This summer hasn't felt all that eventful. When I take a second to think about it, though, I realize I actually have had a pretty interesting summer.
After working at Rite Aid for a bit, I learned that retail is not, I repeat not, for me. So I did what I knew would make me feel more comfortable for the short amount of time that I will be in Battle Creek: Go back to the day care. Going back has definitely been challenging. I can't believe I only have about five more weeks with my class. I am throwing a goodbye party. I might be back for break though.
I have taken a few trips to EMU. One trip was for an interview with dining services, once to talk to an honors advisor and to sign up for honors classes, and the other was for a tour and to talk to a general ed advisor.
Instead of going to B.93 Birthday Bash, I went up north to see some of my favorite people. Basically Allie, Logan, and myself traveled up to Charlevoix and then Carissa joined us and we went up to some campground in the U.P. I don't remember the camp name, but we got to stay in a cabin and it was awesome. The first night I am pretty sure we just went straight to bed. We got there after 2 AM. So the next morning we got up and Carissa's family was so kind and provided us with breakfast! Then we went on the search for a bugless beach. Guess what. That's impossible. THERE WERE SO MANY BUGS. Oh my gosh. I thought I was drowning in bug. Anyways, we ended up finding a nice little spot to have our picnic. Then we went to a nifty spring where we were surprised by NICOLE! She is so amazing. The spring was beautiful. Then we went downtown and walked around. On the way back to the campground we stopped a few times to take fun pictures and walk to a lighthouse. When we finally got back to the cabin we played poker and watched "Keeping Up With the Kardashians." The most awesome part is that I got Allie, who is on the road to recovery from her third knee surgery, to actually WATCH the show! She is a Khloe lover. The next morning we went fishing! This was my first time and I caught so much! Only one fish I caught was edible. It was so much fun though! Then we headed back down. Shockingly enough, that trip up north was way cheaper than Birthday Bash. And it was more fun.
I see Logan a lot. I don't think we have gone three weekends without seeing each other this summer. This is amazing compared to our usual two months. Oh my gosh. Last time he was here he slept on the floor! I still can't believe it. Ugh. Boys. We have done a few things. We have gone to our first wedding together. We road tripped. He rafted with my family. We sat around all day watching TV/Movies. It has been such a nice alternative to what the usual school year consists of.
I took summer classes! This isn't that big of a deal. I am only taking 7 credits (four of them are physical education classes) but I am really love school and I am so appreciative that I had the chance to take these classes. Statistics is amazing. SERIOUSLY. If anyone has to take a math class at KCC, try to take it with Anderson. He is incredible. He nearly had me convinced I should actually take more math classes. I'm not going to, but he almost got me.
I went on a family "rafting" trip. We just went down the Kalamazoo River. We started in Ceresco (near the post office) and ended in Bridge Park. It was pretty fun. While everyone was relaxing in their tubes, I kayaked. Kayaking was awesome.
<3
Monday, April 20, 2015
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Pre Semester Goals
"I want good grades."
"I am going to apply for an internship."
"I am going to get a job on campus."
"I am going to build a connection with my advisor or professor."
"I am going to..."
Anyone can say they are going to do something over a semester, but it takes a special type of person to be able to set a goal and follow through. For most of you, the school year has already begun. If you're like me, you are impatiently awaiting the third of September to rip open that saran wrap on your textbooks and obsessively use your beautiful Lilly planner. Since that is me, I figure it is time to make my goals. Those four statements up above may "look" like goals, but they are really not. I am very particular when it comes to goal setting. You need three parts: a statement of improvement, a process, then an end result. Throughout this blog I am going to show you an example of my process, show you my semester goals, then provide some tips on how to stick with them throughout the semester.
There are two ways to come up with goals; you can either look into your past or your future. So looking into your past means to look at past semesters and see where improvement could have been made. So maybe you didn't study as much as your should have or perhaps you got a D- (god forbid) and need to retake that class. Looking into the future entails thinking about what you want your end result to be. This could be having a good relationship with the professor or passing with an A. For the example, I am going to look into the future. I will start with a very broad, can apply to anyone, type of example. My statement of improvement is that I want to study more. Your statement should be broad, and realistic to complete in one semester (unless you are making academic year goals.) A few examples of statements can clearly be seen at the top of this post.
