Hey guys!!
Tomorrow is one of my favorite holidays of the year: Halloween!! As a college kid I'm sure you're thinking that you're too old to dress up, trick or treat, or really do much of anything for this holiday. Really there's a lot your can do on Halloween.
HauntedHay Rides
Haunted Houses
Costume Parties
This year Selena Gomez is encouraging her fans to trick or treat for UNICEF. Instead of getting tons of candy ask the people around your neighborhood or dorm to donate a few dollars to the organization.
There's so many other options for the holiday. I hope everyone has a safe & fun weekend. I'm going out with my mom tonight (we seem to be doing that a lot lately. I don't mind. I like spending time with my mom) and then to my sister's last marching contest of the season tomorrow! Another BUSY weekend!! :D
Love you guys!!!
<3 Jen
Showing posts with label learning curve by jen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label learning curve by jen. Show all posts
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Learning Curve: FAFSA
Hey guys!
One of the most important pieces of paper you will fill out for college is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as the FAFSA. This is an application that you'll need to fill out for federal & state grants, work-study, and loans.
Your school conselor should have paper copies of the FAFSA forms. You can also find itonline. I find the online version a lot more convient to my lifestyle. It's easier to check on what's been processed & what I still need to fill out or send in. Also, filling it out online can speed up the time it takes for them to process your paper work. So you get to "Go Green" and find out how much money you'll get for school faster. :D
A few things you'll need in order to fill out the FAFSA:
1. Income Tax Returns: most grants, loans, and financial aid in general is based on income; either your's, your parents', or both. My mom files her taxes online and when she does that they always ask her if she has a dependent that will fill out the FAFSA (or something along those lines, I'm nor 100% sure what it actually says). Talk to your parents to determine if this is something that you'll need to do.
2. PIN: if you decide to fill the forms out online it is recommended that you apply for a PIN number so you can go through and make changes, if necessary,check the status of your application. They usually ask a lot of security questions so be sure to write all this information down in a secure location so you have it when you need it.
The first day you can fill out the FAFSA is January 1 and it's recommended that you fill it our early rather than late because of other scholarship deadlines that might be tied into your FAFSA.
Be sure to check with the colleges you're applying to for their list of deadlines.
Again, if you need ANY kind of college information, check out collegeboard.com, previous columns of mine on here or, just ask ME in a comment & I'll come up with the best answer I can find.
Good Luck to everyone! I hope you're all enjoying whatever fall weather is in your area. It's nice & cold here today, PERFECT Friday Night Football weather. Getting the coat, gloves, blanket, and hot cocoa out at the game tonight. :)
Just a bit of a heads up, I won't be here next week. Next Thursday I'm going to Tulsa, Oklahoma with some friends to see Honor Society!!! I'll be spending the entire weekend with them since I don't get to see them much any more. I'll be back the next week though with more tips, tricks, and stories about college life.
Have a great weekend guys!
♥ Jen
One of the most important pieces of paper you will fill out for college is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as the FAFSA. This is an application that you'll need to fill out for federal & state grants, work-study, and loans.
Your school conselor should have paper copies of the FAFSA forms. You can also find itonline. I find the online version a lot more convient to my lifestyle. It's easier to check on what's been processed & what I still need to fill out or send in. Also, filling it out online can speed up the time it takes for them to process your paper work. So you get to "Go Green" and find out how much money you'll get for school faster. :D
A few things you'll need in order to fill out the FAFSA:
1. Income Tax Returns: most grants, loans, and financial aid in general is based on income; either your's, your parents', or both. My mom files her taxes online and when she does that they always ask her if she has a dependent that will fill out the FAFSA (or something along those lines, I'm nor 100% sure what it actually says). Talk to your parents to determine if this is something that you'll need to do.
2. PIN: if you decide to fill the forms out online it is recommended that you apply for a PIN number so you can go through and make changes, if necessary,check the status of your application. They usually ask a lot of security questions so be sure to write all this information down in a secure location so you have it when you need it.
The first day you can fill out the FAFSA is January 1 and it's recommended that you fill it our early rather than late because of other scholarship deadlines that might be tied into your FAFSA.
Be sure to check with the colleges you're applying to for their list of deadlines.
Again, if you need ANY kind of college information, check out collegeboard.com, previous columns of mine on here or, just ask ME in a comment & I'll come up with the best answer I can find.
Good Luck to everyone! I hope you're all enjoying whatever fall weather is in your area. It's nice & cold here today, PERFECT Friday Night Football weather. Getting the coat, gloves, blanket, and hot cocoa out at the game tonight. :)
Just a bit of a heads up, I won't be here next week. Next Thursday I'm going to Tulsa, Oklahoma with some friends to see Honor Society!!! I'll be spending the entire weekend with them since I don't get to see them much any more. I'll be back the next week though with more tips, tricks, and stories about college life.
Have a great weekend guys!
♥ Jen
Friday, September 25, 2009
Learning Curve: Be Yourself
Being at home this year has allowed me to reconnect with the group of friends I had in high school. Not that we ever stopped talking to each other, but with me being away at school, it was difficult for us to really be able to talk or see each other. I found my Senior yearbook while doing some house cleaning last weekend & came across what my best friend had written. I had forgotten all the crazy things we did that year because we were "seniors" and no one could tell us we couldn't. We were invincible...
I don't know what's happened in the last year and a half, but they all seemed to have changed. Not in a bad way. I mean, changing is all part of growing up. It's like they haven't stayed true to themselves. They've let the world come in and completely made them forget who they were and the things they stood for.
There's a lot of misconceptions out there about college. Movies glamorize it & make it seem like you aren't having the "ULTIMATE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE" if you aren't at a party every night, doing drugs, hooking up with some guy/girl...
I'm here to tell you that that's not what college is all about. If anything college is somewhere where you can be yourself and feel completely accepted. There are more people out there willing to accept your point of view/way of thinking with an open mind instead of just putting it down. Don't ever feel like you need to give into peer pressure to "fit in" at college. Some of the most interesting people I've had the pleasure of meeting are the ones who don't fit the mold.
I promise, if you just do a bit of searching, there is a club, organization, group...something out there will be just what you're looking for with people that you will instantly connect with. Don't be afraid to try something new or interesting either. If you have any interest in it at all, at least give it a try. Who knows you might just find a new hobby that you didn't even know you were interested in.
If you ever start feeling overwhelmed with college or just life in general...I don't have all the answers, but I'm sure I could find a logical answer somewhere.
You guys are awesome. No Duh! :P
♥ Jen
I don't know what's happened in the last year and a half, but they all seemed to have changed. Not in a bad way. I mean, changing is all part of growing up. It's like they haven't stayed true to themselves. They've let the world come in and completely made them forget who they were and the things they stood for.
There's a lot of misconceptions out there about college. Movies glamorize it & make it seem like you aren't having the "ULTIMATE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE" if you aren't at a party every night, doing drugs, hooking up with some guy/girl...
