**My Day With The Kids**:A Blog By Jacinda Whitley

         Working with the children Saturday was a very fun event. I was very surprised at the way the day went. My group of kids was very different from the rest. It was mixed with age groups from 10 to 16 and there was also a parent in the room. It was exciting to see how cooperative they were in making the skit as well. They seemed to really enjoy talking about and acting out the things they want to see change in their community.
        We did our skit was on “New Orleans public school systems,” and they loved talking about how they would change their schools if they could. It was a great experience to kids of all age groups be able to come together and work to make the day a day of learning and fun.

*Cant Live With Them, Cant Live Without Them*:A Blog By Jacinda Whitley

       I personally love kids. I am really excited about this service learning project with the Volunteers of America.  I have done several community service activities working with children from the children’s hospital to the school. No matter where I go I get lots of enjoyment working with the kids.

        I prefer for them to be six and under but I can adapt to different ages. I often volunteer at the school where my mom works at in Houston, Texas and the kids there are majority poor African American and Hispanic children. It always makes me feel good to get in there and show them that no matter where you come from you too can succeed. It really grabs their attention when I inform them that I too attended that school and grew up in that neighborhood, and  made it to college, which is a very low percentage.   I can’t  wait to share my enthusiasm about getting a higher education and trying to change the world one step at a time.

      One of my best experiences working with them was during my spring break and I was interviewed by a second grader on middle school and the steps to getting to high school. After the interview all these little seven year old’s ran up to me and I thought they were going to ask me more questions about school. Instead they asked me a million questions about having a dorm room, the color of my bedspread, the cafeteria food and other things. It was cute and surprising that they had an idea about college and was interested in the lifestyle. I felt good that I could give these little children positive advice about higher education and keep them interested in even higher education that I was originally talking about.

**Reaching the Children**: A Blog By Jacinda Whitley

           When it comes to teaching young children it is important to be able to catch their attention in order for them to be open and receptive to what you have to say. I think a good way to get the children to understand using there voice is to talk about issues they can relate to and make sure the vocabulary is appropriate for their age.  I would stress to them the importance of getting the most out of whatever grade they may be in and educating themselves fully. By helping them get motivated by education they  could stress to other kids preceding them or their family and friends what getting a good education did for them.  I would also stress the importance of joining positive groups and organizations in which they can learn to express their thoughts and  ideas in a positive setting. Helping  have  better understanding of involvement will not only help them find their voice it will help them use their voice.

**My Voice**:A Blog By Jacinda Whitley

The idea of using your voice and being heard is a topic that can’t be stressed enough in today’s society. I definitely plan on continuing the path I have started at Xavier University in order to let my voice be heard.  Being that I am a meek person, I couldn’t see myself  preaching or shouting to a crowd of people in order to be heard. I’d  rather  be heard through my actions and the way I carry myself.  I think people are influenced by what they see and if I am setting an example that is positive, I won’t have to yell or scream but I would be ableto speak in a soft tone and still be heard and respected. Finishing school and becoming a successful leader will not only illustrate how being  your own person can benefit you, it also gives those who are searching for their own voice a way to find it.

Blog # 3:Jasmine Grant

Until I got into the second semester of freshman seminar I never knew how important our voices could be as young individuals.  Nor did i know how big of an impact blogging could have on a community.  There are several ways that I would be able to reach my goals in my personal mission statement. One of my goals in my mission statment was to become a pharmacist.  I could use my voice when I am trying to to apply for a job because just giving someone my resume and not talking about it would not get me a job.  I would have to speak upon myself to let them know what I have done in the past, what I feel I am capable of, and how I will handle certain situations.  My advice to the incoming freshamn is that just because were are young individuals our voices are still able to be heard. In the college life things are not just handed to us like in high school and in order to get what we want we have to go out and get it.  Talking to or getting to know many people will be of much help.  You are unable to meet new people without using your voice.

**KeePiN iT PuShin**: A Blog By Jacinda Whitley

The most important think that I can do to make my voice be heard is to continue to work hard and  beat the odds. People are going to try and stop you from pursing your goals and aspirations all throughout your life and I’m going to be the one to ensure that I continue my journey to medical school no matter how challenging it will become.  In order to be heard and to have people listen to you, you have to look presentable. So I will ensure that when I’m in the presence of professionals, I am looking and acting professional.

If I had to advice incoming freshman, I would tell them to make sure they are staying ahead of the game. Work first and play later. I would also tell them to get used to curfew. The best lesson Ihave  learned from the upperclassmen is to get in good with your professors and teachers because you never know when you are going to need them. And most importantly, dress respectfully and respect yourself.  I would try my hardest to get them to understand that all these things,  how they present themselves and who they hang around will have an effect on how effective their voice is.

**Waukesha’s Story**: A Blog By Jacinda Whitley

     Waukesha’s encounters with all of the women strengthens her ability to speak her mind and really be a survivor through the situations at hand.  Though she is a strong woman, fighting with her words to reveal the harsh realities of women and struggle, her encounter with Ms. Cecile Payne was one of the most heartfelt. Ms. Cecil was an older lady that took over a place the locals called Walter’s, after her sisters death. Her situation and  willingness to talk about the issues at hand definitely enables Waukesha to persevere. I think she realizes speaking out does not have to be painful and sad it can be relieving. I know myself how hard it is to loose loved ones. And even though I didn’t loose everything in a flood, I feel that it strengthens me in a way as well. I know that it is possible to come from nothing to something.

Mission Statement:Jasmine Grant

I have many beliefs, goals, and objectives that I would like to accomplish in life while I still have the opportunity. I feel that my purpose in life is to help better myself as an individual as well as other people around me.  Spreading the word of God to others is a strong belief of mine.  Others should be able to experience what God is capable of doing.  I also believe that change is also something that everyone should get foward to, Obama will be making that happen.  Being able to adapt to change is very important. I have many goals that I would like to accomplish also.  I would like to get my degree and become a successful pharmacist. Eventually start my own practice so that when I have children I can make my won schedule. I first want to start out working on taking care of me, working at CVS until I am ready for children.  Once I can take care things that need to be taken care of, I would like to start a family.  My goal is to move some where in east or south Texas.  By the age of thirty-five i would like to be well off and satisfied with life itself.

**MY MISSION STATEMENT**: A Blog By Jacinda Whitley

I will forever uphold the aims to becoming a responsible woman of greatness, through living by the “Golden Rule” and helping others to create a higher self-esteem in the community. Being respectful to other and oneself as well as living and walking in God’s footsteps, will not only keep me grounded, it will create a better humanity.

***XU MiSSiON, Our_Voice, Our_World***: A Blog By Jacinda Whitley

When it comes Xavier University, the mission statement is one that everyone can understand and demonstrate. Since the key idea that Xavier promotes is creating a more just, humane society, getting our voices and ideas to be heard would more than exemplify our mission statement.

One way to be heard is to get involved in activites and organizations that you feel you can represent. For example, clubs and organizations such as the NAACP and UNCF, support African Americans and getting an education, as we all do. By joining such organizations you can help promote education as well, which would further support the mission statment as well as let your vioce be heard.

I feel that your vioce can be heard louder through your actions. Getting involved in the problems that affect society such as breast cancer, heart disease and especially AIDS, further demonstrates the mission, your vioce and benefits everybody’s world.

When it comes to the Beyond Jena issue, I feel that by understanding our mission we can understand how we can contribute and help. Within our mission statement, the main goal is create a more just and humane society. How we contribute could be through teaching, service or even just listening to the children and poeple of the communities in which such unjust problems can occur.  By doing so we further invest in the mission statement in which we have chosen to live by, by becoming an exceptional leader and by giving back to the society through service.

Portfolio

This is my portfolio for the smester.

Hope you like =)

New Orleans

Part I:

A passage from Tom Piazza’s Why New Orleans Matters that particularly took my interest was the introduction. I know that I’m a “soft” person it was very sad. I know a lot of people say that it was very redundant and that everything there was to say about hurricane Katrina has already been said but,  reading it was different. Of course seeing all of the horrible images of the aftermath on the news was one thing and living here now and still being able to see the damage is another thing but, reading it had a different effect. It stirred up something more. It gave a different view. Some of the things he wrote about, yes i’d seen them on clips of what was going on in New Orleans at the time but, I couldn’t believe. To hear about read about the desperation, the death, was very moving. It truly hurt my heart to hear of the father naked in front of his sons. To think about how something like that will be remembered, forever ingrained in the minds of those that suffered so terribly. How will those boys see their father as a man again? How will their father be able to look them in the face and tell them to be strong when he knows that they have seen him at his weakest moment? That is sad to think about. A lot of people only talk about those who didn’t survive but, what about those who did? What kind of struggles are they still facing? What about New Orleans? The city survived but… the d amage… the recovery. Tom Piazza makes you think about these things.

