Thoughts Before Christmas

I am not excited for Christmas this year. I used to enjoy the holiday music and cheer, snow and cold weather. This year, for some reason, just is not the same. Maybe it is because everyone is grouchy, the economy is still in a rut and shopping just stinks in general. I already miss my classes and my professors, sad isn't it? I also miss the amazing friends I have made that I really want to see as soon as possible. I enjoy school and the freedom that comes with it. I love roaming around the building, talking to people and making new friends. Its been a great experience and hate that I have to wait a month for it to all come back. I wish winter break was only a week like it was back in high school. I have no holiday cheer this year, I feel like the Grinch. :(

I am usually festive and cheery during December but I feel like everyone else's lack of happiness has affected me dramatically. I can only hope everyone else has a great vacation and a Happy Holidays!

And do not forget about signing up for classes and financial aid if need be! Best of Wishes!

Uncertainty and Clarification...

Lately I've been getting tired of going to school. Tired of waking up, at 7:00 every other day, after less than 8 hrs of sleep, and dragging myself to math class. And then sitting in school for the whole day until 2:20, and then sitting outside for at least 15 minutes waiting for my mom, even though we live less than 5 minutes away. Sometimes I just don't want to get out of bed, but then I remind myself that my parents paid for my education and I need to go to school. I think this has taught me not to pick classes at 8:30 in the morning when your definitely not a morning person. I'll know for next semester to build my school schedule around my sleep schedule. And no more night classes. I love English, but if I have to take another night class after spending the whole day in school, I think I might scream.
As I get closer to transferring (which won't be for a while since this is my first semester) I start to think that I might not want to transfer. On the one hand, I need to transfer. On the other hand if I don't want to. I don't hate school I just don't like the work, which is bad because school is work. But I guess I'll I just have to suck it up and do it, and when I finish, I finish.
I'm trying to enjoy my time at school, without a job, because things can change and you never know what might happen over the next few days, months or years. I have a friend that works, goes to school full time, takes care of family, does extra work at church and still finds time for her close friends. I would never be able to do that, I would fall apart, but that could be me in the next year or so. (I hope not, haha) it's kinda bad, but I look at that and tell myself to be happy with the place I'm in right now. I don't have to work, (at a job at least) and my schedule is not jam packed with things. Even though I don't like work I have to get used to it and become better at doing it on time and to the best of my ability.

Any one out there stressed or not sure about something at school? Please comment and share your story.

THE EVENTUAL HAND-SANITIZER STORY

Hello North Shore students! I hope everyone had a really awesome Thanksgiving!

Well, today, being “black Friday”, the malls/stores and roads were a cluttered mess with people. I really wanted a digital camera that was being sold at Target, but when I arrived at 4:45 am it was sold out! This was very disappointing. However, I honestly must say that it was fun to watch people “racing” down the aisles and yelling at their spouses/shopping buddies/relatives for being too slow, and not “looking alive” as one woman said this morning. ---what a riot. (both funny and chaotic)

Anyone get up to go “black Friday-ing”? If so… what did’ya get?!

Even though it is important for some to get up, wait in line, and scramble through hundreds of people… is it worth it? I was honestly thinking about this Swine Flu sickness the whole time.

.. I'm getting to the point I promise. ...

I’m SO glad that North Shore has the hand sanitizing stations but don’t you ever find yourself going up to one, to find it empty? You take your sparkling clean hand (… not likely and an over exaggeration) and go to push/touch on the level to dispense the solution, and its empty! Ahhh! This is so frustrating! Some of them are automatic but some aren’t. I really appreciate how they give us the opportunity to sanitize ourselves but they should really keep on top of refills especially during this crazy flu season. Ugh.

- Kristen

P.S. --> I was recently informed that all of the hand sanitizer beliefs on how it's unhealthy if you use too much etc. ... is all a myth. Not sure how I feel about this. I personally believe that it obviously just dries out skin. So, try to use one that is lotion based (ie. one from Bath&Body Works) ... or just lotion up after using alot! :)

State House Visit

Joanne, Victoria, Cala, Laura, Angela and I had the pleasure of visiting the State House on Monday. We were invited by the very friendly Representative Theodore C. Speliotis and we got to spend some time with him in his office and we talked about the Scholars Program and what his job as a State Rep entailed. We learned that he is the Chair of the committee in charge of licensing in the state of Massachusetts (all issues concerning consumer credit, consumer protection, the issuance of licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages, the registration of various trades or professions.) We also learned about the complicated process of how bills were discussed by the representatives and passed. We even talked about how some of them make the public angry. Mr. Speliotis talked about how people can have a strong opinion about something but when they vote in the house they need to review all perspectives and angles and that what they vote for might not be what their personal opinion is but what is right, based on all the facts presented.Mr. Speliotis was so kind, and he prepared us lunch and we got to eat with him and his secretaries and assistants.

