Thanks for your patience. I recently just completed an externship with KCBS, the #1 Bay Area news radio station. I had an incredible opportunity to shadow the director for a few days and learned firsthand the inner workings of a well-established and well-respected broadcasting newsroom. From live on-air reporting to following reporters performing their expertise as they report and interview on the scene, I had an amazing opportunity to be surrounded in a positive environment with such great energy. All the staff were surprisingly stunned when they discovered that I was only a freshman, but this only reassured me that I was in good hands--learning from the people who are experts at their crafts. This externship left me with indelible memories, and I am incredibly glad that I sought other extracurricular opportunities instead of just limiting myself to resources in University of California, Berkeley.
Though I first found out about this opportunity through the career center, it is solely up to each student to seek these resources and to follow through with the application process. One of the virtues of being a college student is the large number of opportunities available that can better help you find your career path and narrow your options. Before taking on this externship, I had such a strong focus on print journalism. However, I am considering to tap into the broadcasting realm now.
On a different note, my second semester is about to start in about a week or so. I personally found that my high school did a pretty adequate job of preparing me for college-level material. Some of the courses I took back in high school were of course more rigorous than others. Like the saying goes, there is always room for improvement. In my first semester especially, I had a few writing courses. You soon will realize that it is of your benefit to go to office hours and to discuss your essay and the direction you plan to go off from with either the professor or the reader/TA, depending on who will grade your work. Aside from presenting material that is in line with either the professor or reader's vision, you extend your learning twofold because questions will arise that prompt you to reflect and look at the material closer, but most importantly, they challenge you and are great conversation starters.
I've noticed that other students focused more on study habits and such. I hope I have provided a bit of diversity into my reflection piece. I would be more than happy to answer any questions from Cal prospectives.
Thank you for your time and Happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Stacy Chan
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Reflections from Hercules High Student at Cal
I have only one word to describe college: refreshing.
In the classroom, it is refreshing to see students attending of their own volition, rather than under pressure of an attendance count. Back in high school, the common state of thinking included, “I have to go or else I’ll get in trouble.” Here, they know they will need the information for the future, or they actually enjoy the subject. It is pleasing to freely discuss academic subjects without being interrupted by exclamations of “You’re such a nerd,” or “Why do you like that?” All the students here value most of the material offered to them in the classroom. If not the knowledge, then they pay respect to the importance of actually attending class for a satisfactory grade. If not the important of attendance, then they understand the sacrifices they or their parents made to pay the money for these classes. In any situation, the students here are motivated, and their drive helps to fuel my own drive. I feel constantly challenged in the Berkeley setting. Although it can be daunting at times, it allows me to push myself and truly grow as a student, which I do not feel I was able to do as a high school student. Though I fear the amount of work I must endure, I welcome the knowledge and self-improvement it will provide me.
In the dorms, the independence is refreshing. I fare better at taking care of myself in college than at home. Living in a residential hall can teach a student how to live and survive outside of his or her comfort zone. In my case, I found myself cleaning more, becoming more aware of my living habits, and disciplining myself. At some point during the semester, prioritizing stopped being a struggle - it is easy when being surrounded by the university and by so many focused people. Furthermore, I was able to maintain a social life while staying on top of my work and sleeping enough. Once I settled into the rhythm of college life, time management became much easier.
But that isn’t to say that I never struggled in that area. The interesting aspect about the pace of college life is that it is not only quick in itself, but quick in its transitions. If students doesn’t look ahead, they will find themselves missing the change in pace and falling behind. It is vital for a student to learn how to adapt – in time management, but also in living with other people, living away from home, and living in such a free environment. If a student walks on campus with obstinacy, whether it is about living habits or perspective, then he or she will not be able to progress in college. The adjustment to the college pace was the most difficult for me, but I learned from my mistakes in time and am determined to do better in the future.
