Student Blog

Stop by and check out what our clubs and organizations are up to. There will be FREE entertainment including “Make Your Own Bumper Stickers” and a “Cappuccino Cart, as well as a Chili Cook-off Contest.” SGA will be selling hot dogs and drinks to support the Single Parent Scholarship Fund.

You will find us in the Student Union Courtyard (east side of bldg. 14) from 10:00am to 1:00pm. See you there!

Hello from the office of Student Life. Wednesday Sept. 12 and Thursday Sept. 13 from 10am-1pm on the Bradenton Campus and 9am-1pm on the Venice Campus your SGA will be sponsoring Club Rush. This is a great opportunity to see what clubs and organizations are on campus as well as find out how to get involved in extra and co-curricular activities.
Come out have some fun and get involved with Student Life at SCF!!!

We will also be raising funds for our Single Parent Scholarship fund through food sales and donations.

Herschel Johnson – Coordinator of Student Life

Ah Labor Day. We all know it, and love it.  It marks both the end of the precious freedom  summer vacation brings, and the beginning of another year at school. Although we are already entering our third week of school this semester, there are a large number of students who have begun school today.

Personally, my summer break was well needed. I do hold a job, so it was not much of a ‘vacation’ per se, but it did give my brain a chance to recoup. I am now refreshed, and ready to learn. In fact, I have already learned quite a bit in only the first few classes.

The first few weeks can be extremely tough. Forcing ourselves back into the daily grind can be difficult, but it is possible. Thankfully, most students are able to make the transition quite well. Some tips to help get you back into the swing of things are:

• Stay Interested! One of the easiest ways to ease yourself back into the swing of things is to be interested in your class. History may not be your favorite subject in the world, but it is fascinating to see what has made your country the way it is today!

• Plan Ahead! Student agendas are a great way to plan ahead. It lets you write down your assignments, plan out your week, and lets you relax, knowing that you have successfully planned out everything that needs to get done. Believe it or not, once you develop this habit, it’s very motivating. Who doesn’t like crossing things off their list?

• Questions, Questions, Questions! It may seem obvious, but asking questions is another way to get back into the swing of things. You may initially feel that questions make you look inferior, but it’s quite the opposite. Your fellow students will appreciate your drive, and it lets the professor know you are interested in the subject. Answering the questions asked by your professor is also a great way to learn. You may get stumped, it may be difficult, but it is one of the best ways to show your interest for the class.

These tips are pretty simple, and pretty easy to follow. Once you get into the groove, you’ll be back on track, learning, and loving every second of it! To be motivated will not only help yourself, but will also help other students understand and enjoy the material covered in class.

What tips do you have for succeeding in school? Shoot me an email with them, and I will include them in my next blog!

studentblog@scf.edu

Well, it’s that time again. Just about every 16 weeks we experience it. That’s right. Finals week. They can be extremely stressful and sometimes you may be asking yourself “WHY!?!?!”

Fear not! I have some suggestions that may help you get through this week, and prepare for your finals.

1. Get organized. Use your student planner to your advantage. Plan your study times ahead of schedule. I find that after a weekend of review for all subjects, studying 2 days before your exam for your specific class can really help. This is not to be confused with cramming… Assuming you know the material, and have been reviewing ahead of time, a quick recap the 2 days before is ideal. It lets you review those items you didn’t really do so well on before, and if you have any last minute questions, you will probably have enough time to get them squared away.

2.  Generalize. Take a look at your previous tests and quizzes for your class. What questions are asked more often than others? Is there anything you went over extensively in class? These are all hints to what you will find on the final exam. Don’t try and study every single thing you went over in class during the last 16 weeks.  Summarize the most important things in your own words, and review your summaries. I find it helps extremely well, because not only do you retain information you have written down better, but you also have to think about how you will rewrite the given material into your own words. Having things in your own lingo will stick better than bland textbook material, even if it covers the same topic!

