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UMM Admissions Blog
May 04, 2008
15 Applications
So.
The end of the year is near. We have one week of class left, and then the week of finals, and it's harder than ever to attempt to study when the weather is so nice. With the end of the year always comes the question, "So, what are you doing this summer?" And my answer is always: "Working, somewhere..."
This summer, much more so than summers' previous, has been very hard to find a job. Any job. I had sent out 6 applications to various places before, and this weekend I sent out another 9 making it a grad total of 15. Now if only someplace will call me back with an offer, or at least an interview.
I think the most frustrating thing in the process is not knowing. Companies never call you to tell you you didn't get the job, only when you did, so you always have all these loose strings out there floating into the abyss. Of the thirty restaurants/coffee shops/bars/stores I went to this weekend, 15 said not hiring this summer, or try back in a few weeks, 7 said they WERE hiring, and 8 said they probably weren't but here's an application anyway. Talk about a tough market.
It's funny, because you know according to our fearless leader, we're not in a recession, and yet jobs are really hard to come by, even for my friend the nursing student. I know right, nursing people are supposed to get any job they want, because we have such a shortage of them, and yet, no dice.
Well, hopefully I'll find a job yet, and if not, if you know of something open...just let me know...
This happened once before,
When I came to your door, no reply.
They said it wasn't you,
But I saw you peep through your window,
I saw the light, I saw the light,
I know that you saw me,
'Cos I looked up to see your face.
I tried to telephone,
They said that you were not home, that's a lie,
'Cos I know where you've been,
I saw you walk in your door
~No Reply
May 03, 2008
What a night and what a year!
And the count down begins! Two weeks left of school then summer vacation!!! I can't wait!
So after a pretty busy and stressful week of school I was pretty excited that it was Friday!!! I really didn't have any plans which was actually nice for a change. I was ready for a night of rest and relaxation. But then it seems that too many things were presented to me. Theres a dance on campus, a movie with some friends, bowling, Iron Man is showing in town, and then my quiet time was calling. It was a hard decision but in the end I had a lot of fun. I went bowling and got my first Turkey ever! Then I went to Iron Man (it was great!) It still turned out to be a restful evening.
Well this year has gone by so fast. I can't believe its already May. It feels like I just moved in last week and now I'm already packing to leave. I've had a lot of good times this year and I can't wait to be a Senior next year and continue the wonderful college life. My top five memories from this year are: (drum roll please) 5) Being and Orientation Group Leader, 4) Taking a picture with the swim team at the infamous blue boat out side of Glenwood *Inserted below* 3) Taking Poetry with Professor Gremmels, 2) Sign Language Concert, 1) Placing 8th at L.A.C (Liberal Arts Championships) for Swimming
This picture was taken January 15, 2008 and it was about 0 degrees
Have a marvelous May!
May 01, 2008
El Paso, Weenie Roast & Dance Ensemble!
Oh me, oh my.
I have neglected thee my wonderful blog. I have so many amazing stories to tell about these past few weeks!
I'll start with a Campus Ambassador story. So, I wake up at 9:30 one Monday morning, throw on my sweet CA polo and don't bother with makeup or anything of the sort- it's much too early for this. Jogging down to Behmler, I take in the wonderful spring weather (this was just one of our several false alarms, if I remember correctly it snowed the next day) greatful to not have to give a tour in the cold. I visit Jillian, who is one of the most amazing people in Admissions EVER, grab my name tag and go to meet the student. I've heard many a tale about a thing called southern hospitality, but I havn't seen it with my own eyes until I met Brandon and his father. The pair of them had traveled all the way from EL PASO, TEXAS to visit our own lovely UMM! They shook my hand and said it was nice to meet me. They even called me ma'am. Let me tell you, I was blown away. Brandon himself was a solid 6'5 or so, big build, and a football player. By looking at him you'd think he was a defender of some sort (my football terms are lacking, I apologise) but he was actually a quarterback- apparently the biggest quarterback his district had ever seen. I gave him and his dad a tour, and they were the nicest, most polite people I've ever met. They asked lots of questions, and they wanted to get to know me as a person as well. I had quite a good time on tour with the both of them. Now get this- I got an e-mail from Brandon a few days ago saying that he has deposited and is going to come to UMM in the fall! YAY! I'm glad UMM will be getting some southern gentlemen here! (not that our boys aren't amazing as they are ;))
Gay Hall has been doing loads of events! Today we are having a weenie roast (a new tradition started last year) which should be super fun! We also got our 07-08 Gay Hall tee shirts, designed by fellow blogger and all around amazingly cool gorgeous brilliant lovely lady: Kathy Julik-Heine. I am so stoked to wear my shirt around! Keep an eye out for brilliantly colored GAY shirts! Tonight is also the Dance Ensemble cast party! We get to watch the DVD of our performances and eat pizza! I performed to a Spice Girls song, and got all decked out as Scary Spice (coned hair and all!) I figured once I mentioned that, I should include a picture, so here is a picture of the "Spice Up Your Life" group!