With so much to think about and to be concerned with, I am pleased with how my first college semester turned out. Stepping out of the high school world and into the university universe has been a true challenge, but it is safe to say that I survived and am ready for next semester.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Cuevas
In the classroom, it is refreshing to see students attending of their own volition, rather than under pressure of an attendance count. Back in high school, the common state of thinking included, “I have to go or else I’ll get in trouble.” Here, they know they will need the information for the future, or they actually enjoy the subject. It is pleasing to freely discuss academic subjects without being interrupted by exclamations of “You’re such a nerd,” or “Why do you like that?” All the students here value most of the material offered to them in the classroom. If not the knowledge, then they pay respect to the importance of actually attending class for a satisfactory grade. If not the important of attendance, then they understand the sacrifices they or their parents made to pay the money for these classes. In any situation, the students here are motivated, and their drive helps to fuel my own drive. I feel constantly challenged in the Berkeley setting. Although it can be daunting at times, it allows me to push myself and truly grow as a student, which I do not feel I was able to do as a high school student. Though I fear the amount of work I must endure, I welcome the knowledge and self-improvement it will provide me.
In the dorms, the independence is refreshing. I fare better at taking care of myself in college than at home. Living in a residential hall can teach a student how to live and survive outside of his or her comfort zone. In my case, I found myself cleaning more, becoming more aware of my living habits, and disciplining myself. At some point during the semester, prioritizing stopped being a struggle - it is easy when being surrounded by the university and by so many focused people. Furthermore, I was able to maintain a social life while staying on top of my work and sleeping enough. Once I settled into the rhythm of college life, time management became much easier.
But that isn’t to say that I never struggled in that area. The interesting aspect about the pace of college life is that it is not only quick in itself, but quick in its transitions. If students doesn’t look ahead, they will find themselves missing the change in pace and falling behind. It is vital for a student to learn how to adapt – in time management, but also in living with other people, living away from home, and living in such a free environment. If a student walks on campus with obstinacy, whether it is about living habits or perspective, then he or she will not be able to progress in college. The adjustment to the college pace was the most difficult for me, but I learned from my mistakes in time and am determined to do better in the future.
With so much to think about and to be concerned with, I am pleased with how my first college semester turned out. Stepping out of the high school world and into the university universe has been a true challenge, but it is safe to say that I survived and am ready for next semester.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Cuevas
Advice from RHS Alum at Denison in Central Ohio
Hello ILC!
This up coming week is the much dreaded midterms week here at Denison. I must say that coming to Denison was the best choice I have ever made. The first few weeks here were pretty scary, I felt unprepared for my classes and I was shy in approaching my professors for help. The work load was completely different than the one in Richmond High School, the material was much harder! And I must be honest I learned the hard way to approach my professors for help and to study a lot more for my tests. From these first weeks here at Denison I have learned so much that I wanted to share with current High School Seniors.
One, study, study, study! Everyone always tells you this but really, in college you can no longer leave the studying for the night before and I learned this the hard way! You must always be studying even when you have no tests coming up. This is something you guys should start practicing and getting into the habit of doing because it is really hard to do once you are in college.
Two, once your in college, really take advantage of your professor's office hours! If you don't understand something get into the habit of asking your teacher, don't be afraid to ask for help. You may feel like you are being annoying but your professors can really tell that you are really putting in an effort to learn the material, creating close relationships with your teachers and professors can only help you.
And three, learn to balance your time well. Time management is really important because part of the college experience is the course work and having fun as well, but you should really learn to prioritize, education should always come before socializing but taking a break wont hurt you either.
I wish you all luck on the college application process and one last thing. Choose the college you want to go to and really stay true to what you want in a college. If you say you want a small, liberal arts college with small class sizes don't choose to go to UCLA because you will be miserable. Don't choose the school that your parents want you to go to because you will be miserable as well. Choose the school that you think will be the best fit for you! Good luck on the college application process and enjoy your last year in high school because once your get to college you really need to put on those batteries and dedicate yourself 250% to your education.
Thanks,
Carla J. Ramirez
Denison University '14
Cell: (510) 734-8076
E-Mail: Carlajramirez@yahoo.com
This up coming week is the much dreaded midterms week here at Denison. I must say that coming to Denison was the best choice I have ever made. The first few weeks here were pretty scary, I felt unprepared for my classes and I was shy in approaching my professors for help. The work load was completely different than the one in Richmond High School, the material was much harder! And I must be honest I learned the hard way to approach my professors for help and to study a lot more for my tests. From these first weeks here at Denison I have learned so much that I wanted to share with current High School Seniors.
One, study, study, study! Everyone always tells you this but really, in college you can no longer leave the studying for the night before and I learned this the hard way! You must always be studying even when you have no tests coming up. This is something you guys should start practicing and getting into the habit of doing because it is really hard to do once you are in college.
