Technology

I just finished reading all of the articles and all I can say is, "Wow!" It's amazing to see how far technology is come and even where it is headed but it is also scary to see how much we have become reliant on the same technology to function in even the most basic tasks of day to day living. It's a double-edge sword because you need to use the most current means of technology to do certain daily tasks but then they can be addictions like checking your Facebook account 10 times a day. Especially if you have a smartphone and can access it from downloading an App. Not to mention the down side of posting things that you might regret later or the information that you will let others access. People have to start developing a more reasonable and healthy approach to how they handle technology. Classes or courses should be made available to younger kids and even adults on what things are probably not the best to post on the internet and why.

I guess it would be important for everyone to understand that nothing is private once it is posted on the internet. That actually talking to someone on the phone or face to face shouldn't always be replaced by a Facebook post or text message. Learning in the classroom should be learning not memorizing. That if i'm gonna make the effort to come to a class and pay for it I want the teacher to have at least gone through the effort of preparing a great lecture so I can get the best bank for my buck.

Great articles.

School

So I think its safe to say that everyone is ready for spring break and even more ready for summer. as I was driving to austin yesterday to work, i saw about 100 college students laying by the river at sewell park. Yeah.. its about that time where we start putting away our books and pull out our swimsuits and i don't believe that the two can exist happily. im so ready for beach days and all night parties. summer here i come.

Sorry

This is the first time I'm able to really blog. I was not able to get the website to work, it kept blocking me and then Ms. Stone fixed it. So, I promise I'll be blogging religiously like we're supposed to. (:

BLUR?

Last week in class the speaker on alcohol really left me with a lot of thoughts on the drug so many college students adore. I know what alcohol abuse is and what is looks like just in my family. My grandfathers are both alcoholics. One died after recieving a liver transplant and the other is still alive and continues his 25 year sobriety with an organization known as AA. My own father has been in rehab three times struggling with DWIs and divorce. He now has control over his drinking and can enjoy a beer without spiraling out of control. My mother still parties like she is my age and her actions while on alcohol are scary. My family's history on the drug has always made me afraid to be a drinker because I do not want anything as simple as a drink in control of me. What the presentation said to me last week has only given me more excuses and reasons not to gamble with my health or life for that matter.

Great week

So this week has been a really good week with the change in the weather and baseball season getting started. It is shaping up to be a good spring. I cant wait to go out and catch a texas state baseball game not only because as a student you get in free but because we have a really good team thats is fun to watch. Another reason this week has been kind is because i didn't have any tests which has really made my week great.

Nothing special

I think that I am starting to get burnt out of school. I am completely ready for spring break to get here already. I feel like my body is on autopilot when I get to school. At the end of the day I never remember actually being at school but I know that I was there. A nice long break will be so amazing. Hopefully after I get that I will be able to get back into the swing of everything and get back on my school work instead of doing it an hour before class starts, pretty bad habit to have I suppose but at least I am still getting my stuff done.

Mid-year evaluation

These past two weeks I've been faced with a lot of decisions regarding my future from internships, to business opportunities etc. It's hard to distinguish the bullshit from the valuable stuff but I hope I can network in such a way that will allow me to figure that out. Aside from that, I need to pick it up in Math and Political Science. Time to start

just another day

For some reason I felt like that was the best title for my blog this week. Nothing excited really happen, however my plans I wrote about in my last blog fell through. I finally went out with a couple friend to watch For Colored Girls here on campus at LBJ. The movie was great, but I enjoyed the expierence more than watching the movie. Going around on campus with other classmates made me feel more part of being here at Texas State. On top of that I got to visit the gym, or rec for the very first time, and I loved it there:) lol. Things seem to be looking up for me at Texas State, and I look foward to engaging in other campus events with my Texas State classmates.

big news

with school going on im finding it easy to get caught up in the whole grades thing and lose sight of the luxuries in life. wtih two tests and an essay cramed in one day i found out that relaxing with my friends can be so much more enjoyable when you havnt been able to do so in a while. i guess what im just saying is that taking the full responsibility of a full time student at texas state is an experience im going to have to work at.

DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!!!!!!

I like the presentation we had last class. The guess speaker did good in presenting the information. The information was clear and straight forward. I do think though that a little more emphasis in the "DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE" would have been good. I have a little negative thing to say.... I do not want to put anyone in the spot but someone asked how to "fool the breathalyzer" (not in those exact words by the way) I really was not impressed with the answer the guess speaker gave, but other than that it was a good class. I believed that a social life is very important, but social life does not equal alcohol consumption. seriously most of the time people end up regretting everything they did while under the buzz. I am not prune and I am not hypocrite, I have had drink before but in moderation and moderation is the key. One can have so much fun and rewarding friendships when one actually have fun with friends doing more active things than just drinking, besides alcohol makes people look old. I know people have their own perception of fun times, moderation etc... but however way you guys choose to have fun...please DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE most of the time the innocent gets kill, entire families, and the drunk lives. Not a fair trade.

another dollar, another day!

another week flies by, and 3 test come by, i did pretty good on my math and art test and did kinda shitty on my comm test as expected, but im staying optimistic and i know ima do good on my next two test and pass that class, on a brighter note knocking out these test made me realized spring break is around the corner!!! i get to go home, spi baby!! :)

i also got myself a job, sweet deal. :D

A day at TSU

It's another fine day in Texas. I'm not really too sure what to write about this week. Things seem to be going in a pretty normal flow. Last weeks guest speaker was pretty cool. I enjoyed the presentation and the way he kept us interested and participating. Although, he could never be as cool as our instructor (Shameless attempt at sucking up) heh heh I'm looking forward to Alkek's newest exhibition this Friday: "Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program, 1942–1964." I also have Allies training this Saturday, so it should be a pretty interesting week over all. Well, I will also point out that I'm enjoying this weather. It's nice not having to wear a jacket all the time. That's it for this week. Will I finally start hitting the gym? Will I download new music to my MP3 player? Will I in fact have a hot apple pie with that? Tune in next week to find out the answer to these questions and many more on "OUR TEXAS EXPERIENCE: The Ageyiptus Saga".

I can't believe that the semester has been flying by as fast as it has. Just finished my first few quizzes and tests in classes and feel pretty good about the semester. I don't know how my grades have been on my tests but my grades on my quizzes have been pretty good so far. I can feel the pressure from both just school and work. I'm just hoping that I don't get behind. Isn't Spring Break coming up in three weeks? Can't wait...

Late!

This week i had a series of waking up late. I hate to rush out the door because there is no time to eat anything. I love living off campus but sometimes waking up late isnt an option because if i miss the bus i miss class! I would ny a permit to park but they are so expensive.

Rough Week

3 tests 1 paper and a lot of stress. Although i'm glad that i'm done with all that stuff, I think this is a good opportunity for me to see where I am and how I am doing this semester regarding school commitment. I feel like I need to do more in Math and US Seminar as well.

Blah

This week at school has been so very boring. I feel like I have only been there a few times and I haven't even spent a lot of time on campus. I noticed on Wednesday when I was there that an organization had put up boards to demonstrate how much the national debt was and the boards went half way down the wall that is behind the horse statue, it blew my mind. When I was walking by it, a lot of people were taking pictures of it and they had a video camera set up pointing right at it, I wonder what it was for I should have stopped to learn more.

my expierence on campus so far!

