SJC Student Blogs

Boy has this week been a busy one!...Whew! I thought I'd show you a list of extracurricular activities that are available for you to get involved with at Saint Joe. I want you to realize that one or two is enough...don't overbook yourself...believe me. On another note, it is great to get involved and meet new people as a freshman while working for a cause or a doing a hobby. Here are just a few of our extracurricular activities at St. Joe (Extracurricular Activities):
Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD)
Art Club
Band
Chamber Singers
Cheerleading
Choir
Colorguard / Winterguard
College Democrats
College Republicans
Columbian Players
Computer Club
Criminal Justice Club
Cup O'Joe
Dance Team
Delta Epsilon Sigma
Diversity Coalition
Foreign Language Club
Gallagher Charitable Society
Habitat For Humanity
Intramural Sports
Investment Club
Measure (literary magazine)
Mock Trial
Music Educators National Conference (MENC)
The Observer (newspaper)
Puma Educator's Association
Phi Alpha Theta
Psi Chi
Psychology Club
Puma Women
Respect for Life
Rugby Club
Science Club
Student Association (SA)
Student Union Board (SUB)
Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE)
Traditions Council
Volleyball Club
WPUM-FM
WPUM-TV
and this is not even all of them. Saint Joseph's College is always welcoming people to create new clubs and organizations. I am proud that I got involved early. I am a member of ALD, Colorguard/Winterguard, Puma Women, PEA, and Student Association, if you have any specific questions about those. During the first few weeks of school, Saint Joe holds an Activities Call-out where clubs show up to recruit people and answer questions. I hope to see you there, we are always looking for new pumas. Welcome to the Prospective Puma Family! I hope to be able to call you a puma soon. "As always, it's a great day to be a PUMA!"

Food. If it is not a major part of your life now, it will be. I will tell you now that you are going to miss food from home most definently, but there are plenty of tasty options on our campus. Not only do we have a traditional cafeteria, but we also have the HUB which is a cook to order, fast-foodish kind option. I will admit I am a frequent flier at the HUB, but someday it is just easier to grab something and head back to your dorm to do some homework or study.

As a freshman, you are required to have a meal plan with 19 meals a week and 50 hub points Meal Plans. This is required just your first semester so if you need less meals and more hub points, like me, you can do that. You will find what works best for you and what you like to eat on campus. Plus, there are plenty of places in town to eat.

Here are the top ten foods (not in any particular order) that I think are a "must-try" for anyone visiting or coming to Saint Joe:
1. French Waffles - Cafeteria
2. Chicken Tender Chef Salad - HUB
3. Peach Sunset Smoothie/Caribbean Breeze Smoothie - HUB
4. Loaded Baked Potato Soup - Cafeteria
5. Make to Order Omelette - Cafeteria
6. Peanut Butter Smoothie - HUB
7. Chicken Tenders - HUB
8. Chicken, Bacon, Ranch Wrap - HUB
9. Mini Tacos - HUB
10. Chicken Caesar Wrap - HUB

Enjoy "As always, it's a great day to be a PUMA!"

I know it is a big surprise to hear that you will have some spare time at St. Joe, but it is the truth; even through all the studying, homework, and napping (yes, it is important to your health and well-being). I thought it would be nice to provide you with some fun places to hang out, eat, and events to go to. I know your interests are most likely different from mine, but college is a new chapter in your life and you can be anything you want to be and do anything you want to do. This is the time to try new things and enjoy life! Here's my top 5:

1. SUB sponsored Bingo Night: Yeah, we are kinda like old people, but bingo night is the best. Student Union Board (SUB) sponsors this event usually in the Courtney Auditorium. We play around ten different games and win awesome prizes. This should be the first event on your list!

2. Winter Formal sponsored by Halas Hall and Justin East and West: This is kind of like a college prom. It is hours of fun, dancing, and one of the best nights of the year.

3. SUB sponsored Magicians, Illusionists, and other odd professional people: These events are always mind-blowing and entertaining. These are best when you are stressed and need some time away from your room or homework (just don't forget to finish it).

