Finals week has fallen upon us just like the snow that's made this week just a little more testing. It is the time in which students receive the least amount of sleep that we will experience every term, with the term literally two days from coming to an end. It seemed as if this day was never to come, only for it to have creeped upon us like as stranger in the dark. I can attest that I've slept minimally in the last few days, the hope that these final exams will propel my grade even further. For those who have slacked off all term, the crunch time is on and these last few days have seemed like judgment day.
Final exams have a bittersweet feeling to them, it is the final stretch of the race, but it is the most important time of the year. The finish line is in sight, but the marathon has left you breathless and tired. Slacking is not an option when nearly 15% of a students grade is on the line. The culmination of all that has been learned in the last 11 weeks and a discipline that may seem alien to many, studying. The halls of our dorms have quieted, students have locked themselves in their rooms and the library with nothing but a stack of papers, a computer, a few text books, and several cups of coffee. Although the 24 hour quiet hour that is imposed every finals week plays a role, I believe that even if this was not in effect there would be no change.
At midnight on the Sunday, the eve before finals, the campus center was packed to the brim. Students lined up for the Midnight breakfast that is put on the evening before finals. This is a lovely event, on that is provided by the college that lifts the spirits of all students. The familiar faces of faculty that have been seen all year turning the gears of the college behind the scenes from their offices and meeting rooms are the servers for the evening. They serve hefty portions of breakfast food for each student, almost as a good luck wish. This event instills in us, the college's students, an energy boost for the long week that is to come.
We're two days from the finish line, some students have been lucky enough to finish. We are not racing against each others, each student is in a league of their own. Taking aid from those who share the same classes as us, each student will either fulfill their aspirations for the term or fall short of their goal. At the end of the day, it is only you who must stand at the podium and claim your gold medal, for this leg of the race is almost over. Tomorrow brings another day and a new race is soon to begin. Saddened to see some cherished faces depart from our halls and will not return next term to continue the race here at Elmira College can weigh heavy upon the heart, but the sadness will wash away. For the friends we have made here and the trials that we have endured we will never forget.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
The First Final Stretch
It has been a little while, with all the excitement that the last break had brought time has seemed to slip away. The days are getting shorter, but with all the upcoming work and finals drawing ever closer all the sleep that was caught up upon will slowly return to it's equilibrium. As I was leaving for Thanksgiving break, the thoughts of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry filling my head, the effect that the break had upon the gas station was noticeable. I saw a few friends who were on the same page as I was, gassing up ready to embark on the journey home.
Inside the gas station while I was getting a coffee for fuel for the long drive ahead I overheard the effect that all the student leaving had upon the gas station. Let's simply say that the local Sunoco sold a lot of gas that day. A little tips for students who are heading home is to carpool. It might seem a little difficult with such a diverse population of students from many different states, but the companionship on a long drive is a morale booster when you're ticking down the miles from home on your odometer. The financial benefit is there too, more people going the same direction means that you can split some of the costs of gas.
Back to campus at this current time, classes resumed today and it was apparent that everyone's sleep cycles are not what they were a week before. There was no lack of zeal seeing as the optimism that the term is nearly over. Only two weeks and a week for finals, the library will be seeing maximum visit numbers. Although some of the years best events such as the holiday banquet and the holiday ball will be taking place soon. The next few weeks will be another adventure and I can't wait to fill you in on some of the stories, but that will have to come at a later date. The perfect balance between studying and fun will be achieved in the next few weeks before our three week holiday break, Santa Claus is readying up his sleigh and his elves are in overdrive preparing for the holiday season. You know all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy.
Inside the gas station while I was getting a coffee for fuel for the long drive ahead I overheard the effect that all the student leaving had upon the gas station. Let's simply say that the local Sunoco sold a lot of gas that day. A little tips for students who are heading home is to carpool. It might seem a little difficult with such a diverse population of students from many different states, but the companionship on a long drive is a morale booster when you're ticking down the miles from home on your odometer. The financial benefit is there too, more people going the same direction means that you can split some of the costs of gas.
