Making Memories

Another Year Gone

2010-07-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

I know our parents always say that time flys as you get older, but as each year of college passes I come to the harsh realization that this saying is all too true. I have grown so much this year both academically and personally and can hardly believe that I only have one semester left in my college career!

The prospect of graduation is both terrifying and exciting. But rather than face that onslaught of emotion and planning right now, I plan to have a fairly relaxing summer.....my last as a *free* student! lol :) I'm moving into a new one bedroom apartment at the end of finals week and will be hanging out here in G-town mostly.

But hey! If your in town for a campus tour request me as your tour guide at the Visitors Center! ^_^ I love meeting prospective students and as you can tell, have tons of stories and memories to share about my own college experience.

This is my last post for the school year....but be sure to check-in in August to hear all about my summer! Until then!

Ciao!

For the love of learning

2010-03-11T21:31:00.000-08:00

Hi all! I'm sorry I haven't updated you on life here at UNC in quite some time. It's been a little hectic for me between classes and work at the Visitors Center (I might see some of you if you visit!).

On that note classes have been going really well! I've been really immersing myself in learning and have been unearthing new nuggets of knowledge every day.

I know some of you are thinking that's why you go to college right? Well, yes. But that's not always what happens. College is often full of distractions. A lot of distractions. Sometimes staying focused is hard and that's why I love classes that remind you of why you came in the first place--to learn!

One reason I've been enjoying myself is because I'm learning about topics that are important to me. Check out this video we discussed in my political science class the other day and see what you think!

New ideas, new paths

2010-02-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted to study abroad. But unfortunately thought about doing so too late in my college career for it to actually happen. Until this week. It dawned on me that I could go abroad this summer and finish my degree! I'm not sure how this thought came about but for now I'm going with it. I have a meeting with the Center for International Education next week to go over my options!!! I can't wait to see if this random idea can actually become a reality.

On top of that I'm also getting my grad check done next week. Apparently at college you have to declare your intention to graduate....kinda like, "OK! Think I'll go through with this now!" haha it just kinda cracks me up. Kinda thought that was the whole point of going to college -- to graduate. :) But they will also let me know if I'm missing anything major. Which is super important. I've known a lot of people who couldn't graduate because SURPRISE! you still need one more class! So I'm avoiding that and getting my grad check now!

And last but not least, I'm also meeting with Career Services next week. I'll be discussing with them the possibility of going into the Peace Corps. This, too, is something I have never thought about doing until this week. It's like suddenly I have all these different ideas about what to do with my life after college....because really it is coming on so fast!

I'm at a crossroads yet again. I have a lot of decisions to make and the path in front of me both terrifies and thrills me! I'll definitely keep you guys posted.

Ciao for now <3

UFC & Me

2010-01-26T20:04:00.000-08:00

Hi guys! So I must gush -- I GOT TO MEET SHANE CARWIN!!!!!! =-D (that's me being super excited!) Now for those of you who don't know, Shane Carwin is the #1 heavyweight contender in UFC. And he happens to be an assistant (but more like guest) coach for UNC's wrestling team. So here's the story. I knew Carwin was going to be at the UNC vs. North Dakota wrestling dual which was perfect because I was alreadly planning on going to the tournament anyways. Wrestling is my favorite sport! I talked to of my girl-friends into coming along and I'm so glad I went. The dual was so intense...we as a team only lost by 4 points and man I wasn't the only one on my feet screaming for our guy to not give up. Talk about intense! That's what I love about it! And then to top off a great meet I got to meet Shane Carwin and get his autograph for my brother who is a wrestler in high school. On the autograph picture he wrote "Dream big! Knock 'em out!" :)I was all grins and am definitely going to be going to more of the wrestling tournaments so be looking out for more stats and pics! Here's the ones of Carwin and I!

Book Smarts

2010-01-14T19:11:00.000-08:00

The first week of Spring semester is almost done. I must admit it's really nice to come back to my apartment and all my crazy friends after being at home for break. In my junior year, this place truly has become my second home. And it feels good to be back.

Now about school! I'm super excited for the classes I'm taking this semester because I'm FINALLY done with my LAC's (liberal arts core) or general education classes! WOOT!!!! (yes that was totally necessary -- trust me! :) ) All my classes are 300 and 400 level and the discussions are so engaging I find myself enjoying class already and looking forward to the rest of the semester. As long as I can keep up with all the reading I have to do I think this will be a good, productive semester.

Speaking of books.....I had to buy about ten books. Now, as any college student knows, this usually puts a hefty dent in your wallet which is pretty small to begin with! What many incoming students who've never had to dump hundreds of dollars into books don't realize is that there are major ways to save big! So I shall let you all in on the secrets of saving some mooolah.

Although we have a bookstore on campus, and a bargain bookstore not two seconds away, the best way to save is online shopping. I personally recommend half.com. For those of you who've never had to buy online, don't fear! All it requires is a little shopping around and a debit/credit card. So don't be afraid to look around. If you absolutely need to buy books from the bookstore try to go earlier before the crowd rush, or even preorder your books from the bookstore, and always buy used!

My personal trick of the trade though is to wait to buy books until after the first day in class or even the first week if you can. By doing this I've been able to gage by the syllabus if I will even need the books (yes, sometimes professors cruely make you buy that $150 book that you use as a dust collector). Also, if some of my friends are in the same classes I'll usually go 50/50 with them on the books (don't suggest if your friends are unreliable!)

Hope that helps a bit when you get to UNC! I'm now off to put a dent in my list of reading homework that is fastly growing. Happy reading!

Ciao for now!

