Week 5 - Cool club

Free Open Source Software Club aka FOSS club, is what I was invited to since the last time I have updated this blog. I am learning so many new things! Tech terminology, how to use command lines (command thru text instead of the point/click method), plus the people & atmosphere is wonderful. I've heard about open source via articles/friends, however, I did not know the depth of resource abundance that open source (and software!) offers. Basically, we are able to use all of the features we buy from Mac and Windows...for free! You name it: games, word processors, spreadsheets, photo editing software, and galor. I know, I needed to take a breather, too.
This club offers members run-downs, tutorials, and being a tech-savvy individual. By the end of the year, I hope to level up and become a tech-ninja. :)

The meetings are Mondays 11pm. If interested, click on the link above that forwards you the FOSS club's facebook site.

End of Week 1 beginning of Week 2: Slump? I think not.

The kickoff of Week 1 for the Fall 2009 quarter at UCI is definitely a spectrum; it is overwhelming, fun, and can sometimes be confusing. The student has an array of different organizations lined up all over ring road (most often abbreviated as RR) enticing the new students of UCI to participate in their organization, program, workshops, etc. Indeed these organizations provide enriching material and experience to the student's UCI life: it brings the student increased networking, sometimes new-found qualities/strengths, and even creating beautiful friendships; naturally the student would want to be involved in well, all of them!

A few points of caveat, though: remember...aside from having enough of a worry to find and get acclimated to which gargantuan building structure or which isolated classrom is for what lecture, discussion, or seminar course you have-- there is also a time factor for the amount of study put in to the courses you are taking. And, considering that the reader is a transfer student-- study time really does matter. In comparison from a JC/CC (Junior College/Community College), the University requires that the student is totally independent during their educational journey. The professor will basically hand you the syllabus and gloss through it in class. The professor automatically dives into the lectures topics, because we do only have 10 weeks to finish a course, ya know. So... take some down time to read through the syllabus thoroughly, please. It will be beneficial for the student, guaranteed. At times, professors forget the *will drop a lowest quiz score* feat, go off schedule (ahead/behind), or change percentages in grades; but it all grinds down to what the syllabus says and how the professor [may] adjust it. Be on top of it!

As a word of advice for the the transfer student regarding the numerous amounts of organizations they can be involved in, the key idea is to inquire in all of the organizations the student is interested in: sign up for their mailing lists, their uci organization website, listservs, facebook groups etc. Visit the booths that are dispersed all over RR. All throughout the quarter, many clubs are there advertising! And, don't forget to ask questions: Things such as, what does the organization offer for the student, what activities the organization will offer throughout the course of the year, what have the past acitivities been, what networking opportunities will there be, what array of majors typically join the club (because it is great to get to know students of different majors, too!) Then, once the student becomes familiar with the opportunities offered by the organization, pick one or two organizations/programs that would be of real great interest. Point is, it is beneficial for the student to join an organization that allows them some "release time" from other factors that can drain them during the quarter (ie: studying for courses, etc). Join an organization for this release time, but don't let it take up the time where it interferes with the student's ability to study for their major. Think of it is as: studying the major is the "body" and joining these clubs/orgs is a "supplement to strengthen the body" The student does not want to oversupplement and be stuck in a slump. Be smart about it :D.

The previous post and Involvement

I don't know if the video down below is obscure to people when I say it relates to becoming a successful student, but just as a caveat, do not take it in a literal sense!
A dear friend of mine showed this video to me when I was telling them of my adventures/dreams/plans at UC Irvine. It did put me in my place when Tuco says "when you have to shoot, shoot. Don't talk." This told me, if you want to get involved, then get invovled. Take all the necessary steps to gather up the info, do the research, and shoot for your goals. UCI is YOUR sand-box, beta, or whatever you want to think of it to what you face in the real world. I keep that as a mantra.

