Recent Entries by Hannah  

I have learned a lot more then I can personally acknowledge in words from this course. I wish I would have journaled some of the inspiring moments of clarity that occurred from one class to the other. The take home messages I received were not always the same as the ones the teachers wanted me to take home. I felt the message I took home was a bit different than the professor's intended message; as if there was an overlooked piece of the puzzle which related to the whole picture.

During my time at UMR, I have found that group work and collaboration can be frustrating. One will somtimes get a group where the members aren't participating and then you must step up and take on all the weight. Other times your members are so dominating they won't let you contribute any ideas or work on any of the interesting stuff. They divide up course work and don't care about your opinions about the project because they only consider it their own. There is definitely both ends of the spectrum. Both are equally frustrating. I began viewing the world and the US in a more negative light. I saw political campaigns, financial instability, and arguing. I gained a negative idea about community engagement and our world.

This class has helped me step away from that and really appreciate the power that a community can have on the world. There really is a power in numbers. It has encouraged me that my activity in the community matters. I have hope for the future of UMR, the US, and my society that I live in. I joined leadership positions that I may not have joined without this course These positions have driven me straight into a sea of problems at times, but I feel more empowered with hope for change and improvement.

If only these skills can be challenged, developed and cared about then we could all work to better our future in the way we deserve. Whether it's a social issue, family issue, political issue, economic issue, work issue; working with other matters.

My advice to future students is to keep an open mind and be willing to learn. There may be hidden messages throughout you classes that may not be obvious but can develop a person. A lot of us have had past experience in working in groups and collaboration. Look for ways to improve yourself as a person in order to better serve your community.

The do-se-do begins here in Rochester. The semester begins to end and everyone realizes they need to figure out where they are living next year. Some students are deciding not to live in this or that house/apartment next year which puts the other roommates in a bind--Do we move, can we afford staying without them and can we find someone else, who should we ask? A series of questions run through our heads as the scrabble to live in the best place for you begins.

This will be my third year at UMR. My first year, I lived at 318. I would suggest any new incoming student to consider living here first. One really gets to develop a relationship with those in their class. During your first year at UMR, everyone has the same classes. So, just down the door is another student studying for the same organic chemistry test or if there is a paper due everyone has the paper due at the same time. It's a great environment with helpful RA's for any roommate conflicts. The amenities are wonderful and you don't have to worry about monthly bills and getting them paid on time. This is one thing I really miss. Early in the morning at 318 one can just walk downstairs in pajamas to attend class. Posters and RA's at 318 always keep you updated into what events are happening at UMR. The people that live at 318 are always first to know.

The downside is that on campus housing is expensive and at least in my case I was looking to become more independent. I found an apartment called Civic Square that has two bedrooms that worked perfect this year for my roommate and I. It has to be furnished which wasn't a problem for me with my family moving and downsizing. I looked forward to carpet, my own furniture, and a homey feel. The part one doesn't realize is how quiet it can be. My roommate and I have different schedules and work at different times. We stayed here in the summer to take CNA classes at RCTC. It was a great experience as well. The place was very often quiet though. We didn't have random visitors or students knocking on or door for help with homework or just to talk like we had often at 318. The quiet was a blessing, but also kind of lonely at times. It was really nice to get away and work on the hard projects that sophomore year provided. The quiet apartment, gave us a break from campus life. Coming into March though, we decided to pursue other options. With tons of furniture in my name, pots and pans galore, and a closets full of everything I own, I set out to find a different option for my housing for next year.

To begin looking is a little bit scary. At first I panicked thinking no one would take me. Then I realized that there were tons of people doing the same thing and trying to fill spots in their own housing situation. Everyone started asking everyone what their plans were. It is amazing to me how much is changing from 2nd to 3rd year in terms of who is living where. I began first by looking people to potentially live in the 2nd bedroom in my apartment. I was really fearful about the move with all the stuff I have. My family is really busy and will not be able to come down to help. But then I had offers to live at other apartments and other homes. A group of four of my friends have a roommate moving out of there five bedroom house. It looks like at this point I am going to go there.

Possible negative changes that I will have to face by moving into a new house include sharing a bathroom with two other girls. I also will have a lot longer walk to school and work. Over the summer I will have to help mow the lawn. In the winter, I will have to help clear the snow. There is storage space to myself, but tons that we can share. I may not be able to add my furniture into the house the way I want. There are a lot of opinions in the house that may override my own.

