Greatest University Challenges of 2009!

I have kindly provided the top challenges I underwent in the first semester and how I plan to change it in the coming semester of 2010.

Away from home: Four hours between Toronto and Ottawa. Some would say it is the perfect distance. Far enough from the rents, yet close enough to feel comfortable. Some students travel across the world to come to Carleton to experience a new cultural environment. Some come from hot climates and are forced to experience the coldest Ottawa winters and some come from places much the same. Being away from home is hard no matter if you're an hour car ride away or 20 hour plane ride - it's hard! It's OK to call your parents and see what they are up to. Your parents expect that you will at some point call home and admit that you actually miss them.

My challenge was learning how to deal with things on my own - shopping, transportation, stressful situations and so on. This was hard because even though I did these things back home it was different. If I found I had to travel to the other side of the city or I was stuck somewhere I couldn't just call up my parents and ask them to rescue me. If my computer broke down and I needed it fixed my parents couldn't "take care of it". If I realized I was running low on cash, I couldn't just ask my parents to supply me with more money. These situations were tend to realize because, hey, as we all do we fail to see some of the small things our family does for us that we might not take notice of.

What I plan to do: Build a better support network. Keep busy. Call home regularly and go home when I feel like I need to.


Budgeting: How much did you put on your campus card? HOW MUCH!? Yep, it has happened to the best of us. Your parents leave you off with a card full of money. You woke up late, no time for breakfast, no problem you'll eat on-the-go. You need to get downtown. That's no problem either you'll buy a set of bus tickets. You have a big assignment due you need coffee and snacks. No problem you've got your campus card. You came back from a late night. No problem you'll go to the Oasis at 3 am and buy yourself a pizza. Now. Think about these decisions and multiply them by 40. Where did all the money go? I asked myself the same question.

My biggest challenge. How to manage my money. From not thinking twice about how I spend my money and where it goes I ended up looking for sales on toilet paper - seriously. I realized that I was buying a coffee a day which added up to about 40 dollars a month and all I could think about was oh it's only a buck fifty. Money adds up and it's so easy for us to think that because something is so cheap that it doesn't hurt our budget. Bus tickets alone were expensive and added up too. I was spending at minimum 12 dollars a week just on two days worth of busing. More than that was the sheer amount of money I spend on food and snacking - poof! Money gone in a jiffy, whether it was at Roosters or Starbucks or Tim Hortons or Obstensions it was eating my money. For all of you students out there who are thinking about a credit card... this is a good was to see how you manage your money.

How I plan to change it: I'm going to buy a monthly pass because it will save me a lot of stress and worry. Also, since I have to bus twice a day the money is a necessity. I also plan to start going food shopping off campus and pre-making lunches and snacks so that if I'm in a hurry I have things at home. Most importantly I am going to buy a thermos so that when I need coffee on-the-go I can make it in the morning and take it with me. Also if you're a tea person you can always carry around extra tea bags with you and ask for hot water. It's really cheap!


Freshman 15: Lets just say it's baby-phat, OK? We all know that this is the GREATEST fear for many students who care about how much weight they'll put on in their first year - new environment, new challenges, new friends, home sickness, school stress and the cafeteria. It's OK! The greatest thing about Carleton is you have a membership to the school Gym and the countless teams you can join. In nice weather, there's a lovely path along the Canal which is amazing to run, walk, rollerblade and bike by. Freshman 15 is also when you're a freshman you'll, hopefully, you'll become more adjusted if not in the second semester then second year!

My greatest challenge was the weight gain. My eyes were bulging out of my sockets with these special lenses analyzing each inch I grow. Hey, I will say it wasn't that much... I don't know if I made it to 15, but it was hard and it still is. I accept that I'm learning though and the only thing familiar to me is food so it becomes my best friend. Join me at the gym - we'll work on it!


Balancing time: You either party way too much or your head is stuck in the books. You've spend the weekend drinking and sit down at your computer on Sunday night with a paper due Monday morning going "$^#$^&% I will never finish this on time. Or you spend the weekend with your head in the books and realize you never made it for your best friend’s birthday party.

My greatest challenge was managing time. I spent day after day, weekend after weekend with my head in my books. I was always afraid that I would end up wasting time when I "should've been studying." I've seen a lot of my friends do the exact opposite. It's hard because I'm no better with my head in the books. I got upset a lot because all my friends were going out and I wasn't. I never gave myself a chance to get away both mentally and physically away from my books.