My goal for UC Irvine when I transferred over was to get involved in campus opportunities right away since my CC didn't offer as many organizations or clubs that were as proactive as UCI's orgs and clubs. I transferred over during the Winter 2009 quarter and let me tell ya, ya gotta seek those resources out! The winter entrance to UCI is like that scenario where everything is still and there's a cricket chirping somewhere....yeah. haha!
So...one thing I found useful was to familiarize myself with the school's website. I thought of my current standing as a UCI student and thought of what kind of keywords search terms relate to my interests in getting involved on campus. An example of these terms were "leadership, transfer student, math, anthropology, clubs, study abroad, etc" This step itself is more than a 2 hour study. I found Dean of Students (DOS), Transfer Student Services (TSS), and many more! So much information is already provided to the student if they only do their research that relate to their interests. The next step after the research process was the meeting and greeting. Attend the workshops an org you've research might offer, join seminars, visit the offices, visit the faculty--and if you're extra adventurous approach people and just ask, ask, ask! Don't hold back because (1) this is for your benefit and (2) c'mon you're paying for this education! Well, someone is.

Here is a pulse on what's up during my UCI academic year and things I'm looking forward to:
*Internship - I'm in an internship called the Keys to Transfer Success Mentor Internship. It is part of the Dept. of Undergraduate Education (DUE). The program hooks up the intern with collected, comprehensive, and very very useful information about "everything UCI" and the intern uses this information to guide transfer students whenever questions arise. We mentors are available in the Transfer Student Center & Lounge
*First physics class - 7ABD series including labwork. I'm excited!! I've finally finish all my calculus classes that I can't wait to be experimenting/playing in the physics labs and learning how to apply the math I've learned!:D
*First formal Latin class!
*Revamping this blog site - The motivation for this ties into joining the KTSMIP (keys to transfer success mentor internship program). Aside from my personal experiences @UCI blog posts, keep an eye out for more useful links posts, motivating and inspiring proverbs/mantra posts, and many more
*More networking! More contacts! More friends!
Getting involved on campus really ups the overall University life experience. I'm glad I'm involved in different places where I'm not only limited to my school, department, or major. It's fun to sit at the starbucks, student center, or even running into a mate in the coursebooks floor of the bookstore and getting to know them better and what they're doing in life. It's inspiring to hear the challenges, the involvement, and the things they are doing as a UCI student.

So get involved if you're a transfer student! And, if you're a prospective student, research your opportunities even if you're still at your community college and get excited because it'll be an adventurous journey.

Let me feed you some motivation through visual media! :D

Here's a video that basically sums up the motive on becoming a successful student...University or not. Enjoy!



On another note, UCIrvine Transfer Student update: I'm back on campus for summer school! Keeping up with my twitter now. And, have found places to get involved in!

Summertime with the UCI Transfer Student

After plunging through class after class at a community college, I've decided to take my first summer break since summer 2006. It feels great!!! At the same time, I get a reality check of how things will be if you don't really keep in the [school] loop. There are times where I feel like I should have something done by so-and-so date, yet I remember, "Oh hey, I'm on summer vacation!" Being on a break for once helps remind me that things do not get done unless you yourself will do it! Because, in summer, you have a schedule all to yourself! I will start up the second summer session at UCI (couldn't go without school for that long!) on August 3rd. Classes that will be taken are: English 28B and Math 2E.

Upon reflection from the two quarters that I've experienced at UCI, I can definitely say that the UC system is much more challenging than the community college system. This is mainly because staff/faculty of the University system could care less of what the individual does-- in a sense that you're not spoon fed your material. They are not given the same material/literature constantly, nor are they reminded too much about upcoming deadlines. It is solely the individuals' responsibility to keep up with his/her engagements. This also leads to the observation that University students are friendlier than community college students on the whole. I found that students at the University tend to collaborate as a group more than community college (CC) students. This I suppose is because most CC campuses tend to have students who are in and out of the campus; be it they have a job to go to, a family, or they just aren't in the mood to be "in school."
Overall, I can say that being in the UC system challenges me in so many ways, mainly in the areas on managing time & resources. The UC system provides the student with abundant resources and new technology at their disposal, it is just the way the student uses it and interacts with these tools. When I think of myself at UCI, I feel that it is like being at a sand-box. We're here to prepare ourselves for whats "out there."

Cheers.

Week 5 - Yep, you're quite the student, all right.

