Student Blog

Howdy everyone!

Hope you are well. I know this week has been a bit stressful for me personally, I had a math test to take on Wednesday, and to be honest I was worried. I studied, but still didn’t feel very confident I would do well. Luckily, the test wasn’t as bad as I had expected, (Don’t tell my professor!!) and I think I did well. Time will soon tell.

Anyway.. Just a friendly reminder, in the student planners it says Friday there won’t be classes unless they are after 4 p.m. and I wanted to let you all know that this is false information. They moved the date back to March 2nd, so this Friday there ARE CLASSES!! Don’t be fooled by your planner. It was printed during the summer, and they changed the date post summer -(Obviously..LOL.)- so the date in it is incorrect. Be sure to mark March 2nd as the new date!

Hope you have a great week! Go Manatees!

studentblog@scf.edu

We all have a special place in our hearts for the current “Learning Management System.” Most know it as ANGEL. For those of you that haven’t taken an online or blended class, it’s what students use to communicate with peers and professors, gather homework, take quizzes, and check grades.

Some standard lecture classes use ANGEL for similar reasons, albeit not as much as the online and blended courses do.

Today I attended a presentation for students interested in giving their thoughts on a new “LMS.” Not only did I receive extra credit for attending, (honestly it’s one of the only reasons I opted for attending. I’m an extra credit nut!!) I learned a LOT about other systems out there.

It has just come out recently that the State College of Florida is upgrading to a more “21st century learning system.” What’s really cool is they are soliciting students’ feedback on the selection of the new LMS (Learning Management System) that will be replacing ANGEL.  I really feel that now is a critical time to voice your opinion, and let the college know what you feel would make your experience better.

From the presentation I went to this morning, I can say I’m very excited to see ANGEL go. There are ideas floating around about the ability to video conference with your teachers and peers, and that to me sounds like a very cool idea. This isn’t the only new addition of course, but I’ll let you hear about the rest for yourself.

Now, they only have a couple more presentations available, and they are both VERY soon. Sorry for the short notice, but I just recently found out myself. Below are the next presentations, which I highly recommend you go to, so you can voice your opinion!

Bradenton Campus, Tuesday 01/31/2012 7:00-9:30 PM Building 5 Room 123 (ARC)

Lakewood Campus, Wednesday 02/01/2012 4:00-5:30 PM Main Building Room 201.

If you can’t make it to one of these meetings and see the new features for yourself, send me an email with some features you would love to see in a new LMS.

studentblog@scf.edu

Have you ever felt really amped and excited to pick your classes before the new semester comes? I know it may sound a little nerdy, but I have to admit that I do. It’s a superb way to start over fresh, and learn new things, and meet new people. I tend to go a little overboard sometimes, and have wanted 6 or 7 classes in one semester!  Luckily, my student Advisors are there to help talk some sense into me, for which I am thankful.

I remember finishing up my first semester, thinking about how well it went and, as the ending was becoming closer, the thoughts of a new semester started to come forth from “the mist.” I really wanted to take tons of classes and get things done sooner.               WRONG!!

Looking back I can see how foolish I was for thinking that way. Sure, it’s always good to be a go-getter, but you need to have a little spare time in your schedule. I personally work every day from 11:30-4:30, and I have school scheduled around that. I am at the Bradenton Campus both before and after work, and its great! The only issue is when something unexpected comes up. I simply did not plan to have any trifles thrown my way, and I have learned my lesson.

One might think that they have fit as much as possible into their day, and it’s perfect. Before you know it the day is past, and the week along with it. It is nice to have a very specific schedule. Once you’re in the groove you know exactly to do your homework for each class for instance (or at least that’s how I am.) However, I have learned this week actually… that it’s nice to have a little spare time.

You see, on my way to class early Monday morning, my vehicle broke down. Not a common occurrence, nor something that many of us think of when scheduling our classes. Because my schedule is so “perfectly arranged” not only did I miss classes, but also came in late for work. Had I had some spare time I probably would have been able to get to both class and work on time, but that is neither here nor there.