Step two would be figuring out the process. This can be as detailed as you want it to be. So back to our example. I want to study more. This is when you brainstorm. I have already brainstormed for you. You're welcome. In order to complete this goal I will plan studying time, keep track of how many hours I study a week, have one night (3 hours) that I spend in the library a week, and attend a study group at least once a week. So now that I have my process it doesn't mean that it is set in stone. Say that there isn't a study group in any of the classes and you are not in the position to make one, in that case you can cross that off your list and put more focus on the other process ideas. Do not be afraid to edit! I am serious. Don't.
Step three, the end result. This could be super similar to your statement. This is basically a less broad version. So you want to study more? A great end result would be something like "study thirty hours a week." See how we started with a very broad statement then narrowed it down to what we want to see by the end of the semester? This is how every goal should be. Now that you understand the way to make goals, I can share my personal goals with you.
Goal 1
Statement: Study more.
Process: Schedule study time. Keep track of study hours. Spend at least, but not limited to, three hours in a night at the library once a week. Join any study groups.
End result: Study 30 hours per week by the end of the semester.
Goal 2
Statement: Start a solid GPA foundation.
Process: Go to professor office hours. Keep school work organized. Keep up with goal one. Take advantage of any resources you can.
End result: Have a GPA of 3.8 or higher.
Goal 3
Statement: Get involved on and off campus.
Process: Go through sorority recruitment. Take advantage of any honors opportunities.
End result: Be part of a chapter and end the semester with at least 15 volunteer hours.
So you've made your goals. How do you stick with them? First, print them off and put them in a place that you see every day. Another great way to keep up with your goals is to do a half way check up. I will actually post another blog about a goal check up sometime in October. As long as you keep your goals in sight, you shouldn't forget them.
Happy goal making!
"I am going to apply for an internship."
"I am going to get a job on campus."
"I am going to build a connection with my advisor or professor."
"I am going to..."
Anyone can say they are going to do something over a semester, but it takes a special type of person to be able to set a goal and follow through. For most of you, the school year has already begun. If you're like me, you are impatiently awaiting the third of September to rip open that saran wrap on your textbooks and obsessively use your beautiful Lilly planner. Since that is me, I figure it is time to make my goals. Those four statements up above may "look" like goals, but they are really not. I am very particular when it comes to goal setting. You need three parts: a statement of improvement, a process, then an end result. Throughout this blog I am going to show you an example of my process, show you my semester goals, then provide some tips on how to stick with them throughout the semester.
There are two ways to come up with goals; you can either look into your past or your future. So looking into your past means to look at past semesters and see where improvement could have been made. So maybe you didn't study as much as your should have or perhaps you got a D- (god forbid) and need to retake that class. Looking into the future entails thinking about what you want your end result to be. This could be having a good relationship with the professor or passing with an A. For the example, I am going to look into the future. I will start with a very broad, can apply to anyone, type of example. My statement of improvement is that I want to study more. Your statement should be broad, and realistic to complete in one semester (unless you are making academic year goals.) A few examples of statements can clearly be seen at the top of this post.
Step two would be figuring out the process. This can be as detailed as you want it to be. So back to our example. I want to study more. This is when you brainstorm. I have already brainstormed for you. You're welcome. In order to complete this goal I will plan studying time, keep track of how many hours I study a week, have one night (3 hours) that I spend in the library a week, and attend a study group at least once a week. So now that I have my process it doesn't mean that it is set in stone. Say that there isn't a study group in any of the classes and you are not in the position to make one, in that case you can cross that off your list and put more focus on the other process ideas. Do not be afraid to edit! I am serious. Don't.
Step three, the end result. This could be super similar to your statement. This is basically a less broad version. So you want to study more? A great end result would be something like "study thirty hours a week." See how we started with a very broad statement then narrowed it down to what we want to see by the end of the semester? This is how every goal should be. Now that you understand the way to make goals, I can share my personal goals with you.
Goal 1
Statement: Study more.
Process: Schedule study time. Keep track of study hours. Spend at least, but not limited to, three hours in a night at the library once a week. Join any study groups.