3. FLASHCARDS!  This is almost the same as generalizing, but it helps with the more specific generalizations. (Oxymoron.. I know.) What i mean by this is, items you may have struggled with in your overview! Put those suckers on flashcards, and have at it! Bring them with you. A trick I use is, whenever I want to turn on or off a light, or change the channel on the tv, I have to recite something on one of my flashcards before I do it. You’d be surprised how fast you learn the material that way.

4. SLEEP!!! My personal favorite, and possibly the most important of them all, is getting enough sleep the night before. It doesn’t matter how much you study or think you know the material. Fail to get enough sleep the night before, and you will be only hurting yourself on the exam! Think of it like this. If you don’t get enough sleep the night before, (you shouldn’t have been cramming, since you planned ahead and scheduled study time anyway!) you will be a walking zombie at the worst possible time to be one. (Halloween is the only good time to be a zombie.) So, the day before your exam (I said DAY!!) get some exercise. Play with your pets, go for a run, bike ride, whatever you do. Wear yourself out. But not right before bed! If you exercise right before bed you will not be tired. In fact, you’ll be roaring to go. Not exactly the ideal scenario when you have an exam at 7:30 in the morning!!!

Relax.  You’ve studied your behind off, and now you sit at your desk staring at that dreaded test. Don’t stress! You did well. Not only did you study ahead of time, but you also took care of any other questions you had, and you got a good nights sleep, along with a healthy and hearty breakfast. Take your time, and most importantly take your test!

I know it’s easy to do, but stressing is unhealthy. Try as hard as you can not to over stress yourself. Some anxiety is normal, but you shouldn’t get so worked up you turn purple during the exam. Take a breath, count to 10, think of a cute little puppy, or a kitten, frolicking in a beautiful meadow, and then resume your test. You can do it.

Question of the day: What do you do to maximize your studying time? It would be interesting to see how others study, and see how not only myself, but everyone might be able to improve their strategies. studentblog@scf.edu

As close as this semester is to being completed, I still feel the need for a break. I’m sure not only myself, but other students and faculty feel this way as well.. It’s almost like we are “so close, yet SO FAR AWAY!”

On my way into my Precalc Algebra class on Monday morning, I passed a sign near the East side of the Mathematics building. I’m sure you have seen them around campus. They advertise things such as Farmers Market, or the Art Exhibits, plays, and other campus related events that students would like to know about. I noticed that there was a letter talking about an upcoming music recital, with guitarist Marc Mannino and guests.

I am not normally one for music recitals, but I think this one will be well deserved. His repertoire includes both Jazz, and Classical music, and I cannot think of a better way to relax than listening to Jazz or Classical!

If you are anything like me, you could use a break from studying, memorizing, stressing, and the every day stresses college students go through. Why not give it a try? It’s only $10 to the general public, and $5 for students and faculty. It will be on Thursday April 19th, at 8:00 P.M. in the Neel Performing Arts Center.

If you have any questions, feel free to call the Neel Performing Arts Box Office, at 941-752-5252. If you are interested in knowing more about Marc Mannino, feel free to visit his website at http://www.marcmannino.com/

What types of music do you listen to in order to “escape” for a while, or maybe even to study to? I personally enjoy country music to study with. Nothing can beat good ol’ George Strait when I am doing math homework and having fun! Let me know what you enjoy. studentblog@scf.edu

As we progress through this lovely Spring Semester of 2012, we constantly make positive choices that will echo throughout not only the campus, but our personal lives. I have personally experienced this and to be honest, I am not so sure I am enjoying the changes it brings.

For me personally, being positive is not only extremely important, but extremely helpful. I have my schedule maxed out as of late, and it is extremely tiring. If I do not maintain a positive outlook on everything, I think I would surely lose my sanity. (What little I may, or may not have left. LOL!) Having two jobs, and being a full-time student is not a lighthearted task, especially when taking on the challenge of maintaining a high GPA. These are all goals I have set for myself, and thus far into my “journey” I have done just that. However, things seem to be changing in my life, and it is a result of the choices I have made.