I'm here to tell you that that's not what college is all about. If anything college is somewhere where you can be yourself and feel completely accepted. There are more people out there willing to accept your point of view/way of thinking with an open mind instead of just putting it down. Don't ever feel like you need to give into peer pressure to "fit in" at college. Some of the most interesting people I've had the pleasure of meeting are the ones who don't fit the mold.
I promise, if you just do a bit of searching, there is a club, organization, group...something out there will be just what you're looking for with people that you will instantly connect with. Don't be afraid to try something new or interesting either. If you have any interest in it at all, at least give it a try. Who knows you might just find a new hobby that you didn't even know you were interested in.
If you ever start feeling overwhelmed with college or just life in general...I don't have all the answers, but I'm sure I could find a logical answer somewhere.
You guys are awesome. No Duh! :P
♥ Jen
Friday, September 18, 2009
Learning Curve: College Essays
Going through my tweets of the last week, I saw a lot dealing with writing college admission essays. I never really had to write an admission essay, so I don't have a lot of personal experience with the process. I did have to write an essay about myself to send in with my housing application last year when I was living in the dorms. One of the best websites I can recommend for any of your college related questions/information is College Board.com. They've got a lot of really great tricks/tips, just really good college information. If the name sounds familiar, these are the same people that do A.P. (Advance Placement) test.
A few of the tips they have about college admission essays seem really helpful & I wanted to share them with you.
1. Keep Your Focus Narrow & Personal: Don't try to explain EVERYTHING you've ever done. Just like with any other essay, find a main point & elaborate on it. Pick a few related events that you think paint a good picture of who you are. Even if you don't have that much to explain, if you explain it well & in enough detail you're usually pretty good.
2. Prove it: Just like any other essay, you need to prove the point you're trying to make with specific examples, quotes, facts, reasons. Sometimes it's better to let your story...well...tell the story..
3. Be Specific: Essays that say "I volunteered at the nursing home 3 times a week. It was fun." or something along the same lines are boring. ELABORATE! Tell them WHY it was fun! Is there a certain patient that would do/say crazy things that you bonded with? What about the time Mr. Jones started the food fight in the cafeteria? (these are totally made up, but hey, it could happen!) Essays like that are the ones that really stand out.
4. Don't Write What You Think They Want to Hear: When you do, you end up sounding fake. Be yourself & write the essay you want to write. Don't worry if you don't think it's up to "college standards". Most essays are for the purpose of getting to know the applicant better, not judging you on your writing ability.
5. Don't Write a Resume: Everything like that that they need to know is already on your application. They don't need your life story either. Most schools just want to know why you would be a good addition to their school, not how when you were 4 you broke your arm because your sister pushed you out of the tree house.
6. Keep it Short & Sweet: Don't get wordy, it's not impressive. College professors have hundreds of papers to read and grade at a time. Say what you want to say in the most simple way possible.
Example from College Board:
Okay: "Over the years it has been pointed out to me by my parents, friends, and teachers—and I have even noticed this about myself, as well—that I am not the neatest person in the world."
Better: "I'm a slob."
7. PROOFREAD!: You might think it's awesome, or you just want to be done with it and don't really look over it. That could be a mistake. Read it 2 or 3 times. Print it off & have your parents, grandparents, friends read it. They might have something really good to add or tell you that the wording of a sentence is weird and that you should change it.
These aren't just college essay tips, these can be applied to any kind of paper you have to write. College essays aren't meant to be scary or intimidating. Take a deep breath & let your fingers do the talking. It'll turn out better than you think, I promise.
Hope everyone had a great week. Things are finally starting to settle into a normal pattern around here, but that doesn't make it any less busy or hectic.
♥ Jen
A few of the tips they have about college admission essays seem really helpful & I wanted to share them with you.
1. Keep Your Focus Narrow & Personal: Don't try to explain EVERYTHING you've ever done. Just like with any other essay, find a main point & elaborate on it. Pick a few related events that you think paint a good picture of who you are. Even if you don't have that much to explain, if you explain it well & in enough detail you're usually pretty good.
2. Prove it: Just like any other essay, you need to prove the point you're trying to make with specific examples, quotes, facts, reasons. Sometimes it's better to let your story...well...tell the story..
3. Be Specific: Essays that say "I volunteered at the nursing home 3 times a week. It was fun." or something along the same lines are boring. ELABORATE! Tell them WHY it was fun! Is there a certain patient that would do/say crazy things that you bonded with? What about the time Mr. Jones started the food fight in the cafeteria? (these are totally made up, but hey, it could happen!) Essays like that are the ones that really stand out.
4. Don't Write What You Think They Want to Hear: When you do, you end up sounding fake. Be yourself & write the essay you want to write. Don't worry if you don't think it's up to "college standards". Most essays are for the purpose of getting to know the applicant better, not judging you on your writing ability.
5. Don't Write a Resume: Everything like that that they need to know is already on your application. They don't need your life story either. Most schools just want to know why you would be a good addition to their school, not how when you were 4 you broke your arm because your sister pushed you out of the tree house.
6. Keep it Short & Sweet: Don't get wordy, it's not impressive. College professors have hundreds of papers to read and grade at a time. Say what you want to say in the most simple way possible.
Example from College Board:
Okay: "Over the years it has been pointed out to me by my parents, friends, and teachers—and I have even noticed this about myself, as well—that I am not the neatest person in the world."
Better: "I'm a slob."
7. PROOFREAD!: You might think it's awesome, or you just want to be done with it and don't really look over it. That could be a mistake. Read it 2 or 3 times. Print it off & have your parents, grandparents, friends read it. They might have something really good to add or tell you that the wording of a sentence is weird and that you should change it.
These aren't just college essay tips, these can be applied to any kind of paper you have to write. College essays aren't meant to be scary or intimidating. Take a deep breath & let your fingers do the talking. It'll turn out better than you think, I promise.
Hope everyone had a great week. Things are finally starting to settle into a normal pattern around here, but that doesn't make it any less busy or hectic.
♥ Jen
Friday, September 11, 2009
Learning Curve: Football
Hey guys!!
Hope everyone is having a good week. This one's been a little rough for me, it always is after having a holiday weekend. First group of test & papers are due next week, so I've got a long, stressful weekend ahead of me.
Before I get to that though, I get to enjoy some good, hometown Friday Night Football. I don't know about you guys, but where I'm from Friday Night Football is a HUGE deal. It's almost like a religion. Last week, my high school team played our cross town rivals. We beat them for the first time in 2 years. I've never been prouder of a group of guys. (we're in the white, the other guys are in red)
As much as I love the football...they're only part of the reason I go to the games...
Hope everyone is having a good week. This one's been a little rough for me, it always is after having a holiday weekend. First group of test & papers are due next week, so I've got a long, stressful weekend ahead of me.
Before I get to that though, I get to enjoy some good, hometown Friday Night Football. I don't know about you guys, but where I'm from Friday Night Football is a HUGE deal. It's almost like a religion. Last week, my high school team played our cross town rivals. We beat them for the first time in 2 years. I've never been prouder of a group of guys. (we're in the white, the other guys are in red)
As much as I love the football...they're only part of the reason I go to the games...