Goodbye 2009 Hello 2010!

2010-01-06T14:16:00.000-08:00

The end of the semester was......dreadful. As most finals weeks usually are thus far in my college career. I was nonetheless undaunted a trudged through finals week. What usually gets me through that week is knowing that by the end of it I will be safely home where no tests can touch me! =) This semester finals week was not too extremely bad and I've come to expect the usual day and night studying and binge eating to supress the stress.

Once safely home though, I was able to breathe and reflect on this last semester. I realized that I was somewhat overworked and I know this definitely affected my time devoted to classes and therefore my grades. As I went through this semester it didn't seem particularly difficult or different than any others. But now that I'm through it an on the other side, I see that I did wear myself out and stretch myself to the limit. I'm proud for making it through without breaking, but determined to focus on this coming Spring semester being better. And by better I mean less chaotic, stressful and unrelenting.

So here's to making it through 2009, and another semester at UNC, and looking forward to 2010 - another year of living life to its fullest as I enter my Senior year!

Ciao for now!

Being Stress-Free

2009-12-01T21:36:00.001-08:00

The week before finals; usually one of the most stressful but somehow I have managed to stave off the stress! Either that or it just hasn’t hit yet. Lol I really hope it doesn’t. I’ve decided to take one day at a time because I’ve learned that if you don’t do that time and stress becomes overwhelming. And really what is the point of stressing and worrying? That only slows down productivity and maximization of time. I know I sound oober nerdy right now, but hey! These are words of wisdom!! Haha ☺ Included in that I will just add – PLANNER and STICKY NOTES rock!

I just got out of my social dance class final which was totally awesome. My group did this funky dance routine to the song Weapon of Choice by Fat Boy Slim. It was a blast! I’m so glad I took that class this semester – it was my “fun” class for the semester and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend it for anyone just looking to learn a few more dance moves or wanting to shake some stress away.

Speaking of dance – I think I’m going to go have a random dance party with my neighbor girl-friends! Happy December!!!!

Ciao for now!

Crazy weekends = Best memories ever!

2009-11-16T18:46:00.000-08:00

This weekend was such a blast! I threw a birthday party for my roommate on Friday which actually turned out to be perfect. I always end up being the party planner for my group of girlfriends and sometimes things just don’t turn out like you plan them. But my roomie had a blast and it was nice for once to be able to hang out with a small group of friends then with a house packed with people. Happy Birthday Krista!! <3>

On Saturday I convinced a few friends to go with me to see the theater department’s version of Serse (Xerxes), an Italian opera by Handel. I went more to see our school’s only countertenor sing than for the opera (which I was almost too tired to make through!). Hearing him sing was definitely worth it!! He sings higher than any girl I have ever heard – it’s pretty impressive. The opera itself was interesting as well and some of the characters were so entertaining! One girl was a jealous sister who was over-the-top dramatic and absolutely hilarious –what’s even funnier is the minute she walked on stage one of my friends leaned over and whispered to all of us, “That’s Jess!” I am so not that dramatic – trust me! ;-)

Walking home from the three hour (yes! 3 long hours) opera we were greeted with an amazing snow wonderland! The snowflakes were perfect –big and fluffy and probably stuck to our coats and hair more than the ground. It was absolutely gorgeous…unfortunately I was walking home in boots with heels so my mind was more focused on my feet not falling out from under me. Hey. Heels are an essential in life and when you live in Colorado you just get used to certain sacrifices to wear them! But I will have you know I made it home alive, without falling down once no-less! That takes skill I’m pretty sure.

Sunday morning I slept in until noon….it’s a necessary luxury every once in awhile, especially in college! It was so cold outside and so cozy that I didn’t want to get out of bed all day. But my lovely neighbors and roomie decided we should all go play in the snow. I wasn’t convinced personally but after a few threats decided it would be in my best interest to join them. All sarcasm aside, I’m glad I did! We made snow angels, had a snow ball fight, took tons of pictures, and laid in the snow looking at the frosted over trees. It was blissful….ok and super freezing! But totally worth it.

Weekends like this are memories that I will treasure forever. College is about more than just your studies and getting a degree. It’s about friends who become more like your dysfunctional, crazy second family. It’s about being proud of your roommate and celebrating life. It’s about not being afraid to be a kid again and giggle more than your stomach can handle! College is about living life now and not regretting a single minute of it!

Ok…now I must put on my warm fuzzy socks, grab my mittens and brave the 19 degree weather on my walk to work. Coffee might be necessary. Gotta love Colorado!

Hope you have a great week!

Welcome to my blog!

2009-11-16T18:42:00.000-08:00

Hi! I’m Jess and I’m really excited to share a lil bit about my life here at UNC with you through this blog. Just a few tidbits about me: I’m a junior here at UNC and transferred here from college in Missouri I went to as a freshman. No…I’m not from Missouri! I’m from Colorado, born and raised! Just had to get away after high school which I’m sure some of you understand. J I decided to come back to Colorado for many reasons one being that I had decided to change my major. I am now majoring in Journalism with an emphasis in news editorial. I have two minors in music and political science. I know it sounds like a lot but really it just happened to work out that way and I’m happy I get the opportunity to study so many different things that I am actually interested in. I’m here as an asset for you so if you have any questions whatsoever about college in general and about life here at UNC please feel free to ask me! Dorm life, roommate questions, food fears (I promise UNC’s is amazing!), figuring out your major, complicated parents – I’ve totally been there! And made it through that crazy exciting time in life so now I want to help you! I hope you enjoy my blog and look forward to cluing you into this crazy thing we call college life.

Ciao for now!