From twenty units to 13. Wee. I am a Student, Student I am. My mind is still locked on how the Mathematics department evaluates certain Professors. It is not fair that students drop a class just because they cannot understand a Professors articulation. Hm, I wonder, wonder, wonder...

Prospective transfers to UCI-- use these five resources for future UCI affairs. You should still visit a UCI Transfer Counselor for verification, but these resources helped cleared the transfer process confusion:

1. UCI Student Catalogue (basically your Guide to everything, Read It, Memorize It, Learn It, it's on paper, they can't argue with you..unless you have an old version of course)
2. Course Articulation - If you know your major and unsure what classes you want to finish at your college, use this database. Note: Sometimes admins. have not updated the current articulation agreement within the recent year...keep an eye out!
3. Transfer Student Services - A guide specifically for prospective UCI students, and transfer students. They even have a lounge devoted to Transfer Students!
4. TAG Agreement - TAG= Transfer Admission Guarantee, if you fulfill the requirements, you are eligible to be guaranteed for UCI Admission!
5. Application Process - This was probably the most difficult part of my transfer process. Everything you do after submitting your application will be updated through this website...check it religiously or you may end up having to pay a fee for Late paperwork!

And if I think of anymore, I will post. Email me if you would like any un-official advice.

Week 4 - Midterms around the corner, but it's social time on my book

As of this moment I am in a large lecture class that I haven't even signed up for. I asked a schoolmate next to me whether what class this was and apparently it is Stats9C. Let's see what I will learn today. Ops, shouldn't have volunteered in that class survey! Haha, good times.

I am studying for my midterms for Anthropology: Language, thought, and reality. And other midterms coming up for my classes in Anthropology of the Pacific Peoples and American History from 1900s. I have been bummed that I don't have math this quarter just because I can't understand the way the professor speaks. It's ridiculous and will go on my book of "things that UCI should fix."

OK, so this week I realize that there should be time to rest that head that reads too much or spends wayyy too much time on the internet... thus, SOCIALIZING hour should be included in a student's weekly schedule. Yes, many people join clubs to accomplish this...but excessively! Try to buy some time (figuratively 5 hours during the school week) to invest with the socialization portion. Socialization in a sense that one is in a group where they are comfortable with the people around them-- math major? Join the Math Club! Fashionista? Join the FIG(Fashion Interest Group) . There is always a place for all individuals at UCI. Which makes it such a great campus environment.
UCI's website is pretty user-friendly and you can basically find anything you want to know about the campus through it's website: click aqui(here) for a club/organization database.

All right it is now time to commute back to *outside-of-UCI-land* to the land of an economic instability (partially kidding). Post more insights soon.

Week 3: Update, work to be done, and leave some room for social time

Today I had to drop my math class because I do not and could not understand my Professor's methods of teaching. Along the sidelines of that, I've been taking an amazing history class on the twentieth-century with Professor Rosenberg, my TA is Shanon Fitzpatrick. This class is my creme de la creme for the semester...quarter.
I enjoy it because she engages us to analyze. FINALLY! A class that inspires people to question and dive into why things are happening. The only problem is, when I finally have a class like this, I'm at a point where I find myself--- dumbstrucked. In discussion classes, I can't seem to get myself to say anything! Maybe a joke here and there, but as far as an analytical remark...zilch. I wonder why this is so. I have so many thoughts to be voiced, yet I do not voice it. I will dive deeper as to why this is happening.
Note to self: you now have a project to do for Week 4!
More notes to self:
*Formulate a plan to maximize the amount of reading material to be completed

There is a lot of work needed to be done, which is why I'll keep this blog short.
I've learned:
Remember to spread out the work rather than allocate all the work to be done in one day. Keep a positive outlook in life, and find a social/hobby outlet you can escape to from the work you're doing. It helps to continue to be engaged-- and to achieve this, find different things that engage your soul.
Pull through, midterms are coming up!

Week 2/3 - Not two thirds; the end of 2, and the beginning of 3

Week 2 is not so bueno because aside from being a student, I also realize that I am human with human emotions. Now, I don't want to sway away from what this blog's purpose is so I won't go into detail of what is going through my "personal" mind.

