Thursday, November 14, 2013

Chips, Corndogs, Cookies, and... Celery?

             I bet you're playing that simple game with this post title, "Which one doesn't belong?" The answer is obvious, and that is the word "celery!" Whenever I get stressed with school and homework, or even just life in general, I want nothing more than to stress eat and consume that whole box of vanilla wafers in the pantry. I even sometimes convince myself that I don't have the time to think about eating "clean." However, truth is, those stressed-out feeling don't occur as often or make themselves as prominent in our lives if we eat healthy and take care of our bodies. Exhaustion is a factor that comes with everyday work and activities, but it can be handled by the installation of a healthy lifestyle.
              A healthy lifestyle can contain many different things. Hanging out with friends every day, making time for yourself (by painting, singing, writing or just having some quality thinking time with yourself), eating right, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep all play into how you feel about yourself at the end of a rough and mentally or physically challenging week! So do your body a solid, stay away from Zebra Cakes, the frozen section at Sodexo, and drink water instead of that sugary Mountain Dew. If you need an extra energy boost try putting an energy powder packet in your water or having a cup of coffee here and there! As for exercise, not everyone loves it, but everybody needs it! Go for a walk, play a game of catch outside, or swim a few laps in the pool; whatever you can be excited about long enough to get your daily dose of endorphins. Your body will thank you later without the need for that 2 p.m. nap tomorrow :)
            Put all of these things together everyday and eventually it will become a healthy habit! GO YOU!

Until next week!
- KK


Peak of the Week:

I made lasagna for 40 people! (Great-grandmother's recipe from Italy itself!) I feel like a big kid when I cook :)


Challenge of the Week:

Pushing through a 2-day fever/cold (still have the cold), 2 tests, 3 novels, and a HUGE presentation due next Tuesday. I think I can! I think I can! 


Quote of the Week:

This quote is a thinker... ready?

"Your body hears everything your mind says."
- Naomi Judd 


Song of the Week:

"Walking on Air" by Katy Perry


Pic of the Week:

 

I can't pick just one! I love my cheer friends AND Homecoming! :) 

Don't forget to take a break!

In the midst of trying to complete all of our end of the semester projects and study for finals, it's easy to get overwhelmed and end up way more stressed than any normal person should ever be! So take an hour or two each day to hang out with friends, go to the gym, watch a movie, or just take a nap. Not only will this reduce your stress and give you a break, but it will also give your brain a chance to finally process all the knowledge you've been cramming inside it for the past semester. Sometimes, blowing off a little steam is all you need to power through the end of the semester!

Peak of the Week:

Going to see Thor tonight!

Challenge of the Week:

Ignoring my Christmas fever.

Quote of the Week:

First we'll make snow angels for two hours, then we'll go ice skating, and then we'll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse Cookie-dough as fast as we can.
-Buddy the Elf
(may or may not be my exact plans for Christmas break)

Pic of the Week: 

The family and I in Branson this past weekend!

Have a great week!!
-Taylor H.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!

Since I started my college career in 2011, the notion of writing thank you notes has been drilled into my brain by the wonderful Stratton Taylor himself! He has repeatedly stated that every opportunity that life throws at you deserves a hand written thank you note. Whether the opporunity was a job interview, or something like receiving extra help on an assignment, a hand written thank you note proves to everyone that you are truely greatful for whatever opportunity they have provided you. Not only that, but you will forever stick out in their mind when they go back to consider you for something like a job or internship. This theory has proven true in my own life, with scholarship and job interviews. So don't ever forget to say thank you! You never know just how much it will help you out in the future.

Peak of the Week:

It's Halloween!! Time for trick-or-treating and unlimited candy!!!

Challenge of the Week:

Choosing my classes for next semester....I'm out of easy classes to take:((

Quote of the Week:

Leave a little sparkle wherever you go :)

Song of the Week:

Words by Train!

Pic of the Week:

Some friends and I trying to stay warm at a bonfire this weekend! Gotta love fall weather!!

Monday, October 28, 2013

If You're on Time... You're Late!!!

  A specifically challenging aspect of college can be scheduling! Refer to Taylor's blog here!

