Surviving Finals Week

Finals week is the last week of a semester, and although the end is so incredibly close you can taste it finals week is by far the most stressful week of the year. With tests and projects in nearly every class, finals week is conquered only by preparing in advance, maintaining your organization, and by drinking a lot of caffeine.

Finals week pushes students to their breaking points by testing their ability to plan accordingly. With all the obligations that take place during finals week it is an impossible feat to be successful by walking into finals week without any prior preparation. Finals week is not to be take lightly, as this week alone has the ability to either make or break an individuals overall course grade. Planning ahead and knowing your obligations prior to finals week beginning is not only a good idea, but to many is a necessity. Being prepared for finals before the week is underway will relieve a large amount of stress and make the week progress as smoothly as possible.

Maintaining organization in regards to your schedule, assignments, and obligations is incredibly important when it comes to finals week. With so much going on it is incredibly easy to miss assignments and deadlines that can ultimately cost you valuable course percentage points. Having a quality organizational plan in place will keep your stress levels down and allow you enough time to accomplish all course assignments with time to spare.

Coffee will become your saving grace during finals week. Late nights and early mornings are common
place during finals week, therefore to keep you going caffeine is almost as necessary as eating or sleeping. This is the last week to pull out all the stops, your grade depends on it. During finals week there never seems to be enough hours in the day, so to make those hours productive coffee will keep you up and alert to accomplish all your work.

Although finals week is the most stressful week of the semester, the thought of break is what pushes students to perform at their highest ability. Break is a motivator, and the opportunity to relax at home or on a beach somewhere warm makes this hell week worthwhile.

Once break fully commences the time for relaxation is officially acceptable. Check out this link for a great way to unwind and enjoy some well deserving free time.

Sophomore's Now Exempt to Live off Campus

As a newly established aspect of Illinois State University, sophomore students are now being exempted to live in off-campus housing. Prior to this change taking effect, all freshman and sophomore students were required to live in university-run housing. Whether that meant staying in the dorms, at cardinal courts, or at a university sponsored apartment, sophomores are now free to explore housing options beyond those provided by ISU. No longer will sophomores be required to have a meal plan, check in to the dorms after 12pm, or be stuck living with that random roommate that never cleans up their side of the room. The freedom of having your own apartment/house with friends is one of my favorite experiences I have been fortunate enough to have during my time spent here at ISU. You are not able to be even more dependent from rules and restrictions on your life. Already being away from your parents, I viewed my time spent living in the dorms as having a parent at college with you. A resident assistant was assigned to each floor in the dorms, and meant to ensure safety and compliance of each tenant on their assigned floor. I was unfortunately assigned to a floor freshman year with an RA that spent more time monitoring our floors daily processes than needed. Therefore my time spent in the dorms was even less enjoyable than it already would have been.

I was craving additional freedom come the end of my freshman year, and would have dreaded remaining the dorms for another year. This sophomore exemption, in my opinion, is only fitting as at that point in a college students life I believe they need to be given more freedom to better transition them from life at home to life on their own.

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Final Exams

Final Examinations in addition to mid-term exams constitute the two most stressful weeks in a college student's life. Many restless, caffeine induced nights full of preparation for the tests to come. After an exhausting semester of what seemed as endless assignments, Finals week is the last big push before a long awaited summer/Christmas break. With students astronomical stress levels at this time in the semester, it is time to control your week, or let your week control you. Here are some tips to remain sharp and motivated during your finals week activities.

Get Plenty of Rest

Finals week if loaded with tests and obligations so it is incredibly vital to get as much sleep as possible. Proper rest will allow for better focus on your obligations and will make your week much more bearable. While sleep may be a rarity during this week, naps will emerged as the god sent few hours a day that will keep you going through this marathon of a week. Nap as often as your schedule allows and your body, mind, and grades will reflect this decision.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare


As the semester has surely taught you, the ability to manage your time is essential in order to be successful in your collegiate aspirations. Finals week is the most stressful week of the year, with tests in nearly every class, therefore you must prepare prior to finals week in order to be successful. The week before finals week is widely referred to as prep-week, simply put this week is meant to be spent readying you
for the finals week ahead. Use your time wisely during prep-week, as the week before finals tends to be a week with little to no obligations so use this ample amount of time for your benefit.