I have learned on week 2 the idea of "Balance." And though I have said, "learned" I have yet to master and perfect it-- which ironically, doesn't even come close to perfect! Why? Balance is all about mediation, and for all you out there who are perfectionists like I am, it drives you insane! There are so many things on the to-do list that I would like to do, but the point is to prioritize what is the most important.
So when you pick up that piece of paper and create a checklist on what's needed to be done, put all of the things that don't need serious attention on hold and work on the things that need to get done! (Even if it's boring and there are other things you can do!) You'd be very glad in the future when you DO get it done. Think ahead, ahead, ahead! And keep your outlook at a positive stance.

I also encountered some enlightenment on the area of diligence. Prior to joining the UC system, I was a professional performer-- it took up most of my time but boy was I in shape. Ever since I entered the University, I haven't been getting much exercise. I realize that diligence has to do with the motivation to get up and start a great day-- so far, with the lack of exercise and (overstudying/oversnacking) I'm doing, I'm not so motivated to go to school! Nooo! So, I've devised a plan to wake up early and go for a thirty minute jog, or wake up early to practice basic techniques I used to do when I was a performer. Let's see if this works...

On the whole, it is crucial to understand what it is that can interrupt you from moving forward. Know thyself. Really old proverb (where I can't recall it's origin...sHh!), but it is so true. A strong internalized sense of self = happy chipmunk ready for adventure. Cool. All right, so let's do it!!!!! No more insanity. Bring it on Week 3!!!!

Week 1 - Start Swimming at a managable pace

All right, I managed to survive my first quarter at UCI. With a decent GPA as well: 3.8. I was jumping for joy because of the grade I received for Math2D. A(-), baby! FYI readers, take Gregory Knese if you plan to take Calculus courses. He is definitely one of the best instructors I've taken for my calculus courses. Also, if you encounter Jacquelyn Rische around campus, she is the go-to woman if you're unfamiliar with concepts being explained to you. Ahh yes, Calculus class 2D of the Winter2009 quarter was the best class, I must say.

Back to business. This quarter, I'm taking twenty units. 20!

• BioSci38 - Mind and Memory
• Math 2E - Multivariable Calculus
• History 40C - 20th Century US History
• Anthro 139 - Language, Thought, and Reality
• Anthro 163A - Peoples of the Pacific

Thus far, I'm bummed that my calc class isn't my most favourite subject. I'm not clearly apprehending the instructor's ways of teaching. He uses a lot of funky notation, and his writing....oh boy. Or maybe it's the cavern-esque room the class is assigned in? I feel like I'm taking a calc class from the 1800s! Adventurous, but I'm crossing my fingers once we dive into vector fields. Gives me something to plan for the near future. Note to self: find a way around this.

That's one word of advice for us students. If it's not working out with your instructor, but you're stuck with them-- seek out some help. I'm seeking out my previous instructor's help because they taught me well. I'm going to the tutoring center because that's another outlet of help. In all fairness, my instructor for calc right now isn't horrible. There is just a barrier in a sense that his way of learning is through formal notation. I'm not so great with notation so it gives me a challenge to keep up with it. Another word of advice-- keep up the optimism and seek challenges as ways of bettering yourself!!

The class I'm most excited for is History 40C. It's 20th century American history and my Prof. is AMAZING! Emily Rosenberg is her name, and making you appreciate the past is her game. Thus far, it is working. Within two class lectures I've come to appreciate racial barriers between "whites" of the 20th century. Who'd thought? Italians, Germans, American, and Russians had angst against each other. The TA, Shannon Fitzpatrick is also motivating. They're asking students in this History class not to memorize dates and events but to speculate the positioning of the individual, the choices they were given (opportunities that arose), and the way money and power circulated. All fascinating concepts! My mind is blown away.

The ideas presented recently from the class doesn't stray away from the present, however. We can find so many dynamics in US 20th century history that deals with almost the same issues as we do now. Racism, gender identities, so much! I also enjoy the fact that every week we're required to write a short analytical/argumentative paper. It'll help me with my writing and easen up my frustrations with writing essays.