My only reason for sharing this story with you, is to simply help you plan ahead. When you think you have your schedule worked out perfectly at the beginning of the semester, just try to think about how you can improve upon it by planning ahead. Sometimes being an over achiever can really bite you.

What are your thoughts on planning classes and having a busy schedule? Not only is it stressful to manage week in and week out, but if something goes awry, nothing but catastrophe follows. I would love to hear your thoughts. Email me at studentblog@scf.edu.

We’ve all got our tricks for studying. We have to, or how else would we make it through school?

Personally, I remember things best through repetition on my part. Re-writing, re-reading, talking about it, repeating as much as I can in order to drill as much of it into my brain as I can! But I know that there are probably a lot of people who do things completely differently. Its something classrooms have been trying harder and harder to address, the fact that everybody learns differently. Is it listening that does the trick for you, or watching? Does somebody need to draw or write out an example for it to make sense, or can you read it on the page and imagine it correctly in your mind’s eye? I’m sure each and every person reading this has a different answer. Which is pretty great!

Here’s the catch with my personal studying habits: I don’t use them without a motivator, like a teacher who tracks your progress and takes grades. There are so many things I want to learn, mainly, so many languages I’d like to learn. As somebody who plans to move on as a Chinese major, you might have guess that I love languages. This past semester I took French and it was awesome! I’ll admit that I didn’t feel particularly challenged, but I think that is more because of the fast-pace of my Chinese classes. Either way, I had such a great time learning the language. The quirks on how to pronounce things, the grammar, everything, really. And there are other languages I’d really like to learn, such as Korean and Russian (Though, in order, my top choices are Chinese, Korean, and French). Having French as a course was like a dream come true because it was like taking a hobby, learning a language, and being motivated to actually complete it while simultaneously furthering my academic career! I only wish I could do this with the other languages I’m interested in. I have bought so many language text books, cds, phrase books, work books, and not a single one of them gets put to use because I don’t have that motivator to push me into action. This is another reason for why I’m so excited for my move up north. I’ll be in Chinese classes constantly, I’ll get to learn more, nay, I’ll have to learn more!

So whats your deal, audience? How do you keep your grades up, what sort of learning suits your needs best? Better yet, whats your favorite subject to study in? Feel free to drop an email to us any time at studentblog@scf.edu.

Its that time of year again… Spring semester has arrived, alongside a shiny new year! I hope everybody has their classes sorted out and their books purchased.

I also hope everybody had a fantastic vacation! I know that I had a good time. A lot of my break was spent just laying around and enjoying the comfort of my bed, but when I was out and about I got to see friends who no longer live nearby and lots of other fun things. We did a photoshoot, we went to the aquarium in Tampa and rocked out to Just Dance on the Wii. It was awesome! I have a new found love for giant salamanders, the coolest amphibians in existence. They’ve got the cutest little feet, and the back half of their body looks like an eel and there are these little spindly skin antler like things coming off of their face and I know its strange but I think its adorable.

Did anybody else have a fun vacation? Did anybody go to an aquarium or a theme park, or even fly out of state?

And now that classes are starting again, is everybody looking forward to the schedule they’ve pulled together? I am. I’m looking forward to pretty much all of my classes, and it’s even more exciting to think about the fact that after this semester… I’ll have completed my career at SCF. I have three semesters that I can look back on with a smile, and I look forward to making this last one the best of them all. Any other soon-to-be SCF graduates reading this? How do you feel about your last semester at SCF? I’d love to hear from all of you, and we have an email just for. Share your thoughts with us in an email to studentblog@scf.edu.

Welcome to 2012, everybody!

There are a lot of things I enjoy doing, but I know that I flit from one thing to another pretty often. However, art has something I have dedicated years of my life to, from doodling as a child to art classes in high school, all the way up to my college career. I have made a point to include an art class each semester I’ve studied at State College of Florida. Its been a pretty good journey. I’ve been frustrated a lot of times, chaffing at having to start with beginner classes when everything that interested me were higher level ones. I probably could have brought in my portfolio and gotten permission to move into a higher class, but well, as much as I complain about some things, I am a lazy person.

