Keep Calm UT Tyler. It's Almost Summer

   Finals week are at full swing this week at UT Tyler ! Even though it's not quite summer yet, I wanted to share some of the things I am excited about for the summer!

1. NO SCHOOL! This is actually the first summer since Sophomore year of High School that I will NOT have summer school .

2. Florida: My family and I are going on vacation to Florida, Universal Studies to be exact! I haven't been to

Florida since high school. It wasn't a great experience for me at all! Unfortunately, there was a storm that came a day before we flew in. As you can guess, it wasn't a pretty site at all. There we're sea weeds everywhere that the storm brought in! It also became a little bit chilly.

 3. Diagon Alley :  For all my fellow Harry Potter fans, Diagon Alley opens at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! AGHHHHH!!!:)

4. Transformers: The Ride 3D and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem are other attractions I am excited about! Oh yeah, back to being a kid again!

5. Lounging: After a semester of constant studying and stress for the nursing program, I am ready to just lounge and not do anything for once! Catching up on shows, sleeping in late, tanning by the pool... oh yes, I. AM. READY!

    These things are what's keeping me going and pushing through finals week. Just a couple of days guys and WE WILL BE FREE!!!! 

Good Luck on Finals!

         

    Another semester is closing to an end. I feel torn about this. Of course I am looking forward to summer without class, sleeping in late, lounging by the pool, and not waking up to that pesky alarm clock. However, I am not looking forward to finals week ....


            So this is a quick blog to tell all my fellow Patriots LOTS AND LOTS of luck as we embark on yet another finals week here at UT Tyler . Remember to do your course evaluations as well on myUTTylers , so you can check your grades earlier!

          It's a bitter sweet moment for me as well, having to say good bye to friends here at Tyler as I go back home to Allen next weekend. For all of those who are moving out for the summer and moving back home, I wish all of you a safe travel!

   

 Just remember that the end is almost near! Do not give up! Always remember that pain is temporary, so stay up late night, chug those coffee, and get those bags under your eyes, because we have less than two weeks of school left! After these last few days pass, it's going to be worth it and to be able to say that you got through another semester. So finish strong! See you guys next semester! 

UT Tyler Student Leadership and Service Awards!

     The University of Texas at Tyler takes notice of notable students here on campus. Whether these student lead with service or overall leadership qualities, the university honors such students with an awards ceremony to present them with. Thursday, April 24th, the awards ceremony took place at the University Center Ballroom at 6 p.m.

Spring Break Blues

   Back to reality..   UT Tyler's Spring Break is over, and eveyone is either still in Spring break mode, still dreaming about Spring Break, or college student like me, who wished their Spring Break was a lot more eventful.


      I spent a majority of my Spring Break, unfortunately cooped up in a library since I had a test the Monday morning after Spring Break... That's nursing school for ya! I did however went to Marble Falls, Tx to go zip lining! Marble Falls is about 30 minutes outside of Austin. Speaking of Austin, I just want to express my condolances to the vicitms of the SXSW car aaccident.

UT Tyler Student Money Management hosts "Eating Healthy on a Budget"

     As a college student, there is really no time nor is there money to consider healthy eating. There are times where life is going at a fast pace. Deadlines approach and the dollar menu may be faster and more efficient. These habits should be reconsidered and there are resources available to you in the university to help you if you'd like! The University of Texas at Tyler Student Money Management is hosting their event "Eating Healthy on a Budget" to inform you!

UT Tyler CAB hosts hypnotist

     The human mind is the most complex, and intricate wonder of the world. It controls your thoughts and actions. You are in control of your own mind. Have you ever wondered what would happen when you no longer have conscious control? This is where Sailesh, the hypnotist comes into play!

UT Tyler Student Life and Leadership offers multicultural events

     The University of Texas at Tyler offers students different recreational events. These can include Homecoming festivities, or simply different Campus Activities Board sponsored events. The most interesting events the Office of Student Life and Leadership has offered are cultural ones. In the past there's been events where food from around the world is catered to show a different cultural aspect of the world to students. On Monday, March 17, at 12 p.m. there will be a Holi Festival held at the University Center Patio and Ornelas Hall Fields.

