Considering I didn't go to the Major and Information Fair, this blog entry will have to focus on Brain Rules by John Medina. So far I have only read the first of the two chapters that we are required to read, so this post will be updated later after I have finished them both. (I decided to start now just in case I would forget to post a blog by tomorrow!)
To be honest, I expected this book to be excessively boring and a tedious read, but so far I am mistaken. The first chapter is all about exercise's effect on the brain, which is a lot more interesting than I thought. It shows how exercise is not only healthy for your body, but also for your mind, greatly decreasing one's likelihood of getting certain diseases (e.g: Alzheimer's and age-induced dementia) and increasing one's ability to be able to think logically and clearly well into their nineties. Also, it is nice to know that it is never too late to start, and even the smallest amount of movement helps. Of course, Medina says ideally just thirty minutes of aerobic exercise two or three times a week is all that is required, which is not that hard to do.
Exercise is not only beneficial while one is aging, but also in the present. It helps get oxygen to the brain, and it has been proven that is helps younger people work and focus better. Medina mentions multiple studies on people, all of which proved that the more sedentary the worse the performance. He does admit, however, that tests on children are few and far between, but there is nothing to imply that those results would be any different...
Friday: 1. Oct.:
OK so I finished the reading. Definitely interesting, and I am still enjoying the book, but I also feel like you are not looking like a summary in this blog entry like I was starting to give above. Regardless, it's pretty interesting to learn (the theory) about how/why the human brain developed rather than our physical prowess.
Okey dokey. (Apparently I am still 4 years old.) I am done.
Holland
30.9.10
27.9.10
H.B.O.
As the midpoint of the semester is quickly approaching, I am pleased to be able to say that most of my classes are going well so far. I think of all the grades I've gotten, I've been disappointed with only two, and those were somewhat expected. I am on track to meet my goal of an 'A' in Arabic (at least, I think I am), and I am doing well in all of the rest of my classes.
It is hard for me to pick a favorite class because I like things about all of them. Maybe I will just list what I like about each class...
Arabic: I really like my classmates and the fact that our teacher is a native Arabic speaker (despite having the most convincing American accent in the history of American accents). Also, I love learning languages, and this one is definitely a challenge. We get a lot of homework, but, for the most part, I enjoy doing it.
Philosophy: ... I actually don't like much about this class. The teacher/professor (I can't remember if he is technically a 'professor') is nice.
U101: Hate it. ;-) I enjoy my classmates and our instructors, but I must admit our class seems to do more work than the other U101 sections. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing.
German: The professor is my advisor, so that is really nice. Plus she is awesome. I love German, and, like I said before, languages, so I will always love any language class. Also, for a German Lit. course, this class is really easy. I enjoy the reading selections and the light homework load.
English: Steve (the instructor) is hilarious. If someone else were teaching the class, I doubt it would be nearly as fun. For being a class about travel literature, the readings have been surprising monotonous and something I don't enjoy... This shocks me because of how much I love to travel. Maybe the other books will be better.
I have yet to get to know any of my professors really well (excluding the advising session during my orientation with Frau Ivory), but I emailed her about to OTL Reflection Paper assignment, so I will be doing this within the next two weeks.
Also... on a side note, 2 things:
1. Today's presentation: Sergeant Adams was hilarious, and it was definitely informative. I don't plan to have an issues with the police, and I hope I won't have to use them, but it is nice to know that they are there and are so approachable.
2. Mentoring: I admit I was annoyed about being called to go into Hand today without warning (especially since we walk and it was raining), but I am pleased to say that my mentee is very talkative and friendly, and I think we have a good amount of things in common. I look forward to getting to know her better and to help her with her struggles (Math seems to be her big problem).
That is all. =]]
Ciao!
Holland
It is hard for me to pick a favorite class because I like things about all of them. Maybe I will just list what I like about each class...
Arabic: I really like my classmates and the fact that our teacher is a native Arabic speaker (despite having the most convincing American accent in the history of American accents). Also, I love learning languages, and this one is definitely a challenge. We get a lot of homework, but, for the most part, I enjoy doing it.
