So Close to the Finish Line!

It's the time of year again when tensions are high at RSU! The last week of classes is halfway over, and finals are quickly approaching. Everyone is frantically working on final projects, papers and presentations. I don't remember the last time I didn't have something to be working on. It can all be quite overwhelming. So if you're new to the finals week stress, I'll offer a few ways I like to cope!

1. Actually Manage Your Time. This may seem obvious, but it's the one I have the most trouble with. I always seem to be putting things off until the last second, but when you have a lot of projects/exams in a short amount of time, it doesn't seem to work well. Lately, I've tried to always make sure I have study/reading materials with me, so when I have a little bit of time, I can be working. And always keep a planner! I promise, no matter how much you think you will remember dates/times/deadlines... you won't.

Sunset over the Library

2. Follow the Directions. If you think something is not going to be your best work, at the very least, make sure you follow directions. If you get a hand out, read it more than once. If you're given verbal directions, take really good notes. If you're unclear on something, ask your professor. You would be surprised how many mistakes you can avoid by doing this. Time and time again, I've heard professors say how much they hate receiving an assignment that didn't follow the guidelines (wrong size margins, wrong topic, etc). Not only will they be annoyed, it will costs you points.
3. Take Care of Yourself. I used to think that the solution to mountains of homework was staying up until 3 in the morning and drinking energy drinks. As I have learned first hand, it never pays off. Not only will you be exhausted, you won't be able to focus in class and it will show in your work. It's a much better idea to get to bed at a reasonable time and eat (at least somewhat) healthy. Even if you can't seem to stay away from ice cream, at least make sure to eat 3 square meals a day.
4. Take Some Time for Yourself. In between the piles of work, try to make time for at least a little bit of fun. Your emotional well being is just as important as the physical! I've found that if I can take even 15-30 minutes in the morning to drink a cup of coffee and listen to music, I feel better about my day. Even if it's only in small doses, find times to do the things you enjoy. Yesterday, my friend Hayley and I took a walk around RSU, and it put us in the best mood. Sometimes I forget how beautiful our campus is, and it's nice to get out and appreciate it. We couldn't help taking pictures of the sunset!
5. Make Time for Others. Whether it's through volunteering, or even just making time for friends and family, it will make you feel less stressed. Sometimes I can get so focused on myself, I forget others exist. Thankfully, I have great family and friends who will force me to be social! This week, I've tried to make it a habit to call my parents more often and spend more quality time with my friends. Monday, I went to my friend Jerry and Bethany's spring band concert after I realized I have never seen them perform (because I'm an awful friend!). The concert and jazz band put on a Night at the Movies concert, full of songs from soundtracks from movies such as The Incredibles and Star Wars. It was so amazing to see! It was honestly one of my favorites events I've been to.

Even during the stressful times, there can be time for fun! These tips have helped me, and I hope they're helpful to you as well!

Gabby G.

Peak of the Week: Got an A on my presentation in my Humanities II class!

SNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!!

Now that we have had a good downfall of snow, it is important to know how to embrace the fluffy goodness. Here at RSU, our students take great pride in our very rare snow days, so take a seat and follow the steps.

Step One: Relax!! slick roads, hazardous pathways, and  frosty temperatures means only one thing... NO SCHOOL. 

Step Two: Contain excit... actually go ahead, run for the white blanket of snow. Yes jump face first and slide your limbs to make the perfect snow angel. Now, immediately regretting that step we move on.

Step Three: Time to fetch the sled, not having a sled is no excuse. Household items will do, preferably made of plastic or metal and should have a smooth surface, a laundry basket is always a safe bet. If you are committed enough, the hood of your car is a great asset. 

Step Four: Find the steepest hill. Luckily for us, we have a wonderfully sloped hill at the front of our campus. This hill can also turn into extreme sledding if one is to go a little too far and reach the pond. You do not want to join the swans in this temperature.

The hill at the front of our campus, ENJOY!!!

Step Five: Get lost!!! Make the most of our beautiful nature reserve. Walk through, make your own walkways... Take in the natural beauty we have right here on campus.