After lunch we took a picture in front of the grand staircase with the Representative. It was so much fun! Then we took a tour with a delightful old woman named Mary who although she was old, she was very up to date with her history and very amusing with her story telling about the state house. While we were there we had the privilege of meeting former Governor Michael Dukakis who served from 1975–1979 and from 1983–1991, and was also the Democratic presidential nominee in 1988. After our intellectual adventure to the state house Joanne kindly drove us to Sonic where we got slushies (although she didn't get one because she does not like them). We got back to NSCC and parted ways.

I really enjoyed our trip to the State House and got to know the other girls a lot better. It was a great learning experience and hope we get to go again!
Thanks again Joanne and Victoria, I had a blast!

(Thank You Victoria for your help with this blog)

SEMESTER: ALMOST OVER AND OUT

Well, I haven’t posted in awhile, and it’s great to finally be back! Sorry all for not posting on Halloween; must have missed that one because I wasn’t sure if it was my turn to blog.
So... The good news – I’m just going to have to make up for it! :) I hope everyone had a nice Halloween, and a nice Veterans Day. I am just so thankful for everyone fighting for our country. Past and present.

So, I’m VERY excited that this semester is almost over. I don’t know about all of you, but this semester has been kicking my you know what. I’ve never taken as many tests, quizzes, and done this many lab reports in all of my 19 years of living. NO JOKE. Going to both campuses and working doesn’t help either! However, I know my education is going to pay off in the end. (let us hope.. haha)

The best thing to do is to think forward and positively.
What is everyone’s outlook on this semester? Any regrets, thoughts, experiences, etc?
The best part about this blog is that people can post anonymously. It’s so good to get things off your chest, and just to vent! (Just be courteous, and obviously... don’t mention names!)

For me personally, aside from all the work, a few things came to mind. I’m not a smoker, but it bothers me how as I’m walking into the building, I end up smelling like a smoker. Anyone else feel this way? I just think smoking is gross, and the smell just grosses me out. I know there is nothing I can do, but at some campuses, smoking is not permitted anywhere near the building; smokers would have to smoke in their car, etc. Just thought I’d throw this smoking situation out there.
Hmm.. ...


-Kristen

The Freedom of Choice

We live in a country that within reason lets people do whatever they want. Some choose to smoke cigarettes, which is perfectly fine. No one individual can stop you from smoking are they responsible for you increasing your chances of cancer. But smokers have a responsibility to be thoughtful of people who are non smokers, and to their wishes to not have to be too close to second hand smoke. A few weeks ago I found myself walking through a mushroom cloud of smoke at one of the entrances of the school and due to inclement weather, the smokers all wanted to stay dry. Is this fair? Absolutely not. Although their is not a designated smoking area on North Shore property, the smoking crowd needs to be placed in their own isolated area (I know of a few colleges that have smoking "gazebos" that students can go to and smoke and be away from the general public) or smoking needs to be outlawed all together on campus. To add a little fuel to the fire, the smoking crowd toss their filters into when they are done are total eye sores, and the worst part is some students don't even use them. I found myself enjoying some warm weather recently, and was sitting on the ledge which is abutted directly with grass and saw a insane amount of filters just sitting their. Change needs to happen, and it needs to happen soon. If you are a student who feels the same way, find someone on the Student Government, and voice your concerns.

Swine Flu Scare.

I was diagnosed with a mild case of the swine flu this past week so I spent most of my time laying down, feeling like crap, for lack of a better word. While in bed, awaiting what seemed to be death, I realized I should of taken better precautions and I wouldn't be throwing up and have a fever of 101 due to the H1N1 virus. SO, to all you happy and healthy folks, here are some ways to not be stupid like me and prevent yourself from getting the dreadful flu! (Don't worry, I'm all better now).

And sorry if I sound like your grandmother trying to tell you what to do, but seriously, this thing, is horrible to have.