Philosophy: ... I actually don't like much about this class. The teacher/professor (I can't remember if he is technically a 'professor') is nice.
U101: Hate it. ;-) I enjoy my classmates and our instructors, but I must admit our class seems to do more work than the other U101 sections. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing.
German: The professor is my advisor, so that is really nice. Plus she is awesome. I love German, and, like I said before, languages, so I will always love any language class. Also, for a German Lit. course, this class is really easy. I enjoy the reading selections and the light homework load.
English: Steve (the instructor) is hilarious. If someone else were teaching the class, I doubt it would be nearly as fun. For being a class about travel literature, the readings have been surprising monotonous and something I don't enjoy... This shocks me because of how much I love to travel. Maybe the other books will be better.
I have yet to get to know any of my professors really well (excluding the advising session during my orientation with Frau Ivory), but I emailed her about to OTL Reflection Paper assignment, so I will be doing this within the next two weeks.
Also... on a side note, 2 things:
1. Today's presentation: Sergeant Adams was hilarious, and it was definitely informative. I don't plan to have an issues with the police, and I hope I won't have to use them, but it is nice to know that they are there and are so approachable.
2. Mentoring: I admit I was annoyed about being called to go into Hand today without warning (especially since we walk and it was raining), but I am pleased to say that my mentee is very talkative and friendly, and I think we have a good amount of things in common. I look forward to getting to know her better and to help her with her struggles (Math seems to be her big problem).
That is all. =]]
Ciao!
Holland
22.9.10
So I got out of class an hour early...!
I had no clue that this University 101 class was based around Service Learning until I came to the first class, and, apparently, no one else did (thanks, advisors!). At the time I was a bit intimidated by the fact that I would, once again, have to do community service in order to meet the expectations of the course (just like in high school), and I admit that I still am. The best part about the class, though, is that it will fulfill all of my Capstone requirements for this semester! (I think... If not, I plan to go to stuff anyway).
When it comes to what I am excited for for mentoring, I am not sure. I like working with children, but I know that as a 6th grader one does not want to be treated like the child they still are. I'm excited to have an impact on someone's life, but I am also worried that I will just feel awkward, that I will forget something, or I will get the kid who is just as awkward as I was at that age.
I have worked with kids before, but not ones this age (eleven), so that is intimidating. Eleven year olds can have attitudes, but I suppose they are better than high school freshmen (I think most things are better than high school freshmen...). I hope that after a session or two we will become more comfortable around each other so that we can have a productive semester! (Perhaps year if I decide to continue in the program next semester for my required service.)
From this program I hope not only to pass on my knowledge to a young[er] person to let them know that everything will be OK, and middle school is really not that bad (my favorite schooling years, by far, if I am honest), but I also foresee myself benefiting from our interactions. I will re-experience, to some extent, the transition from elementary to middle school at the same time as going through my own transition from high school to college. Maybe by reminiscing upon my past experience I will be able to help myself in the present. Additionally, I will also gain knowledge when it comes to how to deal with sixth graders, which I am sure will be challenging and fun at the same time...
Tschüß!!
Holland
When it comes to what I am excited for for mentoring, I am not sure. I like working with children, but I know that as a 6th grader one does not want to be treated like the child they still are. I'm excited to have an impact on someone's life, but I am also worried that I will just feel awkward, that I will forget something, or I will get the kid who is just as awkward as I was at that age.
 | |
| Me in the 7th Grade... yup. (I couldn't find one from the 6th grade... =[[) |
From this program I hope not only to pass on my knowledge to a young[er] person to let them know that everything will be OK, and middle school is really not that bad (my favorite schooling years, by far, if I am honest), but I also foresee myself benefiting from our interactions. I will re-experience, to some extent, the transition from elementary to middle school at the same time as going through my own transition from high school to college. Maybe by reminiscing upon my past experience I will be able to help myself in the present. Additionally, I will also gain knowledge when it comes to how to deal with sixth graders, which I am sure will be challenging and fun at the same time...