Part II:

I did attend Dr. Harris’s lecture and I was very frustrated by it. My frustration really did not have anything to do with Dr. Harris himself. He was great. i even stayed afterwards to speak with him. I had good things to say. It did seem as though he was a bit repetative about some things, things we’ve been hearing forever. Other than that, he was very inspiring. He is a successful man, someone that each and everyone of us can learn something from.

I was frustrated because I had to fight to hear to what he was saying and he had to fight to say it. This was really emmbarrasing because, last time I checked, we were all adults. One of the most important lessons I can remember is “there is a time and a place for everything” and that was neithere the time nor the place. It was childish and rude. So what if you didn’t want to be there. So what if it was movie night. I didn’t want to be there either. I had to study. I was tired. Even still, I was not rude. I really can’t say how this event could have been made better simply because I’ve found that a lot of students just aren’t appreciative of these events. They simply don’t want to go. It seems as though no matter how you change the event, students will find one reason or another to not like it.

Portfolio

Thanks for a great semester! Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson

 

December 4, 2008

Essay

Experience

 

            As a student I think I was a well respected student. I did what I had to in my school work.

 

I feel that I was a great student I was always on time and never really miss my classes I had this

 

semester. I learn a lot this semester of my freshmen year. I learned that I can’t wait to the last

 

minute to prepare for things that should always study when I can basically everyday  for all

 

subjects. Then I would be a studious student that is prepared. Next semester I will have to do in

 

my classes to get better grades. I feel that I will do that next semester. My education so far has

 

been good. I learn a lot this semester in all of my classes. I would never change my major. I’m

 

going to stick with Premed/Biology all four years of college at Xavier. I feel that my focus my

 

college career has change a lot I believe that I would succeed in my college career in the next

 

four years. My attitude towards school hasn’t ever changed. I will always want to achieve the

 

greatest in class and do my best no matter what in school. I feel that my first semester in college

 

was a big change in my life. I will strive to do my best in college to achieve my goal of

 

becoming an ER(Emergency Room) Doctor in the future. Dreams will come true I believe that I

 

will do well in my future goals in my life. Xavier has been a big role in my life so far. Xavier is a

 

wonderful school to attend.  School is important source in my life and always will be in the

 

future.  I have three more years to go at Xavier University I have a long way to go from here.

 

Even though it seems to be a long time from now, that time will come very quickly and the next

 

minute I will be a senior in college. I can’t wait to be a senior in College so I can be more closer

 

to my dream of becoming a ER Doctor. Even though I have to go to medical school to become a

 

Doctor it’s all worth the time to attend school. I will achieve my goal even if it takes me until

 

I’m thirty years of age. I will become a doctor and help people in needed in the hospital.

 

Community Service Essay

 

            The type of community service I have done over the semester has been wonderful. I have

done over the semester has been wonderful. I love helping people that is in need of help. For

freshmen orientation I was help building a greenhouse in city Park. It was hot but it was worth it.

I’m glad that I did that to help my city. The next community service I had volunteered to tutor at

my elementary/ middle school name St. Rita School.  I would go every Tuesday evening to help

students that needed help with their homework or who had trouble with their homework. I would

make sure they would understand their homework thoroughly so they would get a good grade on

their homework or upcoming test. The children are the sweetest. I love helping people.

Two writings

1)

Sarah Wilson

Essay

 

An Uncomfortable Place

 

When I was in an unfamiliar territory initially I felt as though I did not fit in; in

that case on August 23, 2005 I was displace by hurricane Katrina in the New Orleans

area. My family and I were horrified about the Hurricane Katrina category five situation.

For this purpose my family chose to leave the city voluntary.

That day for us was so busy. We had to get things in order at our house, car, and

so on and so forethought.  We also went to the Winn-Dixx grocery store to get snacks for

the road trip. That night we had to pack almost the whole household in a Ford Explorer.

Our family was so jam pack into that Ford Explorer car. The destination we were going

to because of the storm was Georgia. The drive was so long. It took us almost twelve

hours to reach our destination. During the trip to Georgia we stop a couple of times to

exercise or legs and stretch our muscles. After a while I couldn’t feel my legs because of

the small jam pack car. During that time we also got lost going to our destination.  It was

a strange and unusual time for my family. We thought that we would never get to

Georgia.

Since we left the city on that Saturday August 23, 2005. I really didn’t want to

leave my city New Orleans. That’s my home, where I’ am from and where I grow up.

However everyone had to get out of harm’s way it was really important.  That storm was

pronounced as a Category Five Hurricane. Category Five Hurricanes are very dangerous

it can cause a flood; it can also kill people.  That’s the reason my family and I left the city

when we did.  

Finally we were at my cousin’s apartment in Marietta, Ga.  When we got there

everyone in my family was tired and hungry. My family didn’t have much of anything.                

Even though we only brought a week of cloths with us. We didn’t know if we were going

to stay or go back home at that time. My cousin’s apartment was very small one bedroom

with no furniture inside the whole apartment. His kitchen was small like the bathroom:

but his living room was the biggest part in the whole apartment. So everyone sleep in his

living on the floor on sheets and covers we brought from home.

 

The next day it was Monday August 25, 2005 a day no one would forget. The day

           Hurricane Katrina destroyed the city of New Orleans.  My family and I watched the news

        on television. We were so shock and sad about our hometown. Also we saw our house on

television on the CNN news. Our house had water all the way to the 2^nd floor of the house. I                                 

felt very poor and homeless that day. We felt like we had nothing after seeing our house on

television.

Weeks later being in Georgia, my family and I were staying in a hotel; instead of

my cousin’s apartment. My mom, brother and I had a room. My sisters had their own

rooms. I was glad about that no more sleeping on the floor. A few days later my mom

registered my brother and I for school in Marietta, Ga. We had to stay in school that was  

so important to my mother. The school name is Robert Lee Osborne High School the

home of the cardinals, that school was a public school. In my life time: I attend Catholic

Schools.  R.L. Osborne was bigger than most of the New Orleans schools I have

attended. The school colors where red and white. In their hall ways the lockers were

blood shot red. I guess because of the percentage of students going at Osborne. The

school also had a big gymnasium, football stadium and tennis court. I was in a different

territory and environment.

My first day at R.L. Osborne High School in Marietta, Ga: was a scary time for

me. I got a tour around the school but I still didn’t know were classes were located at in

the buildings. I still was late for my classes that day. I felt so uncomfortable about going

to this school and meeting new people that’s not from my hometown New Orleans. I

didn’t stop feeling uncomfortable until that school year was over. I still felt like I didn’t

belong at that school and in Marietta, Ga  period.

At the time in my life I didn’t really want to be there at that school are at that

state. Even though I stared to like the school R.L Osborne High. I still felt out of place

the second year in Georgia. I was still thinking about being home in New Orleans with

the people and places I love dearly.

 

After a while I had to suck it up and just deal with the situation.  Being in Georgia

not New Orleans; I join different types of clubs and sports to occupy my time. I had no

choice but to start likening my environment beside New Orleans. I join the choir,

volleyball team, dance team, and also tennis team. Doing the sports help me think of

home and I wouldn’t be as sad and anger as I was in my life time after Hurricane Katrina.

Finally I didn’t feel like I wasn’t in an uncomfortable place anymore. I felt like I finally

fit in the crowd in Marietta, Ga.  It was hard for me to not deal with that situation no

more. I had to give it up. I have to move on in my life: I told myself one day in Georgia,

and I did.  I love New Orleans and always will.

 

2)

Sarah Wilson

This Is What Thanksgiving Is All About

 

 

Thanksgiving dinner to my family is so important.  We go out of our way to have

everyone smiling and their stomachs full on Thanksgiving Day. This day is a joyful, loving,

thankful day for my family. Thanksgiving is one of the best times              in my life and my family’s life.

This is how my family and I prepare for the Thanksgiving dinner, in my house on Thanksgiving

Day.

               

First of all my mom and I go to the grocery store, there we get what is needed to

prepare the Thanksgiving meal.  If my mom and I don’t go to the store the family won’t have

anything at all to eat for Thanksgiving Day. Unless we get the groceries, there will be no food on

Thanksgiving Day. Essentially it’s a privilege for my mom and I to get the food for our family on

Thanksgiving Day because it’s a tradition for the youngest daughter to go grocery shopping with

your mom.

