Pre-college, the word stress didn't mean much to me nor it existed in my life. It was something that I hadn't dealt with before because homework and tests weren't much of a concern to me back then since most of them I could pass with my eyes closed.
However, after a semester in college, I can officially say that stress is something that I'm well-aware of and very experienced in dealing with the concept of it. In the first semester, I joined football and it was not too long after that I realized that the teachers at Gallaudet didn't really give any crap if I joined a sport or not, their assignments still had to be completed on time with no excuses. That, in effect, added to my stress which pretty much didn't exist before... the deadlines really got to my head a little bit because even during the game I kept on reminding myself that I had to do those assignments after the game.
After a while, I began to make adjustments in order to lessen my stress. I began to do my homework assignments on the road on my laptop so that I could finish them before arriving to another team's state. With that adjustment, life began to get easier and stress began to go away.
The stress factor doubled in size when the homecoming week/end came because so much fun was there to be had and homework remained. Once again, the teachers didn't care much about the week, only about their assignments being done on time. There, I blew some assignments but I learned that the fun can wait and assignments can't, with that, finishing the assignments first will eliminate the stress part and then the fun part will only become more fun with no stress.
Lesson learned: eliminate stress first before anything else.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
FYE #8 (Bison)
The idea of a television show that is run by your friends with original ideas sounds really terrific right? That's what we have right here at Gallaudet University and I'm loving it. The television show here is called Bison TV. It includes almost everything, ranging from urgent news to weekly updates on campus.
It has a show that mimics the idea of SportsCenter on ESPN. That's one of my favorite parts on the show because it includes what I love... sports! It has two reporters that will talk about all sports currently in season on campus, for instance, it's all about men and women basketball now. It also has prediction pre-game on scores and who will win.
My favorite show ever is called the 'Chuckle in Weird Way' *CIWW* show. It mimics the idea of original Punk'D version starred by Ashton Kutcher. I love seeing people get pranked because it's all fresh and original and the pranked person's reaction is completely original and not scripted. I love their ideas of how to get people pranked, unfortunately they attempted to CIWW me on their last show. I knew it was coming and I disappeared and they couldn't CIWW me... Whew! It's only fun when you are a fan and not the one getting pranked!
It also has the news part that includes everything that's happening on Gallaudet campus. For instance, if DPS wants to get something out to the Gallaudet student base, they can do it through the messages of this part of the show. Also, this part would announce the upcoming events so the Gallaudet students will have a inkling on what's going on out there.
I hope this show will never stop because it's truly fun to watch!
It has a show that mimics the idea of SportsCenter on ESPN. That's one of my favorite parts on the show because it includes what I love... sports! It has two reporters that will talk about all sports currently in season on campus, for instance, it's all about men and women basketball now. It also has prediction pre-game on scores and who will win.
My favorite show ever is called the 'Chuckle in Weird Way' *CIWW* show. It mimics the idea of original Punk'D version starred by Ashton Kutcher. I love seeing people get pranked because it's all fresh and original and the pranked person's reaction is completely original and not scripted. I love their ideas of how to get people pranked, unfortunately they attempted to CIWW me on their last show. I knew it was coming and I disappeared and they couldn't CIWW me... Whew! It's only fun when you are a fan and not the one getting pranked!
It also has the news part that includes everything that's happening on Gallaudet campus. For instance, if DPS wants to get something out to the Gallaudet student base, they can do it through the messages of this part of the show. Also, this part would announce the upcoming events so the Gallaudet students will have a inkling on what's going on out there.
I hope this show will never stop because it's truly fun to watch!
FYE #7
The experience of being a Gallaudet University student has made me more skilled in areas that I didn't know existed before. I'll cover one area for this First Year Experience blog, and that's the experience of vlogging. I have to confess that before entering Gallaudet University, I had absolutely no experience in getting in front of a camera and then signing out my thoughts and opinions.
That all changed here because some classes practically require vlogs and make it a big part of your grade. My first attempt at a vlog was a weak one because I failed miserably. I didn't even know how to record... I actually signed then realized I signed for absolutely no purpose. Being a new student, I was gullible enough to sign in an open area in the SAC computer lab when I could have signed in a closed room with some privacy. My first few vlogs were terrible and awkward but as time progressed, I could see that I had developed some skill in the art of vlogging. Today, vlogging is one of my strengths because I'm fluent in ASL and I would rather to sign instead of write since ASL is my first language.
Before enrolling here, I would have laughed at the idea of choosing vlogs after essays. Being a student here has opened my eyes to different possibilities and I'm grateful for that.
