Hiya!
I realized there are some things going on in my life that I should probably update on here. During senior year, there is always a constant need to complete different bucket list activities. I think it is only natural to try and fit in as much as possible into your last year here. I wanted to share a few of the activities we are trying to do here.
1.) Vermont Brewers Passport- My room-mate Susan is really trying to make sure this happens. I do not personally like beer but the breweries are always cool to see and usually located in nice areas. Hopefully, this one gets done soon!
2.) Jay Peak Indoor Water Park- This one is fellow blogger Beth's idea. It costs $35 for the day but it is supposed to be very cool and huge! It's a bit of a drive but I think it'd be worth it!
3.) SPRING BREAK TRIP!- This is the one on everyone's mind in college! It feels like a prerogative in college to go on a trip somewhere warm and tropical! This year my fellow blogger and room-mate Alyssa and I will be going with six of our friends to ARUBA! To say I am excited about this is a bit of an understatement. Everyday that Burlington's temperature is in the single digits(which thankfully hasn't been too many), I walk around thinking "Aruba....Aruba...Aruba."
These are just a few of the upcoming adventures here! I hope there's more to report back on soon but we'll have to wait and see. Now, I have to go finish my massive amounts of reading!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
7 Essentials of a College Student in Winter
Hi there,
As I trudged to class today in two glorious inches of slush I thought about all the worthy investments I made over the years to turn this potentially miserable walk to class into a bearable one. I do not know of any investment that makes freezing rain a fun experience before your 9:50 but I'll keep looking.
1. The most important investment in my collegiate career-SOREL BOOTS. If you are going to school anywhere where massive amounts of snow could be a part of your curriculum then buy these boots. They are virtually indestructible and actually pretty cute. These boots handle ice, snow and slush like a pro. There is nothing worse than falling on your butt on the way to class because your Uggs have no traction. Trust me-these Sorel boots will be your best friends. There are many different shapes, styles and colors but I went with the particular style below.
2. It took me all four years to finally realize that a pea coat is not the best winter wear. Don't get me wrong I still love my pea coat and wear it when it's cold but no precipitation. However, when it comes to intense weather then there is nothing like a down jacket. I only recently learned this lesson when I found a cute Michael Kors down jacket at Marshall's over break. I wish that I had one all four years here because it is so warm and comfortable on cold dreary days.
3. A surplus of blankets-bring as many blankets as you have. Saint Michael's does a nice job of keeping the buildings warm but it is important to have extra supplies on hand. There is nothing worse than being cold and trying to concentrate on your homework. The key is layers.
4. Sweaters and lots of them- I love winter wardrobes with the boots and hats and gloves and the endless combinations possible. However, I get sick of wearing the same few warm items over and over again so I greatly expanded the size of my sweater collection. If variety is the spice of life then numerous sweaters that you love is a way to keep you from getting too bored with your winter wardrobe.
5. Tights, Stockings whatever you like to call them- This one is more marketed towards girls but oh well. Tights are a great asset in the winter especially sweater tights. They are thicker tights that keep your legs warm but allow you to wear something other than pants. There are only so many sweater/jeans combos that anyone can do before they stare longingly at the other dress options in their closet. Invest in some nice tights, especially since in the winter you will still have events like presentations, meetings and interviews where pants may not be the best choice out there. Leggings are also great!
6. A heating pad, hot water bottle or heated blanket-Basically for this I mean anything that can give you an instant source of heat when you need it most. This will be one of your favorite things guaranteed.
7. Your favorite boxes of tea, hot chocolate, and warm apple cider-There is nothing better than a nice cup of tea to warm you up on cold, dreary days. Never underestimate the power of these objects!
The other important factor is to remember that winter is snowy and beautiful that we are lucky to experience. Some people never see snow which is unfortunate for them because there is nothing quite as beautiful.
Stay Warm!
Michaela
As I trudged to class today in two glorious inches of slush I thought about all the worthy investments I made over the years to turn this potentially miserable walk to class into a bearable one. I do not know of any investment that makes freezing rain a fun experience before your 9:50 but I'll keep looking.