I shot this as I ventured the reserve.

Another shot its natural setting.

Step Six: When your hands have become numb, and your face is a dark shade of red, it is probably time to head back inside to warm yourself up. No better way than to turn on your favorite film, and warm yourself with some hot chocolate, or my favorite, some hot tea with milk. 

I hope my guidelines help you through this treacherously fun time... Enjoy the time off school and make the most of the snow. Be safe, and keep yourself full of warm tea!!!

Meet My Roommates

Moving to Rogers State I was skeptical about how living on a college campus was going to be. When I found out I would have three other roommates I was also a little worried about getting along with them. Little did I know I would soon be best friends with these three guys and now three years down the line we are still living together. It was easy getting to know each other since we were all members of the RSU soccer team. They are all great guys and I am sure we will continue our friendship when the time comes to leave Rogers. There is never a dull moment in our dorm, and I think everyone who comes by would agree.  Our dorm is known as the international dorm since three out of four of us are from different countries. Kevin and I are from Dublin, Ireland. Mitchel is from Newcastle, England, and Nathan is from Texas. So lets get to know them.

Mitch in his Giraffe onesy  

I will start with Mitchell. Mitch as we call him is probably the most simplistic man I have ever met. From his personality, to the food he eats. He is one simple lad and we love him for it. Mitch is known as the old man in the room, he likes his peace and quiet and doesn’t like the rest of us being too loud. His daily meals consist of completely fried food loaded with ketchup. Ketchup is the core of his life; every meal and snack Mitch will have it loaded with ketchup (makes me sick). He is afraid to try new food. He came to America at the age of eighteen and had never tried bacon, eggs, or even a banana.  I could keep going with that list but it would take to long.  He lived in England all of his life until he moved to RSU. He is a Business major and hopes to get a job in the USA after college.  When I asked Mitch what his favorite thing about RSU was he simply replied “the soccer facilities”.

Nate posing for a selfie

Nathan was born and raised in Texas; he has a Hispanic background so he can speak both English and Spanish. Nate is probably the exact opposite to Mitch. He tends to be a little loud and loves to annoy the English man. When it comes to food, he tends to be on the healthier side.  The only requirement for each of his meals is that he must have peanut butter involved.  Nate is a sport enthusiast, he breads fitness and soccer. This is Nate’s fourth year in Rogers State, and he is now pursuing a Business degree. When I asked Nate what his favorite thing about RSU was he said “I love the campus, especially the athletic facilities”.

Kev enjoying the outdoors 

Last but not least is Kevin. Kev and I got to know each other a year before we came to America so we have been through a lot together. We are usually just known as the Irish rather than Kev and Niall. When it comes to food there are no limits with this lad. He can be mistaken for a garbage disposal because he will eat anything. The only thing I have ever seen him dislike oddly enough is cookie dough.  Both coming from Dublin we have been able to adapt to a new culture together, so settling in was definitely easier for both of us. Kev is pursuing a fitness management degree here at the university and hopes to own his very own gym one day. I asked Kev what his favorite thing about RSU is and he replied in a joking tone “the people, because they talk to me”.

When we are not working, in class, or at practice my roommates and I are usually in our dorm hanging out. Usually drinking tea sent from home. They have made my 

college experience unbelievable and I have a lot of great memories with these guys.

The four of us before a game

Transitioning from Ireland to America

The heat!! That was the first thing I remember about arriving in America. Stepping off the plane at Tulsa airport was the moment I realized that it was going to be awhile before I would adapt to the climate. I had come from a comfortably cool, wet climate and after a nine-hour flight I felt like I had stepped into an oven.

            After some time living here I was happy to learn that adapting to the climate would be my biggest struggle. Everything seemed to be much easier than I expected. Still there are plenty of cultural differences that took some getting use too. I was taken back by the size of everything over here. The roads are much wider, the majority of vehicles are much larger, and of course the food portions are double what you would usually get in Ireland (not complaining). The country as a whole is huge; one of my first college soccer games was a six-hour drive. To get from one side of Ireland to the other would usually take about four-hours so travelling for that long was not something I was accustomed to.

