Last Friday I attended the glorious event that is "Hot Cookie Friday". I knew I really needed to do something for Capstone; I haven't been able to go to any of the Conversations because I stay in class on Mondays until 8pm. And I somehow missed the last cinema. So thats been an issue. So when Hot Cookie Friday rolled around, I jumped at the chance to attend. My friend Kayla from my floor went with me; I tried unsucessfully to round up a large group of people from my floor, but nobody else wanted to go. So Kayla and I ventured down the street to Hot Cookie Friday.
The Study Shack smelled like awesome goodness when we walked in. The aromas from the cookies made both our stomachs flip. We walked into the living room, hoping to see plates full of all assortments of cookies. Instead we saw 2 half empty plates full of the cookies that nobody else wanted. We had gotten there too late. We turned to leave in disappointment, when suddenly, a very nice man with a very big plate of warm chocolate chip cookies entered the room. CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES!! Our mission was a success!!! We had finally gotten what we came for.
After our accomplished victory, Kayla and I stayed around and chatted with a few fellow Capstone Scholars. It was a nice way to meet people and take advantage of free food. Its something I'll definitely be doing again soon.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Coming to South Carolina was one of the bravest things I've ever done. I moved far away from everything I ever knew; I moved to a place where I knew nothing and no one. It was incredibly scary going to a place all by myself and on my own. So the week before I came to South Carolina, I made the hasty decision to rush. That decision turned out to be one of the smartest decisions I've ever made.
Going through rush was incredibly intimidating. Going into all the possible houses, trying to figure out where you fit in, and still trying to impress the different houses gets to be somewhat straining. I felt like I couldn't possibly find a group of girls that I would want to belong to. But then I did.
I am now a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. At first, I was extremely nervous about going to the meetings. I wasn't sure it was something I would fit into. I never imagined myself as a Greek. So getting into that mindset was a bit difficult. But once I joined, I realized it was just the place for me.
KKG is full of girls who are just like me. I find that I get along incredibly well with all the sisters. I like that all the girls are really laid back and chill; they're not judgmental like the stereotypical sorority girl. Instead, they are really open to just about anyone.
It's definitely something I'm going to stick with. I can't wait to see the opportunities that await me and Kappa Kappa Gamma. I know that I have joined an organization that will be able to help me grow and provide me with opportunities I wouldn't otherwise have.
Going through rush was incredibly intimidating. Going into all the possible houses, trying to figure out where you fit in, and still trying to impress the different houses gets to be somewhat straining. I felt like I couldn't possibly find a group of girls that I would want to belong to. But then I did.
I am now a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. At first, I was extremely nervous about going to the meetings. I wasn't sure it was something I would fit into. I never imagined myself as a Greek. So getting into that mindset was a bit difficult. But once I joined, I realized it was just the place for me.
KKG is full of girls who are just like me. I find that I get along incredibly well with all the sisters. I like that all the girls are really laid back and chill; they're not judgmental like the stereotypical sorority girl. Instead, they are really open to just about anyone.
It's definitely something I'm going to stick with. I can't wait to see the opportunities that await me and Kappa Kappa Gamma. I know that I have joined an organization that will be able to help me grow and provide me with opportunities I wouldn't otherwise have.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Meet Your Professor
For this assignment, I decided to meet with my History 112 Professor, Professor Michele Coffey. When I first heard about the assignment, I'm gonna admit I was a little nervous. This may be a bit shocking, but in new situations, I tend to be a little reserved and shy. So going to meet with my professor was something that was definitely outside my comfort zone. I didn't know how I was going to go about talking to a professor, nor did I have any idea which one I should choose.
And then I realized I had a huge history test coming up. As I was studying for that history test, I realized I kept coming across questions that I had over the material; there were certain points that had gotten lost in my notes that needed some clarification. As I sat wondering about how I could fix this problem, it dawned on me that I had been assigned meeting with my professor. Suddenly the world was brighter. I could kill two birds with one stone; I would fulfill my U101 assignment, while getting some help in history.
Going into Professor Coffey's office hours was a little bit intimidating. It was my first experience with office hours and I wasn't sure what to expect. But I'm actually super glad I did. If it hadn't been for the U101 assignment, I wouldn't have gone and I would still be confused about a lot of things. After going to her office hours, I learned that Professor Coffey does genuinely care about our grades and is willing help. She clarified where I was going wrong and helped suggest studying tips. She turned out to be a really down to earth, laidback person. I was surprised at how easy-going she was.
