Student Blog

We all know how expensive those school books can be. What’s worse is that they’re mandatory! We cannot pass the class without the expensive book to study from.

Luckily, I have come up with some tips to save cash by being smart at The SCF Store (bookstore)!

1.)  Buy a used book! A lot of people tend to pass right by the “Used Book” Section, and go to the brand new ones. Some student’s aren’t familiar with The SCF Store’s buy back program. This is excellent for students all the way around! When you are finished with your book and you no longer need it, you can sell it and make some of the money you purchased it with back! It’s like recycling, only you end up with money in your pocket! The SCF Store can then turnaround and sell your book as “used” for a more affordable price next semester. To me, this seems to be the intelligent thing to do. It saves trees, saves money, saves resources, and you are getting the same information that you would have from a brand new book.

2.)  If buying and selling isn’t your thing, rent your books! The SCF Store has just recently started renting, and I think it’s a great idea. As of right now, they have 5 titles that can be rented, and of course as time goes on they will have more options to choose from. This is a great alternative to buying and selling books, because all you have to do is check it in when you are completed with your class. You don’t have to worry about selling your book to the school, or other students.

3.)  Yet another less expensive option to keep in mind for those of you who like to read books using an iPad, Kindle, Nook, etc. is to look for your required text in ebook format.  You can find that information by visiting The SCF Store or by looking online at The SCF Store Ordering Center.   

To be honest, utilizing The SCF Store is the most efficient option you have. Only at The SCF Store can you use your Financial Aid to pay for your books, whether you buy, sell, or rent them. All you need to do is bring your ID, and they do the rest. You don’t need to bring in any cash, or do any extra paperwork.

Hopefully you’ve taken some notes, and learned a thing or two about book saving. It’s important that you make each dollar count, and books are where a lot of dollars are spent. Now you can be ahead of the game, getting the same books and learning materials for a lot less!

Do you have other strategies for saving on school books? I’d like to know! Share your strategies with me at studentblog@scf.edu.

Well readers, I’ve gotten myself started now and I don’t think I can stop. Last post I mentioned a short story I read in an anthology about Scottish women and it really got me thinking about how much I wanted to share some of my favorite authors with you. How many of you like to read books as a hobby? Something to pass time, something you enjoy rather than something you do because classes require it of you.

Well, I am one of those people. I read like crazy. I would actually call myself addicted to reading, to be completely honest, because I will read over all other things. When it hits me that I need to read a story, it does not matter what papers need writing, what food I should be eating, what I should be working on, if I’m in that story I am not coming out until its done. Which is probably one of those cases of too much of a good thing, but we’re not going into that, haha. Instead, I’m going to tell you about a few of my favorite authors.