            Thinking back I feel sorry for the people who tried to speak to me the first few months I was here. I am sure they had a tough time understanding me. Back then I spoke much quicker and spoke words that only people from Ireland would understand. Since then I have adapted to some southern lingo and have slowed down when I speak so people don’t look at me with a blank stare when I say something.

            Not seeing my family and friends on a daily basis obviously took some getting use to. It is a strange feeling when the people that know you most are not around. Fortunately I met a lot of great people in my first few weeks here, everybody was so friendly and helpful. Skype and Facebook help things as well, I am always kept up to date with everything that is going on at home.

            So the transition from Ireland to America really wasn't too bad. Both being English speaking countries made everything a whole lot easier. The welcoming Oklahoma's have made me feel right at home. I miss Ireland a lot but I am loving my time in the US. I look forward to seeing what the future holds and where I will end up, but until then I will enjoy my time here and carry on my pursuit of getting used to the heat. 

Challenge of the Week

My challenge for you is to learn a new recipe from a different country and attempt to make the dish. 

Meet My Roommates

Living on campus at RSU, is full of surprises and excitement thanks to the students and especially my roommates. From left to right, meet Bryce Hall, and Kyler and Kasey Ng (let's not forget Allan photo-bombing in the background).

These three fine gentlest of men and myself are recipients of the same scholarship program called The President's Leadership Class (PLC). Bryce, Kasey, and I are seniors this year, while little baby Kyler is just a sophomore. As you can tell from the names Kasey and Kyler are brothers. These two hooligans are best friends who rarely, if ever, bicker or fight. Bryce is the man with the golden southern voice and if you travel to Salina, you will hear him announcing at the Salina Highbanks Speedway. Kyler is a goofy little squirt, too smart for his own good. This year he became part of RSU Men's Basketball team earning him the nickname "Asian Persuasion". Kasey is a passionate outdoorsman who competes in triathlons. If he isn't working on homework he is either out riding his bike or tinkering on it in his room. 

Having roommates this awesome is a blessing and a curse. The late night living room conversations are wonderful until the eight o'clock class rolls around, but I wouldn't change it for anything. The opportunity I have to live with such a diverse and motivated group of men is only possible because of RSU. 

Peak of the Week: PLC's Fairest on the Hill (a fake beauty pageant) is this week and I get to emcee for it.

Challenge of the Week: PLC's Fairest on the Hill (a fake beauty pageant) is this week and I get to emcee for it. Hopefully I don't screw the pooch on this.

Quote of the Week: "It's not about making others laugh. It's about making yourself laugh"

-Austin Jobes

An Introduction from Niall

     Hi everyone, my name is Niall Masterson. I will begin by giving you all some insight to my past and how life has taken me to Rogers State. So anyone that has met me will know that I sound a little bit strange, this is because I hail from the green fields of Ireland. I was born into a loving family being the youngest of three siblings. I grew up in Ballyboughal which is a small rural village in north Dublin. As you can imagine there is not a whole lot to do in a small village in Ireland but my friends and I always done a good job of keeping ourselves occupied. Spending all our time outside it was usually playing soccer that filled our days. At that time I played for fun, little did I know later in life it would take me to where I am now.

     After high school I had made the decision that I wanted to travel to the US and continue my education as well as play soccer for a university. So I began my pursuit in a small college in Dublin. I took part in a one year soccer course which was designed to get young student athletes across the pond to America. After a successful year I was lucky enough to get in touch with a coach from Coffeyville Community College, Kansas. Within three weeks of talking to the coach I was on a plane heading towards Kansas.

One of my last moments in Ireland before I left.
This was at the Cliffs of Moher, along the west coast of Ireland.

