It sometimes feels like our homework, studying, projects, presentations, group work etc. will continue forever. For example, this week alone, I have three midterms, two papers due, and an 8 page paper to start and write. I wish we could stretch the hours of the day to about 100 so that I could have enough time to complete everything.

When I took out the sylabus’s for my classes and read everything that I had to do, I was extremely overwelmed and stressed out instantly. One of my teachers from last semester, who I was talking to the other day, had told me that I need to slow down and take things one step at a time. I thought about this for a moment and it actually makes sense. If you read over everything you need to complete, you will be frustrated and very overwhelmed, but if you take one thing at a time, read it over and start working on it, it actually isn’t too bad at all.

This past weekend, I went home for a few days. My dad had told me that he would help me with some work and the visual aspects of it as well. We sat down Saturday morning and tackled each step of an assignment, one at a time. Next, I completed my study guide for my midterm that I had this past Monday. And lastly, on Sunday, I started a huge portfolio project that I have to hand in at the end of this week. If you take one step at a time and even do one part each day, it is so much less stressful then looking at it all and then doing it all at once.

I feel that this would be beneficial with anything that we do whether it be schoolwork, on the job work, or in our daily lives with things that we need to accomplish. I know it was a simple statement, but it really made an impact in my life and it was the perfect time for me to learn this trait.

Today, I took out a study guide for an exam that I have tomorrow. This is not just any study guide, it is enormous! At first I was afraid and kept thinking to myself that I will never get it done, but then I calmed down and told myself, “one step at a time.” I split it into groups and completed small sections at a time. In no time, the study guide was complete with answers and I could use it to study at any time.

In college, we learn many things such as psychology, business, accounting, and sociology, but we also learn many valuable life skills along the way. This is one of those skills that I will always keep with me and use throughout my daily life.

So, the next time you are worried about a test or you have a major assignment to do, take a step back, calm down and break it up into pieces. You will feel so much better doing it this way, I sure did!

So basically Oswego is the popular kid that everyone wants to know.  Being that I work for the Admissions Office, allow me to use this time to plug how awesome Open Houses are and if anyone wants to find out more about the 2 upcoming open houses you can go to www.oswego.edu/visit.

Any-who… on most days being on campus before the sun has fully risen does not sit well with me, there’s a certain air around those crazy long Open House days that makes it ok.  Visiting schools, at least for me, was one stressful time, I had high school, plus scared yet excited of graduation, trying to figure out where I wanted to go, what I wanted to do (still figuring that part out haha).  But looking around at the families that were visiting, I rarely saw a grimace, a look of confusion (unless they just couldn’t find that room they were looking for), just lots of smiles.  And i love that.

I think one of my greatest rewards from being a tour guide is being able to share my enthusiasm about college, and especially about Oswego, with students and families trying to make that difficult college decision.  My favorite comment of the day was when a mother came up to me (in response to another tour guide she had just delt with) and said how nice she was and how nice it was that there was such a confident and smiling face in the midst of all of the confusion that comes with deciding what college to go to.

Holler

In other news, I just bought a book… and it’s not a text book, i’m so proud of myself haha.  It’s “I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell”… and it’s absolutely hilarious.

Also in other news, there’s the And 1 Basketball tourny this weekend, and if anyone ever saw the show, i’m so excited to go!  (for more information, there’s flyers all over the campus center or you can check out www.oswego.edu/sapb)

Oh!  And in third news, the United Way Walk-a-thon is this Saturday (October 18), registration is at noon outside of Lanigan, and entry is only $10 per person.  It’s such a great cause and everyone should come out and help support!  Plus if you have family and/or friends coming up, it’ll be a great way to spend time with them!  Woot woot!

