Perhaps I am being redundant given Daiva's last post, but Spring has quite clearly come to Worcester with full force. The beautiful seventy-plus-degree weather coinciding with the actual vernal equinox yesterday was the perfect way to let everyone know that Spring is here.
Spring is really a lovely time of year (my personal second favorite). The flowers are in bloom. Guys break out their shorts, while girl step out in sun dresses. Everyone crowds the green with their frisbees and blankets. Even professors seem to want to enjoy the season and have a tendancy to let class out the slightest bit early on nice days. While Spring may be wonderful, I also find it is the hardest season for me to stay focused. This week, I have had a very hard time concentrating upon my homework. Why do accounting problems when it is so gorgeous outside?! Do I really want to read more Bryant poems instead of going for a mid-afternoon walk?
When I was in elementary school, I lived in an oval-shaped cul-de-sac called Heather Circle. The neighborhood was filled a lot of kids my age, and we all used to play Thirty Scatters, a version of hide-and-seek when the weather was nice. Everyday, I would sprint off the bus just itching to go outside and play, but my mother would always say, "Spring isn't due to be finished until summer. Your homework is due tomorrow." I find I am reminding myself of her words would more and more often.
So I guess what I am saying is that although it is wonderful and spring-y out, your homework still needs to be done, and we still have half a semester left. I am not saying don't enjoy those almost-perfect moments basking in the springtime air; just make sure you don't forget that it isn't break already.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Here Comes the Sun!
Spring is slowly but surely making its way to Worcester. The past week has been gorgeous, even if today is breaking the lovely pattern. And this weekend is St. Patrick’s Day, which means the campus students will soon be decked out in green. I am so exited for flip flops and dresses and sitting on the green, I am on the edge of my seat with anticipation. I know there is still a bit of a wait ahead of me, but still. Warm weather is so close I can almost feel it.
With Spring coming I can’t help but notice the damage on the trees around campus again. Especially because one of my closest friends is in a class that is actually making a plan on how to replant campus and also plan what to do with the aging trees. In around 20 years the big gorgeous trees around campus are going to be gone because they are so old now. So there is a lot of planning to be done on how we want the campus to look. It’s a fascinating idea and the students in the class are doing an amazing job. They just held a forum discussing ideas with students and I was amazed at all the work they are doing. Already with all the renovations to campus in the next two years Clark will look very different, but then to think your favorite “thinking” tree might be gone too.. I was feeling a bit sentimental, but also exited about coming back in 10 years and seeing a whole new Clark University.
The English department is also buzzing with activity. The flowers and spring decorations are up, so come visit! Everything is colorful and bright! The professors are running around with projects and ideas. Professor Neuman has a speech coming up on March 26th at 4pm in Lurie. It is sponsored by the Women’s and Gender Studies and will be great. Professor Kasmer is presenting in next week’s Colloquium as well as speaking at a library in Holden next Thursday. Such a busy bee! Us work studies are organizing for the summer, getting ready for spring fling, and generally enjoying the energetic environment.
With Spring coming I can’t help but notice the damage on the trees around campus again. Especially because one of my closest friends is in a class that is actually making a plan on how to replant campus and also plan what to do with the aging trees. In around 20 years the big gorgeous trees around campus are going to be gone because they are so old now. So there is a lot of planning to be done on how we want the campus to look. It’s a fascinating idea and the students in the class are doing an amazing job. They just held a forum discussing ideas with students and I was amazed at all the work they are doing. Already with all the renovations to campus in the next two years Clark will look very different, but then to think your favorite “thinking” tree might be gone too.. I was feeling a bit sentimental, but also exited about coming back in 10 years and seeing a whole new Clark University.
The English department is also buzzing with activity. The flowers and spring decorations are up, so come visit! Everything is colorful and bright! The professors are running around with projects and ideas. Professor Neuman has a speech coming up on March 26th at 4pm in Lurie. It is sponsored by the Women’s and Gender Studies and will be great. Professor Kasmer is presenting in next week’s Colloquium as well as speaking at a library in Holden next Thursday. Such a busy bee! Us work studies are organizing for the summer, getting ready for spring fling, and generally enjoying the energetic environment.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Congrats!
I believe I had mentioned before that my sister Natasha is a high school senior, so she has been agonizing over the college decision process for these many months now. She applied to five schools, all within Massachusetts, two within Worcester, including my beloved Clark University. As of last week, she has heard back from both those Worcester colleges, and I am excited to say that she has been accepted to both (and I am going to brag for her a little bit by adding with really great academic scholarships)!
