Friday, July 30, 2010

Don't Worry....I didn't disappear!



TGIF right? AND TGITEOTM...translated to "Thank God It's The End Of The Month!!!" I am beyond thrilled to end this month and start fresh for August! It's been nothing but stress for me and bad news so I am just ready to move on over! As we wind down this month, and as we approach week 5 of the quarter, I'm interested in how all of you are doing? I hope you are enjoying your classes for the most part and are focusing despite the summertime!! It becomes tough when its summer and beautiful out, and all you want to do is be outside, BELIEVE ME, I KNOW!

As for my classes, I am finally caught up! It's been tough, but I somehow managed to do it! After I post here, I just have one more 10 question quiz to take and then I can get some shut eye, since it's been pretty limited for the past few weeks! What a relief it will be to sleep in!

I worked on my outline last night for my demonstrative speech which I have to give next week. I decided to do something that most of us could use some tips on, how to write and prepare a well structured resume! Think about it, one day down the road, you are going to go on a job interview in which they may want to view your resume to see past work experience, education, and any other skills you may have. I am a little worried since the speech limit is 2-3 minutes, and I seem to have a lot to say about preparing/writing the resume, so I am curious to see how it will work. It may look like a lot to say, but who knows, it might be just the perfect amount of information to speak about. I will definitely be posting that speech once I complete it next week, because you never know what kind of us you can get out of it! I sure hope its helpful!!!

Another piece of business from one of my classes. This time it's Sociology. My professor linked us to 3 Youtube sites about an Intersex Documentary. I am going to post these links here and I encourage you all to take a look at them if you have time. My professor asked for us to make our commentary on these clips and then if we were the ones who gave birth to an intersex child, would we consent to have a surgery done to make them either male or female, or would we wait until they could make their own decision? At first, I was like, wow I really don't know. After thinking about it though, if that was me, I would be mad if my parents did that to me. When we were born, yes, our parents wanted what was best for us, and would do all they could, but did you ever stop to think that maybe what our parents want, truly isn't what would make us happy? In the video clips, there is an intersex individual whose parents decided to go through with the surgery. While he looks like a male on the outside, he said inside, he feels just like a woman, and he feels so out of place because if it were his way, he would have stuck to being a woman. It was tough to watch someone who had gone through this, especially since his emotions ran wild due to it. He wished his parents would have given him the choice, but unfortunately, they thought this would be best for him. Even in these videos, some of the individuals commented about committing suicide because of the choice their parents made for them. I am wondering, how does everyone feel about this? What are some of your takes on what you would do if you were ever in this situation?

Here are the links so you can watch the documentary that I have watched:

Intersex Documentary

Clip 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEir4IWHYrY

Clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVaMKMqcL6o

Clip 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHQJmPbHSdM


I guess it's time to go take my quiz and call it a night. I am not use to being in on a Friday night, but with the past few weeks I've had, I think it's well deserved! And I promise this month, I'll be updating my blog much, much more!! Goodnight!!!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Scheduling Time!




Good Afternoon Berkeley Students and any blog followers!!! It is that time of the quarter again where the schedules have been posted for us to select our classes for the Fall Quarter! The same thoughts pass my mind each time this situation arises, "We're not even done with the summer quarter yet!" Yeah, I know, time flies right on by. Think about it this way, we wouldn't want to wait until last minute to do our schedules because then we are pressed for time, so it's better to get it over and done with and then once it approaches, we are ready to rock and roll.

We are quickly reaching the halfway mark of the quarter, which means before you know it, it's midterm time. I can't stress enough how beneficial it would be for anyone who is struggling to look into the tutoring here at Berkeley. I did it last quarter for my Finite Mathematics class, and let me tell you, it made all the difference. For on-site students, visit the ASC center located on campus or if it's more convenient to get assistance online, then click the tutoring link and sign up for some assistance.. For online students, you will see to the left side a tutoring link in which you can click and will be directed to a page where they will ask you for some information.