So it's 12:36a.m., and this blog is due by 9a.m. 2marro morning. Why am I such a procastinatator? Although I am still a procrastinator, I truely believe I have gotten much better since highschool days! lol. Well off to my topic I plan on bloggin about. My university expierence. I am enjoying the time I've been here so far, and I think the longer I am here, the better it gets. First thought about my dorms, was definitely negative thoughts! Well after being here for almost 5 weeks, it's not so bad afterall. The few people I know, I actually met here on my floor. My classes are good, and I scored well on the past couple exams I have took. (pat myself on the back)! My only downfall would be that I feel I don't know enough about the campus and I haven't met enough people yet. I guess I haven't got involved yet is what I am trying to say. I believe it is my fault, for the reason I haven't attended any events I've been invited to, and I've been home every weekend so far. Well I have figured out what I'm going to do to help myself, because to me not being involved is going to make this expierence hard for me. I also know a lot of others on campus would agree with me. So next weekend I plan on staying on campus, and attending two events with a few girls from my floor. I'm actually not to excited for the commitment I made, but I know it will only benefit me in the long run.

Paying It Forward

I am a strong believer in karma and doing onto others as you would do to yourself, so this week when I felt like the universe was finally picking up on my attempts of being a good person I couldn't help but smile. At times doing the right thing is super tough, with practice I think it gets easier, but it is an everyday challenge of being good. I felt rewarded for my good deeds this week when I was on my way home from HEB arms full of groceries. I was just walking outside of the parking lot on the journey and long walk to my hall when a very kind lady told me that she had a few minutes to spare and she would be happy to give me a ride back to campus. I was so relieved. She was so kind and full of small talk to make me feel at ease during the short car commute. That simple act of kindness made my day. I hope that within the next few days I can make a strangers day by doing a simple, random act of kindness for them. We should all try to pay it forward anyway we can when the opportunity strikes us. We never know what it could mean to that other person, and plus it also makes you feel great once you complete the act.

whats up whats up!?!?

just another day at the beautiful texas state. i just realized why i get really excited for this class, cause that means its friday!! woo!! weekend baby!! shit its been an interesting week, did alright on one test and i got an art test tonight wish me luck. I wool like to share that i finally feel fully settled in. On the other hand that video we watched last week was kinda 'iffy' for me.. only because i feel guilty lol :p

see y'all and the badass teacher tomorrow.

Classes

Well i had my first exam this monday in Comm. And to my surprise i scored an 80!!! yayyy go me. and I turned in my first paper. This week has just been a week of firsts for me at texas state. I transferred here from the University of Oklahoma and I can already tell that im happier here and its showing in my school work. Although we have been here for a month already i feel like i have just now settled in my room. i have everything where i want it. (: ive been home once so far and im going home this weeknd so im very excited for that!

Classes

Now that I have gotten used to my classes and the professors / Instructors, things are going much smoother. My favorite class so far is World Geography with Dr. Niem Huynh. I never really thought much about Geography until I took this class. It's amazing to find out just how much about the world you don't know, that you thought you did. Learning about different people and their cultures, politics, religions, foods etc. is keeping my interest. I'm actually looking into possibly switching Major's from Wildlife Biology to one of the Geography degree's.
Not to sound like a kiss up, but I would say that US1100 is one of my top favorite classes as well. I enjoy writing and being allowed to be creative while doing it. The fact that there is no pressure in that class from exams is enough to push it to the top. Throw in a laid back instructor and you have the perfect credit hour.
My least favorite class is of course Math. Although having been behind in math for the better part of 18 years, it does feel good to finally start catching up again. I have had a love/hate relationship with Algebra since I left high school at 16. I loved to hate it. Now I'm starting to slowly pick it up. While I still don't see the actual use for it, I know I have to learn it anyway. When I get the homework and quizzes back with 90's and 100's on them, it certainly does feel like a great accomplishment.
Basically, all my classes are going smoothly, whether I like them or not. My Texas State Experience has been a good one thus far.

