So this last blog is supposed to be dedicated to my service site... again... really? Not a reflection on the semester and my plans for the future? Well, I think I will be writing those too, even if it is not required, because I like having lengthy blogs.
I was a mentor to a sixth grader at Hand Middle School this semester, and, no matter how much I complained, it was actually a fun experience. The thing I most enjoyed about it was the last day, and not because it was the last day (well, partly because of that), but because of what my mentee asked. She wanted to know if I was coming back next semester, and, if so, if I would have her again. Then she went on to say how much he had enjoyed it! (awww) I wasn't sure if she had enjoyed the experience, so it made me very happy to hear she had. Additionally, when I gave her a parting gift (a USC tshirt... I got her Bananagrams for next semester, since we would play it all the time) she gave me a hug. Basically, I felt warm and fuzzy inside. This also answers that question: yes, I plan to continue mentoring her next semester in order to fulfill my Capstone service requirements.
I feel like there is not much more to day, considering every single service-related blog has had the same exact prompt. Therefore, I am going to write about what I want to write! (You can stop now, if you so choose. =])
Anyway: This semester has been all right, all things considered. My grades remain in the A-range, and I am not feeling too stressed as the semester comes to a close. I hope to finish up my English and U101 exams by this weekend since they both just are to be handed in, and then I can spend time studying for Arabic and Philosophy. German I will do a little review, but that exam is on Friday and my last exam before that is Tuesday, so I have time. I figure by Thursday I should have a good idea of what all is expected of my next week. Awesome thought: this time next week I will be done with Arabic and Philosophy. YES!
Next semester I plan to get more involved with another club or two, but I also think a few of my courses will be harder, so I don't plan to overload myself with extracurricular activities. Really I just hope to expand my group of friends, which is currently quite small. However, for now I am not worrying about next semester--I only care about the upcoming break!
Also, I have a question: why does the rain always seem to start as soon I walk outside, get stronger when I am half way to my destination, and then dissipate soon after I arrive indoors? I swear it just plans for when my classes start and end and only rains then. It is annoying, but also just an observation. But I digress...
Anyway, to reflect specifically on U101:
Jimmie and Brent - Thank you for being such kind and approachable individuals; it definitely made the class better and the one-on-ones not entirely awkward. Even if I admit that I feel like 90% of what goes on in U101 seemed useless and I often complained to others (Monica) about the coursework, it truly was just me being over dramatic. It was a course that was the 'easy A' as it was advertised by my orientation leaders so long as you did what was required of you, which, all things considered, was not that much. I never dreaded your class because I knew it wasn't supposed to be a class to stress us out, and it was for our benefit. Ever since the beginning we were in an environment where we were free to voice our concerns and opinions and to become understanding of others. I liked getting to know my classmates, and I wish I knew some of them better. Anyway... Thanks again for the fun semester, and I am sure I will see you around campus throughout my time here as an undergrad (well, maybe not Brent, since you graduate this spring, yes? This is what I recall from yesterday).
Farewell!!
Holland
PS: I have not decided whether or not to continue this blog next semester... We'll see, but I really don't know why I would other than to document it for myself since I only have four followers. Plus, believe it or not, I like writing blogs. I don't feel judged when I write, so I say what I want to, and that is really nice. =]
29.11.10
Capstone Requirements Post......
So this is the second to last assigned blog post, which I wish I had done earlier because now it is a pain and I only vaguely remember some of the events I need to describe... Here goes nothing!
Capstone Social Event:
The only Capstone Social I attended this semester was the first Hot Cookie Friday. Now let's be honest: what could be better than FREE hot cookies and milk? Not much. I was going to go with Monica, but she was being slow that day so told me to go and that she would join me there later... mistake. I arrived, and it was awkward. Oh so awkward. I knew no one except Brewer, who seems to be the most active and popular person on campus who isn't Marcus Lattimore (for good reason--he is a nice guy), but, needless to say, I said no more than a few words to him before awkwardly floating around the rooms of the study shack looking for a familiar face. Did I mention the word 'awkward'? Anyway, eventually Caroline showed up with her roommate, and I stood with them. I had met Caroline at that Summer Reading Experience thing on the way there, and, ironically enough, she would also be in my U101 class! Despite the awkward experience, it would help her and me to become better friends (we would hang out after), and she is now probably one of my closest friends on campus. So, all in all, going to Hot Cookie Friday was probably a good thing. Maybe next semester we will try to get involved with those more... I just really hate being a wallflower. (Story of my life.)
Capstone Conversation:
I went to the Harlan Cohen (SP?) event, which counted as a conversation. I went with Monica and Caroline... and some other people. Anyway, when he started with a song I thought it was going to be a long night, but, luckily, I was wrong. He actually ended up being really funny, and I enjoyed my time. There's not much to say about this one, but I know I have to have this be over 150 words, so I will try. He still seemed like kind of an annoying guy, but his book(s) sounded interesting, though I also never bought one. Considering I was just a spectator to an informative comedy show and it was so long ago, I do not have much to say... Am I at 150 yet? I hope so. I am moving on even if I am not.
Capstone Cinema:
I attended the Capstone Cinema that was cosponsored by the 'ONE' organization, and I am glad I went. I went with Caroline and her roommate, and we saw a 45-ish minute documentary called The Lazarus Effect. It was very interesting, and I recommend to everyone, even though I almost cried. The only reason I held it together is because there were people around. Why did I almost cry, you ask? Well it is about the HIV/AIDS problem in Africa, focusing specifically on a health clinic in Lusaka, Zambia (also ironic: I have a friend there for a gap year right now!). It is highly informative and depressing due to the terrible things these people have to live through. Basically, it helps people to realize how much these people need medicine, which they can get for free through organizations (like ONE). One woman, who had AIDS herself and was exceptionally inspirational and important to the clinic, had lost all three of her young children to AIDS. Her story and the images of a four year old boy who was not responding well to the medication (he died soon after, according to the film) is what almost made me cry. However, the story is not all depressing, considering the amount of good the medical clinic is doing for the people of Africa. Their story is uplifting and gives hope that one day everyone with AIDS will have access to the proper medication.
