A Transfer's Insight: Linda's Blog

I'm currently taking Chemistry 102, a class mainly for Nursing students. I am definitely not a fan of Chemistry, but by now I am getting quite used to it. It is halfway through the semester, and I am now believing that I owe it to Chemistry for making time fly by rather than blaming it for going slowly.

I dreaded taking Chem all year, and now that it is finally here, it has grown on me. Although it is just basic Chem, it is still a pain. I have my regular Chem classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45. Also, on Tuesdays, are my Chem Recitation and Lab from 2:00 p.m. to 4:45. Recitation is very helpful and just reviews what was taught in class on a more intimate level. So basically, on Tuesdays, I am in classes all day. But after all, I do not regret making it such a busy day because busy is definitely good when you want time to go fast.

So basically, don't get discouraged about all the extras that come along with Chem classes. Lab and Recitation may seem overwhelming at first, but they get very routine after a couple times. I've already noticed my Lab partner and I are finishing up faster by almost 20 minutes each week. It doesn't take long to learn and realize how to get things done faster. And experiments mainly consist of mixing chemicals together and recording down visual observations. So if you're no Chem major, don't sweat about taking Chemistry.

There is plenty of help to get out there, and I feel I take so much Chem throughout the week that I don't need to take so much of my own time to study for it. Believe me, having one full day out of the week devoted to learning Chemistry is about enough, but it definitely pays off!

Posted by Linda at 09:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

One of my major passions and dreams is traveling and experiencing a variety of cultures. At my previous school, I was all set to live in the international community with a group of students from Shanghai, China. I was very excited about that experience, but then I transferred to USC and am currently living in a Freshman dorm. So it was hard to adjust compared to my first exciting expectation.

So for next year, my Junior year, I decided to apply to one of USC's many learning communities, the Global Community. This type of housing is for the purpose of interacting American students and international students. Any student interested in learning about other cultures and helping students from other parts of the world adjust are encouraged to apply for this housing. It is housing for upper-class students, however.

About over a month ago, I applied for this housing and just recently found out that I was accepted to join USC's Global Community next fall. I want to make the most out of my college experience, and I strongly believe that sharing my life with those from various cultures will be the best way to grow and develop throughout the next few years. Another good reason to join this learning community is because my means of traveling abroad is limited, and this is a great way to immerse myself with an international experience.

There are also many other learning communities to choose from as a lower-classman. I actually considered the Spanish House, which is located in the dorms. But because of my last-minute decision to transfer schools, there was no space. It is definitely a good idea to make a decision early about housing and to apply as early as possible because on-campus housing at USC is extremely tight.

There are many off-campus options, but if you are new to the area and have limited means of getting around, it is wise to live on campus. It is also a good reason for being involved with campus life and being aware of what is happening around USC. Living on campus will definitely be a high motivator to go to class or to stay committed to other on-campus obligations.

But anyway, I am very excited for a very unique and exciting living experience with USC's Global Community next year, and I am sure it will be very educational but fun too! There is a lot to learn about the world today, and I am very glad to have the chance to experience it from those all over it.

Posted by Linda at 08:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

At the beginning of each semester, I always start out as a good student doing all the required reading and partcipating in class. But as the semester drags on, I tend to get a little lazy like most of my classmates. It's about that time for me to pick things up again and figure out what's going on in my classes!

I have two very laid back awesome English professors, and they do a lot of goofing around. Well, the other day they were evidently upset because they could not really get the class to participate in discussing a short story we were assigned to read for that day. Then a lot of people came out and admitted that they did not read the story. And, truthfully, the stories are terribly LONG. It took me two hours to read the one due today!

So, by seeing these two guys actually get upset for once, I invested my time in reading the 2-hour long story due today. And to be honest, it is a waste of time to go to class without knowing what is going on. It is a waste of money, and the whole purpose of the class is wasted when I don't do the work. I know school is school, and it is not supposed to be fun most of the time. But really, just doing the reading and being prepared for class makes me feel like I am actually doing something worthwhile here. It is an obvious point, but it really does make a difference.