To those of you who haven't yet ventured into office hours, I highly recommend it. Even if you are a little nervous and unsure of what to expect, go anyway. It's completely beneficial and worth the experience. Professors (most of them anyway) actually do care about your grades. And its a great way to be more than just another face in the crowd. After visiting Professor Coffey that day, I noticed that when I had her class later on, she made eye contact with me during lectures, just to make sure I understood her points. With a little extra help like that, office hours are completely worth the trip.
And then I realized I had a huge history test coming up. As I was studying for that history test, I realized I kept coming across questions that I had over the material; there were certain points that had gotten lost in my notes that needed some clarification. As I sat wondering about how I could fix this problem, it dawned on me that I had been assigned meeting with my professor. Suddenly the world was brighter. I could kill two birds with one stone; I would fulfill my U101 assignment, while getting some help in history.
Going into Professor Coffey's office hours was a little bit intimidating. It was my first experience with office hours and I wasn't sure what to expect. But I'm actually super glad I did. If it hadn't been for the U101 assignment, I wouldn't have gone and I would still be confused about a lot of things. After going to her office hours, I learned that Professor Coffey does genuinely care about our grades and is willing help. She clarified where I was going wrong and helped suggest studying tips. She turned out to be a really down to earth, laidback person. I was surprised at how easy-going she was.
To those of you who haven't yet ventured into office hours, I highly recommend it. Even if you are a little nervous and unsure of what to expect, go anyway. It's completely beneficial and worth the experience. Professors (most of them anyway) actually do care about your grades. And its a great way to be more than just another face in the crowd. After visiting Professor Coffey that day, I noticed that when I had her class later on, she made eye contact with me during lectures, just to make sure I understood her points. With a little extra help like that, office hours are completely worth the trip.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Hand Middle School 2.0
After visiting Hand Middle School today, I'm even more excited than I was before. Hand seems to be a really good school. It seems really well kept and like a positive place for students to grow. I really liked that the almost all the walls were covered with some type of artwork from the kids. It really seems like Hand tries to facilitate the development of all skills, not just academics. I'm super jealous of their school. My middle school was nothing like theirs. I hope the kids really appreciate how awesome their school its.
What really impressed me the most about Hand was the mixture of kids that make up the student population. Our director said that Hand was a mixture of the "haves" and the "have-nots"; but she was quick to inform us that they didn't really dwell on those differences and did everything to ensure everyone had an equal playing field. It was impressive to me that a community can come together and put aside differences in culture, economic situation, and ultimately race to ensure that the kids aren't affected. I really like that Hand is soo diverse. Its completely different from anything I've ever known. I can't wait to see all the diversity that Hand has to offer.
I'm a bit nervous now after visiting the school, though. I feel like that first day is going to be a bit awkward... but hopefully after that, my mentee and I will be able to form some type of relationship. I guess it's up to me to make sure that first day isn't awkward. haha. I'm sure I can handle that.
ps- don't worry. I found another parking spot in Columbia : )
What really impressed me the most about Hand was the mixture of kids that make up the student population. Our director said that Hand was a mixture of the "haves" and the "have-nots"; but she was quick to inform us that they didn't really dwell on those differences and did everything to ensure everyone had an equal playing field. It was impressive to me that a community can come together and put aside differences in culture, economic situation, and ultimately race to ensure that the kids aren't affected. I really like that Hand is soo diverse. Its completely different from anything I've ever known. I can't wait to see all the diversity that Hand has to offer.
I'm a bit nervous now after visiting the school, though. I feel like that first day is going to be a bit awkward... but hopefully after that, my mentee and I will be able to form some type of relationship. I guess it's up to me to make sure that first day isn't awkward. haha. I'm sure I can handle that.
ps- don't worry. I found another parking spot in Columbia : )
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Hand Middle School
I'm actually super excited about meeting with the kids of Hand Middle School. I'm excited to get to meet my mentee; pre-teens always seem to be really fun to be around. This is the time when they really start to form their personalities and figure out who they are or want to be. Most of them are going through that weird, awkward social stage, so it'll be fun to kinda help them through that. I know all about awkward stages, so I'm pretty sure I can be a big help to them.
I'm excited to help them get involved around their schools; I know that in middle school I was in a lot of clubs. I tried a lot of different ones to figure where my interests were. So it'll be neat to help my mentee figure out his/her hobby and interests.
I am a bit nervous that I might get a kid that doesn't really want to talk back to me. I'm such a talkative person that I need a kid that I can be myself around. But I know that either way, if I get a talkative kid or a non-talkative one, I'll be able to handle it. If my student is talkative, then I'll be able to keep up; but if they're quiet, I'm normally able to bring people out of their shells and make them open up. I'll be able to adjust my own ideas and strategies for mentoring based on their personality. I'm flexible.