Last quarter, that is what held me back from progressing to other projects. Darn essays! It is well worth to say that doing it as early as possible is the right way to go about the pains of writing essay. Had I started an outline on essays a couple weeks early than the scheduled date, I wouldn't have spent 6am conjouring up rubbish. Lesson learned, file it in the corpus callosum (don't know if the cc is the storage area in the brain, will know once I finish my biosci38 course). Going off on what was previously said, another piece of advice, reflect, reflect, reflect! Reflect on the pains and gains from the previous quarter and use that data to better yourself for the present quarter. Quantify your observances! Always measure and strategize ways you can achieve your goals using the least amount but most efficient efforts that you must undergo. That is why I titled this blog "Swimming at a managable pace." During the first 3 weeks, it is a duty for the student to observe and plan out his/her quarter. They should do so in a way that work does not end up piling up during the end of the quarter. Spread tasks out, be familiar with the courses syllabi, and move at a continuous and progressive pace when doing your work. Working under pressure (procrastination) may seem like a feasible option, until you find yourself scrambling for a solution at 6am. More later, back to work! Ciao.

Week 10 - It's Finals Week! Choices. Optimism.

It's the beginning to the moment of truth. The moment of truth to the analysis of the educational work put in as a student. The moment of truth tells me, as the student on how I should gauge my next quarter-- my study habits, the load I take in, how to observe the quality of a class, etc.

Thus far, the first truth has been for my Multivariable Calculus class. I do admit, I'm bumming on the my grade of 87. That is not what is the most important though. I feel that I could have studied harder, understood the concepts better. My next question to myself was: how do I remedy this situation from happening again? Well, I've set up to meet my Professor to view my final exam. Then, I plan to work on the problems I missed to understand the concepts to a fuller extent. I realized that the faults I had from this class was not asking enough questions. It was helpful that I had a friend who visualized the surfaces that were being integrated because I couldn't visualize them in my head. By constantly having him show me how the mechanics to the work was done, I was able to understand enough of it to pass the class.
I find that horrifically unpractical though. I have just proven that I can pass a multivariable calculus class just by knowing how to solve equations, but not understand what's going on. Um....excuse me? Yes, I am happy that I did pass the class. Truthfully, 87 is a decent grade to boast. It would just be more satisfying to be able to internalize the grade because I fully understood the concepts rather than being a great equation solver.

Nevertheless, it is almost four o'clock in the morning now and I have another final for Critical Reasoning & Logic at eight o'clock tomorrow. I am not motivated for this class and I am glad I have opted for a P/NP (pass, no pass) option. I have decided to skip this final for the reason being that I did not learn anything. As mentioned, grades are not the most important in receiving a university education (or any education for that matter), but it is the concepts that have been understood-- but they do exist, so maintain a presentable GPA and be certain of the classes that you know won't give you a presentable grade. Note to prospective UCI students, and students who don't read the UCI Catalogue: You are only allowed one P/NP every quarter. Use it if you're taking a class you're interested in (not in your major) but aren't sure of the grade you will be getting. I particularly had an interest for this logic class, but later found that the definitions given to class from the Professor does not prove logic so much learned how to flourish on words. Well, on the bright side, I learned the main point of a logic class, and that is "A logician can seperate bad arguments from good arguments" the only problem was, Professor, you were a ten week course of an obscure argument.
So I have this minor guilt for just skipping the final. I'm in the midst of deciding whether I should just burn through the two-hundred point final exam....to get a, 100/200. Ha! But see, the most practical...logical explanation on taking this exam is to test the concepts that have been internalized in the first place, and the percentage of the material learned throughout the course for me is 50%. Maybe I'm estimating a little too high as well. Anyways, there was something gained from the course, it is to observe your instructors well and observe the interest level your are experiencing with the class.
Don't waste time is a key advice, and it was learned this quarter, thank you.

I will talk about more truths on a later post. I wish me luck on my upcoming finals!
Optimism.