Two, once your in college, really take advantage of your professor's office hours! If you don't understand something get into the habit of asking your teacher, don't be afraid to ask for help. You may feel like you are being annoying but your professors can really tell that you are really putting in an effort to learn the material, creating close relationships with your teachers and professors can only help you.
And three, learn to balance your time well. Time management is really important because part of the college experience is the course work and having fun as well, but you should really learn to prioritize, education should always come before socializing but taking a break wont hurt you either.
I wish you all luck on the college application process and one last thing. Choose the college you want to go to and really stay true to what you want in a college. If you say you want a small, liberal arts college with small class sizes don't choose to go to UCLA because you will be miserable. Don't choose the school that your parents want you to go to because you will be miserable as well. Choose the school that you think will be the best fit for you! Good luck on the college application process and enjoy your last year in high school because once your get to college you really need to put on those batteries and dedicate yourself 250% to your education.
Thanks,
Carla J. Ramirez
Denison University '14
Cell: (510) 734-8076
E-Mail: Carlajramirez@yahoo.com
Greetings from Brown University
Sorry for the late response. These past weeks have been especially hectic with midterms finishing and finals creeping up. I think it's an accurate depiction of how one gets swept away by a laundry list of responsibilities and such, especially in the first semester.
I love Brown. I'm in love with this school and I am super sure that this is the place for me. I have no regrets about my decision. This past semester has been really different and interesting. It's a lot of freedom, lots of responsibilities.
It's been an experience just getting use to classes and the dorm situation. The class format is different and this semester has been a lesson on balancing priorities. You just learn a lot about doing what you love and not what is necessarily required of you. I continued with piano here and I'm loving it. I'm doing ultimate frisbee this semester and I really liked it. In a way, it feels like high school because you're always on the go, always doing something, but here you have a lot more freedom to do what you want.
If there is anybody that is seriously considering Brown, please send them my way! I have a million other things that I would love to tell the seniors. If anybody is applying to Brown, please let me know because I would love to talk to them. And of course, if anybody wants to visit, they'll always have a place to stay!
Cynthis Fong
I love Brown. I'm in love with this school and I am super sure that this is the place for me. I have no regrets about my decision. This past semester has been really different and interesting. It's a lot of freedom, lots of responsibilities.
It's been an experience just getting use to classes and the dorm situation. The class format is different and this semester has been a lesson on balancing priorities. You just learn a lot about doing what you love and not what is necessarily required of you. I continued with piano here and I'm loving it. I'm doing ultimate frisbee this semester and I really liked it. In a way, it feels like high school because you're always on the go, always doing something, but here you have a lot more freedom to do what you want.
If there is anybody that is seriously considering Brown, please send them my way! I have a million other things that I would love to tell the seniors. If anybody is applying to Brown, please let me know because I would love to talk to them. And of course, if anybody wants to visit, they'll always have a place to stay!
Cynthis Fong
From Pinole Valley to Penn
I'm sorry this reply is extremely late, but this past week has been my toughest (in terms of the work load) at Penn, and as this week is right before finals, I am finding a lot more work due than expected. I arrived back on Penn, last Sunday night, and I had a wonderful time with my relatives, and I'm kind of sad that it ended so soon, but I get to go home really soon. It's really awesome that Penn is a school some Ivy League Connection students next year will get the chance to attend, and I would not mind speaking with them.
Penn and my high school experience are different. One of the main reasons I chose Penn was it was big enough where I be anonymous if I wanted to, but have small enough class sizes where I feel I could learn more from the professors. Out of four classes, I have the best of both worlds. My math and bio lectures are close to 200 hundred people, but the recitation and lab are about 20 people. My writing seminar is 16 people and my Spanish class is 18 people. In high school, these class sizes would have been completely unheard of, and the instructors do provide individual attention. One thing I did not like about high school was that people treated me like a toddler, because of the bad examples set by some of my fellow peers, but at Penn, and I'm pretty sure at any college, they treat you like an adult. And even when you ask for help, they'll still treat you like adult. One thing that I've noticed since coming here is that if you ask for help, people will help you. In terms of academics, professors and TAs doors are always open, and if you can't make their office hours, you can email them and ask for a different time meeting. I'll admit, it's definitely a change from getting nearly straight As throughout high school to struggling with subjects that seem very easy to your peers, but it's completely fine to go ask for help. There are resources for help, especially if you look hard enough. My current professor for bio was actually complaining that she wasn't "getting enough customers."