Tschüß!!
Holland
20.9.10
U101 feat. Dr. Hickey
When it came to deciding where I was going to go to college, I had really narrowed it down to two options: George Mason and USC (and a school in London, but I heard that I got accepted after I had made my deposit... lameness.... except I'm glad to be at USC). I was really happy to get accepted to both, and at first, Mason was edging out USC: I was in love with the campus, it's near DC, my brother already went there, and I was even invited into Mason's Honors College! Mason: 4, USC: 0.
Then I came to USC and saw the campus. Mason: 4, USC: 1.
Then I got a scholarship from USC for a lot of money... GMU offered me nothing. Mason: 4, USC: 2.
Then I got invited into the Capstone Program (which I really, really wanted to get into). Mason: 4, USC: 3.
Then I realized that the campus would shudder to a halt at the threat of half an inch of snow... HA!: Mason: 4, USC: 4.
Finally, I got more emails and felt excessively wanted by USC. Oh, and Mason is a basketball school with a terrible football team while USC is a football school with a basketball team that beat Kentucky last year... Mason: 4, USC: 5.5. (I say '.5' because sports weren't really too big of a deciding factor. I am a tennis/soccer person, personally.)
People always asked me why I applied to USC... I literally have no clue and cannot remember why I ever was interested in the school. Now people ask me why I chose USC, and I definitely know the answer.
ANYWAY all of that was to show that Capstone was a large part of the reason as to why I came to USC. I had high expectations for the program, and I must say I enjoy it a lot. It was definitely nice to feel involved in something right away on campus. It's a program with the label of having the 'really smart kids', but, unlike the Honor's Residence, we are also known for having fun. Capstone forces me to get involved outside of academic activities without taking much time away from studying or homework. Also, did I mention the larger dorm rooms? I absolutely love that.
Most of my friends on campus come from Capstone, and I doubt I would have met them had I not decided to accept my invitation into the program. They are perhaps what I enjoy most about the program. The first social event I went to felt awkward, but it was there that I actually formed a stronger friendship with a few kids as we all stood around wondering '...how long do we have to stay?'. I'm sure next time we will go together and not have that awkward feeling.
My least favorite part of living in Capstone is that it has the... slowest... elevators... on... earth... But I can live with that. That's why they have the staircase.
Being honest, while I had high expectations for the program coming in, I am not entirely sure what those expectations were. I expected to make friends, live in an environment with a priority of doing well both academically and for others, and to have an overall enjoyable experience. I would have to say that, overall, those expectations have been met. Maybe I expected more things the all people are required to attend at one time? However, I am not complaining, because if that were the case, that would be one expectation I would be complaining about. I know there are certain things we have to do every semester, but I like having the ability to choose when I do them.
I suppose that is all for now!!
Holland
Then I came to USC and saw the campus. Mason: 4, USC: 1.
Then I got a scholarship from USC for a lot of money... GMU offered me nothing. Mason: 4, USC: 2.
Then I got invited into the Capstone Program (which I really, really wanted to get into). Mason: 4, USC: 3.
Then I realized that the campus would shudder to a halt at the threat of half an inch of snow... HA!: Mason: 4, USC: 4.
Finally, I got more emails and felt excessively wanted by USC. Oh, and Mason is a basketball school with a terrible football team while USC is a football school with a basketball team that beat Kentucky last year... Mason: 4, USC: 5.5. (I say '.5' because sports weren't really too big of a deciding factor. I am a tennis/soccer person, personally.)
People always asked me why I applied to USC... I literally have no clue and cannot remember why I ever was interested in the school. Now people ask me why I chose USC, and I definitely know the answer.
ANYWAY all of that was to show that Capstone was a large part of the reason as to why I came to USC. I had high expectations for the program, and I must say I enjoy it a lot. It was definitely nice to feel involved in something right away on campus. It's a program with the label of having the 'really smart kids', but, unlike the Honor's Residence, we are also known for having fun. Capstone forces me to get involved outside of academic activities without taking much time away from studying or homework. Also, did I mention the larger dorm rooms? I absolutely love that.
