major daze

2006-04-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

This is the official wrap up. It's done. My problems haven't worked out and neither has my life.

2006-04-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh! The weekend is already almost over and I have accomplished nothing.

2006-04-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

My landlord showed my apartment today. I can't say how it went because he didn't let me know. I do know that it looks mighty clean after working on it for hours last night.

I am really pissed about the whole job thing. I think I was doing them a favor. It's not like I would work for bad wages like that for anyone. They really needed me. I will stay positive and just hope that I didn't get called back because she was out of the office or something. What is wrong with people?

All my friends are talking about how they are signing leases for their new apartments and stuff. Blah...they can have them. I'll move back to the dorms. But I don't know what to do with all my stuff. I knew buying those salad plates with my initials was a waste of money. Why the hell do I need them now? Why did I need them in the first place?

IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE

2006-04-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

For a split second my life came together today...just a split second.

1. I was offered a job at my old school for the summer.
This would have been a problem considering the distance between my old school and my current apartment, but

2. My landlord agreed to let me out of my lease 2 months early, so I could leave for the summer.
This would have been a problem because I have no other place to live, but

3. My sister offered to let me stay at her apartment in the same town as my old school.

And now, just 6 and 1/2 hours later...

1. No call back on the job. Hmmmm... I thought THEY offered it to ME.

2. I am without an apartment or a place to move all of my things because

3. I cannot live with my sister.

2006-04-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

Now I feel completely terrible. My advisor finally emailed me my registration code. It took so long because he has been out with pneumonia. How bad do I feel?

2006-04-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

Another e-mail, another day...still no registration access code. What the hell?

2006-04-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

I e-mailed my advisor yet again. Maybe I just won't go to BSU next semester. I'll stop by his office tomorrow.

2006-04-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

I e-mailed my advisor again...still no registration code. My letter wasn't returned, so I'm pretty sure that isn't the problem. Maybe it is a sign and I really should transfer.

It might be nice to be in a new place. I've never stayed in the same place very long. But if I do transfer I can't go to Africa. Well, I can go to Africa, but not on this specific trip.

I still haven't found an apartment or a roommate (even checked the newspaper for the 'roommate wanted' section...no luck). Oh well.

2006-04-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

My apartment lease is up at the end of July, so if I decide to live on campus I will not have anywhere to live for a month. That is not really going to work. I thought about an apartment, but can't really find a roommate.

2006-04-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

After some quick calculations (I’m lying about the quick part) I discovered that if I would like to have a G.P.A. of 3.5 I need to get a 4.05 this semester. Well, that pretty much seals the deal on staying put. Getting a scholarship with my G.P.A. is not realistic at this point. I can still go to Sweden though.

I did e-mail my advisor to get my registration code. By Monday I should be able to register for my fall classes at BSU. I'm not sure if it is a good idea or not, but I am really running out of time. My indecisiveness is eliminating my options. I guess it is just another way to make choices.

On another note, plans for my trip to Africa are progressing. I have been putting together a research plan (which is required for the trip…actually it is the main point of the trip). It’s going to have to go on the back burner with finals coming up. I haven’t actually made a commitment to go on the trip (no money has been spent), but I am going to be ready if I do chose to go.

Little Runaway

2006-04-14T22:33:00.000-07:00

I missed my World Lit class today because I was talking to another professor for a very long time. I am surprised he didn't just kick me out. Well, eventually he had to leave and asked me to do the same, but without a kick.

It was very therapeutic. I don’t think professors make enough money. Maybe I am a little runaway and that is why I do not want to stay in the same place for too long. So I still want to transfer. I just have a better handle on the reasons behind it.

Maybe I Will Just Transfer

2006-04-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

I called MSU today and will be visiting the campus next weekend.

No Luck

2006-04-12T20:47:00.000-07:00

No luck with the school thing...not even worth blogging.

2006-04-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

Sweden is looking better and better. I still haven’t registered for fall semester. Maybe I won’t. I’m thinking Sweden for fall semester, then transfer to another school for spring semester. Good plan, huh?

Blast from the Past Writing

2006-04-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

Today in Advanced Writing, we had an in-class writing prompt that brought me back to one of my high school English teachers. I’m not sure how I got there, but it happened. After a couple of pages, I was writing about how much I miss him.

After high school graduation, I ended up visiting his classroom every time I went home. Bearing gifts and stories from BSU, I talked away his free hour. In the spring of ’04, I found out he was retiring. It created a sadness inside me that I couldn’t repair. This meant that I could no longer visit him casually at school. It would be awkward to make a run to his house for a quick chat, wouldn’t it?

Well, I don’t know if he has retired yet. I imagine he has. The last time we spoke was at a baseball game last summer. I didn’t think to ask him. Maybe I should call my old school and find out. Yes. That is exactly what I will do.

2006-04-09T19:38:00.000-07:00

Even though I am planning on Sweden for fall semester, I should still try to get a schedule together and register at BSU tomorrow...