Spring Break on a Budget

For most college students, this is the time of year that we dream about shortly after first moving in and awkwardly navigating The Met for the first time. However, like most college students, we realize the American Pie worthy spring break is a far cry from what we are able to do. We are stressed with midterms, strapped for cash, and exhausted from being bombarded with quizzes and exams. So what is a stressed, tired, and broke college student to do when there’s no school for a week? 

If you guessed: read this list for ideas, you are correct!!

UT Tyler Resident Assistant positions available!

     Have you ever thought about impacting students living on campus in a different way? Would you like to live on campus and take on a leadership role? Try becoming a Resident Assistant! The University of Texas at Tyler Department of Residence Life is now hiring for RA positions!

Putting a Spring into Your Step at UT Tyler!

Now that we have been in school for a few weeks and we students are getting back into our normal, “oh good God, this paper is due! We have a quiz!” routine, it’s time to find a way to cope with this transient, fleeting time of the year. In the past few posts of mine, we’ve discussed how to handle not always excelling at things the first time around and the complications of Texas weather on fashion. However, this semester is going to fly by! I know it seems like it just started, but it is already February: the shortest month of the year with only 28 days. At the risk of sounding like that obstreperous Rebecca Black song, March comes after that! That means if you start now, that only leaves about a little over a month to plan the perfect spring break! It sounds like a really long time, but we all know how time flies when you’re taking quizzes, having perfect attendance in that 8 am class (am I right?), and studying late into the night for all those exams.

This bunny is in your home, studying your notes!

Here is a spring board of fun ideas to do over Spring Break and why they’re awesome! Check it out:

-We Will Rock You the Musical: this musical based on the works of Queen will be happening in scenic Dallas, Texas! They will be doing theatrical renditions of Queen’s biggest hits. This ‘killer queen’ is super excited and looking at ticket prices right now. Ticket prices start at $32! Come see We Will Rock You the Musical in Fair Park!

Hockey: Only thing manly when put on ice

-Ottawa Senators vs. Dallas Stars- come get your cheer on and watch a really great hockey game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas! :D Okay, so truth be told: I love hockey and really get into it, so bring earplugs because there are others like this. But seriously! Ticket prices start at $28. Face off, March 22 at 2 p.m.!

-Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center- Okay, anything that promises both liquid nitrogen ice cream and an IMAX theatre sounds really awesome in my book! For non-members, the combo fee to enjoy both the exhibits and the IMAX theatre is only $18! It’s fun, educational, there’s ice cream, there’s science… what more could you want?

I want all the brightly colored things!

-Jasper Azalea Festival- this sounds like a blast. On March 15, 2014, there’s going to be arts and crafts and a butterfly release, garden tours, live music, and vendors! When I checked the website, they said there was going to be a petting zoo. I know where I am going to be! Seriously, I am hoping there’s an alpaca. They are such mysterious creatures! The fun starts at the Jasper County Courthouse Square at 9 a.m. sharp! Be there or be square J

So, I know there’s quite a bit of time between now and spring break, but you don’t want to be stuck buying tickets at the last minute! (These can get expensive!) Happy planning and may the odds forever be in your favor.

UT Tyler Spring Recruitment is here!

                It’s that time of the year again! Spring rush week is occurring this week and next week. The spring semester differs from fall recruitment as this is informal rush week. It is informal because there is no set schedule of when each fraternity will host events.  Each of the three chapters has activities on different days of the week, instead of the extensive process in the fall formal recruitment. This will be my first recruitment week since I got initiated into Sigma Alpha Epsilon this past fall semester. So I will just tell you a little about my personal experience going through this process. I speak only for myself when I say that this has been a great opportunity.

Hypothermia, Meggings, and Flip Flops: Oh My!