 ---> http://rsuadmissions.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-balancing-act.html


from a couple weeks ago about balancing that busy schedule of yours! Today, however, I am referring to being ON TIME! If you were to ask my parents (or anyone who knew me in high school for that matter) they would describe me as rushed, or they would tell you that my internal clock just runs a little behind everyone else's. This created many jokes between me and friends or family, but I am here to tell you today that it is no way to make a reputation in college... or anywhere for that matter! My boyfriend's dad has said for as long as I can remember, "If you're on time you are late!" Specifically addressing me with that saying at times, he made an impression on me. During my first year at RSU I realized exactly what he was trying to tell me. For instance, your class schedule says you have Speech at 9:00 a.m. This means you get to class at 9:00 a.m., right? WRONG!!! YOU have speech class at 8:50 a.m. Your professor has class at 9:00 a.m. especially if you have one of those professors who locks the door at 8:59 just because he or she can... You do not want to be involved in the knock and walk of shame when you find yourself late and embarrassed. It definitely takes time to adjust one's lifestyle according to new and changing schedules, but if made a habit, you will feel your schedule open up and you will also feel your mind and body to be more at ease during the day.


Just remember this helpful hint: People love people who are on time! Use this nifty link to help yourself get started to the new, punctual you!


Peak of the Week

Enrollment starts today and I'm almost halfway through my Sophomore year! Time is flying by!

Challenge of the Week

My algebra test on Wednesday! Unlike my brothers and many honors friends, I was not born with the math brain!

Quote of the Week

"Lost time is never found again."
- Benjamin Franklin

Song of the Week

All Night by Icona Pop!

Pic of the Week

This is Kasey! This picture was taken after his very first Half IronMan in Lubbock, TX this July... He just completed his second one this weekend in Wilmington, North Carolina knocking 24 minutes off his Lubbock time. 70.3 miles! What a drive this guy has! Proud of you, Kasey Keoni!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Fall has Arrived!!

Fall is here and in full swing ladies and gentlemen! That also means that we are officially half way through the semester, mid-terms are over and we can finally take a break and enjoy this beautiful weather.  It's time for haunted hay rides, trick or treating and pumpkin carvings! So everyone do exactly that. Sleep in, watch some TV, see the fam, and get your halloween costumes ready because it is fall break and you deserve it!!

Peak of the Week

IT'S FALL BREAK

Challenge of the Week

Powering through the last of my classes and my third nursing test.

Quote of the Week

"There's power in looking silly and not caring that you do."
-Amy Poehler

Song of the Week

Royals
Lorde

Pic of the Week

Getting some quality roomie time in before we all head off to work!

Friday, September 20, 2013

The Balancing Act

I knew this semester was going to be a hectic one way before it started, but I don't think I realized just how hectic. With nursing school, work, PLC, friends and family I had to re-evaluate how I spent my time altogether. While it has been a difficult adjustment, I feel like I can finally say that I have worked out a system that allows me to manage all of those aspects of my life at once, which is being organized, managing my time, and making some sacrifices when it comes to spending time with friends and family. Now I'm not saying that everybody should sacrifice all their friend and family time so they can study, however it helps to prioritize what needs to be done and then rewarding yourself some quality time with the fam or having a pizza and movie night with your friends when everything on your list is accomplished for the day. To-Do lists are a must in the later years of college, when classes get tougher and you have more on your plate. So write everything down, prioritize it, and get it done! You will reduce your stress and feel so much more accomplished about your day :)


Peak of the Week

Going to see Wicked with my PLC family!!

Challenge of the Week

Passing my nursing test...which I did :)

Quote of the Week

"Never give up on a dream because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway."
-Earl Nightingale

Song of the Week

Wake Me Up
-Avicii

Pic of the Week

Kaitlyn and I are officially Wicked fans after this weekend! We had such a great day spending time with the rest of our PLC family in OKC!

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Living Life Like a Hillcat!

            Hi everyone! My name is Kelsey Kellum. I am from Baxter Springs, Kansas and I am one of your Senior Student Ambassadors for prospective student services here on campus! I cannot wait to begin telling you about beautiful life here at Rogers State! 
 
        I started my new job on the 13th of August this year and I absolutely love it! I work with Taylor Hoffman, my other blog mate and close friend here at RSU. We love for you to ask questions and leave comments about what we can write!

