Motivation

Well, most of you have started back to school, if not all of you. You have set your goals; I will go to class everyday, I will do every single piece of homework I am given, I will study "X" amount of hours a day, blah blah blah. The goals are not the problem, it is the lack of motivation. Everything is possible if you set your mind to a goal and keep the motivation going. Freshmen tend to start out with this great motivation, which is great, the problem is keeping it up.

Set yourself up for success. There are many tools to success, although I do not know all of them, I know of a couples pointers to get you going in the right direction.

Positive thinking. If you are down and sad about your work ethic, school work, body image, whatever it is, positivity will help you change it all. If you look at a test grade and think "that sucks. I did horrible," you are looking at that grade completely wrong. You should be thinking, "I guess the way I studied wasn't the best (if you even studied at all.) Maybe I should do this differently, start studying earlier, find someone who can tutor me." Positive thinking like that. Miracles do not happen over night and neither do good grades, ask your doctor.

Organization. How many times have you gotten an email from a classmate or your professor mentioning the paper that is due in 4 days that you have completely forgotten about? That would not have happened if you had been organized. When writing down all of your due dates in your planner, set aside time a week or two in advance to start the studying process or brain storming your paper. Whatever the big due date is, give yourself plenty of time to finish it and then edit and perfect it. 

Hopefully, you are already doing these things, but if not, start. They are extremely helpful. If your mind is cloudy, go for a walk, jog, bike, swim, workout, etc. Something. Clear your mind when it gets fuzzy, otherwise studying or working becomes pointless.

P.S. I AM going back to school this upcoming month. Ogle School for esthetician license. I am extremely excited and couldn't be happier that I have found something that I truly enjoy. Wish me luck!

 

Making Friends

So I over heard 2 lovely girls talking about their upcoming freshmen semester and they were so concerned about making friends. My nosiness took over and had to tell them about my blog and it dawned on me that I hadn't written an entire blog to making friends!

No matter what school you are going to, making friends will be easy as long as you let it be easy. Joining clubs, organizations, study groups, whatever it is, making friends will be super easy. For those of you that are social, you will not have a problem at all. If you're timid, this will require some extra work. Get out of your bubble. College is about learning and making new experiences last a lifetime. Luckily, I am not a shy person. I love meeting new people and having great conversations that will later make you want to continue learning about new topics or new views on topics you already talk about.

Not all of your friends from high school will keep up with you. College friends are the ones that last, well so far that I have met. Move in day is a great day to start meeting new people. I don't know what it is about moving in, but we are all scared, stressed, sad, happy; mixed emotions all around! There is typically a fiesta thrown by the school for everyone to get together and see old friends or meet new ones. I cannot stress enough that school functions are 100% necessary for you to attend. You learn more about the lovely school you are attending, meet new friends, people studying the same major as you, has the same hobbies, EVERYTHING. 

Get out there and go! Meet people! Network! Talk to professors! They love speaking to students. and hearing their insights on different subjects. Shit, we had dinner with our mentor at St. Edwards. My first conversation with my mentor was about swimming and I learned that he was an occasional swimmer as well. He found out that I was coaching and asked for lessons. From that, another student and I got to talking about sports, and we all know most athletes are social, so you meet more people that way. Anything can get your foot in the door to meeting new people.

Some people join Greek life to become more social. I do not entirely believe that it works. It takes personal effort to get yourself out there. Hopefully, you are not studying Public Relations and are antisocial to the max and joined a sorority to become social. You stepped into the wrong field regardless.

I would slightly compare becoming social to getting into shape. It won't happen over night and it takes effort. If you want to meet new people, you will. If it takes asking the hot guy in class for notes or to repeat what the professor just said or asking about a due date for homework, DO IT! The worst that can happen is that he says he doesn't speak English or that he wasn't paying attention either. And from that you can say "yeah,the professor isn't loud enough/slurs/ has broken English," or "I hate this class as much as you do." Haha, just bounce right off of what he/she says. You can typically tell if they are annoyed by you talking to them and that typically happens with the person who is just there to learn and hates people. Very rare.

Well. Now it is all up to you. Get out there and meet people, fun people!

Any comments or questions? Let me know!

Nighty night, my friends.