What to do the Day of Final Exams

The week is finally upon you. While exams may be spread out on numerous days of finals week it is vital to start the week off on the right foot. Get in a routine of sleeping often, eating well and often, and working out to relieve any stress that you may be feeling. Wake up with plenty of time before your exam. Odds are that you will already be running on little sleep so oversleeping finals is a nightmare you do not want to experience. Get up early if possible, eat a quality breakfast and even study more prior to your first test to jump start your mind. Caffeine will keep you going through your day, thus coffee will become your best friend this week, however do not forget to drink plenty of water to remain hydrated as well.

College is a marathon, however finals week is the one occasion where you must sprint to the finish. The end is near, with a break following that will allow for ample time to relax and unwind after what surely was a stressful semester. One incredible tip I could give to anyone about to take finals is to keep in mind that in less than a week you will be home, relaxing, without a worry in the world. Each test you take is one step closer to the end of the semester, so keep motivated and on point and the week will fly by.

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A Week in the Life of an ISU Student

As a current Senior at Illinois State University I have had a myriad of opportunities to experience life as an ISU student. Through my 3+ years spent as a full-time student, they typical week of class is somewhat redundant, and thus relatable to all students from Freshman to Seniors. Each week provides unique challenges, yet follows a general form week in and week out. Although my experiences do not speak true to the entire student body, my observations to this point in my college career have led me to believe in this particular way. Tentatively, my past three years of college can be viewed as follows:

Monday: Classes begin for the week, thus the world of a college student officially returns to equilibrium after an eventful, fun weekend. Mondays set the tone for the entire week, and forces students to prepare themselves, and set a plan for the week they currently find themselves in. Mondays are, as many students say, the least favorable day of the week.

Tuesday: After Monday, Tuesday typically is a much more productive and relaxed day of the week. You have you weekly plan in place, and are simply going through the motions. There is nothing special about Tuesdays, except for the fact that you are one day closer to the weekend.

Wednesday: HUMP DAY! You are now officially half way through the week and are now thinking ahead to the weekend. You see the end, you're so close, but yet, so far from the weekend being here. You are excited for the days to come, however need to perform academically at your best as most tests and projects are typically assigned for Wednesday's, Thursday's, and Friday's. You must be at your best, and have had Monday and Tuesday to prepare yourself for these three days.

Thursday: ONE MORE DAY. Thursday has officially arrived, and while you still must perform strong academically, you have now begun the planning process for the weekend. This excitement for no class and the ability to socialize pushes you to complete your academic obligations to enable you to relax this upcoming weekend.

Friday: Needless to say, Friday is the day all students look forward to all week. Walking out of that final class, the weekend is officially underway. The world is your oyster, your friends are all as excited as you to take on the weekend and all the festivities that are about to unfold. Your classes are done, and now you can pat yourself on the back for the hard work you did this past week and celebrate.

Saturday: You're tired from the night before. You stayed up celebrating longer than you thought, and had the time of your life. You wake up feeling under the weather and coast through the day with no worries or classes. Depending on the time of year, you may have College Football on, which for guys is a treat in itself. Saturdays come and go quicker than anyone may appreciate, however you have one more night of festivities to attend to.

Sunday: You're more tired than you were Saturday morning. You stayed up even later than Friday night celebrating your past hard work and now are faced with the inevitable feeling every Sunday brings, the need to begin preparing and planning for your next week of classes. Sunday's are without a doubt the busiest day at the ISU Library, as all other students are in the same position as yourself. Sunday is a recovery day, a planning day, and slowly eases students back into the ritualistic week ahead.

The weekends make the classes during the week bearable. The social aspect of college on the weekend keeps us sane and motivated during the week, and pushes us to accomplish our obligations each and every week to celebrate again the next weekend.

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Milner Library

Milner Library is located on the northern point of the quad and is a six-story building with a myriad of books, study areas, and computers all available to each and every student and faculty member. This university run building is used heavily around the clock by students, especially on select days and nights, and is the most common location to find students during midterms and finals. Club Milner, as the library is often referred to, provides students services including: book rentals, database search capabilities, computers, printing at at slight cost, and a safe, happy environment to study and prepare for class. Einstein bros. has an express coffee shop located in Milner, which provides coffee, and baked goods to students looking for a quick bite to eat or caffeine buzz to keep their minds sharp. Milner library has been my location of choice for late night study sessions my past 3 years spent here at ISU, and has been an incredible asset.