       I am currently a sophomore in the Honors Program and the President's Leadership Class here on campus. I am also a member of RSU's Hillcat Cheer Squad! All of these activities make school especially interesting. Being involved in your university's activities and organizations is a HUGE part of being a college student, and especially here, it's what makes you a Hillcat! Go out and look for activities to partake in and organizations to join! Whether it's jumping in a quick game of ultimate frisbee here on our new turf field, or getting a group of fellow Hillcats to create a new student organization on campus, GET INVOLVED! It does more than one would think! Putting yourself out there and choosing to be an active student on campus helps you meet people, become more outgoing, and it also helps relieve the stress often associated with college! Rogers State has countless campus-wide events planned each week by our CAT (Campus Activities Team) and our university's sports events are a blast to attend! Come by a basketball game starting November and you may just see me cheering on our Hillcat men and women to victory!


Peak of the week:

My aunt sent me back to school with a GIGANTIC grocery sack full of her homegrown cherry tomatoes and giant cucumbers!

Challenge of the week:

I had to go home this Wednesday to attend a funeral for my best friend's dad. Life is more dear than we realize sometimes :)

Quote of the week:

"Every day is a great day to be a Hillcat!"

Song of the week:

"Hey Laura" by Gregory Porter

Pic of the week:

This picture was taken at the NCA National Competition in Daytona Beach, FL this past April. Sunday was my cheermate's 19th Birthday! Happy Birthday, Echo!

Until next time!
- Kelsey K. :)

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

What Your Professor Won't Tell You


There are many things professors will forget to inform their students about.  They usually neglect to mention that the textbook you paid $200 for is not needed for their class.  Scantrons, those digital green cards used for multiple choice tests, are often provided by the instructor, although not always.  A teacher may lecture for 3 hours and only expect you to know 2 min. of the material for the actual test.  You may think you heard the professor say there is no final...think again.  These are just a few things that I have learned through my first two years of college at RSU.  I really did miss my first final in higher education, and the next semester I missed another final.  Sometimes you will get lucky and have a gracious instructor who will allow you to make up missed tests and such, while other professors may be far less than merciful.  Everyone makes mistakes.  That doesn't mean you are dumb.  The people that repeat their mistakes and never learn from them are the dumb ones.

Peak of the Week:

I got to spend the past weekend in Eureka Springs, AR with the RSU President's Leadership Class.  We stayed at a luxurious bed and breakfast and had our every request met by the helpful staff at All Seasons Luxury Properties. 

Challenge of the Week:

Finalize my summer plans so I can focus solely on my final exams.

Tip of the Week:

Fill out as many scholarship applications as you have opportunity to.  Graduating debt free will make you glad you did.

Song of the Week:

Madness by Muse

Pic of the Week:


One of the great features of my recent vacations.

- Aaron Battey

Monday, April 15, 2013

Staying focused

We're almost there! Spring is basically into full swing and finals are nearing. This is the time of the year that I love and hate the most. We are so close to summer yet so far away at the same time! Staying focused and powering through the last few weeks of school can be very difficult, especially if you get horrible spring fever like me. So what I do to stay focused is, schedule times during the day that I can acutall sit down, turn my phone and TV off, and crack open my books. Setting aside an acutal time and having a designated study space is something that can help either keep your grades up or boost them a few extra points if needed. Do this and finals will be over and summer break will be here before you know it :)

Peak of the Week:

Going on my PLC trip to Eureka Springs this weekend!

Challenge of the Week:

I have a five minute Spanish Oral exam due this week.

Tip of the Week:

Make your study times later in the afternoon, so you can go outside and enjoy this pretty weather :)

Song of the Week:

Mermaid -Train

Pic of the Week:

Alpha Sigma Alpha country night with my best friends :)

Have a great week!!
-Taylor H.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Spring Reality Check


College is all about watching TV when you want and staying up till 5 AM just for fun...right? There are certainly those students who try to live the high life in school and put classes on the back burner. Just keep in mind that it's really hard to write a paper when you're running on 2 hours of sleep, 4 hours of Duck Dynasty, and 3 Monsters. Not only has RSU kept me absorbed in studying during the 16 scheduled weeks of classes, but the one week spring break of 2013 was hardly a break.

This past spring break I spent rattling my brain for 40 pages of information about nursing care for patients. By far this is the longest paper I have ever written. You won't see assignments like this during the Freshman year of college or possible Sophomore year depending on the major. Nonetheless, the retention rates for most college freshman are not very pretty on an average scale. Many freshman do live it up and say college is breezy easy until they see their transcript a full year later. Take note: nothing fulfilling in life comes easy. In conclusion, when you get to college, think about how your time spent will directly affect the career you are pursuing.

Peak of the Week:
Volleyball Night hosted by the Pre-Professional Health Club

Challenge of the Week:
Resist the 2 liter bottle of Coke sitting in the fridge.