Most of my friends on campus come from Capstone, and I doubt I would have met them had I not decided to accept my invitation into the program. They are perhaps what I enjoy most about the program. The first social event I went to felt awkward, but it was there that I actually formed a stronger friendship with a few kids as we all stood around wondering '...how long do we have to stay?'. I'm sure next time we will go together and not have that awkward feeling.
My least favorite part of living in Capstone is that it has the... slowest... elevators... on... earth... But I can live with that. That's why they have the staircase.
Being honest, while I had high expectations for the program coming in, I am not entirely sure what those expectations were. I expected to make friends, live in an environment with a priority of doing well both academically and for others, and to have an overall enjoyable experience. I would have to say that, overall, those expectations have been met. Maybe I expected more things the all people are required to attend at one time? However, I am not complaining, because if that were the case, that would be one expectation I would be complaining about. I know there are certain things we have to do every semester, but I like having the ability to choose when I do them.
I suppose that is all for now!!
Holland
15.9.10
Pace Yourself...
Coming into college I knew that I was going to be responsible to making sure I got my assignments done. My professors weren't going to tell me if I was falling behind; it's up to me to know how well I am doing. All I have to say is so far, so good. Every once and a while I have gotten stressed out by an assignment because of its difficulty and not because I was falling behind. Surely this is the kind of stress I would rather deal with than realizing my 10 page paper on quantum mechanics that I forgot to do is due in an hour... That would be exceedingly stressful. I would probably cry.
On my Student Engagement Plan, which we henceforth shall refer to as SEP because I am too lazy to type it all out, I had the following goals (that I can recall):
Of the aforementioned goals, I suspect the hardest will be either starting a study group or working out 4-5 times a week. The study group will be hard because I am shy to the point that it is excessive. I have already talked about it with some of my Arabic classmates, but nothing as materialized as of 10:18 PM on September the 15th. Working out 4-5 times a week shouldn't be too hard, but as my schedule seems to be getting piled up with assignments, mentoring (k), and the occasional extra curricular activities, I don't know if I will always be able to find time. Maybe the goal should have 'when possible' added. The good news is that by being a member of the tennis club, that covers two days, and my roommate (Monica) is insane about keeping fit (and I mean this in a 'I wish I could be like that' way), so I'm sure she could help me in my endeavor to try to make working out a priority.
As for my 'Personal Challenge' it is going to be learning Arabic and getting an 'A' in the course (though a 'B+' is also acceptable). I chose this because I love learning languages, but had never tried one with a different writing system before. So far it is very challenging because it has many sounds that English (and German, for that matter) simply lacks, and there are many rules about when to write certain things certain ways. Did I mention that there are four different letters all representing different ways to pronounce what we write as 'th' in English? ...What? Similarly there is more than one letter to represent the English 'h' and 'd' and 't'... and others, I am pretty sure.
To accomplish the goal of an B+ or A grade, I will just keep doing what I am doing. I need to make sure I dedicate at least 2-3 hours to each assignment so that I can take my time to practice writing, listening, and pronouncing the new words. When there are quizzes (every Monday! ... lame), I need to continue to quiz myself on the vocab until I can go through the list multiple times in a row without any errors. As for tests (I have my first one on the 24th... AHH!!!) I am not sure yet since I am not positive of the layout and how the questions are formed (matching, multiple choice, listening, etc), but for now I plan to just review my copious notes and my vocab flashcards.
!!تصبح على خير
Holland
On my Student Engagement Plan, which we henceforth shall refer to as SEP because I am too lazy to type it all out, I had the following goals (that I can recall):
- Maintain at least a 3.6 GPA.
- Start a study group with classmates.
- Work out at least 4-5 times a week.
- ... something something something. (I will fill this in if I can remember.)