The changes I am discussing are in no way negative. Just the opposite in fact! Things are changing ever slowly, but constantly in our lives, and thankfully I have made the correct choices over the course of this academic year, which causes the changes to respond in kind. I can say with confidence that I would not be where I am today had those choices not been made.

However..

I am not the kind who takes changes in stride. They are not my forte. (For lack of a better term.) I think most people can at the very least relate to how I am currently feeling. It is becoming apparent that my first academic year at  SCF is coming to a close. We are slowly winding down. New material seems to be coming to a halt. (If it has not yet stopped for you, don’t worry, you’re almost there!) In what seems like no time at all, we will be finished with final examinations, and enjoying summer. (I will at least!)

I recently heard a commercial on 106.5 CTQ that I didn’t really think about much initially, but I find myself reminded by it from writing this blog. The opener was something along the lines of “Blink your eyes twice. Now your lunch break is over, and you’re back to work.” It then went on and on about how their restaurant is so quick, that you won’t miss much of what little time you get for lunch. On the surface, it just seems like good advertising, but I think it is almost true for day-to-day life.

As stressful as school, or work may be, (or even a combination thereof..) try to enjoy it as much as you can. Take a moment to reflect on why you are here, and what goals you have set for yourself. If you can say to yourself “Man.. It’s been difficult, but it’s worth it.” then you are on the right track! Life may not be easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth that struggle.

I have been doing a lot of reflection lately. Looking at the tasks I have overcome, and the odds I have beaten. I am glad for them, because they are what made me who I am. I have recently come to a curve in the road. I have taken some classes at SCF that not only taught me about a given subject, but something so much more important. What you enjoy doing in life. At the beginning of this semester, had I been asked what I planned on doing for a career, I would have told you I wanted to be a Veterinarian. Now that this semester is coming to a close, I can say with confidence that it is not what I was meant to do. Chemistry is a great course, it is just not for me. That is something taking Intro to Chem has taught me, that is more important than balancing equations, or even stoichiometric equations.. Eliminating extraneous solutions. (Yes, I am a math junkie!) That is what I have done this semester, on top of other things too of course. Now that I have eliminated an extraneous solution, I will look into plugging other answers in, and seeing what the final answer turns out to be. I am just kind of nervous about it. It had made me realize that I am very quickly growing up, and soon I will be a successful <Enter whatever I end up being here>. Until then, it’s a mystery! I am just going to do what I can to get there in one piece, take my time, and enjoy the ride!

Have you learned anything from your classes that wasn’t necessarily in the class description? I’ve explained my experiences, and am curious to hear about others’ choices and career goals. Feel free to email me at studentblog@scf.edu

Well good afternoon/evening/night/morning! (Depending on when you might be reading this, I want to be sure to greet you in the correct manner, so I made sure to say them all!) Hopefully you had a good weekstart!

You may be saying.. “Steve.. what is this “weekstart” thing that you speak of?” Well, to that I answer this: It is what I call my weekends! I would rather think of the week starting off with a couple of days free of work or school, rather than ending with them. It helps me get through the week without losing too much of what little sanity I may or may not have left.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who can tell when it’s Monday. Things seem to want to be as difficult as they can. Buttons not wanting to be pushed, phones not wanting to ring, cars not wanting to start, you get the picture. It’s funny how that works isn’t it?  Not always a bad thing.. After all.. We wouldn’t really have Fridays if we didn’t have Mondays right? I always try to look towards the “full” side of the glass, whether or not is a large or small one!

With me personally, getting up for those lovely 8AM classes is always sort of a struggle, especially on Mondays. My mind says to my legs “Hey! No! Don’t move! If you don’t, then I don’t have to leave! So Stay HERE!!!” However, the alarm clock always seems to drown out my brain, and I get up regardless… eventually.. (lol)

Most of the time, I tend to have a hard time being able to focus in class when it’s Monday. I just want to go home! Hahaha. After about 20 or 30 minutes though, I tend to realize that no matter how much I want to leave, I need to stay to better myself. Soon, I am back into the swing of things, and am studying and doing homework after the class is over, like normal.