I think by the time I graduate from college the amount of money I pay for text books would be just the amount of my debt!!!! I know I’m exaggerating but sometimes I really get that feeling like I am paying way too much for college textbooks. The worst time of the semester is the beginning, besides the fact that people are trying to adjust to their classes, and getting use to being back after being off from school for about three months, one of the worst part about the beginning of the semester is using all of your hard earned summer dollars to buy college textbooks. I am not saying that buying text books are not important and of course they are well needed, but honestly they really do hurt our pockets. Sometimes buying college textbooks put students in a financial jam; because there are students out there who are paying for their college tuitions on their own…. And yes you might here the saying “but there’s so much financial aid, and scholarships out there for college students to get…” that is not everyone’s story. College is a struggle and when you have to make the decision between either paying your tuition or buying books for your classes that’s when the test of your experience kicks in.

Yes there are ways out there to “beat the system” and they are greatly appreciated and there are people who do use them, and I would believe that they do offer some help. For example I try my best to only buy used books it helps to cut off a couple of dollars, there are some students who use websites that sell cheap books. There are even ways where students don’t have to spend any money at all. For example just the other day I was talking to one of my friends and she told me that she had to return one of her textbooks to the library, I was so shocked, I didn’t know you could do that (it does pay to do your research doesn’t it). There are even websites which have the books and chapters that your professors are using for the course all posted online. But honestly speaking not everyone one will have the best of luck with all these resources but it is good to know that they are out there, and there are probably many other ways that I don’t know about that you can get your books for a low cost or no cost at all.

One of the worst things you could do from my personal experience is not buying the book. Maybe that does not work for everyone some people could go through a whole semester without buying the book for a course and still do well (because they have it like that ;-)). For me it was one of the worst mistakes. So what does it cost to not pay the price? I learned this the hard way, I am taking a course this semester, and from word of mouth I heard “you could do fine without buying the book,” so I did just that I did not buy the book, why would I want to pay a hundred and five dollars for a book that’s not even for my major. So I figured I could just survive off of PowerPoint s and things the professor say in class. So when the test came around all I studied was the PowerPoint and the few notes I wrote down. Of course I studied long and hard, when the test came around I walked in as confident as a model on the runway and walked out feeling as dumb as a bag of rocks. As soon as I received my grades back, I was not happy or satisfied because it was not my usual, I was very disappointed so I decided I would go and talk to my professor, when I went and told my professor how hard I studied and all the things that I did, one of the first things she said to me was “Sherrifa what about the book, you didn’t mention anything about using the book.” Then I realized I received a low grade because I didn’t want to pay the price of the textbook. My message to all college students would be think about what it would cost you if you don’t pay the price… So if you don’t want to pay the price find some way where you can get the book; and actually read it!!! It won’t be every class that you take where you will have power points to depend on. So do yourself a favor and find a way… your own way!

I have been pretty busy since my last post.  Classes are winding down and I have four weeks to go until the start of finals. Lots of papers! Fortunately, my last final is on the 22nd of November and I do not fly back unti l the 29th so I have a whole week to travel around Australia. My Aussie partner in crime, Meghan, and I are planning on taking a road-trip south to Brisbane. I have always wanted to see the Australia Zoo, which is just outside of the city. Of course, there will be plenty of beaches to stop and surf at along the way. Hopefully, I’ll still have enough time to squeeze in a dive on the GBR before I leave.

In other news, I am the proud borrowee of a snazzy 50cc scooter for the next few weeks! It has cut my travel time to work, well anywhere in Townsville for that matter, substantially. Granted I am all for reducing my carbon footprint, but in this case it is an hour walk to the rink and its not located in the best of areas. Plus, the bus system isn’t to reliable in Townsville and I’ve come to the conclusion “hail-n-ride” is a myth.

Now if I could just remember what side of the road to drive down…

One more thought before I have to head to class. The highlight of my weekend was by far catching a glimpse of Tina Fey’s SNL Palin/Couric interview skit. I had already seen the real interview, and I have to say, with all political bias put to the side, Fey’s parody is pretty amazing!

Well I am off to invertebrate…hope all is well!

K

Hi everyone. So I figured I would share some funny stories that have happened to me lately, in this blog. I didn’t have anything too particular to talk about, so I decided to humor you instead.