Of the aforementioned goals, I suspect the hardest will be either starting a study group or working out 4-5 times a week. The study group will be hard because I am shy to the point that it is excessive. I have already talked about it with some of my Arabic classmates, but nothing as materialized as of 10:18 PM on September the 15th. Working out 4-5 times a week shouldn't be too hard, but as my schedule seems to be getting piled up with assignments, mentoring (k), and the occasional extra curricular activities, I don't know if I will always be able to find time. Maybe the goal should have 'when possible' added. The good news is that by being a member of the tennis club, that covers two days, and my roommate (Monica) is insane about keeping fit (and I mean this in a 'I wish I could be like that' way), so I'm sure she could help me in my endeavor to try to make working out a priority.
As for my 'Personal Challenge' it is going to be learning Arabic and getting an 'A' in the course (though a 'B+' is also acceptable). I chose this because I love learning languages, but had never tried one with a different writing system before. So far it is very challenging because it has many sounds that English (and German, for that matter) simply lacks, and there are many rules about when to write certain things certain ways. Did I mention that there are four different letters all representing different ways to pronounce what we write as 'th' in English? ...What? Similarly there is more than one letter to represent the English 'h' and 'd' and 't'... and others, I am pretty sure.
To accomplish the goal of an B+ or A grade, I will just keep doing what I am doing. I need to make sure I dedicate at least 2-3 hours to each assignment so that I can take my time to practice writing, listening, and pronouncing the new words. When there are quizzes (every Monday! ... lame), I need to continue to quiz myself on the vocab until I can go through the list multiple times in a row without any errors. As for tests (I have my first one on the 24th... AHH!!!) I am not sure yet since I am not positive of the layout and how the questions are formed (matching, multiple choice, listening, etc), but for now I plan to just review my copious notes and my vocab flashcards.
!!تصبح على خير
Holland
13.9.10
It's Time for a Sam Young Intervention
LASSI... Sadly not nearly as fun as the dog.
Upon getting back my LASSI results, I was not disappointed. The two I disagree with the most were definitely 'anxiety' and 'attitude'. I scored a '40' in anxiety, which is all well and good, except I think I am MORE ANXIOUS than the score let on. However, such anxiety has not really hindered my ability to maintain good grades, so I am not concerned. More annoyingly, my attitude score was a dismal 20.. 20!!! If my desire for an education were really that low, I don't think I would pay thousands of dollars a year to get one. Yes well, I am not concerned in the least since Sam said most people complain about this one.
I don't have my scores in front of me, but I recall having a high motivation score (90 or 95?). I think this is obvious in my everyday life here on campus. I am organized (which is hard to believe when one looks at my desk). I prioritize my assignments and give the most study time to the things that I have the hardest time with (Arabic, followed by Arabic, with some more Arabic). I make sure the all of my assignments are done in full well before they are due, and then I try to go over them at least once before I have the class to make sure I am satisfied with my work. I admit, I am not as diligent as I should be at all times, but I know I definitely spend more time on classwork/studying than anything else during the school week.
As for changes I should make... I think I should learn to relax more and adopt the 'if I don't know it now, cramming for an hour will not help' strategy, since I definitely stress a lot in the hours before a test or quiz, and then I come out thinking 'wow... that was easier than I anticipated'. I have a huge fear of failure, and I expect nothing but the best out of myself. I suppose I should come to realize that I cannot and will not always get straight A's, and when I don't, it is OK. If I tried my absolute hardest all the time, I would always be exhausted, and I doubt I would get to enjoy the experience that is college.
The presentation today was definitely helpful, and I know that, if I feel stressed, the ACE office is just a parking lot away! I enjoyed Sam's (that was her name, right?) easygoing attitude, and the free Starbursts were definitely a plus.
Seeing as I have Arabic 4 times a week (whose idea was this?!), I should probably start my homework for tomorrow and study for our quiz!
Bis bald!!!
