When I finished my junior year at Indiana State, I had met all but one of the course requirements for my degree. The main thing I lacked for my degree was reaching the 120 credit hour requirement put in place by the state of Indiana. I could have even finished that last course I needed to take, but what was the point when I’d still need another year of electives? [Read more…]
The Reality of Moving 12 Hours Away for Grad School
In less than two weeks, I’ll arrive in Tampa, Florida to start my next adventure as a student affairs grad student at the University of South Florida. I am incredibly excited to move and get started, but as the move date gets closer, I also get slightly more terrified. The reality of the situation is that there is so much involved in moving, making sure everything is settled back in Indiana, and transitioning to a new state and new home for the next two years. [Read more…]
8 reasons why I support Hillary Clinton
I have been supporting Hillary Clinton to be the next president of the United States since the day she announced back in the spring of 2015. Actually, I was eagerly awaiting her decision to run or not before she was in the race. I wish I could say I supported her in 2008, but given that I was 13 at the time, I don’t really recall supporting either Clinton or Obama (though I do remember missing school to see Obama’s inauguration).
This election, however, I’m with her 10o percent. Hillary has the experience and the plan to lead our country and I am proud to have voted for her in the primary and I’m excited to have the chance to vote for her again in November. But unfortunately, a lot of people seem to think she isn’t a good choice. Clinton supporters in general have been hesitant to show their support publicly because of the anticipated backlash that her enemies’ supporters might give.
In this post, I want to explain several reasons why I support Hillary and why you should too. [Read more…]
One Word to Guide My 2016
A new year is a time for resolutions, changes, and starting to become a better person. Flipping the calendar page – pulling out a brand new calendar – is a strong metaphor for the clean slate that many people see in a new year. At the end of a year, we all look back at what happened. We see what was in the news, what we posted on social media, and even what music we listened to in 2015. We look at what happened in our lives and make a judgment to determine if 2015 was good or bad.
Then the countdown starts – 3… 2… 1… – happy new year! It’s 2016, couples share their first kiss of the year, and everyone celebrates and welcomes in the new. The year starts and despite the many resolutions that were made, it does not feel all that different for most people.
Since resolutions rarely work for more than a week or two, I have decided to simplify things this year. I have chosen one word that will guide and define my 2016. That word is… [Read more…]
First Generation Students: Working the Hardest, Achieving the Least
Four years ago, I sat in a financial aid session at new student orientation where I learned about all the expenses associated with college. After the session, I called home because I had sticker shock. I was attending a state university, but it seemed like I was paying out-of-state tuition at an Ivy League school. It was not until weeks later that I realized I had more than enough financial aid to cover the cost and would actually receive money from the university in a refund check. This story is not unique to me and is in fact a common trend for first generation college students such as myself. First generation students are inadequately prepared for college while in high school and poorly supported while receiving a post-secondary education. [Read more…]