The past few weeks of my life have been a major blur and a ton of work. I can't believe I'll have finished my first year of college in two short weeks. It's crunch time, and unfortunately, I won't be studying at all this upcoming weekend. One of my friends is getting married, so I'm going home!
You know how you hear stories of people in their thirties (or maybe late twenties?), working and single, while all of their friends get married? It's happening. Except I'm nineteen and about twelve of my friends will be married by the end of this month.
Last Thursday and Friday was the Stand Up for Love demonstration, inspired by Judy Shepard's lecture and the premiere showing of Laramie Project. Despite my original involvement, I was not present either day.
I spoke with Dr. Schad yesterday about becoming my adviser for History, which I've decided to officially take on as a co-concentration (along with Political Science). Today, I spoke with Dr. Langran, whom I asked to become my adviser for Political Science. She suggested that I instead create an ISP (Individualized Study Program), which will also allow me to study Communications. I need five courses each in Poli. Sci. and History, and four in Comm. (I elected to take Comm. as my minor since Albright doesn't have a straight Journalism program). I definitely think I'm on the right track so far -- these are the classes I have either taken or will take next semester:
History (3): HIS211 (African History); HIS283 (Women in the Middle East); HIS255 (Islamic History)
Political Science (2): POS202 (International Politics); POS283 (Obama's Foreign Policy)
Communications (3): ENG102 (Writing About Literature, Honors); ENG250 (Mass Comm. & Society); ENG222 (Writing for the Mass Media)
I'm still contemplating adding Modern Middle East to next semester's schedule. I already have four classes scheduled, and I want to make sure that I am doing my absolute best in all of my classes (if my GPA ever drops below a 3.8 it'll be the end of the world). Actually, it'd probably be the end of the world if it dropped to a 3.8, considering how upset I was over last semester's 3.918. . . .
Monday, May 11, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Pandemic Level 5!
I woke up today with stiff joints and major body aches, and I bet it's not because I went to the gym for only the second time this whole semester. I probably have the flu. And not just any flu. Swine flu. And I've also been slightly nauseous and my throat's been a bit sore. It's probably not from drainage due to allergies. It's probably swine flu.
The WHO vamped up the alert level to five, "meaning that it believes a global outbreak of the disease is imminent" (MSNBC). And, "'all countries should immediately now activate their pandemic preparedness plans,' [WHO Director General Margaret] Chan told reporters in Geneva. 'It really is all of humanity that is under threat in a pandemic.'" In a press conference, Chan said that "'it is important to take this very seriously' . . . but for the average person, the term 'pandemic' doesn't mean they're suddenly at greater risk.'"
Just how seriously have people been taking this swine flu? "Britain closed a school after a 12-year-old girl was found to have the disease. Egypt slaughtered all its pigs and the central African nation of Gabon became the latest nation to ban pork imports. . . . Cuba [is blocking] flights coming in from Mexico. And Asian nations greeted returning airport travelers with teams of medical workers and carts of disinfectants."
On a more personal level, this afternoon Dean Crance sent an e-mail regarding precautionary measures and what not, and there's information about hand washing at each table in the caf. And to think that my friends and I have been joking about this all along. I do understand the need to be concerned since so many are dying and the disease has spread, but no one seems to mention the fact that many of the people who have been diagnosed are getting better. It's not as though thousands of people die from the flu every year, after all.
The WHO vamped up the alert level to five, "meaning that it believes a global outbreak of the disease is imminent" (MSNBC). And, "'all countries should immediately now activate their pandemic preparedness plans,' [WHO Director General Margaret] Chan told reporters in Geneva. 'It really is all of humanity that is under threat in a pandemic.'" In a press conference, Chan said that "'it is important to take this very seriously' . . . but for the average person, the term 'pandemic' doesn't mean they're suddenly at greater risk.'"
Just how seriously have people been taking this swine flu? "Britain closed a school after a 12-year-old girl was found to have the disease. Egypt slaughtered all its pigs and the central African nation of Gabon became the latest nation to ban pork imports. . . . Cuba [is blocking] flights coming in from Mexico. And Asian nations greeted returning airport travelers with teams of medical workers and carts of disinfectants."