2006-04-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

I’m going to call Vaxjo today and make arrangements for the fall semester, but because of the 7 hour difference, I have to wait until midnight. This time difference is going to be a problem. I can tell already.

Vaxjo U, Where are You?

2006-04-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

Monday, Monday. Registration officially begins on Monday. I don't have a schedule yet because I hate the one I have put together.

I was thinking that maybe I would go to Sweden for a semester. My U. offers an entire semester at Vaxjo University in the southern part of Sweden. It is an international school, so classes in English are no problem, but classes that are devoted to English are. They offer a Master's degree in Psych. through classes taught in English there, but Vaxjo does not have many classes which focus only on writing and reading English. So, maybe my major will change again...

I thought about doing Psych for about a semester shortly after I got here. As a freshman, my Intro to Psych class (Lib. Ed) went really well. Then I took Human Sexuality. It was an interesting class, but it was at 9 a.m. and I didn't have another class until noon. Yah, I didn't make it very often. Oddly, I still stuck with Psych. My Abnormal Psych class went really well. I was actually only 2 test questions away from an "A", but the prof wouldn't bugde. It wasn't all that interesting after Abnormal anyway.

When I applied to this college, I think I started with an Elementary Special Ed. major. I decided after about three weeks that I was no longer really interested, but never got around to officially declaring another major until a few weeks ago.

I thought briefly about the Social Work field. The classes were enjoyable, but whatever. It didn't work out.

International Studies was also interesting to me. I had already done the exchange program thing, so that part was taken care of. Just a few more classes would have given me a minor. This was the reason I took a year of Chinese. It was tough, but I managed and "A". Things were going well with Int'l Studies, but it just ended up falling apart. I don't really know what happened.

I actually went back to my original idea of teaching at this point. Then I spent a semester working at an elementary school in town. Bam! That dream was over.

Oh, where did I go from there? I don't know...business (can't do math)... Phy. Ed. to be a yoga instructor, then actually became a pilates instructor and realized my mistake...History (after one course on American History)...Political Science (realized I am a terrible liar and have good hair)...I don't know. There have been so many.

English might be getting closer to what I really want because I actually declared the major at the records office.

Going to Sweden will help me clear my head. Plus, I love the country. Yes, this is a good idea. Sweden it is. Good bye B-Town.

2006-04-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

No schedule yet, and I can't transfer because it is too late to apply for financial aid. That sucks.

2006-04-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

I'm really proud of myself for this. I am thinking about transferring. So, I get on the net and start looking for colleges. I get nowhere. Then it hit me. What the hell have I been doing on my blog? Duh! I have a ton of tools at my fingertips that I gathered myself!

2006-04-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, I think I am transferring schools. I hope it is not too late. I can never stay in one place too long, and I have been here for almost three years. Yuck!

Registration

2006-04-05T19:48:00.000-07:00

Well, so far I have 5 T/H classes and a 45 minute break after each one. To top that off, I only have one MWF class and it is at 3 in the afternoon. Yippy! Plus, a core class from my new major is not going to be offered in the fall, which is when it has been offered every year since I have been here.

I feel like THIS is in order.

2006-04-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

Ah...YES! Registration hell has started. The fall semester schedule is out and I have no idea what I am doing.

The Real World...B Town

2006-04-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

Remember when fighting naps, baths, and dinner were the most difficult parts of the week? Is it odd that these are now the things I generally fight for? Why would anyone want to be a grown up?

Oh, I know how they tricked me. Fairy tales. Yep. Fairy tales were stuffed into my head from the earliest stages of life. The bottom line was that everything would work out, and especially for girls because Prince Charming would come and rescue them and they would never have to do the dishes or pay the cable bill again.

What they don’t tell you is when Cinderella had a break down at the grocery store because her credit card was maxed out and she had to return each item back to the shelves. Or about how her glass slipper came from a discount shoe store and everyone at the ball secretly laughed at her.

I have a nagging suspicion that Sleeping Beauty was really just addicted to night time cold medicine. Hey, lets not let Princess Jasmine slip by. The spoiled little brat couldn’t handle her nice cozy life inside that beautiful palace, so she went slumming. And don’t think for a second that the Little Mermaid was a virgin. She traded her voice to the Sea Witch for a pair of legs to spread.

Yep, these are the real stories behind the tall tales created to calm little girls.

Well, I think I could handle a Prince Charming right about now, even if he was a Snow White-obsessed guy suffering from necrophilia, just as long as he helped ease the burden of the real world.

2006-04-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

WHY ARE DECISIONS SO DIFFICULT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!??????

2006-04-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

I guess I can’t say it is the traveling that scares me about Africa. It isn’t even the AIDS so much (the purpose of my trip is study, not pleasure), but I am really scared of Hep A, Malaria and crap like that.

Before I went to China, I had to get a bunch of shots. I needed to be prepared for everything. But when I was in China, we were in a (somewhat) controlled area. Everything was set up and planned before we got there, and everything was “safe” enough for students.

On this trip to Africa, it is a little different.

2006-04-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

Is there a Mc Donald's in Africa?

