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Morris Admissions Blog
February 9, 2010
Still Chuggin' Along
Classes are still going well. I've already got one exam under my belt and am on my way to yet another exam. So far so good. As for the radio show, I have my first one this Thursday with one of the guys who lives in the apartment with me. If you want to know more about it just listen to KUMM on Thursday at 8 a.m. When it comes to the house plan for next year everything is signed and taken care of. The only thing to worry about now is getting all the necessary things to put in it. I need to find a bet and maybe a couch or something like that. I've got a Foosball table that I plan on bringing up so that should be pretty cool. I'm planning on bringing my bike up so I can save a dollar or two when it comes to gas. I haven't found a job quite yet so that is still on my list of things to do. I'm hoping to start my search sometime this week. That way I will hopefully have the whole thing figured out by the end of the month or maybe next month. Either way I really need to start soon so that I don't end up procrastinating and not finding a job at all. I suppose I could try and stay in admissions over the summer but I feel like I need to earn a little more money than I would make working here. Hopefully it all works out.
-Catch Ya Later
February 4, 2010
Tips For Getting Along With Your Roommate
I feel like as a High School Senior, friends, relatives, tell Seniors all their great memories about classes, friends, sports, clubs, study abroad and more about college. Yet, there is the one minor detail, your roommate! It's very essential that you build a friendly relationship with your roommate. Because, who are you sharing a room with? Who are you going to go to sleep and wake up to? Your roommate that's right!
So I've decided to give you some tips on dealing with your roommate, to make it a positive experience your first year.
1) Make sure you know when each other classes are. Just because it's always nice to know when your roommate has to get up at 7 for an 8 o'clock class.
2) Go over the basics: if they are a late night/early morning person, a library-studier, if they have a job outside of work. What they like to do on the weekends (if they go out of town a lot) or if they like to invite friends to stay in the dorm room with them. These are just helpful to know right away, so you know what to expect in a small living space.
3) Find out if they have a boyfriend/girlfriend. This may seem like a very personal question. But I think it's important because then you'll get to know why there's a late-night phone call or Skype session. Or maybe, why they seem upset or emotional. Knowing this information can be helpful, because you'll have some insight their personal life which can effect their school life and the way they relate to you.
4) Find out their study habits. I've mentioned this before, but I just want to reiterate that it's helpful to know if your roommate like to study in the student lounge, library, in your room, etc. If they study in your room, it's important you know this fact, because you want to give them space and all the quiet they need to concentrate.
5) Be clear about when you're going to bed/when you're coming back to the dorm. It's always nice to let your roommate know where you are, or how late you'll be. This may sound controlling, but it's always nice to know your roommate is safe. An easy way to fix this problem (and what some roommates do) is have a whiteboard outside your room, on your door. Then write your name and where you are. This saves you a lot of texting and calling. A whiteboard is especially helpful come finals time when college students are finishing up projects and studying of course!
That's all I've got for now, but I hope these are helpful. Of course every person is different with different personalities and ways of dealing with things, so it's just important you figure out a great way to communicate with your roommate for YOU.
~JO
February 2, 2010
An important lesson
Keeyah!!!!
So after spending the past weekend I have learned several valuable lessons on why students should stick around Morris on those glorious days, Saturdays and Sundays.
1) There has been freezin' rain recently-which means your poor car's doors are most likely frozen shut anyway and are going to stay that way.
2) Even if you do get into your car, it most likely won't start so you'll have to search for some kind generous soul to give your car a jump.
3) The car finally starts-however the heater isn't working so that by the time you get home your a human ice cube
4) Being home is a good time to get injured-Example A: Foreign object in eye, gets infected, swells up so you can't see, equaling that you spend most of a day in the doctor's office
5) Your mom decided earlier in the week that your old bedroom would make a good greenhouse and has covered every bare spot with several huge plants equaling you spend the weekend sleeping on the coach trying to ignore the pet cat's attempts to remove your toes.
6) Your professor moves his exam to Monday and you forgot your notes/textbook in your dorm room.