I can't wait to go to Hand Middle School. I'm so excited to shape and mold the youthful minds of Hand Middle School. :)
I'm excited to help them get involved around their schools; I know that in middle school I was in a lot of clubs. I tried a lot of different ones to figure where my interests were. So it'll be neat to help my mentee figure out his/her hobby and interests.
I am a bit nervous that I might get a kid that doesn't really want to talk back to me. I'm such a talkative person that I need a kid that I can be myself around. But I know that either way, if I get a talkative kid or a non-talkative one, I'll be able to handle it. If my student is talkative, then I'll be able to keep up; but if they're quiet, I'm normally able to bring people out of their shells and make them open up. I'll be able to adjust my own ideas and strategies for mentoring based on their personality. I'm flexible.
I can't wait to go to Hand Middle School. I'm so excited to shape and mold the youthful minds of Hand Middle School. :)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
LASSI Scores
Hahaha.
My LASSI scores were all over the place. I'm not sure I can really take this test that seriously. It didn't really seem to peg my characteristics at all. Except my motivation. I was highly motivated according to the test. 95% to be exact. That's true, for the most part. I tend to be extremely motivated to get things done. I don't like having things hanging over my head, so I just get them out of the way. Other than that, I'd have to say my LASSI scores were a bit ridiculous.
I got a 10% on Attitude. I don't know how you do that. If you ask me, I should get some type of award for that accomplishment. It seems outrageous to me that I scored sooo high in motivation, but so low in attitude. It's like "you're extremely motivated to do the work, but you don't want to or like to". That doesn't make sense to me..?!? Plus on top of that, I've always been the one to push myself for good grades. I've never felt pressure from my parents to make As; it was always something I wanted. I would be disappointed in myself if I didn't have that perfect GPA. So thats something I definitely don't agree with.
Other things about LASSI, such as the self testing and selecting main ideas were a bit more accurate. They were lower than I thought they would be, but that could just have been my fault when I took the test. I know that ultimately the test calculated my scores based on my responses, so I can't really blame that test. But I guess in order to change my self testing scores, I start to test myself after chapters or learn new testing techniques that would better prepare me for tests. As for selecting main ideas, I could pay more attention to the phrases and words my professors repeat, look for bolded ideas in the text, and other obvious signs.
My LASSI scores were all over the place. I'm not sure I can really take this test that seriously. It didn't really seem to peg my characteristics at all. Except my motivation. I was highly motivated according to the test. 95% to be exact. That's true, for the most part. I tend to be extremely motivated to get things done. I don't like having things hanging over my head, so I just get them out of the way. Other than that, I'd have to say my LASSI scores were a bit ridiculous.
I got a 10% on Attitude. I don't know how you do that. If you ask me, I should get some type of award for that accomplishment. It seems outrageous to me that I scored sooo high in motivation, but so low in attitude. It's like "you're extremely motivated to do the work, but you don't want to or like to". That doesn't make sense to me..?!? Plus on top of that, I've always been the one to push myself for good grades. I've never felt pressure from my parents to make As; it was always something I wanted. I would be disappointed in myself if I didn't have that perfect GPA. So thats something I definitely don't agree with.
Other things about LASSI, such as the self testing and selecting main ideas were a bit more accurate. They were lower than I thought they would be, but that could just have been my fault when I took the test. I know that ultimately the test calculated my scores based on my responses, so I can't really blame that test. But I guess in order to change my self testing scores, I start to test myself after chapters or learn new testing techniques that would better prepare me for tests. As for selecting main ideas, I could pay more attention to the phrases and words my professors repeat, look for bolded ideas in the text, and other obvious signs.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Service Learning
In high school, I was really involved in community service. I was a part of our school's Interact Club, which focused on going out into the community and providing service whetherever we saw the need. We did can drives, read to underpriveledged schools, and cleaned the school campus. Probably the one that affected me the most was the toy drive we did for the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home. The Children's Home is a place where orphaned children can go to live and be taken care of for no extra cost. But these children typically don't recieve Christmas gifts you and I have come to expect. They recieved toothpaste, shampoo, and other toiletries. So my school decided to have a toy drive, where we got the Christmas Lists of the kids there and raised money to buy almost everything on their lists. This was especially touching because my mom grew up at the Tennesee Baptist Children's Home. She knew from first hand experience what the toy drive would mean to the kids. It was sad to envision her as a child, experiencing a blah Christmas. So I really got into the drive, asking students at Ravenwood to donate even change to the cause. It's something I'm really proud to say I was a part of.