The marching band...my little sister has been in band since the 7th grade, but this is her first year to march. I don't think I could be more proud of her. She loves what she does & it's fun to watch her and support her.
I don't know much about football, but I've learned a lot over the last year. Maybe you're the same way. Just sit down with your mom/dad/brother/uncle/grandpa...watch a game & ask tons of questions. They might get annoyed if they're really into the game, but if you really want to understand the sport, they'll take the time to make sure you do.
So...watch a game this weekend, or if you can, go to one...there is honestly nothing better than sitting on a set of metal bleachers with a cup of cheap hot chocolate on a chilly, fall Friday night.
♥ Jen
P.S. I'm sure everyone knows that today is September 11. I still remember exactly where I was on that day 8 years ago. Take a moment to say a prayer for the soldiers & those who protect our freedom every day and a moment of remembrance for all those who lost their lives on that horrific day.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Learning Curve: Going GREEK
Greek has been one of my favorite T.V. shows since it premiered on ABC Family a few years ago. As much as I love the show though, there are some questions it brings up about college life & the Greek system.
So, what's the big deal about Greek life and why is it such a focus in our culture in teen movies & T.V. show?
Just as there are horror stories that everyone hears about college life, there are also horror stories about Greek life that sometimes scares people away from even considering joining a fraternity and sorority.
If you've watched any Hollywood film or T.V. show (like Greek) in the last 10-15 years, they paint an unrealistic version of Greek life, one of college students partying, getting drunk, hazing rituals that are insane...the list goes on...
And, yes, Greeks are known for knowing how to throw a pretty good party, that's not all they are about. Most fraternities & sororities have a much bigger purpose, one of brother/sister hood, about making friends that will last a life time, increasing school spirit, and making the community a better place.
If you are considering "Going GREEK", check your schools webite to see what chapters are on campus. They can vary from campus to campus. If you don't know the first thing about the Greek system (like I was) here's a few pretty good websites that I found:
http://teens.aol.com/college/sports-activities/greek-life
http://www.collegeview.com/articles/CV/campuslife/fraternities_and_sororities.html
http://www.collegeview.com/articles/CV/campuslife/college_greek_life.html
Hopefully these help you make the right choice about becoming "Greek".
♥ Jen
Friday, August 28, 2009
Learning Curve: Textbooks
Hey guys!
Hope everyone is having a great start to the school year, especially those college kids. If you moved away from home for the first time you're probably enjoying the freedom that comes along with that. If you're returning to a campus, hopefully you're spending the time catching up with friends, partying, and doing some studying in between. :)
A new semester at school always brings change, and that's no different for me. Instead of posting on Thursdays like I have since I started writing this column, I'll now be posting on Fridays. I don't have any classes on Fridays this semester and this gives me a chance to get a quality column out for you guys instead of trying to hurry on my busy nights just to get something up that isn't up to the standard of writing that I would be proud of.
Textbooks in college are A LOT different than high school. Not only are they bigger, with more words (and fewer pictures!), but you also have to buy them. For a college student that can be rather expensive, some books can cost up to $700 NEW! That's a lot of money! So, what are some things you can do to find the same books for a little less...
1. Buy used: Used textbooks are HUGE in college. Most books aren't meant to be used for more than one semester, so used textbooks are pretty common. They're also cheaper than new textbooks.
2. Buy early: In-order to be guaranteed that you're getting a used textbook, try to buy your books early. I know that this isn't always a possibility, but if it is, take advantage of it.
3. Buy online: I just spent all morning looking for books online, a new experience for me as I usually buy mine in the campus bookstore. What I found was a lot of books at fairly cheap prices. Some sites I would recommend: amazon.com, half.com, barnsandnoble.com...
Buying textbooks can be a hassle. It doesn't have to be all bad though. The best advice I can give is to shop around. Don't settle on a price just because it's the only one you've found & you need the book. Try to buy used, but if you can't, DON'T WORRY! Buying a few brand new books can have benefits...like making more money when it comes time to sell them back!
If there's any specific issues that you would like me to cover, comment or tweet me (@jeng2008) I'm more than willing to share my experience on any related subject or do a bit of research to find you the best answer possible.
♥ Jen
Hope everyone is having a great start to the school year, especially those college kids. If you moved away from home for the first time you're probably enjoying the freedom that comes along with that. If you're returning to a campus, hopefully you're spending the time catching up with friends, partying, and doing some studying in between. :)
A new semester at school always brings change, and that's no different for me. Instead of posting on Thursdays like I have since I started writing this column, I'll now be posting on Fridays. I don't have any classes on Fridays this semester and this gives me a chance to get a quality column out for you guys instead of trying to hurry on my busy nights just to get something up that isn't up to the standard of writing that I would be proud of.
Textbooks in college are A LOT different than high school. Not only are they bigger, with more words (and fewer pictures!), but you also have to buy them. For a college student that can be rather expensive, some books can cost up to $700 NEW! That's a lot of money! So, what are some things you can do to find the same books for a little less...
1. Buy used: Used textbooks are HUGE in college. Most books aren't meant to be used for more than one semester, so used textbooks are pretty common. They're also cheaper than new textbooks.
2. Buy early: In-order to be guaranteed that you're getting a used textbook, try to buy your books early. I know that this isn't always a possibility, but if it is, take advantage of it.
3. Buy online: I just spent all morning looking for books online, a new experience for me as I usually buy mine in the campus bookstore. What I found was a lot of books at fairly cheap prices. Some sites I would recommend: amazon.com, half.com, barnsandnoble.com...
Buying textbooks can be a hassle. It doesn't have to be all bad though. The best advice I can give is to shop around. Don't settle on a price just because it's the only one you've found & you need the book. Try to buy used, but if you can't, DON'T WORRY! Buying a few brand new books can have benefits...like making more money when it comes time to sell them back!
If there's any specific issues that you would like me to cover, comment or tweet me (@jeng2008) I'm more than willing to share my experience on any related subject or do a bit of research to find you the best answer possible.
♥ Jen
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Learning Curve: Goals
I've always been an over-zealous student. I have all my school supplies bought WEEKS before schools starts. My notebooks are filled with paper, dividers, page protectors. When I got to high school, I had this entire system devised to keep myself organized. Each class had a different color assigned to it. Every notebook/folder/pen/pencil/highlighter for that class was that color. I remember it too because it's a system that I still use today:
English (or anything having to do with grammer/literature): RED
History: PURPLE
Math: ORANGE
Science: GREEN
It was easy at the end of the day to see which subjects I had homework in, just a glace in my planner with the highlighted assignments in the color of that class. It took me less time than my friends to get my books & pack up at the end of the day. I didn't have to worry about grabbing the wrong notebook because all I had to look for was a color.
So, here I am, physically ready to go back to school (or at least I was in high school, college is a completely different story). I'm ready to see my friends, get back in the groove of homework, football games, clubs...but was I emotionally ready?