Milner has four floors full of tables and cubicles that are devoted to students, and are typically full to capacity during the weeks of midterms and finals. The fourth floor is the designated "quite" floor, which was established for students doing individual work that enjoy the peace and quite. All other floors, especially the third, fifth, and sixth are terrific for group projects, working on assignments with friends, etc. Each floor has a printing station, allowing students working on that particular floor to print off their work without having to move elsewhere.

Milner Library is the premier destination among students, as it is centrally located and provides all the amenities necessary to accomplish ones coursework efficiently. There is nothing flashy about Milner, however everything a student needs to be successful is readily accessible.

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Halloween at ISU

As the iconic Illinois State University quad changes from its once lush, green glow to a rustic radiance, students begin buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming Halloween festivities. Halloween is the only holiday where dressing up however you see fit is acceptable, and is long awaited for by students. What was once a holiday filled with trick-or-treating, candy and cute costumes approved by ones parents has taken on a new vision. A vision full of sexuality, vulgarity, and long nights spent partying. Halloween is a special kind of holiday, and one which is always celebrated during the school year, which is why it has such an incredibly strong following. Halloween has been adopted as a social holiday, spent with friends, as opposed to familial ties found in holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. For many, Halloween is a chance to dress up as your favorite character or icon, parade yourself around campus, and is a night full of creativity that allows for freedom of outward expression. Halloween has no biases, everyone is free to be whoever or whatever their heart desires.

Here at ISU, Halloween is a holiday of two phases. For those who are not of legal drinking age, house and apartment parties are the nights plan. Costume parties can be found every which way, as the streets become crowded with every costume imaginable, the night is full of wonder. Those of legal drinking age will typically find their plans centered around attending bars located in downtown Bloomington. As bars prepare for the hustle and bustle which will inevitably transpire, students prepare their costumes, for the long, social night ahead.

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Why CollegeChat?

I created CollegeChat to share my personal experiences with those seeking admittance into college. As a current student at Illinois State University, my experiences are specific to my respective university. I have discussed topics unique to my university, topics that are more general, and have done so from the point of view of a current student. While I was in the college searching process I would have loved to view a blog that had a focus on a desired college of mine. The college search process is a long, stressful time in a person's life and is also quite a monumental decision, as it will influence your life in a number of different ways. Opposed to visiting a college first hand and asking the students' opinions on particular topics, my blogs are meant to expedite the entire process by providing this college student insight, at the convenience of your home. In relation to Illinois State, there is much about the college that does not jump out at you the first time you step foot on campus, which is where my blogs come into play. I focus on the areas of the university, in which are not as well known by providing valuable insight about Illinois State University, and the community that the university calls home. If I am able to make even one persons college search less stressful then I will be making a difference, which was my ultimate motive when I decided upon writing these blogs. Your time in college will go quicker than you may imagine, therefore making a well-educated decision on where you will be attending is critical. There is much to consider, many questions to ask, and only a short amount of time.

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Important Facts to Know About Illinois State University

Illinois State University is a large school in terms of population, however has a small school feel in regards to the centralized makeup of the classroom buildings around the quad. As stated in my blog post, "What can be found on, and around the ISU campus," I reiterated the close proximity majority of the campus buildings, from the student recreational facility to nearby campus-run dining centers, every service a college student may require can be found on or near the hear of the ISU campus. Also only a short walk from the quad and you will find yourself in Uptown, Normal; a quaint, yet busy location filled with shopping, restaurants, and much more. Constitution trail, an amazing paved path dissects Uptown and provides a relaxing escape to clear your head and simply take a walk.

Sporting events here at Illinois State allow for students to escape from their daily routines of studying, working, and sleeping; thus enabling them to come together as a student body, and cheer ISU student-athletes on to victory. As stated in a past blog of mine entitled "Sports: The stressed out college student retreat,"the energetic feeling found in college sporting arenas is unlike anything else. These environments provide for a sense of belonging, not only in regards to the team the crowd is cheering for, but because you are there among your fellow student body and faculty. Its a sense of community that is shown at sporting events such as these, and is one of the feelings I will miss most of all upon graduating this upcoming spring.

Illinois State University will not force you to study, to become involved in clubs/organizations, or to be proactive in finding a job during or post-graduation. However, the university will provide you with all the necessary tools to accomplish anything you set your mind to. The rest is up to you, as life will continue moving whether you are ready for it or not. Illinois State has been my home for the past three years, and has taught me more about the world, as well as myself, than I could have ever dreamed. There is no better moment than the
now, and now is the time to state your passion, and make it happen.

