Class Survival Tips

     Let's face it, sometimes it is hard to get through classes in college, especially the classes that you are not quite so interested in.  However, as a nearly graduating senior, I think I have mastered the art of being a student.  It has taken me 21 years, but I have done it.

1.  stay awake: bring gum, water, tea, coffee, take a nap before class...anything to keep your eyes open and mind awake in class

2.  be prepared: there is nothing worse than being called on in class and not having any answer.  Do your readings, they are important!

3.  homework: put post-it notes in your readings, highlight, write a quick paragraph about the reading, it's unreasonable to "review your notes before and after class" but it is reasonable to do these shortcuts while you are doing your work!

4.  don't yawn: it is very bad to yawn in class, that is when the professor picks on you to answer the question, read the poem out loud (true story...happened to me), or comment on the reading...see #1

5.  try hard and be honest: if you don't know the answer to a question it's ok to tell the professor that you have no idea!  They understand, admit that you had trouble instead of squirming in your seat trying to make up an answer

So, that's it for now folks just keep these in mind in the coming weeks

Kayley

French Film Festival

The French Film Festival-try saying that 3x fast- is happening now! It's presented by the Modern Language Department and naturally I am there!  So far I have seen Le Bonheur d'Elza which was absolutely awesome and tonight is La Pirogue, 7 pm in Cheray 101.  Don't worry though, there are English subtitles for non-French speakers and snacks too!  It's a really nice experience and a fantastic break from homework!  Check it out!!!

https://my.smcvt.edu/Lists/Daily%20Digest/Attachments/800/Tournees%20French%20Film%20Festival%202014.pdf

Emergency Response

     Many of you may be wondering how SMC responds to an emergency.  If you have seen the smcvt.edu website today you would notice a banner on the top saying that the residents are all safe following a fire in a 100s townhouse. 

     I have not been out of the house yet this morning, so I don't know the extent of the damage but that's not the point.  The point is that the fire and rescue crew worked quickly enough to isolate the fire and get everyone to safety. 
     In addition to the fire and rescue crew's work, we also have a campus wide alert system.  This system sends a text message to everyone's cell phone, sends an email to our email accounts, and is clearly posted on the smcvt.edu webpage.  The priority is to ensure that everyone is aware of the issue and stays safe.  We have also gotten alert messages for extreme weather and if there are power shortages. 
      Although the fire is very unfortunate, it was dealt with accordingly and it's nice to know that we are on a campus equipped to handle emergencies of all kinds. 

Making the BEST of things

     So if you have seen the weather at all you know that we have been pounded with snow just as most of the country has!! In fact 49 of the 50 states have snow somewhere in them, save Florida.  Since the snow is here we are all a little trapped indoors, so we have been making the best of things and I'd like to show you a small glimpse into our diversions...


Friday we pushed each other in the snow....

Saturday we made HOME MADE cinnamon buns!!! They were beyond belief delicious

So so so so so good!!!  This was a delightful weekend, full of food, friends, and fun. 

Kayley

Internship Heaven?

     So what have I been up to? Mondays and Fridays I have been teaching at an International School in South Burlington with another classmate.  We have been teaching Spanish on Mondays and French on Fridays to children from preschool age to second grade.  It is quite an experience to say the least!  To begin with I have a large work load: I must make lesson plans, dittos to hand out, plan "props" to bring to class, and keep up a journal.  It's a ton of work but it is rewarding to know that I'm actually teaching and children are learning because of me!  During the week I meet with my French professor to discuss what went well during the classes and what we need to work on and we plan the upcoming class material.  It's interesting work and will definitely help me on my journey to becoming a teacher. 

So how do you get started with an internship?  I just had to ask my professor, but you must do research on your own and MUST GET IT APPROVED BY THE INTERNSHIP COORDINATOR IN KLEIN. 

Internship checklist:

• transportation: whether it is the public bus or your own car, make sure that you have this figured out or it will be a BIG pain
• check with the internship coordinator in Klein...your internship has to be approved first before you start!
• make sure you can handle with extra work that you will have to do along with school work
• decide if you would be better suited waiting until the summer to do an internship
• will you like the work, or will you hate it?  This is the question that will save you a ton of grief and annoyance.  If you think you'll hate it then you should not participate and look for another internship.  There's no point taking so much time to do something if you won't get anything out of it

So that's it for now.  I'm warm inside instead of battling the snow, so safe travels everyone

Kayley