students to blow off steam and stress with some fun," whether it's college night at your local bar, concerts, zombie vs human chases (which was pretty cool btw!), and a bunch of other weird off-the-wall events that most universities sponsor for their students.
I'm still working on the whole Balance aspect myself.. except for me I do a different balancing act; instead of doing what most people would do (strategically plan and space out job times throughout the week), I'd rather do it all at once and have a few days to do absolutely nothing. No really! See why I said I don't really have it going for myself just yet?
Despite receiving the same suggestions from both my neighbors and my fiance in regards to my work schedule, I think this type of balance works best for me.
For example, here's my work schedule for this and next week:
Wednesday: Ybor job (10pm-3am)
Thursday: Ybor job (9pm-3am)
Friday: mall job (12pm-9pm) and Ybor job (9:30pm-4am)
Saturday: mall job (3:30pm-9pm) and Ybor job (9:30pm-4am)
Sunday: mall job (11am-6pm)
Monday: mall job (12pm-9pm)
Tuesday- OFF
Wednesday- gosh I hope I get this day off!
Thursday- mall job (12pm-9pm) and Ybor job (9:30pm-3am)
[repeat Friday thru Sunday schedule]
TOTALLY off balance, right? Geez just wait until the fall semester starts! I will definitely have to change it up when the time comes, but for right now this works for me. But, I know me. I hate doing something every single day. I love lazy days!
Everyone has different comfort and stress levels. I'd rather just be a caffeine junky for the weekend and then lay around my apartment in my jammies laying upside down on my couch while watching TV and eating Snack Pack chocolate puddings for two days straight (awesome visual, right?).
MY MISTAKE: I probably said it already and doing the WHAM-BAM one-after-another tactic, but so far it isn't turning out too bad.. and I'm banking in the meantime so that works out.
MY ADVICE: Even though we may balance our lives differently in order to moderate our time (and sanity), we must remember that each person is different with different obligations and goals. So do what you can handle without driving yourself crazy. So far my sanity is intact...
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
A little about me
So I realized as I myself browsed through other pre-med student blogs, I don't like to read info from someone whom I know nothing about. In case you're interested about the author, keep reading:
~~~~
My name is Katharine but my friends call me Katie. I'm 23 years old and I live in the beautiful Tampa Bay area with my fiance and little puppy dog. Originally, I grew up in Las Vegas and moved to Florida in 2004.
I've always been a good student until moving to Florida (the education system here SUCKS! and screwed me out of the honors courses I took while in Vegas. I mean really, does your state have "State Edition" textbooks? Why does Florida have "Florida Edition" textbooks? Nevada never had that..). The first Florida high school I attended, I requested to be transferred there for their NJROTC program as I was heavily involved in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) back home because being commissioned as a Naval officer was my chosen career path.. no backups. That is what I was going to do (my cousin flies fighter jets in the Navy, and he even teaches pilots in the Air Force on certain fighters/bombers). I succeeded in the unit, but decided the next school year to transfer to a new technical high school to study automotive sciences (I have this thing for learning how to do stuff instead of paying other people to do it... ironically this is when I started driving my own car LOL).
*sidenote: I decided against the military for a few reasons... the first, the wars in the middle east were still raging on after 9/11/01; an amazing young man, a fellow comrade in NJROTC, and my prom date never made it back after becoming a US Marine and shipping out to the frontline [RIP Patrick Malone]; and secondly the ONE day when I went into the recruiter's office to schedule an ASVAB exam is when I was t-boned in my car while trying to leave the shopping center.. I'm a believer in the universe and timing, so I held off.
The end of my junior/beginning of my senior year I worked at a Ford dealership as a technician intern, and specialized in suspension/steering and automatic transmissions. This may sound weird, but working on cars is where I got the inspiration to work in the health care field. While taking clutch packs out of a RWD transmission and taking them apart, it felt like car surgery and I loved it. I loved the thought of taking car diagnostic skills and applying them to people. The tests you do to eliminate possibilities and ultimately find the problem for a smooth ride were exciting, thoughtful, and productive.
Long-story-short, I neglected to finish a pesky half-credit in math and ultimately did not graduate in 2007. Fast forward through two years of drifting through Atlanta, GA after-the-fact and you'll find me back in Florida two weeks away from moving back out West with no real plans. This is when me and my fiance (not so at the time) crossed paths again, and he is to thank for helping me find the right path to where I am now.
In 2009 I aced my GED exam and enrolled in my local community college aiming for their nursing program. Two years later, after finishing all of the pre-requisites needed to apply to their program I got to thinking that in the two years it took me to simply finish pre-req's I could have earned an Associates degree. If I stuck around and waited for admission into the community college's nursing program (plus two years of nursing coursework + clinical rotations), by the time I had finished I could have earned a four year baccalaureate degree. So I went to an advisor and looked at other options. One year after making that decision I graduated from HCC with an Associates degree in Medical Sciences earlier this month, 2012.