In addition these are the list of items my mom and I will be getting while we are in the

store shopping for food.  The first item on the list are the spices, no one can’t make a delicious

meal with seasoning.  The Second item on the list is the desserts: pies, cakes, cookie mix, and

cornbread mix to bake every item for Thanksgiving dinner. The Third item on the list is the

drinks: cold drinks, juice, and milk, and punch for the family. The fourth item are the stuffing mix

for the turkey and bell peppers.  The next item is the fresh picked bell peppers.  Another item is

the potatoes for the potato salad. The next item last but not least the turkey.  Our family dish on

Thanksgiving Day.  After that my mom and I head to the checkout counter line to pay, for our

food.  When we finally get out of the line, we started to put the groceries in the trunk of the car

then head home.

We arrive home and all of our family came to help us with the grocery bags.  Finally we

went inside our home with all of the grocery bags one by one.  We started to put it away into

the pantry closet. Since everyone corporate they only had one more bag of groceries left.

 

The first item we would cook for Thanksgiving Day is the turkey. The turkey is the main

dish of our meal. Without a turkey it wouldn’t be the same on Thanksgiving for my family. We

do this, so the turkey can be ready and cooked by dinner time on Thanksgiving Day. By that time

everyone in the household would be exhausted from that day, so everyone goes to bed around

twelve am.  The next morning is Thanksgiving Day. We would wake up everyone in the

household, for them to watch the Macy Thanksgiving Day parade on television.

Then my mom, brother, sisters, and I will start cooking the Thanksgiving Dinner.

However the other part of the family is watching the Thanksgiving Day parade. The turkey has

been in the oven cooking over night, so the turkey can be ready for dinner time. Next on our

agenda is the stuffing mix, so we can stuff the turkey and bell peppers for dinner. My mom

always does the stuffing and the turkey on Thanksgiving it’s my mom specialty. But my oldest

sister does the macaroni and cheese for dinner. My sister macaroni and cheese is the bomb. The

macaroni dish is always given to the oldest child in my family. My second oldest sister helps do

little things that are needed around the house.  That duty always stays with the second child in

my family.  My third oldest sister she helps with the desserts by oiling, buttering the pans to put

the mix in the pan and in the oven.

The tradition of the youngest child is to prepare and learn how to fix potato salad from

scratch, when I turned thirteen years old. My mom taught me how to fix potato salad. Since

then I have been fixing the potato salad for Thanksgiving Day dinner.

During that time Santa and his reindeer are on the television in the thanksgiving parade.

The turkey would finally be done.  The other food wouldn’t take that long either. In between

that time the whole family would be giggling and laughing at moments. We had together as a

family.

At four p.m all the food is done including the desserts. My oldest sister and mom are the

ones that dish out the food to everyone. Then everyone in my family sits in the den at the dining

table for Thanksgiving Dinner. Even before we eat my mother says a special prayer with the

family and we all say why we are thankful! When you knew my mom is done praying she always

says (In Jesus name Amen). Then everyone starts to dig in the food smiling at each other.

Having this dinner to me means a lot. I know that I will keep this ritual in my immediate,

also whole family. The love and closeness shared my family shared with each other is

undeniable. It’s what thanksgiving is all about.

 

Blogs

 

1) Week 1: Introduction

Hello, Everyone

My name is Sarah Wilson. I’m a native of New Orleans, La. Born at Touro Hospital on July 17,1989. I’m the youngest out of five siblings. My mother was a signle parent raising us to ger fullest. I want everyone to know something’s about myself. I love to sing. I been singing since I was little in a church choir. I loveto play sports also like volleyball, tennis, etc. I participated in school choir since elementary all the way to high school. I love to perform in front of a crowd to see the crowd reaction when I perform in any kind of way. That’s and odd thing about myself I love the attention on me. I never really complain about anytihng. Except one time I was so tired, I had back to back practice for volleyball then Dance Team. Without a break. The reason I wanted to come to Xavier. I believe that Xavier  is a wonderfuln and loving school. The environment is very friendly and caring. Also  I wanted to become a Doctor since I was nine years of age. My major is Biology/Premed. I pick this major because I love Science especially. I feel that nothing can get better than science. I love my city New Orleans. I love the culture,food,music,sites, everything about my hometown I love. I would love to learn more about the French language, and French culture of New Orleans, La. I feel that xavier will prepare me to do great things in my life. Also to help others in need, when I become a ER (Emergency Room) Doctor in the future.

Sincerely, Sarah Wilson

 

 

2) Xula Mission

Hello, Everyone

      I feel that Xavier is trying to help anyone that wants to be something in life. Like help graduating senior students go to medical school, dental,grade school, etc. Xavier has a loving, caring, and heart-warming atmosphere. You get to know the students, especially the Teacher’s. I love that we can get to know the teachers better and they get to know us more. Sothe teachers, and students can be on the same page. I feel that I will keep the mission going strong because of my education is a big part of my life. Being a Xavierite is the best thing in the world. I feel like I belong somewhere with loving people in my university community. I know that the Alumni at this school is proud to be a Xavierite because this school is one of the only almost all black catholic university in the nation.  Xavier has the most students that graduated enter school’s and finish for a Master’s Deagree.   I believe that the university feels that we will succeed and accomplish what we came here for to Xavier. To get our Bachelor’sDegree to go to big and better school’s to get our master’s degree.   I think I will hold the mission up because after medical school I want to help at Xavier to teach Volleyball in the future.  I feel that Xavier does a good job upholding the mission. I don’t hear no complains about anything at Xavier at all. Not form students, teachers, not even alumni. I feel like Xavier is the Best University in the United States of America. Of Course Louisiana. Thank You for reading my blog.

Sincerely,  Sarah Wilson

3) Week 3 : Community Service

Community Service  to me is helping people that’s in depressed need of help. I have paticpated in many community services in my lifetime.  One of the community services I did where feed the hungry in Atlanta, Ga. We went to downtown Atlanta at night. I feed some homeless people a hot meal that day. I feel like I made a difference in them people lives by feeding them a hot meal. I also did a community service in New Orleans , La named Helping Hands. We went to City Park and started to landscape, help build a green house for our beautiful park. My feelings about all the community services I been in I feel like I can help or do anything that was in need at that time. I love to help people, I love to make people smile. I want the world to be helpful also about people in need more.  The types of community services that interested me are feeding the hungry, help fix houses, build different buildings. Make sure people that need help is help by someone.  I feel that helping people is a God giving talent. I feel that god has to be in the people hearts that want to help others in need. My particular community service I would do is feed the homeless and help build a homeless shelter.  The project would be called Help Others in Need. I would produce hot meals for people that are hungry around that area and more.  I would target the most needed place that have homeless people in need of shelter and food.

 

4) Xavier and Me

I’m proud to say that I’am part of the Wilson’s Community first, I’m currently in the Xavierite Community, my home town community New Orleans, and other communities. I’m also part of the Biomedical Scholar Community, Premed/Biology community, and  St. Katharine Drexel Dorm Community. I love the communites that I’m currently in at the moment. These communties are the greatest in my life right now.

  These are some communities that I would like to join. The Pom Pom Squad, Volleyball Team, Biology Club, Pear Dean, and also a sorority.  To join the communities I listed above. I would have to try out for most of the positionsto join their communities. Like for insists Pom Pom Squad I would have to try out for two days straight to be on the team and in their community.

  The reason I would love to join those communities they are very active and exciting.  I would feel like I fit into something I would love to do for college extra activities.  The guidelines of these communities stay focus, practice, make sure you do your school work. That’s the most important part in your life and why you are at Xavier and at college.

  I feel like if I’m going to be a part of these communities that it would be so important to me to join these clubs and communties in my college career.  Most of all being a Xavierite is the best communtiy of all besides my Wilson community my family.  Communties can be the best things in your life if you let it.

Sincerly,  Sarah Wilson

 

 

5) Elections/Voting

I’m glad be a U.S citizen, that I’am going to be a part of history in the making. A african american running for president also the first Democratic black candidate. Even being part of a women alson running for president named Hillary Clinton. For the Democratic Party.

In this election the economic and war is an big issue. I feel that the economic system should get better over the years. That they should keep social benfits, student loans, are any type of benificial help for the us. Citizens that need the help from the goverment. I feel that the war should be ceased and they should bring the soldiers back home with their family. I think it has no point being there if they don’t want help from us.