On a more personal level, this afternoon Dean Crance sent an e-mail regarding precautionary measures and what not, and there's information about hand washing at each table in the caf. And to think that my friends and I have been joking about this all along. I do understand the need to be concerned since so many are dying and the disease has spread, but no one seems to mention the fact that many of the people who have been diagnosed are getting better. It's not as though thousands of people die from the flu every year, after all.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
It's a Perfect Day
The past two weeks have been incredibly hectic. It all started when a friend posted a link to the Westboro Baptist Church's schedule as her Facebook status. Lo and behold, the WBC has decided to grace Albright with its presence. On April 30th, Judy Shepard is coming to speak as part of the Diversity Week program. May 1st is the opening night of the Laramie Project. Within a matter of minutes, a Facebook event was formed and within a matter of days, the "People Attending" list grew to over 300. The dean was consulted, Public Safety became aware, organization began to spread throughout the chaos.
The event, Stand Up For Love, has since been limited to Albright students and a few guests (including groups from Kutztown University, Millersville University, and Hamburg Area High School). Silent Witness has agreed to attend, and the Reading Police will also be there to ensure that things don't get out of hand. Thankfully, the WBC has been limited to a street corner off-campus, which is on the opposite side of the property from the theatre where the Laramie Project will be performed -- that should eliminate issues Friday night. On Thursday night, however, we will be in the same vicinity, but they won't be within our line of vision. I don't think that will matter anyway, as we've been policing ourselves pretty efficiently. The main cause for concern will be passersby . . . but we'll leave them to the police.
Last night I took advantage of the pool for only the second time since I arrived at Albright. On my way back to my dorm after the Albright AM meeting, I passed my friend Aubrey. She said she was going to the pool, so, naturally I decided to ditch my homework for another hour and went swimming with her and two other friends. Afterwards, Tyler came over and we started watching "The Bank Job" so that we could write a response paper on it for Mass Communications & Society (due Thursday, no less).
Today was an epically wonderful day. The temperature was in the high 80s - low 90s, and my only class (Mass Communications & Society) was over by 10:50. I spent most of the afternoon lounging behind Mohn, doing homework and getting more than my daily dose of melanin and vitamin K. Afterwards, I went to the gym and ran for a bit. I really need to do that more often. I think I've gotten more exercise in the last twenty-four hours than I have all semester. Last semester I was so disciplined in going to the gym in the mornings before class. . . .
The event, Stand Up For Love, has since been limited to Albright students and a few guests (including groups from Kutztown University, Millersville University, and Hamburg Area High School). Silent Witness has agreed to attend, and the Reading Police will also be there to ensure that things don't get out of hand. Thankfully, the WBC has been limited to a street corner off-campus, which is on the opposite side of the property from the theatre where the Laramie Project will be performed -- that should eliminate issues Friday night. On Thursday night, however, we will be in the same vicinity, but they won't be within our line of vision. I don't think that will matter anyway, as we've been policing ourselves pretty efficiently. The main cause for concern will be passersby . . . but we'll leave them to the police.
Last night I took advantage of the pool for only the second time since I arrived at Albright. On my way back to my dorm after the Albright AM meeting, I passed my friend Aubrey. She said she was going to the pool, so, naturally I decided to ditch my homework for another hour and went swimming with her and two other friends. Afterwards, Tyler came over and we started watching "The Bank Job" so that we could write a response paper on it for Mass Communications & Society (due Thursday, no less).
Today was an epically wonderful day. The temperature was in the high 80s - low 90s, and my only class (Mass Communications & Society) was over by 10:50. I spent most of the afternoon lounging behind Mohn, doing homework and getting more than my daily dose of melanin and vitamin K. Afterwards, I went to the gym and ran for a bit. I really need to do that more often. I think I've gotten more exercise in the last twenty-four hours than I have all semester. Last semester I was so disciplined in going to the gym in the mornings before class. . . .
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Super-long weekends, here I come!
I just finished scheduling with my adviser whom I love. Not only is she awesome, but she's also a military fiancee and a politics professor! Sweet.
CHI201: Chinese.
ART265: Computer Graphics and Art Design.
ENG222: Writing/Mass Media.
POS283: Obama's Foreign Policy.
First of all, I'm totally psyched about Chinese, which I love with a passion. And I'm excited about improving my skills in graphic design (although I've always used PSP8 and haven't even touched PS). Writing/Mass Media seems like it will be a really good class for me, considering that it's all about broadcast media and journalism. And I'm interested to see what I'll learn in POS283. Foreign Policy definitely interests me, and I know that it will be especially helpful for me to learn more about the current administration.