College is definitely different from high school in the sense that you can really only rely on yourself. Honestly, I would say that college is a bit easier in the sense that you're taking less classes than you're taking in high school at once, and you do meet less often (1-3 times a week). You've just really got to learn how to manage your time, because homework is due less often, and most of the time you can't complete whole assignments in just of couple of hours, especially if you don't know how to do something and you have to go to your professor's or TA's office hours (which usually do not occur in the early hours of the morning when work gets done). You also get to take classes you like, I mean sure, there are requirements, but there are so many classes that you're bound to take something that interests you and fulfills requirements. For bigger lecture classes, professors put up their lectures online. You can skip classes without being noticed, but I strongly advise against this because sometimes the recording equipments fails, or the professor gets busy doesn't upload the lecture that you need before a test or homework is due. Also, you will probably procrastinate on watching the actual videos until its too late.
Most people think that students at an Ivy League School would be snobby, but Penn is not like that. I've found that most of the people in my classes are approachable once you start talking to them. Penn does not have as much diversity as Pinole Valley High did, but I can guarantee you can find people eerily similar, in terms of personality, to people at Pinole.
Because schedules are different at Penn everyday, you really have to plan ahead. In high school, days were always the same in terms of classes, but now you have to sit down and think about what you're going to do at a certain time. Basically, weekends have never been worth so much in terms of resting, and do not forget to rest. You will go crazy if all you do is work and study, so take breaks.
Right now, my classes are mostly review from classes I took in high school, such as biology, introduction to calculus, and Spanish. I really enjoy my Spanish class, and I feel that I'm improving and sometimes I catch myself starting to think in Spanish, which is awesome. My calculus class really is review, and I must say I'm glad that my high school calculus teacher was great at explaining everything, because sometimes I don't understand what my professor is lecturing about until we get to the last step. His explanations are good, but I think they're more oriented toward why we do things, instead of how. My biology class I would say is giving me the most trouble, and I think that's just from the fact that I'm not studying enough, so I know what I'll be doing during the Reading Days before finals. Labs are pretty fun to do, especially working with equipment we never had available in high school. My writing seminar is going well, my final portfolio for the class is due tomorrow, and I'm done with the writing requirement, and I must say that when the professor takes off points from my essays, it encourages me to do better. I can definitely see my growth as a writer since the beginning of the year.
My roommate is really great. We have classes at similar times, so our sleeping schedules aren't radically different, and we don't annoy each other. Her family is also really nice, they took me and another one of our hallmates out for some dessert when they came to visit my roommate for Thanksgiving. My hallmates are acutally a really nice and funny bunch, most of the arguments I hear are just about when music is too loud.
I guess you could say that I'm okay with my choice in Penn. It's a really good school, and I love my classes and learning, but sometimes I just get really homesick, and want to see a familiar face.
Cristina
Penn and my high school experience are different. One of the main reasons I chose Penn was it was big enough where I be anonymous if I wanted to, but have small enough class sizes where I feel I could learn more from the professors. Out of four classes, I have the best of both worlds. My math and bio lectures are close to 200 hundred people, but the recitation and lab are about 20 people. My writing seminar is 16 people and my Spanish class is 18 people. In high school, these class sizes would have been completely unheard of, and the instructors do provide individual attention. One thing I did not like about high school was that people treated me like a toddler, because of the bad examples set by some of my fellow peers, but at Penn, and I'm pretty sure at any college, they treat you like an adult. And even when you ask for help, they'll still treat you like adult. One thing that I've noticed since coming here is that if you ask for help, people will help you. In terms of academics, professors and TAs doors are always open, and if you can't make their office hours, you can email them and ask for a different time meeting. I'll admit, it's definitely a change from getting nearly straight As throughout high school to struggling with subjects that seem very easy to your peers, but it's completely fine to go ask for help. There are resources for help, especially if you look hard enough. My current professor for bio was actually complaining that she wasn't "getting enough customers."