So, some good advice is to just try avoiding getting into the "slump" in the middle of a semester. It does take an effort to be a college student, but it will pay off. Just learn to prioritize and get things done! It can be really hard sometimes; I really like to take naps because I'm dead tired by the time I'm finished with classes (it must be getting up at 5:30 a.m. for PT!). But, classes don't take up the entire day, so there is plenty of time to do homework.

So, right now, I am off to do homework, maybe. It is Friday after all ;)

Posted by Linda at 04:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From a small private Catholic university to a large populous public university, a big difference I noticed right away was the number of people standing around campus preaching different things and shouting and handing out flyers. I don't know if it's a bad thing, but I did think twice about a particular preacher the other day.

This man was just shouting and carrying on in such a showy way. There was even a policeman standing guard because this man was just about out of hand. He was holding this huge sign saying on one side: "Jesus Saves". It was the other side that made me blink a few times. It said: "Warning", and had a list of different types of people to beware of. The only ones I remembered from the long list were: unsubmissive wives, women who kill their babies, perverts, and ROMAN CATHOLICS. I don't get offended, and this didn't offend me because I know my religion. I feel comfortable about who I am.

Going to any pubic university, I'm sure any student passes these types of people at least once a week. People will shout things at you, but never take it seriously. Just don't interact with them. They only stand there in the first place to get your attention.

I always get tired of the people of people standing one foot away trying to shove a paper, flyer, or pamphlet at you. College is full of information; simplicity just simply does not exist. People will always be there to influence you with their opinions and views when it comes to just about anything: politics, religion, etc. Here in Columbia, we've just about had all the 2008 Presidential candidates come and speak. I can't help but overhear students speaking so much about politics. It's both impressive and scary at the same time!

That just shows that you can't help not to be aware of the changing world. Many things are happening and there are so many people who want to feel powerful. And at a place where there are people with open minds ready to learn, there will be those taking advantage of the eager minds of college students by standing on the corner to preach.

Posted by Linda at 12:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

At the beginning of this semester, my Army instructor assigned our class to give a presentation on the leadership skills of a military leader of our choice. Having to choose that first day of class, the first person that came to my mind was Lt. Col. Hal Moore from the move "We Were Soldiers" played by Mel Gibson.

Looking him up on Google, I quickly found out that he is of course now Lt. Gen. Hal Moore, and I also discovered his address. So I decided to write him a letter asking him about his leadership beliefs, and I asked him if the movie portrayed his personality accurately since I was using it as a source for my presentation.

Not expecting a reply, but deeply hoping for one, I actually received a letter from the man himself today! I was not even sure if it was the correct address. I am so excited to have received a letter from a man who made a huge difference in the War with Vietnam and who has had a movie made about him...played by Mel Gibson! He told me that the movie gave a great portrayal of the war and of his leadership abilities. He wished me luck on my project and gave me a website to look up (which I have not found yet because of the handwriting).

Although the letter looks like it was put together in about two minutes, I am really impressed that someone of his status and age took the time to respond to me. It goes to show that it does not hurt to take a chance and to give something a try even when it seems pointless. His letter will sure be a great asset to my presentation, and I'm glad I decided to do something despite not having high expectations for a reply.

Don't hesitate to reach out to others even if it seems unlikely you'll get anything out of it. When you get to college, you need to learn to be brave and give things a try. It doesn't have to be writing letters to retired military Generals, but when it comes to advancing your knowledge and exploration, learn to be assertive and open-minded.

I first thought my idea to write this letter was silly, but now I am thankful that I was willing enough to just give it a try. You never know what will happen unless you just do it! I'm sure glad I did!