7) Your brother decided to try cooking something unusual-enough said :P
8) You have to read an online article for class on Monday but because the only thing you have at home is Dial-Up the article takes an hour to load then 45 minutes into loading the power goes out.
9) Because your eye still hurts from being infect you have to wait until the sun goes down to drive back to campus which is when you almost hit a deer.
10) You get back to campus only to realize that you forgot all the goodies your mom packed on the kitchen table. :(
There is an important lesson to be learned here-during the weekends stay in Morris-its safer and a lot more fun.
~NINJA~
YAY Classes
It's official, I am enjoying all of my classes. I really wish I had the time to pick up a philosophy minor. That would be awesome. I've also decided that I want to do a radio show with one of my roommates. I took my training test this morning so hopefully that all works out. I'm not sure what I would do for a show though. The station is KUMM and they play alternative music so just about anything that isn't in the top 40 or that has been will work. I suppose that leaves me with a few options. I could sure use some suggestions.
I guess other things going on with me would be that I've found a house to live at next year with some of my roommates from this year. It's a nice five bedroom place with two living rooms, two bathrooms, and two kitchens. I'm pretty pumped. I'm also looking for a summer job. I'm going to be applying all over the place, in Morris that is. I don't feel like leaving for the summer. I'm hoping things work out that I can join a softball league or something like that to keep me busy. If you haven't figured it out already I've just figured out that I can insert images into these blog entries. So much for being a computer science major. Speaking of computer science software design has been going pretty good. I've made it through one lab and am beginning another. I plan on really dedicating myself to this class.
Well I need to get going.
- Catch Ya Later
January 31, 2010
ACCEPTED
I got my ISA acceptance program for Salamanca, Spain next year!
I am so incredibly, splendiferously (It's a word! Sort of...) excited! All of my application materials for ELTAP have been turned in, which is good, because it's due tomorrow. I've made an appointment with the Spanish Consulate in Chicago to apply for my Student Visa. (Which means a great excuse for a roadtrip this summer!)
January 26, 2010
Week 2...its magical
Its week 2 at the UMM and I think all profs thought they were too easy on us during first semester because the homework has definitely increased! However, my classes are super interesting: European Women's History From 1500 to the Present (so for learning about European witches), the Rhetoric of Picturebooks (did you know the story of the 3 pigs doesn't end after the Wolf tries to blow the last pigs house down?) , Communication Theory (homework for one day was looking up slang for "Groovy"), Taekwondoe ( :D ), Radio Experience (the only place where you hear the ballad of the "Last Sasketchewan Pirate"), and Personal Finance (starts at midterm-so no homework-YEA). So far my favorite is Radio Experience because I get to be a DJ for my own radio show at KUMM.
Plus there are a lot of cool stuff happening on campus already. Last week for Swing Dancing Club, my partner and I learned how to do some basic lifts which will look super awesome after we practice some more. Martial Arts Club has kicked off the year to by adding regular shadow boxing to our usual workout routine. That's I'm personally really excited about because shadow boxing is a great way to gain experience in sparring plus its an awesome workout.
But what I'm really looking forward to is the intramural Quidditch Tournament this weekend. Yes, thats right Quidditch! This weekend, the UMM's intramural field will be host to broomsticks, quaffles, a roving snitch, and amazing Quidditch players.
Life couldn't be better-cool classes, club sports, KUMM, and magic! :D
~Ninja~
Busy Busy Busy So Busy
Well I have arrived back on campus after a refreshing month and 1 week winter break. If you are wondering why I'm being exact with the number of days of break, I'm just going to say that you'll realize the importance of it when you've completed your first semester of college! It was nice to finally let my brain relax after studying, reviewing, quizzing, organizing and finishing up all my coursework finals week. It's been great having new classes and seeing some familiar faces walking around campus. Though it's been quite chilly and windy, it's been a treat having the Turtle Mountain Cafe have an abundance of caffeine and choclately warm drinks to make the cold walk to class a little more bearable.