Personal Challenge:
My personal challenge this semester was to maintain an 'A' in Arabic, which I have done as of right now (no clue what my final grade will be since I have yet to take the final), but I consider it an overall success. I know some people (namely Brent... not cool) would argue that this is not a personal challenge since I am a beast at languages (hello, my name is Holland, and I have an ego), but I think it legitimately was. Arabic is not German, and its alphabet is very, very different from ours. It has been much harder to start than German was since many of its sounds and grammatical rules are quite different. Also, there is no verb in Arabic that represents 'to be', which is a pain and makes translation hard sometimes. I understand that maybe it wasn't as challenging as I had first anticipated it to be, but it was, nonetheless, a challenge. If it makes it better, I promise to choose a better, harder challenge next semester, though I have no clue what it will be. I know I could try to become outgoing a meet people, but I am so freaking shy! I do plan to join some more organizations, and I might do this on my own. Perhaps that is a challenge enough in itself. :-)
OK. So... I have one more blog to do, but I will save it for tomorrow to help me avoid more homework (this one is helping me put off a massive German reading assignment).
Toodles!
Holland
Capstone Social Event:
The only Capstone Social I attended this semester was the first Hot Cookie Friday. Now let's be honest: what could be better than FREE hot cookies and milk? Not much. I was going to go with Monica, but she was being slow that day so told me to go and that she would join me there later... mistake. I arrived, and it was awkward. Oh so awkward. I knew no one except Brewer, who seems to be the most active and popular person on campus who isn't Marcus Lattimore (for good reason--he is a nice guy), but, needless to say, I said no more than a few words to him before awkwardly floating around the rooms of the study shack looking for a familiar face. Did I mention the word 'awkward'? Anyway, eventually Caroline showed up with her roommate, and I stood with them. I had met Caroline at that Summer Reading Experience thing on the way there, and, ironically enough, she would also be in my U101 class! Despite the awkward experience, it would help her and me to become better friends (we would hang out after), and she is now probably one of my closest friends on campus. So, all in all, going to Hot Cookie Friday was probably a good thing. Maybe next semester we will try to get involved with those more... I just really hate being a wallflower. (Story of my life.)
Capstone Conversation:
I went to the Harlan Cohen (SP?) event, which counted as a conversation. I went with Monica and Caroline... and some other people. Anyway, when he started with a song I thought it was going to be a long night, but, luckily, I was wrong. He actually ended up being really funny, and I enjoyed my time. There's not much to say about this one, but I know I have to have this be over 150 words, so I will try. He still seemed like kind of an annoying guy, but his book(s) sounded interesting, though I also never bought one. Considering I was just a spectator to an informative comedy show and it was so long ago, I do not have much to say... Am I at 150 yet? I hope so. I am moving on even if I am not.
Capstone Cinema:
I attended the Capstone Cinema that was cosponsored by the 'ONE' organization, and I am glad I went. I went with Caroline and her roommate, and we saw a 45-ish minute documentary called The Lazarus Effect. It was very interesting, and I recommend to everyone, even though I almost cried. The only reason I held it together is because there were people around. Why did I almost cry, you ask? Well it is about the HIV/AIDS problem in Africa, focusing specifically on a health clinic in Lusaka, Zambia (also ironic: I have a friend there for a gap year right now!). It is highly informative and depressing due to the terrible things these people have to live through. Basically, it helps people to realize how much these people need medicine, which they can get for free through organizations (like ONE). One woman, who had AIDS herself and was exceptionally inspirational and important to the clinic, had lost all three of her young children to AIDS. Her story and the images of a four year old boy who was not responding well to the medication (he died soon after, according to the film) is what almost made me cry. However, the story is not all depressing, considering the amount of good the medical clinic is doing for the people of Africa. Their story is uplifting and gives hope that one day everyone with AIDS will have access to the proper medication.
Personal Challenge:
My personal challenge this semester was to maintain an 'A' in Arabic, which I have done as of right now (no clue what my final grade will be since I have yet to take the final), but I consider it an overall success. I know some people (namely Brent... not cool) would argue that this is not a personal challenge since I am a beast at languages (hello, my name is Holland, and I have an ego), but I think it legitimately was. Arabic is not German, and its alphabet is very, very different from ours. It has been much harder to start than German was since many of its sounds and grammatical rules are quite different. Also, there is no verb in Arabic that represents 'to be', which is a pain and makes translation hard sometimes. I understand that maybe it wasn't as challenging as I had first anticipated it to be, but it was, nonetheless, a challenge. If it makes it better, I promise to choose a better, harder challenge next semester, though I have no clue what it will be. I know I could try to become outgoing a meet people, but I am so freaking shy! I do plan to join some more organizations, and I might do this on my own. Perhaps that is a challenge enough in itself. :-)
OK. So... I have one more blog to do, but I will save it for tomorrow to help me avoid more homework (this one is helping me put off a massive German reading assignment).
Toodles!
Holland
26.11.10
turkey
Considering I did not post this before Thanksgiving, I suppose I should just talk about what I did for Thanksgiving...
We went over to my aunt and uncle's house (on my father's side), as we do every year. While there we watch football, ate hors d'oeuvres and talk. It's quite wild, if you couldn't tell. I also tend to spend a good amount of time playing with the dogs (2 bichons). Of course the best part is the meal, which is always so very tasty. This year I had turkey, corn, mashed potatoes, a roll, and home made stuffing. There were other things like sweet potatoes and green beans, but I bypassed them. Then for desert, of course, I had pumpkin pie. There were other options, but I chose the best (obviously).