Every year I try to sit down & come up with a list of goals I want to accomplish. Did a friend & I end the year on bad terms? Try to be a better friend this year. I missed too many days last year, let's try to miss fewer. Get involved in more clubs, do more after school activities...
The older I've gotten, the more long terms, and almost rediculous (to most) they've gotten.
1. move out to LA after graduation
2. sit courtside at a Laker's game
3. go to a movie premiere, once as a fan & then on the red carpet
4. write an article for Rolling Stone magazine
I still keep the other goals of doing better in school, but this list makes me work harder in school.
Goals are for everyone. There's no such thing as a goal being too big or too small. Crazy? Maybe to everyone but you. I mean, look at some of the goals that Taylor Swift had for herself & her career before she made it as big as she is now...
1. win a grammy (nominated, but hasn't won...YET!)
2. have a successful headlining tour (I think she accomplished this one. She was AMAZING.)
3. be on oprah (check that one off the list)
4. have a house with hardwood floors like Selena [Gomez]
5. go to a wedding
(source: seventeen magazine May 2009 issue)
Even the silliest things, like hardwood floors, are things that we can work towards and try to accomplish.
I hope all of you that are already back in school are enjoying the year. If you have any school related issues that you want me to cover in the future, leave a comment or tweet me (@jeng2008).
♥ Jen
English (or anything having to do with grammer/literature): RED
History: PURPLE
Math: ORANGE
Science: GREEN
It was easy at the end of the day to see which subjects I had homework in, just a glace in my planner with the highlighted assignments in the color of that class. It took me less time than my friends to get my books & pack up at the end of the day. I didn't have to worry about grabbing the wrong notebook because all I had to look for was a color.
So, here I am, physically ready to go back to school (or at least I was in high school, college is a completely different story). I'm ready to see my friends, get back in the groove of homework, football games, clubs...but was I emotionally ready?
Every year I try to sit down & come up with a list of goals I want to accomplish. Did a friend & I end the year on bad terms? Try to be a better friend this year. I missed too many days last year, let's try to miss fewer. Get involved in more clubs, do more after school activities...
The older I've gotten, the more long terms, and almost rediculous (to most) they've gotten.
1. move out to LA after graduation
2. sit courtside at a Laker's game
3. go to a movie premiere, once as a fan & then on the red carpet
4. write an article for Rolling Stone magazine
I still keep the other goals of doing better in school, but this list makes me work harder in school.
Goals are for everyone. There's no such thing as a goal being too big or too small. Crazy? Maybe to everyone but you. I mean, look at some of the goals that Taylor Swift had for herself & her career before she made it as big as she is now...
1. win a grammy (nominated, but hasn't won...YET!)
2. have a successful headlining tour (I think she accomplished this one. She was AMAZING.)
3. be on oprah (check that one off the list)
4. have a house with hardwood floors like Selena [Gomez]
5. go to a wedding
(source: seventeen magazine May 2009 issue)
Even the silliest things, like hardwood floors, are things that we can work towards and try to accomplish.
I hope all of you that are already back in school are enjoying the year. If you have any school related issues that you want me to cover in the future, leave a comment or tweet me (@jeng2008).
♥ Jen
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Learning Curve: Big Changes...
Hey guys!
I'm back from Vegas! What a trip! So detailed, I just don't have time or space to tell you all about it here. If you want to read all about it, check out my blog. It's got a lot of pictures, stories, and Jonas Moments.
I'm sure a lot of you are sitting at home, your boxes/bags are packed, you're nervous, yet excited for school to start. I know the feeling. Sometimes it can be the best thing in the world, or the scariest. Whether you're starting high school, getting ready to graduate, or leaving home for the first time, the experiences you have, the people you meet, will shape who you are. Make sure the choices you make are ones that you can deal with for the rest of your life. The things you do in high school follow you to college & beyond. I'm only beginning to see the truth of that. Life is a continual learning experience, each day is like a test, high school & college are just the practice for everything you'll face on a daily basis.
There are some MAJOR changes in store for me this year. I don't have my boxes packed, getting all excited to go back, because I'm staying home this year. It was a hard choice to make, but the most practical. Once I got home for the summer, I realized how much I missed being a part of my family's daily life. I had missed my brother playing basketball, my sister marching with the band, birthdays, special events...after being there for all of them for 18 years, it was hard being away. I missed my friends too. I love meeting new people, but being the ONLY person from my school at college made things a bit harder. All my friends were still at home, where they could see each other all the time, while I had to make do with an hour visit on the weekends I did get to come home.
In no way am I saying that you shouldn't go away to school. That year away really taught me a lot about myself and what I want to do with the rest of my life. It gave me some life experiences and lessons that I may not have otherwise had. I'm not going to go all preacher on you, but I firmly believe God leads us to make the choices we do in order to become the person we need to be. God sent me to UCA to realize that I didn't need to go away from home to know who I was, to grow up. I met some cool people & discovered a lot about myself, or realized things that I already knew...I'm not too sure yet...
I'm still trying to figure it all out, just like the rest of you. I wish each & every one of you the best year EVER! Each experience is a way to learn more about yourself & grow as a person. Have FUN!! Keep your family & friends close. They will be there for you, even when you feel like giving up.
♥ Jen
I'm back from Vegas! What a trip! So detailed, I just don't have time or space to tell you all about it here. If you want to read all about it, check out my blog. It's got a lot of pictures, stories, and Jonas Moments.
I'm sure a lot of you are sitting at home, your boxes/bags are packed, you're nervous, yet excited for school to start. I know the feeling. Sometimes it can be the best thing in the world, or the scariest. Whether you're starting high school, getting ready to graduate, or leaving home for the first time, the experiences you have, the people you meet, will shape who you are. Make sure the choices you make are ones that you can deal with for the rest of your life. The things you do in high school follow you to college & beyond. I'm only beginning to see the truth of that. Life is a continual learning experience, each day is like a test, high school & college are just the practice for everything you'll face on a daily basis.
There are some MAJOR changes in store for me this year. I don't have my boxes packed, getting all excited to go back, because I'm staying home this year. It was a hard choice to make, but the most practical. Once I got home for the summer, I realized how much I missed being a part of my family's daily life. I had missed my brother playing basketball, my sister marching with the band, birthdays, special events...after being there for all of them for 18 years, it was hard being away. I missed my friends too. I love meeting new people, but being the ONLY person from my school at college made things a bit harder. All my friends were still at home, where they could see each other all the time, while I had to make do with an hour visit on the weekends I did get to come home.
In no way am I saying that you shouldn't go away to school. That year away really taught me a lot about myself and what I want to do with the rest of my life. It gave me some life experiences and lessons that I may not have otherwise had. I'm not going to go all preacher on you, but I firmly believe God leads us to make the choices we do in order to become the person we need to be. God sent me to UCA to realize that I didn't need to go away from home to know who I was, to grow up. I met some cool people & discovered a lot about myself, or realized things that I already knew...I'm not too sure yet...
I'm still trying to figure it all out, just like the rest of you. I wish each & every one of you the best year EVER! Each experience is a way to learn more about yourself & grow as a person. Have FUN!! Keep your family & friends close. They will be there for you, even when you feel like giving up.
