Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Traditional vs Online Schooling
This is in conjunction with my application for the UsBundles College Scholarship.
As a student who has had the opportunity to take both traditional classes and online classes I would have to say that the better of the two, and my personal preference, is the tradition method. The act of going to class and seeing the information presented by a knowledgeable teacher is invaluable. I have had a few classes where teachers read directly from their lecture slides, but the vast majority of my teachers have been able to lecture in a manner that helps their students build connections and understand the material.
This aspect is something that is missing from online classes. In all of my online classes the material has been presented as powerpoint slides and it has been up to the student to do what they wish with the given information. If a student does not understand some part of the information it is much harder to get in contact with the teacher of their online class to get the help they need. Also many online classes are structured so that assignments are due at midnight at the end of the week, and even I would wait to the very last moment to start an assignment. Without being able to see my teacher and my peers I lack the motivation to put all of my energy into an online class.
Another thing to think about is that some students simply cannot learn unless there is some hands on aspect of their learning. I am such a student and so I do very well when I see things explained to me on a whiteboard or with some demonstration. This, along with the reasons above, are the reasons that I believe that traditional schooling is superior to online schooling.
As a student who has had the opportunity to take both traditional classes and online classes I would have to say that the better of the two, and my personal preference, is the tradition method. The act of going to class and seeing the information presented by a knowledgeable teacher is invaluable. I have had a few classes where teachers read directly from their lecture slides, but the vast majority of my teachers have been able to lecture in a manner that helps their students build connections and understand the material.
This aspect is something that is missing from online classes. In all of my online classes the material has been presented as powerpoint slides and it has been up to the student to do what they wish with the given information. If a student does not understand some part of the information it is much harder to get in contact with the teacher of their online class to get the help they need. Also many online classes are structured so that assignments are due at midnight at the end of the week, and even I would wait to the very last moment to start an assignment. Without being able to see my teacher and my peers I lack the motivation to put all of my energy into an online class.
Another thing to think about is that some students simply cannot learn unless there is some hands on aspect of their learning. I am such a student and so I do very well when I see things explained to me on a whiteboard or with some demonstration. This, along with the reasons above, are the reasons that I believe that traditional schooling is superior to online schooling.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
How to make (and consume) "Chocolate cake" for the 21 and up
So yesterday morning I drove up to Sacramento from Fresno to surprise my dad for his birthday (which is today, but today I have school so I had to drive all the way back this morning). My family and I went to a party for put on by my dad's college roommate that was in celebration of both their birthdays, since they are about 3 days apart. These wonderful little shots were served after the cake. I had to get on my hands and knees and beg for this recipe
Step one: Find some little throwaway cups that are about the size of a shot-glass or a little bit smaller.
Step two: Get some Vanilla Vodka (preferably some not-super-cheapy stuff. I heard someone recommend smirnoff.)
Step three: Get some FRANCESCA - HAZELNUT LIQUEUR. This is the only thing that was brand-specified when I asked for the recipe, but you could probably use some other type if you can find it.
Step five: Get some lemons.
Step six: Get some granulated sugar.
Step seven: cut said lemons into tiny little wedges, about 8ths or so.
Step eight: Rim the cups with granulated sugar by running a lemon wedge over the rim and then sticking the cups upside-down in a bowl or plate of sugar.
Step nine: pour equal amounts of the vanilla vodka and hazelnut liqueur into the cups. Preferably about half a shot or less each, so that the final product is easier to consume.
Step ten: place the now-filled cups of goodness in the freezer to chill them.
Step eleven: serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
The 'proper' way to drink these is to lick all the sugar from around the rim, then quickly drink the shot, then bite into the lemon. After you bite the lemon you will have the flavor of chocolate cake in your mouth. This will make unsuspecting guests say "WOW!" about ten times. When they ask you what is in the shot continually refuse to say anything other than "chocolate cake."
Step one: Find some little throwaway cups that are about the size of a shot-glass or a little bit smaller.
Step two: Get some Vanilla Vodka (preferably some not-super-cheapy stuff. I heard someone recommend smirnoff.)
Step three: Get some FRANCESCA - HAZELNUT LIQUEUR. This is the only thing that was brand-specified when I asked for the recipe, but you could probably use some other type if you can find it.
Step five: Get some lemons.
Step six: Get some granulated sugar.
Step seven: cut said lemons into tiny little wedges, about 8ths or so.
Step eight: Rim the cups with granulated sugar by running a lemon wedge over the rim and then sticking the cups upside-down in a bowl or plate of sugar.
Step nine: pour equal amounts of the vanilla vodka and hazelnut liqueur into the cups. Preferably about half a shot or less each, so that the final product is easier to consume.
