November Update...

Hard to believe we are in the final weeks of the semester.  It has been a busy semester for sure, even after having to drop a class last month.

For my capstone class, we were required to go to the Students of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS) - which is a statewide symposium compared to our research and creativity symposium we have every year in April.  It was in Durham and held at North Carolina Central University, which is a gorgeous campus!  And the campus was big compared to what me (and many of my peers) are used to.  The food was pretty good there that day, although it would be because of having visitors on campus.  There were so many topics though presented, from psychology, neuroscience, biology, environmental science, and chemistry, among so many other subjects.

On November 7, I got the opportunity to hear Erin Brochovich speak at Catawba.  It was through our Center for Environment, which has hosted quite a few special speakers this semester to celebrate the anniversary of the CENV.  The movie, Erin Brochovich, (the movie is based on her life) was what really sparked my interest in the different issues that are in our environment (chemicals in water, food, etc).  In her talk, I was surprised to learn that she had dyslexia growing up and was even seen as an underachiever. But despite that, she did a retrospective investigation on individuals that were directly affected by the hexavalent chromium 6 (as a secretary at a law firm in Hinkley California) with health issues, including many types of cancers.  With her work in Hinkley, she went on to continue advocating for environmental health issues (and still is) and encouraging others to do the same.  She has also created a website with a map that shows us what environmental issues are going on around the world... http://www.communityhealthbook.com/.  Also one of her quotes that stand out to me from her talk is "what is your legacy" - Erin Brochovich.  Definitely, a good quote to motivate someone toward the end of the semester.

Also, on November 10th I was inducted into Psi Chi (the honors society for psychology).  It was definitely a different experience from when I was inducted into Tri-Beta. It was pretty low-key. We went to DJ's (maybe 12-15 of us) and we all had the chance to get to know each other better and ate dinner.

These coming weeks should be slowing down...  I have my final capstone presentation this coming Tuesday, and my internship boss from the summer (CS) is hopefully coming.  And with this project for capstone I have a good foundation for my independent research for next semester. And after I only have one exam, a drawing project/oral presentation and my final oral presentation for neuroscience (and the 12-20 page paper)

Thoughts on the Possibility of Becoming an Educator (Or Teacher or Professor)

So, for most of my teenage and early adulthood, I have been complimented by many people on how much kids love me and are drawn to me.  And in recent months have rekindled my aspirations to teach, especially with the post-graduation plans creeping closer and closer.

I have worked with a variety of ages within my church, including my time substituting in the kindergarten Sunday School class (in high school), working with the pre-k (4 year-old) Sunday School class since I have been in college and through the bus ministry at my church. I have watched many of them grow up and some are looking at colleges and in high school.  

Earlier this week, my mentor, Dr. H mentioned to me that she was bringing her daughters on campus for an event.  At first, I didn't know if I would possibly swing by and see her kiddos, but I did end up going.  And when I did, I was greeted by not only her oldest daughter, but by one of the other professor's daughter, who running behind me and tackling me (which I am not a stranger to since I work with children).  I also saw Dr. Ws little one and talked to him until he went on to play with the other three kids.  (And yes --- at one point, I had all 4 of them, including Dr. H's 2 year old, all hanging on me trying to tackle me (playing soccer/basketball) and almost lost my pants!).  

And today -- I helped with an event, "Mysteries in Science," (to celebrate Natl' Chemistry Week). I didn't know what to expect, especially since this was the first time we had a STEM event, with many children of varying ages.  I helped my organic chemistry professor with an acid-base experiment using Alka-Seltzer and water in vials to create mini-explosions.  It was fun to watch their excitement the tops of the vials exploding.  I also loved watching them answer and ask questions.  

Also, I have been thinking of teaching (even if I am working as a tutor in addition to my job) after helping tutor in Spanish and leading SI sessions.  Many people struggle with Spanish for various reasons and it feels great when you can reach a person who may understand it if you present it in a way that engages their learning style.  