Yes I considered of listening to both side and I have but I stick to my choice Obama. I like most of Obama views and electoral choices if he become president. But Mccain sticks to his old and have to rule ways. He wants to cut alot things for the poor so his rich can get more. In the economy if he become president.

I feel that this election is important to everyone in Xavier, New Orleans, the United States of America we are going to be part of the 2008 election and history. Obama is a person that goes around and interact with the people of the united states of america voters and talk to them. I’am very sure that he tries to understand were we coming from  to be a better president of this election. This election would be talk about for years to come for a long time.

 

6)  Responsibilities

As a student my responsibilities is to do good in school. To have a great point average so I can get into a awesome medical school in the future. I always had a responsibility. I had to keep my grades up since I can remember. To succeed in life you have to work hard and study for what you in life. Nothing is free or easy.

I feel like college is a challenge to me. I have to study more than I would regularly in my life. College is no joke it’s the real deal. I want my grades to improve more then what it is now. It’s not bad but it can be better than that. I see myself improving by studying more and going to tutoring sessions if I need them in the future.  Life is not easy college is definitely not easy. So college is not easy either.

I have to take my time to do my work and sit down and try to understand what I don’t know about the subject. I would ask my teachers more questions in class if needed help.

I would have to change my whole routine in my life to succeed in school. I would have more time to study then of doing nothing. I would study with other students. Everyone needs help in their life in college especially. I would be more focus on my work then anything else on my mind. I would succeed to get into medical school in the future and I will have a good grade point average before I graduate.

 

7) Week:9 Studying

 I study in a quiet place in the library to concentrate on my subjects to get a good grade. I study all of my subjects. The subject I like to study is Biology Lecture notes the most, because he give us certain notes and material to study. To prepare ourselves for the upcoming test and modules. For me to improve in all of my subjects. I can start to study more and harder to understand the material. I can start to go to tutoring for all of my subjects. Even if I don’t have truoble in them.

I study everyday between my breaks for my classes. Also after my classes I study again. Even though I don’t have test or homework in some of my classes. I still study for it. to refresh my memory of the material. My study schedule is very reasonable. I also study on the weekends to keep my mind refresh and working. On monday I study between nine am-eleven am and in the afternoon. Tuesday I study after my classes that’s at tweleve pm. Wednesday I study at eleven am and then after my last class for that day around five pm. Thursday I study between nine am until tweleve pm and after school. On friday i study before eleven am and afetr school too. It keeps me focus on my work more. I study in a group so we can test each other about our material we are going over. To me studying with others helps me to understand it little bit more.

 

Week 10: Classes

My favorite classes are my Tuesday and Thursday classes. At 8:00 am- 11:40 am on Tuesday. On Thursday 8:00am and 1:15 pm.  This class is fun to me. I get to participate in the class. Also talk to my neighbors about the class discussion. I get to focus on all my classes that I don’t have that day. Also the classes I do have on that day. I have time to take naps in between and I don’t have to rush to doing my work. I have more to do the assignments. My Least favorite class is a none credit course. I take that class for nothing to me. It’s a waste of time and energy to do that work for that class. I feel that it’s really a waste of my time to got to that class and do the material for that class. This class is very boring to me. I have no kind of fun at all.  I would had made the class credit hour course. Made more interesting ,andfun to learn and interact with to do the material in class. So the students try to at least come to class. Participate and do what they have to do to pass the course. I would try to look on the bright side of things and do what I have to do in that class to pass. I feel that if I was interested in the class more I would have a better attitude about the material and class. Then I would focus on the materials like I suppose too.

 

9) Week:11 Majors and Careers

 My major I started with Xavier is Premed/Biology. That’s the only major I will be doing at this school. The reason why I wanted to major in premed/Biology because I love to help people with they are hurt or in need. This has been my passion since I was eight years of age.  I always wanted to help people in that type of way.  I will never change my major because this is my field I wanted to succeed in to do to help people that are injury or hurt. Also watching different television shows had me convenience to really join that field. I love the rush to help people that are seriously hurt and need of help in their condition. The shows are: Er, House, Discovery Health channel, and etc. This list of shows can go on and on.  

I see myself in the (ER) Emergency Room help people in need like if someone come with a broken ankle I would help to put and cast on his ankle and give him crutches. Another one can be a person just got stab in the stomach and I would had to see how much blood the person had lost also how I would stich his wound. To me I will feel complete because I wanted this career since  I was a child I always believe I will do it. I just feel accomplished and Happy with my life because I achieve my goal and that’s all that matters.

 

10) Week:12 Stuff

The only thing that happened that was good was that I just got hired at Cafe Du Monde.  This going to be my first job ever. I never work before so this should be interesting. Besides that I went to the Cricket club it was my first time for a club action. never did that in my life either. I’m a quiet clam type of person so you won’t see me do that often. Also freshmen orientationwas kind of fun. My group soul gold had fun so did I. my great experience in school is that I’ am attending college for the first time. Away from my mom for the first time. On my own for the first time. It’s alot that has change in my life but it’s for the good. Becausenow I’m and adult I have to do things for myself. Life can be hard at times but you have to stick through it and try to do your best at it. So far life in college is totally different from high school. But overall I’m glad that I’m not in Hugh School and in college. So I can achieve my dream of becoming A ER(Emergency Room) Doctor. I’m glad that I’m in college so I can do what I always wanted to do since little child. After I graduated from Xavier University I will be attending medical school and proceed as a doctor.

 

11) Week 15: Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a day that my family be thankful for all the things that God had done for us that year.  This year I had to work on Thanksgiving Day and last year I didn’t have to because I didn’t have a job. Also I was in Georgia with my mom and family. This year I was with my boyfriend family and my sisters for thanksgiving. I didn’t get to go to Georgia like I plan to see my mom but for christmas I will see my mom.  Even though I didn’t get to go back by my mom I was good to be in newOrleans where I was born and raise. I really needed that break for school. I needed to catch on rest and work to prepare for next semester. Also I didn’t forget to study over the hoilday. My sisters they never treated different because I stay in the dorm they kind of miss me not being there wuth them. I was glad to come back to school so I can see my friends and finish the semester out. To start fresh and new next semester.  The time off from school I had a good bit of fun I enjoy the time for myself. Even though I study when I can. I didn’t have to go to class and sit there and learn about somthing I was free for five days that’s all what I needed. I got my hair done during the brreak I really needed that done. Also I got to hang out with my family and my boyfriend over the break I was enjoying the time I had that wasn’t occupied. I was enjoying my free time until school start again on the following monday. Overall I had a wonderful break and i wouldn’t change for the world.

 

 My semster so far has been a great expirence I will always remeber my first semester in college.  I will tell my children, grandchildren so on so forth. I will share it will everyone I know. This was a once a life time chance in my life I will alwys rember my freshmen year.

Week 15: Thanksgiving

  Thanksgiving is a day that my family be thankful for all the things that God had done for us that year.  This year I had to work on Thanksgiving Day and last year I didn’t have to because I didn’t have a job. Also I was in Georgia with my mom and family. This year I was with my boyfriend family and my sisters for thanksgiving. I didn’t get to go to Georgia like I plan to see my mom but for christmas I will see my mom.  Even though I didn’t get to go back by my mom I was good to be in newOrleans where I was born and raise. I really needed that break for school. I needed to catch on rest and work to prepare for next semester. Also I didn’t forget to study over the hoilday. My sisters they never treated different because I stay in the dorm they kind of miss me not being there wuth them. I was glad to come back to school so I can see my friends and finish the semester out. To start fresh and new next semester.  The time off from school I had a good bit of fun I enjoy the time for myself. Even though I study when I can. I didn’t have to go to class and sit there and learn about somthing I was free for five days that’s all what I needed. I got my hair done during the brreak I really needed that done. Also I got to hang out with my family and my boyfriend over the break I was enjoying the time I had that wasn’t occupied. I was enjoying my free time until school start again on the following monday. Overall I had a wonderful break and i wouldn’t change for the world.

thanksgiving.

This Thanksgiving was different in comparison to last year because last year during my Thanksgiving break my life consisted of basketball games and basketball practice. Last year my basketball team was enrolled in a tournament at the Alario Center on the West-bank and the Wednesday before Thanksgiving we had a game. So, when my mom picked me up last year we had to rush to Wal Mart because she had not gotten anything to prepare for the Thanksgiving meal. Surprisingly enough, she found most of the things we needed and the Thanksgiving dinner went about like normal despite the last minute shopping. During this break, my old team was enrolled in the same tournament. So, on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving I went to a game to see my old team and it made me miss playing ball. I missed it so much, on Wednesday morning and the Saturday morning after Thanksgiving, I decided to attend the team’s basketball practice. That was something I really enjoyed because, I was not the only one who attended the practice. My former teammates, who attend Dillard and Southeastern, also came so it was a mini reunion.