1. The most important investment in my collegiate career-SOREL BOOTS. If you are going to school anywhere where massive amounts of snow could be a part of your curriculum then buy these boots. They are virtually indestructible and actually pretty cute. These boots handle ice, snow and slush like a pro. There is nothing worse than falling on your butt on the way to class because your Uggs have no traction. Trust me-these Sorel boots will be your best friends. There are many different shapes, styles and colors but I went with the particular style below.
2. It took me all four years to finally realize that a pea coat is not the best winter wear. Don't get me wrong I still love my pea coat and wear it when it's cold but no precipitation. However, when it comes to intense weather then there is nothing like a down jacket. I only recently learned this lesson when I found a cute Michael Kors down jacket at Marshall's over break. I wish that I had one all four years here because it is so warm and comfortable on cold dreary days.
3. A surplus of blankets-bring as many blankets as you have. Saint Michael's does a nice job of keeping the buildings warm but it is important to have extra supplies on hand. There is nothing worse than being cold and trying to concentrate on your homework. The key is layers.
4. Sweaters and lots of them- I love winter wardrobes with the boots and hats and gloves and the endless combinations possible. However, I get sick of wearing the same few warm items over and over again so I greatly expanded the size of my sweater collection. If variety is the spice of life then numerous sweaters that you love is a way to keep you from getting too bored with your winter wardrobe.
5. Tights, Stockings whatever you like to call them- This one is more marketed towards girls but oh well. Tights are a great asset in the winter especially sweater tights. They are thicker tights that keep your legs warm but allow you to wear something other than pants. There are only so many sweater/jeans combos that anyone can do before they stare longingly at the other dress options in their closet. Invest in some nice tights, especially since in the winter you will still have events like presentations, meetings and interviews where pants may not be the best choice out there. Leggings are also great!
6. A heating pad, hot water bottle or heated blanket-Basically for this I mean anything that can give you an instant source of heat when you need it most. This will be one of your favorite things guaranteed.
7. Your favorite boxes of tea, hot chocolate, and warm apple cider-There is nothing better than a nice cup of tea to warm you up on cold, dreary days. Never underestimate the power of these objects!
The other important factor is to remember that winter is snowy and beautiful that we are lucky to experience. Some people never see snow which is unfortunate for them because there is nothing quite as beautiful.
Stay Warm!
Michaela
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Is This Real Life?
Hey there,
Christmas break has been lovely. It's been wonderful to spend time with my family and enjoy home. As you know, I love home. It has been very relaxing to enjoy my time here at home but one thing is always looming in my mind. I only have one semester left.
Then what? Well, that is the question I have been asked by everyone this break-what's the plan for next year? It is terrifying and exciting to think that next year is a blank slate for me to fill however I choose.
So what have I decided? Well-I am taking the year off from school. I want some time to digest the last four years before I confidently decide what the next phase is. So that means next year is free and clear from graduate school. I do know that I only want to take one year off so I am not looking into any permanent situation for next year before school. So that means that I can do what I want with my gap year.
At first, I just assumed that I would end up in Boston. It is the most logical solution. I love the city and that is where I want to go to graduate school so why not start now? But, something changed this break, my friend and roommate from study abroad, Brittany, is trying to convince me and our best friend Brianna to move out to Boulder, Colorado with her. Brittany is there now and she told us to consider the possibility of moving there next year. I am seriously considering this option now. I think this is the direction that I want to take my gap year.
I want to experience something new and if I can be with my two best friends than that is just even better! So this Christmas break drastically changed my focus and now my friends, I am spending time researching jobs in Colorado to see if I can make this come true.
Here is a picture of Brianna, Suzy, me and Brittany. The four of us met during our semester in Galway,Ireland and it is hard to believe I have only known them a year. We all come from Massachusetts so we have only grown closer since being home. Now, we are trying to move some place new together (Suzy is thinking of coming to Boulder next December when she graduates).
So that's my plan for now! We'll see how it goes.
