My Choices For Guest Speaker

Over the weekend, my school's commencement took place.  I didn't go for my own personal reasons, but heard it was quite an event from social media.  Not just because so many students were finished with school forever, but because Bill Nye the Science Guy gave a speech to the students.  I still have yet to see any pictures, but it's cool that someone I idolized and watched growing up actually came to my school.  It makes me wish I went, but I didn't, and I can't change the past.  One thing it did make me do was think about who I'd want to speak at my graduation if I had a choice.  It sounds like it would be easy with all the people we pay attention to or like, but I tried discussing it with classmates a few weeks ago, and had a hard time.  Time has passed, so I have a few choices in mind, but even now, I'm still unsure.

My only criteria for who I've chosen is that they have to have gone to college, had some higher form of education (because it makes little sense to have a dropout give students advice.  It's unrealistic for them to succeed with no degree), or succeeded in life.  If they meet that, anyone qualifies.  So without further ado, here's my list (so far) in no particular order...

• Patrick Stewart: The guy was Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation, leading the Enterprise, plays Charles Xavier, and is an accomplished stage actor, with a knowledge of Shakespeare.  He'd fit in well at my school.
• Steven Spielberg: What else needs to be said about the director who has basically done everything?
• Anderson Cooper: One of the best journalists out there, who appeals to different generations with his interview and writing style.  I think lots of students would be excited by him.
• The Williams Sisters: Two women who not only changed tennis for women, but sports in general.  Their stories are very inspirational, and they are one of the main reasons why I like tennis so much. 

B+ In Spanish

Today, I received my final grade of the spring semester, which of course was for Spanish (if you couldn't guess).  I had received all A's in all my previous classes, but didn't expect much for Spanish because I had just done good to average work during the semester.  I would have taken any grade in the class, as long as I passed and didn't have to take it anymore.  Much to my surprise, though, I looked online and saw that I got a B+ in the class, something which shocked me.

In some ways, I know why I got the grade I did, but it's still a surprise to do well in a class I didn't think I would; I mean, I did participate a lot in class, do the work, and do well in other areas, but I only got B's on the tests, and made blunders in other areas.  I'm so happy I did well ,though.  Languages have always been an area of uncertainty and weakness for me, and are one of the sole reasons why I had to stay an extra year in school in the first place.  So to do well in something I didn't know that I'd ever pass is one of my highest achievements, truly showing that effort and hard work pay off.

Thanks to my teacher Max for being the best Spanish teacher ever, and to my classmates in class who made the tough times bearable.  I couldn't have done it without you all.

Done With School Physically

With my last final being today, I am officially done with not only school for the semester, but ever having to physically be on campus again.  It's a great feeling, considering I'm a super senior and have been here for 5 long years.  Not to mention, I've had my struggles and hardships like anyone else, but it's worth it to finally succeed in an area I didn't always believe I would.  The work is not over yet because I start summer classes in 10 days, but it feels good to knock down one barrier, and continue forward with my life.  Hopefully, more positive things come as time passes.  But as of now, I feel pretty content.

Done With Classes

I'm done with classes for the semester, today!  I still have one more week of finals, and then summer classes later on in the month, but what does that matter?  I'm done with physically ever having to be in school for class again!

Choosing A Side

Today, I had my first ever debate in school, which seems hard to believe considering how long I've been in school, and how the media portrays debates as frequent, but it's true.  I was very nervous for it because the subject was about children and IPV, along with the fact that I wasn't sure if I had done enough research on the material, but once the debate started, things calmed down.  I didn't talk as much as I would have liked because the questions I focused on weren't asked, but I still gave my two cents about something, which gave me credit for showing up in the first place. 

One thing I realized from my debate was that if you had the easier side, the debate was better for you, since I noticed that the other team was confused with their answers and questions.  I felt bad for them since they all didn't choose the side they were on, but I was happy my side won.  And I can tell you, the previous week, my team and I were busy keeping in contact and doing research.  A debate is harder than it seems though.  You think you're just going to talk, but you need to answer the question, be direct, and have sources when necessary, which is a lot of pressure to have on a person.  If I had to do it over again, I think I could do it better; I just wish debates didn't always have to be political and stick to one side, when it seems most of the time, people are split down the middle on an issue.  But, that's just the way life is for the things we care about.

