Senior Week or Bust!

As senior week quickly approaches for SU seniors, finals are ever more quickly approaching! As the last few days of our college careers come to a close, it becomes difficult as seniors finish up their finals while also trying to spend time with their friends. It is difficult to find the right balance between studying and spending the last few days as a college student.

My advice, I would keep truckin’ along with your studies and save the partying for senior week. I mean, that’s what it is all about and there for! Stay focused, study hard, and then play even harder once senior week is here! Only a few more days and you’ll never have to take a college final ever again!!

"Will You... I Do!"

The current craze facing students about to graduate from college is engagement. It seems to be that as the few last days of senior year are about to come to a close, engagement rings start making their appearance, but why? How do couples know that some of the biggest decisions they will ever make might change the way their relationship operates? And how will engagement change anything? The stresses of life are enough to worry about!

Many say they will have a long engagement, lasting somewhere between a year or two. This won’t change much! I believe that the decisions you make coming out of college are some of the biggest you’ll ever have to face. These changes might take you across the country away from your significant other. Why not just wait? Wait to know what you’re doing with your life and take things slow. Begin to settle into your life after graduation, make some money, and then worry about the next step in your life.

What Classes to Take?

Many students struggle with determining what classes to take during the next semester of college. Many find themselves struggling between what they would like to take and what they actually have to take in order to graduate.

I was always focused on taking what I needed to in order to graduate first and then took what I wanted when I needed to fill a spot. I would highly, highly encourage college students to do the same. Your job as a student is to take the classes you need to graduate.

I have thoroughly enjoyed most of the classes I just wanted to take, but I am happy now that I can relax and have fun with those classes. So, as a college student, get done what you need too and then enjoy the fun classes you can take after.

You want to be anything but stressed your senior year. Finding a job or what you’re going to do after school is stressing enough. Get done the major stuff and have fun!

What to do after School?

May is quickly approaching and seniors are beginning to panic! The real world is one its' way! I certainly am, that is! What to do after graduation is definitely what is on everyone’s mind these days! Do I try and find work in this crappy economy? Or do I just stay in school and pray things get better?

I’ve been encouraged by several professors here at SU to not attend Graduate school right after graduating from college. So, I’m pretty much headed in the trying to find work path. It’s been difficult finding a potential job that I would actually be interested in doing.

I’m in marketing and generally, all entry level jobs are sales. I really do not want to do that, but I’m beginning to think that I don’t have a choice. If you do try and find work after graduating from college, just remember to do what you’ll love. Do not just settle for something that looks descent.

Know that the skills you are bringing to the job market are quality and you deserve to be compensated for the hard work you’ve put in during your college years. Do something you love and you will be satisfied in the long-run.

SUDS IN THE SHOWER...

The lastest radio station gossip that I heard the other day is that corporate employees and even those in part-time jobs are no longer showering every day. They've been showering maybe once a day. I wonder why this is? Perhaps, saving on the water bill or the fact that it takes up a good amount of time.

For me, I usually shower at night because then I can sleep in. It's an unusual day for me if I do not shower at least once. As a college student, I know that students can get lazy and do not always shower.

I definitely would encourage everyone to shower at least once a day! This is not only a hygiene issue, but also for those around you that need to smell you. Please shower and have respect for those around you! We all would appreciate it!

Give Give Give

Potential employers look for more than just a high GPA on your résumé. They also look for service involvement. This a key attribute to who you are as a person, how you balance your time, and showing that you will put effort into something that doesn’t give you a profit in return. You are willing to go the extra mile.

While here at SU, I’ve done my fair share of service and volunteer work, especially on behalf of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. There are many, many opportunities to give and support those who give during your college days. After doing so, it gives you a great sense of self worth and helps you to see there is more in life than just money.

So, I encourage during your college career, get up a couple Saturdays out of the semester and give. Give your time, your support, your energy, or an ear to listen. And if you are not sure what opportunities are available, I am sure your activities board will be more than willing to give you some ideas. Give, give, and give!