That all changed here because some classes practically require vlogs and make it a big part of your grade. My first attempt at a vlog was a weak one because I failed miserably. I didn't even know how to record... I actually signed then realized I signed for absolutely no purpose. Being a new student, I was gullible enough to sign in an open area in the SAC computer lab when I could have signed in a closed room with some privacy. My first few vlogs were terrible and awkward but as time progressed, I could see that I had developed some skill in the art of vlogging. Today, vlogging is one of my strengths because I'm fluent in ASL and I would rather to sign instead of write since ASL is my first language.
Before enrolling here, I would have laughed at the idea of choosing vlogs after essays. Being a student here has opened my eyes to different possibilities and I'm grateful for that.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Fye #6 (College Life)
Ever since I got here, everything has been so crazy between football, classes, social life, and homework. The previous week was the homecoming week as mentioned in my previous blog which was up there with the best weeks that I have ever experienced. I have noticed that there's basically four levels that I go through everyday in my first semester.
Our football team has a record of six wins and four losses which is the best in Gallaudet history with a schedule full of Division 3 teams. In the past, Gallaudet football teams had good records but never with a schedule that has all Division 3 teams. Coming in, I never anticipated college football to be this time-consuming because it literally takes half of my day away during the week. However, I will not take anything back because this season has been something that I would never forget. Our season is all but over depending on whether we get into a bowl game or not. That decision rests on the league's shoulders. That decision will be releaved this Sunday.
In high school, the hardest part about it was having to show up in classes and trying to stay awake. Acting motivated in school wasn't my thing nor I did try to look like it. However, in college, it is the complete opposite because classes here is so short and only happens three times a week so I'm actually motivated to learn in classes now.
The downfall of most students in college: the social life. I look at the previous students that has withdrawn from Gallaudet... I used to wonder how they could just screw their academic life up so fast. Now in my 10th week, I don't ask that question anymore because I know now that the social life can be so tempting and homework-killer. Finding the balance is not something that every student is able to find. Resisting the temptations to go out when you have a final exam tomorrow is actually harder than you can ever expect. Once a student finds the balance, s/he will last through college.
Formerly a high school student, homework used to be a thing that I would do when I felt like it and not do when I wasn't in the mood. Teachers would chase over me and say, "Ok, 10 points off but you still have to do it." However, I was knocked on the chin with a wrecking ball when I immediately got a zero in some classes when ignoring an assignment. College homework is a big part in some classes because it helps you prepare for tests and final exams and not doing them is a killer to your grades. I learned that immediately the first week and have been completing my homework on time ever since.
The first semester has been so fun yet it has taught me so many lessons. College life is something that tests you and will bite when you fail to react.
Our football team has a record of six wins and four losses which is the best in Gallaudet history with a schedule full of Division 3 teams. In the past, Gallaudet football teams had good records but never with a schedule that has all Division 3 teams. Coming in, I never anticipated college football to be this time-consuming because it literally takes half of my day away during the week. However, I will not take anything back because this season has been something that I would never forget. Our season is all but over depending on whether we get into a bowl game or not. That decision rests on the league's shoulders. That decision will be releaved this Sunday.
In high school, the hardest part about it was having to show up in classes and trying to stay awake. Acting motivated in school wasn't my thing nor I did try to look like it. However, in college, it is the complete opposite because classes here is so short and only happens three times a week so I'm actually motivated to learn in classes now.
The downfall of most students in college: the social life. I look at the previous students that has withdrawn from Gallaudet... I used to wonder how they could just screw their academic life up so fast. Now in my 10th week, I don't ask that question anymore because I know now that the social life can be so tempting and homework-killer. Finding the balance is not something that every student is able to find. Resisting the temptations to go out when you have a final exam tomorrow is actually harder than you can ever expect. Once a student finds the balance, s/he will last through college.
Formerly a high school student, homework used to be a thing that I would do when I felt like it and not do when I wasn't in the mood. Teachers would chase over me and say, "Ok, 10 points off but you still have to do it." However, I was knocked on the chin with a wrecking ball when I immediately got a zero in some classes when ignoring an assignment. College homework is a big part in some classes because it helps you prepare for tests and final exams and not doing them is a killer to your grades. I learned that immediately the first week and have been completing my homework on time ever since.
The first semester has been so fun yet it has taught me so many lessons. College life is something that tests you and will bite when you fail to react.
Monday, October 26, 2009
FYE #5
The thrills of experiencing the different scales of homecoming at a college level-- classes competition, games, spirit, parties, and clubs. Being only fifty minutes away from Gallaudet University, I had heard a lot about their homecoming week and the fun coming with it.