I've never really done any community service as a part of a course. Helping the community is just something that my mom has drilled into my head since I was a child. She's been on numerous committees that have raised tons of money for various organizations. So I guess I've never really thought about it as something I supposed to do; its something I need to do. If I'm fortunate enough to have to things I have, then I need to take some time from my life and share what I have.
I've never really done any community service as a part of a course. Helping the community is just something that my mom has drilled into my head since I was a child. She's been on numerous committees that have raised tons of money for various organizations. So I guess I've never really thought about it as something I supposed to do; its something I need to do. If I'm fortunate enough to have to things I have, then I need to take some time from my life and share what I have.
Organization
I've always been a pretty organized girl. I can remember back in middle school, my friends used to tease me about my super organization skills. I guess one can say I'm somewhat OCD. haha
But, in order to stay organized at USC, I plan to really utilize my planner. I got one for free from the USC bookstore and ever since then, I've been writing like EVERYTHING down in it. Even things I would normally remember to do, I still write out lists in it.
As far as time management goes, I tend to have a lot of time on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, so those days have been designated as homework days. I get done by 1045 on those days, so I devote the rest of the day to studying and getting caught up on assignments. On Mondays and Wednesdays, I have class until 8pm so I try to not leave myself assignments to do on those nights.
If I have a set schedule, for the most part, I tend to stick it. It typically works for me. But I do anicipate certain things, such as sorority activities or football games getting in the way. So I'll just have to plan ahead when I know those things are coming up and get my work done ahead of time. It shouldn't be that big of a deal. Plus my sorority has required study hours, so if need be I can go to those every night if homework becomes an issue.
As far as having a social life, I intend to stick to the weekend for going out. And maybe Thursdays, if I was a good girl that day ;)
But, in order to stay organized at USC, I plan to really utilize my planner. I got one for free from the USC bookstore and ever since then, I've been writing like EVERYTHING down in it. Even things I would normally remember to do, I still write out lists in it.
As far as time management goes, I tend to have a lot of time on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, so those days have been designated as homework days. I get done by 1045 on those days, so I devote the rest of the day to studying and getting caught up on assignments. On Mondays and Wednesdays, I have class until 8pm so I try to not leave myself assignments to do on those nights.
If I have a set schedule, for the most part, I tend to stick it. It typically works for me. But I do anicipate certain things, such as sorority activities or football games getting in the way. So I'll just have to plan ahead when I know those things are coming up and get my work done ahead of time. It shouldn't be that big of a deal. Plus my sorority has required study hours, so if need be I can go to those every night if homework becomes an issue.
As far as having a social life, I intend to stick to the weekend for going out. And maybe Thursdays, if I was a good girl that day ;)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Involvement
Today, I visited the student organization fair. To be honest, it was a bit overwhelming. There was just soo much going on and soo much to see; but I managed to find my way over to some tables that I think may hold some good opportunities for me.
Since I am a poli sci major, I'd really like to get involved in some type of Student Government. So I'm thinking the Freshman Council seems like a good way to get involved. Also, today at the fair, I stopped by the College Republicans. I signed up for their email list. They had a meeting at 7:30 tonight, and I really wanted to go, but I had class until 8 tonight. So that was a bummer. But hopefully I can hit up the next one.
Also, I signed up for information about being an Orientation Leader. This summer, when I was going through orientation myself, I thought that it actually looked like something I might want to do. I was a freshman mentor in high school, so being an orientation leader wouldn't be too far of a stretch from that. The only hesitation I have about the whole thing is that I would have to spend summer here. And I really like Tennessee; I'm probably going to want to go home. So it might have to wait until next summer once I'm not so determined to go home.
As for hobbies, I don't actually have any skilled type hobbies. I mostly enjoy reading, shopping, watching movies, and being with my friends. I hate being by myself a majority of the time. I tend to surround myself with people throughout my day, intentionally or unintentionally. I constantly talk, so its nice to have someone around to listen. Otherwise, I'm just that crazy girl that talks to herself. Honestly though, that wouldn't really bother me all that much. I don't typically care much about that kind of stuff. Beside my basic girl hobbies, I LOVE politics. I am such a nerd about it, but I seriously could debate things for forever. I used to give my friends mini-lectures about each candidate during the presidential election. I'm pretty sure they hated me. But I didn't care. They would make me stop, but I kept lecturing anyway. I'm resilient.
I'm excited to see what other opportunities USC holds for me and determined to discover the secrets I haven't uncovered just yet :)
Since I am a poli sci major, I'd really like to get involved in some type of Student Government. So I'm thinking the Freshman Council seems like a good way to get involved. Also, today at the fair, I stopped by the College Republicans. I signed up for their email list. They had a meeting at 7:30 tonight, and I really wanted to go, but I had class until 8 tonight. So that was a bummer. But hopefully I can hit up the next one.