Nursing is still an option because there is a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree available at the university I will be attending, but there are many many more fields of study within healthcare that I will aim for something else that relates to patient wellness.
Now it is 2012 and I start classes at the University of South Florida in August of this year aiming for a Bachelors degree in Biomedical Science, and possibly a second Bachelors in Political Science. Hopefully this blog will help others, and in another three years I can write about the MCAT, helpful info guides, and the medical school admissions process as I hope I will be taking part in it.
~~~~
I've definitely learned important subject matter, but better than that I learned more about myself and the decisions that I make. With each twist, turn, obstacle, and ultimate decision I am molding myself as an adult who's looking after their own life and future. I know 23 is definitely an adult age, but really 20 years old is when the "hey let's figure out where I want life to take me" thoughts started coming in. Yea I started late (especially comparing me next to the youngest student in my CC graduation, 16 freakin' years old!), but it wasn't too late. The oldest graduate in our class is 73.
~~~~
My name is Katharine but my friends call me Katie. I'm 23 years old and I live in the beautiful Tampa Bay area with my fiance and little puppy dog. Originally, I grew up in Las Vegas and moved to Florida in 2004.
I've always been a good student until moving to Florida (the education system here SUCKS! and screwed me out of the honors courses I took while in Vegas. I mean really, does your state have "State Edition" textbooks? Why does Florida have "Florida Edition" textbooks? Nevada never had that..). The first Florida high school I attended, I requested to be transferred there for their NJROTC program as I was heavily involved in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) back home because being commissioned as a Naval officer was my chosen career path.. no backups. That is what I was going to do (my cousin flies fighter jets in the Navy, and he even teaches pilots in the Air Force on certain fighters/bombers). I succeeded in the unit, but decided the next school year to transfer to a new technical high school to study automotive sciences (I have this thing for learning how to do stuff instead of paying other people to do it... ironically this is when I started driving my own car LOL).
*sidenote: I decided against the military for a few reasons... the first, the wars in the middle east were still raging on after 9/11/01; an amazing young man, a fellow comrade in NJROTC, and my prom date never made it back after becoming a US Marine and shipping out to the frontline [RIP Patrick Malone]; and secondly the ONE day when I went into the recruiter's office to schedule an ASVAB exam is when I was t-boned in my car while trying to leave the shopping center.. I'm a believer in the universe and timing, so I held off.
The end of my junior/beginning of my senior year I worked at a Ford dealership as a technician intern, and specialized in suspension/steering and automatic transmissions. This may sound weird, but working on cars is where I got the inspiration to work in the health care field. While taking clutch packs out of a RWD transmission and taking them apart, it felt like car surgery and I loved it. I loved the thought of taking car diagnostic skills and applying them to people. The tests you do to eliminate possibilities and ultimately find the problem for a smooth ride were exciting, thoughtful, and productive.
Long-story-short, I neglected to finish a pesky half-credit in math and ultimately did not graduate in 2007. Fast forward through two years of drifting through Atlanta, GA after-the-fact and you'll find me back in Florida two weeks away from moving back out West with no real plans. This is when me and my fiance (not so at the time) crossed paths again, and he is to thank for helping me find the right path to where I am now.
In 2009 I aced my GED exam and enrolled in my local community college aiming for their nursing program. Two years later, after finishing all of the pre-requisites needed to apply to their program I got to thinking that in the two years it took me to simply finish pre-req's I could have earned an Associates degree. If I stuck around and waited for admission into the community college's nursing program (plus two years of nursing coursework + clinical rotations), by the time I had finished I could have earned a four year baccalaureate degree. So I went to an advisor and looked at other options. One year after making that decision I graduated from HCC with an Associates degree in Medical Sciences earlier this month, 2012.
Nursing is still an option because there is a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree available at the university I will be attending, but there are many many more fields of study within healthcare that I will aim for something else that relates to patient wellness.
Now it is 2012 and I start classes at the University of South Florida in August of this year aiming for a Bachelors degree in Biomedical Science, and possibly a second Bachelors in Political Science. Hopefully this blog will help others, and in another three years I can write about the MCAT, helpful info guides, and the medical school admissions process as I hope I will be taking part in it.
~~~~
I've definitely learned important subject matter, but better than that I learned more about myself and the decisions that I make. With each twist, turn, obstacle, and ultimate decision I am molding myself as an adult who's looking after their own life and future. I know 23 is definitely an adult age, but really 20 years old is when the "hey let's figure out where I want life to take me" thoughts started coming in. Yea I started late (especially comparing me next to the youngest student in my CC graduation, 16 freakin' years old!), but it wasn't too late. The oldest graduate in our class is 73.
No one is ever too young or too old for any education.
*
You should never be discouraged from continuing educational endeavors based on stigmas, statistics, or "Negative Nancys,"
*
if you truly follow your heart, gut, and mind, you will never be lead astray.
*
Some things and their subsequent timing happen for a reason...
*
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