Michaela
Christmas break has been lovely. It's been wonderful to spend time with my family and enjoy home. As you know, I love home. It has been very relaxing to enjoy my time here at home but one thing is always looming in my mind. I only have one semester left.
Then what? Well, that is the question I have been asked by everyone this break-what's the plan for next year? It is terrifying and exciting to think that next year is a blank slate for me to fill however I choose.
So what have I decided? Well-I am taking the year off from school. I want some time to digest the last four years before I confidently decide what the next phase is. So that means next year is free and clear from graduate school. I do know that I only want to take one year off so I am not looking into any permanent situation for next year before school. So that means that I can do what I want with my gap year.
At first, I just assumed that I would end up in Boston. It is the most logical solution. I love the city and that is where I want to go to graduate school so why not start now? But, something changed this break, my friend and roommate from study abroad, Brittany, is trying to convince me and our best friend Brianna to move out to Boulder, Colorado with her. Brittany is there now and she told us to consider the possibility of moving there next year. I am seriously considering this option now. I think this is the direction that I want to take my gap year.
I want to experience something new and if I can be with my two best friends than that is just even better! So this Christmas break drastically changed my focus and now my friends, I am spending time researching jobs in Colorado to see if I can make this come true.
Here is a picture of Brianna, Suzy, me and Brittany. The four of us met during our semester in Galway,Ireland and it is hard to believe I have only known them a year. We all come from Massachusetts so we have only grown closer since being home. Now, we are trying to move some place new together (Suzy is thinking of coming to Boulder next December when she graduates).
So that's my plan for now! We'll see how it goes.
Michaela
Friday, December 2, 2011
What Is A Senior Thesis?
Hi Friends,
I know that when I was a first year and people mentioned their thesis or taking their senior seminar that I would nod along but really have no clue what this frightening word entailed. I can really only speak to being an English major but there are some general similarities between all majors.
1. It is the culminating class for all your major work. In English we have a special topic and read novels pertaining to that topic. For business, they have to construct a plan. Education majors student teach and put together a portfolio. etc. etc. As you can see there are many different ways for the departments to approach this but it is the most important class for your major.
2. It is not impossible. Do not feel like your professor will give you an assignment that you are not capable of handling. You will most certainly be able to accomplish the task put before you. For my senior seminar, we read one to two books a week and wrote three to five page papers on the text. Then half way through the semester we focused solely on our thesis projects.
3. Each Professor teaches the seminar differently. My Professor has continued holding class every week so that we are able to get reflection on each section of our paper. Each Monday we turn in part of our draft and then read some of our classmates before Thursday. At this point, every member of my class has read my paper and I have been provided with ample amounts of interesting input from these wonderful people. Not to mention, my professor Will Marquess who manages to read all our drafts and really provide a lot of input that I do not know what I would have done without.
4. You are not in this alone. You have a professor who wants to help you complete your senior capstone to the best of your ability. You also have a class full of people that are there for you to consult. Never feel like you are isolated during this hectic time.
5. It is a lot of work. I do not want to give the impression that this is an easy part of college because it is not. It does require more work than you would have put into almost any other class but that is why you spend four years building up to it. It is a project that you are capable of handling and excelling in. Feel confident in your abilities and you will do wonderful.
6. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Go to your professor, class, the library reference desk, former professors etc. Utilize anyone that may be able to help you produce the best product possible. You will be surprised which people can provide amazing feedback.
7. Have faith. This is your chance to really show everything you have learned in your major and show it off to those around you. Try to enjoy the process.
I am presenting my thesis to the English faculty on Tuesday then my final draft is due Thursday. After that, I will have completed my English major. It is an exciting feeling and I cannot wait to arrive upon my finished product. But, I am mostly excited that soon I will be home for a wonderful Christmas break that includes planning my best friend and cousin's wedding, a trip to NYC for New Year's Eve, the family Yankee Swap that's always entertaining and spending time with my family.
I'll keep you posted,
Michaela
I know that when I was a first year and people mentioned their thesis or taking their senior seminar that I would nod along but really have no clue what this frightening word entailed. I can really only speak to being an English major but there are some general similarities between all majors.