I always really enjoy Thanksgiving because we do not get to see my dad's side of the family very often. They are really friendly people, and I think they really enjoy getting to see us in order to catch up with us. Especially now since we are all either at college or working, there are a lot more new things going on in our lives, though mine is actually quite uneventful.
Now I'm just sad that the break is almost over. While at home I have yet to do school work other than these blogs, though I printed out some papers today, so I do plan to start working on it a little later. It's just such a pain knowing that there is only one week of school left, and yet I have an excessive amount of things to do. The good news: I will be getting ready to take the last of my exams before going home this time in 2 weeks... By the time I get back to school, I will only have 11 days there before I start heading back home for the holidays... glorious.
Ok well I suppose that is all!
Happy [belated] Thanksgiving!
Holland
We went over to my aunt and uncle's house (on my father's side), as we do every year. While there we watch football, ate hors d'oeuvres and talk. It's quite wild, if you couldn't tell. I also tend to spend a good amount of time playing with the dogs (2 bichons). Of course the best part is the meal, which is always so very tasty. This year I had turkey, corn, mashed potatoes, a roll, and home made stuffing. There were other things like sweet potatoes and green beans, but I bypassed them. Then for desert, of course, I had pumpkin pie. There were other options, but I chose the best (obviously).
I always really enjoy Thanksgiving because we do not get to see my dad's side of the family very often. They are really friendly people, and I think they really enjoy getting to see us in order to catch up with us. Especially now since we are all either at college or working, there are a lot more new things going on in our lives, though mine is actually quite uneventful.
Now I'm just sad that the break is almost over. While at home I have yet to do school work other than these blogs, though I printed out some papers today, so I do plan to start working on it a little later. It's just such a pain knowing that there is only one week of school left, and yet I have an excessive amount of things to do. The good news: I will be getting ready to take the last of my exams before going home this time in 2 weeks... By the time I get back to school, I will only have 11 days there before I start heading back home for the holidays... glorious.
Ok well I suppose that is all!
Happy [belated] Thanksgiving!
Holland
23.11.10
Greetings from Bethlehem, PA!! pt. 2
So I arrived back home last night, and I am very happy to be here. Though it is much colder here (by, like... 30+ degrees), I am enjoying myself. My other brother comes home tonight, and then we will have a full house! I haven't seen him or my brothers' friends since August, so I am excited to see them again. I find it hard to believe that I will be home again in 2.5-ish weeks, marking the end of the semester. That fact will make going back to USC much easier, though I do not look forward to all the work I have to do in between now and then.
ANYWAY, to the prompt!: To live sustainably, to me, is to live a lifestyle that has little to no effect on the environment. Honestly, I probably don't like that sustainable of a lifestyle, but I am also not ridiculous. I recycle and try to reuse things a few times before throwing them away (even plastic cutlery), but I also let the water run as I brush my teeth, and I take somewhat lengthy showers (though not very long compared to those of my suitemates..... they don't know this blog exists, so I feel safe saying this).
To be more sustainable I would probably take shorter showers, not let the water run, and be more stringent when it comes to recycling. I think most of my light bulbs at school and home are the environmentally friendly ones... I don't drive, so a car is not the issue. Luckily I like walking, and it's not too cold in SC, so I don't freeze like I do at home. I feel like a bike would be helpful, but I don't know how to ride them (WHAT?!), and, whenever my friends have tried to teach me, I fail miserably... I attribute this to the fact that I am positive I am going to fall off and that I have zero tolerance to pain, so I am very afraid of bike riding.
Today my mom and I went to Target, and I ended up buying a lot of Christmas decorations for our dorm room. I plan to leave most of it up all year because I love Christmas. At home I have Christmas window decals on my bedroom windows all year round. (Originally this was because I was too lazy to take them down, but now they are an integral part of my room!)
Yes, well, I guess this is it for now. I am going to go relax and continue to procrastinate!
Gute Nacht!
Holland
ANYWAY, to the prompt!: To live sustainably, to me, is to live a lifestyle that has little to no effect on the environment. Honestly, I probably don't like that sustainable of a lifestyle, but I am also not ridiculous. I recycle and try to reuse things a few times before throwing them away (even plastic cutlery), but I also let the water run as I brush my teeth, and I take somewhat lengthy showers (though not very long compared to those of my suitemates..... they don't know this blog exists, so I feel safe saying this).
To be more sustainable I would probably take shorter showers, not let the water run, and be more stringent when it comes to recycling. I think most of my light bulbs at school and home are the environmentally friendly ones... I don't drive, so a car is not the issue. Luckily I like walking, and it's not too cold in SC, so I don't freeze like I do at home. I feel like a bike would be helpful, but I don't know how to ride them (WHAT?!), and, whenever my friends have tried to teach me, I fail miserably... I attribute this to the fact that I am positive I am going to fall off and that I have zero tolerance to pain, so I am very afraid of bike riding.
Today my mom and I went to Target, and I ended up buying a lot of Christmas decorations for our dorm room. I plan to leave most of it up all year because I love Christmas. At home I have Christmas window decals on my bedroom windows all year round. (Originally this was because I was too lazy to take them down, but now they are an integral part of my room!)
Yes, well, I guess this is it for now. I am going to go relax and continue to procrastinate!
Gute Nacht!
Holland
17.11.10
You're my third least favorite child.
Growing up, I can't really recall there having been one particular profession I was ever stuck upon. For a little while I was into archaeology, but then I realized that is a career with very little future unless you are the next Howard Carter (I'm not). I still love and will always love ancient history, but, outside of teaching it, I don't see much I could do with it. Even so, I have found a new passion over the last few years that I currently have my sights on: LANGUAGES! Sadly, next semester I have had to give up Arabic due to scheduling, but I hope to pick it back up one day (sophomore year, hopefully). I am considering being ridiculous and looking into Rosetta Stone, but we'll see. Nonetheless, I plan to keep up with what I learned this semester and to look further into the book in an attempt to teach myself bits and pieces. (I say that now, but come next semester, I doubt this happens. Maybe if I am motivated I will do it over Christmas and the summer.)
