Music, music, and more music. I can NEVER get enough of it. I've played drums since 5th grade and rapped as a hobby since 6th. My mind is always playing the most recent ear worm that has burrowed its way into my cranium. I have heard and played so many loud rim-shots from snare drums( and those were marching drums, so you know how noisy I'm talking about), that I think I may be going deaf before the age of 22. I usually keep a pair of drumsticks and headphones in my bag in case I get the urge to play. It is an addiction for me, although a positive one. So what to do with my musical talents that I've been blessed with now that I graduated high school? My marching band career is over for me, especially now since I had torn my ACL. That doesn't mean the music died as well, right?
Now that I'm going to college, I'm weighing my options on how to continue my music career. There's a common saying that, "if you don't use it, you lose it." I don't want that to be case and I'll develop "rusty chops." ( lose musical dexterity) Maybe I should join the pep band or take up Music Appreciation? Are there any other musical clubs I can join? Maybe I could just create my own musical club on campus and leave my own mark? I remember discussing music in class with my friend David and him suggesting that maybe we could form a band. Now, that actually sounds like a good idea. Regardless of it happening or not, I know I still want to stay musically involved in campus. Another friend of mine named Shaneika told me about the music-writing software called Finale. I heard of it before, but never looked into it. I downloaded it and found it to very helpful for composing my own music. I'm thinking of using it to just write compositions as a hobby and to write out parts so I can help out my high school drum-line with cadences. No matter what I do in college, I will make certain that music keeps an integral part of my college experience.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Relationships
Inevitably, you will be building relationships with your guy friends, girl friends, professors, roommates, and classmates. Whether those relationships become positive or negative, is an interesting thought. The general rule for everyone you meet is to, "treat everyone else like you want to be treated." Treat professors with the prestige that they deserve and your grades will remain untouched. Classmates need to be treated professionally(even if they are friends) since you can think of them as future work-buddies with a common goal- learning(just like projects in the office.) Try to befriend room mates so they become like brothers. And then there is always a question on how to treat the ladies...
Always treat girl friends with chivalry. If everything's platonic, then make sure both of you are aware of it. Romantic feelings don't always have to exist but you can have just as much as a love-hate relationship with them as you would a sister. Remember to compliment them, hold doors, make them laugh more, be mature in their presence. All these can also be applied to dating in college when you do feel that romantic connection.
Honestly, I was never one for dating (even now I'm single) but I still know how to treat a girl...excuse me, young lady. In college, females, most of them, are way more mature than those high-school girls you're used to seeing. They know what they want out of life. They are there for an education, but on the way, may just so happen to find a guy they like along the way. One thing I always remember when talking to "ladies" is to just be myself. College students are always attempting to change their personality in order to feel accepted. Just don't gamble with trying to change yourself in order to force a romantic relationship with someone. Naturally take on that kind of relationship with someone you "truly" like(not just for one thing) for their personality, and attractive qualities as a person. Chemistry will click when you find that Mr. Right or Ms. Right so take your time and explore the huge dating pool presented before you in college. You never know who that special someone may turn out to be.
Always treat girl friends with chivalry. If everything's platonic, then make sure both of you are aware of it. Romantic feelings don't always have to exist but you can have just as much as a love-hate relationship with them as you would a sister. Remember to compliment them, hold doors, make them laugh more, be mature in their presence. All these can also be applied to dating in college when you do feel that romantic connection.
Honestly, I was never one for dating (even now I'm single) but I still know how to treat a girl...excuse me, young lady. In college, females, most of them, are way more mature than those high-school girls you're used to seeing. They know what they want out of life. They are there for an education, but on the way, may just so happen to find a guy they like along the way. One thing I always remember when talking to "ladies" is to just be myself. College students are always attempting to change their personality in order to feel accepted. Just don't gamble with trying to change yourself in order to force a romantic relationship with someone. Naturally take on that kind of relationship with someone you "truly" like(not just for one thing) for their personality, and attractive qualities as a person. Chemistry will click when you find that Mr. Right or Ms. Right so take your time and explore the huge dating pool presented before you in college. You never know who that special someone may turn out to be.