College is definitely different from high school in the sense that you can really only rely on yourself. Honestly, I would say that college is a bit easier in the sense that you're taking less classes than you're taking in high school at once, and you do meet less often (1-3 times a week). You've just really got to learn how to manage your time, because homework is due less often, and most of the time you can't complete whole assignments in just of couple of hours, especially if you don't know how to do something and you have to go to your professor's or TA's office hours (which usually do not occur in the early hours of the morning when work gets done). You also get to take classes you like, I mean sure, there are requirements, but there are so many classes that you're bound to take something that interests you and fulfills requirements. For bigger lecture classes, professors put up their lectures online. You can skip classes without being noticed, but I strongly advise against this because sometimes the recording equipments fails, or the professor gets busy doesn't upload the lecture that you need before a test or homework is due. Also, you will probably procrastinate on watching the actual videos until its too late.
Most people think that students at an Ivy League School would be snobby, but Penn is not like that. I've found that most of the people in my classes are approachable once you start talking to them. Penn does not have as much diversity as Pinole Valley High did, but I can guarantee you can find people eerily similar, in terms of personality, to people at Pinole.
Because schedules are different at Penn everyday, you really have to plan ahead. In high school, days were always the same in terms of classes, but now you have to sit down and think about what you're going to do at a certain time. Basically, weekends have never been worth so much in terms of resting, and do not forget to rest. You will go crazy if all you do is work and study, so take breaks.
Right now, my classes are mostly review from classes I took in high school, such as biology, introduction to calculus, and Spanish. I really enjoy my Spanish class, and I feel that I'm improving and sometimes I catch myself starting to think in Spanish, which is awesome. My calculus class really is review, and I must say I'm glad that my high school calculus teacher was great at explaining everything, because sometimes I don't understand what my professor is lecturing about until we get to the last step. His explanations are good, but I think they're more oriented toward why we do things, instead of how. My biology class I would say is giving me the most trouble, and I think that's just from the fact that I'm not studying enough, so I know what I'll be doing during the Reading Days before finals. Labs are pretty fun to do, especially working with equipment we never had available in high school. My writing seminar is going well, my final portfolio for the class is due tomorrow, and I'm done with the writing requirement, and I must say that when the professor takes off points from my essays, it encourages me to do better. I can definitely see my growth as a writer since the beginning of the year.
My roommate is really great. We have classes at similar times, so our sleeping schedules aren't radically different, and we don't annoy each other. Her family is also really nice, they took me and another one of our hallmates out for some dessert when they came to visit my roommate for Thanksgiving. My hallmates are acutally a really nice and funny bunch, most of the arguments I hear are just about when music is too loud.
I guess you could say that I'm okay with my choice in Penn. It's a really good school, and I love my classes and learning, but sometimes I just get really homesick, and want to see a familiar face.
Cristina
Richmond High Alum at Santa Clara University
Well now that I have lived through my first quarter at Santa Clara University, I can summarize these past 10 weeks as simply amazing. There were days when I was stressed over midterms, papers, finals, personal problems, but overall it has been great. It is difficult to adjust to living with other people and not having anyone constantly reminding you to do your homework and stay on track. For those that are still in high school, you should definitely try your best in high school and get the best grades possible because it will only get tougher in college.
Everyone should live on-campus if possible, you get to meet great people and have to full college experience. I live in a suite-style dorm where there are four sophomores and two freshmen. Each sophomore has a single while the freshmen share a double. Don't expect to get along with everyone that you live with, but this is just something else you will have to learn to deal with. Something I regret not doing is getting a tutor with some of my classes. I struggled with a couple of subjects and was able to get a decent grade on them, but this just showed me that from now on if I feel I am behind on a class I need to get a tutor. Midterms and finals ARE intimidating. If you are doing your homework and staying on track, the tests will not be that difficult. I feel like I spent too much time worrying about the midterms and finals when I really did not need to stress too much about them. STUDY STUDY STUDY. Join clubs that interest you, that way you get to meet other people besides those in your dorm or in your classes. I am part of MeCha and SHPE. MeCha is a club for Latinos, although anyone is welcomed to join. Since the majority of the population at SCU is American, it isn't that easy to meet other Latinos like me, but this club made it much easier for me. SHPE stands for Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. I am majoring in Civil Engineering, so joining clubs related to your major can be a huge help. This club updates us on internships and scholarship opportunities for engineers, and helps us create connections with other engineers. I got to meet upper class students, which can be to your advantage for whenever you need help on a class or need a book, since they already went through what we are going through.