Formal Fun!!

Both as a sorority sister and softball player, I have had my fair share of formal attendances. From ones that I can barely remember to miserable nights of drama, I've experienced it all. Before even getting to formal, however, the big question is... "Who will be my date?"

In the past I've taken my significant other and close friends. I've had good times at most and have enjoyed myself. But, as these last few formals are coming up, I've been worrying about who will help me remember and have so much fun at my formals of senior year. These are the last few so I have been stressing about whom to take with me.

I've decided that this needs to be someone fun. Someone who I can take with me, but not have him hanging all over me and ruining my time with my close friends. This needs to be someone who I can let go and he'll find something to do. He also has to be someone who will dance with me and also take care of me if I might have too much to drink.

So, if you have this dilemma, take someone you'll know you will have a great time with. We have so few little experiences like this during college and we must take full advantage of them when they come our way!

Work Hard or Hardly Work

College students deal with the struggle or whether to complete their homework or not and how much studying for a test is too much? As a freshman, all I would do is study, study, and study. It got to the point where I was focusing so much on school and not enjoying the social life of college. Since then, I’ve tried to do better in my quest for a good college education and have fun.

As a student, it’s important to find the right balance. I am a current senior at SU and to be honest, I wish I would have worried less about my grades and enjoyed the time with my friends more and the social time. If you’re a freshman right now and reading this, please don’t stress too much. Enjoy what college life has to offer.

Relationship Endeavors

                A relationship during any year of schooling can be difficult, but those during college tend to take the cake. This can be especially difficult when each person within the couple attends different schools. Many potential problems can be discovered throughout the trying months and whether to a keep a relationship lasting from high school into college can be a real question.

                In my past relationships, it’s been extremely difficult to keep it going throughout my college years. In my experience, I’ve seen the worst of the worst. Temptations and influences from others can really make things difficult. If I could go back and relive it all and do things differently, I think I would. College only happens once and from what I’ve been through, I would highly suggest that you stay single and live life up!

I took this photo during the first half of my second serious relationship during my college years. It didn't work out so well.

This picture was taken of my first serious relationship that went from high school into college. That one didn't work out too well either.

This is a picture of some of my best girlfriends throughout my college career and absolutely just loving life as a single girl!

               

Packing Sports Up and Bringing them Along to College

As a high school athlete of two sports, one of my biggest worries was getting into a good school that had a great softball team. My ultimate goal was to play at a DII level and get some playing time. I had quite a bit of confidence in myself and found Gannon University in Erie, Pa. I was recruited, attended the school, played softball in the Fall, and then quit. The coach made me lose my passion and love for the game. After, I trasfered to SU where I have been playing every since my sophomore year.

Many students worry whether they can balance the demanding schedule and time a sport takes in college. They worry whether they will have time to study while trying to balance practices, games, team bonding, and training. I'll be honest, I have found myself completely crazed-out and extremely overwhelmed with everything. I've had mental and emotional break downs, but the joys and love I have for the game have pushed me through all the hard times.

I know a few high school kids who have said, "I don't think I can handle a sport in college." And this is the advice I've given them. I 've told them that if you've done it during high school, balanced your work, job, sports, and your family and friends, you will be more than capable of balancing your school life and sports life in college. I would encourage any high school student to play a spot in college!

Being able to balance it all is just a time management thing. Every student has to find their own way of dealing with the stress of it all. I think that I sometimes do my work better and more in advance because I know I have a busy schedule of games and practices coming up and I need to get my work done as soon as I can. Have good time management, solid study skills, and a good focus, and you will be able to handle playing a sport in college!

GOOOO GREEK!

Here are 12 of Alpha Delta Pi's new Alphas from Bid Day February 13, 2011.

This post is all about whether or not to go Greek at the college or university you attend. Here at Susquehanna University, I wish I could say it is more popular and respected by the SU campus. As being a Greek myself, I am a huge fan and would encourage anyone to rush and find their home in one of the Greek chapters here at SU. I am proudly apart of Alpha Delta Pi, the absolute first Greek chapter in all of Greek history.

