Since the start of the semester I would say I have grown. I am still very much the same though. I don't study near as much as I should. In high school, I never had to study. 4.0. No big deal. Now, I do the classic cram-the-night-before-the-test thing that every speaker and lecture advises against. I have an A in almost every class which I feel is good for my first semester.
I have learned to manage time well. I haven't missed any of my classes. I work 16 hours per week at my work-study job. I go to the gym 4 times per week. I don't skip any meals. I think I am successful at the college lifestyle.
As far as what I've learned, I know that I can get help if I need it by getting a tutor or going to SI, etc. I know it is important to get involved either by joining clubs or volunteering. These things not only help you grow as a person, but they are valuable assets to your resume, which is basically what it all comes down to in college. Everything you do is to make your resume look better than the next guys.
Hixson class has helped me grow as a student and as a person. It has been a great experience and I am happy I could be a part of it.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Hixson Award
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.
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 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.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
MBTI
I've taken the MBTI a few times. The first time was in psychology class my senior year of high school. I scored ESFP which is the same as what I scored when I took the test for Hixson this summer.
I agree with my results. I would say I am an extraverted person. My surroundings and the people I interact with are where I draw my sources of energy. That's not to say I don't draw energy from my inner self as well; i do, just not to the extent of extraversion.
I also am a sensing person more than an intuitive one. I like facts a data. I like reality. I still like the intuitive aspects like theory, and fantasy and possibilities. I am this way when I think about my future after college with the possibilities and options. But at ISU, it is important to maintain that reality to get through college successfully.
I am a person who utilizes feeling more than thinking. I appreciate others values and I think of their opinions when considering my own. I like when others like me and agree with me. If someone disagrees with me, it makes me double-check my stance and decide whether or not it is correct.
Perceiving is the preference I most agree with. I definitely feel like I take a spontaneous approach to life. I always keep options open and like to try new things. I still like to get things done on time and be organized but overall the perceiving side wins out.
I enjoyed taking the MBTI. It gave me results that I can relate to and apply to my life. For each preference, I still agree with the other side. Those are important to have too but in the end, I would agree that I am an ESFP.
I agree with my results. I would say I am an extraverted person. My surroundings and the people I interact with are where I draw my sources of energy. That's not to say I don't draw energy from my inner self as well; i do, just not to the extent of extraversion.
I also am a sensing person more than an intuitive one. I like facts a data. I like reality. I still like the intuitive aspects like theory, and fantasy and possibilities. I am this way when I think about my future after college with the possibilities and options. But at ISU, it is important to maintain that reality to get through college successfully.
I am a person who utilizes feeling more than thinking. I appreciate others values and I think of their opinions when considering my own. I like when others like me and agree with me. If someone disagrees with me, it makes me double-check my stance and decide whether or not it is correct.
Perceiving is the preference I most agree with. I definitely feel like I take a spontaneous approach to life. I always keep options open and like to try new things. I still like to get things done on time and be organized but overall the perceiving side wins out.
I enjoyed taking the MBTI. It gave me results that I can relate to and apply to my life. For each preference, I still agree with the other side. Those are important to have too but in the end, I would agree that I am an ESFP.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
My Bucket List
I am constantly thinking about the future and my plans. For me, high school was all about getting good grades to get into Iowa State. I didn't really focus much on the actual high school experience. It was simply a gateway to the next part of my journey.
Now at Iowa State, i'm once again thinking about what happens next. The future. My main goal is to get into vet school which is highly selective. So, as before, I need to get good grades. I hope that doesn't interfere with the college experience though. I plan on going to many Iowa State football and basketball games. I want to meet new people and make new friends. I hope to get a 4.0 gpa for my freshman year. I plan on balancing my time between friends, family, and school.
After I earn my D.V.M. from vet school I hope to open my own private practice as a small animal veterinarian. Caring for animals, especially pets like dogs, cats, and hamsters is my dream.
After that, my goals/bucket list gets a little more fuzzy. I know I would like to be married and have children and be the best dad I can be. One thing I know on my bucket list is I want to watch a football game on tv with my newborn son in my lap. I feel like that would be a great bonding moment.