I have met people that I can already tell will make a great impact in my life. I have learned to be a little more independent from my parents and I feel proud of myself for being in college and trying my best to graduate in four years. I absolutely love Santa Clara University. It might be a little too late for this year's seniors, but if anyone is interested in applying to SCU next year I would gladly tell them about my experience and about SCU. Overall, enjoy the college life. Party, but not too much. Don't let little things stress you out and make sure you are on track. Best wishes to all of you regardless of where you end up next year. :)
Everyone should live on-campus if possible, you get to meet great people and have to full college experience. I live in a suite-style dorm where there are four sophomores and two freshmen. Each sophomore has a single while the freshmen share a double. Don't expect to get along with everyone that you live with, but this is just something else you will have to learn to deal with. Something I regret not doing is getting a tutor with some of my classes. I struggled with a couple of subjects and was able to get a decent grade on them, but this just showed me that from now on if I feel I am behind on a class I need to get a tutor. Midterms and finals ARE intimidating. If you are doing your homework and staying on track, the tests will not be that difficult. I feel like I spent too much time worrying about the midterms and finals when I really did not need to stress too much about them. STUDY STUDY STUDY. Join clubs that interest you, that way you get to meet other people besides those in your dorm or in your classes. I am part of MeCha and SHPE. MeCha is a club for Latinos, although anyone is welcomed to join. Since the majority of the population at SCU is American, it isn't that easy to meet other Latinos like me, but this club made it much easier for me. SHPE stands for Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. I am majoring in Civil Engineering, so joining clubs related to your major can be a huge help. This club updates us on internships and scholarship opportunities for engineers, and helps us create connections with other engineers. I got to meet upper class students, which can be to your advantage for whenever you need help on a class or need a book, since they already went through what we are going through.
I have met people that I can already tell will make a great impact in my life. I have learned to be a little more independent from my parents and I feel proud of myself for being in college and trying my best to graduate in four years. I absolutely love Santa Clara University. It might be a little too late for this year's seniors, but if anyone is interested in applying to SCU next year I would gladly tell them about my experience and about SCU. Overall, enjoy the college life. Party, but not too much. Don't let little things stress you out and make sure you are on track. Best wishes to all of you regardless of where you end up next year. :)
ILC Yalie and Northwestern Freshman
Yes, I am finally back in California for the first time in three months! Being in my room and in my home with my family is very relaxing. The last two months since I last wrote to you have been hectic—in terms of weather and academics.
Temperatures fluctuated wildly, from mid 60s to low teens. This weather is probably the most different and difficult aspect of life that I’ve had to adjust to; I’ve lived in weather that rarely drops below high 30s my entire life. During reading week (I think) I experienced my first snowfall. A few inches of snow accumulated that night, and I left the library very late so I was able to run around in fresh snow with my friends. It was definitely a thrilling experience.
I already described my classes for the quarter in my previous e-mail, so I suppose I’ll write about finals now.
Spanish was actually pretty tough. I had classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. For four class periods in a row, I had four things to take care of: (1) a listening comprehension exam on a soap opera we’d been watching (2) an oral project that involved research on different Spanish cultures (3) an in-class composition, and (4) a final exam. These took place the week before and the week of Thanksgiving break. Lots of studying and lots of time at the library! After Thanksgiving break, however, I had no more Spanish classes for the quarter (2 weeks), so I feel that time was paid off.
For my Future of Gender freshman seminar class, I was required to write a 10-page research paper on the future of gender in the workplace. This was definitely tough for me because I’d never written something this long in high school (I can’t remember, at least). Additionally, the prompt was very broad (the future of gender in the workplace), and I had a tough time with that as well. This, again, required lots of time at the library. Thankfully, the library never closes during finals week.
My last class, social inequality, was the only class that actually required me to be there during the allotted two-hour final period. The first part of the final was a 3-4 page essay on the challenges and complexities pertaining to economic survival that the working poor face. The second part of a final had five short-answer questions, each requiring ~100 word answers. The last was a 20-question multiple choice test. This class was my favorite class, but it still required, as I’ve said twice before, lots of studying and lots of library time!!
Overall, finals week was relatively tough and sleepless, but I’m sure that’s what all college students say.
Next quarter I will be taking four classes: Evolution and the Scientific Method, Spanish, Ethics and the Environment, and Psychology and Weird Beliefs. I’m fulfilling my distribution requirements right now because I still have no clue about what career I want to pursue. Hopefully these distros will help me decide.