So even though Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Epiphany have all passed- it is still cold outside sometimes. Now, I know I already made a post about ideas of what to wear before, but when I was sitting in my apartment and drinking my Caramel Flan Latte, I realized: when explaining the rules of a game to someone, one does not tell them what all they can do, but rather what they shouldn’t do. I mean, seriously- everyone has that memory of being in elementary school gym class and not always sitting out right away when it was time to play dodgeball. And what happened? The coach saw! Best case scenario? You could play it off as being on your way out. Worst case scenario? How about being branded a ‘cheater’ in front of the class and having that incorrigible ‘ooooooh’ sound when your classmates know someone’s about to get it.

A flashback could happen at any moment!

Horrible, awkward gym class memories aside- here is an interesting phenomenon that usually happens every year around when it is just after the winter holidays and just before spring. A few mornings ago, I was outside walking to my 8 am class and it was about 40 degrees outside when I checked my weather app. Needless to say, I was wearing boots, a coat, jeans, and a scarf. In front of me were two people (not one but TWO!) wearing short shorts, tank tops, and flip flops. They were complaining about how cold it was and all I could think of was, “Of course you are going to be cold when you don’t have any clothes on!”

To avoid looking seasonally confused, I have compiled a list of What Not to Wear:

-If there’s a risk for your lips to be turning blue, save your flip flops for another day. Why subject your toes to below freezing temperatures willingly? Blue toenails? Cute! Hypothermia? Not cute.

This captures the essence of a college student perfectly.

-If there’s frost on the car windshield, there’s your sign that you need a jacket, coat, sweater, whatever warming agent you would like to warm yourself with. There’s no shame in walking wrapped up in a blanket either.  

-Want to wear something bold and daring? Go for it. Wait! My neck is exposed! What if a winter loving vampire attacks me! That is okay. Wear a scarf and foil their attack. What scarves are also good for is keeping your neck warm and toasty. Don’t like having the ends dangling in the breeze? Wear an infinity scarf like a necklace. There are some really cool tricks on Pinterest on ways to tie them up too!

-Please, on behalf of all humanity, wear something to cover the lower half of your body. Jeans are a beautiful invention and they come in a wide variety of styles and shades. Yes, I know- tights are a “thing” and so are “meggings” (can we all just join together in a collective shudder of revulsion here?) But honestly if you want warmth, coverage, and durability (how often do jeans snag?)- jeans are the way to go?

Wear to even begin?

This cold weather isn’t going to last very long, but it is okay. Let’s make the most of this beautiful, fleeting time while it lasts!

The Path

   College can be stressful? I am not sure that such a phrase is exactly the kind of wisdom you will find carved on a stone near the oldest human settlements on account of how obvious it is, but there is a lesson that comes from it. College is the beginning of something bigger and better. I know, I know - you probably heard that about High School, too. The thing is, High School prepares you for social interactions with others on a large scale where-as college prepares you for ... well, being you.
So,

Work Ahead ... or Else!

New semester!

New classes!

New deadlines!

While the third thing I mentioned might not seem like the biggest concern when held against things like "Where is my Financial Aid?" and "Why did my roommates think watching You Got Served was a good idea?"

Crossing the finish line!

           Who knew September 3^rd of this year would mark the beginning of something that would change me. Fraternities were never something I saw myself joining. I felt that I didn't fit in the mold of what was portrayed through television and movies. Ever since recruitment began on that day, I have been so thankful of my decision to go through with it. I am thankful to have chosen Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

Going For The Masters

Deciding where you want to go in life can be difficult at times. Really difficult. Like, you have two doors with one reading MONEY and the other reading DEATH ... and you are blindfolded, turned around, and then asked to pick what door you want to go through.

Rush Week!

                The rush of adrenaline is indescribable. The excitement of something building up causes the heart to race as notions of uneasiness are building up. Ever since I signed up for recruitment in August, I waited for this moment.

Have you thought about going Greek?

                There are over 70 organizations on campus. There’s something for everybody to get involved in. There’s a tennis club for those active players, and even a hot tub club to unwind from school stress.

                I never really got involved on campus due to my focus in classes. This will change this semester. I only have two years left here at UT Tyler, so I want to make the most of it. This is why I decided to join something big. Greek Life.