Now my sister is really stubborn, especially when it comes to this college stuff and does not want to hear a word I have to say about the decision process or the colleges she has been accepted to even though I go to Clark. So here is what I would say her if she would listen to me:
Now my sister is really stubborn, especially when it comes to this college stuff and does not want to hear a word I have to say about the decision process or the colleges she has been accepted to even though I go to Clark. So here is what I would say her if she would listen to me:
- Clark is really great for a specific type of person: I am not going to pretend that Clark is for everyone. People who want strong support from the school community for athletic teams will not find it here. People who want really large classes and a large student body will find Clark claustrophobic. Clark might not be those things, but it is really good at what it is. If you want to find a place where it is easy to get involved in campus and community life, Clark is great. If you enjoy more of a personal relationship with your professors, Clark affords you the chance to do that. I know I really love it here, but I also know I fit the type.
- If you can, live on-campus your first year: I personally struggled with the decision of whether to commute or live on-campus, and I am extremely glad I chose the latter. As much as it may be true that you can be an involved commuter and establish friendships with people as a commuter, it is a wholly different and worth-while experience to live with your peers.
- Give where you go a fair chance: I know so many people who talked about transferring to a new college during their first semester here, and while I don't want to diminish their feelings, I think that is too early to really know if you and your college of choice are not a good match. Here is a little secret: no one feels like they fit in immediately. I'd go so far as to say that is universally true for every college first-year. Everyone has had one of those nights during their first-year where they thought "Why am I here?". While those feelings are unpleasant, I say ride through them for a while and see how you feel after some more time.
- This isn't a final decision if you don't want it to be: On the flip-side, if you really don't like where you end up, transferring is out there for a reason. There is a college for almost everyone out there, so don't despair if your first choice doesn't give you the college experience you wanted.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Spring Semester Woes and Other Random Thoughts
Has anyone noticed that Spring Semester always goes by in a blink of an eye? Not that Fall semester doesn’t, but in my case Spring semester doesn’t really start before it’s over. Now we are a week from Spring break and after Spring break it feels like 2 weeks and then finals. Scary thing time! And as a Junior I am feeling t his rush of time more than ever. In around two months I’m a senior. And as a senior I have to start thinking about real life. That puts a lot more pressure on this summer. I not only need a job, I need a “fancy dancy” internship to put on my resume. Not only does it have to sound good, but after 3 years of school I want something that would show me what a real “corporate” environment would be like. I mean maybe it’s me, but I feel like all this knowledge that our professors instill in us, has not prepared me at all for finding a job, keeping one, knowing what to do at this job. No pressure though theoretical summer internship. You don’t have to teach me everything; just you know… most things.
Ok so enough complaining. It’s really just exiting. And as the sun shines down on the campus nothing seems too bad. I mean who can be sad when you can wear just a light jacket in February. Oh Global warming you might be bad for the environment, but you are oh so good for my mood. And on this Thursday afternoon with the weekend just around the corner there are not many things that can make me sad.
The English Department is also buzzing with activity. The writing contest deadlines are coming up and students keep dropping off one impressive piece after another. Department Colloquia are also moving along at a great speed. The presentations have been exceptional. The faculty is busy planning next semester, getting ready for finals, but the sun has elevated everyone’s moods. People are smiling and looking for any excuse to take a walk outside. It’s a fun place to be. We’re about to redecorate Anderson House for Spring with colorful flowers and new signs. Come visit after Spring Break and see Anderson House decked out in its Spring Finest!
My advice to myself is to enjoy Spring Semester while it lasts. Treasure every sunshine moment and spend days outside. Have fun, but be productive, as my mom would say. I’m going out to take a walk now with my new favorite band “Iron and Wine” playing.
Friday, February 3, 2012
You're Welcome, Mom.
New England. The land of New England Patriots, clam chowder, skiing, birthplace of the American Revolution, and Cape Cod. I was born and raised in Connecticut; go to school in Massachusetts, and vacation in Vermont. It is safe to say I know a lot about New England. Yet, every single year, without fail, I am still shocked by how cold it gets. Morning after morning after morning I will walk outside and be slapped in the face by freezing cold New England air. So why do I still get so surprised by winter?