This semester I am taking East Asian Government and Politics, Principles of Art, Analytic Feminism and Intermediate Spanish. So far, I'm digging my Government and Politics class but of course that is to be expected from a double Spanish and Political Science major! This semester along with starting new classes, I'm looking into doing a National Student Exchange or studying abroad in the near future. National Student Exchange would allow me to attend another college within the United States for up to a year. Likewise, study abroad has many options for length of time and country you can go to. I'm still not sure what I'll do, but I know I want to travel!
Though, attending informational meets, I've realized the somewhat daunting task of filling out various application sheets. But either way, I'm ready to explore a notoriously rewarding and challenging part most college students like to do...travel and go to school someplace different. I'll hopefully have more details later, but whenever I need a study break it's been exciting for me to do research on different parts of the world. I'll let you know what I've decided. But having said that, it is still nice to be in Morris. I can tell the professors missed having student interaction, and they all have good stories from break. I too was excited to hear other students and teacher's winter break events. It's been an interesting start to the new year and new semester.
Stay Warm,
J.O
And We're Back
Classes have resumed and life is slowly getting back to normal. I've had some time to get my apartment clean yet my professors have wasted no time in giving me assignments. I've been reading like crazy. I'm really happy to be back though, even if I have all sorts of work to do. My schedule is pretty relaxed so I can't complain too much. I'm only taking three classes for thirteen credits. I've got Software Design and Development, Introduction to Philosophy, and Intro to U.S. History. From what I can tell Software Design is going to take up most of my time and effort. So far Philosophy has been tons of fun. We always have discussions on very interesting topics. History has been very interesting in the fact that it is easy to pay attention in class. Normally one would think that history is all about learning about important dates and figures. This history class teaches about the important of events and the how and why the historians are covering it.
Today is my first day back at work in the NEW BUILDING!!! It's a pretty sweet place. I'd say if I were coming on a college visit I would want to check out this building. I'm really looking forward to this semester of classes. I can tell that I'm really going to have fun. I'll probably complain at times but it's totally worth it in the end.
- Catch Ya Later
January 24, 2010
Back to school and having "Super-Good-Fun-Times" at the UMM!
Everyone is back in the swing of things here at Morris. Classes have commenced. I think I'll enjoy my classes this semester now that I'm not trying to learn four different languages at once. Not that I didn't love all of my classes last semester, but I decided that my attempt to love German was a lost cause. It's a cool language and everything, don't get me wrong. I wish I was good at it. But I'm just...not. So alas, only French and Spanish and Sign Language this semester.
My class sizes have a variety of numbers in them. Introduction of World History since 1500 is a lecture class with what I'd guess to be 80 students or so and my Introduction to Hispanic Literature class has...like...eight.
Also, it's the first night of telecounseling. It's sad, but we're not yet in the new Welcome Center (Or, as Melissa calls it, the "Super-Good-Fun-Times" building). We are still in Behmler, where the majority of the desk chairs are broken. Tuesday night we will be in the Super-Good-Fun-Times building with the Brand-New-Not-Fixed-With-Duct-Tape-By-Mike-Vandenberg chairs.
Also, I have mailed in the rest of my application for ISA in Spain next year and am anxiously waiting a response. And I've submitted all of my ELTAP application materials. WHOOOO!
Liz;)
January 6, 2010
Can I go back to Morris now? Pleeeease?
Hello all,
I hope everyone is having a lovely holiday! Mine has consisted of waitressing at my old job from high school, catching up with old friends, listening to Lady Gaga (!), eating comfort food made by my mother, and scraping ice off of my car. There's a blizzard tonight (Oooooh, Minnesoooota, how I hate your weather) so my mom has decided to have a "family fun night".
Oh, and I went to Mankato and did a bit of shopping. Charlotte Russe was having a sale. JACKPOT!
I'm going a little bit stir crazy though. The town that I am originally from has 200 people in it. Seriously, people think Morris is smalltown? Dude, I know smalltown, and Morris is not exactly it. I'm really looking forward to returning to school in a couple weeks. I've been pining for my friends from Morris and some toast from Don's Cafe. Facebook is simply not sufficient.
