It's nearly 2am, and since 4pm I've officially finished my first year of university.
Now, I'm aware I'm probably starting to sound like a broken record with all the university related posts, but to be completely honest it's about all I've been doing for the last 8 months, so cut me some slack.
A few weeks ago me and a few of the girls I live with were joking around about the idea of a "Res Life Survival Guide" type how-to guide to make it through your first year of university. I don't think that's a terrible idea, so I've decided that, as I sit in my packed up room in my last night in residence, to write out a few things I've learned since September.
- Don't be afraid to say "Hi."
Especially in the first few weeks of school, everyone is itching to make new friends. However, lots of people (maybe including yourself) are going to be terrified to do so, so be prepared to take that first brave step and introduce yourself. It's completely true when they say that you'll make your best friends in university, and many of them are people you may not expect.
- Don't bother with fake friends
This one was especially an issue for me this year. By all means, make friends with everyone you meet, as some of them may turn out to be just fantastic. But sometimes it's just not worth it to hold onto a sinking friendship just because they were one of the first people to reach out to you, or because they were once nice people. No need to completely cut them out of your life either, but first year is traumatic enough without trying to salvage a friendship with someone who doesn't also put the effort in. If you're in a situation like this, seriously weigh out the pros and cons - are they really worth the stress?
- Remember you're (unfortunately) here for school
As easy as it is to get caught up in the lights and glamour of being out on your own and having countless parties at your doorstep, it's important to remember why you're here. Although in the big picture, first year seems like sort of a write off, it's there to set you up for the upper level classes; so if you're completely ignoring everything you learn, you may walk into second year completely blind. Not so good. If you're still super dedicated to your weekends, try and get your homework/readings done during the week. (jk, no one does the readings)
- Sleep.
No, seriously, do it. First year away from home leads to temptation for many to have late night after late night, for whatever reason (socializing, movies, late night homework scramble.) This isn't to say that you can't have the occasional late night, but sleep will keep you alive for the year. Set a schedule for yourself, and try your hardest to stick to it. Even ordering yourself to crawl into bed by 12 is better than realizing when you've reached that part of YouTube that it's suddenly 4:30am and you have a class in 4 hours. (It happens...)
- Eat Well
With the convenience of never-ending burgers and fries, many first years find it easy to get into that habit. That, my friends, can not only lead to the dreaded "freshmen fifteen", but it lacks the nutritional values that your body needs to keep functioning. Sure, the greasy food is still fine once and a while, but try to shy away from it as often as possible - if you search, there'll be lots of (still yummy) healthy options for you that'll leave you feeling and looking a lot better.
- Exercise
I'm starting to feel like I'm writing a preachy book about how to live well, but exercise really is important. That doesn't mean that you have to go to the gym at 6am every morning and consume only carrot juice smoothies, but it is an important factor to keep in mind. Being stuck in class or studying most of the day, plus with the amount of alcohol you'll probably be consuming, your body can get neglected pretty easily. Even just making the effort to go out on a nice walk, or doing exercise videos in your room (jazzercise, anyone?) can help.
- Study Groups
Study groups can become your best friend if you use them right. Not only is it a way more interactive way to study, but by forming a study group you've also found a group of people who not only can help you with your school work, but may turn out to be great friends!
- Leave Your Door Open
Not only does it encourage people to come and say hello to you when aimlessly wandering through the hallways, it also proves to your neighbours that you're not building some sort of weird meth lab in your room. (Hint: If you are building some weird meth lab in your room, I'd advise you to keep that door closed.)
- Party Safe
Yes, getting black out drunk is a great time and a fun story to tell at family gatherings, but it can also lead to serious trouble. If you are planning on getting absolutely belligerent, make sure that you're with friends you trust (even better if they're even slightly more sober than you are). This is also tied into drunken one night stands. Realistically, if you go out wanting one, it'll probably happen. But use your discretion, and most importantly be safe about it.
I could keep writing these for hours, and I'm sure I'll have more to add when I'm in a less 2:45am comatose-y state. But seeing as when I just tried to spell "add" I spelled "ass", I'm gonna say it's about time for me to resign for tonight. It's the big move tomorrow, and I've still got errands to run before the car gets here.
SEE YOU NEVER, FIRST YEAR.
MB.