So all in all, I probably focused on the debate for my class more than I should have, but better to be prepared than not at all.  And in the end, it paid off choosing my side.

Finishing The Year Strong

Because of the marathon yesterday in Boston, it was a busy/hectic weekend, but for everyone in the city, it was an event to behold.  I didn't actually get a chance to go to the marathon this year because of homework, but I watched some of it on TV, and still had a great weekend, seeing some old friends, ordering food, and just relaxing as a whole.  With the day off yesterday, I think I enjoyed the holiday too much, but now that there's only two weeks of school left, I'm ready to buckle down to the finish line.  There are a few things left that worry me, such as a debate I have tomorrow and a few essays I have due, but I know I can handle them; I just need to believe and stay composed like I have been this semester, and I'll be fine.

Also, I'm sorry I haven't blogged much the past week.  I've been so busy, but I will try to more now that the semester is drawing to the close.  Best of luck to everyone as school is reaching its end!

Home Stretch

Because I came back from spring break a few days ago, that means that I only have a little more than 5 weeks physically left at college (if everything goes well).  It's daunting and scary to think about, but at the same time, I'm happy that I'm so close to being done.  The feeling is not fully there yet since I still have so many essays and tests to do, as well as 2 online courses over the summer, but I'm taking things one day at a time.  And eventually, I know that I'll be done, hopefully on the way to better things.  School is not over yet, but I'm ready for the home stretch that is these last 5 weeks, ready to face whatever's ahead.

Saved By The Computer Lab

As a child, one thing I loathed at school was computer classes.  I'm not sure why that was because the teachers I had were all very nice, but I just struggled with computers of all kinds.  I broke them, froze them, misplaced them, and even got a virus on one of them.  It was enough to leave me traumatized, and dislike using computers throughout my years at school, which as you all know, is pretty much impossible considering how often we have to use it for schoolwork.  Eventually, I got over my fear, and got better with computers, which helped lead me to more success.  But with the recent internet outage at my place at school, I realized how important the internet really is.  Yes, we constantly use it, but I don't think I really appreciated it until recently.

That's why I'm so thankful for my school's computer lab.  Without it, I wouldn't be able to do any schoolwork, check grades, or even blog like I'm doing now.  I know there are lots of things about school I dislike, and even if they build me a private wing, I'll still think they take too much money, but I'm grateful for their online resources, which have made me week here a lot easier.

Hope my internet gets fixed soon!  I miss doing things on my own.

The "B" Day

We all have those days when we know we aren't on our "A" games.  Sometimes it's something that we even joke about.  But when those days happen, they usually always seem to come at the worst times, which was the case for me yesterday.  My day started off well, but left me with more questions than answers, which is a shame considering how great I felt.

The day started off in my CJ class, where my teacher loved me because I read the chapter and was vocal about it.  I read the assigned chapters all the time (usually more than once), but rarely participate because I'm introverted and the class has close to 100 people in it.  With a class size that big, you don't think you need to speak all the time.  But I felt like I did yesterday, since the other students didn't care, which made the teacher notice me.  Even though that was not my norm, I have to admit that felt good.  Transitioning from that, my Sociology class had the same results.  I usually always talk when we have group discussions, especially when I have to be the facilitator/leader, but yesterday, I was on a roll, contributing my own life stories, asking questions, etc.  It was all really wonderful, and had me pumped for my Spanish test I was going to take later, which was the thing I was nervous about all day.

Now, I was supposed to take this test last week, but with all the snow days and the fact my teacher became sick, it got pushed back.  Usually I jump for joy when something being pushed back, but tests are different.  When I have more time, that usually makes me more anxious.  And since I was so busy, I didn't study as much as I should have.  Even when I did study though, when it came to the test, I froze; I forgot vocabulary words and even forgot the most basic grammar, which was disappointing to me because the test was very straightforward, and 9 times out of 10, I know I'd do better.  But I was the last person finished, and when I handed in my test, I knew I didn't do as well as I should of. I didn't fail, but I didn't ace it, which is what I wanted.  I could be wrong, but I won't know until it's graded.

