"There is no Challenge more challenging than the challenge to improve yourself" -Michael Staley

Lets just say this past week I have run into most of my challenges here at Southern.

I met one of my best friends, Jayme, my first semester at Southern.  We basically spent all of our time together.  Jayme was a year older than me so she was always a step ahead of me in classes.  That didn’t affect our friendship since we were both in college.  Jayme graduated from Southern in May.  She extended her internship until the beginning of September and we were able to spend one last summer together.  Last weekend Jayme moved back home to New Jersey.  It is time for her to start her new chapter in life.  Knowing that when I get home from work or class Jayme isn’t going to be there is a weird feeling.  When you have a routine with someone, it is challenging to change it.  What I am dealing with now is similar to what the students in my INQ class are going through.  It is difficult to grow up with the same group of friends for so long and then leave them when you move away to college.  As challenging as it is, I think it is experiences like these that make your friendships stronger.

Jayme and I at a banquet this past May

I am really involved in a lot on campus.  I am president of a sorority, treasurer of the Greek Life Council, a peer mentor, and commuter connector.  I also work on campus in addition to taking 12 credits.  Most people would say I do way too much.  I love everything I do and do not think that I could cut something out.  My days are extremely long.  Monday-Thursday I am on campus by 8:30am until at least 9:30pm.  I commute to Southern so when I leave the house in the morning, I have to make sure I have everything on me.  I am usually really good with time management.  I use my planner and color coordinate everything.  This past semester has been challenging getting use to my schedule.  I need to figure out different ways to distress myself with everything that is going on in my life.  I have to make sure that I take time for myself.  One thing that I have tried doing was taking walks around campus during my breaks.

Another challenge I faced is my course load.  I am taking a philosophy course as a “W-Course.”  I need to dedicate more time to this class compared to other courses I have taken.  My Earth Science class is difficult as well.  I haven’t taken an earth science class since high school.  I use to enjoy those types of classes.  It is going to take me a little bit of time to get use to all of the terms and concepts again.  I wish I didn’t wait so long to take this course.  Classifying minerals seems so difficult.  My friend told me last week that I have to stop saying that I can’t do it.  Instead I have to think positively and say I will do my best.  Trying to change the way I say something will have a big affect on how I view assignments and projects.

It doesn’t matter how long or how comfortable you are at something.  In life you are always going to face some type of challenge.  Instead of giving up right away, try pushing through.  Every obstacle you face in life will help you somewhere down the road.

UPCOMING EVENTS!

Tuesday September 14: ProCon Presents Toy Story 3 at 7pm in the Student Center Theater
Wednesday, September 15: New Student Convocation at 1pm in the Lyman Center
                                            Student Club and Involvement Fair 2-5pm in the Academic Quad
                                            Outcast United Author Warren St. John at 7pm in Lyman Center
Friday September 17: We The Kings Concert at 7:30 in Lyman Center
Sunday, September 19: Men's Rugby Tailgate at 1pm at the Rugby Field
Wednesday, September 22: Southern on the Move Walk at 12:30-1pm
Thursday, September 23: Televised Football Game (I will find out the exact times for you!)

October 16: Homecoming Parade/Game (Parents Day!)

Here are some dates for you.  I will keep you updated and add more when I hear about them.  If you are playing any sports please post your games! Maybe we can try and get a group together to go to them!

The Sky is the Limit

My Vision Board

"Don't bunt. Aim out of the ballpark."
David Ogilvy

Dare to Dance?

I have been trying to come up with a name for my blog all weekend.  I spent a lot of time thinking back to the summer of 2007.  I wanted to try and remember how I felt and what I expected college to be like my freshman year.  College was just the next step to take.  I wanted to be successful and get a good job so I applied to a few different universities.

My High School Dance Team
after we won Grand Champs and finally beat our rivals my senior year.

I have danced my entire life and that was about the only thing that I felt confident doing.  Whether I was taking a class, teaching a class, or competing in front of judges- that was the only time that I knew everything was right.  I planned on attending Sacred Heart University and dancing on their dance team. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned and I ended up coming to Southern Connecticut State University.  That is when I decided that I was done with dance.  I couldn’t imagine being at a school- away from my best friends and dance team and still dancing?! I felt like I would be cheating on them.  Childish- I know. 

My High School Dance Team 

I started new.  I got involved in different clubs and organizations.  I learned how to write a college paper, study for an exam, and take advantage of all the different workshops available.  All these new experiences shaped me into who I am today.  I am proud to say that I have switched my major 12 million different times and have finally found what I want to do with my life. 

I look at life a lot differently now.  I use to always tell people that I “gave up dance once I came to college.”  Now I look at it as I just learned a new dance here at Southern.  Things are going to change, you will meet people that come into your life to stay and others that are just here to share a short dance with you.  Whatever it may be, learn from that experience.  My past few years at Southern have helped me realize that I am simply Dancing Through Life.  I am learning what dances work for me and what ones don’t.  If I mess up or stumble out of a turn, I learn from that and try to improve it.  Now I have to ask you—Dare to Dance?

Image from Google Images

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass—It is about dancing in the rain”