Rest
Today was my last day of summer school at Denmark Tech and I can say I enjoyed the ride while it lasted. I met a couple of cool people that I'm glad to have come across. I can say that at least I have those memories to go by for the rest of my summer. I've "driven the bus"( my Pacer friends know what I mean) down this first road of college for 4 quick weeks and now I'm finally approaching a yellow light. I say a yellow light instead of a red light because my summer work is not over; it has only downshifted. Before I can completely come to a stop, I must still read The Other Wes Moore this summer before Freshman Convocation on August 20th. This doesn't even bother me, because it sounded like an interesting read. The book isn't even lengthy ( only around 180 pages) so reading it will take no time at all. Only after reading, will I be completely able to come to a halt.
Technically, my summer was only 2 weeks before getting back to work. Now that I am going to be stuck at home again until Mid-August, I think I'll be bored out of my mind. I actually liked those classes because they gave me a reason to leave the house. Since that reason is now gone, I guess it's back to restless nights on the Xbox, sleeping until noon, and lamenting how boring this town is. Ironic as this may sound, this is my way of "resting" from my summer classes.
Rest is something everything college student needs. This doesn't always mean sleeping but it is anything you make of it as taking a break from something. Resting can be whatever comes to mind for "break-time." Just remember not to rest too long, because if you do, it will be hard to upshift back into work mode. That is the mode every college student should always have a mind to transition into.
Technically, my summer was only 2 weeks before getting back to work. Now that I am going to be stuck at home again until Mid-August, I think I'll be bored out of my mind. I actually liked those classes because they gave me a reason to leave the house. Since that reason is now gone, I guess it's back to restless nights on the Xbox, sleeping until noon, and lamenting how boring this town is. Ironic as this may sound, this is my way of "resting" from my summer classes.
Rest is something everything college student needs. This doesn't always mean sleeping but it is anything you make of it as taking a break from something. Resting can be whatever comes to mind for "break-time." Just remember not to rest too long, because if you do, it will be hard to upshift back into work mode. That is the mode every college student should always have a mind to transition into.
Always Be Cautious
So you finally moved into your dorm. Maybe you roomed with friends from high school or played Russian Roulette by picking a dorm of completely random people. But there is nothing wrong with leaving the outcome of potential roommates and friends up to fate. You may develop a lifelong friendship and eventually become as close as brothers. Even with your old friend you're rooming with, you may become even closer and may already be trusting each other with your lives and belongings.
This level of trust won't come at first sight for those people you just met. Even if you are that trusting of people, remember not to be too gullible and receptive. Treat your roommates with respect as well as their belongings, but at first, don't be too trusting of them with your stuff. Don't leave your stuff (especially valuables) lying around your dorm and remember to keep locks on everything. Sleep with your toothbrush, phone, and wallet in your pillowcase so no one else can tamper with them Maybe that's just me being paranoid, but it would work... at least until you learn more about their true nature. You never know whether your roommates are dependable individuals or if they are the slickest of thieves.
New roommates aren't the only people you need to watch, but everyone around campus as well. I know, I know- No one's paying attention to that expensive laptop you momentarily left in the cafeteria filled with witnesses while you went to get a refill. But how about that notebook or pen you forgot in your Biology class? See, no thief will go for the obvious baits like high-profile gadgets and personalized smartphones. Instead thieves can go for stuff taken for granted which adds up over time. Laptop locks are still safe to have, but what about if you don't have anything to write with in class? One college hack I learned was to always switch the caps of your favorite blue/black pens with red ones since no one ever steals a red pen. Small countermeasures like those, will make sure you aren't robbed of materials in class, and therefore an education. So always stay mindful about keeping up with your possessions.