Also, another reason I would like to teach is to reach out to those who may not learn or have difficulty with school because of learning disabilities, autism, and ADHD.  After being in neuroscience, along with other psychology courses I have taken since I was a senior in high school, I have had a keen interest in learning styles, these disorders, and even how the brain works with processing information in everyone.  

Just some thoughts!

October Updates

Hard to believe it is halfway through the semester!  This semester has been a rollercoaster but everything is leveling out.  I have learned nothing goes as expected.  This semester by far has been the busiest; I had 16 credit hours, in addition to going to the Spanish class I lead supplemental instruction for, the SI position, and my work-study position - and the other things I am involved in (clubs, church, etc).  In addition to this, my neuroscience class has been the heaviest in terms of assignments.

I had my whole year planned out in order to graduate, that was until I bombed a couple of tests in physics.  It is funny to think how I made it through the chemistry courses, but I get to this class and things did not work out and I had to drop it.  What happened had nothing to do with lack of trying and not understanding the material but rather testing anxiety, which is never a good thing when the class is comprised of 80% tests.  However, I am thankful that my professor for the course was wanting to help me however he could and was honest with me, as well as other students.

My other courses have been okay.  Neuroscience, aside from the work we do, has been the most interesting and has helped me to prepare for going into the workforce and down the road, graduate school.   Drawing has also been my favorite class.  We have had 3 major assignments so far; leaves, tools, and now a diorama and drawing paired together.  I am doing my diorama/drawing assignment on brains, which will be different from what many other people are doing theirs on.  Hebrew Bible has been interesting, although I would prefer this particular type of class later in the day.  I have a better understanding of the Old Testament and who some of the people are that were prominent in the OT (patriarch, prophets, kings) and how the OT varies from my understanding of the New Testament. Capstone for Biology, which has some similar components to Neuroscience (paper, presentations - oral), has been okay.  I am excited that I get to my thesis paper (once I decide on what I want my thesis to be on) on mosquito habitats from what I learned in my internship from during the summer.

SI has been an interesting.  There has not been many people coming (although I am not sure why) but the ones who have come I have been able to help.  I loved helping one of the dudes, W.S., connect the grammar (tenses) to what he knows about writing (a common interest we both share) since he is a communication major.  I have been able to help a couple of other people as well.  I am hoping to tutor Spanish now that I have one less class.

I am looking forward to the rest of the semester!  I am excited for Erin Brochivich, who is coming to speak at our schools, Center for the Environment's, events.  I loved the movie which is based on her life.  She started working for a lawyer and ended up working on an environmental issue that affected many people that lived in the area close to where she lives.  She did all of this despite being a single mother, very little education, and being doubted.  I also have my induction ceremony for Psi Chi (psychology honors society) coming up, some exciting PR assignments, including learning more about FYS courses offered this year, and of course, Christmas!

Letter to college freshman (current and future)

To any current or upcoming freshman,

You made it through senior year of high school.  You have narrowed down where you are attending college, made it past SATs and ACTs, and graduated... however this is only the beginning.  

After being in college for four years, I have learned a lot of lessons, both good and bad.   As many people have mentioned,  I would go back and reconsider past decisions and do over certain parts of my endeavors as an undergrad (classes, choosing a major, etc.).

As a freshman, don't be rash with what you want to do in terms of a major.  I started off my college career wanting to be an art/music therapist for children. However, I also wanted to research genetic or mitochondrial disorders.  This made things very interesting for me when deciding what I wanted to major in.

So I took the introductory level classes for both psychology and biology and quickly found some of the courses were going to be challenging but worth it to pass in order to take more interesting courses.  I learned this quickly after taking Data Analysis for Behavioral Sciences as a freshman.  I didn't understand why we were learning statistics, especially by hand. But after taking more classes in biology and psychology, it became apparent why this was class was important before taking other classes, such as Experimental Psychology and Neuroscience (the most interesting/engaging classes that I have taken in the psychology discipline). Also, many people in biology majors are intimidated by the thought of taking chemistry and physics - but you can get through them. This holds true to other majors as well. 

