Showing posts with label wisdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wisdom. Show all posts
Spring Fever - Being productive while still being able to breathe during Spring Break
0 comments Posted by Laura Saloiye at 9:17 AM
It's finally that time of the semester. The time when Spring Break draws nigh and the idea of a week away from school makes us drool with anticipation. Unfortunately, beforehand (and even afterwards for some), we have exams, quizzes, papers, and all other sorts of homework to finish. Many times Spring Break is given as a chance to work on projects that would be impossible to handle during the daily rush of things. As such, an important question rises to the forefront of our minds.
How do we get homework done during spring break while still being able to relax and enjoy our break from school?
Well, the answer is simple, but not exactly as easy. Here's some steps to help you get started:
1. Make a list of MUST-DO assignments. These assignments are ones that are important and need your attention immediately. If you can't figure out what assignments are 'must-do' ones, then look at the syllabus. Must-do assignments often depend on the due date (is it due soon?) or the grade weight (what percentage of the final grade is the assignment?).
2. Space out some time during break specifically for homework. Now, this is not near as easy as it sounds. But pick a time every day where you will get away from family, friends and Facebook and just work on homework.
3. Use your resources. If you need to work on a paper over Spring Break, be sure to check your book out of the library before you leave! Or, check out the eBooks and Online Databases linked on the library.cairn.edu home page, and find what you need right there on your computer! Searching the online catalog can also bring up books that you can access on your computer while you're at home. Always be aware of the resources you have!
4. Take a break! Depending on the type of student you are, this might be the most important step. Especially at this point in the semester, we are more than capable of running our poor brains into the ground by overstudying. Burnout is very common during this time of midterms and essays, so be sure to step back and take a break! Your brain doesn't work nearly as well when it's worn out as it would if you just took a short break. For my break, I'll watch an episode of Friends. It's only 22 minutes long, and I feel refreshed enough afterwards that I can go back to tackling my homework! Once I get something else accomplished homework-wise, I can take another break and watch another episode. This keeps me from getting overly-stressed, and it keeps my brain from shutting down on me.
These steps are only the beginning, and all require discipline. That's where the hard part comes in. But if you follow these basic steps, then you should be able to be at least somewhat productive and be able to relax at the same time! Just remember not to get TOO burnt out on homework, and to enjoy your family and friends while you're at home! Also, for any of you staying on campus, please remember that we have adjusted hours for spring break! These can be seen in the 'hours' link on the library.cairn.edu homepage. Good luck everyone, and have a wonderful spring break!
~Rachel Krodel
1. Stay hydrated:
This may sound silly, but you can be surprised how far a little water can go. When your water intake is low, you may experience headaches or even exhaustion. Water even can help you with your digestion as well as helping your brain function well.
2. Get plenty of rest:
One of the things that you hear about a lot in college is students who pull all-nighters before a test. This may not be your best option. Cramming all that information in your head tires you out, and then your brain has no time to process it. When you sleep, your body and brain are realigning everything from the day. As a result, the person who attempted the all-nighter will not be able to process the questions well on the test that they studied for - if they can read them at all. Several of my friends have not slept like they should and had trouble functioning the entire day sometimes have nearly passed out. Personally, I cannot function well in class or stay awake unless I have had a minimum of 7 hours, but that may be different for you.
3. Eat well:
This one seems like another duh, but when you become busy as a college student, it is easy to skip meals. I really do not recommend skipping meals from personal experience. I had skipped breakfast a few times, and I always felt so hungry by 10am, or I felt sick. Several of my friends also had bad experiences with this.
4. Know your limits:
One of the mistakes that I made sophomore year was that I jumped into too much at one time. My grades showed it. I didn’t fail, but I didn’t do excellently either. If you know you are someone who stresses out too easily, don’t get too involved. There are going to be times where you have to skip an event to finish a paper. It happens.
5. Plan ahead on your assignments:
This one was a killer for me. I was told by a professor freshman year that I should start papers, especially big assignments, two weeks ahead of time. I wish I had listened to him. It would have saved me a lot of grief. Always have a time to study and a place. This helps a lot. For those who would like to study in the library, I am including the regular library hours in this post.