What do you struggle with the most after your weekstart is over? Like I said above, mine is surely having the mental mindset of being at home, brain numb to any learning-(heck.. anything at all! haha!) How do you cope with the week starting, and resuming classes like normal? A large mocha? Some 5 hour energy? A Monster? On my way to school I normally listen to my country music and sing along. (Very poorly I might add.) But that’s ok, nobody else can hear me, so it is nothing but practice! >:)

Let me know how you get your week started. Who knows, maybe I will try your technique and see if it will help me improve my weekend mindset. studentblog@scf.edu

You know what your plans for the day should include?

Attending SCF’s Aria concert tonight! At 8:00 pm in the Neel auditorium, lots of SCF students will be performing some beautiful pieces of music. The main focus (if you couldn’t guess from the name) are aria’s from famous operas (some more famous ones being The Marriage of Figaro and The Magic Flute). Many pieces will be accompanied with live music and over-all I think the show is going to turn out great!

I’d really like to go, but unfortunately I found out after I’d already made other plans. Basically, it sucks to be me, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t go and enjoy it for me! Tickets for admission will probably be around $8, and students are half-off! I hope you have a good time (because you’re going, right?) and please let me know what songs were your favorites! Our email is studentblog@scf.edu.

Hello All! I apologize for not writing at all until now. This week has been extremely busy for me. I actually had to take a day off of work just so I could get caught up on my school work!

Overall I am doing well. Last week I told you guys I would keep you posted on my Chemistry exam. I ended up getting an 81%, which wasn’t bad but not exactly what I was hoping for. I am doing my best to live every day to the fullest, and enjoy everything about every day. Afterall, you aren’t here for a long time, you’re here for a good time! (George Strait song is playing right now, and it’s my favorite!)

In my ENC 1102 class, we have been assigned to write a Literary Analysis for one of the short stories we’ve read during class. As I’m sure you guessed, I picked an “Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.” (If you follow my blog I mentioned awhile back how much I loved that story!!) This literary analysis has been one of the most challenging assignments I’ve ever had to do.. Actually THE hardest. I’ve never had to do anything close to this before and it has really opened my mind up to trying to learn new ways of reading..

You see, (for me at least) I have settled into this “groove” that hasn’t changed or needed to change up until now.. I was so used to reading the story and getting it done and over with, that I never really analyzed the literature before. (Yes, I know you are meant to do that in grade school, but I never did it to the extent that I am now.) That is one of the beautifully frustrating parts I have been dealing with. It is almost bitter sweet… I am struggling, but it is almost nice to struggle. (No, I’m not trying to be cocky.) I feel like the best lessons learned are the ones you struggle to understand.. Sort of like when you LOSE, you learn from it more than if you WIN. It’s the same thing with me. I like winning, don’t get me wrong, but every now and then it is sobering to realize that you’ve lost.. What’s more is since you’ve lost you now need to get up and wipe the dust off, and learn what you did incorrectly. This is something that admittedly I have not done too much of over the course of the past few years. I have done fairly well in all of my classes.

So, what do you like the most about learning? email me at studentblog@scf.edu and let me know!

Well howdy everybody. Hope you had an excellent weekend. Mine was sure busy… Lot’s of schoolwork kept me out of trouble! I am excited about this week though!

Some kind of cool news! SCF’s baseball team is going to be playing the Baltimore Orioles tomorrow, (Tuesday, April 3rd) from 1-4PM at Ed Smith Stadium!! How outstanding is that?!

Tickets are only $3 and all proceeds go straight towards SCF Manatees Athletics  Department to support scholarships and athletic department operations. Some other contact information is below if you are interested. It’s a great opportunity to support your school and see a baseball game at the same time!

SCF Athletics 941-752-5261 http://scf.edu/athletics

Tuesday, April 3, 2012 1:05 PM – 4:00 PM