So I never went in and settled with the classes I didn’t particularly want to take. And it’s been a decently good time, I’ve produced some satisfying pieces, learned a few things I didn’t know. Its been a good experience. My latest foray into art education is Color Fundamentals (also known as Color Theory). Its definitely been a learning experience… in learning things about myself! I’m not a dedicated artist, in case that wasn’t obvious from the beginning. And this class has required a lot of dedication to painting, being self-motivated, all that sort of thing. Which are admirable traits, to be sure, and some that I now know I need to work on. Painting at home, my new enemy! I get so distracted! There are video games, books, my little sister, the internet, it feels like there are a million ways to not work on my paintings. Well, I think I’m done adding in art classes. They’ve been fun, but the time has come to focus on things I’m going to make a living out of… and actually dedicate the right amount of time too.

Are there any classes you wish you’d been able to include in your schedule? Any classes you had a great time in and would suggest to other students?

Share your experiences in an email to studentblog@scf.edu.

Hey there, busy people! I’m Allyssa, nice to meet you all.

Can you believe its already Thanksgiving week? I can’t. I also can’t believe that all of a sudden its time to study for finals! I’ve got so many projects looming on the horizon, ones that my sad, procrastinating ways thought I could wait just a little… bit… longer… to work on. But that is not the way of school, so here I am working my butt off as I try to get things done on time. As much work as it is though, I’ve got to say that I love most of the classes I signed up for this semester. It’s always a lot of work, after all, but the classes don’t always feel worth it.

But not this time around! When I was building my schedule, I knew that I already had most of my requirements for my A.A. and for the most part, I would be taking classes that would either go towards my future degree or towards me. Seeing as I didn’t know my future degree at the time, I went ahead and went with me and boy, I do not regret it one bit! All my life I have enjoyed writing. Granted, I’m sporadic, I rarely finish my projects, and I know I don’t do enough research for really intense stories. But still, it’s a good idea to take classes in subjects I’m interested in, ones I could incorporate into my stories to give them more depth, character and relatability (not actually a word, but you get my point).  The one class I didn’t take for these reasons is the one class I really regret signing up for. Oh well! My point is, even though I’ve got all this work to do, its so worth it.

Don’t let stress get you down! You’re about to have a fabulous holiday!

Have any comments or responses to this post (or any post, for that matter)? Email them to studentblog@scf.edu. We love to hear from you!

Well, it’s hard to believe it’s here so fast, but this is my final blog entry. I have to take the summer off and so I must regretfully decline from being your host. I must say the experience was a very welcome one and, if policy permitted me, I would gladly take up the opportunity again sometime. Special thanks to Dr. Glanville of the English Department, who urged me to go for the position, and Ms. Tamara Kerns, my gracious supervisor, who stuck with me through the glitch-gauntlet. We made it!

   So, now I turn my attention to you. I hope that I touched on things that made you laugh, and things that provoked your thoughts. I hope I encouraged you to give it all ya got and also taking the time to know and respect your professors as people too. My deepest intention, amidst my words or thoughts, however was to remind you how important you are as an individual. We take on so much when we come to college, and it isn’t all just fun and games, I know. Being here is a transformation of many sorts, and beyond it all an opportunity to challenge ourselves and mold ourselves into something we can be proud of. So, I implore you to remember yourself. Does that seem silly? I don’t think so. What I mean is, always remember why you came here in the first place and hang onto your dreams because no one is going to dream them for you. When things get tough, just remember yourself…you deserve to succeed. See the faces around you here at SCF as not strangers, but friends with a common goal striving to create their reality too.  If you happen to see my face on campus, know that you have a friend in me too.

   There’s usually always one of those subjects where we fight tooth and nail to make it, and for me that’s math, as I have mentioned before. So, needless to say, in the fall I will be face to face with my greatest challenge as many of you will be with yours. Let’s not let it get the best of us! Whatever that class or subject may be, let it not deter you from your road. Yes, it’s likely to rattle you, and perhaps drive you to the brink, but just think of how much better the taste of victory will be when you overcome it. That’s what I keep trying to tell myself. I will shoot for the A, as I always do, but I will not kick myself for something less if I gave it my all, and neither should you. So, though I am not at the helm of your blog any longer, let’s make a pact here and now…to remember ourselves when the going gets tough and at the end of the day, still manage to have a good one!