Back to campus at this current time, classes resumed today and it was apparent that everyone's sleep cycles are not what they were a week before. There was no lack of zeal seeing as the optimism that the term is nearly over. Only two weeks and a week for finals, the library will be seeing maximum visit numbers. Although some of the years best events such as the holiday banquet and the holiday ball will be taking place soon. The next few weeks will be another adventure and I can't wait to fill you in on some of the stories, but that will have to come at a later date. The perfect balance between studying and fun will be achieved in the next few weeks before our three week holiday break, Santa Claus is readying up his sleigh and his elves are in overdrive preparing for the holiday season. You know all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Haha, That Was My Funny Bone
Tuesday was a very eventful day on the Elmira College campus. As I was walking around campus all the volunteers and technicians could be seen hard at work preparing for a night that everyone had been waiting for all semester. We had seen poster after poster and it almost seemed as if the event was not going to come. I saw a few students carrying a bunk bed, not college issue. I could not fathom why, but I sure found out later that night. It was part of the elaborate and very beautiful set for the two comedians, T.J. Miller and Raplhie May.
Fast foward a few hours. It was getting near showtime and I wanted a good seat. My buddies and I headed over to the Gymnasium which we know has gone over a complete makeover. We were among the first to arrive and claimed our dead center second row seats. Let the comedy begin...In thirty minutes or so. Punctuality has it's price, although the seats were worth it.
I'm not going to attempt to retell any of their jokes, one because they wouldn't really be that funny just reading them and I would probably butcher the punchline trying to. If you've never seen the two perform, go on over to youtube. Two completely different personalities and they each pulled off the laughs. From incorporating the crowd to giving the crowd some tips for their personal lives everyone who went did not regret it at all.
Other than that the whole campus has slowly been going into hibernation. The winter months are falling fast and soon enough we'll be having to deal with snow. The weather is getting chilly, but we have a nice day here and there. The best part about winter has to be the end though, because after all the snow has fallen and melted, the vigor and enthusiasm for the outdoors is revived. That isn't for a few months to come and we haven't even gotten into the full swing of things, but a little optismism can get you far. Maybe through that difficult exam you're studying for (Microeconomics...), if you're applying to college or grad school (it'll be over soon enough), or even the cold winter to come. At least we get to have snowball fights.
Fast foward a few hours. It was getting near showtime and I wanted a good seat. My buddies and I headed over to the Gymnasium which we know has gone over a complete makeover. We were among the first to arrive and claimed our dead center second row seats. Let the comedy begin...In thirty minutes or so. Punctuality has it's price, although the seats were worth it.
I'm not going to attempt to retell any of their jokes, one because they wouldn't really be that funny just reading them and I would probably butcher the punchline trying to. If you've never seen the two perform, go on over to youtube. Two completely different personalities and they each pulled off the laughs. From incorporating the crowd to giving the crowd some tips for their personal lives everyone who went did not regret it at all.
Other than that the whole campus has slowly been going into hibernation. The winter months are falling fast and soon enough we'll be having to deal with snow. The weather is getting chilly, but we have a nice day here and there. The best part about winter has to be the end though, because after all the snow has fallen and melted, the vigor and enthusiasm for the outdoors is revived. That isn't for a few months to come and we haven't even gotten into the full swing of things, but a little optismism can get you far. Maybe through that difficult exam you're studying for (Microeconomics...), if you're applying to college or grad school (it'll be over soon enough), or even the cold winter to come. At least we get to have snowball fights.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Everybody's Working For the Weekend
The weekend, everyone's favorite time of the week. Two days where you don't have to go to classes, hopefully you don't have to work, and you get a mini vacation until you have to get back to Monday's grind. The increasing number of students that go to the library every night, from Freshmen who are doing their Freshman writing papers or upperclassmen that are working on anything from microeconomics to microbiology, take a little break.
Getting to kick off the shoes after a long day on Friday with a consumer behavior quiz and an Algebra Exam, I was definitely ready to turn off my brain for a little while and just relax. The clock was getting near 3:25 p.m. and I was getting anxious to start my weekend. I got out of class, swung on over to the campus center for some food and went over to my friend's suite to just hang out, the rest of the weekend ahead of me.
I had never been to an EC hockey game and I'm a sophomore, so it was about time I get my school spirit together. It was a great game, my buddies and I got seats right on the ice. It was great, the huge hits, all the familiar faces cheering on our Soaring Eagles. The other team scored early and we were silent until the end, but around 8 minutes left in the third quarter something changed and EC struck with their first goal. Who knew what was going to happen, it could have been lost with a single slapshot or it could have gone into overtime, but at the 59th second and the place went nuts. It was a great game.
I actually can't wait for the next coming week though. Tuesday night is going to be a great night, the EC big event is something everyone looks forward to and this year they're giving us a two for one special. Comedy Craze is bound to be a great night with Ralphie May and T.J Miller performing on the purple and gold stage. Who knows what else this week has in store for us?