• Jacqueline Carey: Jacqueline Carey writes some of the most amazing books I have ever read. They are so in-depth, I cannot even imagine the amount of research that this woman had to dedicate in order to produce such a detailed account of what is essentially ancient world history. Her writing style is pretty prolific, her prose is very thick with description and is very lengthy. Her books are not small… if you don’t want a lot to read, you do not want to read a book by Jacqueline Carey. But they take you everywhere! In the nine books I have read by her, I have vicariously traveled across the entirety of Europe, through the Middle East, gone into Russia, Mongolia, China, India, Egypt (and followed the Nile to its source), and even across oceans into South America. There’s so much, and the way that the religious aspects are interwoven into their very lives, the way that it is more than just a concept, it is a reality…  I could go on, but I wouldn’t stop. Jacqueline Carey is fantastic for anybody who is looking for something deep and heart wrenchingly good.
• Lynn Flewelling: Lynn Flewelling also writes very large and in depth books, but hers are more on the intrigue side of the spectrum. Where Jacqueline Carey will include lots of romance, lots of religion, traveling, and world issues, Lynn Flewelling focuses more on the world issues, the politics, spys and war and many of the horrors that come with these things. But its not all bad! Because across the span of her books, she pulls in that romantic aspect (not a lot, really), but its just enough to lighten the mood ever so slightly. Its good for me, because her books are so meaningful that I need that breather, that chance to pull out of the darker aspects. Lynn Flewelling also does not write books for people who are not willing to dedicate a lot of time to them, however they are so worth it.
• Tamora Pierce: Now I’m not sure how many of you might have actually heard of Tamora Pierce. The past two are possibilities as they are aimed towards an adult audience and I’m sure most of my readers are adults. Technically, Tamora Pierce is a young adult author. Either way though, everybody should read her. The world she’s created is so well-crafted, and her books also pull in that awesome religious aspect. In her world, some things are truly magical. There is political intrigue, but its not heavy, I suppose its kind of like a toned down version of the past two authors I’ve given you, except completely awesome in its own completely separate way. It has that intrigue, it has that mystical aspect, and the romance, but it not as intense and not as hard to read through. I’ve read at least fifteen books by her and I have to say that for each quartet, each duology, each trilogy she writes, she does a great job of tying them together. Because they’re all in the same realm, they’re all a part of each other’s history and future. Personally I am a HUGE fan of when stories are tied together this way. Jacqueline Carey does it as well. For those of you who want that awesome in depth fiction, want something that is really good but isn’t so much of a commitment, give Tamora Pierce a try.
• Julia Quinn: I love romance novels. So it would make sense that I would love Julia Quinn. However, I really hope that some other people out there will give her a try, some of you who usually wouldn’t branch into the romance genre. I know it has quite a reputation, how you often see those books of some woman with clothing draping off of her shoulders and a man gripping her close, smoldering into her eyes, his shirt open and well, you get where I’m going with this. And you see these books and you think, “Oh that looks so cheesy, I do not want to read that.” Let me tell you, that is not Julia Quinn’s books! Whatever impression you have about romance novels, it probably doesn’t apply to her books. She ties all of her books together with common characters and with newspaper articles that are popular at the time. And while there is always that emotional issue that one of the characters has to conquer in order for them to come together in the end, the depth of the each of the characters really draws you in. Its beautiful, honestly, how she can craft such interesting and relate-able people over and over again for each of her stories. And in the end, they find love. And that’s really, for me, the best light reading that you can read. Its a happy story. Yes, there are parts that have so much emotion behind them I can’t help but tear up, but there is always a happy ending. Lets face it, life doesn’t really work out that way, and that’s why stories have always been such a great form of escape. So anybody who wants light reading, reading that will pull you in but won’t consume you, read a Julia Quinn book. She is amazing.

Wow, look at what I’ve done here! I’m sorry this post is so huge, and here I’ve got even more authors I would love to share. But I’ve already gone on far too much. Instead, drop us an email if you’re interested in hearing any more suggestions! You can reach me at studentblog@scf.edu, and please, do email me! Of all the things I’d love to hold a conversation about, it is books. Whether we are discussing new ones to explore or are making suggestions to each other, I really can’t get enough good stories in my life.

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.

Wow, oh wow, that first week of classes went by so fast! There was just so much going on, getting to classes on time, getting the right textbooks (for the right prices!) and adding/dropping classes that did or didn’t suit. I can hardly believe its been over a week since we last talked. We’re all settled in for the semester now, the add/drop with refund option no long available, and now that the mini-vacation of Martin Luther King day has come and gone, I know that I’m finding a routine to work with.

There are just so many things to fit in. Class time, homework time, work time, taking care of myself, paying bills, trying to see friends and stay in touch with the family- I felt so ready for adult life and yet it still continues to surprise me! I’m extremely excited for moving out this summer and living on my own up in Tallahassee (wow, so far away!), but here I am struggling with things in my own. Its going to be a challenge, one that I’m sure I’ll have plenty of complaints about when the time comes. But I am worthy of any challenge life has planned for me! I’ll find a job and I’ll work and I’ll study, I’ll find the money to take care of my twenty-three year old car and my bad knees, and most importantly, I’ll keep up the good grades which will hopefully pave my way to my future career. This is what I have planned, at least, we will see how well it all unfurls.

All of this reminds me of stories family members have shared about their transition into adulthood. My aunt moved out immediately, and had to move back a year later. She tried out every major she could, went to more colleges than many people have heard of, traveled all over, and still managed to complete law school with a degree. Now she’s married with three kids, an involved mother who drives a van. I love to hear stories about how people got to where they are now. It helps my dreams of where I’ll end up, even if they change each and every day because I’m still uncertain on where I want to be going.

What sort of plans keep you going? What sort of stories did you live through, or are living through right now? Please tell me your story! We have an email just for that sort of response, studentblog@scf.edu.

By now I’m sure just about everyone has heard about the recent Mythbusters “incident.”  In case you are one of a small minority who hasn’t, here is a summary of what recently happened.

I myself am an avid Mythbusters fan. Before the show however, I always make sure I have all of my school work completed, so I can be sure and watch Mythbusters uninterrupted. Every new episode that airs makes my mouth water and I cannot wait to see all of the new episodes they have coming! Well, recently, the Mythbusters were filming an experiment for their show which involved cannon balls.