This level of trust won't come at first sight for those people you just met. Even if you are that trusting of people, remember not to be too gullible and receptive. Treat your roommates with respect as well as their belongings, but at first, don't be too trusting of them with your stuff. Don't leave your stuff (especially valuables) lying around your dorm and remember to keep locks on everything. Sleep with your toothbrush, phone, and wallet in your pillowcase so no one else can tamper with them Maybe that's just me being paranoid, but it would work... at least until you learn more about their true nature. You never know whether your roommates are dependable individuals or if they are the slickest of thieves.
New roommates aren't the only people you need to watch, but everyone around campus as well. I know, I know- No one's paying attention to that expensive laptop you momentarily left in the cafeteria filled with witnesses while you went to get a refill. But how about that notebook or pen you forgot in your Biology class? See, no thief will go for the obvious baits like high-profile gadgets and personalized smartphones. Instead thieves can go for stuff taken for granted which adds up over time. Laptop locks are still safe to have, but what about if you don't have anything to write with in class? One college hack I learned was to always switch the caps of your favorite blue/black pens with red ones since no one ever steals a red pen. Small countermeasures like those, will make sure you aren't robbed of materials in class, and therefore an education. So always stay mindful about keeping up with your possessions.
Hangouts
You finally finished the last two pages of that research paper due in two days. You also have a couple hours of downtime until your next practice of intramural flag football. Since you had morning classes, that's not even a concern so you have an entire afternoon at your leisure. How could you possibly spend all that time?
As for the hangouts themselves, you can find popular college student spots everywhere from the residence's game rooms, to public parks or in malls around the city. Go to a city on the weekend and be amazed at the groups of students out and about while sporting their local college shirts and laptop bags while talking it up. Outside the campus, you can see the popularity at bars, clubs, cafes, YMCA's, malls, parks, or downtown sitting outside restaurants on lovely summer days.
If you are close enough, maybe make a road-trip for the beach and find a spot where you can soak your feet on the shoreline.
On campus, you can usually take advantage of the lobbies, student activities center, common areas of the residence halls, and isolated corners of libraries. Since most campuses are very open spaces surrounded by buildings, campuses have wide open grassy areas where students can possibly relax. I
I have even heard of students camping and taking naps on those lots. Wellness centers, and the cafeteria are perfect as well for grubbing and catching up. Or, just choose and rotate dorm rooms to hangout and entertain yourselves at. Just remember that whatever hangout you choose, you will be able to create many memories with friends new and old.
Am I Doing This Right?
Are you feeling stressed out about college because you can't learn something as fast as the rest of the class? Do you feel that you'll be judged or talked about for not knowing something that the rest of the class felt is common knowledge by this level of learning.? Don't be afraid to ask your teachers or classmates questions about subjects you don't understand. Most schools have tutoring services that are covered in your tuition. Take advantage of those services when you really feel dumbfounded about that difficult lesson. Remember that there are no stupid questions when it comes down to your education. The only stupid thing is to not utilize all your resources at your disposal.
The two biggest resources that you should abuse are your professors and the Internet. As my math teacher recently told us, "You are surrounded by some of the most knowledgeable people in the world who are standing right in front of you. They know almost everything there is to know about the subject they are teaching." He was definitely right in saying this since most college professors will have Master's Degrees or Ph.D.'s while hailing from some of the most prestigious universities in the world. Their job is prepare you and they would love to have students ask them questions. Just be prepared to reach them as early as possible when you don't understand. And if you ask your professor and he doesn't know, He can either get back with you after finding out, or referring you to a resource that can provide clarity. My math professor also recommended some useful online resources to us. Those websites were KhanAcademy and Paul's online math notes. They had helpful tutorial videos, practice problems, and tips to prepare me for class and my Math Placement Test. I recommend them as well to anyone- especially KhanAcademy for covering every subject and grade level.
I didn't run into that wall of comprehension during my summer classes, but I know that I may during my harder classes like other students who may do so as well. One solution I can think of would be to create study groups outside of class so we can help learn together. It is also a way to bond with fellow classmates while getting comprehension as well. It's a common belief that you learn better from peers rather than adults. Whichever way you choose, just remember to get the help you need through "any means necessary."