Posted by Linda at 11:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I've never had a Valentine date before, but this year was much different. My Valentine's Day began with Army PT at the track at 6 a.m. I always ride my bike, and I'm the only one in the battalion who does. I always park my bike right at the entrance visible to everyone. After the run and after stretching out on the field, I headed to my bike and discovered a red rose with a note on my bike.

It was so sweet, but almost embarrassing as everyone was walking by making comments, causing me to blush. So the note had a sweet little rhyme with directions to find note #2, which was on my way to my Army class. So under the cannon like the note said, I found a box of chocolates with another note.

This time, I had to ask the Bates House (my dorm) desk for my third Valentine. So after my classes I returned to Bates and shyly asked for my Valentine, and the person gave me a little red stuffed monkey holding a note between its arms.

The note had another little rhyme telling me to "Meet my Valentine under the Bates House Bridge" a little after 8 p.m. So after I anxiously waited for 8:00, I arrived to find my Valentine, Ben, who took my arm and led me to the open field with a blanket spread out on the ground. He had made chocolate-covered strawberries, which were very delicious, and papers with directions on how to star-gaze. So what we did was star-gaze that night after a very romantic and surprised-filled day.

No one has ever done anything like that for me before. I felt very special yesterday, and I couldn't have asked for a better Valentine's Day! I've never blushed so much before in my life! So, just keep in mind how nice it is to do something special for someone; it is definitely worth it!

*Note: the person who left a comment the other day about transferring to USC - I tried to email you but it came back to me. Maybe you typed it in wrong or just use a different email address. Sorry, just let me know and I'll give you a response as soon as possible! Thanks!

Posted by Linda at 09:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I was just in Subway this afternoon, and as I was paying, two men walked in the restaurant and one of them said in a really loud voice, "Now this is a hold-up..." I just stared at them, and my heart began to race. I didn't know what to think. Then finally after a few seconds, he said, "...but my gun's at home" followed by laughs, and it was apparent that the guy behind the register knew him anyway.

So it was just a joke, but I was scared for a second there. I know I wrote previously that it wasn't worth it to live out of fear. But people can't just walk in any public place, whether or not they know the employees, and joke about stuff like that. I was just staring at this scary-looking man with my mouth wide open, wondering what he was going to do next. I probably looked stupid because I was the only one frozen solid. I seriously just stopped what I was doing and waited for his next move because I actually believed him.

Also, this Subway isn't in the safest location. Whenever I walk there, I always see a variety of people, but of course when I'm alone I don't make eye-contact and keep my ear on the phone. So I did not feel too surprised that something like that could possibly happen, although they weren't wearing masks. Do they even do robberies like that anymore?

I'm actually kind of disappointed because this story could have been more interesting if a robbery really did happen - just kidding! My heart sped up enough just from an innocent joke like that! But for today, that happens to be my most interesting story. Just please don't ever try anything like that! Anything can cause panic with all that's going on in the world today!

Have a great weekend, and feel free to leave any comments and to ask questions! Thanks!

Posted by Linda at 04:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am usually one who tries to avoid any kind of stress, but of course being a Nursing major and an Army cadet isn't an easy route. It has been an extremely busy 2 weeks for no significant reason at all. What I'm so surprised about is that it's just school work and Army training that have been getting to me. So Linda, shut up and stop complaining!

It's easy to complain about writing papers and studying for exams. It's easy to moan and to think no one could have it worse than you. I think about this every day: there are millions of people out there who don't have anything. I have a lot of work to do, but I have my health and a wonderful family. I keep trying to tell myself that what I am doing, all the things I'm working for, is leading me somewhere. There is a place for me when I am finished with school, and some people don't even live to be 20 years old.

We all have so much to be thankful for, and it takes an effort to realize the things we have rather than the things we don't have. That is what being optimistic is all about. It is knowing that despite the small things that make us cranky, there is a bright future ahead with many blessings.