Being home for Thanksgiving was somewhat of a distraction because I knew I had a lot of work to do but I did not do it. Instead, I caught up with old friends and when Monday came for me to return to school I was dreading it. Honestly, Thanksgiving break was a tease. It made me want to hurry up and get finals over so I can have my month long Christmas break. I had so much fun and I know that I will have even more fun for Christmas.

Turkey Day!

Thanksgiving was different for me this year for numerous reasons. It was different for one reason because none of my family was home. I’m the youngest on my father’s side and everyone is grown and has a life of their own.  There was no one at my grandmothers house when I got there but her and my uncle. Another reason it was different was that I wasn’t out for the whole week before in school we got the whole week out for Thanksgiving and two weeks for Christmas.  A friend came home with me from school and none of my old friends were at home that also was a major difference in my Thanksgiving holiday.

I did love to go home though. My mother and I are very close so I miss just being able to see her all of the time.  She along with Monroe in general was the biggest distraction from school I got nothing accomplished while at home.  I did start some of my essays but I didn’t get very far with them. i was ready to get back and finish the semester out.  But when it came time to actually live I didn’t want to. 

One no treated me differently but my grandmother because I didn’t call her to tell her that i was back.  She didn’t make the ONLY cake that I eat, pound cake. She knew that i hated all of the other cakes but she didn’t care. Besides this little let down nothing else exciting or horrible happened it was a normal day in the life at home. Thanksgiving was good all around and I’m ready for Christmas.

Stuff

 

Something I did this semester that was great was read alot of books. I gained alot of knowledge in the short time that i was here i was able to read alot of books something that i never have time to do. Usually reading a book is the last thing on my mind but since i had a little free time at night i decided to buy some books they are just horror stories from the Goosebumps series that used to come on t.v. i also have one written by R.L. stine. usually im not into horror books nonetheless books at all. However, I had nothing to lose so i did it anyway and i figure the choice i made was right. the books gave me a heoten sense of vocabulary also they stimulated my mind to think imaginatively. something that i really needed. Whenever life is beating down to hard on you it doesnt hurt to read a book and getaway for just a few seconds if not days. Remember, only a few seconds not days it is not good to be a slacker. Anyways, thats pretty much all the good I got out of this semester however I figure that’s good enough for me.

Xavier Mission

I would say that the XULA mission is important to me because if we ever give up on a humane and just society then we give up as a country. As a Xavierite it is doubly important because we are the ones that have to continue the mission because we are entrusted with St. Katherine Drexel’s mission. To the alumni they have to make it seem more important to students because if they give up on it after graduation it seems artificial but if they contiue it then they make it seem that it is actually worth the effort to start it then continue after graduation. Community service is the best way that I can mention that we can fullfill the mission. We give back to the community in a way that will fullfill the “humane” part, but as far is the “just” part, only people in power can handle that on the large scale but from day to day we can more than help out with that. Xavier fullfills the mission by passing on to each of its students and staff. Xavier is the catalyst for greatness and therefore it is easy for us to carry out the mission.

Stuff

Something “great” that happened to me would be spending the summer before freshman year here at Xavier. Over the summer I attended the Howard Hughes Biomedical Scholar Summer Program. It was the most exciting summer of my life. I learned the the school itself very well, how to survive college life a bit better and overall the entire city of New Orleans. The Howard Hughes Program forced me to realize that college life would be difficult, yet at the same time very entertaining. This summer introduced me to my best friends at Xavier, Daniel, Perry, Garret, Louis, Rod and Justin. It’s weird because although I have meet many other students since the regular semester started I have yet to meet any new friends. I have meet many new people but I just cannot seem to break the strong bong created amongst all of my friends holding our friendship together. Daniel, my roommate, and I were matched up perfectly. He has become my brother and it is as if he is literally my right hand and I his. This summer was so great for it marked the commencement of my college career. It created the snowball of my life that will roll into a avalanche of my existence. This summer ultimately stands as the bases for all that I will do here at Xavier over the next three and a half years. I have taken from this experience the knowledge that in order to succeed here at Xavier I must start to focus more on my studies and dedicate more of my time to getting work done rather than playing around.

Stuff

Nothing exciting has really happened this semester, but I guess just taking the next step and experiencing the college life has been exciting in itself. I have had to learn how to manage my time to keep my grades up, but also have a life outside of class. I have been to Bourbon a lot, and that is always fun. I have enjoyed meeting new people even though everybody now pretty much has their clique of friends. I have learned how to live on my own and become independent; because I am no longer at home with my parents to let them do everything for me. I have to watch how much money I spend because I have to learn how to budget my money. I went shopping a lot when I first got here and my parents noticed all of my money was being spent so they quit putting it in my account. I had to learn how to budget it and I get a certain amount every month. So basically I could say I have learned a lot of things since I have came to college and have learned to be independent and not depend on my parents to do everything for me.

Stuff

Do you ever go to undergraduate school? if yes, I think that you must be very excited at the first semester because everything is all new for you. This is also my first semester in Xavier. At the beginning of this semester, it was a little strange to me and I was very worried. But I also felt that I did not have time to think this strange. Because I saw the others were studying hard. Therefore, I was changed my mind too.  I learned how to communicate with others and tried to do the group work with others.  I think this is the most important thing for me at this semester in Xavier.

On the other hand, I am a pre-pharmacy department student and I need to plan how to make the good grades to enter the pharmacy school later what I know. Therefore, I have made the schedule for my studying everyday. It is quite different from my high school time.  I learned from teacher’s presentations and from the network. There are also many stuff in undergraduate school, I tried my best to get used to them quickly by myself. One good experience that I have gained is how to do researching on my own. Moreover, working with the team group is one interesting job that I have never done before. Under this condition I think I am able to reach my goal by the first time.

Now, the first aemester to me in Xavier, it is not strange any more.

Stuff!

The things that I have done this semester I don’t really see any of them as great.  Well I am close to finishing my first semester in college and that is a great feat within its self.  I guess that’s it my own fought for not having such a great first semester.  Don’t get me wrong I had a lot of fun this semester at Xavier with my new  friends.

I think that my college experinece overall was great. The good times of laughter and the basketball games and student life. Memories like these cannot not be replaced by any other event. Every event that was pleasant and happy you take for granted but altogether they all make up the college experience.  Even the teachers that you don’t always get along with are wonderful because they help you to learn about the real world and how it won’t always be the way you want it to be.

Even the bad times of stress from one class to another helps add to great college experience that i have had.  For example next week I have two papers due, a speech due, and a bio exam but that’s just part of the college life  and my stress level. I’m just going to have to take that to and add it to the greatness level of college. Because when it’s all over then I will feel accomplished and proud of myself as a student.

The first semster of college as a whole was the greatest experience that i have had.

My first and best voting experience

It was 4:30 am when I woke up on November 4, 2008. I looked out the window and still saw darkness from the night before. Thirty minutes later, I was in front of the University Center waiting for the polls to open at 6 am. It was already 10 people ahead of us but we knew it would be worth the wait. Soon after, more people came and the line grew longer. Everyone was anxious especially since it was cold outside, but I came prepared with my blanket. By the time 5:55 hit, the sun became to rise as we waited for the doors to open. When 6:00 hit the security guard opened the doors and everyone darted up three flights of stairs in order to be the first ones to vote.

Even though we were out of the cold, we still had to wait for a while. The elderly people were complaining about standing in line, so some were allowed to go ahead of us.Of course, XU students protest especially since the elderly were extremely rude by saying, “We’re more important than you”. And on top of all of that, many XU students were arguing with one of another about who cut who in line. The people in charge of the polls threatened to kick out some people out of line because of all the confusion going on. But in the back of my mind, I was thinking wow all of this confusion between people just to vote.

Finally, it was my turn to vote. When I stepped into the booth I was nervous but I clicked my choice and then I frowned because I forgot I had to vote for numerous other things that I had no clue about. Then the lady told me I had a minute in a half to finish my choices so I was rushing. When I left the building I saw the line stretched down the three flights of stairs and all the way the University Center. I was so glad I had woke up early enough to avoid waiting in line.