I seriously feel like this is my first 'real' week of university. That's definitely not to say that it hasn't been challenging prior to this, but having 3 projects and 4 performances within a 4 day span is just disgusting. I'm seriously stressing out, but the end is in near! It may mean a very painful all nighter post-concert tomorrow, but everything will get done, and I will survive, and by 11:20am next Thursday I will be done (excluding a final performance and one exam, but those are nicely spread out and far enough away that they're barely even a thought right now)
On top of everything, my face is randomly super dry, pretty much all over. Like yucky, feels like a crocodile, eczema dry :( Hoping that clears up soon, or I'm going to the doctor!
Good luck, keep breathing, smile.
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Okay, so that's the equivalent to a thanksgiving dinner, but I don't even care, it's progress and I'm happy. To top it off I'm feeling a hell of a lot better these days! Tired, but that's cause I haven't really found the balance between going to bed early in order to wake up at 6:45 most days. It'll get better. But I just feel so nice. :)
Firstly, I think it's really important that people DO read the articles that are skeptical about the IC - there's no point in not being educated. On that note, I'd like to admit that I, although I've read through some articles, mission statements, seen the video, etc., am still not THAT educated when it comes to this situation, so you'll have to forgive (and correct) any mistakes made, but most of the following statements are meant to be a matter of opinion.
Labels: Controversy, Cover the Night, IC, Invisible Children, Joseph Kony, Kony, KONY2012, Uganda
It's a new life for me... And I'm feelin' good.
Posted by meaghan bryanna. on Monday, February 6, 2012So, this year is definitely going to be a year of changes for me. In just over two months I'll be finishing up my first year of University, and will need to start making some pretty important decisions in my life - officially declaring my major, finding a house, paying bills. All the wonderful things I've been looking forward to in adult life.
As all of these things are happening, I'll also be partaking on an especially healthy past time. 2012, apparently the last year of our life, so why not get healthy, right? I'm going to try to chronicle my journey towards fitness in the next couple of months. I can't promise consistency, but hey, I also can't promise that anyone is reading this other than myself!
Today was my first day at a gym, and honestly, I loved it. My beautiful neighbour has promised to be my support/personal trainer through this whole experience, and I honestly don't think I could do it without her. Tomorrow is JAZZERCIZE, so we'll see how that goes!
Probably tomorrow I'll add a picture of current me. Sort of the "before" shot.
Wish me luck!
Yesterday, I got to experience the wonders of choral music in all of its spontaneous glory.
Without going into long-winded detail, some friends from Cantiamo came down to Victoria for an improv tournament, and another ex-Cantiamite came from the mainland to watch with me. One of the improvisers was singing Jonathan Quick's "Loch Lomond" and another boy from an opposing team joined in. The improviser came and gathered up a few more of us, and we managed to trudge our way through the entire song. Although there were parts missing and muddled words, that was half of the glory of it. I'm so used to this happening at choral festivals, but it was pretty neat to have this happen at an event that, although still fine arts, was not remotely related to choir. Basically, it threw in my face just how much I miss Cantiamo and everyone in it; however, it also reinforced just how lucky I am to be at school, and working my way towards being able to spontaneously share music as my profession. That is such a calming idea, especially after such a tumultuous first year. It was nice to be reminded just how powerful music can be.
New year, new habits, new blog posts.
This year is a step in a completely new direction for me. First, I suppose, I should reflect on the year that's passed.
2011 marked my first full year out of highschool, which was quite the experience. Jumped head first into the working world, which was sprinkled with crazy bosses, workplace drama, but also some wonderful friendships and great jokes. It's all about how you look at things.
It was a year of firsts, both good and bad. The main event would be my first term at University. Although it was a very stressful 4 months, I wouldn't change it for the world, and honestly couldn't be happier that I'm actually here.
I also made a few big mistakes, one in particular comes to mind and makes my stomach churn. The first week of November was one of the most terrifying weeks of my life because of it, but it's situations like that which make me appreciate more than anything just how great of a support system I have with my friends. I honestly dont know what I would have done without them.
But 2012 has already started off well. It's going to be different than anything I've ever dealt with, mainly the fact that I'll only live at home 4 months of the year, but I know that I can handle it. And I honestly love my life right now. For example, I just got inside from an impromptu snowball fight with a good 100+ university residents celebrating the first snowfall of winter. Beautiful!
2012, I've determined, will be a year of balance. This means balancing school work with a social life. Balancing health with excess. Balancing emotions.
Basically, a completely new concept.
Wish me luck?