If I ever get the chance to, I would also like to start another language, in addition to Arabic, that is based on a less complicated alphabet... and by that, I mean the Latin alphabet. I know we offer Swahili, and before you judge me too much, think about it: how many people outside of Africa speak Swahili? How useful could someone in America who speaks Swahili be to organizations/businesses with ties to Africa? The UN? Pretty darn useful. :-) I was also thinking French. I would say Russian (Cyrillic alphabet, I know), but I heard their grammar is even more intense than German grammar, and that is intense in its own right.
In the next 3.5 years I would gladly participate in an internship, considering the importance of networking. I know I have all intentions of obtaining a Master's degree, and I am actually thinking that, if I enjoy studying abroad in Germany for a year, then I will try to get my Master's degree over there. Having a degree from a German university makes getting a job with a German-based company/institution easier, or so I have been told by Lena (my good friend in Schwäbisch Gmünd... good luck pronouncing that one!!). One of my considerations is to get a teaching degree to teach English as a foreign language, and, considering I don't speak Spanish, I doubt such a degree would be very useful for me in the US. That is fine with me, though, because I have no intentions of staying permanently!
I thought the presentation today was very informative, and I definitely feel a lot more comfortable going into the Career Center during my time here as an undergraduate to help find internships, write a résumé, and look for a future job. I suppose the most informative part of it was just showing us where the Career Center is and allowing us to see how approachable the staff seems to be. It also made us aware of how many resources they have, which aren't strictly dedicated to finding a job after graduating your senior year, which, for some reason, I tended to think was the main purpose of the Career Center.
This time in 5 days I will be at home. I am pumped. While at home I plan to relax, see some friends, and eat turkey (in addition to writing this U101 paper and doing other homework). Mostly just turkey. And pumpkin pie. I. Love. Pumpkin. Pie. (And all things pumpkin.) I also plan to spend plenty of time bothering (not really--I consider them friends, and I think they think the same of me... At least, I hope so!) my brothers and their friends. As mentioned in a previous blog--I believe the one about traditions--I spend more time with my brothers and their friends than with my own friends. Though I only have 2 brothers, I feel like I have at least 5, and that is fine with me.
I will dedicate more time to Turkey Day when the time comes. There are two blog assignments for next week, and one is strictly Thanksgiving, so I don't want to elaborate too much here and leave myself with nothing to write about in a week from now... from chilly, Christmas-y Bethlehem, PA.
I should go read, because I have a lot of reading due for tomorrow, but I bet, when I post this, I read it and check for typos and then either listen to more music or watch 'Arrested Development' on Hulu. (Did you know they have all 3 seasons available in their entirety?? Crazy. Also, I tried to find a good AD quote for the title of this blog, but many of them are inappropriate... The one I chose is from Lucille #1.)
Adios!
Holland
If I ever get the chance to, I would also like to start another language, in addition to Arabic, that is based on a less complicated alphabet... and by that, I mean the Latin alphabet. I know we offer Swahili, and before you judge me too much, think about it: how many people outside of Africa speak Swahili? How useful could someone in America who speaks Swahili be to organizations/businesses with ties to Africa? The UN? Pretty darn useful. :-) I was also thinking French. I would say Russian (Cyrillic alphabet, I know), but I heard their grammar is even more intense than German grammar, and that is intense in its own right.
In the next 3.5 years I would gladly participate in an internship, considering the importance of networking. I know I have all intentions of obtaining a Master's degree, and I am actually thinking that, if I enjoy studying abroad in Germany for a year, then I will try to get my Master's degree over there. Having a degree from a German university makes getting a job with a German-based company/institution easier, or so I have been told by Lena (my good friend in Schwäbisch Gmünd... good luck pronouncing that one!!). One of my considerations is to get a teaching degree to teach English as a foreign language, and, considering I don't speak Spanish, I doubt such a degree would be very useful for me in the US. That is fine with me, though, because I have no intentions of staying permanently!
I thought the presentation today was very informative, and I definitely feel a lot more comfortable going into the Career Center during my time here as an undergraduate to help find internships, write a résumé, and look for a future job. I suppose the most informative part of it was just showing us where the Career Center is and allowing us to see how approachable the staff seems to be. It also made us aware of how many resources they have, which aren't strictly dedicated to finding a job after graduating your senior year, which, for some reason, I tended to think was the main purpose of the Career Center.
This time in 5 days I will be at home. I am pumped. While at home I plan to relax, see some friends, and eat turkey (in addition to writing this U101 paper and doing other homework). Mostly just turkey. And pumpkin pie. I. Love. Pumpkin. Pie. (And all things pumpkin.) I also plan to spend plenty of time bothering (not really--I consider them friends, and I think they think the same of me... At least, I hope so!) my brothers and their friends. As mentioned in a previous blog--I believe the one about traditions--I spend more time with my brothers and their friends than with my own friends. Though I only have 2 brothers, I feel like I have at least 5, and that is fine with me.
I will dedicate more time to Turkey Day when the time comes. There are two blog assignments for next week, and one is strictly Thanksgiving, so I don't want to elaborate too much here and leave myself with nothing to write about in a week from now... from chilly, Christmas-y Bethlehem, PA.
I should go read, because I have a lot of reading due for tomorrow, but I bet, when I post this, I read it and check for typos and then either listen to more music or watch 'Arrested Development' on Hulu. (Did you know they have all 3 seasons available in their entirety?? Crazy. Also, I tried to find a good AD quote for the title of this blog, but many of them are inappropriate... The one I chose is from Lucille #1.)
Adios!
