Time management has become a huge part of my life in college. Before college, I was fortunate to be one of those people that didn't have to study to get good grades. I was involved but no where near as involved as I am now. Basically I never had to juggle anything, it all got done and I was always in bed by 11pm (to be fair, I used to wake up at 5am).When I started working in the Honors Office when I was a freshmen, I was required to read these packets on Time Management, Study Skills and Note Taking to become a peer advisor and to hold workshops. When I read the Time Management one, I scoffed and said that I wouldn't need to do that. Basically, finals approached and I learned I was very, very, very wrong. So I re-read the time management packet, photo copied a few the sheets and organized my life a little better. I learned that time management took a lot of work, but it was worth it when I finished work and was in bed by 1am (to be fair, I didn't have to wake up until 9).
I think that if you're one of those people coming out of high school and you coasted through senior year, hold on, because you're in for a bumpy ride. Do yourself a favor, and google time management strategies or go to the Centers for Learning and sit in on a workshop. They really are helpful.
Tonight though, I am treating myself to one last night out before I really crack down. I am going to see Brothers in the movies. Luckily for me, I bought discounted tickets at the Student Information Center ($7 tickets for the Showcase Cinemas). I don't know how I'm going to function when I'm not a UMass Lowell student. I'm definitely going to have to budget my money a little bit better without all these discounts and student prices.
Well I'm off to make a list or six... Thanks for reading!
Sam :)
]]>How are you? I hope that you and your families had a great Thanksgiving! (And a GREAT Black-Friday & Cyber-Monday!)
So the other day I almost did something that I've taught almost every freshman and transfer that came through Orientation NOT to do. I almost dropped a class because I wanted to add a different one in the Spring. So I logged onto ISIS and I had all the numbers ready to go and I clicked the "Drop Classes" link. Then I highlighted the right class.. THEN I realized that I was commiting an ISIS no-no (not really, it will let you do it, it just isn't smart). So then I quickly quicked the "Swap Classes" link and entered in the class number I wanted to add next to the one I wanted to switch it with. THIS is a much smarter idea. If you change classes under the "Swap" function, you won't get dropped from your first class until you get into the second. It is always a safer thing to do. What if you dropped one class and your new class was full?! And then someone took your spot in your first class?!? Now you're doomed (well kind of). So basically, on ISIS, you never want to DROP a class if you have intentions of adding another one. Got it?! Don't forget it! It's handy information.
On another note, I delivered all of my Letters of Recommendation packets to people that agreed to write them. I provided them with tons of information (probably too much) including my resume and personal statement draft. I never understood why people asked for so much, but I realized that they need all of that information to write about you in a more well-rounded way. If my supervisor didn't know that I had a 3.59 GPA, she couldn't write how I balance my academics and my job. Same if my professors know that I do well in class, but don't know how much work I do around campus. It helps them fill in the gaps about what they don't know.
I'm also almost done filling out the applications themselves, which means this process is almost done.
WOOOOHOOOO!
On the note, Thank you for reading...
Sam :)
]]>Tonight, I'm going to see Funny People for FREE in O'Leary. FREE MOVIE!!! If you're on campus, you should go! I didn't see the movie in the theaters, and I've heard very mixed reviews but I have nothing else to do tonight so it's my game plan. (Plus maybe I'll bring my laptop and get work done....... that's a BIG maybe though.)
Tomorrow, I'm going to a conference that will hopefully help me (and motivate me!) to get back on the Grad School ball. I have been ssssllllaaackkkkiiiinngggg! The conference is put on by NEACUHO (Northeast Association of College and University Housing Officers). It's called RD2B. I went last year and I had a blast. It's a great opportunity for me to network, hear about some programs, get my resume looked at and maybe even do a mock interview? I'm looking forward to it. (Even though I have to wake up at 6am.)
