Student Blog

There’s a ghost in the men’s bathroom at the Venice campus Library.  I’ve told people this before.  They chuckle.  But I think it’s a nervous chuckle, because they’ve heard what I’ve heard.  It doesn’t happen all the time, but here’s how it goes:

I go in and it appears that I’m alone.  When I’m washing my hands I hear someone exiting one of the stalls behind me.  I wait to see who it is in the mirror. Like clockwork, no one appears, and I turn to look.  I’m alone, as always.  Obviously I’m not dealing with any kind of malevolent phantom.  Ultimately, I just wanted to document my experience.  If my blogs suddenly stop…please check the bathroom.  I might have done something to anger him.

Okay, ghost stories aside, the open MIC last Thursday was a HUGE success.  Over 30 people and 20 readers (which were all terrific)!  It was a great kick-off event for Swamp Scribes.  The next one is coming soon, I’ll keep you posted.

After the open mic a group of us when out to Chili’s.  One of our professors joined us.  It was great fun, and my stomach still aches from laughing.  Sometimes, however, I think students struggle when developing friendships with professors.  It reminds me of something from my Army days. My military superiors would often tell me: “Don’t take my kindness for a weakness.”  Yeah, it sounds harsh, but in reality, it’s the best advice a superior can offer.  Yes, you can laugh and joke with your professors, inside and outside of class; what’s important to remember is that the laughing and joking doesn’t transcend into your professor’s mind when they see your name in the grade book.

Having a good relationship with a professor doesn’t give you an all access pass to free roller coaster riding. And this doesn’t mean you can’t have a friendship with a processor. In fact, it can often enhance the college experience, and lead to important professional contacts in the future.

In a nutshell—keep it simple, real, and in perspective.  Oh yeah, watch out for ghosts too.

82 DAYS TIL GRADUATION!

If you have questions about student life at SCF, admissions or enrollment, e-mail us at studentblog@scf.edu.

Kaleidoscope

Last Saturday night, I thought it was Sunday night, and I almost started getting ready for my Monday classes. I haven’t done that since I was in grade school. Anyway, I think it’s because so much is going on right now. And that’s okay, for now anyway, because I’m still passing all of my classes.

There is still so much more that I want to do, and help out with, but I learned to say no.

CLUB RUSH this Wednesday and Thursday on the Venice campus! There’ll be about 20 tables lining the side of library. Reps from all the clubs will hopefully be gaining new members.

I’ll be representing the Veteran’s Club, THE VX Veterans Exchange, and the Creative Writing Club, Swamp Scribes. Speaking of Scribes, our first open Mic on the Venice campus is this Thursday at 7pm in the Student Union! Free food and drinks (not the keg stand type, but that’s okay).

With my classes, the clubs, and everything else going on in my life, I feel like I’m looking through a kaleidoscope. It’s hard to keep it all focused, but somehow I’m managing. And this brings me to another point, and I think it’s more important.

When I first began at SCF (then MCC), I felt that my age, late 30’s, excluded me from student clubs and organizations. In fact, when they did have Club Rush, I would walk by the tables, and say to myself “This is their time, let them enjoy it.” I had segregated myself. That way of thinking is just not true.

Regardless of anyone’s age, they all fall in to one category: STUDENT. That’s all that matters when you’re here, so take advantage of what the school has to offer. It makes it more interesting. And if there is an organization you think should be on campus, and it’s not here, START ONE! It’s easy.

Know what I like best about being busy, and looking through kaleidoscope glasses?

All the different colors—there’s always something interesting going on—you should take a look.