 Thank you very much for reading my blogs, and if you’ve anything personal to say feel free to email me at jbourge3@scf.edu or contact studentblog.scf.edu.

 Hey there! Today I took my final for Anatomy & Physiology I , my last hurrah for the semester! Pheeew! I haven’t slept well in two whole days so I was totally discombobulated during my final, but I think it turned out well enough in the end. What a challenging class! Talk about getting a run for your money, hahaha. That was an uphill climb with a camping pack! I would do it all again too, funny thing huh? Am I a glutton for punishment? Nah, I just love a challenge and the human body is like a carnival of activity to learn about. So, this class was extremely interesting if you ask me. Thank you, Ms. Elrod, for making class fun and informative at the same time and also for answering my myriads of questions! I’m coming back for more in the fall, I bet you can’t wait , haha. “ Oh nooo Mr. Bill!” (SNL)

   I’m going to use my parasympathetic responses for the summer AKA relaxing! Atleast for the first week or so , then I need to crack down and brush up on my math skills so I can take that placement test for the fall. I wish I could view it, as so many do, like it’s all fun puzzles and what not. It’s been a source of anxiety since I can remember, but this time around I am determined not to let anything get in my way, least of all a four letter word like MATH.

   Let’s not focus on math though, for the moment. I just want to wish those in my A+P lab class success with A+P II during the summer. Thanks for those extra study crunches before classes, they really helped!

   I’d like to say thank you to Dr. Weber, my professor for philosophy and ethics, who shed some light on some very interesting characters throughout the history of both subjects. Who would have thought how vast the ideas of mankind can be on topics that seem, outwardly, to be so simple. When people do not challenge themselves or their own opinions, by listening to all sides of a matter, this is where the opportunity for knowledge can be stunted. I learned that we often do not take the time to question what we feel we already know, but that’s just it…if you don’t always keep an open mind, ever searching, and curious then you are further from the light of knowledge than you suppose. There is an actual process for determining if something is a worthy argument and it works much better than “ because I said so.” Lol  Right on, Dr. Weber.

Have a good one and easy breathing! For now, haha.

 You studied hard all weekend, and now you’re sweating in the hot seat in class as if it’s an electric chair waiting to have the switch thrown. Your professor walks in and starts handing out your exams wistfully, with a hint of a smile. You’re tapping your pencil, chewing your lip, and asking yourself, “What’s going to be on this one? Did I forget anything? Will I remember when I see the questions?” You might also add, “I think I drank too much coffee. Curse that Dunkin Donuts Express in the Hess Station!” Oh, that’s if you’re me, they get me every time now, but I digress. So, you’re freaking out and you need to take this exam. What do you do? Here are a couple things before the big test that may help you out and or boost your confidence level.

 1. For crying-out-loud! Don’t forget to breathe! They say that if you take a few deep breaths and stretch your legs and arms before an exam, it may help you collect yourself.

2. If you like chocolate I’ve read that eating it before study time and afterwards can increase your ability to store the information. Dark chocolate is supposed to have a greater effect than milk chocolate.

3. Studying while listening to classical baroque music, or some light jazz is shown to improve your chances of absorbing the material too. There’s a little trick to it though- you need the music to maintain a steady tempo, so make yourself a mix with songs of the same general speed on it. It’s best not to include songs with vocals however as that may distract you from the words you’re trying to memorize.

4. I know you’ve heard this one before, but try to get a good night of rest and eat a moderate breakfast in the morning. You need that energy to think ya know.

 5. Here’s one more. Make sure you take plenty of breaks when studying, even if that means just walking away for a few minutes to stretch after an hour or so. Doing study marathons is not so great. I find that when I start to screw up when I try to write something down or I am getting jumbled up is a good indication that you need a break.

   Anyway, keep your head up okay? Don’t let the exam terror pull you down. Instead, just let it wash right over you, acknowledge it, and then rock that exam the best you can. That’s all you can do, right? Make it worth the sweat, Ha! Have a good one, guys and gals!

If you’d like to respond to this email please go to studentblog.scf.edu .