1. It is the culminating class for all your major work. In English we have a special topic and read novels pertaining to that topic. For business, they have to construct a plan. Education majors student teach and put together a portfolio. etc. etc. As you can see there are many different ways for the departments to approach this but it is the most important class for your major.
2. It is not impossible. Do not feel like your professor will give you an assignment that you are not capable of handling. You will most certainly be able to accomplish the task put before you. For my senior seminar, we read one to two books a week and wrote three to five page papers on the text. Then half way through the semester we focused solely on our thesis projects.
3. Each Professor teaches the seminar differently. My Professor has continued holding class every week so that we are able to get reflection on each section of our paper. Each Monday we turn in part of our draft and then read some of our classmates before Thursday. At this point, every member of my class has read my paper and I have been provided with ample amounts of interesting input from these wonderful people. Not to mention, my professor Will Marquess who manages to read all our drafts and really provide a lot of input that I do not know what I would have done without.
4. You are not in this alone. You have a professor who wants to help you complete your senior capstone to the best of your ability. You also have a class full of people that are there for you to consult. Never feel like you are isolated during this hectic time.
5. It is a lot of work. I do not want to give the impression that this is an easy part of college because it is not. It does require more work than you would have put into almost any other class but that is why you spend four years building up to it. It is a project that you are capable of handling and excelling in. Feel confident in your abilities and you will do wonderful.
6. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Go to your professor, class, the library reference desk, former professors etc. Utilize anyone that may be able to help you produce the best product possible. You will be surprised which people can provide amazing feedback.
7. Have faith. This is your chance to really show everything you have learned in your major and show it off to those around you. Try to enjoy the process.
I am presenting my thesis to the English faculty on Tuesday then my final draft is due Thursday. After that, I will have completed my English major. It is an exciting feeling and I cannot wait to arrive upon my finished product. But, I am mostly excited that soon I will be home for a wonderful Christmas break that includes planning my best friend and cousin's wedding, a trip to NYC for New Year's Eve, the family Yankee Swap that's always entertaining and spending time with my family.
I'll keep you posted,
Michaela
Monday, November 7, 2011
How to Keep Your Friends
Hello there,
I just returned from an exciting weekend visiting some of my best friends from home. Now, I am aware that I am one of the luckiest people. I have been able to maintain a close relationship with my best friends from high school. Sometimes people have a hard time understanding how we are able to stay so close while we are at school.
One of my friends parents told me how much it meant to them that we were all still close. There are not many people our age that can say they have had friends for the last fifteen years. We did not maintain these friendships with lack of effort but there are specific reasons that we have been able to grow up without growing apart.
We never get angry at the time that can pass between phone calls. My best friend Taylor and I can play phone tag for weeks before we actually get to have a conversation. You have to be realistic when you enter school that you will be extremely busy and may not be able to talk everyday. However, when you need each other it is never hard to find a way to talk. We are still there for each other no matter what.
Don't resent the new friends and compare closeness. Do not get jealous if you best friend is very close with their new friends at school. Be confident in your friendship and take a chance to get to know their new friends. I have become close with some of my friends' friends from school and it is nice to have that interconnectedness. Look at it as a way to expand your friend circle.
Make the effort to stay close. This weekend, I had a lot of homework to do and should have saved the gas money. However, it was my friend Andrew's last home football game ever and there was no way we could miss it. I am so glad we did not because it was such an amazing experience to share.
I remember being terrified when I started college that I would lose these friendships but it is not that difficult to maintain them. I feel grateful everyday that I have these people in my life. Honestly, the time in college has just solidified my attachment to them because now I am aware of how strong our bonds have grown.
My Friend Andrew after his last home game!
I just returned from an exciting weekend visiting some of my best friends from home. Now, I am aware that I am one of the luckiest people. I have been able to maintain a close relationship with my best friends from high school. Sometimes people have a hard time understanding how we are able to stay so close while we are at school.