♥ Jen
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Learning Curve: July
Hey guys!
I feel like I've been M.I.A from here for a few weeks. This month has been so busy and it doesn't look like that's going to stop any time soon. I like staying busy in the summer though; it keeps me from getting bored.
Last week we took a family vacation to Hot Springs, Arkansas, which is only like a 5 hr drive from where I live in Northeast Arkansas. Hot Springs was discovered by Hernando De Soto while he was exploring the south. He saw that the Native Americans used the hot waters of the springs to heal their sick and wounded. De Soto thought he had found the fountain of youth. In the early 1900, numerous bath houses were built along the springs. For turn of the century people, these were like a modern spa. They would come and relax in the baths while hanging out with friends and catching up on the latest news and gossip. Some of the bath houses had gyms and lounges, further fulfilling the needs of being a main gathering place in the town. Another great "claim to fame" for Hot Springs? Al Capone, American gangster, used to stay there. So much so, that the local hotel, The Arlington, has the room where he stayed on the 4th Floor named after him. I had a lot of fun. Who knew that something like that was right in my own backyard? I would definitely recommend checking what tourist attractions your own state has. You might think it'll be boring, or maybe you've been there/done that 1000 times. Go as a tourist and do all the dorky touristy stuff: take pictures of EVERYTHING, ask TONS of questions. It'll give you a different experience. One I'm sure you're not soon to forget.
While in Hot Springs, I got a very important phone call from my grandpa. We had been talking about going to Las Vegas, Nevada since about March when my uncle (my dad's brother) passed away very unexpectedly. None of us were able to go to the funeral or memorial service, so trying to get out there this summer was a pretty big deal. We've been talking about going for a few months now. When he finally got serious about it the only request I made was that we stay through August 1 so I could see Honor Society at the House of Blues. Grandpa finally came up with the plan while I was in Hot Springs. Soooooo...on July 26 at about 8 A.M., Grandpa and I will begin the 1300+ mile drive to Vegas. BUT WAIT!!! This story gets even better...
I had already requested that we stay through the first so I could see Honor Society. I knew that Jonas was going to be in town, but I wasn't going to ask my grandparents to shell out that kind of money for me. It didn't feel right. This past weekend, my grandparents (that actually live in Vegas) called to tell me that I got to choose: just Honor Society at the HoB OR Honor Society, Wonder Girls, Jordin Sparks, and JONAS BROTHERS. Obviously, you guys know what I chose. :D The best part is, I get to go with my 11 yr old cousin who I've never met. I love the fact that we get to share this amazing night with each other. It'll be a memory we'll never forget.
Saw Half Blood Prince at midnight on Wednesday. It was amazing. I went with my best friend, Sara, earlier Tuesday afternoon to buy tickets and then she spent the day hanging out at my house.
I know they don't start showing the moive until midnight, but I've done these a few times, so we left my house at 9:30 P.M. and ended up being the first people in line! SCORE! My church youth group showed up not even 10 minutes later. We ended up having a mini party at the front of the lobby.
Just another normal week or two in the life of a college student! So, what crazy things have you guys been up to? Don't forget to follow the twitter (@jeng2008) for down to the minute updates on college life. :) It gets pretty crazy sometimes, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
♥ Jen
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Learning Curve: Are You Ready?
It's the beginning of July. In a little over a month and a half a good majority of us will be headed back to school. Time to start deciding what's going with you to school & what gets left in your room at home, buying bedding and towels, cute picture frames, and the dreaded school supplies. I really want to know where my summer went and how it's possible that it's already time to start thinking about going back to school. Take a break from the stress of all that to check out some of these tips...
1. College isn't High School: College curriculum is a lot more stressful than high school. In high school, everyone, from your parents, to your teachers and guidance counselors want to see you succeed. I'm not saying that your professors don't want to see you do your best, but they aren't as involved in your life as everyone in high school was. These people will see you as an adult and expect you to act like one. That means being responsible for your own success.
2. Sleep: I think I've touched on this before, but I'll say it again. Once you get to college there is no one reminding you that it's getting late and that you should go to bed because you have class in the morning. College is probably the one time in your life when you will get the least amount of sleep and you can't ever "catch up" on sleep. Sleep can be hard to come by though, I understand that. You're in class all day, studying all night, so the only time to hang out with your friends is extremely late at night. Parties & games are also causes of college students not getting enough sleep. And please, don't ever pull an all nighter trying to study for tests. Filling your body with caffeine and that kind of energy is not good. Study as much as you can & then GO TO BED! You'll do so much better
3. Alcohol: I think Ariel did an amazing job of covering underage drinking this week in her column. I really don't know what else I can say about it. Alcohol is pretty easy to find on any college campus. Don't ever be pressured to do anything that you don't feel comfortable doing. A lot more people will respect your decision to not drink than you think. You don't have to drink to fit in.
4. Procrastination: My huge weakness when it comes to doing anything. Not good when it comes to assignments and deadlines. Get the work done early so you don't stress over it the night before it's due and end up pulling one of those "all nighters." It can be a hard habit to break, but college is a great place to start changing some of those bad habits.
5. Managing Classes: When you register for classes you can be tempted to take on more than you can handle. Use freshmen year to get adjusted to college life. Don't feel like you need to declare a major the minute you walk onto campus. Spend the first year taking basic classes. You may realize that you're really interested in a certain field and want to take some time exploring it. When you choose a major too early, you can feel like you're locked in. Most college students change their majors at least 6-8 times, if not more. Don't be afraid to change your mind about your future. You're the one that has to live with this choice for the rest of your life
6. College is a Job: By spending all day in class and studying all night, there's not a lot of time to hold down a full time job. If you must work through school, remember that you're education is the most important thing in the world. Try to work around your school schedule. If you can, get work-study on campus. They'll pay you to work, plus give you the time you need to study.
1. College isn't High School: College curriculum is a lot more stressful than high school. In high school, everyone, from your parents, to your teachers and guidance counselors want to see you succeed. I'm not saying that your professors don't want to see you do your best, but they aren't as involved in your life as everyone in high school was. These people will see you as an adult and expect you to act like one. That means being responsible for your own success.
2. Sleep: I think I've touched on this before, but I'll say it again. Once you get to college there is no one reminding you that it's getting late and that you should go to bed because you have class in the morning. College is probably the one time in your life when you will get the least amount of sleep and you can't ever "catch up" on sleep. Sleep can be hard to come by though, I understand that. You're in class all day, studying all night, so the only time to hang out with your friends is extremely late at night. Parties & games are also causes of college students not getting enough sleep. And please, don't ever pull an all nighter trying to study for tests. Filling your body with caffeine and that kind of energy is not good. Study as much as you can & then GO TO BED! You'll do so much better
3. Alcohol: I think Ariel did an amazing job of covering underage drinking this week in her column. I really don't know what else I can say about it. Alcohol is pretty easy to find on any college campus. Don't ever be pressured to do anything that you don't feel comfortable doing. A lot more people will respect your decision to not drink than you think. You don't have to drink to fit in.
