The Hixson award, for me, is my gateway to the future. It is the biggest help I have in paying for college. As a high school senior, I knew I had to pay for college on my own so I had to get a scholarship.
The Hixson award, I happened to find by chance. It was the only scholarship I wrote an application for. I thought I had virtually no chance of winning. I am from Polk county so just the shear number of students that could be trying for the scholarship as well is enormous.
After I filled out my application I was already acting like I won. I factored in how much the scholarship would give me when I was thinking about financial aid. This was not smart since I could have easily not won and then been unprepared. When I found out I had indeed won, it was a huge relief.
This opportunity I have been given is significant because it will help me lighten my financial load over the next several years. Especially since I want to become a veterinarian and that takes 4 more years of schooling. If I can get my undergraduate degree with minimal financial debt, that will put me in a good position to be successful later in life.
The Hixson award has made it possible for me to go to college and not have overwhelming debt. It has taught me about myself and that I can be successful. For that, I am thankful.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Social Media
To me, social media is just the latest trend in the technology explosion.
I remember when Myspace was "cool." It was THE thing to have. I had one, more because everyone else did than anything. Some of my friends would check their Myspace page 5 or 6 times per day. I didn't like having one much, but without it, I felt out of the loop.
That's exactly the same way it is today. The big one is Facebook. If someone says they don't have a Facebook account, they are viewed as not up to date and a little strange. I have a Facebook. I've had it since 2008. I don't really feel like it is anything more than a way for young people to socialize. I don't use it often.
I do not like how we are told that these social networking sites are the future way for potential employers to find background information on a person. Facebook is not a professional tool used to judge someone. I would much rather have an employer ask to set up an interview than post on my wall or like my recent status update.
Most businesses now advertise "Like us on Facebook" or some other pseudo-creative way of saying to look them up. I think it is a good way for small companies to get their name out and build up a reputation, but most large companies like Subway or Disney World or Chevrolet don't need a Facebook page. I know there are people out there that love to get updates about how Subway is offering a new type of light mayonnaise, but for the majority, the business takes care of itself and I personally find all of this obnoxious advertising annoying.
Too much emphasis is put on social networking. Updating statuses, posting pictures, liking comments, playing games. All of these things are wastes of time. Get off the computer and get back to work! I have a sociology class of 372 people. A significant portion of these students bring laptops to class and spend all the time on Facebook or Twitter. Then they complain how the teacher sucks and that they get bad test scores. Bottom line, the class is easy. Take notes, get off the social networking sites and pay attention. A lot of people would say driving is difficult too when you can't see the road.
That's all.
I remember when Myspace was "cool." It was THE thing to have. I had one, more because everyone else did than anything. Some of my friends would check their Myspace page 5 or 6 times per day. I didn't like having one much, but without it, I felt out of the loop.
That's exactly the same way it is today. The big one is Facebook. If someone says they don't have a Facebook account, they are viewed as not up to date and a little strange. I have a Facebook. I've had it since 2008. I don't really feel like it is anything more than a way for young people to socialize. I don't use it often.
I do not like how we are told that these social networking sites are the future way for potential employers to find background information on a person. Facebook is not a professional tool used to judge someone. I would much rather have an employer ask to set up an interview than post on my wall or like my recent status update.
Most businesses now advertise "Like us on Facebook" or some other pseudo-creative way of saying to look them up. I think it is a good way for small companies to get their name out and build up a reputation, but most large companies like Subway or Disney World or Chevrolet don't need a Facebook page. I know there are people out there that love to get updates about how Subway is offering a new type of light mayonnaise, but for the majority, the business takes care of itself and I personally find all of this obnoxious advertising annoying.
Too much emphasis is put on social networking. Updating statuses, posting pictures, liking comments, playing games. All of these things are wastes of time. Get off the computer and get back to work! I have a sociology class of 372 people. A significant portion of these students bring laptops to class and spend all the time on Facebook or Twitter. Then they complain how the teacher sucks and that they get bad test scores. Bottom line, the class is easy. Take notes, get off the social networking sites and pay attention. A lot of people would say driving is difficult too when you can't see the road.
That's all.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
SMART Goals
The goal from my bucket list that I am choosing to expand upon with the SMART goal setting parameters is my goal of getting accepted in veterinary school at Iowa State upon graduating with my BS in Animal Science.
This goal is very specific which covers the (S) portion of SMART.
It is measurable (M) in the way that it can be evaluated upon completion of my undergraduate program if I have been accepted or not.
I would say the goal is certainly attainable (A) because I am aware of my capabilities and I know I can do it.
My goal is neither too easy nor too difficult. Therefore, I would say that it is a realistic (R) goal.
It is definitely a time bound goal (T) because I am currently working on it and will continue to until I graduate.
The SMART goal method helps me see that I can achieve my goal if I work hard, stay focused, and believe in myself.
This goal is very specific which covers the (S) portion of SMART.
It is measurable (M) in the way that it can be evaluated upon completion of my undergraduate program if I have been accepted or not.
I would say the goal is certainly attainable (A) because I am aware of my capabilities and I know I can do it.
My goal is neither too easy nor too difficult. Therefore, I would say that it is a realistic (R) goal.
It is definitely a time bound goal (T) because I am currently working on it and will continue to until I graduate.
The SMART goal method helps me see that I can achieve my goal if I work hard, stay focused, and believe in myself.
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