Later that night, I was watching CNN, waiting to hear the results of the election. I was doing laundry so I was in and out of the room. Then I looked at the screen and it said “BARACK OBAMA THE NEW PRESIDENT”. My heart started beating fast because I didn’t think it was true at first. But then reality set in, it was true. Me and my friend started screaming and calling everyone. It made me proud that my vote counted towards something historical in this country. I helped elected the first black president of the United States. I have something to tell my grandkids about that I thought would never happen in my lifetime. Now, I think anyone can do anything. Obama’s win shows me that nothing can hold you back, and let’s not forget NO ONE can hold you back from acheiving something that seems out of reach.

I AM PROUD TO HAVE BARACK OBAMA AS MY NEW PRESIDENT!

  Today I have only one word on my mind, the name of the one person who has brought a higher standard to not only my life but the lives of all blacks, whites, men and women of America, Obama. Barack Obama has set a new standard for America by showing everyone that one can be anything in this World that he or she desires if they only work hard at them. My participation in this election will prove to be very significant in my life. It reminds me of the story Mrs. Rodriguez told us about her daughters first time voting. I had registered to vote in Tennessee before I had graduated high school and when I got to New Orleans I never took the time to reregister. I assumed that since I had registered in Memphis I did not need to register again. So a week and a half before the election Dr. Carmichael informed me that since I did not register in New Orleans and since the deadline had past I would have to return home to vote or not vote at all. So that weekend I packed a bag and my roommate and I traveled that six hour trek back to Memphis so that I would be able to vote during Tennessee’s early voting days. I expected it to be a really big deal but when it all came down to the actual voting, after two hours of waiting outside then another thirty waiting inside to get officially registered and escorted to the poll, it was not as spectacular as I thought it would be. I walked out of the polls content am happy that I had been able to participate in what will be the most controversial and most important election of my lifetime. This election, more so Obama himself, has made me realize one thing and that is that President-elect Obama has done the one thing that he is obligated to for the Blacks in society. He has merely allowed blacks, men especially, that there is nothing in this world that is not achievable. I think that some blacks might take it too far by wanting Obama to play more of the savior type role for them and them alone relative to others in American society. Whereas I feel as though Obama should not single out any single group, sexual or racial, but rather he should spend the majority of his time as president fixing the economic crisis and warfare of our country. Blacks often go for the easy way out and I can say this because I see this in my daily life with my friends, my family and myself as well. Not to try to disrespect my black Americans at all but I just feel that Barack Obama’s presidency should be used as a way to better our society as a whole and to somewhat lessen the extent of racism and injustice. In closing I would like to add that Obama’s candidacy and victory in the election will forever exists as a Roosevelt type president. He is the man who is about to bring the change that our civilization tremendously needs.

Voting for the first time =]

Wow….the year 2008 so far has been filled with so much excitement. I became a senior in high school. I graduated High school with a BA and honors. I was accepted to Xavier among other Universities. I thought this year would never come. I turned the big 18 =] Then since my birthday is in March I most definitely voted in the primaries.

Voting in the primaries was quite an experience. It was confusing, my name wasn’t on the list. I had to fill out an absentee ballot. I had to hand write all of my choice and such. I was sad. My fantasy of the inside of a voting booth was still a mystery. But I still made a difference and I was proud. Then Obama won the election. That too was a monumental even this year.

Then we got to college and we are seeing the conventions and campaign commercials and for me there was no guess work. I was an Obama supporter from day one. I met a couple of people, black people who didn’t support Obama. I was flabbergasted! What were they thinking? Well, I found out that they were brain washed. She  believed that the civil rights movement was about black people wanting what the whit people had and not about what they deserved. I thought she was crazy. She got mad because said I felt like it was my civic duty to vote because my ancestors fought for that right. She rebutted with he comment that black people wanted to vote because the white people did. I was disgusted. The wanted to vote because it was their right. They were considered a fraction of a person and it took [I'm not sure exactly] 5 black votes to equal 1 vote and that was if they ballots weren’t destroyed.

I feel like people like her have no sense pf history but back to election day. So i wake up so early and stand in the voting line. We were standing for ever. I sat on the floor and napped, on the table and in chairs. I was very sleepy. By in the end I was still excited because I knew Obama would win. You want to know why? Because his grandmother died before the election and that let me know that God brought her home with he peace that her grand child was going to win the election. It may sound foolish but that is me and my assumption was right. Thank God.

That night we all sat in the boys lobby and watched as each state closed the polls. It was so suspenseful. It was funny because a person from a state that went republican would not tell anybody where they were from. I new Pennsylvania wouldn’t let me down. I was not surprised my Louisiana’s decision. Honestly I knew that McCain was going to lose. BUT the magnitude of his loss blew my opinion to pieces. America really wanted a change and knew that Obama was the man for the job.

When his face popped up as President elect!!!!! We jumped and ran outside and called everybody. Then we partied like rock-stars in the UC. It was amazing and I am so happy to have taken part in this historical event.

Extra Credit:I voted!

I’m glad that I voted on November 4, 2008 for the presidental candidate. This was my first time to do that I was so excited. I watch some of the campaigns of Obama and Mccain have did over the months to see who I will vote for in November. This journey of Obama and Mccain was a long journey. Because they had to persuade people to vote for them for different amount of reasons. Topics like abortion, taxes, economy, gas, stocks, and more situations. I believe that both the nominees had a good point to become president. But McCain was a candidate that bash the other candidate he was running against too. He haven’t talk about any problems that the Americans have on their hands. He only wanted to hurt the other opponent with negative feedback every time. He do that ever-timehe talk to the press or the news camera crew on television.  Other hand Obama was positive the whole campaign journey against Hilary and also Mccain. I’m glad he stayed positive and really talked about the issues the Americans really have in this life time in these days. I feel that they shouldn’t just had got at Obama for everything while they were campaign I think that wasn’t fair at al on their part.

My experience for this voting on November was long tiring but historical. I felt like I made a big difference in the vote for Obama becoming president. I stand in line since 5:00 am until 8:15 am to vote they had people that skipped the students of Xavier in the UC on that Tuesday to vote. They had attitudes and was arguing they were mad.  To me I don’t feel that they should have been acting like that on that historical day and especiallyin public. They didn’t care about no one else. That didn’t change my view of the outcome of my day. That I believe I made a difference in the election. I stand line and waited I was sleepy and tired but it still didn’t stop me from voting. I wanted to do this not for no one but for me. I finally got to the desk where the people was looking for your Id so you can vote. That feeling was amazing it was a rush and happy feeling I had. I was finally by the desk and I gave the lady my Id and see found my name. So I stared to walk towards the booth. I been ready to vote since I cant remember. It took me about five minutes to finish the voting process. I walked out the voting booth smiling and happy to finally vote for the first time in my life. It meant that I was finally will be and adult in people’s eye’s. I’m grown and I have to take care of myself now. I feel that I will remember November 4, 2008 for the rest of my life until I die. I will tell my children and grandkids about this election.This election made history and I was part of it. I’m glad I was part of November 4, 2008.

extra credit: i helped make history! WE DID IT!!!!

My voting experience this year was very new. This is because on November 4, 2008 I voted for the first time ever. My excitment that day could not even properly be described…I don’t know, I was just so so so happy that I was going to cast MY vote for someone who actually looks like me and came from the same roots as my family my ancestors, my people;the very first African American President of the United States of America . The very same United States where for over two hundred years my people were tortured, raped, battered and bruised, taken away from their families, humiliated, and murdered; enslaved in a black “hellacaust” because of the color of their skin. The very same United States that treated my people worse than the dirt on the bottom of it’s shoes not even 60 years ago. I dont know about anybody else but I was overwhelmed with emotion standing in line last week; I almost started crying in the voting booth.

When I first saw the lines I thought to myself that this was gonna take FOREVER but it’s gonna be sooooo worth it when I’m watching the updates later that same day and Barack Obama wins the election. The lines were super-long but I was determined to let my voice be heard. I had been doing my own personal campaigning for Obama since he announced that he would run, and I’ll be ding dang darn if I didn’t vote on November 4th. I ended up waiting in line for a total of about two and a half hours which wasn’t bad compared to the people who got to the polls earlier than I did.