End result: Study 30 hours per week by the end of the semester.
Goal 2
Statement: Start a solid GPA foundation.
Process: Go to professor office hours. Keep school work organized. Keep up with goal one. Take advantage of any resources you can.
End result: Have a GPA of 3.8 or higher.
Goal 3
Statement: Get involved on and off campus.
Process: Go through sorority recruitment. Take advantage of any honors opportunities.
End result: Be part of a chapter and end the semester with at least 15 volunteer hours.
So you've made your goals. How do you stick with them? First, print them off and put them in a place that you see every day. Another great way to keep up with your goals is to do a half way check up. I will actually post another blog about a goal check up sometime in October. As long as you keep your goals in sight, you shouldn't forget them.
Happy goal making!
Monday, July 21, 2014
Masters Programs
I don't have a notebook and a pen next to me, so I am going to use my blog as a notebook. I am looking up masters programs that are at least near me. I have decided, for now, that I am interested in higher education/administration programs.
Northwestern University - Evanston, Illinois
MS in Higher Education Administration and Policy
Total costs for program: $53,625
Indiana State University - Terre Haute, Indiana
MS in Student Affairs and Higher Education
Total costs for program: $19,000
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Michigan
MA in Higher Education with a Concentration in Student Access and Success
Total costs for program: Approx. $22,000?
I have kind of had my heart set on U of M for my grad studies for a while now. But, you know me, things change.
Northwestern University - Evanston, Illinois
MS in Higher Education Administration and Policy
Total costs for program: $53,625
Indiana State University - Terre Haute, Indiana
MS in Student Affairs and Higher Education
Total costs for program: $19,000
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Michigan
MA in Higher Education with a Concentration in Student Access and Success
Total costs for program: Approx. $22,000?
I have kind of had my heart set on U of M for my grad studies for a while now. But, you know me, things change.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Role Models
This is not a movie review. While I do find the movie "Role Models" to be absolutely hilarious, speaking of which, I left that at your house Nicole, Carissa, and Mo (miss you guys!), this blog post is not about that movie.
I am talking about the people that other people look up to. As children our role models consisted of sport stars, actresses, and SpongeBob SquarePants. We didn't idolize them because of what they did. We idolized them because of what they were: "famous." However, I feel like we all need to grow up at some point. Unless we want to be a professional athlete, an actress, or a sponge, I don't think these role models are idealistic. To me, a role model is someone that we can uniquely follow, while keeping in mind that they should make us want to be the best you you can be. (I know that grammar has got to be absolutely awful, but I have yet to figure out how to avoid double wording.) I'm not saying don't admire Payton Manning or Natalie Portman. One does a lot of good charity work and such while the other has a psychology degree from Harvard. But I feel like you need to tailor your role model to what you want your future to be sort of like.
We need to look for people who are living the lives we want to live- or at least key characteristics that you want to achieve. I personally feel that my role model will be someone I meet in the future. There aren't a lot of history professors or academic advisors that have touched my life yet.
This was kind of short. It was on my mind and I wanted to get it out. I found the following article very helpful. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/zenaida-lorenzo/role-models-the-missing-link-for-women_b_5199029.html I definitely recommend checking it out.
Who are your role models and why?
I am talking about the people that other people look up to. As children our role models consisted of sport stars, actresses, and SpongeBob SquarePants. We didn't idolize them because of what they did. We idolized them because of what they were: "famous." However, I feel like we all need to grow up at some point. Unless we want to be a professional athlete, an actress, or a sponge, I don't think these role models are idealistic. To me, a role model is someone that we can uniquely follow, while keeping in mind that they should make us want to be the best you you can be. (I know that grammar has got to be absolutely awful, but I have yet to figure out how to avoid double wording.) I'm not saying don't admire Payton Manning or Natalie Portman. One does a lot of good charity work and such while the other has a psychology degree from Harvard. But I feel like you need to tailor your role model to what you want your future to be sort of like.
We need to look for people who are living the lives we want to live- or at least key characteristics that you want to achieve. I personally feel that my role model will be someone I meet in the future. There aren't a lot of history professors or academic advisors that have touched my life yet.