Aren't we cute?
Well class starts soon, so I had better close. I'll post another entry soon! Have a lovely May!
Freshman Year at UMM
How can I sum up the first year experience at UMM? I started this year off pretty reluctant to come to UMM and completely naive about what UMM had to offer me. And now, eight months later, I look in awe at the year I have had. This has probably been the most incredible year of my life. I have met people I feel I will be close with for many years to come, I have been offered opportunities that will shape the rest of my life, I have discovered the true joy of learning, and I have had so much fun. I can't believe how many things I thought I knew about myself and I've learned. I don't know how much of this experience I owe directly to UMM but I would say quite a bit. If you fit UMM and UMM fits you, your opportunities for enriching experiences are infinite. Highlights this year have been: Voices of Darfur: Darfur refugees speaking at UMM, Jazz Dances, Haunted Hall, Concert Choir (East Coast Tour!), Gay Hall Community Council (and all of our wonderful hall programs specifically Thanksgiving Dinner, Movie Nights, Gingerbread House making, Tug O' War, Homecoming Float, and MACURH!), Admissions Work, The Newman Center, French Club Events, Paula O'Loughlin and Pareena Lawrence and all of their wisdom. Ok I'll stop because I feel like an Oscar's acceptance speech with the music beginning to cut me off. But to sum it up I would say my advice to potential students is: if you want to get an extremely high quality education, and you want your name at the top of the list in the grad school world or career world because of who YOU are and what YOU'VE done and not because of the stamp on your degree, then UMM awaits you! Feel free to contact me regarding anything I've talked about in my blogs! Blog out.
April 27, 2008
Senior Blogger Receives Campus Award
This is an exciting time of the year for those of us in the admissions office as high school seniors are in their final few days of making college decisions. This year we have had the chance to get to know some really great students and we look forward to having them join our campus this coming fall.
Unfortunately it is also the time of the year when we have to say goodbye to seniors who will be leaving us for greater things. UMM has a great student body and we sometimes wish we could keep them forever. I was browsing through our website today and came across this article announcing that Simón Franco will receive this year's César E. Chávez award along with Anthropology professor Donna Chollet. If you have ever visited campus for an open house you may have met Simón as he is always happy to volunteer to be a tour guide and last week even served on a student panel for junior visit day.
Congrats Simón!
April 20, 2008
Thank God for Morris.
Wow.
So since I've been accepted to my study abroad program, I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off. All the paper work to fill out, the doctor visits to assure Belgium that I have no horrible diseases, the visa application nightmare. I'm just thankful that I only took 14 credits this semester and have time for another class (ie getting ready to leave in 4 months). With all the paperwork that needs to be filled out, I have had more than one question on how, exactly, one answers these asinine questions. This is where I'm glad I can go up to anyone who works here, at Morris, and ask, and they'll not only answer it, but not make me feel like an idiot when they do. I'm really glad that I go the Morris campus where people know you and very helpful. This extends to the community as well.
So, last Thursday my van (that's right I drive a van, not a car) decided to not start...in Willies parking lot (one of the grocery stores in town). Well, of course it so happened that I had to leave on Friday morning and wouldn't be back to deal with it until Saturday. I told the manager/owner at Willies and they were completely cool with it. They said to leave it there for as long as I need, and not to worry. Needless to say I was relieved. I don't think even my hometown grocery store would be okay with that (I'm from a town roughly the size of Morris).
At the end of the day I'm glad to call Morris my home. I feel welcome and safe here. People take care of each other around here, and that sure is a comfort when you are far from home. I'm glad I chose Morris as a school, not only for it's great professors, but also for the community.
A friend says that a love
is never true.
And you know that this
don't apply to you.
A touch can mean so much
when it's all you've got.
When she says she loves you
that means a lot.
~That means a lot
April 15, 2008
Job Fair and Jogging
I don't have class until April 28th, so I could be really lazy, sleep till 2pm, and watch tremendous amounts of TV...but that is not my style and I've been staying productive. Yesterday was the education job fair at the convention center in downtown Minneapolis. I went to the fair with two main purposes: Get interview practice and meet and greet with some of the schools I’ve applied to. I ended up accomplishing both, and had a real interview with a school I’m really interested in! It went well and I’ll know by Friday if I move on to the next step of the application process. I’m staying hopeful but realistic as well.