One of my friends parents told me how much it meant to them that we were all still close. There are not many people our age that can say they have had friends for the last fifteen years. We did not maintain these friendships with lack of effort but there are specific reasons that we have been able to grow up without growing apart.
We never get angry at the time that can pass between phone calls. My best friend Taylor and I can play phone tag for weeks before we actually get to have a conversation. You have to be realistic when you enter school that you will be extremely busy and may not be able to talk everyday. However, when you need each other it is never hard to find a way to talk. We are still there for each other no matter what.
Don't resent the new friends and compare closeness. Do not get jealous if you best friend is very close with their new friends at school. Be confident in your friendship and take a chance to get to know their new friends. I have become close with some of my friends' friends from school and it is nice to have that interconnectedness. Look at it as a way to expand your friend circle.
Make the effort to stay close. This weekend, I had a lot of homework to do and should have saved the gas money. However, it was my friend Andrew's last home football game ever and there was no way we could miss it. I am so glad we did not because it was such an amazing experience to share.
I remember being terrified when I started college that I would lose these friendships but it is not that difficult to maintain them. I feel grateful everyday that I have these people in my life. Honestly, the time in college has just solidified my attachment to them because now I am aware of how strong our bonds have grown.
My Friend Andrew after his last home game!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Why Should I Be An English Major?
Hello friends,
In the unstable economy we are currently living I know it can seem daunting to pick a major that does not accompany a ready made career. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate those majors like nursing, education and engineering. However, it makes me worried that people are entering college and not pursuing subject matter that truly love and going for ones that seem safe.
Every family function I attend I am immediately asked, "What's your major?" and immediately followed by "English? So you want to be a teacher?" This is my call to potential English majors of the world letting you know that there is more to do with this major than teaching. I love that English and Education are commonly paired but it is not the only option.
I, personally, am attempting to go to law school. A course load that is heavily dependant on reading massive amounts of information and writing copious amounts. What better major than English? To borrow from Winthrop University, "English majors are found in program management, marketing, editing, reporting, creative and technical writing, public relations, medicine, social work, government work, non-profit organizations, and financial services. The kinds of text analysis, writing, and thinking English majors specialize in enhance their creativity, their understanding of human motivation, and their ability to present clear and logical arguments, both in writing and orally." There are plenty of options out there. There is also writing, editing and journalism (FYI Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters were English majors).
Most importantly, you are going to enjoy college more and embrace its benefits when you actually love the material in your courses. You certainly will read many books and write a lot of papers but there is so much more to gain from this major. My Critical Theory class challenged my way of thinking forever.
Please make sure when you look at majors not to discount those that seem difficult in the job market, if you are passionate about something then it is always the right choice.
In the unstable economy we are currently living I know it can seem daunting to pick a major that does not accompany a ready made career. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate those majors like nursing, education and engineering. However, it makes me worried that people are entering college and not pursuing subject matter that truly love and going for ones that seem safe.
Every family function I attend I am immediately asked, "What's your major?" and immediately followed by "English? So you want to be a teacher?" This is my call to potential English majors of the world letting you know that there is more to do with this major than teaching. I love that English and Education are commonly paired but it is not the only option.
I, personally, am attempting to go to law school. A course load that is heavily dependant on reading massive amounts of information and writing copious amounts. What better major than English? To borrow from Winthrop University, "English majors are found in program management, marketing, editing, reporting, creative and technical writing, public relations, medicine, social work, government work, non-profit organizations, and financial services. The kinds of text analysis, writing, and thinking English majors specialize in enhance their creativity, their understanding of human motivation, and their ability to present clear and logical arguments, both in writing and orally." There are plenty of options out there. There is also writing, editing and journalism (FYI Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters were English majors).
Most importantly, you are going to enjoy college more and embrace its benefits when you actually love the material in your courses. You certainly will read many books and write a lot of papers but there is so much more to gain from this major. My Critical Theory class challenged my way of thinking forever.
Please make sure when you look at majors not to discount those that seem difficult in the job market, if you are passionate about something then it is always the right choice.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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