Stuff ...made me think about stuff

The story of stuff was kind of a wake up call to me, in the sense that even thou I already know some of those facts, and I am aware of the government's lack of help in making things better, it made me realized one thing, it made me realized that I can blame any body or any organization any time I want, because it is easier to do so, but blaming them does not take away the responsibility that I have in making a difference, and caring enough to stop blaming others and start acting. By this statement; I do not mean to say the government is not responsible but rather I meant to say that "we" allow these things to happen. We allow then to lie to us, to deceive us and by being ignorant or by going with the flow we neglect our responsibility on the matter. The point is that we allow things to happen. I think one good starting thing we can do is to educate ourselves in anything that has to do with our way of life. Nutrition, education, politics, resources, policies etc... by doing so we are more prepare to make a difference and address the issues in the way they should be address and with good outcomes.

Stuff

The video we saw in class today was great in the way it might make you reflect on what you do daily in terms of contributing to the problem or helping ease some of the environmental issues the narrator was discussing. About three years ago I wanted to see how much money I could save if I didn't eat out at all for a month. So I ate breakfast and dinner at home and packed lunch and snacks. Over the course of a week the average I would spend on lunch and dinner was about $8 per meal and stopping at the convenient store for a snack or two cost another $2-3 bucks. All together I was spending about $11-19 a day on just food because I always felt like I was on the run not to mention all the trash I was throwing out as a bi-product of the food I was purchasing. I was able to save money, time and helped on my part not to contribute as much to a growing problem of wasting resources.

Recently I've gone from buying a cup of coffee everyday to making my own at home and preparing enough in a separate container as back up to refill throughout the day. Again I didn't realize I was spending so much money on just a cup of coffee that added up from week to week to total about $100.00+ a month. I thought since Mrs. stone established a challenge of wanting to see what we could do on a personal level to help I would share a little something and contribute to this blogger.

You Are Beautiful

The popular Christina Aguilera jam has been my anthem for awhile now, and this week especially. For some odd reason since coming in for the Spring semester my self-esteem has been at an all time low. I avoid mirrors and wearing form fitting clothing in efforts of repairing this lost confidence. However, I know that this effort to repair this loss isn't the way. But what is? I have been dealing with the same insecurities my whole life! Why do they keep sneaking up on me again to make my days less enjoyable? I never have felt that being beautiful was so important than I have here at Texas State. I keep fishing for perfection on the outside, but I am pretty sure that my issues with body image are all on the inside. As college students we are too busy to look beneath the surface and dig a little deeper in efforts of getting past the way someone looks (I am guilty, I don't know why the hell I'm complaining) and with texting and IMing and Twittering and Facebooking, when does our generation ever have a face to face conversation that doesn't involve our prettiest pictures representing who we want to be online? I believe Social Networking sites are amazing tools for keeping up with people, but they also have made us more superficial than ever. You must look beautiful at all times because you never know who may have a camera and post a bad picture of you online and then the guy you like will see it and think GROSS and you will never get to talk about how both of your passions and dreams all because you thought it was just going to be a fun night with a couple girlfriends without judgement so you skipped out on the normal getting ready routine and this devastating picture was taken. Anyways, enough rambling. Just remember You are Beautiful no matter what they say. (I am saying this to myself, and to you!)

Weather!

Well the past couple of weeks have been very crazy with all these rolling blackouts and canceled classes. This weather is so unpredictable one day its 70 the next it snows! I guess we could consider ourselves lucky because while people in New York are walking to class in snow we dont have class because its cold. In the end i still love Texas weather and always will.

Snow/Ice days

It is nice to not have to go to school once in a while. Especially when something like snow happens (which was the most amazing thing ever). But when the class canceling gets excessive I get a little tired of it. I don't get tired that I am missing school but some of the things that you were going to get to do in that class is now unable to be done. Lets take my philosophy class for example, I was so excited because some how my teacher was going to get zombies into our lecture but now she can't. And now I will never know what the heck zombies have to do with anything in philosophy. I did get some really good shopping days in and a test was canceled in one of my other classes so I am not completely frustrated with our snow and ice days :)

intermural

this week i had a very exciting experience at the texas state recreation center. i was recently asked to play on a intermural basketball team and decided that playing would be quite fun. little did i know what kind of fun it would lead too. our first game was on tuesday and it ended up being a doozy! from the very start it was a back and forth competition. the end obviously was the suspensful part. with about 4 minutes left our team was trailing by 9 points. i quickly explained a defensive play in order to press their offense. well the strategy was more than successful. with the score tied and the ball in the oppenents hand i was able to steal the ball and pass it up court for a buzzer beating lay up to win the game. It was pretty sweet!

