End of the Semester Reflection

I know we have talked so much about how time flies here at Western New England. But they say time flies when you are having fun right? That’s exactly why this first semester has flown by! It literally seemed like yesterday it was a beautiful August day on campus and I said goodbye to my parents. Now we’ve had our first snowfall, and finals week is in full swing. But what has made this first semester one to remember is not the quantity but the quality of time here. There are countless things that made this semester so much fun. One that I won’t forget was WNEC Palooza on my very first weekend with music, food and fun. It was the kick off to a great semester and a great way to meet new people! The 2010 North Central Bowl Champion football team (with a final record of 9-2) was also very good this year which made for exciting Saturday afternoons. Homecoming weekend was also a memorable one, as well as parent’s weekend and the unforgettable BEDRACE (my hall just happened to win that one). I love competition which automatically makes me think of Midnight Madness, our own battle of the classes/pep rally for winter sports. It was a blast for everyone. Those were just some of the big events that took place during my first semester, but more recently in preparing to go home for break they have had many programs to help ease the stress of finals and ending your first semester. There are plenty of ways to relax right now and everyone is being very respectful during this last week. There are 24 hour quiet hours to make it easier to study, and relaxation activities in the campus center! Everyone wants to do well on their finals, but honestly this week has been almost calming so far. As long as you plan ahead for your finals and don’t pull all-nighters, your finals week should be successful. So, getting down to my last few days for the semester, I’ve really tried to reflect on my first experiences at college. Needless to say I’ve had a blast, and although I’m ready for a long holiday break with friends and family, I can’t wait to come back next semester!

Until Next Year

It is hard to believe that this semester is coming to an end. To be honest it is all a blur, but a good blur. I can safely say I have adjusted to the WNEC style of play. The cold whether is another story. With finals coming up in a week, it will definitely be nice to go home and relax. I am sure I will get bored quickly and want to come back, because I can now call WNEC my home. I am looking forward to next semester and all the things I have yet to do and accomplish. Until next year, Happy Holidays.

-The Kid from Cali.


Jay.Thall

My New Home

It seems like yesterday I was moving into WNEC. My first semester of school flew by. Throughout my first semester, I felt right at home. Going back to my home was nice, but at the same time it felt weird. WNEC has become a home for me. It is hard to believe that I have done so much in only 3 short months. Alumni continue to say that college flies by fast, and I am experiencing it myself right now.

While on campus, I have gotten involved on campus. I am a part of numerous clubs and organizations. That has helped with the speed of school. It has given me something to do and has gotten me involved on campus. Classes are winding down and it is weird thinking that three months ago I was looking at my syllabi thinking what might happen. Well, everything has happened and now it is time to study for finals. Everyone on campus is getting ready for finals. The winter season is in the air, and everyone is enjoying their time together. Everyone wants to be friends with you, and that is an important part of the college experience. Meeting people allows you to make friends who might be the person that gets you your dream job.

I am looking forward to my second semester as a college student and the opportunities ahead. I know that WNEC was the right choice for me, and I do not want to spend a lot of time away from my new home.

Final Blog of Fall Semester

As the fall semester comes to a close, I realize all that college
has done for me so far and I am more than excited to see what else unfolds
in the spring. I have been presented with so many opportunities and have
indulged myself in all that WNEC has to offer. I found that within a short
three months, I was able to form strong bonds with friends, neighbors, and
was able to ease through my freshman classes. Western New England made the
transition from high school to college an easy one. Between understanding
professors who are willing to answer infinite questions, welcoming RA’s, and the
overall home-like environment, my first semester went amazingly well.

What experience sticks out in my mind most has been my experience
in my Introduction to Psychology class with Dr. Shea. I went into this
class thinking I’d take away with me the basics of the human brain and
emotions, maybe some historical figures within the field. I was able to
learn so much more from a practicing psychiatrist, one who experiences
patient’s emotional turmoil’s day to day. I walked away with a better
understanding of not only the subject but also a better understanding of
myself and where I see my future taking me. As an education major who will
one day deal with high school students, I have more insight into the
psychology of humans and what drives us to do the things we do.

Well, We Went from 3 weeks in .. to 3 Weeks Left!