How is everyone's quarter going so far? It's definitely been a hot summer, so I hope everyone is beating the heat and still allowing their brains to work! That's the only bad thing is when we were younger, we were so accustomed to free summers and only had to worry about running around with our friends. Now that we are in the real world and continuing our education, we are all full of work, work, work. When people tell me I'm crazy for going to school over the summer, I really have no reaction. To me, I would rather keep going while I have the motivation. If I were to stop for the summer, and then get back into the game in the Fall, it would take me a little while to adjust to it all over again. This way if I keep going, I avoid that hassle and just stay dedicated to my work. The benefit to that is that I finish my bachelors in 3 years! 2 years are already down, just one more to go now!

With one year to go, I have to start considering some internship ideas. Because I have been at State Farm for 3 years and know their system, I asked my boss to get me some internship information for the marketing department. Of course not all internships lead to full time positions, but I have enjoyed my time working with the company and wouldn't mind an internship there. Internships are full of opportunities, so you never know where you could end up. I know someone who went for a marketing degree and is now pursuing an events organization career with her marketing degree. She is like me, loves the creativity and organization aspects. I also have someone to refer to now if I ever needed advice. That's always nice to have.

Well, it's going to be a hot weekend, so do your best to stay cool! I suggest the pool or beach for the weekend! That's your best bet, especially since it's suppose to hit the 100's! STAY COOL!


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Wednesday, July 21, 2010

New Week, New Day!

Well, so far this week has been off to a better start. I am thankful for that! I have been catching up on all of my work and getting back into the swing of things. It's so hard to believe that next week we will already be scheduling for the Fall quarter. I also keep forgetting that the summer is only 11 weeks long! Next week, it will only be 7 more to go and then another mini vacation! I know, I'm getting a little impatient, but I need a break!

Today, I took some time to read and take some tests. Those went pretty well. I just have one more to study for and take, and then I will be good to go. I got a call from my boss today asking me when I was planning on returning. I was in yesterday but left before I could speak to him, so he wasn't sure. It turns out that the lady I trained before I went to Florida, will more than likely not be working with us any longer due to some personal reasons. That means I will be getting the phone call part of my job back. Not a bad gig, especially since during the summer, I'm solely an online student and can dedicate more hours. So tomorrow is sit down and talk time to figure out a flexible schedule. I should probably start getting an idea tonight and see how I want to do this. I prefer to work the morning and then have the afternoon to do my school work, but we will see how this goes.

Other than work, I haven't been up to much. I did go through with that interview I was talking about in my last post. I am just waiting for the student to email me some information and that will be up and running on here soon. It's always nice to get another student's voice on my page and also, since he is a new student, people can get an idea of what to expect, especially if they are looking to expand their education here at Berkeley.

Over the course of the next few weeks, I will be getting involved with the social media networks we have here at Berkeley. For example, you will see me popping in from time to time on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc. I am definitely looking forward to that and it should be a great time to gather some Berkeley students together to answer questions and inform the student body about what is happening on the campuses. I actually had a graduate student from a high school down in North Carolina message me on Facebook about Berkeley, so I thought that was really cool to interact and give her some information about Berkeley. These social media sites open up so many opportunities and can help build our student body.

As we wind down for Week 3, just remember to stay focused and start thinking about some classes you want to take in the Fall. Or if this is your last quarter, get ready for graduation day! I keep running into people I haven't seen in a while and they are like when are you done. I'll say a year and they go WHATTTT! no way! Well, yes way! I can't believe it sometimes myself, but when I look back on all my hard work, I say, Well it's about time!

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their week!!!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Time is flying by....

Good Morning everyone. I disappeared for a week there and I truly apologize. I lost someone who was very close to me, my best friend's mother. She was just like a second mom to me and there was no way I could let my best friend and her family sit there without any support. It's an unfortunate situation that happened, but we need to pick up the pieces and realize she is always going to be right there with us. R.I.P Momma Oeters! We all love and miss you so very much!