January 4, 2010
Break and sick
Well New Years is done and I can't wait to get back to class. I miss all my friends and feel the need to go to class to keep busy. Unfortunately these past few days I've been sick with a stomach bug and haven't done much of interest. I've been stuck with a diet of saltine crackers and ginger ale. It's not much but it is better than nothing. I've been sitting around watching movies all day (which isn't all bad) and sleeping a lot. I'm looking forward to going back to work in admissions and being in the new building. It should be pretty cool. I'm sure that I will enjoy being there. I'm also looking into participating in a little research in the computer science department. I'm not entirely sure as to what it is about but I'm interested in getting research experience.
It is really cold out and I'm sure you already knew that but it is so cold out and I can't help but make a statement as to how cold. I really need to start my car and see if it will even run. Though, having lived in Minnesota all my life, I'm used to the weather and can't really complain.
- Catch Ya Later
December 27, 2009
Break
Well Christmas has come and gone and New Years is on its' way. And I'm here in Morris spending time with my sisters and my nephews. I can officially say the stress is gone from all the finals. I've checked my grades and feel like I did okay. Now comes the planning for next semester. I'm surprised to say I can't wait to be back at the U and back into my classes. I need the structure. I've got way too much time on my hands here. I'm plenty busy with the nephews but I feel the need for more people around. I already am looking for cheap books and finding them slowly. I've got to stop writing for a second to clear of the spit from my screen. My nephews are hanging by my computer. Anyway, now I feel that I've got some planning and relaxing to do. I guess I will just have to find a healthy balance of the two. Well I guess I will head out.
-Catch Ya Later
Enjoying the Holiday
It's been about a week and four days since I've have my last day in Morris. I made the trek back to Twin Cities to spend a relaxing month and a week with my family and friends. Even a week and some days later, I'm still enjoying being out of school. It was time to get my brain a well-deserved break. A couple of days after my last final, I was eager to get my first grades. Nerdy, yes, but I wanted to see how well I did my first semester as a college student. It was hard to wait for all my professors and instructors to post my final grades. I literally checked my grades about four times a days, once I finished my last final. But about four days I finally was relieved to see all my grades. I could finally stop holding my breath, and realized I survived and thrived my first semester of college finals. I was so glad to see that all my hours of making flashcards, reviewing and studying paid off. Then, I was really ready to relax and join the complete bliss that is winter break. Now I've just realized I've already got a whole list of things, I want to complete BEFORE going back to Morris. One huge task, is ordering my textbooks! So even on break, you can't escape the books, but this is a lot less stressful and more intriguing. It's intriguing to see all the books for my fresh new spring semester classes.
See ya next year-
JO
December 16, 2009
DONE!!!
I'm finally done. The weight of finals is finally off my shoulders. I'm done with all the late nights studying and trying to sleep. I'm done with the two hour exams that feel like they take forever. So now the fear of how I did sets in. Ha... Just kidding, now I get to relax. All the time I want to relax lies in front of me and I don't know what to do. Maybe I can spend time with my friends. Oh but it is so hard to spend time with people who are off in their home towns that are far from my own. I'm going to miss all the friends I have here at school but I'm sure I will be able to find someone to hang out with back at home. I will have to take in a movie or two. Maybe make a trip to a lake to go fishing. Who knows, there is no limit to what I can do over break. I am working though so that puts a damper on some plans.
I'll be back....
-Catch Ya Later
December 15, 2009
Is it Spring Semester yet?
Is it over yet? This probably my least favorite time of the school year. Finals week :P
Finals week isn't fun-plain and simple. There is a ton of last minute projects, essays, tests, and studying to do. Plus its also the last week of the semester so that means goodbye to most of my college friends and sparring until mid-January. Sure there are some bonuses of break, no classes, no real homework, no food service and yes, there will be X-MAS and New Year's shindigs to attend plus real food, high school friends to hang out with but...its just not the UMM.Plus being at home gets really boring after all the holiday stuff is over with. So although I can't wait to finish my last final on Thursday and then head home to see my dogs and go snowshoeing. I will also be counting down the days until I return to the UMM for new adventures during Spring Semester. Plus each day that passes brings me a little closer to May 17th when I go to Iceland to study Icelandic sagas and environmental science.
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