Campus Safari #6: Southern's Not-So-Informative Radio Station

Due to Hurricane Sandy, I decided to take on a Campus Safari that would not require me to venture outside my home. I live on the beach in East Haven and we got hit pretty rough but are recovering. I decided to visit the campus radio station, WSIN, online but was extremely disappointed. The website itself was very confusing. There were many tabs to click on, but no matter which one I chose, there was not any information behind it. For example, you can click on a tab labeled “Events” thinking there would be a list of all the radio shows but when it reality it is absolutely blank. Personally, the radio station should not offer a website if it is not going to be kept up to date or used at all. The only real information I gained from this was the radio station’s mission. It says its purpose is to inform the Southern community as well as provide entertainment. From what I can see, the radio station has done neither. This is the first Campus Safari I have done where I have not left feeling fully informed and satisfied. I apologize for being so critical but it was very disappointing. 

"If art is the bridge between what you see in your mind and what the world sees, then skill is how you build that bridge." -Twyla Tharp

When I was younger, dance was my passion. I spent more hours at my dance studio and at dance competitions than I did at my own house. However, I was forced to give that all away when I chose to attend the high school I did. There was not enough time to complete all my academic work and be at my dance studio for almost 30 hours per week like I was required to. Although I was heartbroken, it was the right decision. After reading the first three chapters Twyla Tharp’s The Creative Habit, all of those feelings towards dance came back to me. Her outlook on her passion and creativity resonate so much with me.

She describes creativity as a fearless act. The idea of creating something out of nothing is frightening to many people. That is what often detours people away from their own creativity. They are simply too afraid. They are afraid to determine their own destiny and afraid to allow their own inner creativity to become a part of their identity. Just as a researcher works tirelessly to find solutions to our world’s problems, artists constantly have to work their brains as well. Your mind is your creative muscle. Your mind allows you make that something out of nothing. In my own life I am often too afraid to try new things. Personally and academically, everyone prefers their comfort zone but being truly creative puts you outside it. I believe that’s what ultimately separates the thinkers from the go-getters.

Tharp explains how only with hard work, will a person obtain the best creativity. That is why creativity is a habit. It is a strong and developed work habit. There are necessary preparations and rituals to nurture our own creativity. Everything in our lives is relevant and could be used towards our own creativity. We just need to see it. These rituals in our lives keep us from giving up and allow us not to question why we do it. I have my own rituals that I never realized until I read this book. Everyday I wake up, go straight to the bathroom and wash my face. When I wash my face I feel renewed to start my day. It is my own ritual but it allows me to move forward and not mop through the day.

I had no problem reading The Creative Habit because it is has such universal ideals. Whether you are a dancer or not, her strategies could be put into practice in anyone’s life. This book has opened my eyes to my own inner creativity. It has given me concrete ways to bring out that creativity from within. I absolutely love this book and I am eager to see what other valuable lessons it will teach me. 

A Sigh of Relief!

As a first year student, these midterm grades show how well I have adjusted to college life and collegiate level academics. With three exams down and one approaching this Friday, my stress levels have greatly reduced. I am feeling both physically and mentally better since being sick and anxious from the previous week.

            First, I was so happy to see I had an A in Inquiry. Not only was I pleased with my grade but I was also super proud of myself when I heard that only three students received A’s. I believe the amount of effort I put into that class truly paid off. The time I spent exploring Southern through this class also contributed to me becoming a well-adjusted member of the university. My next class is Wellness. Although we are not assigned much written work other than a few essays, I believe I have learned a lot from the activities and lectures. I received an A in Wellness as my midterm grade. I am happy with this grade because it was based much off of class participation and how you interpret the material. This shows me that I am very much on target with what I am learning. Next, I also received an A in Algebra.  This grade I am MOST proud of because I was never the best at math. In high school I was always the girl who stayed after for extra math help before my extra curricular activities. My freshman year of high school I received a C and from that point on I began to change the way I approached math and over the years it has shown me positive results. The last class I took an exam in is Philosophy. After Thursday's class I was not too confident I had done well when he said many people did not do very well. I thought the exam was difficult to a certain extent so my anxiety was high waiting for my grade to be posted. To my surprise I received an A+! I actually started jumping around my room when I saw it! 

Today, Friday, I just took my last exam in Psychology. I felt very comfortable with the material and I pray that the result is as good as my previous exams!

            If this was the end of the semester and this was my final GPA I would be more than happy with it. Having a 4.0 as a first semester freshman is a great accomplishment in my eyes. It is a great representation of how much effort I have put into my work this first year. It also shows me that I successfully managed a part-time job of 20 hours per week and being a full time student. This semester has been a great accomplishment for me and I hope to continue that for my future here at SCSU!

Campus Safari #8: The Psychology Department

Before meeting with Professor Guarino for our advising meeting, I wanted to declare my major. This would allow me to have a better plan for the future so she could help me to the best of her ability. I went to the Psychology department and talked with the secretary Mrs. Virlinda Billups, for this week’s Campus Safari. She was very helpful in filling out the paperwork to declare my major as well as explaining to me how to get my advisor in the Psychology department. Her office is in Engleman D069 and she can be reached at (203) 392-6868 if you cannot physically go to the department. Although the Psychology Department is in a remote location on the very bottom floor of Engleman, I need to start getting used to it because this is where I will be spending a large portion of my time! Mrs. Billups told me that after declaring your major you are automatically assigned an advisor. All newly declared Psychology majors are required to sign up and attend a group advising session. If you still need more help from there you can make an appointment with your individual advisor in order to receive that. My personal advisor is Dr. Brancazio, whose office is located in Engleman D044. He has very convenient office hours so I know I will be taking advantage of his time whenever I need it. I feel it is really important to establish a relationship with your department and advisor early on so the rest of your college experience is as easy and manageable as can be!