I finally got to be involved with the homecoming week being a Gallaudet freshman. It started off terrible, believe it or not. On the first day of homecoming week, at Sunday noon, there was a relay where all freshmen did different sections of the relay passing on a banana. My part included some running, way more than I had anticipated. I had to run from the football field to Benson Hall. There, I had to run up nine stairs and back down. Ballard West sandlot was the final task... By the time I was at the third floor of Benson Hall, I couldn't run anymore. I found some energy in me I didn't know existed before as I sprinted to Ballard West sandlot to finish it out. Result? I threw up. Hahaha, I know.
The rest of the week wasn't as difficult as the first day itself. The next several days included many fun activities such as the mix of football and basketball, ping-pong with dixie cups, and spinning with a bat to your head then tossing a ping-pong ball onto a dixie cup... Also, flag football for the girls only and on the flip side, cheerleading for the boys only. Not to mention, all of us had to show up at volleyball games and show some support for them to fetch some much-needed points. All in all, our class did well at all of them and really bonded over those times.
Oh no, I didn't forget the weekend part obviously. Being a football player myself, I missed out on the homecoming bash; I heard it was very fun. Fortunately, I was able to go to the homecoming clubroom, it was tons of fun (PPV to mini UFC, get my drift?) along with some drinks, not just some but you get it.
I look forward to the next three years of being involved with the homecoming week. Hopefully, they won't fly by me too fast. Until then, peace out.
I finally got to be involved with the homecoming week being a Gallaudet freshman. It started off terrible, believe it or not. On the first day of homecoming week, at Sunday noon, there was a relay where all freshmen did different sections of the relay passing on a banana. My part included some running, way more than I had anticipated. I had to run from the football field to Benson Hall. There, I had to run up nine stairs and back down. Ballard West sandlot was the final task... By the time I was at the third floor of Benson Hall, I couldn't run anymore. I found some energy in me I didn't know existed before as I sprinted to Ballard West sandlot to finish it out. Result? I threw up. Hahaha, I know.
The rest of the week wasn't as difficult as the first day itself. The next several days included many fun activities such as the mix of football and basketball, ping-pong with dixie cups, and spinning with a bat to your head then tossing a ping-pong ball onto a dixie cup... Also, flag football for the girls only and on the flip side, cheerleading for the boys only. Not to mention, all of us had to show up at volleyball games and show some support for them to fetch some much-needed points. All in all, our class did well at all of them and really bonded over those times.
Oh no, I didn't forget the weekend part obviously. Being a football player myself, I missed out on the homecoming bash; I heard it was very fun. Fortunately, I was able to go to the homecoming clubroom, it was tons of fun (PPV to mini UFC, get my drift?) along with some drinks, not just some but you get it.
I look forward to the next three years of being involved with the homecoming week. Hopefully, they won't fly by me too fast. Until then, peace out.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Plagiarism
With the latest technology developments, it's no wonder that the rates of plagiarism have increased big-time. Nearly all teachers classify it as bad or terrible. However, I'm here to tell you that plagiarism should be allowed.
Growing up all my life, I was constantly frowned upon when forgetting to cite my sources. No plagiarism! No copying! No cheating! It's really tiresome... It only motivates students to rebel and go against what their teachers are constantly bothering them with ethics. Speaking of ethics, plagiarism is one of the worst things a writer can do nowadays: "There are few intellectual offenses more serious than plagiarism in academic and professional contexts." Of course, students already know what is wrong and right, and teachers should back off a little.
Before you go all berserk on me, of course, it shouldn't be allowed. But, schools or universities should 'chill' out on the rules because kids do make mistakes sometimes by forgetting to cite their sources. Sometimes, students need to learn how to walk through between the lines of plagiarism and converting sources into their own paper: "I just believe that my students need to learn about the line between dishonesty and creative adaptation before they cross it."
Not to mention, some confusing websites really doesn't help students out on trying to cope the idea of avoiding plagiarism. Naming a few, Northwestern University's website... improper examples are offered with paraphrases of cliff notes. Cliff notes should never be used or paraphrased for that matter. Also, some other materials suggests reading a source then closing the book (situational) and then writing down what you remember. That's not acceptable either according to the rules of plagiarism.
BEFORE YOU THINK ABOUT NOT CITING YOUR SOURCES ...
Penalties -- The usual punishments of a university
Reprimand:
Warning from the college or university that a repeated action will result in a more serious penalty.
Loss of Privilege:
Losing the privilege to use some college facilities.