Everyone says that when joining a Frat of Sorority you are simply paying for your friends. But I would completely argue the opposite. Like any organization, you generally have to pay money or "dues" to be apart of it. Even with sports teams! Those who are Greek do not see it that way at all. No one really understands the time, dedication, and energy it takes to be Greek.

The media depicts being Greek as a huge keg party filled with sex and drama. Having a social life does come with being Greek, as any other sports team or organization, but there is a lot more to it! There's community service and time for the philanthropy of the chapter, scholarship expectations that must be upheld, and leadership positions that look great on any resume. I have made some of the best and more exciting memories while being part of a Greek chapter.

If you are one of the haters out there, saying we're all paying for our friends, I suggest you go to a recruitment party and see the hard work and dedication it takes to be Greek. I suggest that you find a friend who is Greek and stop being so ignorant and see what it really takes. I've made over 50 new friends and sisters and I would never stop being apart of the Greek system!

Another picture of ADPi's new Alphas and their cake of congratualtions.

This is me and my rommate/sister celebrating the arrival of our new sisters.

The senior Deltas of ADPi at Susquehanna University.

Senior ADPi memories!

Go Abroad!!

My roommate from Florida painted a South African flag to support the soccer team before we headed to the bar to cheer them on!

One of the most difficult decisions any college student has to make is whether to study abroad during their college career. As a junior, I took the opportunity to intern in Cape Town, South Africa for eight weeks, and it was one of the most challenging and amazing times of my life. To this day, I still cannot believe I traveled 18 hours to another continent!

Being able to place studying or interning abroad on your resume places your it in the top 33% of applicants. Many students are not required to study abroad. However, now at SU students are required to be apart of the GO program where they are required to intern or study somewhere else for at least two weeks. This can either be done in the summer or part of a semester abroad.

Here is stand in my orange outfit ready to cheer on the Netherlands. The stadium was built just for this World Cup!

Going abroad will challenge and change you. My experience is one that I will never forget as I attended the World Cup, ate at a fire-cooked ten course meal along the beach, went to a professional Rugby game, climbed to the most souther tip of Africa, and was challenged at my internship at Africhic. If ever given the opportunity to study or intern abroad, you have to do it! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, and within a few years, you'll be too busy with life and work to do it!

And if given the opportunity, I highly encourage you to go to South Africa! It's a beautiful place with amazing people and such a giving culture!

Here I stand at the Cape of Good Hope; the most southern tip of Africa.

I attended a South Afrian Rugby game as they played France. It was so intense.

This is an overlook of the city if Cape Town. The pictures do not do justice.

This is the walk up to the lighthouse at the Cape of Good Hope. It was a tiring walk!

Relationship Truths

Within any relationship, telling the truth is always a key concept in having a trustworthy relationship. But how much truth is too much? For example, if the one would ask the other… do I look fat in this? Do you respond with the truth and risk potentially having an argument lasting several hours and nasty remarks back and forth? Or, do you tell a white lie just to get by?

I’ve always believed that telling the truth should be the maximum goal for both partners involved within the relationship. Yes, sometimes the truth can hurt. However, I would rather be told the absolute truth than finding out my significant other lied to me. This would cause me to question every opinion or word spoken from my other half.

I would definitely stick to the truth. Honest opinions and remarks will only help to strengthen the relationship. If you’ve done something that would cause tension or strain on the relationship, it is your fault and your partner deserves to know the truth. It will then be your responsibility in dealing with the pain you’ve caused yourself. Make sure to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

College 15

We've all heard of the freshmen 15 before heading off into the college world. As a freshman, I didn't gain my freshmen 15, luckily!! However, when I transferred to SU, I definitely put on the lbs! I think that during any year of college the 15 lbs can pile on!