Bonuses include the house will not be as quiet and lonely. I will get to live with my friends and build closer friendships. It's cheaper about half the price that I pay to live in the apartment I have now! It's across the street and a block down from more of my friends. I will now have access to cable television. It will feel more homey then an apartment. It has a larger kitchen then I have now. There is a lot of communication between house members. This house in particular makes a point to hear everyone's opinion and talk through any conflicts. There is also one person that will collect and handle the bills which it won't be me anymore. I also will get an experience that I have always wanted. And besides college, when else can I live in one house with four friends?

So the adventure continues as people finalize their plans for next year. It is amazing to me how even through this process how much of a family UMR has really become for me. I have had many offers from many people to help me move. They don't care about how long or how much work it will take, they are willing to take a day off to help me get where I need to be. It isn't just a few friend, it includes a list of about 8-10 people that I know that I could possible contact to help me. Some of these people include past roommates, future roommates and good friends. Everyone has been very understanding and trying to help everyone find the best fit for them for next year. Whether it's 318, an apartment or a house, it will all work out and come fall we will be ready to learn.

During my time hear at UMR upon hearing the term capstone, I have always thought of it as a big ambiguous requirement. Don't get me wrong the capstone program is one of the many reasons I chose to attend UMR. It sounds super interesting and gives me the flexibility to plan my interests while allowing me to be more competitive when I apply to graduate school. They describe the program from day one. Plan whatever you want to do and whatever you want to take during your last year at UMR. Make sure to make it interesting and specific to the needs of the program that you want to apply for. This led me to question them throughout my time here often. So...Can I go to Panama this summer and count is my capstone? Or can I count volunteering that I do now as part of my capstone? The response was always no or that doesn't transfer for credit exactly. In order for it to be part of my capstone I would have to write it in my capstone along with everything else that I needed to complete my senior year. They always encouraged me to do them anyway for they are great experiences. It began to get really frustrating though because I never had time to do all these exciting things that I thought this school would allow me the time to do. Taking the amount of credits I have, working, volunteering as a blogger and ambassador, and part of school activities, I didn't have time.

I am here to tell you there is hope and that a capstone isn't as ambiguous as you may think! I finally understand. It took until the second class of CLI 3712--Capstone Proposal course in February until I realized there is actually a document that has to be filled out. It has specific questions and prompts. It is quite clear on what counts and what doesn't. Lots of it is left up to you, which is the part that makes it vague but at the same time though it makes it the most fun.

Here is what some of my capstone looks like so far as of now, but it's due to change.
My goals aim at getting to the heart of providing excellent healthcare and achieving my career goal as a physician's assistant or physical therapist. Through my college education, I discovered that a person's health concerns are related to more than just a physical state, but psychological and emotional as well. This led me to know what I needed to do. I hope to focus on humanities and cultural side of healthcare to develop the understanding of an individual.

Activities I will be participating in a research project working with the philosophy professor. His main interest of research is studying the philosophy of psychiatry and I was directed to him because of our interest match. We are going to focus on a literature study. This study will explore the values in healthcare. It will start off with a book that discusses and defines what healthcare means in our society. It will go into depths such as defining diagnosis and proving that a diagnosis comes from our cultural expectation of what is healthy. Then, the second semester we will focus on application of this literature and then some analysis in paper form with aims of publishing something or for me to submit a paper to an undergraduate conference nearby.

There is one other main part of my capstone. I also have added a piece to study abroad. As of right now there is a program to attend the Danish Institute over the summer and take classes there. They have a focus on healthcare classes and I have heard second semester session takes students to healthcare facilities in Germany. I could also take upper level courses involving philosophy and psychiatry. Then I will get to see how a different culture views healthcare and the different aspects to it. Plus I have never been to Europe and always have wanted to go.

On top of that there are various other classes I need to fulfill requirements for graduation, graduate schools I hope to attend, and shadowing/volunteering to get more experience in my desired field. With that said I even have some extra credits of breathing room that I haven't had before. I may even have the option to retake a class to help boost my GPA.
Either way I am excited and everything seems to be falling into place smoothly. The staff have been more than helpful in answering any questions that I have. I can't wait it's all pretty exciting.

