work

Summertime, and the Living’s Filled with Homework?

Post image for Summertime, and the Living’s Filled with Homework?

by emilieflagg on March 19, 2012

The word summer brings joy to (most) everyone’s ears- and photo opportunities for everyone’s camera: sun, the beach, bonfires- all the rest of the hot mess we call summer. What if someone were to add in “going to class!” to my list of summer activities?  I always thought that was why I went to school at all: summer was my reward. Going back to school even longer? No Thank You! But sometimes, necessity calls.

School’s NOT out for the Summer

That’s right.  There will still be pencils, there will still be books, and there will still be teacher’s dirty looks.  Some of your friends won’t have to take summer classes because they don’t need to, and your jealousy will be hotter than a toasted pig.  It’s not that fun. There are a few things that really grind my gears about it, for example:

Eww Driving

Unlike commuters, college students who live on campus aren’t used to driving to school every day to get to class.  If you live in one of the nearby towns, it’s really not much to complain about, even in the summer. But if you have a little bit of a commute- lets use Cape Cod (my neck of the woods)- you’ll have to deal with the heat, the fumes, and obviously (I want to whisper this) the traffic! You give me one Cape Codder who likes getting on and off the Cape via the Bourne or the Sagamore bridges(the only way off) and I’ll give you a magical flying pig.

Sitting in Class vs. Having Fun-

Jeepers Creepers, how to choose….

It’ ll be tough to be in class or doing homework while your friends talk about beach outings and parties that you missed, no doubt about it. Your extra credits will seem pretty useless compared to all the fun everyone else is having.

Can You Commit?

Summer classes take place much more often- sometimes 5 days a week, and if you have any sort of commitment already (your job, possibly your children, going to Gramp’s 100th birthday party, etc.), than it might not be realistic for you to spend the time and money on summer classes.

The Truth? 

Your friends are probably not having much more fun than you are- most of mine work all day.  You won’t miss out on too much because summer classes, as said before, are fast (about 5-10 weeks, whichever you decide), and you can even opt to take an online class if it’s offered.

Git ‘Er Done

It’s an accomplished feeling when you complete a summer course, especially knowing that you got it out of the way, and you don’t have to take it in the summer.  I’ve taken an intersession course before, so if I can do that, I’m sure you can take a summer course. All you need is to constantly keep the image of completing the class in your in mind, and I can guarantee you’ll have the motivation to succeed.

Have you taken summer courses? Do you plan on it? 

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

{ 4 comments }

Get Money!!… and a Job

Post image for Get Money!!… and a Job

by emilieflagg on March 1, 2012

If your Connect Card, like mine, feels a little lighter, my professional diagnosis is that it’s cash deficient and maybe it’s time to think about bringing it to the doctor. Just kidding. Actually, it’s time to get a job.

Motivation.

Looking for a job takes motivation. Money is obviously  a pretty strong motivator.   Or how about the elimination of that nervous feeling when we know we have only enough money for the moment, but what if-out of nowhere-you need a new tire? Or it’s suddenly someone’s birthday? Or your laptop breaks?

But how about if there is someone funding your needs and most of the things that you want all ready? Well, think of it this way: they won’t pay for you forever, and you also will need some job experience to get you by in this fast paced economic world we live in.  There’s also a strong sense of accomplishment we feel when we’ve truly earned something on our own. So find a motivation, and get on out there!

But where do I go?

Living on campus? The first place to check is the student employment office! And even if you don’t live on campus-although it may not be ideal, you can find a job on campus as well.  There may be some jobs on there that have been filled but are still posted online, so your best bet is probably to physically go to the employment office, located in Boyden Hall, room 101.

Dignity, SH-mignity!

Apply everywhere! I hate to tell you, but many of our first jobs won’t exactly be the most glamorous places in the world.  That doesn’t matter. There still IS a cool factor to that job- whether it’s scrubbing toilets at Taco Bell or holding a sign that says “75% OFF EVERYTHING” for passerby’s to see, and that cool factor= getting a paycheck (YAY $ !!).  Besides the student employment center (which may not have a job opening that works for you at the moment), and besides places you’ve applied to that are walking distance, where else can you look?

–The Internet, where else?

Okay, so Craigslist hasn’t exactly gotten the best rep in the last few years, but throughout my working life, I’ve found two successful jobs off of that site- so I can’t complain. If you are still completely against it, there are other sites that are more corporate(less privately regulated), such as Indeed.com. Type in Bridgewater in the “city” space, and nearby jobs will result from your search.

Bridgewater’s online news resource shows jobs nearby as well- at the top of the page it says “JOBS” and the link will take you to a job search site specified for the area.

Need transportation from campus? Look no further: BSU’s transportation page.

Make sure you are 100% prepared to fill out an application. Always bring a pen. Dress neatly, even if you are just walking in. And bring a list of references + their contact info with you. (Fellow RCC Blogger Ashley’s helpful article tells us all about references)

Remember, don’t give up. Finding a job takes time, and all ready you should be proud of yourself for your effort- it’s not easy! Keep your motivation in sight, and keep on truckin.’

Do you need a job? What are some things keeping you back from applying somewhere?  

 

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

{ 0 comments }

Why I’m Sick of Summer

by ashleytwigg on September 21, 2011

Trust me, I am the LAST person wanting to wave goodbye to the summer months, but since it’s September and we are back in school, I’m ready to move on into the colder season. Hot weather was great for sitting on the beach and tanning, but a little temperature change should mix things up a bit and do us all some good.

CROSSING THE SAHARA (a.k.a. Chapel Lot)

I love BSU, but what I DON’T love is walking across a giant campus in the rain, show, or intense heat. Last week, the temperatures were in the 80′s almost every day, so as someone who tends to cut it close getting to class on time using an awkward mix of running and jogging, hot weather  is definitely an inconvenience.

Not to mention, the heat really messes with my hair and make-up. Guys may laugh, but the ladies know what I’m talking about. Humidity makes me show up to class looking like a hot mess… literally.

SUMMER LOVIN’… IS OVER.

Sometimes it isn’t until I head back to school that I realize all the little things I’ve missed since I left. As a kid, I dreaded going back to school, but as a college student I can’t tell you how many people I heard say they missed school or how many Facebook statuses were counting down the days until they moved back in.

When the end of summer came I started realizing just how much I missed, my friends, having a set schedule, or simply just walking around campus and seeing people. With “Back to School” comes all sorts of different events and get together’s. Even BSU’s Homecoming is right around the corner.

WARDROBE CHANGE

I know we are in college and don’t necessarily need to go “school shopping”, but the weather changing is definitely a valid excuse for a little retail splurging. It’s always fun to pull the sweaters and jeans out of storage, but buying a few new pieces never hurt anyone either. It’s finally the time of year when you can walk around in a t-shirt and jeans around campus and be comfortable.

TAKIN’ IT EASY?

For most college kids summer isn’t always as relaxing as it sounds. Most of our days are spent slaving away at our low paying jobs trying to save up a little money for the upcoming year (or paying back expenses from the one prior). As much as we often complain about the stress that comes with school, it definitely beats working full time.

It is college after all. It will be over quick and then we really will be living in the full-time-job world. So for now, enjoy your classes, being a student, and try and embrace your not-so-glamorous part-time jobs.

 

What about summer are you sick of? What do you like about fall? Why are you glad to be back at school?

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

{ 0 comments }