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What Can My College Do For My Career?

College is the bridge in ones life that will prepare an individual for a career in the real world. Speaking on my own behalf, the experiences I have had thus far have given me the confidence I need to take on corporate America upon graduation this upcoming May. However, education alone is not enough to ensure success in finding a job post-graduation. It takes countless hours, applications, and interviews to find the right job for you. This is where the utilization of your college's career center is incredibly vital. Here at Illinois State, our career center does a tremendous job in setting up part-time, internship, and full-time career fairs that promote local and national companies seeking out new, young talent. Companies seeking talent in a myriad of areas attend these fairs, and provide an outstanding amount of opportunities to current, and soon to be graduated students. Attached is a link to Illinois States Career Center page (http://careercenter.illinoisstate.edu), which offers services to aid in being hired, reviewing student resume's and providing critiques, promoting events, and much more. Every university strives to have a productive career center, as job placement upon graduation is a huge statistic that can either reflect positively or negatively upon a college. Career Center's will also provide counseling services, which will answer any and all questions regarding the job-placement process, provide advice, connect students with company recruiters, in addition to many more helpful resources.

A college's career center is one of the most useful resources offered. The personnel's main purpose is to help you acquire a job, a task in which they are incredibly well skilled in. Majority of veteran personnel who work for the career center will have personal relationships with company recruiters, managers, and employees, all of which are incredibly vital to become familiar with as you embark in the hiring process. The key is to be aware of the services your college offers to you, and using those resources to your advantage.

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DoubleMap Bus Tracker

Here at Illinois State University, there are a number of university run housing facilities that can be found roughly a 10-15 minute walk off the quad; a location where majority of the classroom buildings are found. My freshman year I lived in Wright hall, which is one of the three buildings referred to as Tri-Towers. The walk from Wright hall was a solid
10-15 minutes off the quad, which made the trek to class every morning more and more difficult as the weather conditions outside worsened the closer to winter we got. The bus system here at Illinois State would pick up and drop off students from Tri-Towers and the quad, thus eliminating the walk to campus. The more I began taking the bus the more I desired to have a way of knowing exactly when to expect the bus to arrive, even more accurately than the scheduled bus time; because come on who wants to stand outside in the snow if the bus you're waiting for is coming a few minutes late? I sure didn't. One day, my friend referred me to an app, which tracks the buses and gives an exact location. The app is called "DoubleMap," and was just the app I was looking for to support my desire not to walk to class in below-zero weather conditions.

This app saved me countless times from the exposure to sever cold, and because of it I am forever grateful. No student should be found without this app, especially if that student lives in either Tri-Towers or Cardinal Court here at Illinois State. The walk from these buildings, especially in winter, can easily be avoided by using public transportation, and if public transportation is your decision, you can't be caught dead, or frozen, without the DoubleMap app prioritized on your home screen.

"Choosing the Right College," by Ashley Nguyen--Under further analysis

For those who would like to ready Ashley's work please do so at:
http://theodysseyonline.com/whitman/choosing-the-right-college/183857

Ashley's blog hits right on the same target in which I have aimed my blog. Ashley focuses her attention at informing high school seniors of some fairly large concerns that are sure to be on the minds of those students looking into further education post-graduation. She encourages her high school target reader to forget their prior conceptions of what they want from their college, and instead to focus on a broader picture, to remain open to other options aside from their initial college choices. She then switches gears to what these college prospects should weigh into their college selection process, which includes what the school can offer you, how much independence you would like, what the student life is like, and finally she leaves an encouraging conclusion to have fun during the entire process.

What the article is lacking

The college selection process for high school seniors is a long, tedious endeavor with many aspects to consider along the way. I believe everything Ashley stated was spot on and should certainly be considered by college prospects, however in addition to a few other areas as well.

1. Tuition is the most important factor when it comes to the college selection process. Before you are able to strongly consider a college and what that school can offer you check and see how much yearly tuition is. I personally found myself falling in love with a school, only to find out I could not attend due to financials. 
2. The programs in which a college offers should be a top area to consider as you will want to attend a school that can provide you with the education you desire. For students who are undeclared this still is applicable to you, however can be looked into further during your freshman/sophomore years once you have a better understanding of your future ambitions

What I love about this article

Ashley provided an amazing overview of the college consideration/searching process. In an decision with so much to consider she was able to hit some large key points, and did so in a concisely worded manor. This was a great read and was refreshing to view from another's perspective.