Step ten: place the now-filled cups of goodness in the freezer to chill them.
Step eleven: serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
The 'proper' way to drink these is to lick all the sugar from around the rim, then quickly drink the shot, then bite into the lemon. After you bite the lemon you will have the flavor of chocolate cake in your mouth. This will make unsuspecting guests say "WOW!" about ten times. When they ask you what is in the shot continually refuse to say anything other than "chocolate cake."
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Oh dear
My memory problems are getting worse. This won't end well. Sometimes I can't think of the right word, but I can describe it (this happens about four times a day) and other times I can't remember if I locked my car/front door/shut my garage/etc... What did I have for breakfast? Is there homework due this morning? When is my next class? Where is my next class?
I think I need to start doing brain exercises.
Also, sorry for the long absence. Summer took me out of commission.
I think I need to start doing brain exercises.
Also, sorry for the long absence. Summer took me out of commission.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Happy Birthday Lovely
We'll be going on nine, soon
Nine years, us two
friends.
I always smile when I say your name.
Happy birthday lovely girl.
Today (technically this morning, midnight Oklahoma time) marks the 21st birthday of my best friend. She and I have been through much, ranging from petty squabbles in high school to one of us moving halfway across the country (which may as well be halfway across the world youbitchhowcouldyouleaveme?) to a more recent development that I blogged about a couple of months ago. My friendship with her is the longest lasting relationship I have had with any human being outside of my blood family.
I wish you the best and many more happy years. I hope to see you again soon and miss you sorely.
PS: Bob says 'Hi.'
Nine years, us two
friends.
I always smile when I say your name.
Happy birthday lovely girl.
I wish you the best and many more happy years. I hope to see you again soon and miss you sorely.
PS: Bob says 'Hi.'
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Why Res Life should get ESAs (Pet-Friendly Dorms?)
Sorry it's been so long. School (winter intersession as well as normal semester) has kept me busy and I've been battling a case of early semester depression and homesickness.
It is no big secret that Resident Advisers and Public Safety Assistants and other people in Residential Life programs in On Campus Living go through massive amounts of stress. This job is a job like no other. Whereas other students who work can go home after school or after work, Res Life LIVES where they work. We are on the job 24/7, other than the occasional weekend away. We have no escape. Or we need to fabricate an escape for ourselves.
Last year one of my escapes was my friend's service dog. Simply being around that dog made the stress go away. But this year I only have that luxury when I can slip off campus and go visit my friends in their apartment- something that happens maybe once a month.
I am not going to lie. College has been hard on me, and this job has only made it worse. Abandonment issues have come to the surface, as well as huge bouts of paranoia that keep me up (and checking either if my car is locked or that I'm actually IMAGINING hearing a fire alarm) for hours past when I have tried to go to bed and haunt me through the day. As I write this I'm praying that the door to my dorm room is shut and that I didn't leave it open behind me. But I also am having emotional issues, issues with stability. Sometimes I'll suddenly get very angry or very sad with no real stimuli for the emotion, or for a stupid reason that SHOULDN'T make me upset. I've felt this way before, but recently it got worse (thank gods its gone away. The last couple of weeks have been alright). A lot of the time I just want to hide in my room and avoid everything outside.
I am also just TIRED. Not physically tired, but mentally tired. Bone tired. I know a lot of other RA's and PSA's feel this too. It's burnout. But I've been in a steady state of burnout of the last year or two, since before I took this job, and it's become more of a matter of keeping it in check than actually eliminating it. And it doesn't help that I keep getting one emotional blow after another.
For as long as I have been on staff (probably longer) there's been a quite, rumored joke that the staff should be allowed to have animals for emotional support. It's mostly just jokes though, but even the RDs joke with us. I think there is a secret longing on staff for pets (Fish don't count. A fish wont come over to your when you're sad and put it's head on your lap) that would serve the double purpose of emotional support. But it would be unfair is staff could have pets and the residents couldn't.
So what do we do?
Here is a list of Colleges and Universities that will allow you to bring a pet along.
1. Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida
Located on the gulf coast of Florida, Eckerd College offers four pet-friendly, air-conditioned dorm "clusters." Students are allowed to have cats and dogs, as long as they are under 40 pounds, as well as snakes and fish. Students must comply with requirements and can't leave pets on campus during breaks.
2. Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri
Stephens College, founded in 1833, is one of the best women's colleges in the nation. Located in the center of Missouri, it shares the city with the University of Missouri and Columbia College. All students are required to live on campus, and one dorm is the designated "pet dorm." Spaces for pets are limited, but residents can have dogs, cats, hamsters and guinea pigs. Students must apply to live on a pet floor and follow policy guidelines.
3. Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, Pennsylvania
This liberal arts school in the suburbs of Pittsburg allows students to bring their family pets along to school and live in the "Pet House" dorm. There are some breed restrictions, but Washington & Jefferson College permits cats, dogs less than 40 pounds, small birds, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, turtles and fish. Other animals may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. Pets must be spayed or neutered, have been owned by the students' family for at least a year and registered.
4. Principa College, Elsah, Illinois
Located on two campuses in the St. Louis area, Principa College has seven dorms and university apartments that allow pets. Students at this small college for Christian Scientists may bring dogs, cats, rabbits, caged animals, and aquatic pets. Some of the dorms allow up to two un-caged pets, but many do have size limitations.
5. California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California
Caltech is a leading technical university and is the academic home of NASA's jet propulsion laboratory. And students can bring their cats with them on campus! All dorms allow cats, as well as small caged and aquatic animals, but rabbits and dogs are not permitted. Animal lovers can also join the Caltech Animal Team (CAT), a "club devoted to caring for homeless and abandoned animals, especially cats, who live on the Caltech campus and nearby grounds."
6. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The oldest and largest school in the Illinois state college system, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign allows students staying in the Ashton Woods housing unit to keep "companion animals" such as dogs, cats and rabbits, as well as fish. Students may keep up to two pets per apartment, and must comply with all state and local pet laws.
7. University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
The University of Idaho is the flagship school of the Idaho public university system and also the oldest. Cats and birds are permitted in all of the university's four apartment-style housing buildings. Fish are allowed in all dorms. A maximum of two cats and/or birds are allowed in one residence. Pets must be considered appropriately suited to apartment living and must not be aggressive or nervous.
8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
MIT is one of the world's premiere technical institutions. The school allows feline companions in four of the university dormitories as long as the owner has the written consent of their roommates. The cats must be approved by the dorm's "Pet Chair," have all their shots, be registered with the campus housing office and neutered as well.
9. State University of New York at Canton
SUNY Canton established its pet friendly policy in 1996. Mohawk Hall, otherwise know as the "pet wing," allows a maximum of 48 pets. Pets are permitted to travel freely in the wing while their owner is present. Dogs and snakes are not permitted, and animals must be spayed or neutered to live on campus.
10. Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Located in the Lehigh Valley, Lehigh University has a pet-friendly Greek system! One dog or cat is allowed to live in each fraternity and sorority house on campus. The pet must live indoors and not disrupt the activities of the house. The owners are also responsible for any damage or costs caused by the pet.
I think these colleges have the right idea. Many set weight limits and have pet specific buildings, as well as holding the owner responsible for all damages caused by their pet. I don't see why something similar could be put in place here at Fresno State. It would be a big incentive to residents who want to come here but also want to bring along their pet. There is only limited pet-friendly housing in Fresno near the campus, so allowing animals would help put us on the map.
It is no big secret that Resident Advisers and Public Safety Assistants and other people in Residential Life programs in On Campus Living go through massive amounts of stress. This job is a job like no other. Whereas other students who work can go home after school or after work, Res Life LIVES where they work. We are on the job 24/7, other than the occasional weekend away. We have no escape. Or we need to fabricate an escape for ourselves.
Last year one of my escapes was my friend's service dog. Simply being around that dog made the stress go away. But this year I only have that luxury when I can slip off campus and go visit my friends in their apartment- something that happens maybe once a month.
I am not going to lie. College has been hard on me, and this job has only made it worse. Abandonment issues have come to the surface, as well as huge bouts of paranoia that keep me up (and checking either if my car is locked or that I'm actually IMAGINING hearing a fire alarm) for hours past when I have tried to go to bed and haunt me through the day. As I write this I'm praying that the door to my dorm room is shut and that I didn't leave it open behind me. But I also am having emotional issues, issues with stability. Sometimes I'll suddenly get very angry or very sad with no real stimuli for the emotion, or for a stupid reason that SHOULDN'T make me upset. I've felt this way before, but recently it got worse (thank gods its gone away. The last couple of weeks have been alright). A lot of the time I just want to hide in my room and avoid everything outside.
I am also just TIRED. Not physically tired, but mentally tired. Bone tired. I know a lot of other RA's and PSA's feel this too. It's burnout. But I've been in a steady state of burnout of the last year or two, since before I took this job, and it's become more of a matter of keeping it in check than actually eliminating it. And it doesn't help that I keep getting one emotional blow after another.
For as long as I have been on staff (probably longer) there's been a quite, rumored joke that the staff should be allowed to have animals for emotional support. It's mostly just jokes though, but even the RDs joke with us. I think there is a secret longing on staff for pets (Fish don't count. A fish wont come over to your when you're sad and put it's head on your lap) that would serve the double purpose of emotional support. But it would be unfair is staff could have pets and the residents couldn't.