How I plan to change it: I've made a commitment to go out once a week no matter what and no matter what I do whether it be clubbing or going out for coffee.


Marks: It has been said that you're marks will drop by 10% from your high school average. Well, some people it could drop as low as 30% and sometimes you can even match your high school average and if you're lucky even beat it. This is all based on experience, commitment, adjustment, and of course brilliance.

My greatest challenge was seeing a 62 per cent. This was solely based on bad citations because I waited until the last minute to do them. BIGGEST ADVICE: They will catch you, they will penalize you, even if it wasn't your fault and it was just sloppy. It's UNEXCEPTABLE. I'm lucky I didn't get a zero for sloppy situations. Anyway, point being when you see your marks and they're not up to par with your expectations - it's OK! It's first year and with hard work and commitment you will do better and get the hang of it.

What I plan to do: Stop freaking out!

Long Distance Relationship: By far the hardest university challenge and, I guess, challenge overall. For many students out there some have had a summer romance right before first year or have had that special someone growing up. All of a sudden you're both going to different schools, but vow to be faithful and think of no one else. Some make it some don't. Some are close enough some are too far away.

The biggest challenge was my own long distance relationship with someone very special very far away in Australia (I know). We try to make things work, but we ended up stressed and hurt all the time. I have the extreme case, of course, but it's the prime example of what type of changes happen. You're on the phone to someone you rarely see. You pass off time to meet friends and go out and have a good time to stay in and speak to them. You're constantly suspicious of every move they make and everything they say - there is no way to validate the truth. You argue because you can't accept the fact that your so far away. You start to drift and make your life more difficult by trying to become closer when it just isn't happening. You hold onto it because you're scared to lose it. Then you wake up one day and realize how much you missed out on and boy do you. So, biggest advice is that some LDRs work and some don't.

So, if' you can relate and you feel the same sort of feelings maybe you should re-evaluate your decision and think twice about what you're truly gaining.

How I plan to change it: We've decided to move into 2010 to better ourselves without each other. It will be much healthier because I don't have to worry about what he's doing and vice versa.

Carleton University Advice for 2010

Lessons I've learned from my first semester that I wish I would have known or that I did and helped me a great deal in my university career. I have compiled a list to help you

1. Go to Professors office hours: and build a relationship. It is so nice to go to a lecture and have your professor refer to you by name. For one this shows you care and two you'll know first hand what you have to do.

2. Go to Class: Don't think because no one is taking attendance that it's OK to skip class.

3. Treat your campus card like a credit card (there is real money on there. You're not playing monopoly)

4. Take the Ottawa U bus (picks up and drops off Monday to Friday in front of Prescott). If you know anything about Ottawa transportation you know how expensive it can be.

5. Go The National Art Gallery: As it gets colder there is less and less to do outside. Why not try the Art Gallery? The National Gallery of Canada and Carleton University are pleased to announce that Carleton students now have free and unlimited admission to the National Gallery’s collections and special exhibitions. This comes as part of a new partnership between the gallery and the university, and is made possible by Carleton’s contribution to the National Gallery of Canada Foundation. More than 24,000 students will have free access from now until June 30, 2010. A valid Carleton student ID card is required at the door for free admission. To receive news on upcoming collections and exhibitions, students are encouraged to register for the gallery’s e-newsletter found at: http://www.gallery.ca/english/1894.htm.

6. Tunnels, Tunnels, Tunnels: Carleton is fantastic for it's underground tunnel system. As the cold weather approaches it's going to be harder and harder to get to classes outside which means it would be a good idea to get a feel for the tunnels for those terrible winter storms.

7. Oliver's Pub: For those of you 19+ check out Carleton's very own pub in the University Center. An awesome place to get together with friends and meet new people during the week or on a Thursday night!

8. Career development and Co-operative Education: Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to look at what fantastic services you have available right at your feet.
http://www.carleton.ca/cdce/career/

9. Keep an agenda: Wake up! You're not in high school anymore. Get organized. Make sure you know when assignments are do, when tests are coming up, and when you have have to meet your important commitments.

10. Pick up the Charlatan: You're school has a weekly newspaper that keeps students up-to-date with events and news going in and around campus.