Week 9 - A minimal analysis beneficial to the University student

Hi,

If you plan to survive a quarter at a University (for me UCI, duh) you should be a maniac at:

• Planning - Have a gameplan before you start the quarter. Create a managable yet adjustable schedule. Know what you'll "figuratively" be doing every hour. If you know you will have a lot of reading for your classes, read some of the material before the quarter starts. It will save your okole.
• Improvisation - These are for individuals who can't help but to procrastinate. If you're not a planner, at least be a great improviser with a well-equipped vocabulary. Improvisation works usually towards the Social Sciences, Fine Arts but you might be a genius if you manage to do this with the Physical and Biological Sciences.
• Memorizing - You can recall the first & second day when the Professor talks about his/her syllabus. Usually the first&second day, the Professor sets out all the goodies for the students (dropped quizzes, late work acceptance, etc). Improve your memory skills if you're in Calculus 2B - lots of formulaes. Chemistry. It is advisable to also have a highly intuitive way of thinking along with a great memory.
• Adjustments - Take this into consideration from this personal story: A very committed student always kept up with their work. A family emergency happened. They informed their TA/Professors what was going on with them, gave tentative days of absences, asked for materials of reference for lectures missed, communicated with peers in the class and asked if they can borrow their notes when they get back, and kept up with the reading for the lectures time permitting. You just don't know what can happen the next day. Be flexible, flexible, flexible! There'll always be adjustments, get used to it. Nothing is static!
• Reading - If you love reading, try to get faster at it. If you hate what you're reading-- burn through it. There isn't any other way around reading material. Just do it. Do it while you exercise!
• Doing the required material...and then some - The name of the game is to always aim to get ahead. Give yourself motivations to get ahead (ie: you can watch a movie if you finish your work, get some sushi, dance!, etc.) You're in a race with yourself. Manage your schedule that will fit into your required work. Take breaks in between to alleviate the intensity of the work you do
• Being optimistic - Look Ahead. You already know what to expect going through school for twelve years! (K-12). It's just diligence. Keep this in mind: "It is ten weeks, that isn't so bad!" "You're in school for 4-5 years for a bachelors, another 5-6 for a doctorates...and you work FOREVER, enjoy it." "What else would I be doing?" "I paid a couple grands for these courses, it should be worth it!" ... what else can you think of?
• Prioritizing -All right, all right. Check your Facebook if you really have an urge to. After that, start on your work. Work with what you can burn through quickly to get it out of the way. Know the best hours that you are most attentive-- invest that time to the material that you don't quite understand. Prioritize with regards to the understanding of the material, not the grade you're getting!
• Dividing Tasks - Know what you need to finish throughout the quarter course. Break it up by month/week/day/hour.
• Working well with groups - It's inevitable that you work with other people for group projects. If you hate it, learn to accept it. You work with people in the real world. If you want to be successful, you still need the help of the rest of the population. Even if you are an Einstein. (Say...how do we know about Einstein anyways?)
• Knowing Thyself, Know Thy Limits - In reference to economics: with every choice, there is a cost. Be it monetary or opportunity. As students, it's usually an opportunity cost. Let's see...should you spend your time getting wasted til' 3am, or do a presentation for your 9:00am class? 3am party sounds like fun! Going to class and not knowing what's going on = warming up a seat for the next body, hm, not fun. Which one do you pick? Both, duh! Go to the party, drink early and sober up before you leave; stay until a reasonable time you're body is used to and do the work needed for the classes equivalent to the work you put into the party. Balance yourself!
• Eating Healthy - You will break down if your appetite involves: Monster Energy Drinks, Starbucks, a couple or cigarettes, and Doritos. Can't stay awake in class? Then get some adequate sleep time. Eat a good sandwich-- in class if you have to. Feel uncomfortable? Make time in your schedule to eat a satisfying meal. It'll help your noggin' pay attention.
• Getting Enough Sleep - OK, most of us students know this is impossible. What I mean about "enough" sleep is-- a relaxed state of sleeping. Give yourself fifteen minutes to calm down from the work you've done. While brushing your teeth before you go to bed, take deep breaths to slowly loosen all of your thoughts away. You're entitled to your own free time, your own space-- this can be achieved through what your body naturally needs: sleep. So take the time to relax before you sleep, and dream-- dream limitlessly.
• Vent - (in a nonviolent way) write in your journal about your experience. Take a walk at the beautiful Aldrich Park to take a breath of fresh air. Write in your blog!
• Stress Less! - You already know finals are hectic, you know that there's a lot of work throughout the quarter, you know that the days are unexpected aside from the plans you have, you know that the harder you work, the luckier you get. Take it easy then and "just keep swimming." (Dory from Finding Nemo)