Sorry, for the sappy opening, but I just want everyone to know how special this lady was! So as we wrap up on Week 2, ALREADY, how has everyone been doing? By now we should all be settled into our classes and ready to tackle any obstacles that come our way throughout the course. I won't lie about falling behind quite a bit this week, so I have lots to get working on this morning. I have 2 tests to take, which I'm a little nervous about, but I just have to do my best.

I also want to take this time to remind everyone that if you feel that you are struggling in any of your courses, seek some tutoring help. It's free and if you can be taught the information in a different way that will help you remember it, why not take advantage of it! You can also always ask your Professor if you feel you would rather have a sit down with them and review the information that has been presented in class. It's just something to keep in mind because before you know it, mid term week is going to be rolling around and you are going to want to do your best.

I have to make mention that I am enrolled in the online Oral Communication class this quarter and I did my first video, which was just a formal introduction, and man is it weird talking into a camera. It's funny because at some point in my video I was talking about how weird this is, but then right behind my camera are actually photo frames with pictures of my friends and family, so it's almost as if I am talking to people, just ones in picture frames! Haha, I know, it's a little weird but I got through my speech and made a little funny. Everyone loves a little humor. Believe me, I have a hard enough time sitting through speeches myself, so the last thing I want to do is be boring.

So it's just after 9AM on this lovely Friday. Time to go study some text and then sit down and take my tests! I always get so nervous because after I read I think to myself, what did I really just read? Enjoy your day and your weekend everyone! I promise I'll stop disappearing too!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Week 1 Wrap-Up!

I had a short week one due to the fact that the first part of the week I was still in Florida with no books, so there wasn't much I could do. Once I got home though, it was work, work, work! For me, the first week went way too fast and I am ready to take on week 2, this time with 3 extra days to spare me! Besides having to get things done this week, I haven't been feeling so great, so a mixture of everything is dragging me down! I decided to take the weekend to recuperate and see where that gets me!

How did everyone's first week go? Did you notice some improvements that you might want to make? These are just some things to ask yourself so you can correct any issues you may be having right off the bat. Also, if you don't like a class, speak to the professor before making any kind of move. It might not be as bad as your making it out to seem and therefore, might make a mistake letting go so early. Just remember to stay focused, regardless of the beautiful summer weather, and study, study, study. 11 weeks is going to fly right on by, so hang in there!

I have yet again another Yahoo! article I wanted to share with you guys. Yes, I do favor Yahoo! over everything else! Plus, when I log on to check my email, I always see the top news stories and you never know what you will find. Today I found an article about "How to get into college" The article includes some tips from college admissions experts that could come in handy for anyone who is looking to start their college careers. Below are the top 10 tips from these experts:

Tips from College Admissions Experts

1. Match Up Grades and SAT Scores

A mismatch between GPA and class rank and standardized test scores is just one warning sign of a weak application, according to Bev Taylor, founder and president of New York-based college counseling firm The Ivy Coach. Some other pitfalls: sending in a list of activities without any explanations to bring them to life, and penning essays on subjects like napping, which paint a picture of a passive student.

2. Improve Teacher Recommendations

Instead of giving the teacher writing the recommendation a laundry list of extracurriculars, Taylor suggests students impart a more nuanced sense of their interests and motivations. "Remind them about how you were in their class, what you did and accomplished, what you found exciting about the class," she says. "So few students will go to that extreme, because it takes a lot of work."

3. Leadership in the Community

It's more important to show you spearheaded original and creative initiatives at home than participated in a pricey public service trip abroad. "Show that you've got other people involved, that you did something great in your own backyard," Taylor says. "You didn't have to go off to Guatemala to build houses."

4. Take Advantage of Social Media

Though stories of college admissions officers scoping out applicants' credentials on Facebook is exaggerated, it does happen. Applicants should be careful about what information they make public. Says Taylor: "If you're a dancer, put up all your recital videos. If you're an artist, let's see what you've done. Your portfolio can be up there."