Holland
15.11.10
money, money, money, moneyyy (money!) [like the song]
Am I financially responsible? I would have to say yes. I love money. I love spending money. I love thinking about spending money. But do I spend money as frivolously as I would like? Nope. I don't prepare budgets or cling to my bank statements--in fact, I know roughly how much is there, but I could not tell you the actual dollar amount off hand. I have a credit card, but that is because of its convenience when traveling overseas, and it allows me to easily buy plane tickets since now I have to fly home a few times a year. I know I have a limit per month on my credit card, and only once have I even come close to it. Why? Thanksgiving plane tickets. (Thank you, US Airways, for making the exact same flight over double what I paid to fly home in October...)
Another nice thing is that my mom keeps me accountable. (Not that she really has to.) I hate dealing with bank people, so to make life convenient, she is also listed on all my bank accounts and even has the right to write checks for me so that I do not have to be at home to pay off the credit card bills. If I were to start spending money left in right, my mom would definitely approach me about it and let me know that I was starting to get ridiculous in my spending habits. I like to think I am the middle ground of the three sibling when it comes to money: one brother buys nothing, the other buys lots, and I buy some, but not often and not in excess. My largest expenses are on travel, but that is most definitely worth it!
When I get my bachelor's degree I hope to be $0.00 in debt. Unfortunately (and I mean unfortunately originally I had 'luckily' there, but I quickly realized my mistake, because it is not lucky at all) this was made possible, and, so long as don't but 10 cars, I will be able to go debt free for the next 3.5 years, with or without my scholarship (preferably with--my scholarship is what gives me the freedom to travel). For this reason, it is very likely that I will graduate without any student loan debts. However, I do have intentions of getting at least a master's degree, so then I will probably acquire some debt. Hopefully I will be working by then, so the debts will be smaller than that of an undergraduate... hopefully.
Also: this time in one week I will be at home!!! SO HAPPY! This next week will be torture, and even Thanksgiving won't be as relaxing as possible because I will still have plenty of work to do over the vacation (including a U101 paper... Really, Jimmie and Brent? 'You can hand it in early.' ... what college student in their right mind is still completing any work early at the end of the semester? I know I for one no longer have any motivation to complete assignments well into the future; last minute is where it's at!).
Also also: Today was my last session of mentoring. I think my mentee was sad to see me go--she gave me a hug after I gave her my parting gift (a USC t-shirt!). I will probably still volunteer there next semester, though, and I will have her again. Even so, I am looking forward to having my Monday mid-day break back. :-)
OK... I should go to bed relatively soon because of my 9:30 class tomorrow.
Auf Wiedersehen!!!!
Holland
Another nice thing is that my mom keeps me accountable. (Not that she really has to.) I hate dealing with bank people, so to make life convenient, she is also listed on all my bank accounts and even has the right to write checks for me so that I do not have to be at home to pay off the credit card bills. If I were to start spending money left in right, my mom would definitely approach me about it and let me know that I was starting to get ridiculous in my spending habits. I like to think I am the middle ground of the three sibling when it comes to money: one brother buys nothing, the other buys lots, and I buy some, but not often and not in excess. My largest expenses are on travel, but that is most definitely worth it!
When I get my bachelor's degree I hope to be $0.00 in debt. Unfortunately (and I mean unfortunately originally I had 'luckily' there, but I quickly realized my mistake, because it is not lucky at all) this was made possible, and, so long as don't but 10 cars, I will be able to go debt free for the next 3.5 years, with or without my scholarship (preferably with--my scholarship is what gives me the freedom to travel). For this reason, it is very likely that I will graduate without any student loan debts. However, I do have intentions of getting at least a master's degree, so then I will probably acquire some debt. Hopefully I will be working by then, so the debts will be smaller than that of an undergraduate... hopefully.
Also: this time in one week I will be at home!!! SO HAPPY! This next week will be torture, and even Thanksgiving won't be as relaxing as possible because I will still have plenty of work to do over the vacation (including a U101 paper... Really, Jimmie and Brent? 'You can hand it in early.' ... what college student in their right mind is still completing any work early at the end of the semester? I know I for one no longer have any motivation to complete assignments well into the future; last minute is where it's at!).
Also also: Today was my last session of mentoring. I think my mentee was sad to see me go--she gave me a hug after I gave her my parting gift (a USC t-shirt!). I will probably still volunteer there next semester, though, and I will have her again. Even so, I am looking forward to having my Monday mid-day break back. :-)
OK... I should go to bed relatively soon because of my 9:30 class tomorrow.
Auf Wiedersehen!!!!
Holland
10.11.10
Let's Talk About Stress
There are a lot of things that cause stress my life, ranging from minimal to unbearable (especially in the past). I would say that, as the semester slowly begins to wind down, it's mostly the fact that professors/instructors are piling on the tests/quizzes/assignments as they realize that they are crunched for time. Even so, I am not too stressed. The things I am most worried about is having all of my English papers done/revised in time to hand in my portfolio, and for them to be as good as possible. I have gone in to talk to Steve already about my first paper, and I hope to finish editing that before Thanksgiving (yeah... right), so that all I have to worry about after that is my other paper we have gotten back that needs to be revised (there will also be a third paper, but it will not be back in our possession by then, and the fourth paper will have no option of being revised).
As for other things that stress me out: the fact that we have been here for three months, and I feel like everyone has multitudes of friendships/close friendships, and I really feel like I have no one individual here to whom I feel a lasting connection. Outside of the classroom, I hang out with Caroline and then another group from the 7th floor, with whom I only have a connection because of Monica. Apparently I can't make friends on my own. I'm making "friends" (to use the word liberally) in classes and at tennis, but I have yet to meet any of them outside of the classroom (excluding the one Arabic study session way back in September set up by the instructor at Thomas Cooper). I would say 'all in due time', but it's starting to get annoying. I feel like unnamed persons judge me because of the fact that I frequent my dorm room and can't easily approach people. It's called being shy, world. I like to think I'm actually quite talkative... once you approach me, of course. :-)
There is an innumerable amount of things that stress me out, but I don't think I should spill out all of the [sometimes traumatic] experiences of my past, that I definitely think play a role in making me so shy and self-conscious. (For the record: I was not abused in any fashion as a child, and I have a very loving home life as well as a few very good friends, who are also like family to me. I realize that what I typed before this note sounds a bit suspicious, so I felt compelled to add this little note.)