I can be on my way home for the weekend as early as 8:50 (though I promise I'd never be so cruel as to make my parents leave the house around 7:00 just to pick me up), which is nice. The only thing that annoys me (aside from having to be in class by 8:00 four out of five days of the week!), is the huge amount of time between classes on Monday and Wednesday, and the fact that I'm not going to have a chance to actually sit down and eat lunch with friends on Tuesday and Thursday. I'm going to be living on Grab 'n' Go. Yummm.
CHI201: Chinese.ART265: Computer Graphics and Art Design.
ENG222: Writing/Mass Media.
POS283: Obama's Foreign Policy.
First of all, I'm totally psyched about Chinese, which I love with a passion. And I'm excited about improving my skills in graphic design (although I've always used PSP8 and haven't even touched PS). Writing/Mass Media seems like it will be a really good class for me, considering that it's all about broadcast media and journalism. And I'm interested to see what I'll learn in POS283. Foreign Policy definitely interests me, and I know that it will be especially helpful for me to learn more about the current administration.
I can be on my way home for the weekend as early as 8:50 (though I promise I'd never be so cruel as to make my parents leave the house around 7:00 just to pick me up), which is nice. The only thing that annoys me (aside from having to be in class by 8:00 four out of five days of the week!), is the huge amount of time between classes on Monday and Wednesday, and the fact that I'm not going to have a chance to actually sit down and eat lunch with friends on Tuesday and Thursday. I'm going to be living on Grab 'n' Go. Yummm.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Five Weeks to Finals!
Today I received an e-mail with the schedule for final exams.
M: Chinese (1-3)
T: None . . . of course.
W: Women in the Middle East (1-3)
TH: Mass Communications & Society (8-10)
F: Islamic History (1-3)
I wish Friday would have been my off-day . . . but then again, exam weeks are always hectic and stressful and I never see my friends anyway, because we're all up to our eyeballs in work and hiding in either the library, common rooms or our dorms.
And I'll never forget the fun I had the morning of my Chinese final last semester. I set my alarm for 7:15PM instead of AM and woke up around 7:50 for an 8:00 exam. I sprinted the whole way to Masters Hall, made the class just ahead of my teacher, and spent the first fifteen minutes trying to calm down and catch my breath while simultaneously working on the 25-page exam. Well, at least I made Dean's List.
M: Chinese (1-3)
T: None . . . of course.
W: Women in the Middle East (1-3)
TH: Mass Communications & Society (8-10)
F: Islamic History (1-3)
I wish Friday would have been my off-day . . . but then again, exam weeks are always hectic and stressful and I never see my friends anyway, because we're all up to our eyeballs in work and hiding in either the library, common rooms or our dorms.
And I'll never forget the fun I had the morning of my Chinese final last semester. I set my alarm for 7:15PM instead of AM and woke up around 7:50 for an 8:00 exam. I sprinted the whole way to Masters Hall, made the class just ahead of my teacher, and spent the first fifteen minutes trying to calm down and catch my breath while simultaneously working on the 25-page exam. Well, at least I made Dean's List.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Take Back the Night
Last night I attended a Take Back the Night rally. Take Back the Night was originally started in 1978 in San Francisco after an anti-pornography conference (though some claim the first rally was almost a hundred years earlier). Women spoke out about their experiences of being adversely affected by pornography. Today, Take Back the Night rallies raise awareness for rape, human trafficking, violence against children, and domestic violence, among many other crimes.
Last night's rally was hosted by SHADOW (Students Helping Abate Destruction Of Women), and consisted of a candlelit vigil and walk from Mohn to Kachel Chapel in Teel Hall. Afterwards, several speakers discussed such topics as human trafficking, child sexual abuse, prevention of sexual violence and personal stories.
It was an incredibly emotional night for many of the people in attendance, and left a great impact on all (and I generalize because if it didn't leave an impact . . . well, I don't see how it couldn't).
Today is the long-anticipated day-before-Easter-Break. I decided to be a good student and not skip Chinese in favor of seeing my dogs (oh, and my parents and sister), although Thursdays are language lab days and we spend them watching Chinese films. This afternoon, we're finishing up "Joy Luck Club," of which I've only ever seen clips. And this morning, I need to remember to speak with Dr. Lehman about journalism.