5. Don't Be Redundant

"Make sure that every time you have the opportunity to write an essay that it's about some different aspect about you," says Katherine Cohen of the New York-based college consulting firm IvyWise. If a student's résumé says she is captain of the soccer team, and her coach wrote an extra letter of recommendation, the student should turn to another topic. Says Cohen: "Maybe I don't know that you're a vegetarian. Tell me about that."

6. Don't Send in Too Much

Deciding how much information to send in is a tricky balancing act. "[Some students] will send in copies of every award they've won since sixth grade and repeat all their test scores on their résumés as well as all of their senior-year courses," details that are already listed on the application, Cohen says. In addition, letters from influential people or notable names may hurt more than they help, if the person writing doesn't really know the applicant well.

7. And Don't Send in Too Little

"Some kids will shortchange themselves on their résumés or activity lists. They won't think about the number of hours per week and weeks per year they spend," Cohen says. And there are times when supplemental letters are appropriate, she adds, such as "from a coach or an employer or someone you've worked closely with over a long period of time, who you think would share new and different information about you."

8. Start Early

Cohen recommends her clients start working on their essays in early summer. Though the latest iteration of the so-called Common Application, which is used by more than 150 schools, isn't available until Aug. 1, there is a preliminary version available. Things that are always required: a résumé; a short essay on a meaningful extracurricular activity or work experience; and a longer personal statement.

9. Become a Specialist

"The most selective colleges aren't really looking for well-rounded students. They are looking to create a well-rounded student body made up of specialists," Cohen says." Pick a focus--academic or extracurricular--and try to dive deep. Instead of being a 'serial joiner,' focus on those couple of things that you enjoy and can do well."

10. Avoid Taboo Essay Topics

There are certain subjects--national disasters, homeland visits and sex--which applicants should avoid unless they have a unique and personal perspective. "People are going to write about the oil spill now, or they used to write 9/11 a lot … It's sort of hard to write about something in the public consciousness," Cohen says. "Stay away from writing the 'trip to the homeland' essay. It's a hard essay to do well, and it happens to be cliché and kind of common."


This is some information to share with everyone and especially those of you who know some friends who are looking for some tips about getting into college. You never know when this type of information could come in handy.

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend and next week I will be back on track with my posts. Unfortunately, vacations over! Boo! :(

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Back to Reality!

Hey Everyone! Finally returned from Florida this morning! It's good to be home but I miss my family already! So I thought I would come on at night and blog a little bit, but they turned into late nights and I just never got around to it, but luckily I'm back now!

So we are already day 3 into the Summer Quarter and I hope all is going well so far for everyone! I can't imagine the agony some of you are going through with this heatwave. It was funny seeing the Northeast on the news down in Florida. It was hotter here than there, which is scary to think about! As soon as I got off the plane this morning, I was ready to turn around and go back! I will post some pictures once I get my camera unloaded and all that fun stuff!

The summer quarter is now here. First off, Welcome to all our new students!! It's hard to believe it's already the summer quarter and not to mention, my 8th quarter here at Berkeley. That means 4 more quarters to go! Ah, the nervousness and excitement all at once! I am definitely looking forward to it, but at the same time, I want to stay young forever!!

Just a reminder, make sure you get your book purchases done this week and gather any other necessary items that you will need to help you succeed this quarter! I ended up making those purchases before I went away, so now I'm just playing catch up with reading all my syllabuses for my online classes! Lots to read and so little time to get things done considering I really only have these 2 days to move along with my assignments! That's ok though. I work myself up knowing I'll get it done either way so it's all good! On my way home today, I stopped by Walmart to pick up a new webcam for my Oral Communications class and also a new daily planner to keep track of everything! Maybe I'll start doing some webcasts on my post?! Definitely an idea to get going!

Well, I'm off to do some reading and then call it quits for the night. Back to reality tomorrow and the Jersey life! Goodnight everyone!