UT Tyler Freshman Orientation

                Last week a group of students made the next step in their transition to college. Newly graduated from high school, freshman received a peek at the college life. Freshman Orientation 2013!

Passing out tea for dinner

                This too was my first freshman orientation that I worked as an Orientation Leader. I partnered with a fellow leader to provide a positive and engaging experience to a group of 12 upcoming students.

                Day 1 began as an introduction, as freshmen were assigned two orientation leaders. They got to know their orientation leaders through fun ice breakers. They received presentations on the different resources they needed. They received presentations on money management services, housing plans, dining plans, student integrity, as well as attending a fair with some of the student organizations showcasing. Stanley's BBQ catered for dinner. If you would like to know more about Stanley's check out Dallas' blog post at http://go2uttyler.blogspot.com/2013/06/stanleys-famous-pit-bar-b-q-best-bbq-in.html

                After all the informative presentations were over, the free time began. How else can freshman unload the overload of new student information? POOL PARTY! This was my personal favorite part of orientation because it allowed everybody to get to know each other by swimming, playing pool volleyball, basketball and just having a good time.

                When it was time to leave the pool, everybody headed to Ornelas Hall student dorm where everybody was checked in to spend the night earlier in the day. But it wasn’t time for bed, I mean, who would?  The excitement overcame drowsiness. Orientation leaders and new freshmen got to spend time hanging around the media room in the first floor, as well as playing ping pong, watching TV and playing video games.

Students listening to presentations

                Day 2 was filled with more important activities as students experienced a mock class with Melissa Dotson teaching like she normally would during the semester. With great feedback, students were excited about their first day of school!

                Later they got to have some time with the orientation leaders to talk about anything they needed to know, or even answer questions they could only confide in fellow peers. 

                Meet your college was next, as students got to meet their designated colleges to meet some of the faculty and staff they will encounter the rest of their academic career.         

                As things wounded down, students waved goodbye to their orientation leaders and the campus that would soon be their new home.

                Orientation is a great experience as future students are able to get immersed early to some of the amenities that our campus has to offer. If you haven’t had the chance to register for freshmen orientation go to http://www.uttyler.edu/orientation/register.php

Check out a fellow blogger's blog that has pictures of what goes on in orientation at      http://go2uttyler.blogspot.com/2012/08/its-like-university-came-back-to-life.html#more      
           

First transfer orientation was Friday, May 31!

The transition has started. There are those who come from a community college and begin to transfer to a four year university. Some may even just transfer from some other university. Of course, they will most likely choose The University of Texas at Tyler because this campus is the best.

I myself was a transfer student when I arrived this past fall 2012. I transitioned from a community college. It was a big change. There are more people, more organizations, and just plain beauty such as the on campus lakes providing an outdoor ambiance when you sit at the UC Patio.

Coming to UT Tyler was the best choice I could think of. It is located in a great community, the campus is clean, and the people genuinely want to learn and get a degree.

This was the first orientation of the summer, and it was my first orientation that I helped in. I am an Orientation Leader this summer at UT Tyler. I will be aiding freshman and transfer students in getting acquainted with our campus. 

I started with checking-in students and guests

The weather was not as hot as I thought it would be, so the tours were favorable. I got to check in students and their guests as they came into the University Center.  I felt sort of official that day!

Transfer orientation is just letting transfer students see the campus as they arrive the following semester. They get to meet with their colleges and get informed on what their majors are about. They get to see different organizations and services that our campus provides.

This was a great start to the orientations as it allowed me to experience what it would be like to help future students in their transition to our campus!

If any of you will be attending orientation this summer, keep a look out for my name on my name tag!

If you all need to register for orientation or find out more information about it, go to http://www.uttyler.edu/orientation/

Colder Weather at UT Tyler

So, as we all know, the weather is starting to get cooler and fall is setting in. Most people welcome this change with open arms! However, I prefer the summer, so right about now is when I grudgingly drag out my winter clothes and coats. (I was unprepared for this weather in Family Ties).

See? I can tolerate the cold weather, just not for long periods of time.