I’ve definitely feel homesick at times. I’ve missed my mother’s cooking (although the dining hall food here is amazing), my family, and my desk full of high school’s memories… but college is a chance for new and better memories to form and I’ve definitely been taking advantage of that opportunity.
What helps me from feeling homesick is Northwestern’s surprising resemblance to the bay area—excluding the weather. There’s a huge body of water located near by (Lake Michigan) and it’s only a short walk away from my room, and there’s also a huge city nearby (Chicago). This reminds me of home and San Francisco—and whenever I feel homesick, I think of these similarities and feel calmed.
On a non-academic note, Northwestern is so much fun! There’s always free food somewhere. And I love food.
A few weeks ago, I visited Millennium Park in Chicago, where Dr. Oz made an appearance. I don’t really know who he is (I know he has a TV show), but he’s famous! That’s one awesome thing about Chicago: famous people. I’m sure celebrities are everywhere, but Chicago is just one of those big, well-known cities.
That pretty much covers my last few months! Have you picked out the next batch of Yalies yet? Oh, and don’t forget to encourage students to apply to Northwestern because it’s awesome!
Stephanie Ny
ILC Yalie 2009
Temperatures fluctuated wildly, from mid 60s to low teens. This weather is probably the most different and difficult aspect of life that I’ve had to adjust to; I’ve lived in weather that rarely drops below high 30s my entire life. During reading week (I think) I experienced my first snowfall. A few inches of snow accumulated that night, and I left the library very late so I was able to run around in fresh snow with my friends. It was definitely a thrilling experience.
I already described my classes for the quarter in my previous e-mail, so I suppose I’ll write about finals now.
Spanish was actually pretty tough. I had classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. For four class periods in a row, I had four things to take care of: (1) a listening comprehension exam on a soap opera we’d been watching (2) an oral project that involved research on different Spanish cultures (3) an in-class composition, and (4) a final exam. These took place the week before and the week of Thanksgiving break. Lots of studying and lots of time at the library! After Thanksgiving break, however, I had no more Spanish classes for the quarter (2 weeks), so I feel that time was paid off.
For my Future of Gender freshman seminar class, I was required to write a 10-page research paper on the future of gender in the workplace. This was definitely tough for me because I’d never written something this long in high school (I can’t remember, at least). Additionally, the prompt was very broad (the future of gender in the workplace), and I had a tough time with that as well. This, again, required lots of time at the library. Thankfully, the library never closes during finals week.
My last class, social inequality, was the only class that actually required me to be there during the allotted two-hour final period. The first part of the final was a 3-4 page essay on the challenges and complexities pertaining to economic survival that the working poor face. The second part of a final had five short-answer questions, each requiring ~100 word answers. The last was a 20-question multiple choice test. This class was my favorite class, but it still required, as I’ve said twice before, lots of studying and lots of library time!!
Overall, finals week was relatively tough and sleepless, but I’m sure that’s what all college students say.
Next quarter I will be taking four classes: Evolution and the Scientific Method, Spanish, Ethics and the Environment, and Psychology and Weird Beliefs. I’m fulfilling my distribution requirements right now because I still have no clue about what career I want to pursue. Hopefully these distros will help me decide.
I’ve definitely feel homesick at times. I’ve missed my mother’s cooking (although the dining hall food here is amazing), my family, and my desk full of high school’s memories… but college is a chance for new and better memories to form and I’ve definitely been taking advantage of that opportunity.
What helps me from feeling homesick is Northwestern’s surprising resemblance to the bay area—excluding the weather. There’s a huge body of water located near by (Lake Michigan) and it’s only a short walk away from my room, and there’s also a huge city nearby (Chicago). This reminds me of home and San Francisco—and whenever I feel homesick, I think of these similarities and feel calmed.
On a non-academic note, Northwestern is so much fun! There’s always free food somewhere. And I love food.
A few weeks ago, I visited Millennium Park in Chicago, where Dr. Oz made an appearance. I don’t really know who he is (I know he has a TV show), but he’s famous! That’s one awesome thing about Chicago: famous people. I’m sure celebrities are everywhere, but Chicago is just one of those big, well-known cities.
That pretty much covers my last few months! Have you picked out the next batch of Yalies yet? Oh, and don’t forget to encourage students to apply to Northwestern because it’s awesome!
Stephanie Ny
ILC Yalie 2009
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