4. Procrastination: My huge weakness when it comes to doing anything. Not good when it comes to assignments and deadlines. Get the work done early so you don't stress over it the night before it's due and end up pulling one of those "all nighters." It can be a hard habit to break, but college is a great place to start changing some of those bad habits.
5. Managing Classes: When you register for classes you can be tempted to take on more than you can handle. Use freshmen year to get adjusted to college life. Don't feel like you need to declare a major the minute you walk onto campus. Spend the first year taking basic classes. You may realize that you're really interested in a certain field and want to take some time exploring it. When you choose a major too early, you can feel like you're locked in. Most college students change their majors at least 6-8 times, if not more. Don't be afraid to change your mind about your future. You're the one that has to live with this choice for the rest of your life
6. College is a Job: By spending all day in class and studying all night, there's not a lot of time to hold down a full time job. If you must work through school, remember that you're education is the most important thing in the world. Try to work around your school schedule. If you can, get work-study on campus. They'll pay you to work, plus give you the time you need to study.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Learning Curve: Family
I'm going to veer away from my typical trick & tips to surviving college and talk about another subject that is really close to my heart, my family. College is a major milestone in any person's life, but without my family I would have never even thought that I could make it this far. They have been my support system through one of the most trying times of my life. It's been hard being away from my family for the good majority of the year. Being home this summer has made me realize how much they mean to me. My mom & grandma have been there for me through all the good and bad of the last year and have stood behind me no matter what. My sisters have the ability to make me laugh when it seems like the world is caving in on me. My 11 year old brother is my hero. 2 yrs ago he was diagnosed with Turretts Syndrome. That's been one of the hardest things for me to accept, but he never lets it slow him down.
As I've gotten older, my definition of family has changed to include not only my physical, immediate family, but friends, teachers, my siblings friends, among others. Thanks to the internet, I've been able to make friends from across the US and around the world who I consider part of my family. I may have never actually met any of these people, but the support they have shown me over the last year is something I'll never forget. Family isn't just what you're born into, it's the people that were there for you when you needed them.
College is the one time I've needed these people most. There have been many times when I've doubted my choices over the last year. These people have allowed me to talk to them and work out for myself what is going to be the best for me in the long run. I know I would have neve made it this far without my "family." College is a transition for everyone, and not always an easy one. Remember your family is only one phone call, email, or IM away. Your relationship with them will probably change, especially during your first year in college, but that's normal. Just remember that they will always be there for you and NEVER judge you.
So, tell your family how much you love them today. If your support team is anything like mine, you'll make it through that rough first year just fine.
As I've gotten older, my definition of family has changed to include not only my physical, immediate family, but friends, teachers, my siblings friends, among others. Thanks to the internet, I've been able to make friends from across the US and around the world who I consider part of my family. I may have never actually met any of these people, but the support they have shown me over the last year is something I'll never forget. Family isn't just what you're born into, it's the people that were there for you when you needed them.
College is the one time I've needed these people most. There have been many times when I've doubted my choices over the last year. These people have allowed me to talk to them and work out for myself what is going to be the best for me in the long run. I know I would have neve made it this far without my "family." College is a transition for everyone, and not always an easy one. Remember your family is only one phone call, email, or IM away. Your relationship with them will probably change, especially during your first year in college, but that's normal. Just remember that they will always be there for you and NEVER judge you.
So, tell your family how much you love them today. If your support team is anything like mine, you'll make it through that rough first year just fine.
Quote to live by: "Everything you say or do, I am always there for you, wheter you're laughing or you're screaming..." -Plain White T's Come Back to Me
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Learning Curve: Money
I'm making lunch today for my little brother (he's 11) and am having to get REALLY creative. Mom forgot to pick up milk & bread yesterday on her way home from work, so that ruled out about half the stuff we had in the cabinets, out. I ended up finding a can of biscuits in the fridge and made a turkey & cheese dish. It turned out better than I expected, but it got me to thinking about all the creative ways I've learned to stretch my dollars since I got to college. Now that summer's here, I'm constantly looking for cheap ways I can hang out with my friends and still have a lot of fun.
1. Look for discounts: A lot of places (movie theater, bowling ally, skating rink, amusement/water parks, zoos) have discount days or offer special rates/privileges to certain groups or on different days of the week. At my hometown theater Tuesday Nights are "College Night". If you show your ID you can get in for $5.75. On the same night, if you bring your own bowl, you get free popcorn & refills. Our bowling ally has "quarter days" on Wednesdays where every game you bowl is only a quarter. Bigger places, like the amusement parks) offer group discounts. This is a great way to get all your friends together and have some cheap fun.
2. F-R-E-E As well as discount days, a lot of places have days where you can get in for FREE! Everyone one likes free stuff right?! Many cities will do this for things like museums & art galleries. Check the website of the place you want to visit. I'm sure you'll find all the information you need right there.
3. Parks: A great way to have fun with friends & be active, visit a local park! Get a bunch of your friends, pack a lunch, soccer ball, Frisbee, and spend some time out in the sun.
P.S. Tuesday I went to Wal-Mart with my best friend Sara and got my copy of LINES, VINES & TRYING TIMES, the Jonas Brothers new CD. I love it!! The sound is so mature and different from all their other albums. If you haven't gotten a copy I strongly recommend it. Even if you're not a JB fan, I think you would like this.
1. Look for discounts: A lot of places (movie theater, bowling ally, skating rink, amusement/water parks, zoos) have discount days or offer special rates/privileges to certain groups or on different days of the week. At my hometown theater Tuesday Nights are "College Night". If you show your ID you can get in for $5.75. On the same night, if you bring your own bowl, you get free popcorn & refills. Our bowling ally has "quarter days" on Wednesdays where every game you bowl is only a quarter. Bigger places, like the amusement parks) offer group discounts. This is a great way to get all your friends together and have some cheap fun.
2. F-R-E-E As well as discount days, a lot of places have days where you can get in for FREE! Everyone one likes free stuff right?! Many cities will do this for things like museums & art galleries. Check the website of the place you want to visit. I'm sure you'll find all the information you need right there.
3. Parks: A great way to have fun with friends & be active, visit a local park! Get a bunch of your friends, pack a lunch, soccer ball, Frisbee, and spend some time out in the sun.
P.S. Tuesday I went to Wal-Mart with my best friend Sara and got my copy of LINES, VINES & TRYING TIMES, the Jonas Brothers new CD. I love it!! The sound is so mature and different from all their other albums. If you haven't gotten a copy I strongly recommend it. Even if you're not a JB fan, I think you would like this.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Learning Curve: Summer Time
Hey guys!
Hope all of you are having a great summer, relaxing, trying to prepare for the upcoming year. Summer is one of my favorite times of the year, especially after spending the last nine months at school. I've been catching up with friends, hanging out with my family, everything I can't do when I'm away at school.