To deal with my stress, I make sure I get enough sleep (though today I was utterly exhausted to the point of almost feeling sick. I got at least 7 hours of sleep, though, so I have no idea where it came from... it did go away eventually). Additionally, I make sure that I am allowed the downtime I so crave to do things like watch shows (HULU!), listen to music, go to the gym, and, of course, update my U101 blog. For example: I complete a homework assignment, and instead of moving on to the next one, I reward myself by watching the most recent episode of Modern Family (love it) or going on Facebook and creeping on my friends, who seem to be having a much more awesome time are college than I am. (I keep mentioning this. I am such a 'Debbie Downer', to reference SNL and Maggie, who also refers to me as a Negative Nancy... My friends are awesome. Also, to write in the way in which I think, have I mentioned Maggie before? She and I have been best friends since the 7th grade, and my life would be excessively lame without her. She was prom queen. She's the cool friend, and I am the lame sidekick who most people probably don't know [think Batman and Robin. Does anyone really care about Robin? No. Also TO and Chad Ochocinco... we aren't obnoxious Bengals players, but they did call themselves Batman and Robin... I am Ocho--talented, but not as successful. I've gotten off track]. But seriously, she is like my sister and is most definitely a part of my family. Also, she seems to be having a good time are college. k.)
Also, I have to admit, I was taught those breathing/imagery techniques before when Bert brought up in class today. They are helpful when it comes to getting my heart rate down and focusing my mind on other things. I also find it helpful to just vent, usually to my mom. She is probably the only person who has seen the full extent of the roller coaster that has been me since age ten. Even Maggie hasn't seen/probably couldn't imagine my lowest lows (ages 14-16), and I wouldn't have wanted to subject her to that. If you think I am talking around something... I most definitely am. Maybe one day I will feel free to post it here. Maybe my last blog assigned. Go out with a bang! (That will also probably anticlimactic.)
My final coping method is like my last blog post. I find listening to readings of my favorite poems (British, of course) is so soothing. It can probably be attributed to the awesomeness of the British accent mixed with exceptionally thoughtful words. (Mostly the accent.) It distracts me from the stressful thing and transports me to a place where I am able to focus purely on existence. (Hi, my name is Holland, and I am trying to sound thoughtful, but instead sound like a total douche bag... Can I say 'douche bag' in this blog? I guess I'll find out.) I also love classical music (just ask Monica). I don't listen to it all the time, but it never disappoints me when I do.
Surprisingly, the only stressful thing about my service site is the fact that I have to walk there, and the thought of having to walk back up Barnwell Street always dampens my spirits (if that rain hadn't done that enough already). Once I am there, my mentee and I have formed a rhythm, and we fall back into it: checklist, talk about weekend/week, find out if she has finally finished the 4th Twilight book* (she hasn't), and play Bananagrams.
This entry has gotten far too long.
Ciao!!
Negative Nancy
*I do not like Twilight, but I do admit to having read the books. I am ashamed, for they are anything but literature. I have no intentions of poisoning myself with the terribleness that is the movie series (which will never be Harry Potter**, no matter how much it wants to be).
**I am not obsessed with Harry Potter (Books>Movies), but I would say I am intrigued by some of its ideas. Ravenclaw.
As for other things that stress me out: the fact that we have been here for three months, and I feel like everyone has multitudes of friendships/close friendships, and I really feel like I have no one individual here to whom I feel a lasting connection. Outside of the classroom, I hang out with Caroline and then another group from the 7th floor, with whom I only have a connection because of Monica. Apparently I can't make friends on my own. I'm making "friends" (to use the word liberally) in classes and at tennis, but I have yet to meet any of them outside of the classroom (excluding the one Arabic study session way back in September set up by the instructor at Thomas Cooper). I would say 'all in due time', but it's starting to get annoying. I feel like unnamed persons judge me because of the fact that I frequent my dorm room and can't easily approach people. It's called being shy, world. I like to think I'm actually quite talkative... once you approach me, of course. :-)
There is an innumerable amount of things that stress me out, but I don't think I should spill out all of the [sometimes traumatic] experiences of my past, that I definitely think play a role in making me so shy and self-conscious. (For the record: I was not abused in any fashion as a child, and I have a very loving home life as well as a few very good friends, who are also like family to me. I realize that what I typed before this note sounds a bit suspicious, so I felt compelled to add this little note.)
 |
| Maggie and me in Strasbourg, France |
Also, I have to admit, I was taught those breathing/imagery techniques before when Bert brought up in class today. They are helpful when it comes to getting my heart rate down and focusing my mind on other things. I also find it helpful to just vent, usually to my mom. She is probably the only person who has seen the full extent of the roller coaster that has been me since age ten. Even Maggie hasn't seen/probably couldn't imagine my lowest lows (ages 14-16), and I wouldn't have wanted to subject her to that. If you think I am talking around something... I most definitely am. Maybe one day I will feel free to post it here. Maybe my last blog assigned. Go out with a bang! (That will also probably anticlimactic.)
My final coping method is like my last blog post. I find listening to readings of my favorite poems (British, of course) is so soothing. It can probably be attributed to the awesomeness of the British accent mixed with exceptionally thoughtful words. (Mostly the accent.) It distracts me from the stressful thing and transports me to a place where I am able to focus purely on existence. (Hi, my name is Holland, and I am trying to sound thoughtful, but instead sound like a total douche bag... Can I say 'douche bag' in this blog? I guess I'll find out.) I also love classical music (just ask Monica). I don't listen to it all the time, but it never disappoints me when I do.