Above are what I've encountered throughout the quarter. There are less than two weeks left for the quarter. We're on the ninth week. I've heard students say "Fml" all throughout campus. Hey, if that's your way of venting...do what you need to do. What do I have left to do? Review for Math Final, Prepare an Outline for two in-class essays for a literature class, memorize and understand inference rules for Logic, and write and ethnography about Facebook culture. So far:

• Math - 80%
• Asian American Studies - 30%
• Logic - 15%
• Anthropology 80%

Am I stressed? Yes. Do I know why? Yes. And that's the most important. Know you, know why you're doing this, know the duration of these experiences; then it shouldn't feel like *breaking news* every quarter. Think of yourself as a Casanova to the University campus. Or Dora the Explorer....Hm, is she a Casanova, too?

Let's go Midterms, Let's go! (clap clap)

Hello, Week 6. I've got 4 more weeks to go and then I can say I braved a whole quarter at a University institution (think beyond, think ahead, think for the future). Again, I must say that the quarter schedule is the fast-lane. It is up to the individual to keep up and swim along with the rest of the students. There is no excuse whatsoever to say that an individual was not helped along the quarter. There is numerous help available if any student is struggling with a particular class. It is just a matter of seeking guidance and help.

These are the classes I am taking:

1. Multivariable Calculus with Gregory Knese (chili pepper.) and TA Jacquie Rische (awesome.) -- this is my favorite class.
2. The Anthropology of Cyberspace, Power, and Culture with Tom Boellstorff and TA Steve Rea
3. Asian-American Studies of Filipino-American Literature and History with Dorothy Fujita-Rony
4. Critical Reasoning with Jeremy Heis and TA Samuel Fletcher

If I ever struggle in math or any other class, there are office hours (TA/Prof), a tutoring center, LARC (a paid tutorial "class"), and clubs affiliated with your class topic. Also, you can tap a fellow student on the shoulder and ask for help. And that's the key: ASK FOR HELP! Ask for help if you need it. That is the best advice to give when you're at a 10-week system. Don't think you're dumb for asking help. How else would you learn the material if you don't ask? It's probable that the fellow next to you might have the same question on their mind. And again, you're paying for this education, it is your right to ask.

The UCI campus during weeks: 4-7 are a sight to see.

1. Most students look like death due to midterm studying
2. Aldrich Park is more populated with students lying lifelessly on the grass due to stress/study
3. Starbucks is like a stock market.
4. Clubs are continually selling and marketing their club by making food, providing entertainment, etc.

A great outlet to the midterm adventure is located across campus. Take the Watson Bridge and forward yourself to the university plaza at a nice tea cafe called, "Cha for Tea." Not only known for their infinite amount of teas available, but all the workers are friendly and make you forget that you have a midterm coming, essay due, etc. This tea place is better than the service that you get at a five-star restaurant because of the high-spirits of people. It puts you in a happy mood. Which we all would want, yes? They also offer free samples of their teas, free samples of their food, and when you purchase tea and would like to adjust the sweetness, they'll gladly do it for you. Total service indeed. I recommend their Iced/Hot Jasmine Milk Tea with mini pearls. mmmmM, tasty. Oh, and crispy chicken.

See, I've forgotten about Midterms already, I'm heading to Cha.

Chao.

Week 4 and I'm still alive. Holy Canoli...oil? No, that's Canola. Insanity begins.

This post is actually a stray away from the five page essay that is due on Thursday. I'm telling myself to get the essay done today, as in, Monday. I now understand why people take on smoking, drugs, one-night fucks, and the like. It's a breath of relief from the college life! Want to know what mine is? ... Facebook (like omg, add me), cooking, and dance. Hey, it beats a load of bad breath and bad teeth, and confused feelings, yes?



I attended the Vibe (XIV) hiphop competition at the Bren Events Center hosted by Kallusive and Lambda Theta Delta. Highlights?