Also, I signed up for information about being an Orientation Leader. This summer, when I was going through orientation myself, I thought that it actually looked like something I might want to do. I was a freshman mentor in high school, so being an orientation leader wouldn't be too far of a stretch from that. The only hesitation I have about the whole thing is that I would have to spend summer here. And I really like Tennessee; I'm probably going to want to go home. So it might have to wait until next summer once I'm not so determined to go home.
As for hobbies, I don't actually have any skilled type hobbies. I mostly enjoy reading, shopping, watching movies, and being with my friends. I hate being by myself a majority of the time. I tend to surround myself with people throughout my day, intentionally or unintentionally. I constantly talk, so its nice to have someone around to listen. Otherwise, I'm just that crazy girl that talks to herself. Honestly though, that wouldn't really bother me all that much. I don't typically care much about that kind of stuff. Beside my basic girl hobbies, I LOVE politics. I am such a nerd about it, but I seriously could debate things for forever. I used to give my friends mini-lectures about each candidate during the presidential election. I'm pretty sure they hated me. But I didn't care. They would make me stop, but I kept lecturing anyway. I'm resilient.
I'm excited to see what other opportunities USC holds for me and determined to discover the secrets I haven't uncovered just yet :)
Carolinian
Hi!
I'm Stevie! I'm from Nashville, Tennessee, but I currently find myself in Columbia, South Carolina attending the University of South Carolina. I have an older brother, Tyler. He's 21 and basically my best friend. We're super close. I lived with my mom in Tennessee. She runs her own company, and due to that spends a lot of time away from home. She travels for business, leaving me and my dog to fend for ourselves. We manage.
As the first few weeks of my time at Carolina come to a close, I find myself enjoying the experience much more than I ever thought I would. I rushed at the beginning of the month, and now I am a Kappa Kappa Gamma pledge :)
I love my roommate. We were completely randomly assigned to eachother, but things have actually worked out amazingly. She's completely chill, which is good for my laid back nature. I LOVE my hall. We spend almost every night doing something: hanging out in one kid's room, going to the movies, or just doing homework together. We've seriously become something like a family in these two short weeks.
The Carolina Creed applies to me in that I intend to do my best academically during my four years here. I'm on scholarship and I intend to keep it. My poli sci professor told me that something like 50% of first years lose their scholarships after their 2nd semester at school. I am determined to not be apart of that 50%. So I need to make sure that I study and keep my grades up, the honest way. No cheating here. Also, bigotry. It sucks. I'm gonna take a stand to it. haha
No, but seriously at USC, I'm going to try to expose myself to a lot of different culture and diversity. Coming from Brentwood, Tennessee, where everyone is bascially the same, I want to explore the people around me; I want to see what factors have affected those not hailing from the Great State of Tennessee.
Basically, I'm really excited to be here. I look forward to finding out what secrets this semester holds for me :)
I'm Stevie! I'm from Nashville, Tennessee, but I currently find myself in Columbia, South Carolina attending the University of South Carolina. I have an older brother, Tyler. He's 21 and basically my best friend. We're super close. I lived with my mom in Tennessee. She runs her own company, and due to that spends a lot of time away from home. She travels for business, leaving me and my dog to fend for ourselves. We manage.
As the first few weeks of my time at Carolina come to a close, I find myself enjoying the experience much more than I ever thought I would. I rushed at the beginning of the month, and now I am a Kappa Kappa Gamma pledge :)
I love my roommate. We were completely randomly assigned to eachother, but things have actually worked out amazingly. She's completely chill, which is good for my laid back nature. I LOVE my hall. We spend almost every night doing something: hanging out in one kid's room, going to the movies, or just doing homework together. We've seriously become something like a family in these two short weeks.
The Carolina Creed applies to me in that I intend to do my best academically during my four years here. I'm on scholarship and I intend to keep it. My poli sci professor told me that something like 50% of first years lose their scholarships after their 2nd semester at school. I am determined to not be apart of that 50%. So I need to make sure that I study and keep my grades up, the honest way. No cheating here. Also, bigotry. It sucks. I'm gonna take a stand to it. haha
No, but seriously at USC, I'm going to try to expose myself to a lot of different culture and diversity. Coming from Brentwood, Tennessee, where everyone is bascially the same, I want to explore the people around me; I want to see what factors have affected those not hailing from the Great State of Tennessee.
Basically, I'm really excited to be here. I look forward to finding out what secrets this semester holds for me :)
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