I think that the environment was of a proud sort. It was mainly young African American individuals waiting in line with me, with very few elderly, which by the way was part of the reason why I almost cried. I personally thought that in that beautiful age, for these elderly African Americans, in their wheelchairs, to be able to see the first black president be elected after all that they have endured and experienced throughout their lives in America. It touched my heart that they would live to see this wonderful day in history. As I was saying, I think that all of the yound people waiting in line shared the same sense of pride, excitement, and emotion as I did. We all just had our own way of showing it. Some of us were smiling from ear to ear the whole wait (even in these long lines), some people were yelling “I’m about to make history y’all”, and some people just reflected on what their relatives and ancestors went through being black in America, or what they themselves experienced in their lives.

I personally didn’t see any signs of voter suppression. In fact, I witnessesed the exact opposite. For example, before I got to the UC to vote, random people I didn’t know were coming up to me one by one asking me if I was voting or saying that if I was registered then I had no excuse and that I needed to vote. I was proud of the fact that everybody just jumped out of their own skin and out of there comfort zone to encourage others to let their voices be heard. I took pride in my “new” community.

Later that night I was so happy when I saw the results on television as most of the students in my dorm and other dorms that night were. I thanked God and screamed and jumped and just celebrated. All you could hear after that announcement was screams and cheers from all floors of the building. I ran out into the hallway and gave everyone hugs and jumped for joy and screamed and yelled and ran out with my Obama poster into the streets with everyone. After that, it was O.V. (it means over). All of the students and neighborhood people were out in the streets as happy as ever. The UC was hype, the dorms were jumpin, and it was poppin in the streets. We all had one huge block party in front of my dorm (the LLC) for hours that night. Everybody just dropped what they were doing to go sing, dance, and just celebrate our victory in the street.

The voting, the waiting and anticipation, the result, the celebration, and the feeling of brotherhood and sisterhood that day had to have been the most exciting, emotional, and proud moment that I have ever experienced. I thank God for blessing me, my people, and America with that day. The day that assured the world that the gift of hope is still alive in people today no matter how hard or how many times one is kicked to the ground. There is always hope.

CONGRATULATIONS TO BARACK OBAMA, TO AMERICA, AND TO MY PEOPLE. WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!

majors and careers

Like most of the 800 something freshmen that entered this university, I entered this school as a biology/premed major. It wasn’t really so much that I knew I wanted to be a bio/premed major, but more-so I knew what I wanted my career to be. I always knew that I wanted to be a physician of some sort. I love to do hands-on activities, I love to do challenging things, and I always like to help people if they need it. It wasn’t until my sophomore year in high school that I decided that I wanted to be an anesthesiologist. This field for some reason just intrigued and interested me so, that’s what goal I’m reaching for right now.

There were a couple of things that made me think about changing my major. For example all of the super hard science classes are always a mind-changer at one time or another. One event that sticks out and really made me think about my career choice is one time at lunch I was talking to a guy in the school of pharmacy. He was saying things like “If you’re a pharmacist, you can go straight to work and straight to the big money” or “At 24 I’ll be flashing my cash rolling in my BMW”. All of this talk was really tempting, and I was really considering changing my major but then I thought to myself; that’s not me. I have never really been the type of person to go chasing after fast-cash let alone money period. I just try and work for what I want even if it takes a while. In realizing this, I decided to stick to my intended major.

The career I have chosen in this major, as i mentioned before, is anesthesiology. Hopefully, by the grace of God, I will succeed in my journey to this goal.

Majors and Careers

Out of all the majors to choose from when I started Xavier, I was given the choice between chemistry and biology. I Choose biology because I have always done better in biology versus chemistry. Another reason was that at the time I found biology very interesting at the time. And I felt that for what I wanted to do in life, it was the best choice for my major. But lately the thought of changing my major has crossed my mind alot. Mainly because I originally wanted to major in history but I was told that even though I liked the field of study, it would be in my best interest to major in a science if I planned on getting into dental school. Even though I still want to major in history, at this point I would be slightly behind and it may harm my chances of getting into dental school. So with the biology degree I am looking to recieve, I plan on entering dental school where the first two years deal with alot of biology and chemistry. Then use what I have learned to have a better understanding of the human body, the mouth in particular. So yeah in about seven years when I have my degee in biology and my license to practice, you can come over to my practice and I will show you how a biology degree qualifies me to pull and fill your teeth. Serioulsy because I will have learned the anatomy of the human mouth and therefore can pull without seriously hurting you because of my knowledge of my minor, chemistry.

Jasmine Grant:Bonus

I have been a student athlete for as long as I can remember.I do not know what is it like to be a student on campus just attending school.I have played basketball since I was eight years old.As I got older the different levels of basketball became harder and harder everty time.There is a huge diffeence between playing basketball in high school than playing in college.Things get harder and expectations get higher.

I used to think that high school basketball was hard.I had to manage school,a job,and basketball.Practicing for and hour and a half used to feel so long to me.The conditioning was horrible.During preseason we were practing five days a week and constantly running. My body was extremly tired and I knew that i still had to mantain a certain gpa.I never felt like doing homework because I was so tired.When the play-offs came around we were practing seven days a week and sometimes even after school against the boys.I thought that I would never get a break and that nothing could get any harder.

Now i have a scholarship to play women’s basketball here and I thought high school was hard.In high school we didn’t have to deicate ourselves in the summer to basketball.We were not away from home,and we had some type of free time. In college it is a whole different level of basketball.Summer time we were waking up at six in the morning to got workout on the track and weight lifting twice a week.We also were free paying everyday for about two hours.I thought my body could never hurt as bas as it did those first couple of weeks of workouts. On top of this we were also in summer school and had to maintain a grade of B or better.This was the easy part, is what the upper classmen told us as freshmen.We didn’t think it could get any harder.Then school started in August,so that meant preseason also started. I have never in my life seen or been through a five hour practice until I got to college.We ran for four of those five hours and touched a ball for maybe forty-five minutes.We practiced from six that evening to eleven fifteen on a Sunday night.I was extremly tired.I didn’t know what tired was until I got here.Conditioning in college is completely different from college.High school coditioning is so easy and I would choose it over college conditioning any day.

We practice six days a week for about three hours at the least.We may some days have two-a-days.On top of that we have to go the weight room five times a week during preseason. Usually as a freshamen expectations of you aren’t as high, but in college every person is just as important as another.College basketball is more of a metal thing. Weather or not you are able to push yourself even when you are tired or hurting. Basketball is a job, and it is not an easy one at all.

Despite all things that are hard abot college basketball it is all worth it in the end.It may not seem that way now but I can honestly say that I am blessed to have my college education paid for.Some people don’t even have to opportunity to go to school.

Jasmine Grant:Majors and Careers

I started school with the major of chemistry pre-pharm.I can to that decision because my favorite two subjects in high school were chemisrty and math.Looking at the requirements there was a lot of chemistry and in chemistry there is a lot of math.I figured that I would be able to practice the sujects I love while doing something productive.I also like the pay of a pharmacist and you do not have to be in school as long as most doctors.Nothing has caused me to want to reconsider my major becasue there is really nothing else that I really want to do.I have considered having a minor in accounting but I decided that I wouldn’t have enough time to manage chemisrty pre-pharm,basketball,and a minor in accounting.I do not think that i will change majors.I am happy with the major I have choosen.It is a bit of a challenge but it will be all worth it.I like everything about my major.I like the starting pay,the places I am able to choose from to work at,and I like the fact that I do not have to be in school forever.I see myself becoming a pharmacist.I have been thinking about becoming a pharmasict in the airforce.They pay good and they have good beifits.The bracches of military always need medicine so I figured no better place to start my career.I do not where I would like to live to start my career but I know it will not be in New Orleans Louisiana.I havent really grown to like this city too much i guess because I havent had time to actually go out and see it.

Classes

After thinking about my classes, I find that I do particularly well in this one class that is not my major because I find that I am very interested in the material. I find that I am always on time to class unless I have an unexpected emergency, and I do not fall asleep in the class. The material keeps me thinking so I do not get bored therefore I find that I stay on top of the work. The teacher is good and keeps a high energy in the class. She makes sure that the class gets the material and makes herself readily available in the event that we have any questions. On the other hand, there is this class which I highly dislike. Even though the teacher has good intentions on how to go about teaching us, I still dislike the class. In the class I find that from time to time it is extremely hard to stay awake and when I do stay awake i find that I zone out and think about anything and everything that is not about the class. The problem I have with this class is that I am not interested at all with the material but I am only in the class because it is a requirement for my major. But I am making this class better is that I am engaging in the conversations that the teacher starts in the class. I find that I will only get out of the class what I put in so I am starting and will continue to put it.

