Faculty Mentor Will Aid My Success How

I think that getting to know a faculty mentor is a key part of adapting in college. The fact that knowing them and haveing them to turn to when help is needed, is a good feeling. I know that when I first started here, I was nervous, because first impressions are everything. For the first week I didn't talk to any of my teachers. I thought it was going to be easy, fly right through college. I soon had a wake up call that made me realize it wasn't that easy. My midterm grades turned out to be my wake up call, I had four, which to me is not acceptable by any means.

I soon realized I needed to go in for help on some assignments. I went in to talk to one of my TA's, asking her what I could do to bring them back up. She had mention my study and note taking habits. She showed me the way that she took notes and how she studied and to my surprise seem way better than mine. She mentioned to write my notes at least twice, read them out loud to myself each time I went through them, and take notes in the book. She had mentioned that the professor says key words that I should watch out for. She even helped me with my writing skills, to show how to make them better.

The next time in class I paid close attention to each word, processing it in mind and trying to comprehend it also. I had noticed the important facts and how to write them down in a meaningful way. I looked for the key word, which came out like it was inside my head. I started doing better on my assignments, my test grades were going up also.

Getting to know your faculty mentors is very important on learning the course itself. I improved over time and I still am. I enjoyed knowing that when I have a problem I can go get help or even talk to the professor him/herself. I encourage everyone to get to know their mentor people for their classes because you never know what you will need hellp from.

I FOUND THIS AWESOME CLUB!

I walked into the club fair not knowing what to expect. I walked through the front doors of the Memorial Union thinking this was going to be cake. I did not think much about this fair because I did not plan to be in a club at all. I suddenly realized, as I walked slowly into a crowed room, instantly to warm for comfort, that this was my place. My head rushed with a thousand thoughts, as if I had no where to go. I started to walk around, lonely and not impressed with what I was seeing. I had no desirer to stay, i was giving up the hope of finding the "perfect" club for me. I started my way to the doors, slowly and thinking to myself, "did I miss the club for me?" I walked away in defeat, I felt as if I had failed. This feeling ate at me as if it was so hungry it would die if it did not eat the feeling.
As i walked towards the door in defeat, I noticed a club that I would love. My heart raced, i got this huge smile and I no longer felt failure. This club looked fun, exciting, amuzing and challenging all together. This club was MODA, also known as the fashion club. We have done some pretty sweet things like make shirts/ scarfes, watched movies and etc. I enjoy this club because it lets me get away from all the choas of college and relax. I get to be creative and spontaneous all in one.

BEING ON TIME IS MUY IMPORTANTE

Being on time to class is very important, not only because it is respectful to the instructor but because it is respectful to the other students also. If you are late, there is a possiblity of missing something that may be on a test or a quiz. Some classes even pop quizes, which involve the lecture that went on that day, as well as prior to the quiz.
Being on time, means that you can sit in front or towards the front, so then u are more attentive and listen more. The instructor will be right there in front of you and what he says may be more interesting then you think. Being on time will let you not miss anything that is NEEDED to know.

When I Was at My Best

I walked in the front doors, scared to see what would come of my encounter. I remember the feeling of the door was rough, not knowing it was to be touched with smooth, careless fingers. I felt at a stand still, everyone walking around me, almost like the speed of light. As I stand motionless, wondering what to expect. My thoughts moving in and out of my head, trying to make sense of what was going on around me. I gather myself just in time to realize, I have entered a room with beautifully decorated tables. The harvest leaves, looked of golden pieces of paper surrounding a clear glass bowl. The bowls filled with little pebbles, that shinned in the light, of a iridescent color. I made my way to the tables, slowly ran my child-like hands lightly around the beautiful items, almost as if they were about to break away.

I remember the smells that hit my nose, like cashing wind around a tree. The smell of homemade goods and the love put in each dish. As my head rushes to pick out each smell, with every sniff of my nose. As I get closer to the audience, I make sure I'm conscience enough to greet people. Then, all of a sudden, I'm woke from my trance to a, "Hello Ronika, Are you here to help?" I felt as if my feet grew roots and I was now I was surrender to this very spot. I glanced up, to see my Paster looking at me with his heart-felt eyes. I can still feel his warm hand shack, the one I shook after each dismissal of church. His eyes full of compassion and the smile that pulls you to say, "yes," without thinking.

My Paster shows me the way, to where I start off my night. I picked up a bowl, I looked up slowly, to see the person I'm giving food to. I smile and say "Hello," as my fragile hands scoop up soup, to fill a bowl full of hope. This bowl of hot soup, that I can picture going down their throats smoothly and filling them with warmth. After, some time, I work my way, to filling drinks. As I watch people walk by, I start to feel sorrow for what I take for grated. These people came for a home cooked meal, which they don't get everyday. I start to feel a dizzy, sort-of butterfly feeling. I walk towards the door, when I feel that warm hand grab my arm. My Paster looks at me and ask, "What's wrong?" I turn to him, with my eyes filled with doubt. I said, "They have nothing and don't complain. Why is that I feel horrible because I have everything I need and still want more?" He just smiled, this very thoughtful smile and said, "Just because they don't complain, doesn't mean they don't want to. It's okay to feel the way you do, because your here, making a difference. Let's go." I follow his wisdom back to help.

Later, as we are cleaning up everything that was left, I felt good inside. I started to grab bowls and other garbage, when I felt a cold touch. I turned around and a elderly lady was looking at me. She told me, "Thank you for everything you did tonight." I smiled and with the warmth that filled my heart I said back, "Your very welcome ma'am." She turned around and made her way out the doors. That moment, my world stopped around me, I had nothing to say and the smile on my face grew huge. My Paster came up to me, smiled his grateful smile and hugged me. He looked at me and said, "See, you made a difference in that elderly ladies life."

I felt amazing knowing that I helped feed members of my church and others that needed food. This feeling was more then anything I could ever imagine. This feeling that consumed me, as if I was eating myself. I went to throw away what was left, knowing how great I felt inside. As I slowly made my way to the doors, I stopped, looked back to see the great that happened that night. How a simple smile and showing them hope, filled each of them with hope. This was the best time of my life and I felt like a better person.


Ronika S. Walker