When I was in third grade, my mother made me wear one of those snowsuits (I can’t ski if my life depended on it). I thought it was ridiculous. “Mom! It’s not even that cold out! Moommmmmmm!” I felt like Randy from A Christmas Story (“I can’t put my arms down!”). I had an obscene amount of mittens, gloves, scarves and hats. My coats weighed more than I did. I was “that girl” during a fire drill that held up the rest of the class because I had so many extra layers to put on. My mother wouldn’t stop until about mid-April when all of the snow had melted. Then I would move to my spring jacket.
I hate to say this, but my mother was right. New England is New England. Sure we’ve had a couple of days in the 50s, but that doesn’t mean spring is here. Coats, mittens, gloves, hats and scarves were all invented for a reason: It gets cold in the winter. Like, real cold. That’s one of the great things about New England; every winter, it gets cold. Every year. You might be surprised that it took me almost 20 years to learn that. When you think you’re going to look so cool walking outside in 20 degree weather with just a t-shirt on, stop. Don’t be “that kid” who thinks they’re impervious to the cold. All you will end up with is frostbite.
I’ve decided to start a new trend. It’s called “Wear a Jacket Because It’s Freaking Cold Out”.
When I was in third grade, my mother made me wear one of those snowsuits (I can’t ski if my life depended on it). I thought it was ridiculous. “Mom! It’s not even that cold out! Moommmmmmm!” I felt like Randy from A Christmas Story (“I can’t put my arms down!”). I had an obscene amount of mittens, gloves, scarves and hats. My coats weighed more than I did. I was “that girl” during a fire drill that held up the rest of the class because I had so many extra layers to put on. My mother wouldn’t stop until about mid-April when all of the snow had melted. Then I would move to my spring jacket.
I hate to say this, but my mother was right. New England is New England. Sure we’ve had a couple of days in the 50s, but that doesn’t mean spring is here. Coats, mittens, gloves, hats and scarves were all invented for a reason: It gets cold in the winter. Like, real cold. That’s one of the great things about New England; every winter, it gets cold. Every year. You might be surprised that it took me almost 20 years to learn that. When you think you’re going to look so cool walking outside in 20 degree weather with just a t-shirt on, stop. Don’t be “that kid” who thinks they’re impervious to the cold. All you will end up with is frostbite.
I’ve decided to start a new trend. It’s called “Wear a Jacket Because It’s Freaking Cold Out”.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
A Polite Rant
Semester started almost a half a month ago. It is hard to believe how quickly everyone picks right up where they left off before winter break. I already have research to do, readings to finish, projects to plan, and papers to write. This semester is my first semester delving into 200-level course work, and I am looking forward to a challenging semester taking two Management courses and two English courses, American Poetry: Women Poets and Fictions of Empire.
People who know me are aware of my tendency to start small rants about a wide variety of topics; from the films of Tim Burton to global warming, anything is fair game. I consider it a harmless quirk of my personality and hope others do as well. People who know me are also aware that I am, at heart, an optimist, so these rants typically end on a good note. So I am prefacing my blog post with a warning: this is one of those rants, but please stick with me through it; I promise it ends on a high note.
The beginning of semester is when you go to your classrooms for the first time. Clark has an eclectic mix of buildings. From the very contemporary Lasry Biosciences Building to the antiquated Estabrook, Clark has a wide range of academic buildings and thus a wide range of types of classrooms, which can be a good thing. However as an English major, I would argue that almost none of these classrooms are really conducive to an English class, or at least, a discussion-based English class.
For example, I have had three English courses now in Sackler 321. Sackler, might I add, is a science building. The room is cold most days of the year. (I believe it is because the windows are of an odd-construction that makes them rather drafty.) It is tucked behind the restrooms and a mildly-threatening room that has a heavy metal door and a sign saying "Danger: Radioactive Materials". The room itself has two chalkboards, one whiteboard, and all the technology one could possibly desire for a classroom but seems to lack a supply of writing implements for the various boards. The available seating features those awkward chairs with desk-like arms. I call it "desk-like" because it really is too small to hold a notebook or fit an average-sized young adult.
But here is the ending upshot: I always seem to learn the most in my English courses regardless of how awkwardly the room is set up. Even after the too-small desks and the strange room arrangements, the classes always manage to be fantastic. So although I may not like the rooms they are in, I love the classes, and I am expecting a great semester.
People who know me are aware of my tendency to start small rants about a wide variety of topics; from the films of Tim Burton to global warming, anything is fair game. I consider it a harmless quirk of my personality and hope others do as well. People who know me are also aware that I am, at heart, an optimist, so these rants typically end on a good note. So I am prefacing my blog post with a warning: this is one of those rants, but please stick with me through it; I promise it ends on a high note.