This was kind of short. It was on my mind and I wanted to get it out. I found the following article very helpful. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/zenaida-lorenzo/role-models-the-missing-link-for-women_b_5199029.html I definitely recommend checking it out.
Who are your role models and why?
Monday, July 14, 2014
Woah. There Is A Lot I Still Need To Accomplish.
So I was sitting here watching the Bachelorette and reading everything and anything I can about the recruitment process and the sororities at EMU and I realized oh shit. I have a lot that needs to be accomplished before I go to school in 6 weeks!
I don't really know if I can call this a blog post. I think it is really a to do list. Oh well.
1. I need to schedule an eye appointment and get new glasses. I know what you're thinking. Kennedy. That isn't hard. But I need to figure out what places take my insurance. Then I actually have to pick one. I feel like I ask my mom where I should go all the time, to the point where I am annoying. But I also don't feel like I have gotten an answer. Ah well. This needs to be done within the next 6 week.
2. I need to make a list with my roommate about what we both need to get for our room. I already have a lot of essentials (due to living in a dorm before) but I don't know when the best time to do this is. I feel like we should wait until we get our actual housing assignment. That way we know where we are living. Is it August yet??
3. After the list is made, I need to get whatever I don't have already.
4. I really need a new wardrobe. When I was going to Penn State, my step father said that they will budget $500 for me to get dorm/apartment/stuff for school. I'm no dummy. I will first use it for just that. But any left overs, it will be a shopping spree for new clothes. I haven't gone shopping for "back to school clothes" since junior year of high school. I still wear clothes from my FRESHMEN year of high school. I really think it is time for a change. I guess it is a little under $500. They bought me the most amazing blue plates.
5. I need to pack. Duh.
6. I need to make a final decision about where I will be working on campus. This is only if I get more offers, of course. I have an offer from dining services. I had an interview (today actually) with housing and residence life. I have an interview coming up for a tour guide position. I have submitted apps for the library, student center, an honors fellow, and a random day care. Ideally, I would love the honors student fellow position and the tour guide position.
7. I need to buy books. The price for my books this fall (so far) are fairly average. Nothing too crazy. But my language book is $200 alone! And it can only be bought from the bookstore. Damnit.
8. I should buy a statement necklace. I don't know why, but I feel like this is a very big deal.
9. I want to have a $0 balance on my credit card before I go to school. I actually want to leave my credit card at home while I am at school so I don't make poor choices.
10. After the summer semester is over, I need to send an updated transcript.
11. I need to make a list of all the shows I watch so I don't fall behind. ;)
12. I need to sign up for recruitment (August 1st)
13. I need to check the ebill (August 8th)
14. I need to do the whole UofM medical sign up thingy.
15. I should schedule a check up with my family doctor just to do it.
16. I need to stop obsessing over going Greek. Seriously.
6 weeks left. Oh my gosh.
I don't really know if I can call this a blog post. I think it is really a to do list. Oh well.
1. I need to schedule an eye appointment and get new glasses. I know what you're thinking. Kennedy. That isn't hard. But I need to figure out what places take my insurance. Then I actually have to pick one. I feel like I ask my mom where I should go all the time, to the point where I am annoying. But I also don't feel like I have gotten an answer. Ah well. This needs to be done within the next 6 week.
2. I need to make a list with my roommate about what we both need to get for our room. I already have a lot of essentials (due to living in a dorm before) but I don't know when the best time to do this is. I feel like we should wait until we get our actual housing assignment. That way we know where we are living. Is it August yet??
3. After the list is made, I need to get whatever I don't have already.
4. I really need a new wardrobe. When I was going to Penn State, my step father said that they will budget $500 for me to get dorm/apartment/stuff for school. I'm no dummy. I will first use it for just that. But any left overs, it will be a shopping spree for new clothes. I haven't gone shopping for "back to school clothes" since junior year of high school. I still wear clothes from my FRESHMEN year of high school. I really think it is time for a change. I guess it is a little under $500. They bought me the most amazing blue plates.