Then tomorrow night, I'm going to the hockey game. I haven't been able to go to nearly as many games as I would like this season, but tomorrow night I can go!!! UML is playing Merrimack. I'm hoping that they have some really fun entertainment between the periods. A few weeks ago they had these blow-up animal things that danced called Zooperstars. They were a RIOT! We had to leave early that game, but we stayed late enough to watch them peform twice. I think that the atmosphere of the games are really my favorite part. Seeing everyone chanting and yelling with their face paint and jerseys... you really have to go to a game to understand. (DON'T FORGET: They games are FREE to all UML students with your ID.)
Well I hope you all have a great weekend!!!
Thanks for reading,
- Sam
GRAD SCHOOL UPDATE -
I've narrowed my choice down to three schools and they are all in Massachusetts. I know that seems crazy because I was so convinced about going to NC but because of family things and a few serious discussions with my mother, I've decided that for grad school I'm going to stay local, then if I choose to go away, then I should try then.
Also, last week I registered for the GRE's. Basically they are like the SAT's for grad school, but way harder. I'm scheduled to take them in December. I've been prepping here and there since the summer. I recently received a new practice book, DVD and book about the test. I'm hoping they help a little bit. I only want to take the GRE's once.
I've also filled out some of the applications and outlined my personal statement. Basically, a personal statement is an essay about what you want to do and why. I feel really comfortable with where I want to go with it, but I've been putting off writing it. I NEED TO GET THAT DONE. Haha.
I have also confirmed three people to write recommendations for me. Two professors and one of my supervisors. I'm really excited they all agreed and I think that over the past 3 and a half years they have gotten to know me the best.
Okay, so on a less stressful note (meaning this has NOTHING to do with Grad School), I am taking my brother to a comedy show tomorrow night. (If he somehow finds this blog in the next 24 hours, you can bet I'm going to be mad. I've kept this a secret for MONTHS) So if you remember last year, the comedian Mike Birbiglia came to UML. HE WAS A RIOT. He joked about everything from freshmen living at the Radisson to his brother and their relationship. So fast forward to the beginning of the summer when I found out he was on tour (!!!!!!!!). I ordered the tickets on the spot. My brother wants to be a comedian so I knew he would enjoy it, and VOILA easy birthday gift.
Well, I'm super excited to head home for the first time in almost a month and I'm sure my family is too... So I'm going to start packing (and by packing, I mean throwing my laundry into a basket.. and hoping it all fits)
If you're a first semester freshmen or a 2nd to last semester senior, you should be meeting with your advisor listed on ISIS. They will come in handy with helping plan your future career here or filing your DIG form (see below.).
Otherwise, most departments do "Group Advising" sessions and you get to go when it is most convenient for you and meet different advisors and professors. I always signed up for group advising with a different professor to get to hear their different stories and opinions on classes. That's how I met one of my FAVORITE psychology professors.
Fast forward to last week sometime...
Here I am, looking through the registrar's website and realizing that I've taken A LOT of these classes. Then I had a sad realization. Next semester is my last semester here at UML. This is my last time looking through classes and finding that one perfect slot with my favorite professor. Then I realized it was time to file my DIG form. A DIG form is a "Declaration of Intent to Graduate" and basically you write all of your classes and where they fit into your requirements and electives. It is incredibly scary, but incredibly relieving to see that I'm only 6 classes away from graduating in May 2010.
*shudders* well now that I feel incredibly old... I'm going to wash my dentures... and by that I mean work on some politics reading.
Thanks for reading,
Sam :)
Hey everyone,
Phew… ALMOST through with midterms * HAPPY DANCE* and midterms coming to a close means only one thing, HALLOWEEN IS COMING! Woohoo. I love Halloween. I’m even dressing up this year.
This year, South Campus RA’s are doing Halloween ALL OUT. We have tons of events coming up.
First, we had Pumpkin Carving. Our RA’s got pumpkins and tons of materials and set up a station Friday afternoon. Our residents can decorate the hallways with them and they’ll look fantastic for Safe Trick-or-Treat (don’t worry, I’ll explain that shortly.)
Then we have Apple Picking. Two RA’s are taking residents to a local farm to pick apples and enjoy the day out in the fall weather, before we get any more snow!
Some RA’s are also setting up a “Zombies vs. Humans” game for a few days. That starts soon. Basically everyone logs into this computer system and logs in as a human, then you tag people (not in class, the dining hall or their room) and they turn into zombies. I don’t really understand it, but apparently it’s really popular.