     You could say it was a little bit of a culture shock. The first thing I remember was getting off the plane and getting struck by ninety degree heat. This was a lot different than a comfortably low fifty degree climate. It wasn’t long before I started to adapt and was able to enjoy a new culture. I met a lot of great people in Coffeyville, they helped me enjoy my freshman year. At the end of my freshman year I heard about Rogers State University. Once I done some research on RSU I was highly impressed and wanted to visit the campus. I soon got in touch with Derek Larkin the head soccer coach. I finally got to see the campus and fell in love, it was perfect for me. Needless to say I acted quickly and got my transfer for the following fall semester, I was going to be a proud Hillcat.

     I began my RSU career as a sophomore in the fall of 2012. It has been extremely easy for me to settle in and I have met a lot of great people. I am now a Corporate Communications major and still represent the university on the men’s soccer team. I have made a lot of great memories here and will continue to do so in the remainder of my time here. 

My parents came to visit and watched me play for the Hillcats

Semester Goals

We hear all the time how goal setting is important for success, well I am here to echo those words. As a college student it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with life’s decisions and lost within all those choices. Goal setting helps to ease that overwhelming sense by gradually achieving goals and simultaneously building a better person.

This year is a little different for me because it’s the infamous college senior year. My place here at the university is comfortable and fixed, changing only by means of my own with little variation.  So this semester my goals have changed concepts slightly. This year my ultimate goal is to be the change I want to see.

Academic- This semester I will strap on my big boy clothes complete with lab coat, goggles, and closed toed shoes, so I can brave the laboratory while performing my own research project.

1.  Goal- Don’t cause any major laboratory explosions.
2.  Goal- If explosions happen……….. get them on video.
3.   Goal - Contribute something back to the scientific community through my research.
4.   Goal- Don’t procrastinate class work.

Interpersonal- Make a positive impact on someone’s life.  The opportunities RSU has provided, built my skills in such a way that I feel obligated to give back to others. Without the past three years here at RSU I wouldn’t be as confident or prepared for life. In a way RSU gave me the opportunity to be thankful.

1. Goal- Make a stranger laugh. (Note: I’m not inventing a new weird laugh. I want to make a person I haven’t met laugh.)
2. Goal- Organize a fundraiser here on campus.
3. Goal- Use my leadership skills to create a positive difference in the organizations I am a part of.

Peak of the Week- Floating the Illinois with my friends.

Challenge of the Week- Focusing on Calculus Homework

Quote of the Week

               "Working hard is important. But there is something that matters even more, believing in yourself. Think of it this way; every great wizard in history has started out as nothing more than what we are now, students. If they can do it, why not us?"  -Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Something Different

Let's mix it up just a bit this week! How about less words and more pictures?

Going to The College on the Hill it is common to have sunsets like this. This picture was taken from my dorm room on campus.

When we give tours, a "fun cup" is provided with assorted RSU 'swag' inside the cup. Instead of using it for the intended purpose, Gabby and I decided it would be best to use the cups to make a pyramid. 

Exhibit A

Going to class day in and day out can become tiresome, especially with a difficult course load.  But something amazing happens where your mind becomes sharper, quicker, and all in all you change. During down time, your brain is still working and its more creative. I desired to take up a hobby so now I build various 'man crafts'. See exhibit A ^. Its a wall mount coat rack. 

Exhibit B

And why not build a 3 string cigar box guitar.

College is full of surprises. Some you see outside your window, others are random work experiences, but the greatest you discover within yourself. RSU has fostered a different creative side I never thought possible. 

Don't let the weather wither you down!

        Like most people with a Pinterest account, I look at cool things that I want to wear all the time. Why not write about it today? If you were to access my Pinterest right now, you'd find all of my collaborative outfits for my summer study abroad trip to Spain all packed into one pinning board titled "To Wear." The way you present yourself is important. I have turned into an advocate for the notion that what you wear leaves a huge impression on those with who you come into contact.  
        When I was younger I would fight day in and day out with my mom about what I was going to wear to school. Now I realize why she cared so much! Last year during spring semester I found myself resulting to sweats as a presentable option. This is a NO NO, and I heard my mom's voice in my head telling me to get my act together and look like a girl. It is so tempting, I know, to throw on that hoodie 5 minutes before class when it's raining and windy and your professor lectures about boriphil. However, as my Nana always asks me when I do the hoodie and sweats shuffle, "What if the President is there?" Not very probable, but maybe your future spouse will be there, or the executive that wants to offer that internship you've been eyeing for months. First impression is key, so save the PJs for the dorm and strut your style through finals! 