4. Football Games: Not as glorious as under the Friday Night Lights, but under the warmth of the Saturday noon sun. Watch the Pumas fight to victory and watch the band, dance team, and of course the guard perform at halftime (I am partial to guard since I am in it and love it!). I included some pictures of the band, Puma, and of course the guard!

5. Hub: The Hub is one of the best places to eat on campus. They have wraps, smoothies, burgers, and it is all made to order. Trust me the food is delicious!

I hope my top five shows you a few things we do on campus and gets you interested in joining the Puma community. Feel free to ask any questions and I hope to see you soon! "As always, it's a great day to be a PUMA!"

Hi everyone,
So, I've been working out for two weeks now and I am feeling pretty great. I am fitting in my 22 credit hours, work, and other thing pretty well. I am doing my first full week of ple this week. Currently, I am doing 10 hours a week at Monnett Elementary School in Kindergarten and 1st Grade Special Education. I am also doing 6 hours a week in 5th grade at North White Intermediate, I start there Friday. I really do have a cram packed schedule, but I make time for me by tanning, working out, and relaxing before I go to bed. College is what you make of it. Have fun! Do things you never thought you would. "As always, it's a great day to be a PUMA!"

Let's face it, first impressions matter. I know that we should not judge a book, by its cover, but it seems...according to a recent ABC News Article that these impressions truly matter. Science and Psychology have shown us that it takes just seconds to make a first impression of someone that sticks for a very long time. It is difficult work getting to know the details of someone else's character and life-story. This first impression instinct may lead back to when we needed to make quick judgements as humans as to whether this was the enemy or not or even if this was a predator. College sometimes seems like a vast, simmering desert...you are lost and don't know anyone, but it does not have to be that way. Here are a few ways to show your personality and yourself at it's best:

1. Speak completely - These are adults, not just your friends hanging out watching a movie. Show respect and ask questions if you need to!
2. Dress nice - Limit the holey items, pjs, and dirty clothes...I am not saying a suit everyday, but be respectful to yourself and others.
3. Limit phone usage - Look people in the eyes, not talk to them while looking at your phone.
4. Be on time! - If you know you are a late person, leave early!
5. Be yourself - You do not need the extra make-up or cologne.

"As always, it's a great day to be a PUMA!"

Hi Everyone!

For this blog, I want to emphasize the importance of defining a new you. For me, I am the person who is super organized, but this semester, I decided to add something new to my life....working out. I have never had an issue with my weight or fitness, but with my upcoming wedding and college immune system, I felt working out would be worth the shot. Luckily, Saint Joseph's College has their own fitness room available to any student free of charge! The hours are convenient and there are a variety of machines to use such as: ellipticals, treadmills, weights, stair-steppers, bikes, etc. I have never worked out in my entire life, but I started last Thursday with the goal of just getting healthier. I quickly was able to increase my workout over the week from 1.5 miles the first day to 5.5 on Thursday. It is amazing how you feel so rejuvenated afterwords...the exact opposite of how I thought I'd feel. Just don't go too crazy! Make sure you eat, drink liquids, and give yourself rest days (I gave myself weekends). I just want you to see that working out does not have to be calorie counting (fun way to do it, if you want to: My Pyramid Tracker, filling in worksheets, fat percentage counting, or measuring on the scale...it is about a healthier you! For the next few months, I will be keeping you undated on my progress.

Another great thing about SJC is the support of campus. Seifert Dorm is holding a Biggest Loser Contest in February and I am planning on signing up to see what I am made of in the month of February. It is so important to make time for yourself and to do things that make you healthier and happier as a student. Here are some tips to get you motivated!

Motivation Tips:
1. Set small goals - As you achieve them...make them harder!
2. Create a Playlist - Get yourself moving by grooving to the beat! Here are some song ideas.
3. Change your diet little by little - Quitting cold turkey rarely works...
4. Bring a friend!
5. Plan a time in your schedule!

"As always, it's a great day to be a PUMA!"

When it comes to e-mail...people shutter in the thought of full inboxes and overflowing junk mail, but it does not have to be that way. Additionally, the sigh when you see the e-mail is full of texting jargon...doesn't anyone respect you? For professors and students alike, the issues with e-mail are frustrating at times, but with these 5 easy tips you can be on your way to becoming an e-mail pro.