The two biggest resources that you should abuse are your professors and the Internet. As my math teacher recently told us, "You are surrounded by some of the most knowledgeable people in the world who are standing right in front of you. They know almost everything there is to know about the subject they are teaching." He was definitely right in saying this since most college professors will have Master's Degrees or Ph.D.'s while hailing from some of the most prestigious universities in the world. Their job is prepare you and they would love to have students ask them questions. Just be prepared to reach them as early as possible when you don't understand. And if you ask your professor and he doesn't know, He can either get back with you after finding out, or referring you to a resource that can provide clarity. My math professor also recommended some useful online resources to us. Those websites were KhanAcademy and Paul's online math notes. They had helpful tutorial videos, practice problems, and tips to prepare me for class and my Math Placement Test. I recommend them as well to anyone- especially KhanAcademy for covering every subject and grade level.
I didn't run into that wall of comprehension during my summer classes, but I know that I may during my harder classes like other students who may do so as well. One solution I can think of would be to create study groups outside of class so we can help learn together. It is also a way to bond with fellow classmates while getting comprehension as well. It's a common belief that you learn better from peers rather than adults. Whichever way you choose, just remember to get the help you need through "any means necessary."
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Remember Who You Are
Now that you are finally away from your parents and moral guardians, how will you uphold their teachings? Will you grip those morals and values you've been taught all your life even though you don't have eyes watching you anymore? Or, will you now tear them up and throw them away because secretly you've been wanting to abandon them the entire time? This is really a serious question because college is the moral test for every humane thing you had ever learned up until this point. Every time I left the house for an event, no matter how long, I always heard a couple sayings from my parents in a firm tone: "Alright, remember what you've been taught... Act like you got some sense... Don't do anything you may regret later..." I bet a lot of other people can agree with constantly hearing these cautions.
College is naturally a challenge to your upbringing and identity. Why? As I read from a SparkNotes article, a couple lines from paragraph 2 caught my attention:
Being critical of what you see and hear means pondering ideas in new ways and allowing that experience to enrich the way you already think. As your knowledge and experience of the outer world expands, your inner world expands too.
To paraphrase, your identity can be challenged and possibly enriched by coming in contact with people from different backgrounds, social behaviors, and by the activities going on around you. You can embrace another culture and assimilate it into your own or reject it but still acknowledge it. You can say no to fitting in with the rest of society (or friends) by avoiding its music, create your own fashion style, or by avoiding its slang. Ultimately, you can choose to say no or give in to the peer pressures you'll be faced with everyday of your college career. If you don't feel morally obligated to say no to those negative social pressures, you are free to do them and try to rediscover your identity.
So always be mindful of the things you do in college that may effect your self-perception and personal identity. Be even more mindful of the social perception of you in college. When you go to college, you are a representative of your parents, moral guardians, community, and your school. When others view you, they also view everything you represent since you reflect those morals and values.
College is naturally a challenge to your upbringing and identity. Why? As I read from a SparkNotes article, a couple lines from paragraph 2 caught my attention:
Being critical of what you see and hear means pondering ideas in new ways and allowing that experience to enrich the way you already think. As your knowledge and experience of the outer world expands, your inner world expands too.
To paraphrase, your identity can be challenged and possibly enriched by coming in contact with people from different backgrounds, social behaviors, and by the activities going on around you. You can embrace another culture and assimilate it into your own or reject it but still acknowledge it. You can say no to fitting in with the rest of society (or friends) by avoiding its music, create your own fashion style, or by avoiding its slang. Ultimately, you can choose to say no or give in to the peer pressures you'll be faced with everyday of your college career. If you don't feel morally obligated to say no to those negative social pressures, you are free to do them and try to rediscover your identity.
So always be mindful of the things you do in college that may effect your self-perception and personal identity. Be even more mindful of the social perception of you in college. When you go to college, you are a representative of your parents, moral guardians, community, and your school. When others view you, they also view everything you represent since you reflect those morals and values.
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