Less than 3 weeks to go now at WNEC! Everything seems like it would start winding down, but these last 3 weeks are busier than any other. All the last minute assignments, paper, projects and studying will all be pay off when you get a WHOLE MONTH of vacation. That's 4 straight weeks of not worrying about school! You have picked your classes for next semester by now, and all you have to focus on over break is planning for the next semester. There is no work to do, and when you come back mid January, it's like a fresh start. This semester went really well for me, and I am even more confident now going into next semester. But unfortunately I have to go, I have LOTS to do and can't waste any time! :)

Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

Maria

Giving Thanks to Friends

I’ve been through three quarters of a semester here at WNEC, and I can’t believe how fast it flew by! It’s almost Thanksgiving, and there’s so much to do! We’re getting ready to go home, but still have a lot of work to still get through, not to mention FINALS! On the plus side there’s plenty of fun to have too. By now you will most likely have a solid group of friends you are always with, hanging out with or having your own fun traditions with. Bonds are forming, and soon you will be leaving each other for a whole month! It is weird to think that your high school friends you were sad to leave a few short months ago are the ones you will be going home to. But, your new college friends, you will soon be leaving. Some of my friends and I are planning to visit each other over break, and introduce our home friends and our college friends. You may not realize you are forming bonds that can last a lifetime. Make the most of each friendship you make. Give everyone a fair chance to make your day a little better. The more support you have at school and at home, the better off you will be. Put in that extra effort to take that friendship to the next level. Invite a good friend home for the weekend to meet your family, and if you’re invited home to someone else’s house, try to go. At the same time, enjoy your time at WNEC together. After all, WNEC is what brought you together, so spending time here can be most beneficial to growing friendships. As always, good luck with the college search and have a happy and safe holiday season!

Midnight Madness

I hope that every current student made it to Midnight Madness this past Friday, because it was a night that the true spirit of WNEC was on display. I had the privilege to work with the event staff under the direction of Charles Drago, who did a great job with all of the events. My job was to prep all the participants and make sure they knew what to do when they got their chance to shine in the spotlight. As chaotic as the night was, it ran very smoothly. Everyone was cheering as loud as they could for their respective class, really getting into the events. Everyone who participated was very enthusiastic and excited to show off their school spirit. All four classes excelled in the events, but it was the seniors who walked away victorious. There were great events such as dizzy stick hockey relay, the three-point shootout, sumo wrestling, and dodge ball. Each of the four classes as well as the winter sports teams put on entertaining skits throughout the night. As someone who transferred from a community college, I never have seen that much school spirit before, and I was certainly entertained the entire night.

10 Week Check-In

I can’t believe it has been ten weeks here at WNEC. I can truly call this place my home. So far they have given me every tool to be successful. I have to admit I’ve been very busy with school, but I have been doing so much more for the school now. I signed up to work for Midnight Madness, and I am excited because it is going to be a great event. This extravaganza happens every year and helps us kick off the start of our men's and women's basketball seasons. The men’s hockey season is getting under way with their first game on November 7^th. I was at the tryout and the team is looking solid this year. I hope the last six weeks are just as eventful as the last ten have been.

-The kid from Cali

Jay.Thall

Living with a Roommate

As you know, one of the biggest things to adjust to when starting college is living with another person. While some people have no trouble sharing a common space, we have all heard the roommates horror stories that college can sometimes present. Here at WNEC, you have the opportunity to choose who you would like to live with, whether you meet someone at your SOAR orientation or knew someone prior to selecting a room. My first roommate experience was a little rocky, and I wish I had taken advantage of the
opportunity to choose my roommate. We just plain didn’t get along. Now I have new roommate that I get along well with. I grew up always sharing a room with my sister, so for me sharing a space was the norm, but for some it could be a challenge. You just have to be understanding, have an open mind, and if you just don’t get along with each other, then it’s not a huge deal to decide that living together isn’t the greatest idea because both ends will be happier in the end if you address it. I am glad that Western New England gave me the option of choosing who I truly wanted to live with. I hope that all prospective students utilize this tremendous opportunity.

Where Has the Time Gone at WNEC?

