Check Out Art in the Park- Downtown Tyler

Here at UT Tyler, we seriously support stuff that goes on around town. I always look forward to warmer months, because we have many art shows that come around. 

This Saturday, from 10am until 4pm, Art in the Park will be happening! 

• This is the fourth annual Art in the Park at the Goodman LeGrand Museum! I've been to this event the last two years, and it seems to be growing.  Tons of local artists from the East Texas area will be there. There will also be live music from DJ Knight and Maegen Brooks. You can even tour the historic home.  I recommend checking out local art shows like this! I'll snap some pictures when I go. :)

Intercultural Communication Project at UT Tyler

This semester, I'm taking a class called Intercultural Communication, and we were asked to research different holidays and choose one to talk to the class about. We had twelve people in our group, so we did a two part video.

After seeing the other group's videos, I'm going to ask permission to post them.
They are much more creative than our party footage, but check it out anyway! We had a lot of fun.

...we thought real tomatoes would be too messy.

Going to the Gym at UT Tyler

Yeah, going to the gym regularly can be really tough, but at UT Tyler it's the little things here that count. This board always has the daily classes on it, and sometimes a cute message if we're lucky!

You learn something new every day.

Video from Open Mic Night at UT Tyler- Joshua Grijalva

Trigger Warning:

This video may contain language and imagery that may be upsetting, but remain true to his personal experiences. This is what going to UT Tyler is all about to me, an opportunity to learn other people's perspectives. 

         One of my good friends and fellow English Major, Joshua Grijalva, was filmed at the Open Mic night that Chrissy attended! :) I love technology, because even if I missed his performance, I still don't truly miss it. :)

Student Blogger Photo Shoot!

Each semester, we get some new faces on the blog who bring their wonderful talents

 and opinions to the blog.

It's been a while since we've taken a group picture (last Spring when Megan and I  just joined the team to be exact). 

So here are the new group photos!

Clothing Swap in the UC Theater

This Tuesday, at The University of Texas at Tyler, I will be doing a clothing swap!

The clothing swap is (finally) happening Tuesday, the 29th in the UC THEATER from 12pm-3! Any items that are less than desirable to you except undergarments (bras, panties, boxers, etc will not be accepted)-

Clothing that doesn't fit?
not the right color?
never wear it?
already have three?
Garage sale items?

You donate a few items, and you can take what you'd like to fill a plastic bag for yourself!
You must donate to play. :)

Also, I am looking for hangers and plastic bags, if anyone has them to spare. 

Many of my friends that I have kept up with from high school have put this together a few times and I loved it, personally. Swaps have gone well for them, and I've gotten a few things I'm realllllly happy with for myself. 

So I decided to make my own!

All items that are left will be given to Flamingos Upscale Resale for the Crisis Center, and Goodwill. :)

I'm excited. Come hang out. 

Senior Plans- I HAVE NO PLAN

This semester is my last here at The University of Texas at Tyler. As a student of English and Communication, I have applied for graduation, and been approved. My grades permitting, I will be walking across the Cowan Center stage come May.

I have moved 38 times, and after each move I have made, I felt as if I was missing out on chances. I was afraid I was missing out on connections with people. No move I made was ever 100% my choice. 

As a child, you go where your parent(s) take you. As a university student, you go where you need to for your future. As an adult... well, it seems to be more about the money. I don't know about money, but my move to Austin this summer will start my career; it will be move number 39.

My original plan for UT Tyler was that I was only going to stay here at UT Tyler for one year, and move on to a larger school. This university quickly became my home. This epoch of my life is the second longest I have ever lived in the same area and known the same people. My university experiences have taught me that things, well, they will always change anyway. It doesn't matter if you move away or make plans or make promises. 

As functional humans, we need to understand that we cannot predict anything based on past events. We can only plan very little. We can only adapt.

Friends, family, my esthetician, acquaintances and the lady at the Walgreens all ask me what I’m planning to do when I graduate. Find a job! What do you think?

I’m feeling sentimental looking back, and realizing what the heart of this school has shown me.

Life does not work according to your Google calendar, and that's okay.  

It is NOT too Late to Apply to UT Tyler for the Spring!

Another part of my job here at The University of Texas at Tyler is to call people and offer my super exclusive UT Tyler insider knowledge. ;) Which actually means I call them to answer any questions they may have!

I love the job, because it lets me use what I know about my school to help other students get to the point that I am in my life- Almost done with a college degree that will show that I can complete something. I can dedicate my time to a goal that is not fruitful right away, but supports me over time. College has not taught me what to learn, but how to learn, in ways that can be applied in every avenue of my professional life to come.

So, no, it is not too late to apply for Spring 2013! :) Late applications for admissions will be accepted at least through the first day of classes.
I encourage those who haven't to visit Apply Texas and fill out an application!

Post-UT Tyler Life

Ok, so graduation is coming. Like, in less than a month! Over the past several weeks I have applied to about 12 full-time jobs to start in January, and heard back from one. Yeah, not everyone tells you about how hard you have to WORK to get hired, even with a degree in your pocket!