I hope to travel the world when I get older. Italy, England, Denmark, Australia, and New Zealand are a few of the places I hope to one day say i've been.
The best thing though, will be experiencing things that weren't on my bucket list but were just as great; things I would never expect but still leave an impression on my life. Those things, I believe, define a person. And they will define me.
Now at Iowa State, i'm once again thinking about what happens next. The future. My main goal is to get into vet school which is highly selective. So, as before, I need to get good grades. I hope that doesn't interfere with the college experience though. I plan on going to many Iowa State football and basketball games. I want to meet new people and make new friends. I hope to get a 4.0 gpa for my freshman year. I plan on balancing my time between friends, family, and school.
After I earn my D.V.M. from vet school I hope to open my own private practice as a small animal veterinarian. Caring for animals, especially pets like dogs, cats, and hamsters is my dream.
After that, my goals/bucket list gets a little more fuzzy. I know I would like to be married and have children and be the best dad I can be. One thing I know on my bucket list is I want to watch a football game on tv with my newborn son in my lap. I feel like that would be a great bonding moment.
I hope to travel the world when I get older. Italy, England, Denmark, Australia, and New Zealand are a few of the places I hope to one day say i've been.
The best thing though, will be experiencing things that weren't on my bucket list but were just as great; things I would never expect but still leave an impression on my life. Those things, I believe, define a person. And they will define me.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Hixson Seminar Blog #1
There are few times in a person's life when they look back on it and say "I will remember that forever." A time when I did my best? Well obviously that would be at the Hixson Retreat! I struggled and persevered and all my hard work amounted to a solid last place finish. It was a great time and I learned a lot from the experience.
Despite the fact that our team came in dead last, I left Camp Hantesa elated with the feeling that I gave 100% and got to know some really interesting fellow Hixsons. When we got destroyed in Tug-of-War I felt amazing knowing I tried as hard as I could.
When we got crushed in Holy Bucket I felt joyous knowing I splashed all that water on myself in an effort to help our team win. Space Crunch was a great way to get to know some fellow peers in a relaxing and comfortable environment. The sweat and blood I spilled doing that puzzle made me realize how gratifying it is to go above and beyond what is expected. And getting 7th place in knockout put the top on a fantastic day!
Of course I can translate this experience and this "best" feeling to my first semester of college. Whenever I get an F on a test, I can feel great knowing how hard I tried. Whenever I miss a bus, I know that I should give myself a pat on the back for running after it as it speeds away. And every time I get woken up in the middle of the night because a bunch of people are partying in the hallway, I can smile to myself knowing that I am making the ultimate effort here at Iowa State University.
I learned a lot from this experience. I learned how to be supportive in the face of adversity. I learned to cheer my team on as we were recognized for being the ones with the fewest points. But above all, I learned that I am an eternal optimist. And I learned I am extremely sarcastic.
Despite the fact that our team came in dead last, I left Camp Hantesa elated with the feeling that I gave 100% and got to know some really interesting fellow Hixsons. When we got destroyed in Tug-of-War I felt amazing knowing I tried as hard as I could.
When we got crushed in Holy Bucket I felt joyous knowing I splashed all that water on myself in an effort to help our team win. Space Crunch was a great way to get to know some fellow peers in a relaxing and comfortable environment. The sweat and blood I spilled doing that puzzle made me realize how gratifying it is to go above and beyond what is expected. And getting 7th place in knockout put the top on a fantastic day!
Of course I can translate this experience and this "best" feeling to my first semester of college. Whenever I get an F on a test, I can feel great knowing how hard I tried. Whenever I miss a bus, I know that I should give myself a pat on the back for running after it as it speeds away. And every time I get woken up in the middle of the night because a bunch of people are partying in the hallway, I can smile to myself knowing that I am making the ultimate effort here at Iowa State University.
I learned a lot from this experience. I learned how to be supportive in the face of adversity. I learned to cheer my team on as we were recognized for being the ones with the fewest points. But above all, I learned that I am an eternal optimist. And I learned I am extremely sarcastic.
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