Every summer I start some kind of project to keep me busy during those days when I have nothing going on. This summer it's a crochet blanket for my sister. One of my best friends taught me how to crochet a few years ago and it's something I've loved to do ever since. It's one of those hobbies you'll have for life and I can literally take my crocheting with me anywhere: the car, on vacation, i can work on it while watching t.v. or just sitting on the couch talking to friends. I highly recommend using summer to learn a new hobby or skill. Maybe you've always wanted to play guitar or run track. Use the time off this summer to teach yourself. The library is full of self help books or use the internet to find what you're looking for. There are many websites that will give you the information you need on the skill you want to learn.
Any of you following me on twitter (@jeng2008) know that I'm a HUGE Jonas Brothers fan. This month is major for the boys. Next week is the kick off of their world tour with Honor Society & Jordin Sparks as well as the release of their 4th album. From what I've heard of the few songs released it sounds amazing. So, any fans, go out and buy the album on Tuesday! You won't be disappointed!
Hope you guys continue to enjoy your summers and are making some great memories before you go to school. The summer between my senior year of high school and freshmen year of college was one of the best of my life. Savor every moment.
Hope all of you are having a great summer, relaxing, trying to prepare for the upcoming year. Summer is one of my favorite times of the year, especially after spending the last nine months at school. I've been catching up with friends, hanging out with my family, everything I can't do when I'm away at school.
Every summer I start some kind of project to keep me busy during those days when I have nothing going on. This summer it's a crochet blanket for my sister. One of my best friends taught me how to crochet a few years ago and it's something I've loved to do ever since. It's one of those hobbies you'll have for life and I can literally take my crocheting with me anywhere: the car, on vacation, i can work on it while watching t.v. or just sitting on the couch talking to friends. I highly recommend using summer to learn a new hobby or skill. Maybe you've always wanted to play guitar or run track. Use the time off this summer to teach yourself. The library is full of self help books or use the internet to find what you're looking for. There are many websites that will give you the information you need on the skill you want to learn.
Any of you following me on twitter (@jeng2008) know that I'm a HUGE Jonas Brothers fan. This month is major for the boys. Next week is the kick off of their world tour with Honor Society & Jordin Sparks as well as the release of their 4th album. From what I've heard of the few songs released it sounds amazing. So, any fans, go out and buy the album on Tuesday! You won't be disappointed!
Hope you guys continue to enjoy your summers and are making some great memories before you go to school. The summer between my senior year of high school and freshmen year of college was one of the best of my life. Savor every moment.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Learning Curve: Roommates
You've bought all the essentials for your dorm room, now how do you survive the year living with one or more other people? I found this really good list online, because I'm always looking for cool list like this one for you guys, of tips that make living with roommates easier or at least bearable.
1. Define rules from the beginning: This really helps with issues that come up during the year. Make sure your roommate knows from the beginning which things you're willing to share and which things you aren't. My roommate and I did that at the very beginning of the year. It really helped us avoid a lot of problems about posession and sharing.
2. Address problems when they're still small: Don't wait until the problem becomes unmanagable to deal with. If you have a problem with your roommate or something they are doing, speak up about it! They probably don't know that they've done anything to offend or upset you. You're family knows all your pet peeves, but your room mate is new to all of them. Speak up, let them know what's going on, they're probably more than willing to work towards a solution.
3. Respect their stuff: Treat your roommate's things the way you would want them to treat yours. Don't take anything without first asking and recieving permission from your roommate.
4. Visitors: This is a HUGE deal, so don't take it lightly. Discuss with your roommate when visitors are allowed to come over and how late they can stay. Some halls, like mine, had rules about when guys could be on the girls side of the hall and vise versa. Make sure your roommate tells their friends some basic rules about what you do & don't allow in your room.
5. Lock doors & windows: Seems like a small deal, but you don't want to be the one replacing your roommates laptop because you left the door open for a few minutes to talk to a friend down the hall.
6. Be open to new things: More than likely, you and your roommate will have very different taste in t.v. shows, music, hobbies, etc. You've both been rasied differently, so be open to the new things that your roommate is going to bring into your life. It's all part of the college experience. My roommate and I were as different as night & day when it came to a lot of things, but I learned to like a few new t.v. shows and she figured out that the Jonas Brothers aren't all that bad.
7. Be open to change: College is all about change and adapting to new things. Experiences you have in college will make you see the world in a different light. Don't be afraid to change your opinions or taste.
8. Be friendly, but don't expect to be best friends: Exactly how my roommate and I were. I was nice to her, but she isn't one of my best friends. Just because you don't get along perfectly doesn't mean you should be rude or disrespect them. Try the best you can to get along, but if it gets to be too much, or you know that there is no way you will ever get along, see if you can transfer rooms or get another roommate. This usually only works in severe cases and is very permanent, so make sure if you change roommates, that you can deal with it for the rest of the year.
9. Address big problems ASAP: Once you've been in school for a few months, you may discover that your roommate likes to stay out late with friends and come in early in the morning, waking you up. If your roommate is like mine, they'll go out with friends and then not come home that night, making you wonder if you should call the police. If this becomes a bigger problem than them just staying out late, talk to them about it as soon as you can. Let them know that it's bothering you and you would like them to try to come in earlier. Try to come up with a possible solution to the situation that works for you and then discuss how your roommate can work towards it.
10: Follow the Golden Rule: If all else fails, this is a great fall back. Treat your roommate how you would want them to treat you. Maybe they'll pick up on this and change a few of their habits that get on your nerves. Just remember that there are probably a few of your habits that get on their nerves.
Quote to live by: "Start by doing what's necessary, then do what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible." - St. Francis of Assisi
1. Define rules from the beginning: This really helps with issues that come up during the year. Make sure your roommate knows from the beginning which things you're willing to share and which things you aren't. My roommate and I did that at the very beginning of the year. It really helped us avoid a lot of problems about posession and sharing.
2. Address problems when they're still small: Don't wait until the problem becomes unmanagable to deal with. If you have a problem with your roommate or something they are doing, speak up about it! They probably don't know that they've done anything to offend or upset you. You're family knows all your pet peeves, but your room mate is new to all of them. Speak up, let them know what's going on, they're probably more than willing to work towards a solution.
3. Respect their stuff: Treat your roommate's things the way you would want them to treat yours. Don't take anything without first asking and recieving permission from your roommate.
4. Visitors: This is a HUGE deal, so don't take it lightly. Discuss with your roommate when visitors are allowed to come over and how late they can stay. Some halls, like mine, had rules about when guys could be on the girls side of the hall and vise versa. Make sure your roommate tells their friends some basic rules about what you do & don't allow in your room.
5. Lock doors & windows: Seems like a small deal, but you don't want to be the one replacing your roommates laptop because you left the door open for a few minutes to talk to a friend down the hall.
6. Be open to new things: More than likely, you and your roommate will have very different taste in t.v. shows, music, hobbies, etc. You've both been rasied differently, so be open to the new things that your roommate is going to bring into your life. It's all part of the college experience. My roommate and I were as different as night & day when it came to a lot of things, but I learned to like a few new t.v. shows and she figured out that the Jonas Brothers aren't all that bad.