Getting to kick off the shoes after a long day on Friday with a consumer behavior quiz and an Algebra Exam, I was definitely ready to turn off my brain for a little while and just relax. The clock was getting near 3:25 p.m. and I was getting anxious to start my weekend. I got out of class, swung on over to the campus center for some food and went over to my friend's suite to just hang out, the rest of the weekend ahead of me.
I had never been to an EC hockey game and I'm a sophomore, so it was about time I get my school spirit together. It was a great game, my buddies and I got seats right on the ice. It was great, the huge hits, all the familiar faces cheering on our Soaring Eagles. The other team scored early and we were silent until the end, but around 8 minutes left in the third quarter something changed and EC struck with their first goal. Who knew what was going to happen, it could have been lost with a single slapshot or it could have gone into overtime, but at the 59th second and the place went nuts. It was a great game.
I actually can't wait for the next coming week though. Tuesday night is going to be a great night, the EC big event is something everyone looks forward to and this year they're giving us a two for one special. Comedy Craze is bound to be a great night with Ralphie May and T.J Miller performing on the purple and gold stage. Who knows what else this week has in store for us?
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tips For Sucess
It may not feel like it, but there are a million changes that happen between you freshman and sophomore year. Remembering back to my first year of college, I start with full force, but come time for the year to wrap up I had submitted to laziness. Term 2 saw my GPA fall a bit after a very successful first term. Looking back upon it now I realize that there were a various number of potholes to fall into along the way, so I devised a little list of do’s and don’ts that will help you stay on task throughout the year.
Get some sleep
Let’s be honest, as college students we pretty much become nocturnal creatures. Whether it’s staying up late studying, doing last minute reading for your class at nine in the morning, or just voluntarily not wanting to go to sleep, you need to get your rest. Lack of sleep can only build up until the point where you’re not going to get up for class. Nothing good happens after one or two p.m. so save yourself the hassle of waking up tired, lethargic, and zombie like for the remainder of the day. You will end up messing up your sleep schedule and then only bad things can happen from there.
Learn to Love Coffee
You are going to inevitably stay up late hanging out with friends or trying to put the last touches on your freshman writing portfolio the night before it is due. Coffee is going to be your best friend for the rest of your life. Especially for those of you who try to avoid the sugar saturated unhealthy energy drinks and five-energies, coffee is a much healthier alternative for energy and that little kick start boost in the morning. If you don’t like waiting until it cools down to drink it, add some ice in the cup before you pour it, it’ll cool it down and eliminate the bitter taste if you’re not a huge fan of it.
Combat Procrastination
This has to be the most difficult point at least it always was for me. Nobody really wants to do work and I’ll be the first to admit it, but you have to get it done. Whenever you’ve got a chance or a little free time, do a little bit of work. Start that project that’s due in two weeks or that paper that’s due on Friday early. Trust me; you’ll be so relieved to have done it sooner. It may even save you a day here and there, especially the weekends. Don’t wait until the last minute or you’re going to be pulling a few all nighters in the Lounge of your dorm while your roommate gets to sleep soundly that night.
Go to Class
If you miss class, you’re not going to do well in the class. It’s the key time to get information about the papers that are due, the subject matters that are discussed, and obviously the test that will come whether you’re prepared or not. Most teachers know when you’re not in class and if you’re having trouble they’ll be more willing to help you.
Moderation
Do everything in moderation so that you can diversify your time for maximum output. Don’t spend an entire day doing homework nor spend an entire day playing xbox. Spend an hour doing one and then take a break. Write a page of your paper and then go to the gym and relieve some stress. Not to say you can’t go hang out with friends for a little while or go see a movie. Just don’t forget about your assignments.
There are a million and one things to do in College, and even more ways to enjoy these golden years. Don’t get caught up in the moment and let it affect the goals that you came to college with. A good thing to do for yourself is to set yourself a few goals. When you’re lying in bed ready to call it a night, just think about yourself and those goals, if you’re on the path to fulfilling them or not. I had a little difficulty sticking to some of these points my freshman year, but got a good learning experience out of it. I learned the hard way do that once and I bet you won’t do that again.
Get some sleep
Let’s be honest, as college students we pretty much become nocturnal creatures. Whether it’s staying up late studying, doing last minute reading for your class at nine in the morning, or just voluntarily not wanting to go to sleep, you need to get your rest. Lack of sleep can only build up until the point where you’re not going to get up for class. Nothing good happens after one or two p.m. so save yourself the hassle of waking up tired, lethargic, and zombie like for the remainder of the day. You will end up messing up your sleep schedule and then only bad things can happen from there.