Something More

2006-04-02T21:06:00.000-07:00

Is this how I will end up in the world of English majors?

I have not actually been a waitress yet, but maybe after I graduate I will look into it. Maybe I will even learn how to flip burgers. The U.S. Dept. of Labor seems a little more positive, but not enough to ease my worries.

Unless I want to fly around the world to take a job teaching English as a second language, I guess I'm just S.O.L. Well, I have thought about it, and maybe that is where I want to go, but I want to do it because it is my choice, not because I can't get any other job.

Someone tell me it will be alright. Someone please lie to me.

This is why it is so intimidating to go to college. You spend a good chunk of change getting an education only to work at a low wage job the rest of your life trying to pay for it. There has to be something better than this.

2006-03-31T19:04:00.000-08:00

I have been announcing to everyone that I am going to Africa. I fully intend to do so, but am scared to death.

2006-03-30T09:06:00.000-08:00

I met with the professor who runs this study in Africa today. I planned on just poking my head in his office and asking a few questions, but ended up staying about an hour and a half. I asked about the some of the harmful things I could possibly encounter while in Kenya, to see if it would scare me away. I am not sure if it did or not.

Just By Chance

2006-03-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

Last week my Lit. for Young Adults class was cancelled. Unfortunately, I did not know this before I showed up for this 6pm class. I didn't have anything else to do, and had noticed a flyer for a movie showing in the main lecture room on my way to class. This movie was "The Constant Gardener," and although I'd had no previous yearning to watch it, I suddenly had 3 hours to spare on a Thursday night. Why not?

I showed up a bit late and realized I had interrupted a short pre-movie lecture. This wasn't mentioned before I got there, but I sat down and listened anyway. It wasn't as if I could leave. To my surprise, it was an interesting and informative mini-lecture on Africa.

The movie was, well, it was really good, but I wasn't attracted to the great acting or plot. I was really interested in the current situations in Africa. We always hear about what is going on in the world. We hear it so much that we often block much of it out. Maybe we are desensitized from the media's overexposure of terrible events and situations in the world. Generally, if anyone does actually get an uncontrollable urge to do good in the world, it is quickly crushed by the feeling of helplessness. What can I do? Nothing.

For some reason this movie really hit me hard. I can't say why because I really don't know. It just did. I started looking up charities to give to. Isn't that the pathetic way Americans go about helping? Pay someone else to do it.

Anyway, I couldn't get it out of my head. I wasn't even sure which professor was speaking before the movie. I knew the Political Science and Geography departments put on the movie series (it said on the poster), so I e-mailed the only Political Science prof I knew to try and come up with a name.

He didn't know much about the movies, but did have an idea about who the professor might be. He gave me a name. I didn't think he was right, but gave good old e-mail a shot. Bingo. It was him.

I found the prof and used the excuse of needing info on Africa for a paper to get the conversation going. It wasn't a lie, I needed the info, but of course I wanted to know how I could help. Turns out he does 2 trips to Africa with students. The first is a J-term trip where students ride around South Africa in air conditioned buses looking at animals and the landscape. It sounded nice, but not what I wanted. Then he mentioned a trip he takes with only 3 students. This trip is very different. He warned me that it was intense, and that he was a "hard ass." I was sold. No running water or electricity. Sounds good to me.

The real reason I want to take this trip is that the students, in order to go on the trip, must come up with a plan of action. While they are in Africa, they must do something that will make a difference. It has to mean something.

AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! I want to go!!!!!!!!!!

But this is the catch for me. The application deadline is December. That means I will have to go next year. Fine with me. The problem is that the students need to attend another semester at BSU once they have returned from Africa. If I go next year, I will have graduated. In order to attend at least one more year at BSU, I will have to apply for grad school here.

2006-03-28T12:43:00.000-08:00

I am thinking about both BSU and Minnesota State University Mankato for graduate study. Mankato is one of the few schools in Minnesota that offers an ESL degree and certificate. I was thinking I would surely stay in Minnesota, but it looks like that would really limit my options.

2006-03-26T21:04:00.000-08:00

Why are decisions so difficult? It is not like I am buying a house. It is only my 4-year degree. My options are still open.

When I opened my degree audit report, it finally had a major at the top of the page. This was so odd to me. English. English? What the hell am I going to do with English? Yes I have researched the major. I know the options after graduation, and the jobs available to English majors, but what will I do with it?

2006-03-24T21:29:00.000-08:00

OFFICIALLY DECLARED ENGLISH MY MAJOR TODAY!!!---Might change it on Monday.

2006-03-23T20:02:00.000-08:00

15 of my 18 credits this semester are English classes...Hmmm.