How to Balance Your Schedule to Optimize Your College Experience

Attending college is a privilege; a luxury not to be abused or taken lightly. The greatest difficulty I have encountered during my time spent thus far in college is the management of my time. The ability to organize myself academically, professionally, and socially has be challenging yet incredibly rewarding. Living a fast paced, high-energy lifestyle has taught me the value of time, an attribute that cannot be learned simply sitting in a lecture hall from 9:35-10:50 Monday and Wednesday.

Ryan O'Grady's blog post "Balancing a College Lifestyle," posted on September 29, 2015 reiterated the necessity to place one's full-most attention on classwork and being prepared for your academic obligations. A belief I am in no way trying to refute, as our performance within the classroom is the primary reflection on our overall college performance. I am a strong advocate for applying yourself outside of the classroom, through joining organizations and becoming as involved as your schedule will allow. However, what I believe the article was lacking was that in regards to the social experiences one must account for on the weekends. Weekends here at Illinois State University must be carefully accounted for and planned to allow for ample time prior to the night beginning to complete any and all course work in order to go out, relieve stress, network/meet new people, and truly make your time spent in college enjoyable. College is a balancing act of class, work, student organizations, and social/down time, and through careful planning you will find mastery in the art of time-management and reap the rewards in return for your efforts.

College goes quicker than you would expect, don't waist time, but plan it, and you will have the best 4+ years of your life.

If you would like to reference Ryan O'Grady's blog post "Balancing a College Lifestyle," please do so at http://theodysseyonline.com/eastern-illinois/balancing-college-lifestyle/177235

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Watterson Dining Center--Under Review

When one is searching for the right college there is much to consider. What majors are offered, how big is the campus, how much is tuition, where will I live, etc. However, never once did I question what food I would inevitably her eating on a daily basis my entire freshman year of school. This topic, in my opinion, is heavily overlooked and yet, an incredibly important aspect to consider. Therefore, my review on Watterson's Dining Center will hopefully shed some light on what a year of eating dorm food is truly like.

The vast array of food selections found within the dining center is quite overwhelming, at least so you thought. After the first couple of weeks of eating around the dining center you will soon come to the realization that the food does not quite have the same taste it once did. The pizza is not quite as crisp, the soup is not quite as palatable, and the burgers are bland. The food quickly loses its luster and you will soon be looking for more creative ways to surprise your palate. You will begin looking up the daily menu off of the university website for the dish of the day, which will make or break your meal for the evening. I came to the point where I would choose to eat out over condemning myself to another night of lukewarm pizza and gummy pasta with watered down tomato sauce. Don't get me wrong, I have had my fair share of quality meals, but with even the variety of foods offered at the Watterson Dining Center there comes a certain time were that variety just isn't enough.

7 Things to Consider Before Casting Your Ballot on Which College to Attend

The decision of which College is the right one for you is a monumental and severely underestimated decision in a high school students life. Looking back on my own experiences, I truly did not place much thought on my decision until I was facing my Junior year of high school, when my counselor pulled me into her office and began asking me about my plans after graduation. I was taken back. I hadn't spent an instance of my time prior to this moment thinking about where I was headed. I knew I was going to College, but where exactly? Your guess is as good as mine was at the time. Its astounding to me that at the age of 17 I was expected to know exactly what my plans were, where I wanted to attend College, what my major was going to be, what I want to do for the rest of my life, and so on. Worrying about this decision only makes matters more stressful than need be, and here are 7 things to consider before casting your ballot on which College to attend.

1. Making the decision of where to attend College is incredibly stressful, so lean heavily upon your counselors, teachers, friends and family to help you along in the decision making process. 

2. Formulate a list of your wants and needs from your College and tackle to College searching process head on. Searching for College's without having a game plan is going to cause even more stress.

3. Start your College searching process broad and continue to refine your results. The College you may not initially be leaning towards may end up being your number 1. 

4. Schedule campus visits as early as possible. You can learn a lot about a College by simply stepping foot on its campus. After all, you'll be spending 4+ years living there, if its not a campus you find appealing crossing it off your top choices will focus your attention on more promising prospects. 

5. Deciding on your major before attending College is less important than you may believe. I came to Illinois State with the impression of being a journalist, and now in the midst of my Senior year I have changed my mind a number of times and now am majoring in business. In most College programs you will have until your Junior year to declare a major, which will allow you to take general education courses to discover where your passions lie. 