Also, my career interests have changed over the years.  Since I was a freshman in high school, my dream careers have changed - I have wanted to be a journalist, a tattoo artist, a nurse, a teacher, art/music therapist, geneticist, research scientist, writer, and an environmental health specialist. 

Another important thing is to not lose your passion for whatever it is that you love to do.  I have spent the last four years focusing my energies on school that it was not until I started writing again for my Public Relations work-study that my interest in writing was rekindled.  Same with drawing, which was something I never thought would benefit me in the sciences, yet my mentor told me from the beginning that I could use my creative talents in my future career in science (writing and illustration). So, keep your passion for your sport, making videos, photography, music, whatever it is you do!

Also, take advantage of getting to know a professor or two, especially in your major/discipline.  My first mentor that I have had since freshman has been there for me since day one and has given me opportunities - including being asked to help with research, finding a work-study opportunity that intertwined my interests/skills, and encouragement when I had my first internship.  With this, listen to those who are your mentors (in and out of school) that mentor and look out for you.  One of my mentors has given me advice on many occasions, and one of the recent challenges I had wouldn't have happened if I heeded her advice. 

With this, enjoy your undergraduate career.  This is the time in your life you will find yourself and will do a lot of growing up.  You will have friends that come and go, as will many people throughout your life.  You will have late nights, stress, and fun opportunities that you will remember the rest of your life!

September

So, these last few weeks have been pretty crazy... Lab reports (partial and whole ones), oral presentations, and physics homework seem to be a theme here lately... going to classes, SI leadership position things...

A few weeks ago, I got invited to join Psi Chi, which is the honors society for psychology (for those who make a 3.0+ in the first few classes).  This is pretty exciting because I will also have cords from Tri-Beta (honors society for biology) at graduation.

I like all my classes although a couple of them are very challenging... I have learned something in all of them, with the exception of one class (and what exactly a thesis paper is - but maybe that will happen in time).

Other than that not too much going on right now, other than school, SI, and other miscellaneous day to day life....

Stay tuned for more adventures!!

End of Week 2

Hard to believe that school has been in for almost 2 weeks.  This semester thus far has been a whirlwind, with classes and other commitments.

I love my classes so far this semester... although it will prove to be a writing and oral presentation heavy semester.

Physics is turning out to be easier than I anticipated - although I am super confused on dimensional analysis (even in general chemistry was this a huge struggle) but I understand how to do most of the math.  The only downfall to this course is having to remember topics from my Algebra 2 class, which was 6 years ago.  The professor is a riot (although some people would say other wise). Dr. S started off the semester having us as a class guess what PhD stood for - - - his answer wasn't one I was expecting.  He told us, "PhD stands for permanent head damage."  He reminds me of the guys on the Big Bang Theory with his dry, nerdy humor, which makes the class enjoyable.  I also got the opportunity to learn a bit more about his (k-12) education background (He is from Malaysia) - which is a lot different than our education system here in the states.

Neuroscience - is going to be interesting class with topics but also intense.  It is a upper level major course (psych) and will reinforce written and verbal competencies for psychology majors (along with cognitive or social psychology). I am able to take this class because my minor adviser knew it would be interesting to me - so I took experimental psychology a year and a half ago as the pre-requisite to taking the class.  There will be 10 lab reports (4 whole ones and the others will have specific sections (introduction, methods, results, discussion) for us to complete), oral presentations (5 per person with alternating individuals), and a research paper and presentation. - And with all of this said, if I wanted to I could go post-bac and take 2 more psychology course (personality and social psychology) and have a second degree.

Capstone - well - it also consists of oral presentations and 2 thesis papers.  The first "mini" - thesis paper will be about coral bleaching and the second, full thesis paper will be on a topic of our choice. I am going to have the opportunity to write about a topic that was interesting to me from my internship at CHA this summer - and have it count towards my Independent Research semester hours.  - I definitely was excited about that, as well as Dr. H.