That was my day yesterday.  In a lot of ways, not much happened, but at the same time, a lot did with everything being out of the ordinary for me.  Considering how good I felt, I wish the results carried over to my test, but I guess I wasn't on my "A" game as much as I thought I was.  I was just at a "C" or a "B", which is what I think I usually am anyways when it comes to school since I always have to try harder.  As I said before, I could be wrong and do better on the test than I thought, but regardless of what grade I get, I know I need to do better and put this day behind me, cause tomorrow, I have another test, which definitely needs me to be on my "A" game.

Rough Week Ahead

Having so many things due in the 7 days, like essays, homework, and tests, I don't know if I'll have time to write, let alone blog, so if I don't, I apologize.  Hopefully, this week isn't that bad though, and I can get through it, passing everything I need to.  If not, just gotta come back with a good demeanor, trying harder than before.

Only 10 more weeks of school to go.  Don't know if I'll make it, but I'll try to.  The other incentive is that at least it's only a month from spring break.

70-79

I'm pretty fickle when it comes to picking what my favorite things are.  If you ask me to name my favorite sports athlete or film, you'll get an answer, but you'll also get lots of other answers along with it.  One thing I'm not fickle about though are my favorite numbers.  I love the number 6 because of Bill Russell, who won his whole life, and was really the first athlete I looked up to because of everything he had to deal with.  Numbers I hate are numbers between 70-79.  No, it's not because I hate NFL offensive and defensive lineman; it's because whenever I take quizzes or tests in school, no matter how much I study and try, that always seems to be the grade range I get.  I should be used to it by now, especially being in school for as long as I have, but seeing any grade with a 7 makes me angry.

I question all the time why it's like this for me.  I study more than most people, know I try harder in certain classes (especially gen eds), and think I'm a decently knowledgeable person, yet no matter what, I always fall short.  It stinks, especially when there are people out there who don't try as hard, and yet, somehow they get better grades.  We all know those type of people; I just wish it didn't have to happen during my last full semester, when so much rides on me passing and every grade is make or break. 

In my earlier years of school, a grade in the 70-79 or C range devastated me because I was always so close to proficient, but now I try to look on the bright side of things.  I got between a 70-79, but I didn't fail.  And being this close means that I'm one step closer to getting to the 80-89 range.  I just have to work a little harder, which I know I am capable of doing. 

Time To Breathe And Heal

A whole week of school hasn't technically gone by, but my first week of classes is over, so I'm counting that as a whole week of school done with.  Only 13 weeks of school to go.  I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but I can't help it; this first week of school has been so long and rough.  It felt like it would never end, but now that it's Friday, I finally have some time to reflect back on the past few days.

Tuesday was difficult since it was the first day and everything that could've went wrong happened.  I had to get a book from the bookstore, but while I was walking there, I slipped on ice, and scabbed both my hands trying to break my fall.  They weren't bad, but they were definitely bleeding, so I had to clean them up.  After that, I rented the book I needed, but missed the bus in the process.  I only had 40 minutes until class, so I walked over to the other campus in the single digit degree weather, which stunk.  I got to my classes, which weren't so bad, but they definitely seemed like they'd be a lot of work.  Luckily, all the professors seemed cool/nice.  Then later on in the day, I tried going to my Spanish class in a new building, but my ID didn't work, so I was locked in the cold, until someone came and let me in.  It was a terrible first day, accentuated by the cold and the concern I had about my classes.

Day 2 was better since I only had one class, which gave me time to relax and get ahead on reading, which I found very interesting.  My Intimate Partner Violence class I'm taking has some subject matter that make me uncomfortable, and some very long assignments, but the class seems interesting, and is definitely doable if I do the work, which I know it can do.  I didn't feel amazing day 2, but after switching my schedule around, I felt better, which carried over into Day 3 yesterday, where I had the best day of class so far.  I took notes, passed a quiz, participated in class, and didn't freeze to death.  I'm already tired of school after only a few days, but it's times like this that I'm glad I have some time to stop, breathe, and heal.  I need it.

Syllabi

With class back in session less than 24 hours from now, there's a myriad of emotions I'm feeling.  The two I'm feeling most are anticipation and fear.  On one hand, I'm anticipating starting classes, and finishing my final full semester at school, but at the same time, I'm fearful I might make a mistake, since 6 classes leaves little room for error.  I have options/resources to help me, but I want things to go right for a change, and that involves me not being afraid and doing things for myself.