Monday - Thursday 7:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sunday 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
6. Do not neglect your personal bible study:
This one may seem more like “Why do I have to do this?” I know. I have had that attitude. As a student, we feel saturated with Bible content because every semester we usually have one bible class. At times, I thought it was enough, but it never was. I felt emotionally and spiritually run down faster when I was not reading my bible. There are some things that you cannot get from Bible classes as well. God can speak personally to you through your bible study. There have been so many times this semester already that my bible readings have encouraged me when I was feeling down, or my trust of God was wearing too thin. Your personal time is when God wants to let you know that you can be still and know that He is God.
~Elisabeth (Beth)
Welcome to Cairn! It’s exciting isn’t it? All of the new
people, new places, new sounds, new surroundings can be so exhilarating….. or,
if you are like me when I first arrived, completely overwhelming! You suddenly
feel like you were thrown into a Twilight
Zone setting where you are expected to attend all of your classes, EVERY
chapel, do all of the readings, papers, projects for EVERY class, oh and keep
up a healthy regime of eating right at EVERY meal and exercising in the gym at
the MAC. Not to mention all of the activities that help build community so of
course you are obligated to go EVERY single one because who doesn’t want to be part
of community?!
Stop. Take a deep breath. Count to ten. Let it out.
Before you get too far into the semester, let me offer you
some tips that I have learned (and am still learning!):
Number 1: You don’t have to do it all. Yup I said it.
Obviously homework is a must because without it we wouldn’t learn but don’t
feel like you have to attend every activity this school has to offer. Think of
them as options. If you like music, attend the music events that seem
interesting to you. Or maybe you like to participate in sports, there is always
a sporting event you can attend and cheer on the Highlanders! Intramurals are
also a great way to be involved in sports. You get exercise and community; two
for the price of one!
Number 2: Sometimes you have to use your chapel skips. They
give us nine for a reason! Maybe you had a long night of studying and really
need that 50 minute break in your schedule to recuperate. Take that time by
yourself to refocus on the reason why you are doing all of this. Seek God’s
strength to help you through. Pray, read the passage of Scripture that is most
encouraging to you, and even sing songs that help draw you closer to God.
Number 3: The Library is here for YOU! Remember all of that
reading and those papers you need to write? The Library is a great place to
accomplish it all! It’s quiet all the time (unlike the dorms) and the Library
staff are here to help you with researching topics and finding books. There are even whole rooms set aside to help
keep you focused on your task. Have a question? The student workers and
Librarians will do their best to answer them! There are no “stupid” questions
and we love to help!
(P.S Did you know we have a movie collection??? Stop in
during the Library’s hours and pick up a movie to unwind from all of the
homework you are working on!)
]Here’s to you Freshmen in having the best first semester of
your college career!
Pray often, Laugh a lot, and hold on tight because college
flies by quickly!
~Jenny
In case
you missed the first part of this blog series, I have set out to show Masland
Library visitors that the library is a valuable resource for social
entertainment. In Part I, I hit on some of the library’s top movies of various
genres. While movies are great entertainment for large groups of people, they
do not necessarily facilitate great social interaction. If there is much
interaction, the movie has probably become background noise and everyone missed
an important movie scene. So now I bring you to music, the perfect element to
set the mood for your social events. Even you are the loner of the party Taylor
Swift once eloquently stated, “People haven’t always been there for me but
music always has.” Therefore, I encourage you to check out some of the
library’s music and let it permeate the atmosphere of your social life.
Music
*The library’s CD collection can be found on the 2nd
floor on your left before entering the computer lab. Although I will not
expound upon them here, the Masland Library has some RECORDS available to
borrow. If you are retro enough to own a record player, ask us more on how to
get your hands on a record.
Romantics Sampler – CD M5 .R663 1995
Let me clarify first by saying this
is not a compilation of songs for a passionate date. The word Romantics refers
to a time period and genre of classical music from the 18th century.
This is music is called romantic because it explored the breadth of emotion in
a way music had not before. Therefore, the modern music listener can find great
refreshment in these pieces.
Scott Joplin Piano Rags – CD M25 .J81 P53 2004
Now these are some true American
originals. Just imagine you and your friends in some small town establishment
out west 100 years back, playing cards and listening to an old man tickling the
ivories with some good old rag time.
Spanish Guitar – CD M126 .S62 2002
This CD is sure to bring that spice
that was missing from your life. Do not forget about this one for all of your
Cinco de Mayo parties.