Holland
| LASSI ≠ Lassie |
I don't have my scores in front of me, but I recall having a high motivation score (90 or 95?). I think this is obvious in my everyday life here on campus. I am organized (which is hard to believe when one looks at my desk). I prioritize my assignments and give the most study time to the things that I have the hardest time with (Arabic, followed by Arabic, with some more Arabic). I make sure the all of my assignments are done in full well before they are due, and then I try to go over them at least once before I have the class to make sure I am satisfied with my work. I admit, I am not as diligent as I should be at all times, but I know I definitely spend more time on classwork/studying than anything else during the school week.
As for changes I should make... I think I should learn to relax more and adopt the 'if I don't know it now, cramming for an hour will not help' strategy, since I definitely stress a lot in the hours before a test or quiz, and then I come out thinking 'wow... that was easier than I anticipated'. I have a huge fear of failure, and I expect nothing but the best out of myself. I suppose I should come to realize that I cannot and will not always get straight A's, and when I don't, it is OK. If I tried my absolute hardest all the time, I would always be exhausted, and I doubt I would get to enjoy the experience that is college.
The presentation today was definitely helpful, and I know that, if I feel stressed, the ACE office is just a parking lot away! I enjoyed Sam's (that was her name, right?) easygoing attitude, and the free Starbursts were definitely a plus.
Seeing as I have Arabic 4 times a week (whose idea was this?!), I should probably start my homework for tomorrow and study for our quiz!
Bis bald!!!
Holland
8.9.10
Service Experiences
I will be the first to admit that, while I like volunteering, I do not look to do it in my free time. However, during my time in high school, I was required to do sixty hours of community service as well as a further ten hours per year for NHS. My favorite service experiences have always been those where I was working with children. For a year I assisted with a Daisy Girl Scout Troop once a week, monitoring and helping the kids with crafts. The girls were all between the ages of five and six, and I really enjoyed my time working with them.
Similarly, during the summer of 2008, I worked at a Bible Study Camp at a Methodist Church (I'm not Methodist, nor am I religious, but that is beside the point). My friend and I were assistants in the group that had children ages three to four. Of all of my experiences, this was my favorite. The children were hilarious, and by the end they really became attached to you. To this day my friend and I talk reminisce about this experience and all of the memorable moments we shared with the kids and advisors. We had planned to do this again in the years following, but, sadly, for the next two summers I would be in Germany, and, therefore, could not participate.
As for service connected to course, I would have to say that I honestly cannot remember a time that that has been the case, but my mind keeps telling me I am wrong. Should I remember, I will edit this post! :-)
It is a hope of mine to, one day, work with underprivileged children. One of the reasons I am starting with Arabic this year is in the hope to become fluent enough to go to one of the many nations where it is spoken-either in the Middle East or Africa-and to work there diplomatically (sadly, for diplomacy, German is not as necessary since many of them speak English!). However, while I am still a student and have seemingly endless opportunities to go places, I hope to travel to those aforementioned locations and either teach English or work on service projects... or both! Every year I find myself looking online at programs that I could travel with, and one of these days I am determined to do so! (I know recently-as in in the last 6 months-I found one that went to Morocco, and this really interested me.) There are also programs to places like Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe that lack a language requirement that I would love to do... One day!!
The time has come for me to end this blog and to go back to reading 'The Great Railway Bazaar'. For me this book is like torture, but I am persevering!
Tschüß!!
Holland
 | |
| Omar from the Bible Study, 2008 |
As for service connected to course, I would have to say that I honestly cannot remember a time that that has been the case, but my mind keeps telling me I am wrong. Should I remember, I will edit this post! :-)
It is a hope of mine to, one day, work with underprivileged children. One of the reasons I am starting with Arabic this year is in the hope to become fluent enough to go to one of the many nations where it is spoken-either in the Middle East or Africa-and to work there diplomatically (sadly, for diplomacy, German is not as necessary since many of them speak English!). However, while I am still a student and have seemingly endless opportunities to go places, I hope to travel to those aforementioned locations and either teach English or work on service projects... or both! Every year I find myself looking online at programs that I could travel with, and one of these days I am determined to do so! (I know recently-as in in the last 6 months-I found one that went to Morocco, and this really interested me.) There are also programs to places like Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe that lack a language requirement that I would love to do... One day!!