New Advisor, New Major

2006-03-22T18:23:00.000-08:00

Maybe it is because I am so independent. Maybe it is because he is just too busy. Whatever the reason, my advisor has not advised me since my first year at college. Just recently, an English professor offered to volunteer to be my advisor. I was so happy. I thought all of my indecisive behavioral problems would be solved. We met after class and he broke down my transcript, searched the university catalog, and came up with how many credits I need to graduate with an English major. Well, I already new that, but what was I expecting? I left his office with a lack of appreciation. I think I wanted him to choose my major for me. He didn’t do that, but he did advise me. He laid out my options and drew me a “map” so I could get to where I wanted to be. The rest is up to me. Was I expecting some kind of miracle?

After Graduation?

2006-03-21T19:26:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking more seriously about this English major. What do you do with an English major?

Grad School
(no money)
(need better grades)
(don't know where to go)

Teaching
College
High school (NEVER)
Alternative schools
English as a second language
Substitute (don't really want to put myself through that, especially if karma is involved)

Writing
Books (everyone is successful at that, yeah right)
Text books (make a fortune)
Magazines (have a hellish editor, like you always see in the movies)
Newspaper
Theater
Television (soap operas would be fun--"Next week on Greenville...Dr. Larenton's secret is revealed when he catches his son sleeping with his ex-wife's daughter's best friend in his office.")

Types of books
fiction
realistic fiction (Really boring because it is not true. If I'm not reading about real people, I want it to be crazy, not realistic)
mystery/suspense (gives me a stomach ache cuz of my nerves)
historical fiction (interesting)
sci fi (fun)
fantasy
myths
non-fiction (Boring...just kidding...less boring because you know it ACTUALLY happened)
biography
autobiography
children (fun)
adult
young adult (more fun)
this could go on forever

2006-03-20T11:55:00.000-08:00

Just a few weeks ago, one of my English professors cornered me after class and asked why I wasn't majoring in English. Well, for starters I got a "C" in Brit. Lit. II. Again, just before spring break, another professor asked why I hadn't picked a major. Then why I had not picked English.

I am beginning to think our English department is hard up for grad students.

The Best Ever Great Site

2006-03-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

I know I have already listed a few sites as the most helpful, but THIS ONE takes the cake. It doesn't matter if you are a parent of a high school student, or someone interested in grad school, this is the best site ever...by far!!!! This site guides you through some of the most difficult decisions you face with college. It will help you prepare for testing (such as the SAT's, ACT's, or even GED's), find a school, and figure out how to pay for it. Also, this site is packed full of FREE info on the schools, and the specific programs they offer.

I will do a hypothetical search and require the following of my school:

*Great Campus Life
*Women's D2 Baseball
*College Radio Station
*Dorms
*Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degrees in English
*Internships
*Work-Study
*Study Abroad
*Independent Study

This is what MY RESULTS were. I have a list of schools which includes specific info on: Location, SAT Info, ACT Info, Tuition, Entrance Difficulty, Enrollment, and the option of getting more free info. WOW! This is great.

2006-03-19T20:41:00.000-08:00

Go to different university sites and poke around a bit to get info. Make sure to stop by the pages dedicated to your specific major.
For example:
Kansas State U
California State U-Northridge
Idaho State U
Minnesota State U-Mankato

English

2006-03-19T20:40:00.000-08:00

New major this week...English.

I have been dreading doing this one because I think it is what I really want, but am afraid to go for.

2006-03-16T23:17:00.000-08:00

The reason I picked this major to discuss is not because I have a huge interest in declaring Phy. Ed. as my major, but I think it brings up some serious issues. For a long time I have put up with "Fat American" jokes from foreign students. Americans are as aware of the problem as the rest of the world. Why is nothing being done? It is not just being overweight, but an all around lack of awareness about good health.

There are so many health tips that seem simple, but people still refuse to follow them.

For example, cardio workouts are not just for people who like to exercise, or the sporty types. They are a requirement for everyone to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. And women are more at risk for heart disease than men.

Exercise does not equal torture. You can do many things to exercise. One thing to think about is whether you can do it on your own or not. Try going for walks with friends. If that doesn't work, get a dog and walk it.

Don't waste your time on miracle diets. They will most likely do more harm than good in the long term. My grandmother always said, "Diet is die with a t." Don't start with such a negative, self defeating idea. If dieting (which shouldn't be called dieting really, just eating healthy) is too difficult for you with the counting calories and such, just ask yourself if your body NEEDS what you are putting into it. It gives you a new take on health. Don't think in terms of what you can and can't have. Don't say what is good or bad. Just ask yourself if your body needs it. How will it be broken down once inside your body?

Crawl before you walk. Really. This seems so simple, but if you decide to start taking your health seriously, you can't just go out and run for half an hour. You literally have to walk until your body gets used to it, then start running.

Don't eat late at night. I know everyone has heard this, but who really listens? What will your body do with the calories you take in? Just don't do it.

Talk to your doctor.

If you do decide to take a Physical Education as a major, think of the lives you will change. It will broaden your perspective on health. Best of all, you will learn life skills that you can pass on to others.

Perfect Major Quiz

2006-03-15T14:10:00.000-08:00

Everyone has taken some kind of personality quiz or something like that, which only tells them what they already know. Here is another one to try. The best part is that it is free and you don't need to provide an e-mail address to get your results.