Learn to Love Coffee
You are going to inevitably stay up late hanging out with friends or trying to put the last touches on your freshman writing portfolio the night before it is due. Coffee is going to be your best friend for the rest of your life. Especially for those of you who try to avoid the sugar saturated unhealthy energy drinks and five-energies, coffee is a much healthier alternative for energy and that little kick start boost in the morning. If you don’t like waiting until it cools down to drink it, add some ice in the cup before you pour it, it’ll cool it down and eliminate the bitter taste if you’re not a huge fan of it.
Combat Procrastination
This has to be the most difficult point at least it always was for me. Nobody really wants to do work and I’ll be the first to admit it, but you have to get it done. Whenever you’ve got a chance or a little free time, do a little bit of work. Start that project that’s due in two weeks or that paper that’s due on Friday early. Trust me; you’ll be so relieved to have done it sooner. It may even save you a day here and there, especially the weekends. Don’t wait until the last minute or you’re going to be pulling a few all nighters in the Lounge of your dorm while your roommate gets to sleep soundly that night.
Go to Class
If you miss class, you’re not going to do well in the class. It’s the key time to get information about the papers that are due, the subject matters that are discussed, and obviously the test that will come whether you’re prepared or not. Most teachers know when you’re not in class and if you’re having trouble they’ll be more willing to help you.
Moderation
Do everything in moderation so that you can diversify your time for maximum output. Don’t spend an entire day doing homework nor spend an entire day playing xbox. Spend an hour doing one and then take a break. Write a page of your paper and then go to the gym and relieve some stress. Not to say you can’t go hang out with friends for a little while or go see a movie. Just don’t forget about your assignments.
There are a million and one things to do in College, and even more ways to enjoy these golden years. Don’t get caught up in the moment and let it affect the goals that you came to college with. A good thing to do for yourself is to set yourself a few goals. When you’re lying in bed ready to call it a night, just think about yourself and those goals, if you’re on the path to fulfilling them or not. I had a little difficulty sticking to some of these points my freshman year, but got a good learning experience out of it. I learned the hard way do that once and I bet you won’t do that again.
Monday, October 18, 2010
A Long Weekend
There’s a lot of great things about college, like new found independence and a whole new world to be uncovered and experienced. Yet, one of the greatest parts of college does not even lie within college life itself. The return home is one of the greatest parts, where glorious reunions with family and friends take place. Not to say that the new friends that are met at college are subsidiary and you won’t share that same experience with them later on in life. It is just an amazing feeling to be reunited with others whom you had shared so much history with; some you haven’t seen in months, especially family.
There’s nothing like the feeling of calling up one of your buddies and them saying, “Hey, want to play some halo on Xbox Live?” And you responding “Nah, I’d rather come over to your house and hang out.” There’s so much that has happened in the last few months that you simply lose track of time. The fact that life goes on even though you’re not there kicks in. It never gets old coming home after a long six to nine week stint of being at school, but it’s always something I look forward to nonetheless.
It may be sad to say, but it’s one of the basic principles of time and of human nature. Everyone thinks they universe revolves around them and when it reveals to them that thus is not the case, it’s a little disappointing. Regardless, it is an amazing feeling to return home to a place that I’d spent so much time; even if it’s only for a long weekend. I’ll be going back to school soon, but what can I say every day takes me just a little bit closer to the day that I’ll be making that five and a half hour drive back home for the holidays. Boy can I assure you that I can’t wait for that.
There’s nothing like the feeling of calling up one of your buddies and them saying, “Hey, want to play some halo on Xbox Live?” And you responding “Nah, I’d rather come over to your house and hang out.” There’s so much that has happened in the last few months that you simply lose track of time. The fact that life goes on even though you’re not there kicks in. It never gets old coming home after a long six to nine week stint of being at school, but it’s always something I look forward to nonetheless.
It may be sad to say, but it’s one of the basic principles of time and of human nature. Everyone thinks they universe revolves around them and when it reveals to them that thus is not the case, it’s a little disappointing. Regardless, it is an amazing feeling to return home to a place that I’d spent so much time; even if it’s only for a long weekend. I’ll be going back to school soon, but what can I say every day takes me just a little bit closer to the day that I’ll be making that five and a half hour drive back home for the holidays. Boy can I assure you that I can’t wait for that.
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