The leaves are changing colors and the weather is starting to change to the typical unpredictable New England autumn weather. Just walking around campus seeing all the different colored leaves on the ground shows how time has flown by. It was only 2 months ago that I moved onto campus and the temperature was soaring. Being from Massachusetts, I am used to seeing this kind of weather, and it makes me feel right at home. Walking to class seeing all the leaves provides a truly peaceful scene. Speaking of academics, we are already past the halfway point of first semester. Before I know it, the weather will change again to winter. Time just seems to fly by. I guess time does fly when you are having fun, and I am definitely having fun here at WNEC. There are so many things to do here that makes the college experience, even in the first semester, great.

-Jason

No Longer a Stranger

At Western New England College you feel like you’re home. Being here for just a few short weeks, you start to feel like the people you see every day who were once strangers to you are now some of your closest friends. Within your hall, clubs, sports, even work study jobs everyone becomes so familiar with each other. Keep in mind when strangers become more familiar, you begin to see people’s true colors. Just get in with the right crowd and college becomes that much more enjoyable. If making friends is what you’re worried about, don’t be. With everything that is going on here at WNEC making friends has never been easier. Having a tough week? Focus on your school work, and confide in your friends, there’s nothing better to distract yourself with. Keeping your friends close to you will make you feel at ease during those stressful weeks. Also, take that as advice for the college search too! Don’t get too overwhelmed and make sure you have your support network by your side.

WNEC Week 7? 8? Who's Counting Anymore?

It’s midterm time here at WNEC. And while that might seem scary so some, it can be an opportunity to show what you’re made of. College is hard work here, as I’m sure it is anywhere. But working hard is now rewarding, and no longer a chore. This is where WNEC’s resources come in. Having trouble in Math? Go to the Math Center. They know me by name now and I have a tutor. It may be hard to admit you need help at first, but it just proves you’re committed to learning the material. You’ll feel more confident doing your homework on your own and feel prepared going into a test. Have a major paper due? Bring it to the writing center. They can spend more time on it with you than your professor can. They will read your paper and make suggestions without making you feel stupid. These are really valuable tools going into midterms and other big projects throughout the semester!

Good Luck in the college searching!

Maria

Pre-Season Excitement

I can’t believe that we are already halfway through the semester. It is true what they say, time flies. It is already mid-October, and boy is it getting cold. One of the things I am looking forward to this winter is hockey season. The men’s hockey team is a few weeks away from beginning their season, and that means it is time to start my job as the video coordinator. I had a meeting with the coaches yesterday to go over what they expect from me as I am about to become a part of the 2010-2011 Golden Bears hockey team. I am really excited to start working with the team. I have a few players in my classes and they are really great guys, as are the coaches. It may be a cold winter, but it’ll be a fun one as well.

-The kid from Cali.

Jay Thall

So you went home, saw your friends and…

This past weekend we had a 4 day weekend WNEC calls a fall break. Living only an hour and a half away from here, I was able to go home and spend some time with family and friends. I was eager to tell everyone about my experiences and to hear about theirs. I will admit, I bragged about WNEC’s pristine campus, amazing opportunities, not to mention the good times and laughs I’ve shared with my new friends here. A lot of my friends are still adjusting to their big school atmosphere, and those who went to tiny schools say it is a lot like high school. WNEC is an in between like no other. Not only are the classes manageable and your professors approachable, you can still experience the amenities of a big university. WNEC has Division 3 athletics, with Division 1 spirit and commitment. Plus, there is still so much to do, even when you’re done with class for the day, you feel there is much more you want to get accomplished for your own satisfaction. Going home and seeing my friends was great, and although it was bittersweet leaving them, I was excited to get back to WNEC. Just remember when you are looking for colleges, and you don’t know if you want a big school or a small school, you CAN have BOTH!

Big Man Back on Campus

Fall Break has come and gone, really quickly too. Last time, I said that college is the experience of a lifetime, and it truly is. Time is flying by and you have to take in every moment. Of course it is always nice to go home to see your family and friends and get away from school for a little while. It’s important to look back on what you have started to do in this chapter of your life, (while having a home cooked meal), because no one can ever replace that. After a while, you are going to want to go back to school, see your friends, tell stories about what you did while you were away, and enjoy college even more than you were before you left for Fall Break. Yes it felt weird being home after spending a month and a half at the same place, but it made me miss school that much more.