What is your perfect major? At QuizFarm

Don't take it too seriously. It's just for fun.

2006-03-15T13:51:00.000-08:00

Think being an elementary phy. ed. teacher is all there is to majoring in physical education? Think again. This writer has a few ideas on the subject. Check them out HERE . It's pretty much everything you need to know about Phy. Ed. majors, and some helpful links.

2006-03-14T20:40:00.000-08:00

Majoring in physical education will open the doors to occupations other than teaching phy. ed. Don't just take my word for it. Take a look at your local universities. No matter what your major, go on college visits. Go on many college visits. You will get a feel for the area and the people, not just the education. This is a huge part in choosing a college. You have to like where you are, not just the majors the schools offer. Take a day to experience the town. Go to the stores. Find out where people hang out and what they do for fun. You won't be studying the entire time. You will most likely find what you are looking for in a major at many schools. What will set these schools apart is visiting the campuses.

2006-03-14T20:36:00.000-08:00

If you are thinking of going into physical education, you might want to consider taking courses in biology, and other sciences as well as taking an active part in sports during high school.

Career directions include:
Coaching
Training
Education
Specialist

Physical Education

2006-03-12T20:21:00.000-08:00

Yep, Physical Education. This is the topic of choice this week.

2006-03-10T13:22:00.000-08:00

Americans tend to either blow off their ancestry or blow it out of proportion with pride. If you ask someone, they will most likely say they don't know, or list off their heritage in rapid fire mode. It is important to know where you came from. If you don't know that, how do you know where you are going? I'm not sure who coined that phrase, so I can't give it proper credit.

Talk to your parents, or better yet, talk to your grandparents. Ask them where they came from and what your family members have experienced. They have so much knowledge from experiences they have gone through in life. It is hard to imagine until you start to question them about it. Do you know where they were when Kennedy was shot? I bet they do, and they can give you an amazingly vivid account of it.

I know that my ancestors came from Ireland and Germany, mostly. While talking to my grandfather, I found out that our relatives arriving in the U.S. from Ireland dropped the prefix "Mc" from our last name to sound more American. Americans didn't like the Irish and that was one way they tried to survive.

I want to know my heritage, and study where I came from. I want to discover the countries my ancestors came from. It will help me discover who I am, and lead me to where I am going.

Language Schools International

2006-03-08T23:06:00.000-08:00

Although chances are if you are going to an international school, you will have no trouble using only English. If you are interested in other languages, here is a link to a great site on studying abroad and foreign languages.

Language Schools International

The Upper Hand

2006-03-07T20:24:00.000-08:00

Give yourself the upper hand when entering the world of work. You have always been told to be involved at college. Join student senate. Join an intramural sport. Do something that you can put on your resume. Do anything.

What do you think having studied Liaoning University in China will do for your job searching? It is not just the fact that you have been to another country that makes this look so good.

* First, you are able to function in a completely different culture. Living in harmony with foreign students proves you can get along with others, no matter what your differences might be. Plus, no one likes Americans. So if you make friends, double plus for you.

* You can take care of yourself in strange and unusual places. If you can make it to a grocery store and be even at least half successful at finding food you can eat, that says something about you. Yes, that is a good thing.

* You are adventurous. Flying around the world to a new and different place takes a lot of guts. Flying period might be tough for you.

* You laugh in the face of a challenge. Who knows what you might or might not encounter? Goat’s guts for dinner? Yum. Of course, if you get lonely for the good ol’ U.S. there will most likely be a McDonalds around the corner no matter what country you are in.

* You overcame culture shock. If you made it home without breaking the law, good for you. If you made it home without pissing someone off, you are lying.

Seriously now, studying in another country can be very rewarding in many ways. It will change your life, and how you view the world. If I could make one thing a requirement for college students, it would be to visit another country before they graduate (and spring break in Cancun doesn’t count).

Finding an International University

2006-03-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

It can get a little frustrating searching for sites on universities in other countries. First of all, remember to add "international" to your search. This will usually guarantee a site in English. Next, don't click on the advertised sites on the right bar. They generally don't bring you where you want to go. Of course, I have made a list of links to international universities, and sites to help you find an international university.

Also, college students should check out their international program centers. Most universities are going to offer some study abroad programs. If you are less adventurous, try that first. Usually, your school will take care of the more complicated things such as tickets, transportation, meals and such. All you need is the money. If you want to do it on your own, go ahead and check out some of the sites I have listed.

General Study Abroad Sites
ISA
BCA
The International Education Site
Academic Programs International

My Picks
for international schools
Vaxjo University is an international school in Southern Sweden. Vaxjo offers several courses and even Master's level education in English.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Other
European University
Schiller University has campuses in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France and Switzerland.
International University in Germany
Australian International University
Study in Italy
University of Oulu is in Northern Finland. I love Oulu.

I cannot even come close to listing even the tiniest fraction of all the international universities in the world. That is part of what makes international studies so interesting. You can practically go anywhere, and study just about anything. Just pick a country and you will usually find a university to attend. Go ahead, start looking.