I was walking from the Library the other day, to the Disability Services Office in the Campus Center. They aren’t too far away at all, but anything can happen in a short amount of time. A man walked up to me and asked “Have you found anything yet?” I then said “um no, what do you mean?” He said “that is a metal detector right?” And of course, me being the smart blind chick said “oh yes, beep beep beep beep. He thought that my white cane was a metal detector. Wow wouldn’t that be a nice combination, a sight cane and a metal detector all in one. There’s the next invention right there.

I can have a lot of fun with being blind, especially in class. I am taking a particular class and my teacher used to put the text in front of me and tell me to try to see the pictures. I would remind this professor that I cannot see the book at all. When it was time for quizzes, she would try having me read, yet again, so I took out my Braille maker and answered all of the questions that she asked orally and then got up at the end of class and handed her a full sheet of paper of dots. She was confused and asked me how she was supposed to read that. I proceeded to tell her that if I have to try and read her book, she can try reading the bumps on the page. It was entertaining at least.

On another note, I was in the Oswego paper this past Wednesday and also the Baldwinsville Messenger. I will post the link below, if anyone is interested in reading the article. It speaks about my summer job at the Onondaga County Probation Department and also about my training in self defense that I am currently participating in. I take a class twice a week in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Brazilian Jujitsu. Not only is it a great workout, but it helps immensely with confidence building as well.

Tune in next week for some more exciting stories from your favorite blind chick.

http://oswegocountytoday.com/news/community-news/2008/10/08/fighting-blindness-and-fighting-crime/

http://www.cnylink.com/cnynews/view_news.php?news_id=1223486168

The movies.  Recently I watched Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Eagle Eye and Burn After Reading and loved them all!  I love the theater in Oswego.  The sign on the outside and the high ceilings make it so classic.

The new cardio room in Cooper.  There are TVs on every machine, and it makes working out so much easier for me.  I know I shouldn’t need entertainment while I’m working out, but it is so nice to be able to watch TV while I’m on the machine!

Oswego in the fall.  The color of the trees in Oswego right now are amazing.  Apple picking, cider, apple pies.  I love the smell of the air.  It’s not too hot and not too cold.  It’s perfect!

Baseball playoffs.  This year is different for me because the Yankees aren’t still playing, but I still love the suspense of who is going to win it all.  I guess if the Yanks can’t win it all I’m hoping for the Rays to go all the way.

I think I just like the mood I’m in in the fall.  I like this time the most!

I have to say that I am really happy that SUNY Oswego recognizes holidays of other ethnicities, not just the “standard” holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and so forth, and this isn’t just because of the days off from classes. These holidays should be recognized and not just because of college being more diverse than high school, because when I was in high school, I knew many different students of different ethnic backgrounds; diversity is everywhere. It therefore only seems to make sense to recognize other holidays as well. For example, if a college such as SUNY Oswego is going to recognize Easter and Christmas, both typically observed by those of Christian faith, then it only makes sense to recognize holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I am very excited and encouraged by the strong sense of recognition of the different ethnicities and the diversity here at SUNY Oswego.

Time and time again we hear about this thing called time management. It’s usually a well thought out ideology that if you manage your time than you would be able to work things out accordingly. However, it is quite that simple when numerous tasks have to be completed and when under the constraints of time it is clearly something that we cannot manage ourselves. “So much to do so little time” (sound familiar?).

Through trial and error, time hasn’t always been a friend. Time has sometimes fallen short on. Time has in other respects came too soon or lasted too long. Is it time that we should be frustrated with? Should our priorities be to blame? Priorities have always been a friend that we could never get close to. Priorities have been that person that never got along with our arch enemy “procrastination”. My friend procrastination has always been good to us. Procrastination constantly whispers “don’t worry you have plenty of time“, “you can enjoy yourself and get your work done later”, “there are plenty of chances”. Well I’ll be the first to say that procrastination has been good to you but is it good for you?

The biggest questions of them all are:

· How much time do you have?

· What do you need to get done?

· What is most important?

I still go back and forth with the answers to these questions and I’m learning more and more each “time” I try. But, the worst feeling to ever have is to know that it’s too late or that time is up. I would encourage that you maxmize the time you have wisely while guiding yourself and the company you keep.

“There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important thing.” Brian Tracy