5. I need to pack. Duh.
6. I need to make a final decision about where I will be working on campus. This is only if I get more offers, of course. I have an offer from dining services. I had an interview (today actually) with housing and residence life. I have an interview coming up for a tour guide position. I have submitted apps for the library, student center, an honors fellow, and a random day care. Ideally, I would love the honors student fellow position and the tour guide position.
7. I need to buy books. The price for my books this fall (so far) are fairly average. Nothing too crazy. But my language book is $200 alone! And it can only be bought from the bookstore. Damnit.
8. I should buy a statement necklace. I don't know why, but I feel like this is a very big deal.
9. I want to have a $0 balance on my credit card before I go to school. I actually want to leave my credit card at home while I am at school so I don't make poor choices.
10. After the summer semester is over, I need to send an updated transcript.
11. I need to make a list of all the shows I watch so I don't fall behind. ;)
12. I need to sign up for recruitment (August 1st)
13. I need to check the ebill (August 8th)
14. I need to do the whole UofM medical sign up thingy.
15. I should schedule a check up with my family doctor just to do it.
16. I need to stop obsessing over going Greek. Seriously.
6 weeks left. Oh my gosh.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
The Most Awful Feeling Ever: I'm not going to wake up.
As most of everyone knows, I have LVNC. This is a common uncommon heart defect. One symptom of LVNC is sudden death. I have lived with this my whole life. I have known of this symptom for a majority of my life. I live life to the fullest... blah blah blah.
Knowing things does not make them less scary. This probably happens once a year, but I am simply terrified to go to sleep. In high school, I honestly didn't give a shit if it was "my time" or whatever people were calling it. If I died, I died. I didn't have any huge dreams, goal, I didn't have much direction. Yeah, it would suck and I would feel bad that I left my mom and stuff, but that's all I really had to live for- my mom.
Now I am terrified that I won't get to do everything I want to do. It's like, all I want to do in life is live. "Kennedy, that is the corniest thing ever." I know. But seriously,
I want to learn everything about the world wars.
I want to go to Germany.
I want to dye (some of) my hair blue.
I want to graduate with my bachelors.
I want to graduate with highest honors.
I want to graduate with a killer GPA.
I want to finish the masters certificate program at EMU.
I want to be an academic advisor.
I want to graduate with a masters degree.
I want to be a history professor.
I want to graduate with a doctorate.
I want to have a kid, maybe even two.
Then I want to watch those kids grow up.
I really just want to live long enough to complete that list.
I am scared. More scared than I am every other minute of every other day. I mean, I think I am always scared but there is just so much to live for now. God, I am just really fucking scared.
So I am sitting here, terrified to go to sleep, even though I know that the likelihood of me dying tonight is the same as last night and tomorrow night. That doesn't make the words "sudden death" any less frightening. Sometimes I just want to go talk to a psychologist.
This shit is crazy.
Knowing things does not make them less scary. This probably happens once a year, but I am simply terrified to go to sleep. In high school, I honestly didn't give a shit if it was "my time" or whatever people were calling it. If I died, I died. I didn't have any huge dreams, goal, I didn't have much direction. Yeah, it would suck and I would feel bad that I left my mom and stuff, but that's all I really had to live for- my mom.
Now I am terrified that I won't get to do everything I want to do. It's like, all I want to do in life is live. "Kennedy, that is the corniest thing ever." I know. But seriously,
I want to learn everything about the world wars.
I want to go to Germany.
I want to dye (some of) my hair blue.
I want to graduate with my bachelors.
I want to graduate with highest honors.
I want to graduate with a killer GPA.
I want to finish the masters certificate program at EMU.
I want to be an academic advisor.
I want to graduate with a masters degree.
I want to be a history professor.
I want to graduate with a doctorate.
I want to have a kid, maybe even two.
Then I want to watch those kids grow up.
I really just want to live long enough to complete that list.
I am scared. More scared than I am every other minute of every other day. I mean, I think I am always scared but there is just so much to live for now. God, I am just really fucking scared.
So I am sitting here, terrified to go to sleep, even though I know that the likelihood of me dying tonight is the same as last night and tomorrow night. That doesn't make the words "sudden death" any less frightening. Sometimes I just want to go talk to a psychologist.
This shit is crazy.
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