1) WASH YOUR HANDS!
2) Use hand sanitizer after touching a million things..like money, door handles etc.
3) Keep your hands away from your mouth (NO BITING YOUR NAILS LIKE I DO!), eyes etc.
4) Get some rest. Don't be an insomniac!
5) If you do think you are getting sick, stay home, take meds and stay away from the elderly, pregnant and small children.

Symptoms of the H1N1:
*fever
*cough
*sore throat
*runny nose
*body aches
*headache that will not go away
*chills
*fatigue
*diarrhea (in some cases)
*vomiting (in some cases)

Unfortunately, doctors offices are currently flooded with cases of the flu, but if you are experiencing these symptoms, make an appointment and they may prescribe you something to help ease the aches and pains.

PLEASE take care, and don't freak out over the flu. Keep yourself clean and healthy.

Guide for the Eater

Seeing as I have been doing a couple guides by experience, I figured I might as well continue. So here are some suggestions on how to save your hard earned money.

If you’re like me you’re trying to hold onto every last dime that you barely have the time to earn. So it can get kind of hard when you end up spending 10+ for various snacks and food at school. Here are a couple tricks, and how I try to do things

1) Always always always bring a drink with you, I suggest water since most of your body is made of water, but its up to you

2) Bring your own snacks, I find that a mega pack of snacks is a lot cheaper at BJ’s than at school

3) Bring a piece of fruit. Not only can you barely find fruit at school, but it’s also expensive when you do. So do your wallet and body a favor and bring some fruit

4) Eat breakfast! Everyone’s heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it also saves a few bucks as well so you don’t feel the need to grab that caramel macchiato and coffee roll.

When I follow my own rules I find that I only need to buy a sandwich or burger each day. It costs around $5 but is a lot less expensive than buying a whole meal and lots of snacks in between. However that’s only when you eat at school. If you go to Lynn, like I do, than there is a large selection of equally expensive meals within walking distance from the campus. I find that its just easier to stay in school since the food their tastes just as good.

Mentors

When you join the elite group of President Scholars, you are assigned a mentor who you meet at the luncheon before the school year starts. Each scholar is given a mentor, usually someone of high capacity at the college [some even with three funky letters at the end of their name], to which they meet with and discuss everything from life at school to things bigger than North Shore (life skills to be exact). My mentor happens to be a very busy man at North Shore, so when we are able to meet, I like to squeeze every last drop of information out of him. This week, I had a issue with something at the college, something that I really didn’t know how to deal with without offending the professor I was dealing with. So, I did the adult thing, and seeked out my mentor, with who sat me down and give me one of the best lessons in life you can be handed: when dealing in a situation like this, you need to craft your words so carefully so that you can get your point across, not offended the other party, and find a resolution that fits both parties. After being told this, I realized how valuable that lesson from the my mentor was. 

Dealing with difficult situations is a fact of life, but dealing with them respectfully and in a proper manner can make all the difference in the end result. Its get better though. I found out that day I had two mentors: I walked across the hall to check in with one of the three-at-the-end-of-her-names and asked her opinion. This young lady stressed something that my other mentor stressed: grades aren’t everything. They aren’t the end all be all. Its what you take from the class and can go forward with that matters at the end of the day

Agoraphobia: The Fear of Embarrassment or Losing Control

Before entering college I had a few thoughts in mind: 1) I was going to let go of my past & look forward to the future 2) I was going to keep to myself, not let anyone get to close to me because I was scared of drama (a lot like in high school) ruining my plans and dreams 3) Study my hardest, and make something of myself by doing so Well, numbers 1 & 3 weren't so bad right? Number 2 was my biggest issue.

PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AND OTHER GROUPS

PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AND OTHER GROUPS
Does anyone know what a Presidential Scholar is, or what the Presidential Scholarship Program is? Most people don’t. As a Presidential scholar, I represent the school at various events on and off campus. Also as a scholar, I have a requirement of attending a certain number of events each semester. This can be difficult with academics, extra-curricular activities, and work. Some of the events require not only attendance at certain things to represent the school, but active participation. For instance, I was invited to speak at an incoming student orientation in front of a large crowd. I was also encouraged to put together a small presentation at a local Rotary Club meeting. The events are a lot of fun, and are great opportunities! The scholars are given a reward for participating in this program, but above all, not everyone is invited to a Chamber of Commerce breakfast! It’s pretty neat!