Probation:
Get a written warning that his/her conduct is in violation of college policies and the student's position is in jeopardy.
Suspension:
Excused for the rest of the semester due to actions.
Dismissal:
Officially expelled for an indefinite period of time.
Basically, plagiarism is illegal in our society and the penalties is really swift and harsh. Why plagirize when you have a mind of yours to use? Don't be lazy and type up some brilliant papers of your own.
Quick stats -
-66% of 16,000 students from 31 prestigious U.S. universities have cheated at least once (1991 study by Rutgers University)
-36% of undergraduates have admitted to plagiarizing written material (1997)
-Cheating on campus increased an estimated 744% from 1993 to 1997
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/01/
http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~rhart/courses/materials/plagiarism/
Growing up all my life, I was constantly frowned upon when forgetting to cite my sources. No plagiarism! No copying! No cheating! It's really tiresome... It only motivates students to rebel and go against what their teachers are constantly bothering them with ethics. Speaking of ethics, plagiarism is one of the worst things a writer can do nowadays: "There are few intellectual offenses more serious than plagiarism in academic and professional contexts." Of course, students already know what is wrong and right, and teachers should back off a little.
Before you go all berserk on me, of course, it shouldn't be allowed. But, schools or universities should 'chill' out on the rules because kids do make mistakes sometimes by forgetting to cite their sources. Sometimes, students need to learn how to walk through between the lines of plagiarism and converting sources into their own paper: "I just believe that my students need to learn about the line between dishonesty and creative adaptation before they cross it."
Not to mention, some confusing websites really doesn't help students out on trying to cope the idea of avoiding plagiarism. Naming a few, Northwestern University's website... improper examples are offered with paraphrases of cliff notes. Cliff notes should never be used or paraphrased for that matter. Also, some other materials suggests reading a source then closing the book (situational) and then writing down what you remember. That's not acceptable either according to the rules of plagiarism.
BEFORE YOU THINK ABOUT NOT CITING YOUR SOURCES ...
Penalties -- The usual punishments of a university
Reprimand:
Warning from the college or university that a repeated action will result in a more serious penalty.
Loss of Privilege:
Losing the privilege to use some college facilities.
Probation:
Get a written warning that his/her conduct is in violation of college policies and the student's position is in jeopardy.
Suspension:
Excused for the rest of the semester due to actions.
Dismissal:
Officially expelled for an indefinite period of time.
Basically, plagiarism is illegal in our society and the penalties is really swift and harsh. Why plagirize when you have a mind of yours to use? Don't be lazy and type up some brilliant papers of your own.
Quick stats -
-66% of 16,000 students from 31 prestigious U.S. universities have cheated at least once (1991 study by Rutgers University)
-36% of undergraduates have admitted to plagiarizing written material (1997)
-Cheating on campus increased an estimated 744% from 1993 to 1997
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/01/
http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~rhart/courses/materials/plagiarism/
Sunday, October 11, 2009
FYE #4
The PHAs hosted a workshop related to Drugs and Alcohol several weeks ago. I have to admit at first, I wasn't going to show up because I thought I would be busy... However, for some reason I was at the right place at the right time and was able to listen to what they had to say.
At the workshop, I learned a lot relating to alcohol and drugs -- how to reduce the chances of a hangover, the penalties relating to usage of alcohol or drugs, dangerous party drugs such as roofers, and many more. It was good to be reminded of the dangers of partying.
One of the most important things that I felt was provided at the workshop was the feedback on using dixie cups. The PHAs explained that it was at our best interests to keep our dixie cups in our hands at all times because many things can be put in a dixie cup without us knowing.
It was really fun to put on a beer goggle and know exactly how a drunk person would see things. I tried walking around it and then ran around. Before you have a heart attack, I ran around in an open space full of grass with no obstacles.
To sum it up, I had a blast and was glad that I made time to see the workshop.
At the workshop, I learned a lot relating to alcohol and drugs -- how to reduce the chances of a hangover, the penalties relating to usage of alcohol or drugs, dangerous party drugs such as roofers, and many more. It was good to be reminded of the dangers of partying.
One of the most important things that I felt was provided at the workshop was the feedback on using dixie cups. The PHAs explained that it was at our best interests to keep our dixie cups in our hands at all times because many things can be put in a dixie cup without us knowing.
It was really fun to put on a beer goggle and know exactly how a drunk person would see things. I tried walking around it and then ran around. Before you have a heart attack, I ran around in an open space full of grass with no obstacles.
To sum it up, I had a blast and was glad that I made time to see the workshop.
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