End of the week, time to look forward to Thanksgiving!!!

I can't believe next week is going to be Thanksgiving already! Where has the time gone!!

So as I stated in my last post, I attended the Christmas Spectacular in the city on Wednesday and let me tell you, it was such a great time! I will post the pictures to share with everyone. We ended up being 6 rows from the stage, which was the perfect spot because we weren't too close where we had to look up and we weren't too far back where we had to squint to see the faces of the dancers, so it was perfect!!I do have to say that the hour and a half goes by quick, but it is completely worth it.

Here are some pictures!!!

As for other events going on, I have nothing! Just getting ready to enjoy the holidays with friends and family. I got assigned a project in my advertising class that I need to start working on, so hopefully that will be fun. I do have a few questions I need to ask first, so we will see how that works out.

Next weekend will be the busiest shopping weekend ever, which I am actually thinking of going out to do some shopping, but we will see.

I do want to make mention of one important issue and it actually was a tragedy in my town this week. It is a big wake up call to a lot of young people. Two individuals from my town, one 18, the other 20, died from a car crash. They were unconscious the morning of the accident, and were hoping that a miracle would happen, but that was not the case. I am not sure if drugs were involved or alcohol, but it's just important for young adults to pay attention while they are driving because lives can easily be lost. So far, each year, my town has lost a loved one, especially those of young age. It's very hard to see now 2 more people pass away at such a young age and my heart goes out to all these families who have gone through such pain of losing a child. What I am trying to get at here, is that if you know someone who has been drinking or doing drugs, or even if they are extremely tired, please do not let them get behind the wheel. Even if none of that is the case, always be alert while driving and always pay attention to your surroundings.

Have a safe and happy weekend everyone!!! Get ready to fill up on some turkey!!!

Tuesday, Tuesday!!

I keep thinking to myself, where do these days go? Yes, I know it's only Tuesday, but it's just about 5PM, so technically we are well on our way to Wednesday! We are already in week 8, which means 4 more weeks till week 12 and also almost Christmas and New Years! I actually started my shopping very early this year because everyone seems to be starting their sales earlier this year.

As far as Black Friday goes, I noticed a lot of stores speaking about their plans to help minimize the bombarding of people who are fighting over the big sale items such as GPS's, flat screen TV's, and other big ticket items. I read an article about Walmart having people line up instead of having them run wild through the store. I'm sure many of you remember the stampedes that actually took a life last year because of these running wild people. I am definitely for these stores having lines because lives should not be taken while shopping for the holidays, but also people should be more considerate of others.

While we are speaking of shopping and money, I had to view a video last week in my consumer behavior course about being born rich. These were kids, such as Donald Trumps daughter, and the Johnson and Johnson family, who inherited a lot of money from their parents. Well, there you go, their lives are set, but some of them wish it wasn't that easy. As we all know, some of us tend to treat the wealthy kids differently because they have money and some of us don't. In reality, they want to be just like you and I, but because of what they inherited from their parents that can't exactly change that. I am going to attach the video below, it is lengthy, but it was totally worth watching to hear their points of views and how they feel. Some of them wanted to go off to college, get a job, and work for their money. There was a girl in the video however who wanted to spend her money on anything and everything she could. Let me know what your thoughts are:



Tomorrow I am going into the city to see the Christmas Show so I will be sure to post pictures to share!! Enjoy your evening!!!

The Holidays Are Coming!!

In two weeks, we will all begin cooking for Thanksgiving and getting together with our families. After that, it's time to prepare for Christmas and New Years! How crazy is that? My mom was just telling me how we have to start shopping and getting ready to cook. We get a free turkey from Shoprite and my dad also gets one from his work, so that's lots of turkey!

On to school happenings, we are coming to week 8 now, which means 4 weeks left or maybe 3 for some of you! I have to say I am enjoying only having 3 classes now, since my accelerated class is over.I ended up with an A, so that made me happy. My scheduling is all done for next quarter, and I am excited to get back on campus!!!