Also, today I started my first day of training for the Irongirl duathlon. It's being held in Bloomington this September. What is a duathlon you say? Not to be confused with a biathlon, a duathlon consists of running and biking, so skipping out on the swimming section of a triathlon. I’m training early because I have a looonngg way to go considering last time I jogged outside for fun was never, and for sports it has been since 2004! So far, so good.
Until next time!
Warm and Windy
It finally feels like spring at UMM today. Some students were on the mall, although there probably would have been more without the 30 MPH wind gusts. It is sunny and warm...no coat necessary! This week is really busy at UMM because there are alot of social events as well as academic events going on. In only two of my classes I have two exams, and a major paper due not counting any of the regular homework I have due on a day to day basis. Sometimes I wonder how I get it all done...and somtimes you just don't.
On the social side the dance ensemble has its show which is always a great thing to see. Students work all semester on choreographed dances designed by other students or faculty or staff and then perform them in Edson Auditorium over two nights. Early in the week though there are elections for the Morris Campus Student Association and sadly that will mean my term as Vice President of MCSA will be over. With the elections come the debates between executive candidates, that is all candidates running for the presidency or vice presidecy positions. There was a debate that was aired on KUMM 89.7 last night from TMC. Students could come in and submitt questions to the candidates. I think the debate was alot of fun and I was happy to see engaged students there. The Briggs Library Associates, who are, "UMM friends who love books, who enjoy cultural pursuits and who believe in supporting an important campus and regional intellectual resource" have their annual meeting and elections tonight (BLA Website). The theme of this years event is UMM students and their study abroad experiences. I think it will be alot of fun because it brings together students, faculty, staff, administration, and Alums who all love the Briggs Library. The list could go on and on and the events I talked about are only a sampling of the variety that is available on campus. Next time you visit UMM check out the activities board in the Student Center for the latest happenings on campus.
April 14, 2008
Spring is in the Air...but it's not coming?
Within the last week it seems that the talk of this lovely town Morris has been the weather. One day before I went to class it was a little chilly and while in class I looked outside and there were MUTANT snowflakes falling...they were huge! Later that day it was in the forties and all the snow was gone. I feel like each day we get a glimpse of what is to come but then the nasty Minnesota weather decides to rain/snow and smash our hopes of spring. One of my favorite intramurals is kickball and if it the weather doesn't shape up it might be a shorter season then usual :(
Many spring events are here this week and it makes for a crazy time. The Blood Drive is Wednesday and Thursday (Whoo!), Dance Ensemble show is this weekend (always fun and entertaining), Relay for Life is Friday to Saturday (1st Relay for Life Event/Walk at UMM), and random acts of kindness day.
Up and coming...BRIAN POSEHN!!! Brian is a comedian and he is coming here to Morris April 26! I'm super pumped and can't wait for a night of laughs. This line from Batman Returns cracked me up this last weekend, "Eat floor!"
April 10, 2008
Undergraduate Research: Just another reason to come to UMM!
SO! Besides the fact that UMM students have gotten to experience the snow melting part of spring several too many times, life at Morris continues to be grand. This week is pride with ending with the infamous drag show on Friday. Next weekend we have UMM's own Dance Ensemble (starring moi!) and the following weekend our spring children's musical is having it's public performances! But, I'm going to take a minute and talk a little bit about undergraduate research here at UMM. Back in December I was offered to partake in a MAP or Morris Academic Partnership, with Pareena Lawrence, my advisor and the head of the social sciences division here at UMM. What a MAP does is it gives a chance for students to do research and work or projects with faculty. I will be spending the next year working on a project with Pareena that she started a while back on the economic effects of political equality for women in India. MAPs are just one of the many research opportunities here at UMM for students to take part in. Students can also do what is called a UROP which is an independent student research project done under a professor. But what does this mean to anyone that isn't a student at UMM? It means insane connections, amazing experiences, spectacular resumes, perfectly unique memories and opportunities that are once in a lifetime! Blog out.
April 04, 2008
Jazz Fest 2008!!!
Holy crap.
Jazz Fest was amazing last night. I don't know if any of you guys have ever gone to Morris' Jazz Fest, but I think it's something everybody should do sometime in their lives. The event is AMAZING!
It's held every year at the end of March/early April on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Every year guest artists are brought in to do clinics with the high schools who come (oh yeah, this is all about the high school student), and then perform every night with the Jazz 1 Jazz band at Morris.