Missing Tx State

I only have this one class in Tx State so this class is the only reason to go to San Marcos. Its funny how I feel like a whole week is too long to go without going to campus. I actually like the city of San Marcos, I like the drive, and I love the campus. You know what also? I am taking a Nutrition class and a fitness class because they are require for my degree but having to take those classes has made me more aware of my health and my habits; reason why I have decided to walk from the commuter parking all the way to the class (which is a 20 min walk one way) but I kind of like it. So, I am really looking forward for our class tomorrow for several reasons...one my 40 min total workout down the hill and up the hill, It kind of makes me feel younger to be among a lot of young adults, learn new exciting things, and Ok...I don't have any other reason. Oh yeah, I need to ask the professor on how to upload information for assignments in TRACS. Yes, I remember I like this class cause it helps me transition in an easy kind of way to the world of intellectuals! I have no idea how to work TRACS but our class and the teacher will teach us how to be a pro. (I think) :)

Midterms and Spring Break

On a lighter note I'm looking forward to going on my spring break "excursion", if you will, to South Padre Island. It will be a good break for me especially since my second set of midterms will be the week before. Next week I have 3 tests and a paper and I need to utilize this weekend to make sure I pass these tests.

back at it

shit its been a good couple weeks so far, cold just how i like the weather. a couple classes cancelled doesn't hurt haha. i got my first test coming up next monday so that should be fun. i feel my transition to college life has been going pretty smooth.my 19th birthday was on wednesday so im excited to party it up this weekend, i got myself a job at the outlets so that should be real fun, excited to see what we will be doing in class tomorrow.

Exercising

I'm trying to get more motivation to exercise. I seem to have lost some energy but gained weight as a result of quitting smoking late last year. I don't really want to just trade up bad habits and say "I can be a smoker and thinner or non-smoker and heavier". The way my classes are set up, I have the time to spend at the gym or track, but I have yet to utilize the equipment Texas State offers. I do however like the little bit of exercise I get, walking from the commuter parking area by the water tower to my classes. There and back is about a 45 minute walk. The sad part is that I have to pass the gym on that walk at least twice a day. Talk about a sign. lol I'm starting a strict diet and hopefully I'll be hitting the gym and track very soon. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a steak and eggs, pancakes with strawberry syrup and biscuits and gravy waiting on me. Only kidding, but that does sound really good doesn't it?

Back in the SM

I couldn't have been happier when I left thursday morning to go home, to hear that not only classes for thursday afternoon were cancelled, but fridays were also. It was like the best feeling ever (: i enjoyed a nice weekend at home relaxing and enjoying the fact that it wasn't snowing in my hometown of Friendswood Texas, and being feeling like princess eating my mothers cooking. Although i love college, i hate the food here.

My first blog it seems didn't go over so well on here, so I will try again. I would also like to apologize to Mrs. Stone and everyone else for coming off sarcastic and rude. In no way was I directly attacking her class. She isn't responsible for making this class part of our core curriculum and is only doing her job to make it pleasurable for us, and I get that. Walking away from class last week I just wasn't happy and instead of just bottling up what I felt I thought it was a great opportunity to voice my opinion and see if others might have felt the same way. However I didn't mean to do it at the expense of a good person and that is why I do sincerely apologize. Have a great weekend and I'll see everyone in class next week.