The beginning of semester is when you go to your classrooms for the first time. Clark has an eclectic mix of buildings. From the very contemporary Lasry Biosciences Building to the antiquated Estabrook, Clark has a wide range of academic buildings and thus a wide range of types of classrooms, which can be a good thing. However as an English major, I would argue that almost none of these classrooms are really conducive to an English class, or at least, a discussion-based English class.
For example, I have had three English courses now in Sackler 321. Sackler, might I add, is a science building. The room is cold most days of the year. (I believe it is because the windows are of an odd-construction that makes them rather drafty.) It is tucked behind the restrooms and a mildly-threatening room that has a heavy metal door and a sign saying "Danger: Radioactive Materials". The room itself has two chalkboards, one whiteboard, and all the technology one could possibly desire for a classroom but seems to lack a supply of writing implements for the various boards. The available seating features those awkward chairs with desk-like arms. I call it "desk-like" because it really is too small to hold a notebook or fit an average-sized young adult.
But here is the ending upshot: I always seem to learn the most in my English courses regardless of how awkwardly the room is set up. Even after the too-small desks and the strange room arrangements, the classes always manage to be fantastic. So although I may not like the rooms they are in, I love the classes, and I am expecting a great semester.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Technologic
As I sit at this work study desk in the English Department, looking outside, I’m struck by the number of people passing by with cell phones or IPods in hand. Eyes fixated on tiny screens held inches away from their faces as they walk awkwardly down the treacherous walkways composed of potholes and ice, aka Hawthorn Street.
What could be so important to deem it worth twisting your ankle in order to read that text message at that exact moment? Why not wait until a later time, preferably while sitting or at stand still?
Or even more dangerous, texting up and down the Jonas Clark building stairs? That must take quite a feat of coordination and dual-focus in order to pull that off!
A lot of people criticize technology in that they believe it encourages isolation. Classic example? A bunch of people in a room, all playing on their phones and not speaking to one another.
Yet, of course the counter-argument to this lies in the fact that these people might be texting family and friends or facebooking individuals who are hundreds of miles away. Technology could be used as a fast and efficient way to break this barrier, thus encourage communication! Not isolation.
But for some of us, technology can become a crutch. This is something we’ve all done before: You espy someone you’d rather avoid or not get in a conversation with, so you pull out your cell phone and act as if you are texting. Perhaps they will think you are busy and won’t notice that you don’t want to confront them.
And isn’t that what technology is all about? Getting rid of confrontations. These days you can email or text someone, rather than actually speaking to them. You don’t need to personally confront someone in order to reach them. Being impersonal gets the job done just as well!
How many people these days are not afraid to sit in the dining hall by themselves? If you are hungry, do you go to the dining hall and risk the fact that you might sit at a table by yourself? Or do you text people to make sure they will be there first? And if you do end up sitting by yourself, are you content to sit there alone, or do you pull out your cell phone and text people?
Maybe technology isn’t about isolation, but rather the fear of confronting it.
What could be so important to deem it worth twisting your ankle in order to read that text message at that exact moment? Why not wait until a later time, preferably while sitting or at stand still?
Or even more dangerous, texting up and down the Jonas Clark building stairs? That must take quite a feat of coordination and dual-focus in order to pull that off!
A lot of people criticize technology in that they believe it encourages isolation. Classic example? A bunch of people in a room, all playing on their phones and not speaking to one another.
Yet, of course the counter-argument to this lies in the fact that these people might be texting family and friends or facebooking individuals who are hundreds of miles away. Technology could be used as a fast and efficient way to break this barrier, thus encourage communication! Not isolation.
But for some of us, technology can become a crutch. This is something we’ve all done before: You espy someone you’d rather avoid or not get in a conversation with, so you pull out your cell phone and act as if you are texting. Perhaps they will think you are busy and won’t notice that you don’t want to confront them.
And isn’t that what technology is all about? Getting rid of confrontations. These days you can email or text someone, rather than actually speaking to them. You don’t need to personally confront someone in order to reach them. Being impersonal gets the job done just as well!
How many people these days are not afraid to sit in the dining hall by themselves? If you are hungry, do you go to the dining hall and risk the fact that you might sit at a table by yourself? Or do you text people to make sure they will be there first? And if you do end up sitting by yourself, are you content to sit there alone, or do you pull out your cell phone and text people?
Maybe technology isn’t about isolation, but rather the fear of confronting it.
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