Being in school now for 15-17 years, I know what to expect out of the first day.  There are jitters, but I know the day as a whole is mostly relaxed since all teachers usually do is goes over their syllabi.  Despite that, I'm always a little intimidated by the syllabi I see.  They have so much information with dates, classwork, homework, examinations, etc.  Sometimes the information on them is clear, but other times it's not.  And when the teacher doesn't print out the syllabi, that's annoying because most likely, you're making the students pay for something you should give, and if they have questions, they can't ask you them in person.  I know e-mail is convenient and even preferred by most students, but there are some things that can only be cleared up in person. 

School's tomorrow, and I've already received a few preliminary assignments and syllabi.  At first glimpse, the syllabi look daunting, but after reviewing them and starting some of the work early, it isn't that bad.  I just need to relax and get a week or two under my belt first, then I'll be in the flow of things.  Of course, things can always change in an instant, so hopefully, this final full semester is a good one.  I know though, by staying committed and working hard, I can do anything, and no matter what, I'm going to do well this semester!

Peace Out Break!

I'm going back to school for this upcoming semester later on today, which means a number things.  Besides the fact I won't be able to watch any football games, that means my winter break is over.  It's a pretty sad revelation, considering that my last final was barely over a month ago, but all things eventually have to end so there's progression in life.  I always enjoy my breaks since it's time away from school, and an opportunity to see friends, but this break, I didn't do much of it.  I enjoyed the holidays while they were here, and saw a decent number of my friends, but after New Year's, everyone got busier, so I couldn't see them.  Like I've said before, I know this happens, but I'm still pretty bummed out about it.  I had so many expectations and plans this break, but nothing I really wanted to do happened which stinks.

But like many things in life, you have to put anything negative behind you and move on.  I wish I could have done more over break, but now that it's over, I'm hoping I do well in school in my final semester. 

Finished With Classes

I just woke up from a 2 hour nap, which is nothing extraordinary, besides the fact I did it knowing I finished classes officially today for the semester!  Best of all, I handed in/took 2 of my finals already, so I only have 1 left I have to take on Tuesday.  It sucks I have to wait so long because now I have to use money on food, and I really want to go back home, but some time to study will do me some good and keep me motivated.  Whenever it gets to this point in a semester, I always look back and reflect since I have a good memory, and remember the first days of all my school years, so I'm just amazed it came and went so fast.  At that time, the semester felt eternal, but now that it's basically over, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Hope anyone who has finals or is finishing school ends it strong!

Half The Effort

At this time of the semester, when there's only one full week left of school, everyone is tired.  We're tired of the syllabi, the homework, the tests.  And we're just tired of going to class in general.  I think it's natural for teachers to assume students feel this way, and being a student myself, others vocally make it known how tired they are of school.  But one thing I cannot stand is when a student gives half the effort in class during this time.  In high school, this was something called "senioritis", when students at the end of the year didn't care about work or school anymore because they were on their way to graduation, but I hate it.  Why?  I hate it because it sends the wrong message to other students, and laziness is just so unbecoming of a person.  Also, you worked so hard the past few years to get to this point, so why stop now when you're so close?  I understand wanting to take a break, but what if something happens, like something messes up with your financial aid, or you slack off so much, you fail a class you need to pass?  I know these are all extremes, but they do happen to people.

In the end, I suppose I'm in the minority how I feel about this since I think anyone would want to celebrate being done with school; I just think there is a better way to do it than giving half the effort.  And if you do that, at least keep it to yourself.  We don't like having things rubbed in our faces.  Some of us are still trying to learn and are giving it our all.

Grade Alienation

A few days ago, a friend and I were having an interesting conversation at school about grades.  I had just got through ranting for the millionth time about how angry I was failing my online Spanish quiz because so many things about it were unjust.  The directions weren't clear, the questions had multiple answers, and the stipulations were ridiculous (30 questions in 50 minutes).  My friend understood what I was going through, which I found helpful, but he made me look at things from a much different perspective by relating everything to Karl Marx. 