6. When deciding on which College is right for you its incredibly helpful to seek opinions from your peers. However, their opinions should not supersede your own wants and desires. Don't let another's desires persuade you away from your own. A prime example would be attending the same College to remain with a significant other or to continue a friendship with your best buddy. Friends and relationships come and go, but be sure not to loose out on the experiences College will present to you by remaining in the past. 

7. Choose a College that fits what you're searching for. There's a College for everyone and by putting in the work to find it will change your life forever.

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What can be found on, and around the ISU campus?

Illinois State University is located in Normal, Illinois. Don't let the town name of Normal fool you, this town is anything but normal. The campus itself is heavily centralized on the quad. With classroom buildings surrounding the entire exterior of the quad. The typical student will have majority of their classes surrounding the quad their entire 4 year undergraduate degree term. There are a few buildings found further off the main quad area, however are all within walking distance from the heart of the campus.

The quad is the centerpiece of Illinois State University; is beautiful every season of the year, and condenses the large student population into a small school feel. Students litter the quad every break from classes, filling the sidewalks with commotion and traffic as everyone rushes to make their next class, to hit the library for a study session, or attend the rec center for a workout. The quad is a one-stop-shop for everything and anything a college student may be searching for. Watterson dining center is a quick walk from the quad, and just past Watterson is a quaint street with shops and restaurants, which leads straight into what we refer to as Uptown Normal.

Uptown normal is a terrific getaway for Illinois State University students to relieve stress and simply take a walk. Restaurants and shops fill both sides of uptown with constitution trail splitting it down the middle. Constitution trail is one of my personal favorite aspects of Normal, and is a paved trail that has portions in uptown and through forested locations. Whether your taking a walk, jog, or biking on the trail you'll find it occupied around the clock during the day.

Normal offers a unique landscape which is quaint, yet relaxing. Its not flashy or highly publicized, however provides us students and residents with everything needed to live a happy, healthy lifestyle. The campus is incredibly accommodating to students by making all buildings centrally located to relieve walking time and has provided an outstanding learning environment for me especially now in the midst of my senior year.

Sports: The stressed out college student retreat

College sports are the equivalent of a long walk on the beach to clear your head in the eyes of a college student. Having time away from the books, sitting in class, and all the homework/assignments/tests that become second nature to students. Attending a college-sporting event, whether its football, baseball, basketball, or any other program your school has will allow you to relieve stress with your fellow students by cheering on your classmates as they take the court or field. College sports hold a level of uniqueness that can't be found in professional sports. The players are not making a profit; they're playing the sports they love while furthering their education at the same time. 

I love attending college-sporting events here at Illinois State University. They bring together the entire campus for a few hours to simply watch and enjoy some quality entertainment. Here at Illinois State our football and basketball teams are what gain the most publicity over any other program. We are currently immersed within the college football season, which means tailgating is in full swing. This is a social experience that should be experienced by any and all college students. Spending my cool Saturday mornings every fall tailgating has been one of my favorite memories I have obtained in my years in college and is something I will never forget. Unfortunately the basketball season takes place during the winter, which is not an opportune time for tailgating, however sitting in Redbird Arena on a big game day is something that must be experienced personally to understand. The stands are electric, players eager with anticipation of the upcoming game, and the stadium buzzing with students, alumni, and faculty members all looking for a getaway from our daily workloads.

College can be an incredibly stressful time for most students. Even if your university is not incredibly enthusiastic about your sports program, sports are an amazing experience to bond with and meet new friends. They're fun atmospheres, provide exhilarating entertainment, and for students, typically cost little to nothing. Some of my fondest memories of attending college-sporting events were ones in which paid nothing to attend. Men's lacrosse is a club sport here at Illinois State University and is a captivating and exhilarating game to watch. 

Each university will provide a different array of sports to either participate in or watch. Whether the sport is well known at your school or known of by very few, attending games is a terrific way to be more involved within your university and will prove to be a valuable escape from the trials and tribulations found during a college students typical week. 

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What can your College do for you?

College is a location for higher learning to practice upon our strengths and improve upon our weaknesses. The skills acquired in the classroom are what everyone envisions when they fill out the application for admission to a university. Im not here to say otherwise, however I do believe the skills acquired outside of the classroom during your time spent in college are equally, if not more important to advancing yourself toward your optimal career. Involvement within your campus is key to gaining an optimal college experience.