The moment on Saturday night when you realize that you haven't studied enough for the exam on Monday is a stressful one. I kind of had a mental break down and realized I haven't been making the cut. This week school has been getting real. No more syllabi and and tons of stuff do. On my list of things to do, I first have a 3-5 page paper due tonight at 11:45PM. It´s for my class of communication methods about a public communication act. It is currently 8:23PM. I am about 2/3rds done, which is good but then there is more.

I have two general chemistry quizzes due at 3:00AM this evening. Then a pre-class general chemistry quiz for class at 10:00AM and a pre-lab quiz for lab tomorrow at 2:30PM. The craziness continues. I think from here on out this semester, I will never have a night without homework again. The motto of this story is: do not procrastinate at UMR. Why do I procrastinate? This is the question ringing in my ear this evening. I have a few ways to manage my stress. It includes drinking coffee, playing guitar, eating food, changing locations and/or blog like I currently am. The problems with these stress managing devices is that they cause me to procrastinate even more. So the number one way to manage stress is to get everything done and allow enough time to sleep, eat and finish the assignment too. So here I am still blogging and procrastinating. It's time for me to get stuff done. Good night? I don't even know if I will be able to say those words tonight.

I am Hannah Bergeson. Some of you may know me and some of you may not. Either way I want to say hello and also thank you for reading! I hope that this peek into my life can help you determine if the University of Minnesota Rochester is a good place for you. There are so many reasons to attend UMR, but before you make a decision, please make sure that this place feels right for you. Explore the website, read our blogs, and come tour! Get a feel for the city, the classes, the people, and what UMR represents. Realize the large things that are important to you, but also don't forget the small things.

I know for me it was important to have chain restaurants nearby and some restaurants that are distinct to the campus. I found this out when I was touring different college campuses and saw that these options weren't available. May be minor but considering the amount I visit Applebee's and Newt's they do make an impact on my experience at UMR. These minor details could be missed unless you explore!

Find your niche. I want you to find the college where you belong! Below is a picture of my Dad and I touring UMR at the 318 Commons campus housing before construction was complete in the summer of 2011. Get out there and explore! I understand that UMR is not for everyone, but if it is then get ready for an adventure and a variety of opportunities! It may not be the typical "college experience" but it's my college experience and I am enjoying every minute of it.

Back to school already!? I can barely believe it! It's September 3rd, 2012, the night before my first class of sophomore year. You may be asking "How does one prepare for such an event?" Well I'll tell you! Earlier this morning I attempted to sleep in for the last time. I hear this sophomore year will go by at a grueling pace, so it may be awhile before I get to sleep in again. Rumor has it that this is the toughest year. Because I had to get up early for work for the last few days my attempt at sleeping in failed. I awoke at 10:00 am and found my phone buzzing. I wasn't tired enough to ignore it, so I picked it up and talked with my mother for an hour. I miss my family, but I am excited to see everyone at UMR! I missed them this summer, even the professors. I also am excited to see who I have in my classes. With our small class sizes I am guaranteed to have at least a good handful of friends in class with me. After talking with my mom I found some food and started to do some laundry. I got a lot of online stuff situated. It seems like I always have bills to pay now that I am living off campus. I spent some time comparing book prices. Books are always expensive; it is good to check around though. Often upper classman are looking to sell books to make a quick buck, but amazon has some good book deals as well. This semester I was lucky enough to find an upper classman that is lending me two books for free! She saved me about $150 and I am so thankful. On another note this summer I spent some of my time as an orientation and welcome week leader. We helped out with orientation for new admitted students and we were in charge of organizing activities for the first two week of school. Today there was planned an ice cream social with the raptor so I made sure to go and get some of that free food! It's a game of mine to try to figure out who is wearing the Raptor costume during events. It changes sometimes, but for me it isn't too hard to figure out. After watching a hilarious but dangerous game of wink (it's a game where one person winks to another person from across a circle and that person tries to get to the other side to touch the foot of the person who winked, but the person behind them tries to stop them from doing so), I headed back home. I attempted to clean my room, throw some old papers away, and clean out my backpack and expandable folder. I hope that amount of preparation is good enough. This year I am aiming for straight A's, but we will see how that goes. Here we go sophomore year!