Classes

As of now, the only class I do not like is this one. I do not like the fact that we have to take this class; however, we do not receive and hours for the time spent. The other reason why this class is my least favorite because we hardly in class to discuss anything. Outside of the reasons stated, this is the only class that I dislike.

As for class I like and/or love, I can say Biology Lab, English, and sometimes Math! I believe that I like these classes more because my professors are more laid back, give us more freedom, and trying to guide us, as students, into the right directions without being offensive. Biology Lab is fun because just for the fact that its a hands on learning experience! It can be confusing at times, but it is fun. English is fun just because she stresses on the fact that we have to expand our thoughts for our essays. Sometimes, the thoughts can come across random, but they usually advance your writing skills. “It’s so simple once you know the formula!” I only here that in Math. She can explain the hardest problem known to man  making it complicated, and that why I think we, as her math class, love her. These professors are the best I heard compare to my other classmates. I hope I can get them again next semester.

My attendance have been perfect until lately! I have not missed a day of class unless I had to go home or a conflict of scheduling. I do like to be late so I try my best to avoid it. Attendance is not a problem, but the timing of the professors could be better.

Favorite Classes

In my favorite class, I like it because it gives us time to talk.  Its like finally being heard. I mean we actually have a voice in the matter.  THis is an open class so there is really no set fundamental and that is what makes it fun.  In my least favorite class, everything is taught so fast that we do not have time to grasp the knowledge that is taught.  Not only that, this is my worse subject anyway and I feel so rushed when I am in class.  The material in the class is entirely too long, with the respect of being in college.  We are not computers and therefore we can not just calculate things.  We have to be taught and just not showed.  Honestly, I try my best in all classes. I never made a C on anything but yet I have now.  THis makes everything so complicated when it dont have to be.  Then I say that sometimes the lessons do not be clear and everything be clattered together.  We are taught as if that is our only class, but i respect it because it is time for us to show that we actually want to learn.  Whether its my favorite class or my least favorite, I promise to give my all and do whatever it takes to past.  My integrity will not allow nothing less.  Understanding these basics you have to consider my thoughts.  Maybe, if my schedule was not so hectic I sould manage. I do feel as there could be more things done to help the students as well as me manage in this class.One more thing that I do not like is the attendance.  I feel as if it should be the student choice  to come to class, because if a student don’t want to be there than he/she will stop the rest of us from learning.

Classes

My favorite class is good because I have a good teacher. The class I dislike extremely is a pain to go to. I do not have a good teacher and it is really stressing me out. In my favorite class the work is not material is not easy but I do well on the work. It is not an easy class especially because it is after lunch and eating makes me sleepy. Although I am sleepy I go to class with a positive attitude and focus on the work at hand. The best part of my class is the way the teacher breaks down the material at hand into something so simple that it doesn’t seem as complex as it truly is. However in my other class the material isn’t easy and the teacher is absolutely not what I need to truly fulfill my capabilities. All of the material is not covered in class because the teacher wastes so much time. It’s a late class and it is not the shortest either. I will still be successful in the class. There is nothing that I can do to like the class more. I cannot change the way class is conducted. To make future classes better I can do the same thing I am doing with this class. I can get help from a friend and go to tutoring. Hopefully I won’t have any more classes like that because regardless of what I do outside of class my classroom experience will be the same.

Studying

When it comes to studying, I usually would just turn on some music and hit my notes.  I find it quite strange that I can study if music is playing, but not if there is any other noise in the room.  I have no particular area to study, as long as I can play my music and its not there is no loud talking.  I think I can approve my study plans, by not waiting to night time to study.  I only like to study at night.  My particular time of study is between 2:00a.m. and 4:00a.m..  The reason for this is because most of the people in the dorm be sleep and It allows me to have a clear and easy mind.  My study time depends on my test schedules.  If there is no test, I usually wouldn’t study, or atleast not as much.  This, however, has changed.  I have been studying all week since midterms and I am looking forward to making the dean list.  On a weekly basis, I usually study about an hour every two days.  Now, my studying is taking up about 70 percent of my day.  In high school, I never had to study so this is an entirely new process for me.  My study habits are gradually changing and and with every new day, they are improving.  I have even changed my study hours to any available time that I have.  My day is pretty much like school, an hour of free time, studying, an hour to eat and 4 hours to sleep.  I understand that I don’t have the best study habits, but for anyone out there that can help me with them, I am open for ideas.

Studying

When i got  to college when somebody told me we had to study all i could but look at them crazy because i never true study in my life since i been college but, i had to learn had to study by myself but I really truely can say i really don’t think am study right because when i study for everything like the basic education and I be study so hard but when it come time to study you just don’t understand when the test when it’s right in your face but then you start to forget about everything you learn but when i had a big text i spend  about three to four hours on study on the chapter we have to read or the notes in class that the teacher was giving to use but when you get to college there is a big change from young adult to being a women and men in college there are no more parents teacher thats always on your back to do you homework an class its just you by yourself but as a students it can kind of me hard to ask for help when it come time when your teacher giving you some stuff that you do not understand the work she have giving you in class and you may not think you learn this in the real wrold but nine out of ten you have to use it for your career in the big wrold but all I can truely say is just try and ask question in class and for help but you know what help you learn better in class and help you pass your testes but that how i study also keep card to write them and put stuff that help you understand that you studying there.

HOW I STUDY….

I study many several different ways. Sometimes I study by myself in my room or with a group of friends in the library. I dont really have a particular area in which I study but most of the time its in my room at my desk or when I want to change it up I study in the library. There is not really any important factors that I need to study except quiet. In fact it does not even have to be extremely quiet. I can have the tv going or music playing as long as it is playing down low. One of the things that could improve my study area is turning off my cell phone so that I am not interrupted or locking my dorm door so that I don’t have visiters while I am studying. I try to study a little from each class every night whether its for a hour or three hours but it’s not that bad because I usually take breaks in between. If I dont really a have a test or a assignment due I still try and study the notes from the class earlier that day. As for a study schedule I don’t really have one I just study when I feel I need to whether its every day or before a test, sometimes even on weekends. I mostly study during the day so that my nights will be free or if that does not work out I study at night. If it is a weekend and I have to study and I want to go out I try to get all my work done before I go out. Other study habits I have are that I always write in blue pen because I heard from the 12th grade psychology it helps you remember better. Whether its true or not I don’t know but it doesnt matter blue is still pretty. I only write it pen for my math class.

Studying

I study by reading over notes and practicing the various practice problems that I can get my hands on.  Most of the time, I study at the desk in my room; but, for big tests or exams, I go to the library so that I can concentrate and retain the information better.  I could improve by not being so lazy and studying more often, and not just the night before the test. I have to start managing my time better and planning my time with basketball and being a biology pre-med major.  If I don’t have a test, or an assignment due, I don’t study.  I feel as if I retain the information better if I study the night before. My study schedule depends on what I have due.  For my Chemistry drill class, I do my work on Sunday nights because I have drill on Monday morning.  I do my papers the day before they’re due and I study for quizzes the night before they are given. I study best at night before I go to sleep and right before a quiz or test because I remember it best this way for tests and quizzes.  Most teachers and professors would say that my study habits are some of the worst because I wait to the last minute, but I feel as though this works the best for me.  Maybe they could be better, but I don’t have the same amount of time to study and do work as most students.  I have basketball practice from 3-5:30 and I’m also in class from roughly 8-1 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and from 8-230 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  I’m not complaining, but with this schedule, my way of studying is the only way to go without burning myself out.  Plus, I have all a’s and b’s for my midterm grades, so I must be doing something right.

Study Time

Studying Is one of the most important thing to do in college. In high school it was very possible to pay attention in class and still get A’s without studying. When you arrive at college however you are expected to adjust quickly. The same thing you were able to do in high school is not the same thing you can do in college to succeed. I am learning how to study. I was able to make good grades in high school simply because I was in class and paid attention. As I am realizing now that is not possible here at Xavier.  I Study in my room, the library and outside.  I find that my favorite place to do work is outside. It provides just the right atmosphere of noise and quiet for me to think. The library is where I spend a lot of my time due to my work study so I study often there. At times I find it to quiet and my mind starts to wander. When I am in my room by myself I study and read over my materials. I find that my room is a good place to study because I concentrate better there.  I study daily even if there is no class that day. I am learning that this is the best way to focus on all the material that must be remembered. I plan to improve my study habits by learning different techniques and seeing how if they help me or not. I study at night most often. This is because I am a night owl. I cannot focus very well in the mornings.