I also need to e-mail Dr. King . . . yesterday I approached Dr. Schad with a question about some contradicting passages of shari'a law. He was perplexed, so I'm to ask Dr. King (who teaches Islam). I also e-mailed some of my friends . . . but the passages are in Arabic, and they're Persian. That's almost as fun as me asking Dr. Schad (who is fluent in Arabic) to translate some war propaganda . . . and then realizing that it was in Farsi.
Last night's rally was hosted by SHADOW (Students Helping Abate Destruction Of Women), and consisted of a candlelit vigil and walk from Mohn to Kachel Chapel in Teel Hall. Afterwards, several speakers discussed such topics as human trafficking, child sexual abuse, prevention of sexual violence and personal stories.
It was an incredibly emotional night for many of the people in attendance, and left a great impact on all (and I generalize because if it didn't leave an impact . . . well, I don't see how it couldn't).
Today is the long-anticipated day-before-Easter-Break. I decided to be a good student and not skip Chinese in favor of seeing my dogs (oh, and my parents and sister), although Thursdays are language lab days and we spend them watching Chinese films. This afternoon, we're finishing up "Joy Luck Club," of which I've only ever seen clips. And this morning, I need to remember to speak with Dr. Lehman about journalism.
I also need to e-mail Dr. King . . . yesterday I approached Dr. Schad with a question about some contradicting passages of shari'a law. He was perplexed, so I'm to ask Dr. King (who teaches Islam). I also e-mailed some of my friends . . . but the passages are in Arabic, and they're Persian. That's almost as fun as me asking Dr. Schad (who is fluent in Arabic) to translate some war propaganda . . . and then realizing that it was in Farsi.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Just kidding!
I walked into Chinese this morning, and Josh immediately asked if Chinese was messing with my schedule, as apparently it's messing with everyone else's ("everyone else" being Chieko, Jess and Josh) schedule, as well. So, Josh asked Xiaomei if we could change the time for Chinese. And she said she will. So now, instead of having Chinese from 10:00 - 10:50 MWTHF, I have it from 8:00 - 8:50 MWTHF. Oh. My. Just kidding, I'll stick with the 10:00 class and I swear I won't complain.
The sad part is that less than a year ago I was dragging myself out of bed at 6:30 every morning. And this morning in particular I felt that 7:45 was entirely too early to be shutting off my alarm. Just when I was getting used to not having an eight o'clock class. . . . So, it seems that next semester, I'll be waking up at 7:15 every morning (at the absolute latest).
And, now that Chinese has been straightened out, I think this is my tentative schedule:
Chinese (CHI201)
Forensic Science (CHE103) *or* Honors Reproduction and Genetics (BIO190)
Forensic Science Lab (CHE103L) *or* Honors Reproduction and Genetics (BIO190L)
Feature Writing (ENG319) *or* Writing/Mass Media (ENG222)
If I skip science for next semester (which I would love to do, but I fear the longer I wait, the more I forget), I could also consider Free Expression (ENG320). I should also probably throw in a Political Science or History course . . . considering my major. I wouldn't mind taking Dr. Schad's Modern Middle East (HIS256), since I'd planned on taking that first semester and was unable to after my American Politics credit was transferred from Bucknell.
Also, I think I should take a science course because both of the ones I'm considering are level 100 (not that means anything to my science-challenged brain). The rest of my classes will be either 200 or 300 level.
The sad part is that less than a year ago I was dragging myself out of bed at 6:30 every morning. And this morning in particular I felt that 7:45 was entirely too early to be shutting off my alarm. Just when I was getting used to not having an eight o'clock class. . . . So, it seems that next semester, I'll be waking up at 7:15 every morning (at the absolute latest).
And, now that Chinese has been straightened out, I think this is my tentative schedule:
Chinese (CHI201)
Forensic Science (CHE103) *or* Honors Reproduction and Genetics (BIO190)
Forensic Science Lab (CHE103L) *or* Honors Reproduction and Genetics (BIO190L)
Feature Writing (ENG319) *or* Writing/Mass Media (ENG222)
If I skip science for next semester (which I would love to do, but I fear the longer I wait, the more I forget), I could also consider Free Expression (ENG320). I should also probably throw in a Political Science or History course . . . considering my major. I wouldn't mind taking Dr. Schad's Modern Middle East (HIS256), since I'd planned on taking that first semester and was unable to after my American Politics credit was transferred from Bucknell.
Also, I think I should take a science course because both of the ones I'm considering are level 100 (not that means anything to my science-challenged brain). The rest of my classes will be either 200 or 300 level.
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