So what do we do?
Here is a list of Colleges and Universities that will allow you to bring a pet along.
1. Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida
Located on the gulf coast of Florida, Eckerd College offers four pet-friendly, air-conditioned dorm "clusters." Students are allowed to have cats and dogs, as long as they are under 40 pounds, as well as snakes and fish. Students must comply with requirements and can't leave pets on campus during breaks.
2. Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri
Stephens College, founded in 1833, is one of the best women's colleges in the nation. Located in the center of Missouri, it shares the city with the University of Missouri and Columbia College. All students are required to live on campus, and one dorm is the designated "pet dorm." Spaces for pets are limited, but residents can have dogs, cats, hamsters and guinea pigs. Students must apply to live on a pet floor and follow policy guidelines.
3. Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, Pennsylvania
This liberal arts school in the suburbs of Pittsburg allows students to bring their family pets along to school and live in the "Pet House" dorm. There are some breed restrictions, but Washington & Jefferson College permits cats, dogs less than 40 pounds, small birds, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, turtles and fish. Other animals may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. Pets must be spayed or neutered, have been owned by the students' family for at least a year and registered.
4. Principa College, Elsah, Illinois
Located on two campuses in the St. Louis area, Principa College has seven dorms and university apartments that allow pets. Students at this small college for Christian Scientists may bring dogs, cats, rabbits, caged animals, and aquatic pets. Some of the dorms allow up to two un-caged pets, but many do have size limitations.
5. California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California
Caltech is a leading technical university and is the academic home of NASA's jet propulsion laboratory. And students can bring their cats with them on campus! All dorms allow cats, as well as small caged and aquatic animals, but rabbits and dogs are not permitted. Animal lovers can also join the Caltech Animal Team (CAT), a "club devoted to caring for homeless and abandoned animals, especially cats, who live on the Caltech campus and nearby grounds."
6. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The oldest and largest school in the Illinois state college system, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign allows students staying in the Ashton Woods housing unit to keep "companion animals" such as dogs, cats and rabbits, as well as fish. Students may keep up to two pets per apartment, and must comply with all state and local pet laws.
7. University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
The University of Idaho is the flagship school of the Idaho public university system and also the oldest. Cats and birds are permitted in all of the university's four apartment-style housing buildings. Fish are allowed in all dorms. A maximum of two cats and/or birds are allowed in one residence. Pets must be considered appropriately suited to apartment living and must not be aggressive or nervous.
8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
MIT is one of the world's premiere technical institutions. The school allows feline companions in four of the university dormitories as long as the owner has the written consent of their roommates. The cats must be approved by the dorm's "Pet Chair," have all their shots, be registered with the campus housing office and neutered as well.
9. State University of New York at Canton
SUNY Canton established its pet friendly policy in 1996. Mohawk Hall, otherwise know as the "pet wing," allows a maximum of 48 pets. Pets are permitted to travel freely in the wing while their owner is present. Dogs and snakes are not permitted, and animals must be spayed or neutered to live on campus.
10. Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Located in the Lehigh Valley, Lehigh University has a pet-friendly Greek system! One dog or cat is allowed to live in each fraternity and sorority house on campus. The pet must live indoors and not disrupt the activities of the house. The owners are also responsible for any damage or costs caused by the pet.
I think these colleges have the right idea. Many set weight limits and have pet specific buildings, as well as holding the owner responsible for all damages caused by their pet. I don't see why something similar could be put in place here at Fresno State. It would be a big incentive to residents who want to come here but also want to bring along their pet. There is only limited pet-friendly housing in Fresno near the campus, so allowing animals would help put us on the map.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Home?
Over the past three years of my life there has been this monumental shift in my life of where I consider "home" to be. Three years ago Folsom was home and Fresno State was, well, Fresno State. But now, as my number of friends here in Fresno has increased, and the number of friends willing to hang out with me in Folsom has decreased, I've felt a shift. Fresno State is now my home.
Don't get me wrong, I still call Folsom "home," but its more of the sense of "I'm going to visit my home (aka, permanent address and place where my family lives)" than anything else. I feel excited to go back to Folsom when I have the time, but outside of my family there is really only one other person whom I want to visit (cough-Jeff-cough).
Where is home to you? Is it your parents place? A childhood house? You're dorm room?
Don't get me wrong, I still call Folsom "home," but its more of the sense of "I'm going to visit my home (aka, permanent address and place where my family lives)" than anything else. I feel excited to go back to Folsom when I have the time, but outside of my family there is really only one other person whom I want to visit (cough-Jeff-cough).
Where is home to you? Is it your parents place? A childhood house? You're dorm room?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)