11. DC++: If you're on Campus download DC++. It is Carleton's residence special gift. Carletonhub.com is no longer active as of right now. It will take time for some people to get a new hub up and running. As of right now, check out: hub.grenradio.com. Anyone is invited to join this hub.

12. Try something NEW: Whether it is joining the improve club to having a taste on Indian Cuisine. Do something exciting so that with all the busy happenings at school you can feel like you've done something that spiked your interest in an exciting way!

13. Get familiar with Campus: Think you know everything available on Campus. I guarantee you don't. Get out a map and see what's on campus from Mike's Place and Rooster's to Loeb Cafe and the Green Room. There is so much Carleton has to offer and more than half the student's still have not made the effort to be aware!

14. Keynotes: Go to a keynote! Some really interesting lecturers and guests! http://www2.carleton.ca/seo/leadership-development/emerging-leaders/elp-requirements/

15. Emerging Leadership Program: CHECK IT OUT! These students are working to become leaders in the Ottawa community but building their leadership skills on and off campus.

16. Writing Tutorial Service: Writer's block? All out of ideas? Don't know where to start? Need a rescue? Book an Appointment with WTS they will rescue you and put you right on track. This isn't a place to get them to give you all the answers or edit your papers BUT what they will do is help you brainstorm, go through your ideas with you and make sure that you feel confident that you're right on track.
Book an appointment today! http://www2.carleton.ca/seo/leadership-development/emerging-leaders/elp-requirements/

A New Leaf

It's getting to that time of year when everyone prepares to turn over a new leaf. 2009 is coming to an end and everyone is getting ready for a new and rejuvenated 2010. The world sits at a desk and thinks up all the various things they would like to change in their life and they vow to commit to them start January 1st.

One of the top, close to number, promise many have on their list is - spend more time with family. Usually people would assume that lose weight, quit smoking/drinking or exercise would be, but no... it's family. Family is the number one most important thing on people's lists. Family is very important especially to me. I live on campus in Ottawa away from my hometown of Toronto - no family. It was months before I came home to spend time with family since it wasn't easy to book a whole weekend off to travel home. Your family is not only good for financial support (but we don't deny that, that is a bonus), but they're important for emotional support. For many students, it was hard to separate from their parents and live on their own looking to friends to fill that empty space. It's OK to admit you miss home and might actually need to spend a bit of time with your folks.

It's funny how most students living out of town think that there is no looking back. As soon as they hit Carleton grounds its goodbye parents. Though, I'll let you know now... make it to November, December maybe and you'll be eager to have home-cooked meals, laundry, a chauffeur because, from experience, the bus is expensive. Though I will admit. There was a friend of mine who actually hadn't spoken to his family since he left that day in September. He was one of the few.

I have to say what I miss most is being able to spend quality time with the family. I think, overall, I've been pretty good with staying in touch with the family. Checking up and keeping up to date with the family members close to me because they are the ones who helped me get where I am today with their love and support.

Never forget your family and make time for them this coming semester. I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays - good quality family time!

The Grand Finale

It was like standing in the center of the stage in front of a large audience waiting for the curtains to open. I was waiting to make my last appearance before the crowd. That anticipating moment was practically mimicked walking out of my last exam and into my winter break.

I finally made it through the first semester of my first year at Carleton University - what an accomplishment. Though I wish I would have documented the stages I went through on how to get through exams without an overwhelming panic.

However, I did learn very much from my experience. I learned that it is important to plan ahead, no and I don't mean start three days before and decide to get notes to all the classes you miss. I think you should start from day one. Start making study notes, start becoming increasingly familiar with your work. I find it very useful to start at the beginning, because at the end when you're struggling to understand concepts at the last minute it deters you from studying properly.

The best advice I ever received: As soon as you get an assignment or learn a new concept, make sure you understand it right away. Don't ever wait. If you understand what you have to do right away and you put together the resources you need in order to complete the assignment or in order to study, you leave the option to start whenever you want. This leaves room for proper time management. If you've anticipated how long it will take you to study or do the assignment you can manage your time better instead of waiting the last minute to look the assignment over and realizing you don't understand parts of it or it might take you longer than you thought. This is never good and this is one of the most common mistakes that people make.