International Studies doesn't just look great on your resume, it is a chance to engage in another culture. You can study a new culture while experiencing it first hand. Reading about a country will never do it justice. Go there! Check it out for yourself. It will be a life changing experience.

International Studies

2006-03-05T15:48:00.000-08:00

Thank God it is Sunday. Music is not for me. Another week, another major. Here we go.

The new major this week is International Studies. This is going to be so interesting to research.

2006-03-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

I don't really need to do any more research to know that I have no future in music, but I will stay with it until Sunday because that is what I have promised

The Disappearing Act

2006-03-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

The schools are alive with the sound of music.

Well, not any more.We have all heard that funding for programs in schools is being cut. Of course, you can't get rid of history or math, so the programs that are disappearing tend to be music programs. Is this just a sad loss, or does music play a more important role in the lives of students?

Save the Music

Getting More Info

2006-03-01T22:36:00.000-08:00

If nothing inmy past entries is really working for you, check out my sidebar. It has some links for more general search options. Also, if you are in high school, your high school counselor has plenty of information on colleges. It is part of their job, and many student forget that. If you haven't yet, make an appointment and see what they have to offer. It might surprise you. Also, remember that every college wants you as a potential student. I am not saying that you will be able to get into any college you want, but you will most likely be able to get as much free info as you want. Just start contacting colleges, and your mailbox will be overflowing with letters and packets from all over the U.S.

Music Lessons

2006-02-28T19:07:00.000-08:00

I have no musical talent. I enjoy music, but have no talent. The music of my heart is all that can keep a beat in this body.

For people like me who will most likely never ever major in music, there is a bright side. Many schools offer individual music lessons for students. These can be taken as a class, but it would be an arranged class, one on one with the prof. Isn't it nice to know there won't be a whole lot of other students to laugh at you? Most colleges offer at least the basic guitar lessons, voice lessons, and piano lessons. The best part about this is that you will get credits for it. Sometimes you just need a few credits for graduation and this is the perfect way to get them, and have fun doing it. So you can live in the world of karaoke machines forever, or you actually learn something about music. Remember, you get credits for it.

2006-02-27T23:04:00.000-08:00

It is safe to say that you will not get your musical start on American Idol. Yah, it seems to have paid off for Kelly Clarkson, but I doubt anything other than hurt feelings from a tongue lashing by Simon, and a permanent complex about music will ever come of it.

Try these schools instead:

McNally Smith Self Proclaimed Top Music School

I picked these schools not because they were well known for their music programs, but for the music scholarships they award:
These links will actually take you to the music scholarship pages on the university websites.
UMD
Central Missouri State U.
Univeristy of Texas-Austin
McNally Smith
The University of South Dakota
University of Memphis

~~~~~~~~~~

Musical Career Directions

2006-02-26T18:05:00.000-08:00

Career directions with a Music major:

Musician...Rockstar...Diva

Ok, more seriously now:
* Business
* Education
* Conductor, Composer, Performer
* Grad Study
* Vocalist

Recommended Pre College Courses

* Choir
* Band
* Well, anything music related

Also, maintain all around good grades to keep your options open while looking at schools.

join a musical

2006-02-26T17:42:00.000-08:00

Yep, it is Sunday. I don't need to drag this out. My new topic is going to be MUSIC.

Florida State University College of Law

2006-02-24T17:09:00.000-08:00

FSU College of Law. This is an environmental, natural resources, and land use law program. Of course, this is a college of LAW. Law is very important to people in the environmental science fields.

This will take you directly to the course page. Check out the classes. See what its like.

Pollution...Blah, Blah, Blah

2006-02-23T13:32:00.000-08:00

en·vi·ron·men·tal·ist
Function: noun
1 : an advocate of environmentalism
2 : one concerned about environmental quality especially of the human environment with respect to the control of pollution
~Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary

environmentalist
n : someone who works to protect the environment from destruction or pollution [syn: conservationist]
~WordNet

environmentalist
noun [C] a person who is interested in or studies the environment and who tries to protect it from being damaged by human activities
~Cambridge Dictionary

Obviously, you know what an environmentalist is. Now take a look at the last definition given. “Who tries to protect it from being damaged by human activities.” BINGO. Environmentalists aren’t concerned about excessive pollution by elephants. Humans cause the pollution. Humans are the ones destroying the environment. It is so intriguing to study the environment because of the unnatural activities of humans. No other animal destroys its environment like this.

Do you know how whales become beached? It is not because they are looking for a tan.

Check out some of the info on water pollution, air pollution, and sound pollution.

Wendy's Blog

2006-02-21T22:53:00.000-08:00

I don't know, I just found this. Wendy's Blog

Your Ecological Footprint

2006-02-21T22:42:00.000-08:00

Take this quiz and find out what your ecological footprint is. Well, how many planets we would need if everyone in the world lived like you. Don't get it?
Click here and find out. This is all thanks to the Earth Day Network.

Environmental Studies Begins

2006-02-21T22:17:00.000-08:00

Ok, majoring in environmental studies does not mean you will forever spend your days throwing your body in front of rainforest destroying machines. You don't have to start growing all your own food, or donating your car to charity.

There are many things you can go into with this major:
* Natural Resource Specialist
* Researcher
* Engineering Technician
* Hydrogeolist

And many more things. This could be exciting.

High school preparation should be focused on Biology (obviously), Chemistry, Law (you really need to know about this stuff), Math, Physics, Politics, Social Science. If you don't like biology and chemistry, and you don't recycle, maybe you might not want to go into this. It is not just because you don't recycle, but if you don't care enough to know how important it is to recycle, your passion for this field might be lacking.

The majority of people I meet don't care about the environment because they do not understand how serious a problem we have. Here is a list of sites with info on the environment. It is very difficult to find a non biased site about the world's environmental problems. You need to pay attention to what company is supporting each site, or where the money comes from. Well, here are a few sites. Make your own decisions:

One World
EPA
Science Direct
UNEP
National Geographic
WWF
Nature Serve
Environmental News Service
Ecology and Environment

Good luck

2006-02-21T22:15:00.000-08:00

I missed my People and the Environment class today...I finally caught the nasty cold everyone else had all winter...just my luck.

2006-02-20T07:57:00.000-08:00

I have never really been interested in environmental studies. Never. I put off the People and the Environment requirement until this year. Hey, I recycle. Is that not enough?

The People and the Environment class is group taught for the main lecture part, and then broken up into about 5 smaller sections, each having its own professor. During my first small group lecture, it took all I had to not roll my eyes at the professor. He is, by far, the most passionate one in this group.

We are about 7 weeks into the class now, and I am seeing my values and ideas about the environment starting to make a dramatic change. We will see where this goes.

Environmental Studies

2006-02-19T13:27:00.000-08:00

Every week (on Sunday) I will be selecting a new major to discuss. I got a late start on Computer Science, so it was cut short a bit. Too bad. Ok, it is Sunday, and the new major of the week will be...

Environmental Studies

Onveon (limited, but give it a try)

2006-02-18T18:02:00.000-08:00

This has been one of the best sites to work with in searching for schools.
It is super easy, just:
* specify state or online campus
* area of study
* specialty
* type of degree you are hoping to earn

You also have the option to select 'all' for any category. Click 'search for colleges' and you will be directed to a list of colleges meeting your criteria with a short description of each school. You can also search for colleges in popular destinations such as New York, Florida or Hawaii. One problem with this is that a majority of my results came up as online schools, and ITT Tech seemed to be the result for many different searches (it was one of the Featured schools). If that doesn't bother you, go ahead and check it out. You can also request free info from schools.

2006-02-18T17:47:00.000-08:00

I've been checking some online schools for C.S. programs, but you have to give them information about yourself before you even enter the sites. So, I decided not to, but I will make a list of links for you:

DeVry University
University of Phoenix
Minnesota School of Business Globe College
Brown College
Hamilton College

Here is a link to U.S. News. You actually have to buy their complete list of top schools, but there is some info on the site for free.

Computers, Computers Everywhere

2006-02-17T21:08:00.000-08:00

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “computer software engineers are projected to be one of the fastest-growing occupations from 2004 to 2014.” Good for you. Many occupations do not provide the comfort of knowing that a job will be available to you after graduation.

I want to stress that Computer Science does not mean you will sit and fix broken computers all day, although, as we know, I have grown to appreciate those who do. Computers are everywhere, not just in the computer labs you frequent, or on your computer desk at home. They appear everywhere from your local bakery to the hospital. The bus stop and your favorite baseball stadium have both benefited from computer technology, and it doesn’t end there.