Everyone has a different story and different problems. But let me tell you that being a student and studying to be whatever you want to be is such an amazing opportunity that many millions of people cannot even imagine ever having. It will get you absolutely nowhere to complain and carry on about how much homework you have or how you have so much to do. The challenges you will face in college will never be the worse things you will face. There are far greater things for people to complain about, and college shouldn't be one of them.

I'm thankful that I only have college problems or boy problems. I know that things can be far worse. College is such a rewarding experience, and it's fun to look back on some of the things that I thought I could rip my hair out over. College is very important, and the decisions you will make as a student can greatly affect your future. But just always remember how lucky you are to be a busy college student. There are some places in this world where college is only a dream and nothing more than that.

Posted by Linda at 10:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I was having a telephone conversation with my sister back home in Ohio today, and she is a social worker. I was talking to her about things I was hearing around campus about a student committing suicide the other day. She then mentioned that the suicide rate is at its all-time high among teenagers and college students.

Sure, I admit school can be difficult and challenging sometimes. A lot of unhappiness arises around school-related issues causing feelings of depression and anxiety. Of course, as a student I can emphasize with those feelings, but there are more things in life to be thankful and happy about.

Being far away from home, my family felt concerned about the challenges I would face after being away for a long period of time. With that support, I knew I had to prepare myself for what I would experience being so far away from those closest to me and being around complete strangers. So of course I miss my family greatly, but I expected that. I expected that school would be difficult at times and that I would have no one to lean on when I had a problem.

These things will come inevitably living on your own, but moving out and growing up is something everyone is bound to experience. The only way to avoid strong feelings of depression and hopelessness is to just expect that these feelings will try to take over you; be strong and be happy. Try to stay busy with school and get involved. Doing this is bound to make you interact with people who share your same interests, which will lead to new friendships. Making new friends may be difficult for people completely new to the area, but by taking advantage of activities that feed your interests, you will find others who share those same interests.

If college life comes difficult to you at first, don't bail out so fast. Always stick things out, and you will eventually find your fitting place. I've discovered that college offers me many frustrations but also many satisfactions when overcoming those obstacles. Just learn to take delight in smacking the curve balls that college will throw at you; believe me, you're in for many twists and turns, but who doesn't like roller coasters?

Posted by Linda at 11:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So it's practically inevitable that you will eventually be forced to live with a complete stranger your first year in college; twice in my case because I transferred. Although this whole idea seems scary at first, it truly is a good experience and can be exciting.

The most important thing to do in order to get along with your roommate is to just talk and communicate regularly. A lot of people who ask me if I get along well with my roommate are surprised by my answer that we get along great. We're not best friends, but we are friends and enjoy each other's company. I'm sure we each do things that may get irritating for the other person, but considering the extreme small living arrangements and hours during the day we are in the room at the same time, I do believe we have an excellent relationship.

Of course, the very best thing to do right away is to just get to know your new roommate and be open-minded about their differences. We all come from different cultures and different places, and it may take a little effort to bend our routine from home to try and make life comfortable for not only ourselves but for others too. One of the most important things to bring to college is a willingness to learn about others and an effort to try and understand others.

It may sometimes be inconvenient, but always listen to your roommate so that you learn as much about that person as possible; believe me, this will make living with that other person a whole lot easier if you just take the time to know them.

Lucky for me, my roommate is a native of South Carolina, from Myrtle Beach, and was so receptive and friendly when we met. Knowing that I was an out-of-state student, Brittaney made and still makes such an effort to try and make sure everything is going well for me even though I tell her it isn't necessary. She is very considerate and compassionate and is always willing to listen to me and give me advice. I really don't know how I would have gotten around if it weren't for her generosity and willingness to take care of me!

So just hearing about a lot of people complain about their roommates and dreading the return to their dorm or apartment makes me feel very lucky. But it isn't all about luck, because it takes an effort on your part to get to know your roommate and communicate with that person. It will make your first year a whole lot easier; nobody wants a bad relationship with the person their living with for a year :(

Posted by Linda at 09:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)