Quote of the Week:
“You only get one chance to make a first impression.  Make it count.”- Dr. William Hart

Song of the Week:
Radioactive by Imagine Dragons

Pic of the Week:
 

-       - Aaron. B


Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Time Management

Time management is probably one of the most important lessons that I am still learning in college. Without managing my time correctly and staying organized, my life would be complete chaos. My advice to all incoming freshman is to GET A PLANNER!!! My planner has saved my grades so many times since I started college it's not even funny. My whole calendar is constantly filled because I have so many events going on all the time. Being able to write them down and go back to look at them really helps me when it comes to finding time to study, eat, and even sleep. I can honestly say that without my planner; my academic career, work life and social life would be a lost cause. So to all you overwhelmed freshman out there, get a planner and stick with it!!

Peak of the Week:

RSU's Got Talent!!!!

Quote of the Week:

Be the change you want to see in the world.
-Ghandi

Song of the Week:

Good Directions
-Billy Currington

Pic of the Week:

Our new sisters with my room mate and I after their Phoenix ceremony!

Have a fantastic week!!
-Taylor H.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Take 1

Hello, my name is Aaron Battey.  By way of introduction: I am 20 years old, in my second semester of the RSU nursing program, member of the Presiden't Leadership Class, secretary of the RSU Pre-Professional Health Club, and a very active member of the Angus Acres Church of Christ in Broken Arrow.  It is the one year anniversary of me being hired by the Prospective Student Services Dept., and I have enjoyed it immensely.  My life consists of constant studying and giving my fullest to all the organizations I mentioned above.  I get up at 6 am every morning, and usually go to bed at 10 pm.  Needless to say, that is earlier than the average college student awakens.  I have relished my experience at RSU, and my growth in knowledge has increased exponentially thanks to the dedicated professors here. 

Peak of the Day:

Make the 2 hours trip back home to Seminole, OK to see my little nephew.

Challenge of the Week:

Motivate myself to study on Saturday without distraction for an ever so torturing nursing test on Wednesday.

Tip of the Day:

Don't be afraid to take on responsibility.  Fear is sometimes our greatest enemy.

Song of the Day:

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

Pic of the Day:

My favorite book.  A cup of Folgers and this Book never made 7 am feel so good.
Carpe Diem!

-Aaron


Monday, February 25, 2013

Hey guys! I'm Taylor one of the student ambassadors on campus. Like Bethany said in her previous post, I am a sophomore pre-nursing major and am involved in the President Leadership Class. I am also a proud member of one of our sororities here on campus, Alpha Sigma Alpha. Getting involved on campus has probably been the best choice that I have made so far! I have met so many people and made so many friends through sorority, PLC, and even giving tours. I feel like my college experience has been so much better than it would have been had I not put myself out there to make new friends and share new experiences. I would highly reccomend being involved on campus to any incoming students!

Peak of the Day:

Having a movie night with some of my best friends tonight!

Challenge of the Week:

Getting enough study time in for my Pharmacology test on Thursday.

Tip of the Day:

Always keep an umbrella and rainboots handy for rainy days like today.

Song of the Day:

Indiana's Angel -Brantley Gilbert

Pic of the Day:

There's nothing like a warm cup of coffee to start the new week off just right! :)
Talk to ya later!!
-Taylor H.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Day in the Life

Gettin' Started!

          This blog is all about the excitement, challenges, and experiences as a full-time student at Rogers State University! First, I'll tell you a little bit about how this will work. This blog will be written from the point of view of three different students: me (Bethany), Taylor, and Aaron. We are all in the President's Leadership Class together here at RSU. I'm an intern for the recruitment office at Rogers State, and Aaron and Taylor are student workers in the office! We are all familiar with one another, but we all have different experiences at RSU. Taylor and Aaron are both Nursing majors, and I am a senior in the Corporate Communication program. We hope to give you all insight as to what it's really like to be a student!  

Peak of the Day: 

I got to eat lunch with my friends today, and I have a recruitment event tonight with my sorority!

Challenge of the Day:

I have a lot of meetings to attend today back to back! 

Tip/Quote of the Day: 

"A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." -Albert Einstein

Song of the Day:

Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites by Skrillex

Pic of the Day: 

My AWESOME lunch from the Cafe on campus!
 

 


 

 

 

 

 

  

Talk to ya soon!

-Bethany M.