As of right now, I plan to just keep pushing through and apply for ALL the jobs! Persistence is key. Maybe. We'll see!

Some things to do BEFORE you start applying:

1) Brush up your resume!
2) Review proper application etiquette - cover letters, references, interviews, and professional responses.
3) Know your audience, and only apply for jobs that you would ACTUALLY want to do!

Now, I've sifted through my Facebook to bring you The Progression of Kat - Awkward Pictures from My Past....... :P

Thanksgiving Break is Next Week

Thanksgiving Break is fast approaching The University of Texas at Tyler campus, and it is almost rude to say because none of us are ready. You see, breaks in college are not truly breaks. This is what makes attending a university so trying; it has a lot to do with endurance.

I have 35+ pages due after Thanksgiving break is over. I am just currently thankful that I get that time out of class to complete a few of these papers and eat some sweet potatoes in footie pajamas in the privacy of my own Grandparent's home.

This may or may not be a gratuitous picture of my boss Amelia and I at work on
Patriot Preview Day, with Swoop between us. Did I ever mention that I love my job? 

Kat's Winter Haircut

Blue-tipped hair!

As you all may or may not be aware, I have very long, thick, brown hair. Semi-recently, I decided that I wanted to spice things up a bit, so I went and had the tips of my hair dyed BLUE!

So, once the blue went away, it was time for a trim. I am quite attached to my long hair, so I really didn't want to have to cut it all. But, it was time. I hadn't cut my hair since February!

So, last Friday I went and cut off all of the blue (about 4-6 inches), added some layers, and got some bangs! Please note before you continue reading that I am aware that my hair is still long, but it is quite a change for me! It's hard to see the difference, but it's definitely there.

Both collages have pictures from before AND after the cut. Can you see the differences? 

Here are some other UT Tyler blogs about hair: Interest From My Pinterest, Get AROUND a Proper Haircut, and How to NOT Cut Your Hair! 

As a side-note, Megan thinks I'm adorable. :P

Long(ish) hair, DO care! :) 

Salary Negotiation

I attended a mock interview today at The UT Tyler Career Services office for on of my classes. The Career Services Office is easily located in the University Center! A real company came out to grade me, and pass along how well I did to my professor.

A very central discussion in a serious interview is how much money you expect for your skills!
Nerve-racking, huh? You have to price yourself.

If you have some time, on Saturday, November the 10th you can find out how to talk about personal pricing.
Arrive a little before 10 am, and it takes place until 12:30 pm at UT Tyler Baptist Student Ministry! This building is brick and located on the corner of Patriot Avenue and Varsity Drive.

Registration makes place here and learn:

• The personal consequences of the gender wage gap
• Understanding reasonable salaries and benefits
• Developing a "bare bones" budget to pay basic expenses

Work shops like this are offered all the time through Career Services, like the Etiquette Awareness Dinner on Thursday the 15th from 5-7 pm.

Many of my classes tell us about these workshops and opportunities for the future- but just check out the website. 

Free Concert- Marina and the Diamonds Kicks Off Homecoming!

It's Homecoming Week here at UT Tyler, and it is always distracting for me. As an English major, I'm planning my final papers now. I find it difficult to buckle down to work with events happening every night this week!

Marina and the Diamonds visited us for the opening of our Homecoming! It was a huge secret for months, I'm guessing, but CAB started spreading the news the week prior. I didn't get to go, but my friend Ashley took a really cute video! 

UT Tyler Meadows Gallery

     The back side of our UT Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center houses our very own art gallery!-The University of Texas at Tyler Meadows Gallery! Every few weeks, they feature a new art exhibition, and it has become something I really enjoy attending.

Tuesday, October the 15th is “East Meets West”! This exhibition showcases the works of artists Suguru Hiraide and Joe Barrington, and will continue to run through Friday, Nov. 9!

    A reception with gallery talks will be 6 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 at the gallery. I recommend that people interested in the art attend at this time, because the art always proves more meaningful with a proper background! The  normal Gallery hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, but if you can't make it then, they even set up special appointments. :) Sounds like a good date idea to me.

Do you guys notice that as the weather cools down, people start pairing up? :p

Resume Tips 2012

As the job market is shifting rapidly with technology, it is important to stay with the trends in hiring if you want to take a good step forward after you graduate from UT Tyler.

In my Interviewing class, I created a Resume Checklist, that I could use to determine if a resume is worthy of the more than seven seconds on average that it takes them to pass over it! I help with hiring at the blog here, and I can say that it does not take long to distinguish if someone is not a right fit for our office. Listed below are some ways to be sure to stick out in the good ways, and get that interview.

• center personal identification at the top:
  Name
  Address
  City, State Zip
  Phone
  Email Address 
• use key words from the job's description
• use an "Objectives Section" over a cover letter, unless otherwise stated
• include your college education background with dates you graduate (past or future)
• keep visual consistency (one type of font 10-12 point, with patterns for information that are easy to follow)
• previous "Professional Experiences" in reverse chronological order
• list internships under "Professional Experiences" with your work history
• right out of college, keep your resume one page, while expanding margins to allow for more space
• be a good fit for the company- and show you can learn versatile information 
• list specific experience
• phrase in past tense

I cannot promise you this will get you the job, but I promise that if you word your resume correctly, you will get an interview!