I write this as I am being driven back to WNEC by my roommate’s parents, a place that has truly become my second home. Fall break is a chance to reflect on what has happened and a chance to find out areas that need improvement. Changes could be made in time management, sleep, or getting into a new routine. I know the next time I go home will be Thanksgiving, but I am happy to know that I will be spending time with my friends at WNEC. Who could ask for anything more?

Newly refreshed from break,
-Jason

The Voices of Reason

I may be three thousand miles away from my family, but they are still always there for me. I was constantly studying every free moment I had this week. I have been working extremely hard to do well in my classes. By the time I hit Wednesday, I felt like I had been through 2 weeks of school. I even felt helpless, which is a feeling I don’t often feel, so I turned to the only two people I knew would help me no matter what, my parents. First, it was my father, who calmed me down and told me exactly what I needed to do. My father is a very logical and rational person, so he broke it down in laymen’s terms. Then, it was my mother, who just simply was a mother. She made sure I was feeling ok, and told me she was proud of me. It’s nice to know no matter how far away your family is, there just a phone call away.

A Refreshed Appreciation

As a senior in high school, we all could not wait for college, counting down the days towards independence and even an escape from home. While, of course, we love our parents, our siblings, our pets, it is not until you leave home and only when you see your family every so often that you come to appreciate their presence again. I remember all through high school, I would say “I CANNOT wait to leave the nagging parents and be on my own”. Well, I’m on my own, and I now look forward to seeing my family and those same nagging parents whenever I visit home more than anything. Those “nagging” parents are the reason I can be here, and for that, I’m thankful for all those reminders. For some, this appreciation has always been present, and college was only a separation, but for me, things were a little different. Throughout high school, I never got along with my mother. We butted heads over everything, whether it was differing opinions or based on school work. Since being away at college, I now text my mom at least once a day and call weekly, just to say hi. I never pictured this improved relationship when packing my bags for school and I am thankful that college has opened my eyes to just how much I appreciate my family and their role in my being.

One Month...Done

That was probably the quickest month of my life. I can honestly say it is also one of the most memorable months. When else can you say that you made a ton of new friends, and went to a bunch of different programs aimed at helping you succeed? Only when you are at college can you say that. It is weird to think that I am almost halfway through my first semester of college and I now know why people say they love college and never want to leave. The friends you make, the people you meet, and the experiences you have are all reasons to love it here at WNEC. I have joined many different clubs and organizations to help me make a smooth transition to college. Another thing that comes with college is classes. To be honest, classes are not that bad. You go, see your friends, meet new people, learn new things, and each professor tries to make learning fun. WNEC does everything possible to make sure you have a good time in college. I have gone home once, and even that one time I felt out of place. WNEC is my new home. I have a family here. You start building your own community on the first day that you are here, and from then on it is all just about having fun.

Try seeing yourself in my shoes,
-Jason

Going Home for Fall Break!

Although going home for fall break is an exciting time, and I will get to see all my family and friends, it is bitter sweet to leave WNEC for a few days. Of course, college isn’t all fun and games every day; it’s a lot of hard work. Fall break will be a nice time to relax. If you’re an athlete, get ready for non-stop workouts, both practice and in the weight room, year round. Life is busy, without a doubt. Between work-study, practice, and school work, you have a full plate. Your time is now your own, but it is full of activity. As exciting as it will be to go home for a few days, it will be just as exciting to go back to WNEC. You have two families now, and two homes. That’s the great thing about our college, now you have your home and your WNEC home. College is 100% what you make of it. If you let WNEC be your second home, it will feel just as good coming back here as it does to go home. Just remember that.

Until Next Week,
Maria

Getting Through a Tough Week

This was a tough week, to the tune of four tests and a presentation. I spent a lot of time in the library and I feel confident that I did well on all my assignments. I really made a conscious effort to put everything off, and just focus on my studies. No watching sports, no playing X-Box, and no watching Tosh.O. I felt like I put in a sufficient amount of time to be successful. By seeing myself achieve good scores, it will motivate me to work harder. At the same time, if I don’t see the results I want, I will have to work harder to see them. Either way I happy, things are looking up. I got a good feeling about this place.

The kid from Cali.