All the best and wishes for less stress,

Kelsey K :) 

Peak of the week:

My 20th Birthday is Sunday, so that's kind of fun! 

Quote of the week:

"Dumbledore would have been happier than anybody to think that there was a little more love in the world." - Professor Minerva McGonagall 

Song of the week:

"Ocean" by John Butler

Pic of the week: 

I can't wait to make these for summer! (See? Pinterest.)

Find Your Niche

Whether you’re still in high school or a young college student it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to find your niche. I'm talking in terms of that thing you enjoy even though its challenging and can drive you crazy. As a Junior here at RSU I have found my niche. Whether that is participating and leading events on campus or working hard at graduating with a degree in medical molecular biology, I have found what I enjoy doing. Enjoying something makes the days seem shorter and the hours of work less difficult (even though you may want to pull your hair out after several hours of homework). If you like airplanes find something revolving around them, if you love to paint for goodness sake paint your butt off, if you enjoy biology like me become a doctor, marine biologist, or expert on yada yada yada. If you enjoy eating paste from a bottle like kindergartners, you should probably rethink your definition of enjoyment and other aspirations in life, but above all else find something you love.  Find something you love, work hard at it and success will follow!

Peak of the Week:

The weather finally change from snot-sickle cold, to a pleasant enough temperature to hit some golf balls in.

Challenge of the Week:

After 3.5 hours of working on 2 problems for Physics II they were conquered and correct!

Quote of the Week:

One of Arnold Schwarzenegger 6 rules to success: "Break the rules".

Don't break any laws! Be different and don't conform to others. Be an individual. Be a maverick.

Song of the Week:

Bloom by Pogo

Pic of the Week:

Boom Science! Getting to grow bacteria in lab- no big deal its just some easy going pathogens!

Swing Into Spring!

      Hello readers! Since our last post, our tour office has been making improvements due to the rush of spring enrollment! High school seniors are ready to bust out of their hallways and move on to college life, so RSU's Claremore campus tour schedule is booking fast! Call today to schedule your campus tour with one of our, now THREE, senior student ambassadors. You will get to see the inside of both our campus living villages and view the on-campus sights as well as tour our buildings and classrooms! Interested in a certain major or program? We will schedule an appointment for you to sit down with one of the administrators of that department and look further into the degree in which you are interested. Call now because early enrollment day is March 29! 

      As for our non-senior college readers, spring may not necessarily mean graduation and moving on to a new chapter in life, but it is definitely a time to work toward that goal. Classes may seem easy to skip, but every class skipped is another day behind. So, keep up with your work and stay motivated! You will thank yourself later when others are scrounging around for extra points and all you will need to worry about is summer vacation (after finals, that is)! It's time to make the most out of this new spring semester. Go to activities, make new connections, and most importantly, make memories! Time flies, so fly with it! 

Best of luck and wishes for warm weather, 

Kelsey K. 

Peak of the Week:

I attended the Pentatonix concert at the Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa with some pretty amazing people! Let's just say that if you don't know Pentatonix, look them up and be prepared to spend 3 hours watching YouTube videos. However, their videos do not even do their live performances justice! WOW! A big thanks to Cary and Willie for tickets! 

Challenge of the Week:

Remembering and mastering our new NCA Nationals choreography for RSU cheer! 59 days 'til Daytona!! 

Quote of the Week:

This quote helps me when I have a lot on my plate... which is always!

“It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it.” 
― Lou Holtz

Song of the Week:

Natural Disaster - Pentatonix 

Pic of the Week:

Again I couldn't pick just 1... we'll stick to the Pentatonix theme

Loved it!

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.

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!!

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!

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!

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!

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. :)

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

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.