So what else is going on? My mom and I started to paint my basement between last night and today so that is well on it's way. My brother and I also cleaned out our big toy box my dad had built, and let's just say, we went back to our childhood today. After seeing all the toys and games we use to play, it just brought back so many memories and made me wish I was young again. Of course we had to play with the toys like we did back in the day. We had to grasp the whole feeling of the memory as well!! I also came across some essays I wrote back in the day, and let's just say I was hysterical. My mom had me laughing because she said, "Just imagine when you were sharing those stories with me back in the day, I just wanted to laugh, and now you can learn to appreciate why I wanted to!" I was not hurt at all by that because seriously, it was so funny!!!!

Anyways, I hope everyone enjoys their weekend! I know I am by going back into my childhood and elementary school days!! Week 8 here we come!!! Enjoy!!

Honoring Out Veterans

Happy Veterans Day and thank you to everyone who has continued to fight for us! We are so very thankful for all of you out there!!!

There will be an observance at the Garret Mountain Campus today:
We look forward to a wonderful recognition of all those students and associates who have served our nation and invite all associates and students to attend one of the Veterans Day events listed below. We will have guest speakers and other activities customized to each campus and look forward to a great day.

Nov 11th, 11am Garrett Mountain Student Court Yard President Dario Cortes, Richard Robitaille (Army Veteran) and LTC Mark Piterski, NJ National Guard

Hopefully many of you will check this out!!

I also came across and article on Yahoo! that I wanted to share with everyone in regards to the exact meaning on the date: November 11th. Here is what the article says:

While most know that Veterans Day honors those who have served in the military, the meaning behind its exact date (November 11) may not be so familiar. Here's the backstory:

Back in 1918, in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a stop to hostilities was declared, ending World War I. An armistice to cease the fighting on the Western Front was signed by the Allied powers and Germany.

President Woodrow Wilson immediately proclaimed the day "Armistice Day," kicking off the annual commemoration on November 11. But over the years, with veterans returning from World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day — a day reserved to honor veterans returning from all wars. But 11/11 still represented the end of the Great War in the public's mind, and the date stuck.

In 1921, unidentified dead from the war were buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., Westminster Abbey in London, and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The tradition to honor those killed in the war but never identified continues every year in the U.S. The ceremony is held at 11 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Congress designated Veterans Day as a legal holiday in 1938, and since then, most Americans have come to know it as a day for store sales and parades. Yahoo! Searches on the holiday have already surged on the Web. People want to know "veterans day history," "veterans day closings," veterans day sales," and "veterans day free meals."


I remember going to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier when I was in 8th grade. That was our big trip: Going to Washington D.C. It was really cool and we actually placed our own reef at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, made in our high school colors. I will have to find those pictures and scan them in, but it's such a great place to honor those who put up a fight for us.

I hope everyone takes the time today to give recognition and thanks to all these Veterans!

My Prayers Are With The Fort Hood Families...

Unfortunately, we had a disappointing tragedy happen this week and my heart and prayers are with all of those families that either lost a loved or had a member who was injured during these shootings. When I first heard of this news, I was completely shocked. A million thoughts run through your mind and it's just like wow, is this real? I was watching the news and there was a girl who was just married 6 months ago, was shot in the head and back, and you would have never known. She looked like nothing had happened, regardless of the marks she now has, but it was just amazing to see her recovery like that. She also made a statement that without the guardian angel necklace she had received from her grandmother on Halloween, she doesn't think she would have made it. It was hard for her to really see what was going on, since she happen to be in the room where the shooting was occurring, the flash from the firing was too much for anyone to make out the events. Again this was a very devastating and terrifying event, and my prayers go out to everyone in Fort Hood and their families.


So we have now ended week 6 and I have also ended my accelerated course!! YAY! It was very enjoyable, but it will be nice to have some weight lifted off my shoulders. Another 6 weeks and all the weight will be off, but hey a little bit of weight is ok too! Again, as I have been saying, I definitely recommend the accelerated courses, but you need to be prepared and have the time to focus and work hard during their 6 week time. Also, many of you are either taking midterms or did this past week, so hopefully that went well!