There is no doubt that some people can pull it off. They can wait to the last minute to study and do great, they can begin an assignment the night before and pull of a 90, but reality check - it's not everyone. The biggest problem I also find with a lot of students, even myself, is comparing your self. Yes, it is tough, when you study and work your guts out and your friend waits until the night before and they do better than you. This royally sucks, but in the end who learns the skills, who knows that they've worked hard and accomplished something.

University is not only about the marks or the freedom and social life, its about learning. Learning lessons for the future. It is so important that you work hard and push yourself to limits you would have never even thought of, because in the end you reep the benefits. If it's one thing I learned that will stick with me forever, it's that no matter what you do in life as long as you're learning and getting better that is all that matters - progression. No one is the same, there is always someone better and someone worse, but as long as you're not in the same place you were yesterday -that makes all the difference.

I leave you with one quote that always sticks in my mind when I feel accomplished or motivated:

"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination."

I'm not exactly sure who said it, but anytime you feel like low or unmotivated or restless, think about the possibilities that are right there in front of you, and then think again.

The end of Midterms

Today marked the end of my midterms! Hallelujah! I am so happy! I put a lot of effort into those midterms so I'm hoping for the best. Now, it is time for the real stuff. I have four essays coming up so I must divide my time so that I tend to each essay equally or as much as needed. My first deadline is my architectural history midterm visual analysis which I will do on the Bank of Nova Scotia Building on Sparks Street which now functions as the Library of Parliament. I must talk about its "Classical Greece" characteristics which should be fascinating and interesting to do. This is due next Monday and all I have left to do is put together my essay.

When I think about it I realize that exams are just around the corner, and to think I just finished midterms. I have to start preparing notes for my exams so when it comes time to crack down on studying I will have all my notes ready to be memorized and understood.

Nothing much else to note for today. Tomorrow I will be attending the remembrance day ceremony which should be quite interesting and a very honouring experience. I will take note of this tomorrow.

Early Spring

What a lovely weekend - the sun shining, the warm spring breeze, the sounds of the birds chirping, the smooth movement of the canal. We can skip winter, right?

After a horrible cold two days of winter at the end of last week I thought it would be the end of any sight of the sun, but the weekend took me by surprise. I thought it was absolutely lovely. This also boosted my mood and encouraged me to get a little sun and go out and enjoy myself.

November seems to be just one of those months that many students dread, but the weather can have a huge impact on how you feel. I felt great. I felt much more inclined to do what I needed to do -school wise - so that I could go out on Sunday and enjoy the nice weather. Everyone was out on Sunday enjoying the nice weather.

I took advantage of this nice weather but being physically active. I went for a run. I always find myself not having enough time to exercise. The biggest excuse of my life and I'm sure others can agree. It's hard to stay active in the winter, especially in your first year thus the "Freshman 15." If you don't know the freshman 15 refers to the expected 15 pounds a student will gain in their first year. Nobody wants it, but hey it happens. The best thing you can do is try and be the most active and healthiest you can be. We all go to Oasis (after-hours dining service) after hours to grab that late night pizza or snack. Though, not all of us are inclined to go and work it all off after we've done so. It's understandable. I'm guilty.

After my enjoyable run in the sun I decided to sit in the sun and reflect. I think reflection is a good way to ease your mind and relax and take focus on accomplishments, deadlines and to-dos. It's also a de-stresser because you give yourself the opportunity to step away from the "right-now" and look at everything from a more rounded perspective. I started thinking about my upcoming deadlines and the little bits and pieces I need to put together in order to stay ahead and build on the stages of my work so that by the time the deadline rolls around I'll have everything completed with satisfaction. It's hard to do this when you have 3 deadlines in a matter of two days, but you learn through early-preparation and through organizing your time with practice that it soon becomes natural to you.

I have my final midterm on tomorrow, Tuesday, and I spent the rest of the day in the Glebe studying. I find that when I study in a busy atmosphere everyone is working so I feel more inclined to hit the books. I prefer cafes or bookstores because it's quiet, but the conversations of others gives a smooth rhythm of sound rather than bothersome noise. Some people ask how I do it and not get distracted. I answer by telling them it's become a habit. Everyone has there way of studying. I also incorporated classical jazz to my study sessions when I'm at home so it's not dead silent and there are no words for me to follow and get distracted by. Personally, I can't see how some listen to loud music that they'd listen to at a party or club because I would get distracted easily. However, when I'm at home I usually study in silence so I have nothing but my work to focus on.