5 Tips for E-mail:
1. Fill-in the Subject line - It takes 5 seconds to convey what you are writing about and it makes it easier to sort later.
2. Schedule a time each day to check your messages - This will prevent the dreaded inbox buildup.
3. Respond Promptly - If you have no other means of communication, this is a must!
4. Proofread - Spelling errors can be cleared up in just a few moments, if you use Mozilla Firefox, it spell checks for you.
5. Be respectful!
Hope these tips help you handle all your e-mails and accounts in the most respectful way possible. "As always, it's a great day to be a PUMA!"

Welcome back everyone!
Winter break went by fast, but second semester always goes faster. This semester is my busiest yet with 22 credit hours, but my work schedule works well with my classes and getting homework done will not be a problem. Second semester at Saint Joe offers students a variety of activities to pass the chilly winter months til the spring sun decides to shine, although it feels like spring here, its been 50 degrees most of the week. Second semester is also the time to set some new goals for some things you might not of done so well last semester, such as going out too much or not studying. Even in my sixth semester, there are always things I can change. My goal is to do my readings and assignments well before they are due. I have a habit of getting on Facebook when I have free time instead of doing my reading, then cramming the night before...so I still have some things to work on. I want to emphasize that even in transitioning from high school to college, you always have room to change your habits. On a more personal note, my winter break was very busy. I went wedding dress shopping, even though I'm not getting married til June 2013. Also, my fiancee and I are remodeling a house to move into this summer. So, it is busy on top of academic busyness. But, that is life and I love it. Later this week, I will be walking you through the FASFA and other scholarships that are a MUST! "As always, it's a great day to be a PUMA!"

Merry Christmas prospective students!
This week has been busy with the wrapping up of assignments, papers, projects, and classes! I am proud to say I am halfway through Junior year! Woohoo! The other bloggers have written quite extensively about finals week, so I figured I would give you my top three tips on being successful and getting through finals.
1. Get some sleep!
2. Eat right!
3. Get some sleep!
Yeah, I mentioned sleep twice, but a rested brain will perform better than a tired one and nurture it with healthy food choices...no, midnight McDonald runs. This semester has been difficult, but a FUN one! I cannot wait to share some pictures of winter break with you and get started on some exciting new topics for next semester. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! "As always, its a great day to be a PUMA!"

Hey followers,
So, there are only 11 short days between students and their winter break here at Saint Joe and, believe me, you can tell. This is that final week of class when the final papers and assignments are due and students start getting antsy about their plans for winter break. Sometimes, it is difficult to concentrate with such a short time left til four weeks off and students stop going to class, but this is not the time to do so. The last week give that final summary of the course and even some information that may be on the final exam. You never know if you do not go! Here are my top five tips to keep yourself "on top" of your work this final week.
Top 5 Tips:
1. Use "to-do" sticky notes - It is rewarding to cross off a task and see how your semester is dwindling down.
2. Reward yourself - Spend ten minutes on facebook if you finish that five page paper, just remember to start doing other homework afterwords.
3. Get some sleep - This week is not the time to party or stay up if you are almost done with assignments, remember finals are next week.
4. Eat right - Do not reward yourself with a McDonald's run at midnight. Keep your eating schedule normal to avoid feeling bogged down.
5. Study - This is not the time to shut off just because assignments are done. Study early for those finals!
Happy Studying! "As always, its a great day to be a PUMA!"

It is that time of the year when textbooks are being sold to make money and room for new ones for next semester. It is difficult to realize what you may need in the future and to get a good price on your buybacks. There are a few things to consider before getting rid of that textbook:
1. How often was it used in the course
2. Do you ever use it as a resource?
3. Are there practical applications for your career?
If you answers were no, then selling your books may be the next option. It is important to make this decision confidently and to make it within one year of receiving the book. Buyback prices are effected by a what is in supply and demand; A ten year old book is usually not highly demanded. Additionally, the condition of the book is also looked at, lots of writing, highlighting, or water damage will cause you issues. Once all is set, look for the best buyback price. Most online services give you free shipping to them and pay you through paypal, be careful with the companies who send checks. Here are some websites to help you:
- http://bookscouter.com/
- http://www.cash4books.net/
- http://www.half.ebay.com/
- http://www.abebooks.com/books/Sell/
- http://www.sellbackyourbook.com/
- http://www.bookturtle.com/
There are many more! Happy Bargain hunting! "As always, it's a great day to be a PUMA!"