You Are Who You Are

There will be times that someone will try to get in the way of what it is that you want to do with your life. Sometimes it's that asshole "friend," a professor, even family. They will tell you what you are doing is wrong and you're wasting time with what you are doing.

Here's my philosophy. We all have our opinions and it is the way we think that has shaped those opinions. You are extremely unique in your own way. That is what is so great about you. There is only one person who walks, talks and smells like you, and that is YOU.

Everyone is different, in the way they study, learn, put on clothes and think. Honestly, school is not for everyone. Personally, I do not like the curriculum and the way teachers test. What is the point of a standardized test? To test the average? Who is to say what average/normal is? The norm is constantly changing and that is what is so great about the world.

Some people do way better in school when in a smaller classroom vs state school classrooms. What I adore so much about St. Edwards is that the class size is so small that we all get to know each other and learn different methods of studying. Plus, the teachers were typically so interested in you, they expected or required a personal meeting with them once or twice a semester. They ask how school is going, how your studying is and how your general life is. I appreciate the care those professors gave.

University of Houston is much different. Many of the classes are huge, mostly the core curriculum. Of course, as you start getting into upper level classes, you get smaller classes. But in large state schools, such as UH, you become a number. Literally. In my government class one semester, we were listed by the last 4 digits of our ID number. I found it rather impersonal and a bit demeaning.

But of course, this only matters to you. If you like the personal attention a professor will give, then go to a smaller school. If you do not care for or want the personal attention, then a state school will work well for you.

If someone has or does tell you that the way you are living life is wrong, tell them not to worry about it, because it is not you. This whole "subtweeting" and posting a status directed to someone you are too chicken shit to say it to their face, they have the problem, not you. My own sister has tried to tear me down on several occasions. But no worries, it is my life and I will live it how I please. Concentrate on you. This is the point in your life where being selfish is totally acceptable. You need to work on better your life for now and the future, not for anyone but yourself.

There will come times where your parents won't like the major you are studying, but what they don't realize is that you are an adult and you make your decisions. If you fail, then that proves that you are totally human. "When real people fall down in life, they get right back up and keep on walking." My life motto from Sex and the City. It is completely true. Don't let a test or failing a class shoot you down. There could be a number of reasons as to why it happened. But you learn. Either it's that the course wasn't your cup of tea, if it's in your major, maybe it helped you realize that the major is just not for you. That is how I have gone through so many majors, not because I am unstable, but because I haven't found my niche.

I am having to take the year off from UH because of academic probation. Although my ego had a nice shot to it, it has helped me learn that what I was doing is school was not right. I needed to study a lot more and work a ton harder.

I say school is not for everyone, and I mean it, but we need some kind of education. Some people work best with universities, trade school, 2 year programs, the list goes on.

Find out what it is that YOU want to do and do it. Work hard at it and live life how you want, responsibly.

Have a good night y'all. Good luck getting ready for school.

I'm Back! And so are YOU!

Haha, I'm sorry it has been so long since I have posted anything but I cannot sleep and I decided to post on my other blog, linked to this account, and saw how many views this blog has gotten!!! Over 700!! I am so excited. Is that weird?

Well, the title is not just about my return to the blog, it is about your return to school. Whether you are just starting out at college for your first time or this isn't your first time at the rodeo. School is back. I know this due to the fact that I work at OfficeMax and everyone and their uncle's cat's mom is there.

So it brings to my attention that people need to start getting ready with school supplies. Well, since last year or two years ago that I posted about what should be in your backpack, things have changed.

Obviously you need writing utensils. Come on now. Even if you're taking notes on a device, you have to do homework somehow. Pens of many different colors, pencils, highlighters, Sharpies, erasers, the works.

Planners. I cannot stress how important a planner is! They sell the academic calendars nearly every where (July to June). They are made for you to have tons of writing space. Some people can do the iCalendar thing, I cannot. I have to actually write it down to ensure I remember. The best thing I do on the first day of school is to get every syllabus I have together and all of the important dates (tests, quizzes, projects, papers, etc.) and write them down and of course you cannot forget the holidays.