This leads me into my post for today... choosing between the guilty choices of health y or junk food. The cafeteria isn’t always the best place to eat. With an unlimited amount of food, portions are less likely to become a concern. This is where the weight can really begin to pile on. If students eat at places on campus where they are given only a specific amount, they have less of a chance of piling their plates and going back for seconds or thirds.

After graduating, I have really seen some of my friends’ bodies change. They no longer take in the excessive calories due to the cafeteria choices or alcoholic drinks on the weekend. I wouldn’t be worried if the freshmen 15 have taken over your body or the 20. With the right amount of exercise and portion control, college students can control their weight gain.

So, remember your portion control and always eat breakfast. Your body has to wake up and get its’ metabolism going. Make healthier choices when it comes to snacks and don’t let the guilty choices get you down!

Carry Religion Along?

Throughout my high school years, I was forced to attend Sunday school before church and then the actual service. Without being able to decide for myself whether I would attend church or not, my past has been filled with church services, after service lunches, and a whole lot of God. With never being able to make this decision on my own, my church going ways didn't follow me into my college career. I'm sure rather sleeping in and not being forced to attend, had something to do with it as well. 

Have you ever thought about your past religious decisions and your current Godly practices? Has God been one who has followed with you from your high school years into your college years? As a college student, we are much more independent with challenges of self discipline. Again, this is a personal choice you have to make. It takes pride and drive to continue in your relationship with the church as temptations are everywhere.

Have you ever felt your college life was lacking something? Maybe it’s time to return to the church and rely on more than just yourself.

Knock 'em back or a Sober Sally?

As a college student, one of the biggest challenges you'll face is the drinking aspect. Freshmen enter into any college, religious or not, believing college is a big drunk-fest where now mommy and daddy can't watch me stumble back to my dorm room, fling open the door, literally face-plant to my bed, and spend the entire next day hungover or puking till we pop a blood vessel in our eye. However, I would have to believe that not every college student has had an encounter of that kind.

You may believe it or not, but some students don't drink and won't. Many, will enter into a party and casually bring "their own" or "milk" the liquid of the night offered by some drunk ass already at the party. I've personally even heard of a college kid who is allergic to alcohol!

Do the pressures really get to us? Is it a choice we are making to fit in or expectations of who we are supposed to be because we are college students?

Alcohol most DEFINITELY changes who people are. I've personally been dealt a crummy hand when it comes to having to deal with people when they're drunk. If you have chosen to not drink, all the power to you honey. I believe you are being much stronger than those who have decided to drink and have that face-plant in the morning. Be strong and stick to your guns.


The choice is ultimately yours. And, if you enjoy your drunkenness and feel you can be responsible and respectful, then enjoy your time as a college student. You only have the four years once. Just drink responsibly!

It's gotta' start with a first

Here is a picture of me, so you know who I am...

With everything in life, there has to be a first. So... this is my first post. I'm completely new at these things, don't really follow anyone specifically, and not sure how good I'll be at this. But, with all that information, I hope you will find time to enjoy what I have to say, the opinions I have, and the topics I'm going to talk about.

This blog, as you can read, is called, "Guilty Realities of a College Student." I don't expect this to go viral or anything to that degree, but I hope within this class, people like taking a peak of some of the interesting topics I may discuss. I would very much appreciate any input, topic suggestions, your criticisms, and your comments. I hope that together we can find a common interest as we are college students.

But, you're probably wondering what this is going to be all about. I really enjoy Sex and the City, and I adore Carey and the articles she writes about life, love, and the things done between the sheets. The intentions of this blog is write about the decisions, dramas, futures, the present, and realities of what college students go through. I hope to be able to give advice, to express my opinions and views, and just talk about whatever is going on in my life, my friends' lives, or just what I see around me.

So, you now know what I have to say as my first, and I would be happy to hear from you all. What hot topics would you life for me to talk about? Give me anything on your mind! Maybe something you saw that happened this weekend or a dying question about life!? Let me know and I would be happy to chat about it.