For this blog, I figured I would take the time to write up a little personal bit about what happened over Thanksgiving Break.....I got engaged! My fiance's name is Jason and he is from South Bend, IN. He graduated from IUSB in 2009. Of all our memories so far, many of them were made right here at Saint Joe. On the weekends, we like to eat in town at Ricos, Doghouse, Subway...whatever catches our mood. We also enjoy going for walks in the Grotto and by the fountain...very relaxing. Jason also attended mass on some Sunday nights at the chapel here on campus. Saint Joe can be the foundation of new beginnings and a place to make memories. Now you are probably wondering how he proposed...we went for family pictures at JcPenney back at home and we decided to get a few of just us. He was all sweating and had to keep sitting down, I did not know what was wrong with him. Eventually, we took a few pictures and then he got down on his knee and popped the question. I said, "Yes!" We got a picture of the proposal and some really nice ones after words. My parents were hiding in the store until his sister went and got them so everyone saw him propose. It was amazing!

Happy Thanksgiving! It is that time of year already! One of the perks of Saint Joseph's College is the week long Thanksgiving Break. Some students stay for sports or other activities, but the place really clears out. For break, you have to unplug everything in your room, lock up, and try to remember what you want to wear while your home (the most difficult part). This is a great time to take home summer clothes like shorts and capris and bring back winter coats and mittens. I hope everyone has a wonderful break! I am planning on spending time doing some various school projects, spending time with family and my boyfriend, and relaxing! I will write you again in about a week and a half. Enjoy the holiday! "As always, it's a great day to be a PUMA!"

Hello followers and newcomers,

I hope everything is well and that you are staying healthy. It seems strep throat and other "bugs" are going around, but it is just that time of year. Tonight, I am going to share the new and exciting things I am learning in my technology for elementary education course. Believe me, this technology applies to everyone! I have been able to find a variety of tools that are creative and can be used at the collegiate level. Foremost, web 2.0 is basically the internet, but in a more interactive sense. The best way to assess these is through a "wiki" I created. All the different tools have links so you do not have to go looking around. Check it out! Additionally, I have a few more to tell you about that are really fun and easy to use.

1. Picnik - This website allows for photo editing for free! There are some features you have to pay for, but for the most part the cool ones are still free! It is easy to use and gives your photos a new twist.

2. Animoto - This site allows you to add photos and it creates little professional looking slideshows with music! It's free!

3. Prezi - In this site you can create presentations with a creative, professional spin. These are definitely better than power point!

I hope you check out my wiki and enjoy these new technologies! "As always, It's a great day to be a PUMA!"

It is that time! Scheduling Second Semester Classes!

It is already time to schedule for second semester. Wow! There are quite a few things to think about when selecting classes and professors such as: what time, your major, the professor, etc. In the end, it seems to work out, just right. Saint Joseph's College uses a two part process to schedule for each semester. Hanna Kane's blog states it best:

1) Each student is assigned an adviser related to their major(s). You have to set up an advising meeting and they will walk you through what classes you should take soon and which ones can wait. Also they can help you decide how heavy of a work load to take and give insight on the classes you'll be taking because either they teach them or they know the professor who does.

2) Each class registers for their classes on different days of the week (e.i. Seniors Monday, Juniors Tuesday, and so on). This is the one time of the year when we will all wake up before 7:30 a.m. to be the first to register for our classes of choice before they fill up. If you think you have a core teacher a lot of students want, it's best to make sure you're registering as early as possible.

When you decided to come to Saint Joe, there are early registration dates to help you get ready for the year ahead. If you every have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at jbs7906@saintjoe.edu. "As always, It's a great day to be a PUMA!"