  

                I never thought it was for me, but I finally came to the conclusion that if you don’t try new things, how will you venture into anything worthwhile in your life?

                There are three fraternities and three sororities on campus:

 The Interfraternity Council:

•          Sigma Alpha Epsilon
•          Pi Kappa Phi
•         Kappa Sigma

College Panhellenic  Council:

•          Alpha Chi Omega
•          Delta Gamma

National Pan-Hellenic Council:

•          Delta Sigma Theta

                Each fraternity and sorority has their own unique core values representing themselves in different ways. They also have their own philanthropy leading different service projects. You can learn more about it from their own website.

                To join a fraternity or sorority you first have to register for recruitment.

          In order to join, there are a few requirements: you need to have a 2.5 cumulative GPA in high school or college, be a full time student enrolled in at least 12 hours, have not ever been initiated into membership of an NIC fraternity and finally you must register by the deadline.

                The deadline for fall registration was the 3^rd of September.

                Once you register, you attend the formal recruitment which is September 3-7.

                You may be thinking…how do I approach these guys and girls and get to know more about them?

Sigma Alpha Epsilon displaying their letters

                Each chapter usually has information tables around campus, usually at the University Center, near rush week. This fall they had these tables around welcome week as well as hosting an event called Greek Life Fall Fest on August 28^th.

Local band performing

    I attended this event where the Greek chapters got to meet and socialize with students interested in joining Greek life. This way, students were able to unwind from school that day.There was a local band playing, setting a relaxing energy as everyone mingled. Food was not present but the ice cream was a great compensation, especially for this Texas heat!

                I’m excited to embark on this journey to hopefully become a member of a great fraternity.

                So go ahead and check out my rush week process as I experience recruitment this week!

                If you would like more information about Greek life, feel free to contact them!

               

Study hot spots during the school year for UT Tyler students

                The comfort of your own room to spend your late night study grinds is the usual thing, but sometimes the bed calls you and you succumb to slumber. Where else can you go to study besides your bed? How about some coffee shops!

                If you’re interested in going off campus to study, there are different coffee shops around town that provide delicious treats, free Wi-Fi and the all mighty coffee boost. There are different kinds of shops that provide coffee around Tyler such as Starbucks, Einstein Bros Bagels, Caffe Tazza, Panera Bread, Barnes & Nobles and Newk’s. 

                Here’s a chart to show the amenities that these different locations provide: 
          

                

                If you like having some noise around you when you study like I do, then these places are right for you. These places provide a mellow atmosphere that is comforting to study around. There’s not too much noise and it’s definitely not too quiet to make you sleep.

                If you get hungry, these sell food so you don’t have to take too much of a food break since it is right there available to you. To look at the menu that each establishment provides, go to their menu by navigating through their individual website.

                You can also go on campus to study if you wish to stay close to home. The Muntz library provides a great zone to study in as the first and third floor are silent areas. They also have their own coffee shop that brews Starbucks coffee. To read more on what the library offers click here. 

              

My last few weeks at the call center!

So sadly I have to announce my last day here at the admission office call center. I know I posted a blog before in spring semester stating that I won’t be back in summer or fall, but since I did for a month during summer, I would have leave for fall semester because of my internship.

August 22^nd is my last day :(

I had an amazing time working with such great a great team. This job thought me so much during my time spent here.

One thing I like most about this job is the fact that everyone here works as a team, and every day is a fun environment here at our office. I have never gotten bored with what I did; we made our day very productive each day to accomplish our tasks.

I will still be here at the campus to finish my last semester, so if any of the new students wanted to reach out for me for any questions or concerns about TheUniversity of Texas at Tyler can locate me theHPC building. HPC is the Health and Kinesiology department and all of my classes will be there in fall.

And before I leave, I want to thank each and every one of my team members for always keeping a fun environment at the office. Hopefully I will see you guys around campus in fall. And a huge Thanks to my supervisor for giving me such a great opportunity.

I would definitely suggest to upcoming freshman to look into this job. The hours are great so you don’t have to worry about finding a different job and adjust your classes according to them. Trust me.. you will LOVE IT HERE!