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