Quartets – CD M450
– CD M457.4
While great majority of our CD’s
consist of classical music, I wanted to highlight the quartet section of the
collection. In Fall of 2013 the world renown Ying String Quartet came and
played for our school. Some of the greatest classical music was written for
such a group of players on these instruments: two violins, a viola, and a
cello. Only four instruments! This music is not only for the sophisticated.
Jazz, Louis Armstrong – CD M1356 .A736 D445 2000
Jazz, Duke Ellington – CD M1366 .E461 D933 2000
Jazz, Coleman Hawkins – CD M1366 .H395 C654 2000
If you have not been sufficiently
exposed to big band jazz, you are missing out on one of the greatest musical
joys in life. This music may, dare I say it, make you want to dance. To give
you a little more direction within these three artists, Louis Armstrong played
some mean trumpet (and had a great voice!), Duke Ellington worked the piano,
and Coleman Hawkins played some sweet tones on the tenor saxophone.
Star Wars Original Trilogy Soundtrack – CD M1527.2 .W721 S27
2004
It is
Star Wars. Need I say more?
International Music Mix – CD M1627 .I58 1999
A little bit of this. A little bit
of that. Musical flavors from all around the globe. Now you can connect with
all of your multicultural friends!
Simon and Garfunkel – CD M1630.18 .S55 S5 1972
I have always considered these guys
to be the original indie band. They formed a new genre of folk-rock in the
1960’s. That may seem old but their music does not sound it. Simon and
Garfunkel is great for the car or chilling at all times of the day.
Soulful Music by Leontyne Price – CD M1670 .P953 1996
I cannot say I have ever listened
to this lady, but I do know she was famous. The nature of the music of this
album is just as the title suggests.
Manheim Steamroller, Christmas
in the Aire – CD M2065 .M354 C475 1995
If you have ever listened to
Christmas music on the radio, you must have heard Manheim Steamroller. I would
describe them as new age electric orchestra rock going wild on Christmas tunes.
These songs could put you in the holiday mood in July.
Michael Card, The
Hidden Face of God – CD M2198 .C37 2006
Michael Card is an older but well
known Christian artist that came to our school in Fall of 2013. This is only
one of several albums we have of his, but check them all out!
~Wayne Hailstone
During this semester, I have had the opportunity to begin studying Islam. For one of the fastest growing religions in the world, it is upsetting how little I knew about it. Once I decided that I desired to know more, I began perusing a few different sections within our library that contained literature on the subject. I found many decent resources, but I must say that my favorite book that I stumbled upon is Unveiling Islam by Ergun Mehmet Caner and Emir Fethi Caner. Although I am currently only 54 pages in, this book has taught me a substantial amount about this belief system.
The authors of Unveiling Islam, Ergun and Emir, are brothers who were raised as Sunni Muslims. Now, highly respected theology professors, Ergun and Emir wrote this book together in order to present the practices, ethics, and beliefs of Islam. Ergun and Emir helpfully present the Islamic beliefs by directly contrasting them to Christianity.
Some other books that were also helpful to me were Islam: A Short Guide to the Faith by Roger Allen and Shawkat M. Toorawa, and A New Anthropology of Islam by John Bowen.
As college students, there is so much to balance, and the idea of adding one more thing onto our plate doesn’t exactly sound like the most appetizing option, but amidst all of the stress of homework and extracurricular activities, it can be nice to set aside some time to invest in an area that is unrelated to your studies that interests you. Balancing time is key, but I encourage you to take a book, fiction or non-fiction, and set aside time during your semester to read for fun. With always reading for classes, the joy of reading tends to disappear. I challenge you to remember that reading can actually be quite an enjoyable endeavor.
~Leia Brunette
This video was inspired by a previous post "Cheap Library Dates". That blog can be read here. Please enjoy the following feature.
A Special thank you goes to the cast Daniel Wright, Rebecca Hardman and Daniel Hanselman. The artist vision and videography is courtesy of Daniel Wright and Michael Rothermal.
We
are only a month or so into the school year, but the homework is starting to
pile up. Readings are stacking up, papers need to be written, and projects need
consideration. With papers, projects and readings looming overhead, I have
developed a list of tips to help a student stay on top of the mounds of
homework that further our education!
1.