This year the artists are:Eric Marienthal, alto sax and Byron Stripling, trumpet. These guys are awesome! Not only do you get an evening of great music, but you get entertained too! (It's like taking Environmental Geology with Cotter.) They make jokes, sing, play music...it's pretty much the coolest thing ever.
I don't think I can do justice to what the atmosphere feels like at the Jazz Fests, mostly because it changes every night, depending on who is in the audience and how they interact with the guest artists. Long story short, if you ever can come to a Fest, then do it!
Good day sunshine, good day sunshine,
Good day sunshine.
I need to laugh, and when the sun is out,
I've got something I can laugh about.
I feel good in a special way,
I'm in love, and it's sunny day.
Good day sunshine, good day sunshine,
Good day sunshine.
~Good Day Sunshine
April 03, 2008
Springtime in Morris
Yesterday was the more meteorology-confused day I have ever experienced. I got up to go to Statistics around 9 and there was a flurry of wet and windy snow outside. It would have been mildly pretty had it not been April 2nd! By about mid-day I was convinced that spring would never come and I might as well learn to live with an endless summer as I made my way across campus to French. Of course by the time I was leaving the Humanities building the sun was shining the snow was melting and spring had arrived. No complaints here however! Springtime in Morris is becoming my favorite season thus far. As if UMM didn't have events galore before, now the campus schedule is more packed than ever. We have the Jazz Fest today, tomorrow and Saturday which I believe is noted on an earlier blog. I personally am speaking at "Refueler" this evening. Refueler is a weekly student worship service/mass done by the Newman Center (the Catholic student organization). I am a little nervous about speaking, but I am also really excited. The English course I am taking currently with Michael Lackey has been very inspirational and challenging for my faith. Going to a public university I was concerned with the challenges to my faith coming in. It has been a very individual journey for me, but very rich at the same time. The environment at UMM has given me a chance to really question my faith but at the same time feel like I am surrounded by others who have great faith and can relate to what I am going through. Tonight I am speaking on finding a balance between "the tortured faith" (always questioning, always skeptical) and "the passive faith" (basically the opposite). We'll see how it goes! Check out all of the religious organizations and opportunities on campus on the student organization page!
March 31, 2008
Belgium!!
So last week I heard that I was accepted to a study abroad program in Brussels, Belgium! I'm super excited, but now that I have the list of things to do and their due dates, I'm becoming a little nervous. The cost also caught me off guard a little bit. I know the euro is stronger than the dollar, and it would make sense that a trip to Europe would cost more, I just didn't put two and two together.
I'm really glad that I'll have this opportunity to study abroad next fall, but it's also a little hard. It will be my senior year and I'll miss somethings, like voting in my first presidential election (I know I can vote absentee, but that isn't the same!), missing homecoming my senior year, and mostly just missing those last few times of hanging out with friends. I don't really know what's to come, but world, here I come!
Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup,
They slither while they pass, they slip away across the universe.
Pools of sorrow waves of joy are drifting through my opened mind,
Possessing and caressing me.
~Across the Universe
March 29, 2008
Sign Language Concert
One of the coolest events I've ever been to was the sign langugage concert this afternoon. Not only was it cool because I was in it but it was fun to watch. There were about 24 groups and as a part of sign language class these groups prepare a song and preform at the concert. My partner and I chose A Whole New World from the Disney movie Aladdin. We even had our own magic carpet :) I would say it was the best assignment I've had for any class. Across campus at the PE Center another event was going on. The annual Pow Wow put on by CNIA (Circle of Nations Indian Association). I've gone to the Pow Wow since I was a freshman and had to keep the tradition going so I stopped by. I enjoy the atmosphere and the festivities and was thrilled the Pow Wow was here today.
The fun doesn't stop there... I also worked today at the Information Desk for my work study job. Then the second chance dance is tonight. The dance is being put on to raise money and collect gently used formal dresses; they will then be given to Ever After Gowns.
Don't go changin'...
March 27, 2008
Off to Law School
Today I sent in my deposit to William Mitchell Law School. In about 5 months I will be studying in St. Paul and on to a new phase in my life. I was pretty nervous sealing the envelope and putting it in the mailbox. Being myself I waited until practically the last minute to mail it in because it is due Tuesday in their hands. I wish you better time management when applying to schools because it can be a nerve-racking feeling to wait until the very last possible day so let a school know you are coming. My advice to you, send in your deposits soon because the sooner you do the sooner you can get your housing, registration, and other fun information. Sadly it is time for me to move on to a new project. Check back soon and perhaps I will have new information about my law school escapades.
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