Getting involved in clubs, teams, and organizations show you enjoy being involved and that you're able to maintain a busy, diverse schedule. These extra-curricular activities are the types of resume builders that will separate yourself from others when you're looking for work right out of college. Involvement is more than simply doing something to build your resume. Being involved in something you're passionate about will push you out of your comfort zone and to heights you may never have believed were possible. Follow your passions and never stop believing in yourself.

My freshman year I knew nobody. I had no friends to begin my college career with and was forced out of my comfort zone to change that. Im an introvert, which made putting myself out there and meeting new people no simple task. Through friends I had met, I ended up rushing a social fraternity on campus, and was initiated. The process of rushing and initiating was exactly what I needed to break out of my introverted shell. One year later I ran for an executive position and was named to the executive board as the Scholarship Chairman; a position I would never have dreamed to be named to prior to rushing. My fraternity has changed me for the better and while I am still introverted I have learned to express myself in social and academic environments. This level of growth was something I would not have acquired by merely attending classes and has drastically changed my college experience for the better.

Your time in college will go quicker than you may believe. Make your time enrolled productive. Become involved as much or as little as you would like and do not hesitate when opportunities to become involved present themselves to you. Remain open minded, take educated risks, and never stop learning.

About Me

My name is Matt Karstens and I am a Senior, Business Administration major with a minor in Political Science at Illinois State University. The purpose of my blog is to discuss the college experience by providing helpful tips an insight that any future or current college student can relate to. I will be discussing areas within the college experience. The gains that will be acquired from divulging in my blogs will include a thorough understanding of the college lifestyle, with focus on the social and academic occurrences that college has presented during my four years of schooling.

Through my schooling I have been well diversed in the college lifestyle and the atmosphere around campus. I have been thoroughly involved within my campus, from working at a realty company and being an executive member of my social fraternity, involvement is key and has impacted the amount and quality of the experiences I have been fortunate enough to have. My experiences translate well to the common college student and will paint a sound picture for all those about to attend or even currently attending college. Your time in college is limited, and each moment needs to be enjoyed to the absolute fullest.

I believe that, especially incoming students, have no idea what college will be like, and thus could use the insight of a now senior in college to acquire a better idea of what is to come when they begin college. Your time spent in college goes quickly so having a plan prior is an advantage to say the least.

I look forward to sharing my thoughts and experiences and hope you, the reader, are able to gain some valuable insight from my time spent here at Illinois State. 

If you have any questions or comments regarding my blog please do not hesitate to contact me at: 

http://kontactr.com/user/CollegiateRedbird

College: Fresh start for the Freshman

As a current Senior in college I have come to realize my days here at my university are limited, which is quite a shame and rather depressing if anything. While I look back at my past few years here, my time spent as a freshman was more memorable and exhilarating than I ever could have imagined. Freshman year comes with a fresh start to meet new friends, join clubs and organizations, to better your education, and to find a sense of direction in life. Freshman year was more spontaneous than anything. Recalling my first night officially moved in to my dorm room; my parents had just left and I was now all on my own, I had no friends at the time here at school with me and had just met the guy I would call my roommate. I was given no sense of direction of what to do, where to go, how to use my student ID to get into the dining center, nothing. I was dropped off and automatically supposed to know exactly where to go from there. Life seemed to stop for a bit as I sat in my freshly assembled dorm room contemplating what to do. As I sat on my bed I received a knock on my door, which resulted in me meeting the first person at my college who was not my roommate, a girl by the name of Abby, who would become one of my better friends, and is a friend I still see regularly to date. From meeting Abby, I meet the others on my floor, who had friends on other floors in the same building, then those friends had friends in other buildings, and my friend group from initially only my roommate grew exponentially, and thus led me to meet my best friend to date, my buddy David. David and I met the weekend college started and became best friends. We rushed and joined the same fraternity, roomed together, and still to this day we could not be better friends.

The moral of the story is simply that college will throw a myriad of experiences your way. So long as you are able to remain open minded, take chances, and to enjoy the time you have as your four years of college will disappear more quickly than the popcorn chicken at the mashed potato bar. I began my college career without knowing a single person, and currently as a senior I would not have changed that for the world. Beginning fresh, and leaving high school behind forced me out of my comfort zone, it forced me to go out, have fun, meet new people, and thus has created memories and friendships that I will have for a lifetime.

Quality notes separate strong students with the weak. Prepare for school accordingly with a fresh notebook!