Also, we are having a Haunted House for our residents on Thursday October, 29th. It will be in the basement of Concordia. Last year I went through it and was terrified. I’m also a wimp though.
FINALLY, the last event is Safe Trick or Treat. We invite all the children in
It’s going to be a really busy but FUN week over here. I hope everyone else has a good week!
Thanks for reading,
Sam
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Phew. Okay. I feel better. So last week, this week, and next week are the dreaded time of midterms. It's really quiet around campus now because everyone disappeared into their rooms to study, write papers and prepare projects. As for myself, I'm feeling VERY busy. It feels like paper after paper after flashcards for a test.
If you're a first year student -- you may be feeling a little (or a lot) overwhelmed. I understand. In fact, everyone understands... we've all been there. Even your professors have been there! So make sure you're seeking them out to ask for extensions, meet for test help, or to get ideas for papers that you just can't start.
Like everyone says, college is a LOT different from high school. Midterms are usually a huge weight of your grade here. Usually around 20%. In some classes, it may even be the same as the final. What you need to do is prepare a study/work regimen. If you don't quite know how to do that... here's what I do:
1 - Write out my schedule. Include classes, work, activities etc.. DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE SLEEP. (Schedule 6-7 hours for sleep!)
2 - Write in time to study/do papers. Be specific with which task you're going to do when. Don't just put "paper," put "Political Science Paper".
3 - BE REALISTIC. Don't write "Political Science paper" for an hour if it's a 6-page paper. It's probably going to take longer than that ... then you will feel frazzled. Frazzled is NEVER good.
4 - TAKE A DEEP BREATH. You will get through it. Everyone always does. Plus, it's only the middle of the semester, so you always have time to work on grades etc.
If you do anything else, you should comment on here and let me know. I'm always looking for ways to make it through midterms.
Well, I hope that you're all doing well and not that stressed (now I'm not being realistic)... so I won't keep you.
GOODLUCK ON MIDTERMS!
Sam :)
]]>So as you may or may not know, the University acquired the Doubletree Hotell in Lowell and it is now the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center (which from now until kingdom come will be refered to as the ICC in this blog...and everywhere else on campus). This was the first step in the University's plans to get students downtown.
As a senior, I have ventured downtown a few times before this year. Sometimes for dinner with some friends, but mainly to see my orthopedic doctor. (If you didn't read this blog last year, I fell down some stairs and got an avulsion fracture in my ankle... that was fun!) Needless to say, I wasn't too familiar with the downtown area. So this summer, with Orientation and then with Residence Life, I went on two tours of Downtown Lowell. I learned a lot about the artwork, local museums, theaters and mainly the shops downtown.
One place I've made it a point to go this semester so far is the Merrimack Repertory Theater (I'm going to follow a trend here and refer to it as the MRT). It is a theater downtown on Warren St. UML students get a discount on all shows and the opening night of all the shows are "Pay What You Will" night. Basically you can pay anything to get in and see the VERY FIRST performance AND be included in a discussion with the director afterwards.
So, my friend Cynthia and I went to the MRT to see a play called Flings & Eros by The Flying Karamazov Brothers. It was SO MUCH fun! The performers sang, danced and juggled almost the entire time. We decided during intermission at the show that we're going to go to the first night of the next show, The Seafarer. If you're interested in theater or just someone that is looking for things to do on the weekend, check out the MRT website: http://www.merrimackrep.org/home/.
Last weekend, my cousin, Lex, also came up to visit the university. She's a senior in high school and is trying to narrow down which colleges she wants to attend. Friday night, I took her downtown to grab dinner at Mambo Grill (my personal favorite). We talked about everything downtown had to offer over dinner. She said it best "It's like a smaller Boston."
I think it's important that we recognize that at UML, we have a whole city at our fingertips. If you're thinking about coming to UML, after your tour of the campus, take a ride downtown, grab lunch, walk around, check out all the little shops and see what there is to offer.
Thanks for reading,
Sam :)