My other two courses are lighter and interesting.  I was worried about Hebrew Bible - especially since I never took a history/religion course on the college level, but Dr. Sa makes it interesting with the knowledge he has and incorporated into his own textbook. I am also glad I get to take Drawing 1 (although I never took an art class after 8th grade prior to intro to art last year) to hone in what I am able to do drawing wise.

I thought it was interesting how Prof, A.P. had us start off the semester with blind contour drawings. This was a hard task because you don't know what you are drawing, yet you can train yourself to look away while drawing and gain experience with detail (or something like that). The activity itself taught me to let go when it comes to drawing - because many times I shied away from attempting any art because of the sketch not being "perfect". The same goes for writing, music, etc. My mentor, K.S.E bought me a book, "Big Magic" over the summer that goes into Elizabeth Gilbert's journey to becoming "more" creative - and in the early part of the book - she talks about just letting go and writing.

Lastly - SI (upper level Spanish - intermediate).  It has been a different experience so far.  I went to training last week - learned how to lead group activities that basically reinforce what is being taught in the course.  So for this I get to sit in during class; I plan and prepare activities, and lead the sessions - we also have meetings a few times a month.  Thursday night was the first session and I only had one person show up.  It was awkward but I was able to help him better understand conjugation and to review previous material. I like how with tutoring and SI, I can help the individual tap into different learning styles.  Last fall, I tutored a basketball player - and I would have her write on the board - for oral presentation preparation. And with doing that - along with practicing speaking - she did much better with her presentations.  Same with the guy I helped last night - he understood conjugation patterns much better after writing them on the board.

Sappy First Day Post (Well kind of)

So, yesterday was my last first day of a school year (at least until graduate school). I definitely have some mixed emotions about it!

This year was the first time that I got the chance to help in the latter half with orientation for freshmen.  It was definitely a different experience, but I am glad I was able to help. I never understood the time it took to get everyone registered for classes in the fall - both for freshmen and transfers.  

This year starting school has been so different.  I came back and instantly had different plans with friends. I am much more laid back then I was in past years getting supplies and the right books (and I always overbought supplies).  Even when it comes to decorating my dorm - I didn't feel like I had to go all out like I have in the past. Also, it was great to see everyone again - good thing about going to a small school! 

My classes are a mix of challenging and gen. eds - so the course load isn't too terrible, but time consuming. My physics and neuroscience courses will be the main ones that are time consuming.  I am also finally taking a couple of classes that are interesting (and outside my major).  I am super excited about learning techniques for drawing and hope to improve skills drawing and learning more about the origins of the Bible (Hebrew).  My professor for that class actually just published the textbook that he is using this semester. 

I also have some other things coming up this coming year.  This semester I lead Supplemental Instruction (SI - basically group review sessions) for Intermediate Spanish 1.  I am excited but nervous for the turn out (I definitely was nervous yesterday when I said my name super fast and my professor had to say it again - at least I remembered to say my name - unlike the first time I went to interview someone for PR - super embarrassing!!!!) .  I am planning on doing some engaging activities and help people with their confidence with our Spanish courses - and practice bribery. 

Also - PR. I am interviewing and gathering information on our First Year Seminars and working on getting information from psychology majors again this semester for/with one of my former psychology professors.  I also am going to write about my internship experience - which leaves me with mixed feelings. - Although I  did blog some of it - and we had some cool adventures - so it shouldn't be too bad.  And not sure what other topics to write but hoping to do some fun ones!

I am also a secretary for ECO (Environmental Catawba Outreach - or something similar) - and get to work alongside my friends. Although when we had the meeting, I never expected to offer to do it - and everyone jumped right on voting me in.  I am always apprehensive of being in a leader position but I can step up when I need to.

And working on looking biodiversity between types of habitats for mosquitoes - that will be pushed into next semester - I will do some work gathering papers on the topic and miscellaneous things - and will probably write about it for Capstone, but most of the work will be done next semester when I have more time and C.S is finished with ID'ing and trapping for Cabarrus County.

Here's to my final fall semester! Will be posting different topics and my adventures throughout the semester.