Surprisingly, the only stressful thing about my service site is the fact that I have to walk there, and the thought of having to walk back up Barnwell Street always dampens my spirits (if that rain hadn't done that enough already). Once I am there, my mentee and I have formed a rhythm, and we fall back into it: checklist, talk about weekend/week, find out if she has finally finished the 4th Twilight book* (she hasn't), and play Bananagrams.
This entry has gotten far too long.
Ciao!!
Negative Nancy
*I do not like Twilight, but I do admit to having read the books. I am ashamed, for they are anything but literature. I have no intentions of poisoning myself with the terribleness that is the movie series (which will never be Harry Potter**, no matter how much it wants to be).
**I am not obsessed with Harry Potter (Books>Movies), but I would say I am intrigued by some of its ideas. Ravenclaw.
8.11.10
Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird!
The title is totally unrelated to the assignment, but I am currently sitting and listening to recordings of poetry on Youtube/the BBC... I love the poetry of Keats and Shelley with a passion, and I plan to buy a book of it soon (perhaps also an audio recording? it is soothing to listen to).
I think that, overall, I have managed my time efficiently--all of my assignment's have been handed in on time, and I have maintained good grades. I admit that while the semester is drawing to a close I have become less and less motivated, and yet the assignments seem to be getting piled on top of each other one after another, as if the professors/instructors expect me to be as eager as I was in the beginning of the semester. False.
If life were ideal, I suppose not much would change because I do have a lot of free time, but in that free time I often feel stressed because I know that I have plenty of assignments still to do/coming. It should be made known to professors that students have more than just one class per semester to deal with! Some of them don't seem to recognize this.
I suppose there is not much I could do to change this, considering the assignments I am given are not assigned by me. Therefore, I am going to push through the next few weeks, even if it means assignments completed at the last minute. Today and tomorrow are going to be very stressful, but I hope that, after these days, I can relax in some form and not worry, but this will probably not be the case. Oh well. This time in two weeks I will be home!! That is motivation enough.
Yes well, I suppose this will be another short blog since I ought to soon go to bed since I have a 9:30 class tomorrow.
Adieu! adieu! thy plaintive anthem fades
Past the near meadows, over the still stream,
Up the hill-side; and now 'tis buried deep
In the next valley-glades:
Was it a vision, or a waking dream?
Fled is that music:--Do I wake or sleep?
- John Keats, Ode to a Nightingale
Adieu! =] (I wish I were a great poet! It's an obsession.)
Holland
I think that, overall, I have managed my time efficiently--all of my assignment's have been handed in on time, and I have maintained good grades. I admit that while the semester is drawing to a close I have become less and less motivated, and yet the assignments seem to be getting piled on top of each other one after another, as if the professors/instructors expect me to be as eager as I was in the beginning of the semester. False.
If life were ideal, I suppose not much would change because I do have a lot of free time, but in that free time I often feel stressed because I know that I have plenty of assignments still to do/coming. It should be made known to professors that students have more than just one class per semester to deal with! Some of them don't seem to recognize this.
I suppose there is not much I could do to change this, considering the assignments I am given are not assigned by me. Therefore, I am going to push through the next few weeks, even if it means assignments completed at the last minute. Today and tomorrow are going to be very stressful, but I hope that, after these days, I can relax in some form and not worry, but this will probably not be the case. Oh well. This time in two weeks I will be home!! That is motivation enough.
Yes well, I suppose this will be another short blog since I ought to soon go to bed since I have a 9:30 class tomorrow.
Adieu! adieu! thy plaintive anthem fades
Past the near meadows, over the still stream,
Up the hill-side; and now 'tis buried deep
In the next valley-glades:
Was it a vision, or a waking dream?
Fled is that music:--Do I wake or sleep?
- John Keats, Ode to a Nightingale
Adieu! =] (I wish I were a great poet! It's an obsession.)
Holland
4.11.10
health
I definitely would consider myself healthy overall. I don't necessary always eat the healthiest, but I also go to the gym every day (unless I have tennis), and I don't eat too much if I'm not hungry. My habits since coming here have definitely become healthier because, when I am at home, I do not work out nearly as much, but I must admit that I probably also have been eating a bit more. Nonetheless, I am not gaining weight, and I am, therefore, very happy.
I have formed a few new friendships, and I hope they support me and my success. I also know that my professors support my success, otherwise they would not be professors. However, from my peers it's not like I am getting a lot of 'try your hardest, be your best' motivation. That still comes from my mom. My professors makes themselves available to all students via office hours and appointments, and I feel like they have confidence in me since my grades have been so good (so far). I have appointments with two different instructors next week: first with Steve to talk about revising my papers and the second with Dr. Strehl (not currently a profess or mine) to talk about the Wittenberg summer study abroad program. I don't think I will have any problems getting into the program, but she will have more details about costs/housing and the like.
I dislike having short blog posts, and I am not sure if this one has met the 150+ word requirement yet, but I have nothing else to discuss. My neighbors in Bethlehem got a new puppy, and my mom sent me a picture... It's not related, but I will share its cuteness with the world...
Holland
I have formed a few new friendships, and I hope they support me and my success. I also know that my professors support my success, otherwise they would not be professors. However, from my peers it's not like I am getting a lot of 'try your hardest, be your best' motivation. That still comes from my mom. My professors makes themselves available to all students via office hours and appointments, and I feel like they have confidence in me since my grades have been so good (so far). I have appointments with two different instructors next week: first with Steve to talk about revising my papers and the second with Dr. Strehl (not currently a profess or mine) to talk about the Wittenberg summer study abroad program. I don't think I will have any problems getting into the program, but she will have more details about costs/housing and the like.
 |
| Its a husky & golden retriever mix. |
I dislike having short blog posts, and I am not sure if this one has met the 150+ word requirement yet, but I have nothing else to discuss. My neighbors in Bethlehem got a new puppy, and my mom sent me a picture... It's not related, but I will share its cuteness with the world...
