Sunday, November 15, 2009
Fright Flight
Hi again! So as other bloggers have mentioned, one of the keys to surviving at this school is to get out of your room, away from the books for a while. Like Riya, I chose to do Women’s Club Ultimate Frisbee. I can only go to one practice a week because of classes, but I still have a ton of fun. My first ever tournament (and the first time I’ve ever played an actual game of ultimate) took place the weekend before Halloween at CSU Fort Collins. It was a co-ed, Halloween-themed tournament, and our team decided to go as a Quidditch team. Everyone pitched in to help buy materials for some kick-butt capes, brooms, Quidditch hoops, and a dragon. The captain of our team told me to be Hermione, so my roommate and I fluffed up my hair to three times its normal size. Other people dressed up as dementors, a snitch, and a Nimbus 2000. I learned a ton about playing Ultimate, and I got away from campus for a weekend and hung out with some awesome people. Even though it was a tough experience, it was still one that I’ll remember for a long time.
Work Study--$$$
As a college student on my own for the first time, I’m learning a lot about money. My mom still sends me “essentials” like shampoo and school supplies every month, but I have to buy my own snacks, and take care of student loan interest and other things like that on my own. Without work study, there would be no way I could afford all of this stuff for very long. I originally was offered a job in the chemical engineering department, but I chickened out because of my lack of experience. By the time I had decided I didn’t want that job, most every other job seemed to be full. Luckily, a lady at the library noticed that I have experience in medical records and needed someone who was good with data and data entry, and I got a job. My boss and fellow work study students turned out to be AWESOME and we have a ton of fun while still getting things done. My advice to anyone that is expecting a work study job is to not put off applying and scheduling interviews, because the best jobs will fill up fast. Also, it’s totally possible to work and still do homework. The places on campus that hire work study students totally understand that the reason you’re at Mines is to get an education, and they’re very flexible with hours. The extra cash at the end of the month is great, too.
Registration!!
This coming week is early registration; that means that first semester is almost over! Time has really flown. I was a little bit upset to find out that I’m in the very last registration block of the week, because I was worried about getting the schedule I want. I had a couple of minutes of excitement thinking that I might have enough credits to register as a sophomore, but then I found out that I’m ONE credit short. Pretty frustrating. In the end though, I think I’ve made a couple of back-up schedules that I can live with, even though they’re not the schedule that I’m in love with. I’m sure things will end up working out, and so instead of dwelling on things that annoy me, I’m going to focus on the fact that in a couple of weeks I will be back in California, taking a break from school, eating delicious food, and spending time with the family and friends that I miss so much.