Now it's that time of year again, where the buildings won't turn on their heaters yet, but it's too cold for the air! Today at work with my fellow UT Tyler Bloggers , I am keeping warm in the office by wearing my PEA COAT while inside! And, I still can't feel my toes! :O 

A few Facts About Kat: 

1. I am very cold-natured. Even during the hottest times of the year, I am often cold inside and/or during the nights. 
2. I love ice cream, Icees, popsicles, Blizzards...and pretty much any frozen, delicious treat of sugary goodness. 
3. If it didn't cost about $1,847,293.47 to always have a space heater running in my bedroom, I would absolutely do it. 

So, today at work when we were enjoying some delicious ice cream for funsies, I did so while wearing my winter gear inside. Take a look: 

My love for ice cream extends beyond my frozen toes and fingers! 

STAY WARM out there, my fellow Patriots and friends! 

Patriot Madness

One of the many events lined up this week for Homecoming was Patriot Madness. It was a basketball exhibition held at the HPC. It was pretty entertaining! A lot of Patriots and family of Patriots came out to watch. 
The side they opened as bleachers were packed, and everyone was so pumped up the whole time!

Between competitions and exhibits, they had contests and prizes for the audiences (who can out-dance swoop, who can shout the loudest etc.) and everyone really enjoyed themselves. I know I did!

Girls team vs Boys team, 3 Point-line Shoot Out

UT Tyler School Mascot Entertaining Everyone

UT Tyler Cheerleaders

Half court shots!

Yes, he DUNKED BLINDFOLDED!

Flu Season, Patriots… Stay Healthy!

My state as I write this blog: blocked nose, sore throat, voice like that of a man, nauseated.

 I always get sick at this time of the year, when the weather is in the process of changing. And so is everyone around me!

As the weather continues to power on to Fall Season, we experience a fluctuation of cold and hot weather. I think that confuses my body and eventually, my immune system fails me.

I cannot believe my luck that I would get sick this week; a week full of exams and quizzes. I’ve already missed three classes because my fever reached 103°F yesterday. And now I’m in a state of worry on how I’m going to catch up on missed school work. I blame Murphy’s Law.

I went to the University Health Clinic yesterday and got a note. They also prescribed me some medicine that helped break my fever. But I’m still pretty sick and I’m still very behind on work.

So if you’re one of those that’s already infected, here’s are some things that’s helping me get better:

•  Go to the clinic. That’s the first step because they will know what’s going on in your body and prescribe you some medicine. (Also, there’s the chance that it’s not flu, so it’s better safe than sorry)
•  If you don’t have the time or energy to go to the clinic, over the counter medication could be your best bet.
•  VITAMIN C. Cannot express how much Vitamin C will help. It boosts your immune system and helps you get better faster and prevents any other sickness. Oranges/Vitamin C supplements are good.
•  Fluids. Being sick gets you dehydrated and your body will always need more fluids than normal.
•  Lots of rest, staying warm (but not too warm, because that elevates your body temperature if you have a fever) and avoiding extra physical work.

Also, if you’re not sick yet (lucky you), here are some preventative measures you might want to take:

• Again, VITAMIC C. A strong immune system is key.
• Get your flu shot :) The University Health Clinic provides this shot and you can set up an appointment and get one.
• Stay away from sick people (for obvious reasons)
• Keep pocket hand sanitizer with you at all times, and use it as necessary. Kill ‘em germs.
• Keep your apartment/living space clean. Bacteria and germs LOVE mess and dirty places and you wouldn’t want your space to be a breeding ground for that.

You should also read my co-blogger Gabby’s blog on more tips about staying healthy and germ-free. 
I hope everyone else is had a great week and looking forward to Homecoming! :)

UT Tyler Orientation Leader Retreat

5 Things an OL should NEVER forget

After hours of sleep deprivation, learning every fact about The University of Texas at Tyler, and competing in extremely competitive endurance challenges I survived my first Orientation Leader Retreat. I learned so many different things this past weekend and I wanted to share my experience with the things that really stuck out to me.

1. Drink lots of coffee/always have caffeine on hand.

By being an Orientation Leader, you're going to be exhausted waking up in the wee early hours in the morning so remember to drink some sort of caffeine to make sure you're wide awake when you first meet your freshmen that are assigned to your group.

2. Remember it's not about you, it's about them!

The whole reason for being an OL is to really portray how awesome our school is and how hyped we are about the incoming patriots!! So put their perspectives first and foremost before your own because you will have a huge impact on how they view The University of Texas at Tyler and their decision in choosing the school.