7. Be open to change: College is all about change and adapting to new things. Experiences you have in college will make you see the world in a different light. Don't be afraid to change your opinions or taste.
8. Be friendly, but don't expect to be best friends: Exactly how my roommate and I were. I was nice to her, but she isn't one of my best friends. Just because you don't get along perfectly doesn't mean you should be rude or disrespect them. Try the best you can to get along, but if it gets to be too much, or you know that there is no way you will ever get along, see if you can transfer rooms or get another roommate. This usually only works in severe cases and is very permanent, so make sure if you change roommates, that you can deal with it for the rest of the year.
9. Address big problems ASAP: Once you've been in school for a few months, you may discover that your roommate likes to stay out late with friends and come in early in the morning, waking you up. If your roommate is like mine, they'll go out with friends and then not come home that night, making you wonder if you should call the police. If this becomes a bigger problem than them just staying out late, talk to them about it as soon as you can. Let them know that it's bothering you and you would like them to try to come in earlier. Try to come up with a possible solution to the situation that works for you and then discuss how your roommate can work towards it.
10: Follow the Golden Rule: If all else fails, this is a great fall back. Treat your roommate how you would want them to treat you. Maybe they'll pick up on this and change a few of their habits that get on your nerves. Just remember that there are probably a few of your habits that get on their nerves.
Quote to live by: "Start by doing what's necessary, then do what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible." - St. Francis of Assisi
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Welcome to College
Hey guys! I'm Jen, the new College Life columnist for the Deko & Posh blog. I'm really excited for this opprotunity and can't thank them enough for giving me the chance to spread my writing wings and try something new.
For this first column, I'm just going to talk about myself and some of the goals I have for the column. If you have any questions, comments, advice, anything just leave it at the end of any of my post. I'll try my best to answer whatever it is.
What to say about myself? I'm 18, almost 19 (my birthday is in 22 days! April 23). I'm getting ready to finish up my first year in college. It's been an interesting year, that's for sure. I've learned a lot of things, both inside the classroom and out. I hope I can share my knowledge of college life in the best way I know how. I have a lot of topics that I want to talk about and as I experience the rest of my college career, I hope I can help you guys even more. Anyway, back to talking about me. I'm a first generation college student. That means that no one in my family (parents, grandparents, etc.) have never been to college or gotten a college degree. That puts a lot of stess on me to do well and live up to a lot of expectations, but it doesn't bother me. I have 2 younger sisters, 16 & 15, and a little brother who's 11. I have a dog, but he lives at home with the rest of my family. I like the color pink, to the point that most people would call me obsessed. I, like most of the rest of the young female population, love the Jonas Brothers. Ok, so it kinda helps that they're good looking, but that's not the only reason I like them. In fact, it's not even one of the top 5 reasons I like them. They're great role models who inspire me to do whatever it takes to reach my dreams. Their music inspires me more than I've ever been inspired before. They have morals and values that I haven't seen in young Hollywood in a long time, if ever. Taylor Swift is another musician that really inspires me. I'm so excited that I get to see her in concert for my birthday! Her music has gotten me through some rough relationship issues. I think it's really brave of her to be able to write about her emotions like that. It takes a lot to have your feelings out there for the world to hear and sing.
RAPID FIRE!
Favorite Candy: Hershey with Almonds
Favorite T.V. Show: 90201
Favorite Reality Show: American Idol (gotta support the hometown boy Kris Allen!)
Favorite Book: To Kill A Mockingbird
Favorite Author: Honestly, this list could go on forever, but right now I'm in love with Stephenie Meyer, the author of the Twilight series. She writes really well. I love her style
Favorite Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You, so excited that it's going to be a T.V. show!
Favorite Actor: Johnny Depp, hands down. He is never the same person in any of his movies and to me, that's true acting.
Favorite Actress: Kiera Knightly. I love her period pieces. She always amazes me.
Favorite Band: Right now I'm really into Hey Monday, All Time Low, and Mayday Parade. Check them out.
Quote to Live By: "You see things; and you say 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and say 'Why not?'" -George Bernard Shaw
I'll be posting my regular column on Thursdays, but this one is up early because I have a huge history test tomorrow and wanted to get it up before I threw myself into my notes and started studying. Have a great week everyone! I'll get the first real column up next week. I've got a whole list of things to choose from to talk about.
Keep it real!
Jen
For this first column, I'm just going to talk about myself and some of the goals I have for the column. If you have any questions, comments, advice, anything just leave it at the end of any of my post. I'll try my best to answer whatever it is.
What to say about myself? I'm 18, almost 19 (my birthday is in 22 days! April 23). I'm getting ready to finish up my first year in college. It's been an interesting year, that's for sure. I've learned a lot of things, both inside the classroom and out. I hope I can share my knowledge of college life in the best way I know how. I have a lot of topics that I want to talk about and as I experience the rest of my college career, I hope I can help you guys even more. Anyway, back to talking about me. I'm a first generation college student. That means that no one in my family (parents, grandparents, etc.) have never been to college or gotten a college degree. That puts a lot of stess on me to do well and live up to a lot of expectations, but it doesn't bother me. I have 2 younger sisters, 16 & 15, and a little brother who's 11. I have a dog, but he lives at home with the rest of my family. I like the color pink, to the point that most people would call me obsessed. I, like most of the rest of the young female population, love the Jonas Brothers. Ok, so it kinda helps that they're good looking, but that's not the only reason I like them. In fact, it's not even one of the top 5 reasons I like them. They're great role models who inspire me to do whatever it takes to reach my dreams. Their music inspires me more than I've ever been inspired before. They have morals and values that I haven't seen in young Hollywood in a long time, if ever. Taylor Swift is another musician that really inspires me. I'm so excited that I get to see her in concert for my birthday! Her music has gotten me through some rough relationship issues. I think it's really brave of her to be able to write about her emotions like that. It takes a lot to have your feelings out there for the world to hear and sing.
RAPID FIRE!
Favorite Candy: Hershey with Almonds
Favorite T.V. Show: 90201
Favorite Reality Show: American Idol (gotta support the hometown boy Kris Allen!)
Favorite Book: To Kill A Mockingbird
Favorite Author: Honestly, this list could go on forever, but right now I'm in love with Stephenie Meyer, the author of the Twilight series. She writes really well. I love her style
Favorite Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You, so excited that it's going to be a T.V. show!
Favorite Actor: Johnny Depp, hands down. He is never the same person in any of his movies and to me, that's true acting.
Favorite Actress: Kiera Knightly. I love her period pieces. She always amazes me.
Favorite Band: Right now I'm really into Hey Monday, All Time Low, and Mayday Parade. Check them out.
Quote to Live By: "You see things; and you say 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and say 'Why not?'" -George Bernard Shaw
I'll be posting my regular column on Thursdays, but this one is up early because I have a huge history test tomorrow and wanted to get it up before I threw myself into my notes and started studying. Have a great week everyone! I'll get the first real column up next week. I've got a whole list of things to choose from to talk about.
Keep it real!
Jen
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