I know what you're thinking.  Karl Marx, what the hell?!  I had the same thoughts as well because the only thing I knew about Karl Marx was that he wrote "The Communist Manifesto", and opposed any system that alienated or tried to govern people unjustly (at least I think that's what he said to some degree, but someone can correct me on that).  That had to do with government and sounded like it had nothing to do with school, but then my friend related it to how school grading systems go against what Marx believed because they alienate people and stress them to the point where they do not help them.  Also, people may get good grades in class, but they do not retain the information; they just learn it to pass and that's that.  It's sad, but it is true to some degree.

Now, I'm not saying college is this overbearing institutional system.  It's institutional and has its faults (which I've gone over before), but I think for the most part, they want to help the people that go there.  I just wish there was a better way to grade and test people on what they know because the old system, while effective, is outdated and certainly has flaws.  I wonder if there are any better solutions on the horizon, or will school be like this for years to come in the future?  I guess we won't know for awhile.  And while this may not make sense for many of you, including myself, it was nice to feel a little enlightened after failing a quiz, even if it was because of Karl Marx.

Classes Selected

Last spring semester I wrote a blog post talking about picking classes, but I didn't really go in depth about it at that time because I hadn't picked my classes for the next semester yet, and honestly, no one wants to hear about picking classes.  This time though, I couldn't resist talking about my potential last time picking classes (depending on how next semester goes). 

I registered for classes officially today after mulling what classes to choose for days.  This usually isn't common for me, but since I only needed a few classes to fill out my major and minor requirement, I had to be careful what I was taking.  I had the normal classes I would take such as Creative Writing, but then I had classes I just needed to take to get to the credit limit, which seemed dumb.  I understand it's a rule, but me taking a General Education or lower level course for no reason is such a waste of time.  It does nothing really for my benefit besides taking up valuable time I know I'll need next semester.  At the same time though, anything that helps me graduate is good, but I wish it didn't have to be like this, all bunched together.  I suppose I can't complain though.  There are others like me who have it worst than I do, who need to take more classes than me, or couldn't get into the classes they wanted.  Luckily I did, but I hope the decisions I made pay off.  This semester of school isn't over yet, but it's safe to say I'm already a little anxious, but with my goal this close, I'm ready! 

Washing Your Hands

College students do a lot of disgusting things when it comes to their behavior.  They have bad eating habits, drink too much, smoke, etc.  But the thing I dislike most about them is that most of them don't wash their hands.  Now I can't speak for women because I've never been in their bathrooms, but I've been around college guys for over 4 years, and I can tell you that a majority of them don't do it for whatever reason.  Is it because of the way they were raised, the fact they're short on time, or coolness?  Because let me tell you, whatever the reason, there is no excuse.  It's not hard to do; it only takes 10-20 seconds.  And believe me when I say that even though it is basic, it saves lives and stops the spreading of diseases.  Part of how I feel is probably because of my germophobia, but another part of me hates people who do this because they put others at risk with their disgusting habits.  Change it UP!  It will be beneficial not just for college campuses everywhere, but for yourself. 

Teacher's Responsibilites

I don't like to rag on teacher's much, especially since I almost thought about becoming one, and I know how difficult their job is.  They have to teach people who are sometimes rude and unmotivated, and they have to do it for little pay (at least from what I've heard).  I'm not even really bashing them this time, but something recently happened to me with a teacher, which I could stand.

The thing that happened between my teacher and I is that I sent her an email, and it took her over 24 hours to reply back.  I understand that teachers have lives, and are busy like everyone else, but if you say in your syllabus that we can email you, I expect it to be done quickly, which would be convenient for everyone.  Unfortunately, my teacher doesn't check her email on weekends, which isn't helpful, and her syllabus has been confusing.  Despite that, I will say that her class has been good so far.  She just has her own way of doing things.

My point of this post isn't just to vent my email frustration to everyone.  It's to say that teacher's have a responsibility to help their students no matter what.  I know college professors/teachers say that a student failing isn't their problem, but it can be if your methodology is unjust, or you don't help the student, such as by not responding to emails.  Also, there's teacher evaluations, which colleges really do look at.  Like I said, I'm not here to bash teachers; I hate waiting for help that I was promised I would get.