To get into the program, I had to obviously apply, and put together an essay, or personal statement. In addition to this, I had to get recommended by staff members from my high school and have a certain grade point average. My goal is to eventually provide more awareness for this program, and for other students to realize that as Presidential Scholars, we help to keep North Shore’s reputation alive in the perspective of advertising how the college is full of opportunity. Another goal of mine being a Scholar, is to promote the Spark Literary magazine. Many students just don’t know about it! There are so many students that have an abundance of talent in writing, poetry, and art. Anyone ever submit to the magazine before? With any questions or submissions, please email SPARK@northshore.edu.
 
With all of this in mind, does anyone have any ideas for a new club or group? Share your ideas by commenting! :)
-Kristen

Guide for the Commuter

For anyone who commutes to the Lynn NSCC, I’m sure you understand my pain and frustration. You see I live in Gloucesta, and from all the possible colleges, NSCC was one of the closest. What I didn’t realize was that the train would not always work. And worse still, traffic in the city is a real pain! Therefore I will try and help anyone who is wondering what to do by telling you about my experiences

The Train: the train is nice, while your riding on it. That’s about it. I only live 5 minutes away so it’s easy to get to, and I know some back roads, so it’s free parking for me. But then I usually wait about 10 minutes for the train to come because you simply CANNOT MISS THE TRAIN. Anyways, once I’m on it is a nice relaxing trip, where those who don’t procrastinate could get some homework done or write some emails. The down side is that it takes a solid hour from Gloucesta to Lynn. Not to mention the fact that they have such weird schedules where I end up getting kicked off the train, have to wait 10 minutes, and then get on another train, just so that they don’t have to stop in Lynn (jerks).. Then theirs the ride back. My classes always end at 2:10; the train doesn’t come until 2:45. If your like me and don’t like wasting time, then that is a long time to wait. I guess I could try to do some homework, but why bother.

The Promient Dean

As a Presidential Scholar, I get asked to go to many different events on and off campus. These events can range from open houses, to chamber breakfasts and to special events that don't occur often. Today, I went to a event that is very near and dear to everyone at North Shore's hearts: a welcome dinner for the accreditation team that will be accrediting North Shore over the next few days. This event was very interesting in many ways, because going into the doors at the Sheraton, I had no idea what to expect. After walking around for a few minutes, I finally found the reception and met up with President Burton and the accreditation team, I was introduced to several members of the team and made small talk with them, comparing North Shore to their colleges. It was interesting to hear about various programs and events they have or about their expansions/renovations. As we started to come together to break bread, I saw a seat open at the table with a prominent Dean at the college at decided to take a seat next to him, and get to know him quite well. Turned out, that was my smartest decision of the night, besides turning down the fried chicken at dinner. This prominent Dean, happened to be quite the interesting character. I knew very little about him before I sat down next to him, and walked out feeling like I had just made a friend on the spot. This Dean, who holds three degrees from Ole Miss, was a great resource to discuss every aspect of school, and the future. This Dean projected a very important point to me: no matter what you get degrees in or take classes in, you never know where you will end up.

Molly's Story and Advice from a Single Mom

I was sitting in class next to a girl named Molly*. Molly told me she was 21, and has a 2 year old son named Austin*. As we were getting to know each other, I told her about this blog and that I needed a new topic to write about. She told me to write about her story.

Molly was 19 when she got pregnant and gave birth to a 7 pound 6 ounce baby boy. Austin's father, Justin*, denied him from the moment Molly got pregnant and has never been in the baby's life. Matter of fact, Justin kicked Molly out when she was 3 months pregnant and has since lived with her adoptive parents and sister. Molly got a court order for a paternity test and it was confirmed that Austin was indeed Justin's baby. Justin, after 2 years, just began making child support payments in August.

"GO GREEN" IN DANVERS! WELL... SORT OF.

Currently, the Danvers campus is building a new "green" building! Isn't this exciting?! I must admit, it was pretty cool watching the huge construction trucks easily rip an entire tree out of the ground. Anyone else get to see this happening during the day? The giant "claw" part of the truck looked like it could definitely be out of a movie scene. It was wild. Even though it was pretty cool to watch, let's just look at the big picture. They are building this "green" building... but are tearing down trees. Am I missing something? LOL -I realize that the construction requires this needed space, but this is just so humorous to me!