• An extremely goregous boy who was part of LTD staff. Too bad there was no time to slip my number. (kidding)


• A familiarization of dance crews who all did a spectacular job. My perspective of the most buzzworthy crews were: PAC modern (CSUF), CADC (first place), and Team Millenia.


• Popular faces that wandered around the event: Box Cutters ("cuh-tahz" is the correct pronounciation I was taught), Aubrey O' Day, Kaba Modern of ABDC, and many more


• Students of UC Irvine working together to broadcast such a lively event


• I am now officially a witness to the power of music and dance.

The event was a great success. It wasn't a standing room only attendance, but the crowd's spirit was definitely equivalent to it. It is amazing to know how young folks can join together and create such a successful show and have people willing to see or be a part of it. The people who participated span from all over California to compete. Humbling to know, there are people who spent valuable hours perfecting their piece to offer the judges at this competition. Everything was mostly organized, the only thing I can suggest is to have the public media in a seperate "VIP" like station so they aren't blocking other viewers who paid 23-30 dollars to watch the show.

The Birth of the UCI Transfer Blog

It is the Winter 2009 quarter at my new educational institution. I've doven into a ongoing pool of intellects with ready access to surges of resources and information.
I'm taking a class at University of California, Irvine (further blogs will call this UCI) with Professor Tom Boellstorff called the "Anthropology of Cyberspace and Culture." Part of the curriculum asks that students participate in his Anthropology Cyberblog.
Stephen "Stevie" Rea is the TA for our class discussions and it was this part of the class that motivated me to create this blog for students who are particularly interested in becoming part of the UCI educational institute.

Why UCI? I have grown up in Southern California most of my life and did not want to leave the sunny weather, diverse food places, and access to many hangout places locally. And, UCI is merely a drive to and fro from home.
UCI is like stepping into Disneyland for individuals who seek knowledge. True knowledge where points, scores, and grades do not matter.
Transfer students, here is a bust: they don't take roll! And, they could give a flying donut if you were there for the first week of class or not. Isn't it great? An open-institute of knowledge, and it is up to the individual (YOU) to learn all about it.

Orginally, I came from a semester schedule where there are trimesters of: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Each trimester is roughy a duration of 16-17 weeks...about 5 months.
For quarter systems, the instructional period consists of: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Each quarter is about 9-10 weeks long...about 3 months.
There are mixed feelings about this trade off from a sixteen week schedule to a ten week schedule.

Personally, I find it more adventurous.

In the trimester curriculum, I found myself waiting until the last possible minute to get my work done. I was more susceptible to procrastinating since faculty members had such a laid-back persona. Why, for the first week of the trimester, teachers just expect you to find your book (especially if you're considering to major in the Social Sciences, Arts, School of Business, and the Humanities). Typically, sciences that involve the Physical, Health, or Computer Information Technology gives the students a kick in the okole (rearend in Hawaiian) to not fall behind!

Now, as a first study to the quarter system, I can proclaim that I have never read so many books in a matter of two weeks (and counting)! I never been so thoughtful, so explorative, and so mesmerized that such an institute exist.

One aspect that shocked me was student participation. I would expect more from a group of individuals who sought after such an institute. Many of my theories have been of the case that I am taking Gen. Ed courses and these students just want an "A" in the course and don't particularly care much for the material.
But hello?
I think 2Gs are worth the effort to pay attention and voice out an opinion regardless of how painfully absurd/kookie/wacko it may be.
Hey? What? I think people care too much about what they say. That is great....when we were in elementary school!
It is unfair to claim this since I've only participated on one quarter of UCI, I will expand/rebute my opinion about this later on my future posts to prove/disprove my claim.

So what will this blog post typically be about?
Well, my rants and raves about the UCI school system as a student.
And by student I define that as actually reading the textbook material, making an effort to participate in class and bug the hell out of the teachers' lectures, attempt to socialize in various clubs, interact randomly with students on campus, compare school systems, record observances, give the audience a neat picture reel of the campus, and manny many more.
I want this blog post to typical serve as a reference guide to students like me-- who transfer from a college to set foot at a University.

Cheeerio.