Holland
2.11.10
oh. my. god.
When it comes to defining the difference between religion and spirituality, I find it hard to do, but I think such a difference was best stated in class on Monday. Spirituality is an inner feeling of connection, whether it's to a higher power, nature, or something else, while religion is seeks to explain spirituality in a structured form. In this way the two are related, but not exactly the same. However, while spirituality can exist without religion, religion cannot exist without spirituality.
As for myself, I am not committed to any one religion or belief system, though I was raised [for a time] within the Lutheran Church. When I was younger (until around age 10) I wasn't very religious, but I did believe in God and the teachings of the Bible. Due to events that have transpired since that time, I have personally found God to be a hard concept to believe in. I do not pray or attend religious services (unless invited to do so [eg: host family goes to church, I tag along]), but I am not opposed to them either. I understand how people can use religion for good, and I find the different belief systems of the world very interesting. While some see religion as a powerful thing looking only to benefit itself, I am not in any way, shape, or form opposed to organized religion--I just choose not to believe in one. Additionally, I do not denounce the exist of a God or God[s] because I cannot prove one way or another (though I do find many aspects of science highly convincing). If God is real, I am sure He is understanding of those who choose not to believe in Him.
I also feel like religion had a great reason to come about: morality. However, I do not feel that, in the modern day, one needs to be religious to have morals. I like to think I have strong principles, and I stick to them because of who I am, not because I fear the wrath of some higher power should I not abide by certain rules.
Again, if there is a God, I would have to side with Brandon in saying that, as individuals, God likely does not have a deep connection with all of us. I know Leigh-Ann said she feels she has a 'relationship with Christ', and I definitely believe she feels she does, but I just find that a hard thing to imagine. I could elaborate, but I do not think I will--religion is just too touchy, and I do not wish to make any enemies via blogging!! Just know I respect this view entirely, but I just can't fathom it personally.
If I had to say one thing about religion that bothers me is hypocrisy, and I mean this for every religion. As far as I know, religions are supposed to teach tolerance and acceptance, and yet I know people (no names being named) who seem to reject others or degrade them because they happen to believe in a different God/question the existence of God. They consider themselves children of God and devout Christians, and yet do not seem open to accepting (or, at the very least, respecting) the views of others. That is something I do not understand and find ridiculously frustrating.
As for how the South reflects religion, I would say just look to our class on Monday:
Three students spoke, two from the North (Pennsylvania and New York, respectively) and one form the South. Guess who was devoted to religion and guess who seemed to question it... The student from the South felt very strongly about her religion while the other two identified themselves as agnostic and deist, which believes God exists, but that He is not involved in our day-to-day endeavors. To say that this was unexpected would be a lie. The South seems to be much more, I don't want to say 'open', but concerned with religion, and that is obvious on a daily basis. Coming from Pennsylvania, I was not used to seeing such a huge influence by religion upon the lives of the people, nor was I prepared for how devoted/how much time the people seem to give to their religion. It does not bother me, but it is just different.
Yes well... I have work to do for tomorrow and Thursday, so I ought to be going!
Toodles!
Holland
As for myself, I am not committed to any one religion or belief system, though I was raised [for a time] within the Lutheran Church. When I was younger (until around age 10) I wasn't very religious, but I did believe in God and the teachings of the Bible. Due to events that have transpired since that time, I have personally found God to be a hard concept to believe in. I do not pray or attend religious services (unless invited to do so [eg: host family goes to church, I tag along]), but I am not opposed to them either. I understand how people can use religion for good, and I find the different belief systems of the world very interesting. While some see religion as a powerful thing looking only to benefit itself, I am not in any way, shape, or form opposed to organized religion--I just choose not to believe in one. Additionally, I do not denounce the exist of a God or God[s] because I cannot prove one way or another (though I do find many aspects of science highly convincing). If God is real, I am sure He is understanding of those who choose not to believe in Him.
I also feel like religion had a great reason to come about: morality. However, I do not feel that, in the modern day, one needs to be religious to have morals. I like to think I have strong principles, and I stick to them because of who I am, not because I fear the wrath of some higher power should I not abide by certain rules.
Again, if there is a God, I would have to side with Brandon in saying that, as individuals, God likely does not have a deep connection with all of us. I know Leigh-Ann said she feels she has a 'relationship with Christ', and I definitely believe she feels she does, but I just find that a hard thing to imagine. I could elaborate, but I do not think I will--religion is just too touchy, and I do not wish to make any enemies via blogging!! Just know I respect this view entirely, but I just can't fathom it personally.
If I had to say one thing about religion that bothers me is hypocrisy, and I mean this for every religion. As far as I know, religions are supposed to teach tolerance and acceptance, and yet I know people (no names being named) who seem to reject others or degrade them because they happen to believe in a different God/question the existence of God. They consider themselves children of God and devout Christians, and yet do not seem open to accepting (or, at the very least, respecting) the views of others. That is something I do not understand and find ridiculously frustrating.
As for how the South reflects religion, I would say just look to our class on Monday:
Three students spoke, two from the North (Pennsylvania and New York, respectively) and one form the South. Guess who was devoted to religion and guess who seemed to question it... The student from the South felt very strongly about her religion while the other two identified themselves as agnostic and deist, which believes God exists, but that He is not involved in our day-to-day endeavors. To say that this was unexpected would be a lie. The South seems to be much more, I don't want to say 'open', but concerned with religion, and that is obvious on a daily basis. Coming from Pennsylvania, I was not used to seeing such a huge influence by religion upon the lives of the people, nor was I prepared for how devoted/how much time the people seem to give to their religion. It does not bother me, but it is just different.
Yes well... I have work to do for tomorrow and Thursday, so I ought to be going!
Toodles!
Holland
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