This field is huge. Think about how many times you come into contact with a computer of some sort each day. Now think about a day where you don’t. I’m not just talking about turning your cell off for the day, or even doing an assignment without your laptop, but really avoiding all computers. It is almost no longer possible.

What would the world be like without computers? How would we survive? Really. I’m not just talking about communication. I could handle a week without social software, but also transportation. Well, you might not die without that, but how about purification of food and water, or even growing food? Most importantly, health care. Can you imagine health care without computers? Learn the Importance of Wearable Computers in Health Care. Entire companies have been built on these products. Although minor ailments would perhaps be handled well by a doctor alone, I would definitely not be having any surgeries without computers.

Humans are depending more and more on computers. Remind yourself of the widespread panic caused by the mere thought of Y2K. Our fears, as is usually the case, were a waste of time. But if it had happened, how would our world look today? How would people be protected, secured, defended, safeguarded? It is possible for humans to live without computers. Of course it has happened. The past that got us to where we are today had been computer free for a long time. But our society has now grown dependent on them. If some great power were to just pull the plug, without allowing any plan of action to develop, if would be more than a disaster.

Choosing this major is taking a part in a huge factor in our future. Many people cringe at this idea. Others claim that computers have no use in the world (I don’t know these people, but I have read about them). Whether people like it or not, our society is becoming more and more dependant on computers. But it isn’t limited to C.S. majors. This also has an influence on most other majors. You don’t have to major in computer science to have a hand in it, but if you never settled for just sitting on the sidelines, or if merely using these new technologies were not enough, go ahead and jump in. Take up computer science and become part of one of the next fastest growing occupations in the U.S. and quite possibly, the world.

Thank You

2006-02-17T18:36:00.000-08:00

I have spent more time fighting, and I do mean fighting, with my computer than most people would ever tolerate. By now, if this computer had any other owner, even a C.S. major, it would be out the window. I don't understand why anyone would want to work with computers. Typing a bit, or checking something on the internet is about all I could handle for a job.

Although this is not what all C.S. majors (or even most of them) do, I want to thank the ones who do. This is my official thank you to anyone who has taken the time to learn enough about computers to help others.

Thank you

Thank you for solving my “no connection,” “error #3432323KWXl,” “program not found,” “program failed,” “application failed,” “document not found.” The freeze ups, the shut downs, the crashes, and the let downs.

Thank You

Thank you for fixing my slow computer, when I am at my wit’s end with Spyware removing programs. “Action not allowed.” Thank you for recovering my data. "Virus found." Thank you for showing me ‘Safe Mode.’

Thank You

Thank you for attending four years of college to obtain a degree that many cringe at. Thank you for not partying and going to tests drunk, because I need you to tell me why I can’t get updates. Thank you for putting up with psycho babble professors. The ones that weed out the weak. Thank you for walking to class when you couldn’t find an open parking spot. Thank you. Thank you for buying expensive books. Thank you for making it, and for getting hired somewhere. I hope you have been compensated by good pay. There should be a tip jar for you, or even a %25 gratuity fee.

Thank you

No Interview

2006-02-16T18:42:00.000-08:00

Alright,
I was planning, at this point, on posting an interview with a guy who is majoring in Computer Science, but he backed out. He is too busy with homework. So that should say something in itself about the major.

A Quick View

2006-02-15T17:34:00.000-08:00

The first major I will attack is Computer Science. Just general computer science. Many majors allow you opportunities in various fields of work. Computer Science allows variation, but mostly working with computers ….Duh. Ok, here is a list of career directions:

* Computer Programming
* Systems Analysis
* Application Programmer
* Software Engineer
* CIS, Computer Information Systems
* Information Center Specialist

Of course, if you do not wish to be done with the world of Academia, you can always go on to graduate study.

This is a list of the top schools with Computer Science majors. Top Schools I am not sure how reliable this is, believe it at your own risk.

If you don't find anything of assistance there, check here. This site allows you to search for schools offering tech degrees by state or zip code.

Here are a few links to colleges I would suggest checking out:
Dartmouth
University of North Dakota

High school students interested in this major should focus on Mathematics such as Algebra, Geometry, Trig, and Calc. They will most likely be prerequisites to college classes. Of course it would help to have a healthy background in computers.

And always, if in doubt, consult the hole-y writings

The Start

2006-02-14T19:36:00.000-08:00

Upon completing his first half of kindergarten, my 5-year-old cousin, C, threatened to quit school. I paid him a visit over my winter break after he vowed not to return to school. Our conversation went something like this:

Me: Hey, buddy. How do you like your teacher?

C: She is a witch.

Me: Oh. Well, how is school going? You’ve got some nice friends, and your
teacher's helper is cute.

C: Yah, I’m going to marry her and buy her a helicopter.

Me: I’m sure you need to go to school to see her.

C: I hate school and I’m not going back!

At this point I changed direction a bit.

Me: Well, what do you plan to be when you grow up?

C: A teacher.

Me: Hmmm…I am pretty sure you have to go to school for that.

C: Really?

Me: Yep, good thing you’ve got so many years left.

C: I don’t want to be a teacher. I want to be a lion.

Me: Well, in that case, good luck with the teacher thing.

Ok, so we do have to keep going to school, and becoming a lion is not an option unless you want to wear a curly wig and fake tale while accompanying a group of misfits down a yellow brick road. Along with eating our vegetables and washing our hair, this is something our parents controlled. But we have graduated high school and successfully entered our college years now. This time, we have to decide. What are you going to be?

I am in my 6th semester (8 will get you a 4 year degree), and I have no idea what I want to do with my life. Well, the life part is under control, but deciding a major and choosing an occupation is a bit out of my reach at this point. This is kind of important.

People laugh it off when they here this, claiming that they also have no idea what to do. Do they care what they do? In Life Career Planning class I’m not sure if half the students showed up. Maybe they weren’t ready to choose. I’m not, but I have to. College is too costly to just hang out for a few more years. Besides, I am poor and stressed, and this needs to end! So, this is it. This is my dedication to choosing a major. By the end of this semester I will have declared something. My indecisive behavior will grind to a halt and I will be ready to graduate at the top of my class only to go on to be a rat again in the real world. Optimism is key here…

blah

2006-02-14T19:23:00.000-08:00

blah