If you are a follower of the show like myself, you will know that just about all of the “dangerous” experiments happen at the Alameda County Bomb Range, about thirty-five miles from Sacramento. They’ve done literally hundreds of experiments there without incident.

Ironically, they were doing this experiment to see what other household items could be used as a good cannon ball -  (I wonder if I could do something like this for class? LOL!) It seems as though nothing has the stopping power of the traditional hunk of metal soaring through the field. The recent incident at the range proved that theory right. Not only did the original cannon ball (the dependent variable for all of you science junkies) soar through their target, clear the entire length of the range, jump the berm at the end of the range, it flew over 700 YARDS– Yes that is over 7 football fields away!!!!– proceeded to go through the bedroom wall of a home, through the front door (how rude!) and finally ending its journey with a smash to the family SUV.

As astonished as I was about this incident, I must say I did “lol” when I first heard about it. The scary part is, allegedly there was a 5 year old girl sleeping in the bedroom where the rogue ball intruded. Yeah, I’ll admit it’s not cool that lives where actually in danger, but setting aside that fact it is pretty funny!

These guys have been doing experiments for a combined 18 years and, in a test to see how well the cannon ball performed it literally went off the map (and through a house, into a car we go!). It makes me wonder if they’re still going to air this episode? I sincerely hope they do. <3

Don’t forget to study for Finals and make sure all classwork is done before watching the show! It’s addicting.  Personally… If I don’t have it done before the new episodes, I tend to forget to do it! So make sure you get the school work done before watching Mythbusters!!!

What’s your favorite Mythbusters episode?  Email your thoughts to studentblogger@scf.edu.

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Sources:

http://www.montereyherald.com/state/ci_19495586

http://www.whptv.com/news/local/story/VIDEO-ADDED-Mythbusters-accident-sends-cannonball/Q1guxAPlgUep7IVUhW0hXw.cspx

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-57339079-52/mythbusters-make-apologetic-house-call-after-cannon-accident/

As young and “hip” as even I am, I can look back and remember the days when cell phones were simple. Analog screens, buttons, and that little antenna that always got hung up on everything. Nowadays, you would be hard pressed to find a cell phone with buttons period, let alone an antenna.

Those memorable days where you had a great CD with a dozen or so of the latest hits are just that. Memorable. Today, most people get enjoyment out of their mp3 players, which can hold hundreds of thousands songs in about the same size as a credit card. It’s truly amazing how fast technology moves. Just this morning a co-worker was talking to his cell phone. Not abnormal right? Well, he wasn’t having a phone conversation with anyone. He was texting someone. That’s what I mean. We have these smart phones, and mp3 players, touch screens, and movement sensors, it’s just stunning how much the technology scene has just exploded in recent years.

I remember when the first color screen cell phone was released to the public. Not long after there were flip phones that were marketed as being “as thin as a razor.” In what seems like no time at all, we don’t even have flip phones for the most part. The norm now is a smart phone. Where all you do is touch the smooth glass surface and navigate your way through the phone, and through your life. Yep.. Those smart phones have just about everything you could imagine in them.. Bar code scanners, cameras, even a gps, you name it cell phones have it. It’s just amazing to me how much our technology standard has risen in recent years.

Just like phones, and mp3 players, our cars have improved dramatically in such a short amount of time. When it was once hard to imagine going three or four hundred miles on one tank of gas, nowadays we are pushing the standards to get rid of the gas tanks completely, and move on to electric. At this pace, we will be hovering our way to work in no time. It’s just mind-blowing to me to think that our world is only getting started!

I was recently watching a futuristic movie that was made in the 80′s. They had some ideas that were pretty far-fetched for the period.. And now? Most of what were once considered dreams in the movie are actually common items we see every day.

At the time of this blog, technology is a love/hate relationship for me. One of those “can’t live with it, can’t live without it” type of feelings. As I write this on my laptop, I wonder how long it will be until I am typing on virtual keys, looking at a holographic screen. Really, with the way things have grown, it’s only a matter of time.  While I must confess my love for the sci-fi genre of movies, it’s interesting to see what our world might just look like in only a small amount of time.

When you can flip on that flat screen tv that’s as thin as a piece of paper and watch scientists grow a heart out of literally nothing but stem cells, it is just an exhilarating feeling to think about what the future will bring.

What are you thoughts?  Email them to studentblog@scf.edu.