Time it. I have seen the excellent advice of pacing yourself; set a timer,
generally 25-45 minutes. During this time period you do some hardcore
studying, not letting anything distract you. When the timer goes off, take a
5-15 minute break (setting the timer for that as well) to just do something
leisurely. Then go at it again, setting a timer to get some firm studying done.
2.
Close Facebook. No, seriously. Close it. In fact, don’t touch the
browser at all unless you are doing research. Don’t give yourself any excuses.
If you absolutely MUST check your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc, then do it
during the 5-15 minute break mentioned above. Be SURE to have your timer
though, because then you can’t get sucked in for endless hours; the timer will
force you to stop and go back to work.
3.
Environment matters. Don’t lay on your bed, or lay on a couch. Your
environment matters greatly when you study. If you study in a relaxing
environment that you always associate with a feeling of rest, then your brain
is going to switch to that resting mode it has for that environment. Choose
study-specific environments, like the library, or the commuter lounge, or even
just your desk in your room. If you don’t believe me that environment matters,
ask Matt McAlack! He’ll prove it to you in all the brainy technical terms
you’ll need.
4.
Prioritize. What’s due first? It’s best to get the things that are due
first out of the way. People often try to get the easiest assignments done
first, but that’s taking up valuable time that could be better spent on
something that is due sooner. This way, you don’t stress out about something
that’s due tomorrow because you were working on something that is due in three
days. Prioritizing has been especially easy for me with the app ‘MyHomework’,
which I got on my Kindle Fire HD. It’s absolutely free and it puts up the list
for you of what’s due first.
5.
Study Alone. I hear often that people study better in groups, but guys,
when we get down to it, we all know that the people we have around us are
distracting. When you’re spending time with friends, even if you’re both
supposed to be doing homework the temptation to goof off and have fun is
overwhelming. It is often best to study alone, or study with one person
who is quite studious themselves. It is easy to find a solitary space to study
in with the study rooms at the library, to which the keys can be checked out
right at the front desk.
6.
Use flash cards and notes. This method is especially helpful if you’re
in a class that has important terms that must be remembered. Write the term
down on one side of an index card, and then write the definition on the other
side. Then quiz yourself, only looking on the definition side once you’ve tried
to give your own. Also, during readings, it is highly profitable to take notes.
If something stands out to you, or if there’s something that you personally
disagree with, go ahead and write it down! The professor will absolutely love
it when you bring it up with them or the class.
7.
Get a head start and don’t cram. This is incredibly important. The
sooner you get to work on some of your homework, projects or papers, the sooner
it will be done. Cramming is not healthy, mentally or emotionally, and you retain
a lot less information when you cram than if you study at a more casual pace.
So try to make a list as early in the semester as you can of homework, big and
small, and their due dates. This way, when you get something done before it’s
due, you’ll have some time to just relax and do something fun instead of cram
for that particular piece of homework.
8.
Reward yourself. I saw a fantastic idea on Pinterest where a person put
gummi bears every so often on the pages of the book they were reading; when you
get to the gummi bear, you eat it! This can also be used with M&Ms,
Skittles, etc. It motivates you when you get a reward. I would highly suggest
this method; a mini candy bar always tastes better when you’ve worked hard to
earn it! It gives a much more positive attitude towards homework when you know
you’ll get something good out of it.
9.
If you don’t understand something, ask! Every single teacher I’ve had
here at Cairn has always responded graciously to any emails I sent with a
question. Teachers love it when you ask questions because that shows you’re
doing the work and thinking about it, and that you want to do the work well. If
there’s a prompt for a homework assignment that is confusing for you, or if the
guidelines for your paper or presentation could mean a couple different things,
just send the professor an email and ask them. They will be more than happy to
get back to you and elaborate on what they mean and what they are looking for.
Just remember; it never hurts to ask!
10.
WANT IT. This is the most important tip I could possibly give. You have
to WANT to get your homework done, or else none of these tips will work
anyways. You have to be willing to sit down and work hard for this education
that you are paying to have. College is a gift that plenty of American students
take for granted. We’re here to experience and learn, and to learn we have to
do some things that aren’t always pleasant. Even if it’s not pleasant, you can
want to get it done. And who knows? Maybe you’ll learn a few things by the time
you finish that annoying homework assignment or tough paper.
~Rachel Krodel
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