I also want to make mention of another thing I watched last night. I am starting to watch the news a lot more and see what is going on. As I grow up, these are things that are important to pay close attention to and to act in the best way that I can. Many of you may have seen or heard about the special interview on 20/20 last night about Rihanna. A 20 year old, who is just trying to live her life, fell in love with the wrong person. When I first heard about the attack on her, it was hard to believe because the two of them always looked so happy, but like they say, looks can be deceiving. I guess what I am trying to get at with this story, is that it should never ever be ok for a man or anyone to lay their hand on you. Her story was detailed, which was being pictured in my mind as she was telling it. I really think this is a wake up call for many young adults and teenagers who are getting themselves involved in relationships and thinking that they can change a person. It was really sad, but personally, I'm glad she came out about it. This morning on Yahoo! they had an article that Chris Brown came out and said that he was glad she is talking about it but that it's a private matter that should just be between them two. Below the article were comments, some saying basically what I said above, and others bad mouthing her and making it seem like she did this a week before her CD release to get people to buy her new album. I couldn't help but to react and say something, so I did make a post.

I would like to hear some opinions about this! And also, if you are a person who is either dealing with this or dealt with it in the past, we have counselors available here at Berkeley, who can help you tackle this mess. It's obviously not easy, but hiding away and hoping it will go away, will not work. So please, if anyone needs help, contact a counselor.

From the Berkeley College site:
Personal Counseling
Berkeley College recognizes the value of counseling services and has professional counselors available to work on a short-term basis with students individually or as a group. When appropriate, referral to outside treatment is provided.

Services are available to all enrolled students and are designed to assist students with social, emotional, or academic issues so that they are able to remain in school and benefit from their educational opportunities. In addition, the Student Development and Campus Life Department frequently offers special seminars, based on student needs, interests, and demands.

I hope everyone has a great weekend! Sorry for such a depressing post, but these are very important things going on and I feel it should be discussed! As always, if anyone wants to contact me personally about your opinions, feel free to email me, lyndsay-wright@mymail.berkeleycollege.edu


And one last thing because it really makes me happy! YANKEES!!! WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS! YAY!!!

National Distance Learning Week

Happy Wednesday!! Hope everyone is having a great week so far! I wanted to let all the online students in on this National Distance Learning Week. Here are a few emails I got in regards to this because I have been involved in the online community, so please take the time to look this over and see if it's something you would be interested in.

Enter the essay contest in celebration of National Distance Learning Week and you may win an Amazon Kindle!


Please submit a short essay (250-500 words) that answers the following question:

What excites you about online learning?

Email your essay to essay@berkeleycollege.edu

All entries must be received between November 2, 2009 and November 15, 2009.

A winner will be selected and notified by December 1, 2009



In honor of National Distance Learning Week, please visit the Berkeley College Bookstore web site during November 9 - 13th and receive free shipping on all orders.


Thank you,

Luis S. Collazo
Director of Bookstore Operations


Those are two of the things happening for National Distance Learning Week so if you are interested, please take the time do write up an essay and submit it. Also make sure you check out the free shipping with the Berkeley College Bookstore!!

Enjoy the rest of your week!!

Spring Forward, Fall Back!

I hope everyone enjoyed their extra hour of sleep this morning, especially after Halloween! That couldn't have been planned any better, right? Just remember to change all the clocks in your house, especially your alarm clocks, since you really don't want to wake up an extra hour early before work or school! I know I wouldn't!

Anyways, this week is my last week in my International Business class. This was my accelerated course I took, and I'm still finding it hard to believe that these past 5 weeks, went flying right on by. I'm sure this week will probably drag since my class ends Saturday night, but still! Overall, I recommend the accelerated classes. They are a lot more time consuming, but in my opinion, they were easy to keep up with. You just need to be able to dedicate time, and I think that's the most important aspect of it.

My other classes are going smoothly as well. Another 6 weeks to go, and then it's Christmas, New Years, and some relaxation time, then right back into a new quarter! I am definitely looking forward to getting back on campus. I will continue to take some classes online, but also on campus, so that will eliminate having to be down there everyday, and I will still be able to work.

I am hoping by now, most of you have scheduled your classes that you want to take next quarter. If not, please don't wait any longer! Time is slipping away so hurry!! If you have any concerns or questions about what you should take, contact advisement. They will be more than willing to lend you a hand and get you back on the right track. Your best bet is to call, email, or make an appointment. You also have the opportunity to stop by on your way back from a class if the advisers are not currently busy with another student or faculty member. They are here to help so please make sure you ask them any questions you may have!

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday! The Giants lost, but hey, I am sure the Yankees will pull through for us!!! :)