The time has come for me to end this blog and to go back to reading 'The Great Railway Bazaar'. For me this book is like torture, but I am persevering!
Tschüß!!
Holland
6.9.10
Labor Day
I, like everyone else, am thoroughly enjoying this Monday off for Labor Day. However, this day will not be all fun and games since I left plenty of school work to do for Tuesday. For English I was assigned over 100 pages to read, and I still have over 50 to go. My German homework is completed, but I have a big Arabic quiz to study for tomorrow. I am so nervous for this quiz. So many of the words are similar... Finally, I have to read a section in my Philosophy book for Wednesday, and I want to do that before I get more homework tomorrow. (I usually like to have things done well before they are due.)
September 6th is also my best friend's birthday. I have left her a few messages and called her at midnight to sing happy birthday. She goes to Goucher College... where? Exactly. haha It's a college with half the student body of my high school.
I also plan to watch a good amount of the US Open, as I have been. I love tennis, and as the tournament goes on, the matches get better. (Currently Monfils v. Gasquet)
Anyway, I suppose today's post will be a short one since I don't have anything interesting planned for my day off. I may be walking down to find the Columbia Tennis Center because club tennis has its first practice on Friday, and I don't want to risk being late because I got lost finding it.
Ciao!!
September 6th is also my best friend's birthday. I have left her a few messages and called her at midnight to sing happy birthday. She goes to Goucher College... where? Exactly. haha It's a college with half the student body of my high school.
I also plan to watch a good amount of the US Open, as I have been. I love tennis, and as the tournament goes on, the matches get better. (Currently Monfils v. Gasquet)
Anyway, I suppose today's post will be a short one since I don't have anything interesting planned for my day off. I may be walking down to find the Columbia Tennis Center because club tennis has its first practice on Friday, and I don't want to risk being late because I got lost finding it.
Ciao!!
1.9.10
Take Two
Today was the Student Organizations Fair on Greene St., which was pretty crowded. It was hard to see everything, and I know I missed some after talking to people later saying 'I wish there was *blank*' only to find out that they were there! Oh well, I found enough things to be satisfied.
Of all of the clubs, I knew going in that I was going to join the tennis club as a recreational player (maybe I will look into competitive in the future, but for now I want to make things easy on myself). Later tonight I will be going to the informational meeting, where I will pay the $35-ish fee to be a member for the semester. As for the other things, I was pretty glad to see they had both Relay for Life and Habitat for Humanity, both of which I signed up for and, once I get the email, hope to partake in. I also learned about this student-run online editorial (at least that it how it sounded) called Zeitgeist (time-ghost auf Deutsch!), which I think could be interesting and I might look into. Finally, there was some sort of business club that I came across. Not too sure how interested I am in this, but it is a possibility--especially if I were to add international business or something of the like as a double major.
Supposedly there is a German Club on campus, but I went on their "website", and they didn't seem to be super active. I looked for them down at the fair, but their display was nowhere to be found (perhaps there wasn't one?). Anyway, so instead of starting an organization, I would love to find out about that one and figure out what they really do, and if they are as inactive as I perceive them to be, I would hope to make them have a bigger impact on campus! My heritage is really important to me, and I would love that to be represented by what I am involved in on campus.
Also, as a side note, I love Leigh-Ann's idea of a Coloring Club, and I would definitely love to either help her get that started or at least join once it was created. It just seems like it would be such a relaxing and easy-going club...
Since I know this blog doesn't have to focus on the prompts, I am going to take this time to ramble about study abroad. Just thinking about it today made me really excited for the Study Abroad Fair on the 10th at the Russell House as well as for my own future potential to take part in such an awesome experience! When it came to looking for a college/university to attend, I made sure that wherever I went had a good study abroad program with plenty of options to choose from (though, honestly, I would go anywhere they sent me).