-Jay Thall

Organization: I Owe Everything to it

Being here more than a month now, I have come to appreciate organization more than ever. I have post it’s, a planner, 2 calendars, folders, and numerous alarms on my phone to alert me about meetings, practice, and everything else my busy days holds. Just by writing things down, I feel more at ease and less stressed when it comes to conquering the day. I’m that kid that cannot remember anything unless it’s written down,and if you were to give me a list of things to do off hand. I’m bound to report back with something incomplete. I cannot commit much to memory but because I recognize and address this memory problem, I am able to remain organized by creating my own little system. While I was decently organized in high school, it was not until college that I saw the importance of establishing good habits of planning. I learned to write down the little things, like feeding my fish, after killing 7 fish in just a month. When I woke up only 5 minutes before softball practice and had to sprint the entire campus, I learned to set a back-up alarm. While getting into the swing of college is a learning process, organization is a key skill to have before-hand. So prospective students, take it from someone who has had to learn about fish care the hard way, and sprinted bare foot all the way to practice: it is so so vital right now to find a method of organization that works for you and getting into the habit of using it by the time you begin college. While I have had a few near disasters, it has made my transition into college a relatively easy one and if it were not for the method I set up for myself, I would be totally lost.

It's YOUR Time

As the title says, college is now your time. You decide what to do with your time. Everyone here uses their time to go to class, get work done, and hang out with new friends. Once classes start, you will see that after going to class, you will have a lot of free time on your hands. You find time to do things like work out in the AHLC, go to a sports game, or even just hang out in the campus center. There are so many things to do here on campus, but what comes before all of this: school work. You will have homework to do, notes to take, and classes to attend. My advice to you, manage your time wisely. Not everyone on campus goes to parties every weekend or every night. Do what you want to do. Get involved with things that interest you, like the Residence Hall Association, Student Senate, a sports team, or a club related to your major. The better you manage your time, the more fun you will have in college. So, you will hear it a lot, but it is the best advice to get, learn to manage your time, and continue to manage it throughout life.

Do what YOU want,
-Jason

Your Neighbors Could Become Your Closest Friends

Being in the dorm with a couple hundred other freshmen does not only mean sharing a similar space but also sharing commonalities and, of course, differences. Coming from all over the country and some from all over the world, we all share the same space in one city. Living here for me is not only where I sleep or do my work, it’s also where I have the most fun. I live in Commonwealth dorm on the second floor, and I live with some of the most outgoing people, so why not get to know most of them, considering you’ll be living side by side for the next year? On my floor, already I find myself having “door wars”, sitting in the hallway chatting for hours with my neighbors, or ordering late night food together. I find that having fun within your hall makes dorm life more than just a place to sleep, eat those famous Ramen noodles, or endure hours of homework, it makes it a HOME. While your hometown and your familiar bed is what we like to define as home,in reality, you will spend 98% of the time living in the dorm, the other 2% only VISITING home. So to adjust to this significant environment shift, your best solution is to immerse yourself in dorm life and enjoy yourself with your neighbors and soon enough, you too will come to call this a second home.

Finding My Place

Hey everyone, another update here from Maria. Already hit the four week mark and still loving WNEC! Everyone who tells you college will fly by is right because it already has. With that being said, (and confirmed to be true), taking advantage of every opportunity and embracing it has proved to be crucial thus far. Although each day is an adventure, it comes with a challenge. Me, myself and I have become pretty close friends. What I mean by that is I have gotten to know myself very well these past few weeks. But, no matter how alone you may feel, you never really are. Classes are getting progressively more involved, as are clubs, sports, and on campus activities.

All of this being fun and exciting, my advice this week is don’t over-commit. I am involved in just enough activities thus far. I like to keep busy, but I’m not overbooked. I am on the softball team, Residence Hall Association Hall Council President, in Sport Management Association, have work study job, and despite all this still have time to bring you the weekly blog. You can’t be in every club, sport, or have multiple jobs and keep up with school at the same time. College is all about balance, in every way shape and form (this includes diet). Variety is the spice of life, but don’t let yourself lose any sense of routine. Here at WNEC there is so much to do you don’t ever want to lose yourself, but on the contrary, that is exactly how I have found my home here at WNEC.

Much Love,
Maria