Michelle_Belle6

Michelle: Fall 2011 Reflection

by Michelle_Belle6 on December 19, 2011

Where has the semester gone? I know we always are rushing to finish up with school and go home, but this semester is one that I really don’t want to leave. All semester I’ve been telling myself that everything will be great when the semester’s over because I’m graduating in January, but now that my last semester is finally here, I am not ready to leave all that I know behind. And, I don’t want to part with all of the faithful RCC Blog readers. So, on a cheerier note, I fully plan on guest blogging next semester.

As long as I can remember, I have always loved writing. Sometimes it even seems like my pen is just another one of my appendages. However, before joining the RCC Blog, I had never blogged for a college audience. Walking into the position, I was nervous about where this writing experience would take me and if I would inspire any students with my words. Previously, I had written for our college newspaper, The Comment and my town’s local newspaper, The Middleboro Gazette, in addition to blogging during my internship at a PR Agency in Boston. Now, that I’ve finally gotten into a swing of blogging, I feel that it’s coming to an end too quickly.

As I reflect on my old posts, I realize that I was way too formal starting off. I think some of this formality came from lessons that I was taught about writing in my courses. To this day, I wish that BSU offered more courses on social media and blogging because we would gain so much from it. For me, I learned how to develop a comfortable tone and style from reading other blogs regardless of if they were celebrity-focused or simply tech reviews. Honestly, my advice is to read as much as you can if you intend to write well.

By far, my favorite articles this semester came from my column called “Crunchy Granola.” The purpose of this column was to blog about healthy eating options for on campus and off campus students. Each week, I had the chance to vary my column from myth-busting facts to recipes to exercise tips. This column was fun for me because I felt like I was helping my peers, in some small way.

As I look ahead to next semester, I hope to have found a job in Communications or Public Relations. I don’t want to work for any company, I want to work for a company that will allow me to write and reach out to others. I’m not going to lie — I’m shaking in my boots thinking about the “real world.” What does that mean anyway? Aren’t we all living in the real world? In any case, as much as I am anxious about what’s next, I am also looking forward to not having a plan for once in my life. I encourage you all to write and find your voice, just like I did this semester.

I hope that you will continue to follow the RCC Blog because this semester I have met some of the most talented and creative writers here. Also, as I mentioned earlier, I plan on guest blogging next semester, so this is not officially goodbye. Over break, keep up with me on Twitter and keep your eye out for my soon-to-come personal blog.

Thanks for reading! See you in the blogosphere!

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CG: Holiday Bashes Without the Bloat

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by Michelle_Belle6 on December 14, 2011

While the holiday season is filled with friends, family, and celebration, we must always remember that there is food involved. Food is great, but guests tend to bring the usual: desserts, such as gingerbread cookies, peppermint cakes, and hazelnut brownies. When we see these delectable goodies, we often use sayings like “it’s the holidays” or “everything in moderation.” These sayings may comfort us during our downing of cupcakes; however, they are not going to save us from the Christmas bloat the next morning. I’m not suggesting to watch everyone else eat as you have a carrot…instead I’m saying to plan before you go.

Location, Location

When you first arrive at said party, whether it’s an ugly sweater party with friends or awkward family gathering, avoid standing near the food platter. If you are close to the food platter then it will be all too easy to pick at those savory Hershey kisses or peanut butter truffles. Ever hear of “out of sight, out of mind,” this saying is one that you’ll want to listen to.

Taste Instead of Plate

It’s inevitable that the host of any party will offer you desserts at some point during your stay. Most of us don’t want to be rude by telling the host that “we’re trying to eat healthy.” So, what you can do is take a taste instead of a plate. Try a couple of the desserts without overwhelming your stomach. This will ease your eyes that have been wandering to the platter and you won’t feel defeated. You will still get to sample everything and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Toppings, Not Your Friend

Sometimes the simplest things can take a dessert from topping to toppling over. Remember that a dessert is already meant to be a treat and you don’t need to add more calories to that. Forget adding marshmallows to your ice cream or extra caramel to your coffee. It’s not necessary and will only make you feel more lethargic after eating.

Say Goodbye to Soda

Water is really the best drink to make you feel full. Instead of stocking up on the fizz choose water to accompany your deserts. Cutting back allows you to control your portions and lower carbonation will keep you from feeling nauseous after mixing so many different foods. You want to enjoy your party, not run home in sickness.

What’s your diet track in December? How will you avoid the holiday bloat?

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Creative Things to Do Over Winter Break

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by Michelle_Belle6 on December 14, 2011

As soon as finals end, we can’t wait to leave campus and go home and celebrate the holidays with our families, but once the holidays are over, we go through withdrawals from college. We try to stay occupied during the first few days of break, but after those days are up, we are ready to go back to school. Is it because we’re confused college students who can’t make up our minds? No, it’s because we don’t know what free time is…it’s foreign to us. Instead of curling up to the TV this break, make time a blessing, not a curse.

Become a community citizen

While we all enjoy “me time” during winter break, it is also one of the few times that we don’t have classes. Although, I’m a huge advocate for pampering yourself over break, helping others can be rewarding too.  This winter break, some BSU students will leave for Mission Trips in January. You should know that this not the only option. There are local volunteer opportunities in your community.

Explore your snow talents

Winter is the one time a year when we can actually break out the sleds, skis and snowboards. If you’re like me then you probably tell yourself every year that you’re going to try one of these activities. The reality is hitting the slopes is not so easy when you’re back at Bridgewater. Even though our college town has a number of offerings, mountains aren’t one of them. The good news is New Hampshire isn’t far so try your hand at one of these snow sports.

Catch up on the classics

Have you ever heard someone comment on the “millennials” a.k.a. our generation, saying that we have “no taste for culture or the classics.” These stereotypes are often wrong and inconsiderate, but they’re there. So, why not catch up on the classics this winter. I’m not talking about ‘90s movies or music. I’m talking about the real classics like “East of Eden,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” and “Citizen Kane.” Also, why not pimp out your iPod with some Billie Holiday or Frank Sinatra.

Build your identity

I’m sure we all can agree that free time leads to free thoughts. All of those thoughts can sometimes lead to a great story or piece of art. Rather than letting them sit in your mind, you should do something with them. Create a blog; start writing a book, make a movie, or paint. Whatever you do, put your heart into it. Maybe your writing will get published or touch another person’s life for the better.

Ring in the free money

Scholarship applications are not fun, but hear me out. If you fill out a couple of applications through BSU’s scholarship website then you might receive free money towards your education. I don’t recommend filling out these applications all at once. But, fill a couple of sections out per day and your chances of paying less for your education increase. College is one of the few times in life when others want to give you money to go to school so take advantage of that fact.

 

Do you have any fun or interesting plans for winter break?

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