As a German major I am pretty much obligated to go to Germany to study abroad, and that is totally fine with me, seeing as I am in love with that country and have already been there for extended lengths of time, making me feel confident that I would feel comfortable to live there for a year. Since one can't study at Bamberg until they are a junior, I am very much interested in the summer programs run through the school. My German professor mentioned the Wittenberg Program, which would be about 5 weeks over the summer. I already asked for information regarding this. Also Capstone is going back to ECUADOR and also to JORDAN, both of which are places I would do almost anything to see. I can't think of any other time I would be able to go those places, so they are a definite consideration for me for one of the two Maymesters I spend as a Capstone Scholar.
I don't know what other summer programs are offered, and I suppose I will find that out on the tenth; however, I am also considering doing study abroad somewhere I have never been before--Australia/New Zealand in particular. (I would say South America, but I do not speak Spanish or Portuguese. =[[) Austria and the UK/Ireland are also really amazing options. I have done research already, and I look forward to doing more in the future.
Well, now, I know that this post was not particularly entertaining, but sometimes I really just love to ramble...
UNTIL NEXT TIME!
Holland
Of all of the clubs, I knew going in that I was going to join the tennis club as a recreational player (maybe I will look into competitive in the future, but for now I want to make things easy on myself). Later tonight I will be going to the informational meeting, where I will pay the $35-ish fee to be a member for the semester. As for the other things, I was pretty glad to see they had both Relay for Life and Habitat for Humanity, both of which I signed up for and, once I get the email, hope to partake in. I also learned about this student-run online editorial (at least that it how it sounded) called Zeitgeist (time-ghost auf Deutsch!), which I think could be interesting and I might look into. Finally, there was some sort of business club that I came across. Not too sure how interested I am in this, but it is a possibility--especially if I were to add international business or something of the like as a double major.
Supposedly there is a German Club on campus, but I went on their "website", and they didn't seem to be super active. I looked for them down at the fair, but their display was nowhere to be found (perhaps there wasn't one?). Anyway, so instead of starting an organization, I would love to find out about that one and figure out what they really do, and if they are as inactive as I perceive them to be, I would hope to make them have a bigger impact on campus! My heritage is really important to me, and I would love that to be represented by what I am involved in on campus.
Also, as a side note, I love Leigh-Ann's idea of a Coloring Club, and I would definitely love to either help her get that started or at least join once it was created. It just seems like it would be such a relaxing and easy-going club...
Since I know this blog doesn't have to focus on the prompts, I am going to take this time to ramble about study abroad. Just thinking about it today made me really excited for the Study Abroad Fair on the 10th at the Russell House as well as for my own future potential to take part in such an awesome experience! When it came to looking for a college/university to attend, I made sure that wherever I went had a good study abroad program with plenty of options to choose from (though, honestly, I would go anywhere they sent me).
As a German major I am pretty much obligated to go to Germany to study abroad, and that is totally fine with me, seeing as I am in love with that country and have already been there for extended lengths of time, making me feel confident that I would feel comfortable to live there for a year. Since one can't study at Bamberg until they are a junior, I am very much interested in the summer programs run through the school. My German professor mentioned the Wittenberg Program, which would be about 5 weeks over the summer. I already asked for information regarding this. Also Capstone is going back to ECUADOR and also to JORDAN, both of which are places I would do almost anything to see. I can't think of any other time I would be able to go those places, so they are a definite consideration for me for one of the two Maymesters I spend as a Capstone Scholar.
I don't know what other summer programs are offered, and I suppose I will find that out on the tenth; however, I am also considering doing study abroad somewhere I have never been before--Australia/New Zealand in particular. (I would say South America, but I do not speak Spanish or Portuguese. =[[) Austria and the UK/Ireland are also really amazing options. I have done research already, and I look forward to doing more in the future.
Well, now, I know that this post was not particularly entertaining, but sometimes I really just love to ramble...
UNTIL NEXT TIME!
Holland
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)