Some people are a pen and paper kind of person and some are not. I love writing stuff down, because I love my handwriting, but my hand tends to cramp up and I cannot keep up. Though, I can type pretty fast. I hate carrying around my 17" laptop because it is so heavy and if that's the size you got this year, I feel very bad for you. I never suggest a 17" laptop to anyone that is going to take it ANYWHERE. Not even to Starbucks. No. I recently got an iPad, for school and to write my book. An iPad is great. You can buy a keyboard case for it, mine is from OfficeMax (of course) it's pink and an iHome, so the brand is reliable. For the guys, they have black. I have a word processor on here and it is so light-weight and portable. It's like a little chihuahua that you stick in your purse. The battery life goes for weeks! Who doesn't love that?! Of course you can use any type of tablet, but anything under $150 is not worth your money.

Get yourself a roomy backpack or massive purse. I just use my purse since all I have in it during school are the necessary girl things, an umbrella (in case it rains,) my wallet, cellphone charger, headphones, planner, pens, iPad and maybe a notebook for certain classes. But look at my backpack post. That has it all.

Although it is a bit late to be telling you this, save your money and have some "Oh Shit" money. Like, "Oh shit, I haven't been working and I need - gas, food, electricity, car repairs, that cute pair of shoes, or alcohol." something like that. That has ALWAYS been my problem. I cannot save my money to save my life. But when you drive an old car like I do, repairs happen quite often.

If you feel like I have left anything out, COMMENT! It is only 3 AM, so I'm sure I left out quite a bit.

GOODNIGHT and GOOD LUCK

Studying

Did you know, for every hour of class, you should study for 3 hours? Or that studying material you learned within the first 24 hours of learning it it is more likely to stick in your head? Or that it takes 21 times of doing something to make it a habit? These are all things that you should keep in mind when studying. Make studying a habit, don't wait for the night before to study, etc. You know, the works. This isn't high school anymore. Studying is crucial to make the grades that will impress people. People like future bosses, deans, teachers that you ask for recommendations.

Everyone has different ways of studying. Note cards, just reading over notes or the book, drawing pictures, etc. There is no particular way of studying, just do what works for you and make it a habit.

Personally, I need complete silence to study. So going to the library helps me. I can't have people talking in the background or music or a tv. I know some people who need background noise, and as to how they do it beats the hell out of me. I don't have a particular way of studying. Certain classes I use note cards, others I need to draw out what I'm studying (science), practice, practice, practice for math, just reading over notes for those lengthy classes.

Find what works for you and do it!

Study hard

Marina Monroe

Office Hours

Getting to know your professor is a good idea. Whether it is through email, or having coffee with him, or office hours. I have had a variety of teachers. There are the teachers that really don't have the time for office hours and email is the best way to get a hold of them. Some teachers want to be social and meet you at the coffee shop on campus instead. It's less formal, but it makes them more approachable. (Making up words.)  But the best way to talk to your professor is in office hours. I have had to make appointments before but usually just warn the professor that you are coming in so they know to be there.

If you are having trouble in a class, talk to the professor. They never want to see their student fail so they will help you (most teachers, some just suck.) Currently, I am not doing too good in one of my classes and I have emailed my professor to talk about it and he wants me to come in and see how I'm studying and we are going to crunch numbers and see what we can do. Teachers usually want to help, so let them. Last year my teacher for English had every student make an appointment with him to talk about our essay and see how we can improve it. Which is amazing. Of course this was at a small private school, you won't see that at a university.

Get to know your professor! More than just for help and good grades but also for recommendations or references. Not all professors are evil. They come in handy.

College student, Y U NO GET PROPER REST?!?!?

Seriously, why do we stay up so late? All we get out of it is being exhausted the next day. Yeah, maybe you got studying done, but if procrastination didn't get the best of us, then we wouldn't be up so late. See what I did there? I showed you how everything goes hand and hand. If you write down all of your assignments with the due dates, get it all done on time without procrastination, then you would get the proper amount of sleep. You may think you can work ok with less sleep than what you are told you need.
In reality teens, and yes you are still a teen, up till about 22 years old need at least 8 hours of sleep to properly function. After 22, 6 hours is sufficient. The younger teens need 10 hours and the younger you are, the more sleep you need. Something you may not know about sleep deprivation, you will die from sleep deprivation before starvation. It takes 10 days without sleep to kill you while it takes 14 days of no food to kill you. Weird, huh?

Moral of this blog, get your sleep people. Even though I am up at 4 in the morning writing this. I am on Spring Break and doing school work instead of going out and getting wasted. "You aren't the only thing getting wasted."

Peace and Love
Marina