Political Debaters

Isn't it funny, that when we share opposing views (clearly made to be black and white by the media) truly "rational" and "responsible" people really lose it...

Even here at UT Tyler, we have no shortage of opinions on our own political system.
Which is undoubtedly necessary.
Now, the really important thing to mention is, some people do not form opinions, but regurgitate them. They don't have a stance, but they back up ideas without full knowledge of the consequences.

Whatever your party (or not party) standing:

• keep in mind that people are, first, ALLOWED their own opinions
• remember what may be good for you is not good for everyone
• and stop arguing on Facebook.

Take a Break from Stress (Fun Event!)

                Well, here at The University of Texas at Tyler, I'm sort of involved in all of the things. I, somehow, hold three officer positions this year in various clubs. A large body of the tasks that have been assigned to me, are to let people know about the events we are putting on all over campus for the rest of the semester! Aren't y'all lucky?


 Next Tuesday, September 25th, Peer Education is throwing a day of relaxation for all UT Tyler students and faculty/staff members!

Harvey Lake, taken by Josh Grijalva 

The line-up includes:

• chair massages from (8am-12) 
• "Yoga by the Lake" (11am-12) 
•  progressive relaxation with one of our licensed professional counselors (beginning at 10am) 
• a "free hug" from SWOOP!? a brief introduction to mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques - this will be INSIDE the UC (likely the Ballroom just after 2pm)
  
  This event is located on the deck behind the Administration building!
  
   Events like this are a wonderful way to take a break from a stressful day! So go between classes and tell your friends. I plan on working most of the event, so I'll be there! Sign up early for the massages... or I'll fill your spot with my name. :p

Break Ups and Other Tragic Things

Even attending college with professors that are understanding (every one of them that I have encountered at The University of Texas at Tyler), they still can't shelter you from personal drama.

I fell in and out (arguable) of love with a writer this year, lost another friend to suicide, and found out an awful lot about myself in the process. Painful, but necessary to grow from, and not linger in.

I also learned that heart-ache is not conducive to learning. I made an incomplete in my summer class.
My professor is working with me.
I get to make it all up.
It won't be a big fat negative on my record.
They didn't even ask for details.

It is moments like this that we could worry, but it helps to seek out help if you have a need.
I can't help but feel lucky.

Roommate Rules

Today, at UT Tyler, I was in class... on tumblr. 

Class hadn't started yet! ;) I was early for the parking, and killing some time. I ran across a question about what makes a good roommate! We have come on the blog about a few personal experiences, but not the bare bones of what is generally good practice with living with someone that isn't family! 

1. Mind your noise, and if they’re being too loud ask them to turn their netflicks down, or whatever. Or text them something nice like, “Volume, bro. :)” 
2. Find out our methods of communication! The text didn't work? Try a note! A conversation! 
3. I solemnly swear I won’t be too messy. If we lose the path from the door to our beds we have problems with more than each other, the fire marshal, too. Ask them to clean with you! 
4. If it smells, don’t just shut the mini-fridge or leave the trash bag there. Do something about it. 
5. Don’t move or mess with their stuff. If things get messy, see rule two. 
6. Respect their space! This means their territory and their body. Without their consent, you can’t see or touch their anything. 
7. Take medicine for your health? Some meds are considered controlled substances, so know where they are located at all times. 
8. Maybe stash things you consider valuable (cash, SS card, meds) in that cabinet in your room. You can attach a combination lock that only you know the code to open. 
9. Wash your hands. Actually, that should have been rule number one. OHall’s many door handles are the perfect place to contract the flu. Don’t play, you need to be healthy to study/work/do what you do. 
10. Know the rules and policies for drinking on campus (dry) and be sure to stay safe.
11. Do unto your roommate as you would have them do unto you.

So, after a few different experiences, these are what I decided to highlight. Does anyone have any other suggestions? 

Commuter Student Life

Since moving farther from the UT Tyler campus, things are most definitely different. I miss walking everywhere. Now I need to work out? When?
          My largest perk, though? I find myself much more involved, probably because I am up here all day. I have some breaks between my classes to spend between the lakes, or tucked away in my new HPR building for my speech comm classes. The HPR building is so diverse in majors and central. I get see everyone. If I sit outside, all of my friends pass me! Even the nursing majors. :p This is actually my largest problem with commuting! I stop and talk to someone here, and someone there, and then my hour is gone and nothing is done! I need some quiet time alone during the day.

I honestly need a lot of alone, quiet time during the day. So, I've staked out the most quiet spaces, and I'll share them with you if you promise to keep them quiet.

• Check out the study rooms in the library! You go to the front counter, and show your student ID. You can have a private study room all to your self. Alone but not lonely.
• Each building has study areas in the halls and in each lobby. The lobby in the business building near the Liberty Station has the most plugs.
• Pick a tree, any tree. Seriously. Have you seen how many trees we have? Tons.

Any other ideas?