Winter

I was a little disappointed about missing class on Friday. I do not like to drive all the way to San Marcos for the purpose of this class but is an fun class in a way so at least it serves me as a stressor relieve. I have not seen the syllabus been posted yet. Do any one knows what is it that we are suppose to do for this class in terms of assignments etc...? Well, I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Hopeful

When I first found out that I had to take this class I was pretty irritated that the university wanted me to pay for a class that I didn't even think was necessary. After the first day however, I feel that it is not at all what I was expecting it to be, and I really think it is going to maybe even be a fun class. I talked to a friend that goes to another university and told her about this class and she said that she wished that she was required to take a class like this, maybe it won't be so bad after all :)

Taking It In

As a new student at Texas State University, I must say I'm digging the atmosphere. Although I'm still trying to get used to the campus and the daily routine of going to class, meeting new people is also a task that rattles my brain. Intrigued in many things around me, I find it easy to become distracted and very amused in whats going on. My only hope is that I do not let these distractions get in the way of my success. With the many things that this University offers, I'm sure success will be the least of my worries.

Uncertainty

Throughout life you have to make certain decisions that may inevitably change who we are as a person. Sometimes these decisions take years to make, but at the end of the day, only you can make the right decision for yourself. Making the right decision can often be difficult, but to insure that you made the right decision you should reflect on your present state of mind absent of all outside emotions which may influence your decision that affects who you are for the remainder of your lifetime.

Allies Training

I read up on the LGBTQ and the Allies program. I found it interesting and pretty sad at the same time. It's sad that there are even training classes like this. Seriously, it's 2011 and still many in our society refuse to accept people for who they are. Every college campus and workplace should be a safe place for everybody, regardless of your sexual orientation, faith or no faith, skin color or anything else. I know I sound like a "Soap Boxer", but I'm all for being a person that someone who needs help can come to. I believe this class will give me the resources needed in order to help someone out. I believe that what Texas State is doing with this training is a great thing and shows that people do care about others. I registered for the Allies Training Course. I will attend the training on Saturday the 26th of February from 10am to 2:30pm. Not sure what all to expect from this training, but if I did, then it would just be boring right?

Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself. ~Harvey Fierstein

Very Interesting

So, it seems that the class is doing a nice job of keeping up with/participating in the blogs.  I'm not going to lie, though, I'm actually surprised that some of you are bashing my class (especially so early in the semester).  US 1100 is designed to help meet the transitional needs of new Texas State students.  It encourages reflection and development of strategies for life-long education.  You can actually read all of the objectives for the course on either the syllabus or the University Seminar website.

Through focus groups and research, many new students complain or state that they don't see the value of this class at first.  Then, 2 years later, when surveyed as juniors, they are able to reflect and articulate why they felt it was necessary in their development and how they value the learning experiences they had from their course.

I would also say that after you talk to some of your other friends taking other sections of this course, you will find that I do not constantly require lengthy written assignments (like some of them might be responsible for submitting).  Through blogging and writing up the reflections from your experiential activities and your autobiography assignment, I feel that you meet the written requirement for this course.  I also find value in learning-by-doing, thus the boat tour gives the opportunity to learn more about your local community, other programs on campus, where your water comes from, etc.  It is not a waste of time.  (grrrr)  In addition, the reason we made wallets out of duct tape last semester was to do one hands-on activity where students could learn that they could reuse or make things out of items they might have around the house.  In the "No Impact Man" book, the goal was not to purchase anything new.  My goal with the lesson, was to help students think about how they could creatively make something practical that they might use.  Many students enjoyed the activity.  Some did not.  That happens.

With all of that being said, I would like this blog to be a reflection of your experiences throughout the semester both positive and negative.  If you don't agree with something I say in class or that one of your peers says, feel free to discuss.  I'd prefer that you not use this as a forum to be negative about this class overall.  I really don't feel that is productive.

Wtf. why do people keep bitching about the class? Suck it up! I dont think this class is too bad. Sure, its pretty early but no big deal.I'm looking forward to the semester and to see what this interesting teacher does... :) The people in the class seem pretty chilling, so thats always a good thing. I mean, don't you just hate people that always why and what not.
Anyway, i guess ill just stay warm and enjoy this lovely weather the rest of the week.