College

New Semester

Penn State’s spring semester has begun! I kicked off the second semester of my junior year on Monday. I’ve had to mentally get back into “school mode” and out of “vacation mode” these past few days.

I suddenly have less time to randomly bake batches of white chocolate chip cookies... sad.

I suddenly have less time to randomly bake batches of white chocolate chip cookies… sad.

I’m going to be honest, I always struggle at the beginning of a new semester. I often feel very anxious and overwhelmed. I question whether or not I can handle the courses I have to take and I have a hard time getting into a routine as I adapt to my new schedule.

It’s funny, because a few weeks into classes, I look back and think why was I so worried that I couldn’t do all of this school work? God always carries me through my life, especially times when I am forced to adapt and stretch the limits of my comfort zone.

Here are my courses for this semester:

COMM460W– News reporting
COMM470A– Newspaper production
COMM270– Multimedia production
CAS204– Communication research methods
METEO003– Meteorology

So far, most of my classes are tough. Some are “senior level,” one is a research course, and two involve learning new-to-me software (like DreamWeaver, InDesign CS4, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.).

I’m definitely going to be challenged this semester, but I’m ready to trust God, do my best, and believe in myself and my abilities. 

I've already learned a new word in meteorology ... isopleth!

I’ve already learned a new word in meteorology … isopleth!

On the bright side, spring (and May–the end of the semester) will be here before I know it 😉

A day in the life

I’m becoming more accustomed to the new semester at school so I thought I’d do a “day in the life” post for all you creepers out there. I looked back through my blog and saw that I did this last fall semester, last spring semester.

So, this is a typical Tuesday or Thursday for me:

6:00-6:30AM Wake up. I set my alarm for 6:30, but sometimes I wake up earlier. I’m a morning person through and through. My first thoughts are usually: wow I have to pee, I’m so thirsty, or I want breakfast. I’m pretty boring as far as breakfast goes… I have cereal, peanut butter, and coffee almost every single day.Random fact: I like to eat my cereal in a coffee mug. Moving on now..

I eat breakfast first thing and then get on with my life by reading my Bible, getting ready for school, and doing any last-minute homework or studying.

I usually wear awkward things. Like peacock shirts.

7:30-11:00 School and commuting. I leave for school at 7:30 to arrive by 7:50 and my first class starts at 8:00. If I’m feeling tired, I’ll buy a regular coffee with half  and half from the cafe at school.

From 8:00-9:15 I have anthropology. I’m learning about humans and culture. It’s pretty interesting. From 9:30-10:45 I have conflict resolution. The class is about resolving conflict and it gets pretty heated (as in button-pushing conversations). I really enjoy this class too. After school I hop in my truck and head home.

11:00-12:00 Lunch. Yeah buddy! I usually grab something quick, like leftovers, and then I let my food digest for a little while while I talk with my mom about life and stuff (she works from home as a real estate agent for our family’s company).

12:00-1:00 Run time. I usually spend an hour either running or running and weight lifting. It just depends what I’m in the mood for and how the weather is looking. I try to get out on local trails.That is my “secret entrance” to a trail about 2 minutes from my house.

1:00-5:30 Afternoon funzies. In the afternoon I do as  much homework as I can, have a snack, journal, and try to walk Lola if I have time (which I usually don’t on Tues/Thurs).

5:30-7:30 Work. I leave for work at 5:30 and arrive around 6:00 to set up all of the bikes (I’m a Spinning instructor). Class begins at 6:15 and ends at 7:00. I get home around 7:30. I really, really love my job!

7:30-9:30 Night stuff. After work I heat up whatever my mom made for dinner, finish any homework or studying, and just relax before I hit the hay. I love going to bed early 🙂

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That’s pretty much a typical Tuesday/Thursday for me!

Bible verse of the day: Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8