Alright… so does anyone actually know anything about the new building being built at the Danvers campus? I actually looked in the Pennon (school newspaper) and it had mentioned that the new building will be replacing the classrooms at the Essex Agricultural building. I personally have never been there, but I’ve heard it’s falling apart. Anyone have a class there? Also in the Pennon, I read that this will be the last major renovation for Danvers since there is no more room for expansions! This really didn’t surprise me…
It did mention something about moving to the Lynn campus next for renovations. It could use some updating, but I still think it’s in good shape considering its 27 years old, and considering the amount of traffic going through it each day. Craziness!

So… what does everyone think about all of this?
-Kristen

...Good thing he said something...

So, it's the first day of school, I just finished my first class of the day. Math. Things were going well so far. I looked at my list of classes and went down to the second floor for my next class. Biology. I got to the room early and waited with a bunch of other students to get in the room. Once the previous class got out, I followed a line of students into the classroom, and sat in the front row. A sigh of relief came over as a slumped in my seat. But then I heard a guy behind me asking another guy if the class was biology...he said "no", it's something else, I couldn't make out what he said. I swung my head around so fast it hurt my neck.

A Quick Change of Scenery

As I sit here on the brisk first day of October, a lot has changed since I first arrived on the Danvers campus a month ago. On the first day, anyone that took a second to look around would see people fighting for “primo” parking spots, Campus Police trying to catch students parking on lawns, shorts and t-shirts, new students rushing to find their first classes before the Professors start their lectures and a sense of wanting to go out and sit on various walls and lawns between classes to catch a breath of the summer air. Today, upon arrival, I noticed people journeying way into the deep woods of the campus to the already paved parking spots, and Campus Police at ease. Shorts and t-shirts have been replaced with jeans, sweatpants, and of course, “Uggs” boots for the female population. No longer are their students with lost of confused looks on their face, only looks of “I should have studied longer last night but fell asleep on Facebook”. Lastly, the walls and lawns looked very bare today. It seems as though North Shore does not have a outside heater for students to use while catching a wisp of the brisk fall air. As we roll into fall, Professors get more and more intense, and thoughts of mid terms and final exams are on the horizon. As a reader, what part of North Shore inside or outside of the classroom would you like to hear about? For this interested in the inside, here is a snippet of a Professors quote on the first day of classes referring to final grades “I drink wine the night I figure out final grades”.

Procrastinating Through the Day- an Introduction to the NSCC Blog

To start off I would just like to say to anyone reading this, welcome to the first NSCC Blog. My name is Ortiz. The whole idea of this blog page was to try and get students connected, and for future /prospective students the opportunity to see what it’s really like in NSCC, not just what the pamphlets tell you. And so to start things off I thought that whoever might be reading this would probably want to know a little bit about myself and what I’m suppose to be doing at the college. I’ve always been a person who likes to do things with my hands. Whether it be legos, chairs, robots, kitchens, or houses, I liked to build it. I am also a Maintenance Worker/ Landscaper. Therefore I knew I wanted to pursue a vocation. I ended up choosing the Energy Utilities Program here at NSCC for a variety of different reasons, the major ones being cost, location, and it was one of few focused, hands on programs. So the one year E.U.T certificate fit the bill (more information about E.U.T can be found on the main website). Anyways that being said, I would like to let everyone know what a day in the life of a nscc student is like.

It came to my attention that sometimes we all need a little advice…no matter how old we are

Entering college can be as frightening as riding your bike for the first time without training wheels. But, once you get the hang of it, it’s easy. Along the way, we all need some guidance and advice. Your best friend may go to a school fifty miles away (which is hard because now there’s no one to bail you out of those sticky situations you get yourself into), your parents have you under pressure to get good grades, and trying to make time for yourself seems close to impossible. BUT! There is hope! It may take some effort and hard work, but your busy schedule will become organized and you will adjust to your changing lifestyle. Thankfully here at North Shore Community College we have people who are willing to guide you in the right direction, answer your questions and lead you to success. It came to my attention, that sometimes we all need someone to talk to who is within our own generation and who can understand where we are coming from. I also know that I want these things to remain confidential, so that’s what I’m here for.

NSCC Student Blogging

What better way to get to know North Shore Community College than to read what current students have to say as they experience it firsthand? In the coming weeks NSCC will be publishing a blog for current and prospective students written by current students. Students will be posting about their day to day thoughts as they adjust to, and take part in, the busy life of an NSCC student.

Our bloggers will be posting here weekly throughout the semester. We invite you to check back often and read what they have to say. If you have something to say back, we encourage you to share your thoughts and interact with them. Let your voice be heard. By taking part in the College community you add to the completeness of your NSCC experience.