Advice of the day: I thought I'd include this for fun since I believe everyone learns something new everyday even if you've already learned it, some how, some way, it is reinforced and may even be considered.

Today in my First-Year-Seminar - Stress, Coping and Well-being - We watched a clip on "stress" and the physical, cognitive and emotional effects it has on human beings. Stress is a huge factor in our lives it can be positive or negative, permanent or temporary, extreme or mild and so on. This clip looked at certain people who suffered from extreme stress and being a first-year student with many stresses I was very attentive to what they had to say.

1. DON'T feel guilty for taking a break from your work. You are NOT lazy, you are NOT unproductive and you are NOT wrong to do so. Breaks, even if they are for a few minutes, can benefit you greatly because your brain and body have time to recharge.

2. Get enough sleep!! Don't think that because you're putting more hours in in the after-hours that you'll be more productive or do better. It's not the answer. We know we'll have a few nights here and there where the all-nighter is unavoidable but it doesn't and shouldn't be every night.

3. Exercise. It's good for stress, it's good for your emotions and it's good for your overall well being. Even a walk outside in the fresh air is a good stress reducer.

4. Be PROUD of yourself. Never underestimate your abilities, but don't expect to be great at everything! You will fall sometimes, but as long as you are proud of yourself you'll always be able to pick yourself back up!

Hope this advice helps in your upcoming months, in your years at university and your life in general!

Commitments

November, one of the busiest times in the first semester, especially in your first year. This is the month where you are SWARMED by workloads - commitment after commitment after commitment. How many deadlines do you have to meet? By what time? How long will it take you to meet those deadlines, to make those commitments? It is all up to you.

I sit here at my desk, on my computer on a Friday night. Why? Simply because 1. I have made a have a TON of work 2. Because I have deadlines and 3. I have made commitments to take that workload and meet my deadlines. This is the MOST IMPORTANT 3 points I will have ever made so far, I repeat, the MOST IMPORTANT. Yes, it is difficult to commit to staying home on a Friday night the "first night" to the weekend to study.

How do I do it? 1. Recognize the rewards I get when I do stay home on a Friday night - the chance for an A. The relief that I'm not scrambling last minute to get everything done at the last minute HOPING for that passing grade. Is it worth it? I'm sure anyone reading this won't be too convinced, but try it. Take a night-in. Make it an enjoyable study period. Gather your favorite snacks, listen to some of your favorite tunes - if you listen to music while studying - and dig into your work. I find that when I have enough time to study I can enjoy it rather than hate it - take it in from experience.

Remember. When you're friends say "It's Friday night! You're missing out." Compare results. You'll see you gained a lot more from passing out on a Friday night excursion. And also take note that you'll feel more confident and you'll know you've gotten a head start on your studying and even possibly go out Saturday night worry-free!

GOOD LUCK on completing those assignments and midterm. If you take my advice I'm sure you'll do great!

First Sign of Snow!

Today, I believe, was the first sign of snow in Ottawa, which clearly marks the end of fall and the beginning of a long, long winter.

I really didn't take notice until I was having lunch in the Cafeteria of the Confederation building. I peaked out and I saw a stream of white flakes falling from the sky. Of course, the first thing I do is text everyone to share the excitement and let them know the obvious - it was snowing.

As of the beginning of October I have dedicated my Thursdays and Fridays to volunteering for the Government of Canada. I applied to "Volunteer of Parliament Hill" and myself along with 40-50 others were selected to assist an MP in the Confederation building. I am helping out the lovely Kelly Block who is a Conservative representative for the Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar riding and her office.

So far it has been a rewarding and exciting experience and I have learned many new skills. I have also applied many of my leadership skills that I have acquired over my years as a youth group President and leader in my high school.

When I think of my volunteer position in Confederation building I think of the collection of leaders who are representing different parts of Canada who come together to represent a group of people with similar interests. I also think about what it takes to be a leader on Parliament Hill, what kind of commitments must be made and expectations must be met.

I believe that Kelly and many other MPs on Parliament hill are strong successful leaders and I think I have a wonderful opportunity to learn from them and to improve my own leadership skills.

I think I have a lot more to learn!

Keeping you posted!

Cassandra

Effective Communication Workshop

Communication. You can NEVER overestimate the importance of Communication. Why? As my Communications Professor has stated the most important aspect of society is Communication. How would we live out our lives without communication? How can we understand the world, the people around us, the person beside us without communication?

Usually when people think of communication they think of what we "speak"; the words that come out of our mouths. However, what about the non-verbal communication such as body language? How does body language act as a communication tool?

I attended the effective communication workshop earlier this evening and the title speaks for itself. The workshop was on "effective" communication. It is very, very important that when you're a leader, or thinking of becoming a leader that you can communicate effectively. If you think about all the great leaders (they don't even need to be great they could be powerful) they were effective because of the use of communication to effect the people who followed them.

When I asked the question "how does body language act as a communication tool?" I was thinking of computers, text messages, MSN, the internet. How hard is it to interpret a text message without the tone of voice or the body language? How many times have you found yourself questioning if someone was mad at you or not just by a few typed words in a message? I ask these questions because you tend to think passively about how important communications is in your every day lives.

The workshop touched upon the skills of becoming a good and effective communicator by not only applying certain skills such as appropriate tone and speed but also certain common things to avoid such as lack of eye-contact, closed body (crossing your arms/legs), being too quiet and so on. These small things make a big difference when you're communicating and usually you tend not to realize it. This workshop helped to point out all the little things that might seem obvious to us.

Personally, I think that many of the skills and common tenancies in communication is known by most people so I thought of some interesting perspectives on how to make the workshop more useful and more interesting. I think that if we would have introduced the topic of gender roles and how that plays a part in communication. How a female might communicate compared to a male. Can a male read between the lines? When a female says there is nothing wrong, will a male know that that means that EVERYTHING is wrong? These types of differences would have been interesting to look at. Also possibly different communication styles and rules in different cultures would have been interesting to look at. In most of the West it is expected that you respond or reply right after someone speaks to show that you were listening and you're interested in what you're saying. However, in other countries it's a sign or respect to wait a few moments before responding to show you have considered what they have said and taken time to think about it before you respond. How cool is that?!

Overall, communication is developing and evolving and it is very important to always be working on your communication skills whether it be written, verbal or non-verbal it is very, very important.

Take a few moments and think about ways you can improve your communication skills. Test yourself. Next time you have a conversation with someone tune into what you're saying or not saying and how your tone and body language effects the person your speaking with or look at them!

The first step in becoming a leader is the desire.
The second step in becoming a leader is knowing how to communicate effectively!

Have a good day!

About Me!

I figured if I am going to be blogging, it should be expected that I will have readers and therefore, I should provide a little bit of an introduction and tell you all a little bit about myself.

My name is Cassandra, but many call me Cas/Cassie I am 20 years old and currently in the first year of my Communications degree. I was born in Montreal, but lived in Toronto most of my life. Last February I travelled to Australia to live with family for almost five months which was my first big travel adventure on my own.

This was in fact my high school graduation treat to myself and this is where it really all begins. Graduating high school was a significant mark in my life, probably more than the average student. When I was a younger I had a strong rebellious stage where I really lived on the "edge." I had no particular interest in my schooling or future really and my central focus was on my social life - friends and fun. Long story short, I had a whole revelation by the time I turned 16 and realized how important my future was. I went from being a high-school drop-out to becoming someone who was incredibly ambitious, self-motivated, confident, eager to learn and someone who wanted to lead.

After a rollercoaster teen life I realized that I had pulled myself out of one of the most difficult situations facing many teens today and to have had overcome such obstacles in my life I wanted to help others in the same way and ensure that the skills and values that I had learned along the way could be very beneficial to other students who were not only struggling but succeeding as well.

I chose to blog because I believe I have several key skills that have helped me throughout my life and enabled me to excel in my personal life and my academic career.I want to be able to share the challenges I face that are common among first year students and how I've overcome them or dealt with them. I'd also like to share tips and advice on how I cope and deal with living away from home, the work load I manage to balance and the ways in which I find ways to better integrate into Carleton.

I hope that this will provide an interesting view on a first year student's life and prove to be useful to students who consider becoming a leader or who just wants advice tips or even someone to relate to.

Enjoy!