My Years At Iowa State

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2012-01-10T11:03:00.000-08:00

Hello Again!

It has been a while since I wrote and I can't lie and say I was super busy...though it felt like it! I finished my Physics class and lab in December which was awesome! I've been working (which seems like all the time) at Hy-Vee and now I'm finally going to take a semester off from school and do what I WANT TO DO! Read, catch up on some of my favorite TV shows (Gossip Girl, The Tudors), and try to get in a little bit better shape.

New Years Resolutions? This year I decided to give it a go. It might seem a little lame but I'm going to try to use the Wii Fit and do at least a body test every day. So far so good! 1 week down, 55 more to go! :) I need to work out more and watch what I eat but it has been challenging. It is kind of like starting a new semester. You want to stay ahead but eventually homework piles up, tests sneak up on you and BAM you are pulling all nighters and doing every extra credit assignment you can to keep your grades up...Oh, or is that just me? :P

I can't believe how awesome the weather has been all week! I've been to the dog park three times with my puppies and they are loving it! The fresh air and exercise is great! Though it is weird to have gone this long with only a couple of dustings of snow.

Even though I'm excited to "relax" for a semester I am so looking forward to school again! I love learning new things and there is nothing like the refreshing feeling of a new semester! I'm actually going to Atlanta, GA soon for a college visit to Life University. I know it sounds a little hippy-ish but the president of the school was the old president at Palmer and he is phenomenal. He is so far ahead of the curve! My boyfriend I and saw him speak here in Madison a couple months ago and he was wonderful!

If we decide to go to Life we could start as early as March! I'm pumped. In four years I'll be a doctor. ....Doctor Marissa Hols. It does have a ring to it!

Well I hope you all had a nice Christmas break and enjoy the warmer then average weather!

MH

My Mid-Semester Slump....

2011-10-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

I'm not even halfway through my online class and I kind of want to die. I'm just being so lazy and unproductive. The only thing that keeps me going is knowing that I paid for the class so I need to do well and get the credit. I guess motivation is motivation, right?

It isn't only my school life that I'm slacking on either. I don't do housework like I should, I really wish I didn't have to go to work (and I usually try to leave early), and I don't want to get outside or go to the gym. I'm being a huge lazy butt! I don't know what the deal is. The weather is gorgeous and I have more free time then I am used to but I just want to go to sleep. I should be out running with the dogs or biking with my boyfriend but I just can't seem to get motivated to be active. I know it takes about 2-3 months to get into a good habit but it seems like I've taken more time getting in to a bad habit of not leaving my bed.

I had times like this back at Iowa State but I always chalked it up to being overwhelmed with classes, work, and extra curriculars. I only have one class now, I'm only working 10 more hours a week typically, and besides watching movies and sleeping I have no extra curriculars. So I have no excuse. I just need to get a cup of coffee and start being productive. ....Easier said then done.

Back to my mention of paying for classes and wanting to finish them:

My brother is at Iowa State (he's a freshman) and he tried to take an online Latin class. He wasn't familiar with the online format and fell behind. He went to his adviser for a meeting and she told him it was better to DROP a class then to FAIL it. I was pretty upset that an adviser would say that. I mean how bout some words of encouragement. "You can do it" or "Let's see about getting you a tutor". Instead she helped him drop the class and sign up for some 1 credit classes so he'll still be full time. I'm glad he isn't going to fail, but seriously. I feel like students that are given that message aren't going to be willing to try as hard because they know that if they aren't doing the greatest they can just drop the class! Ugh.

On a brighter note, I'm really excited to go home next week! I get to see my mom, dad, and brother and I can't wait. My mom, my brother, and I are going to a pumpkin patch that we used to go to when we were kids. Then my dad and I are just going to hang out and mess with my car a little. Good ol' fashioned family fun!

Well I have some homework to do so have a good weekend and stay motivated! I'll try my best!

Big News and Great Weather!

2011-10-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

So, I'm pretty much loving the weather right now! It is chilly enough that I can wear cute sweats, a jacket, and my cozy moccasins! My beautiful dog, Tala, is growing her winter coat and she is so soft right now (she is a husky)! I'm also excited because I get to buy my little dog, Jackie, a sweater. She is so cute in sweaters!

I have big news but I think I'm going to wait until the end to share it. So you have to read this whole blog first!!

I'm taking an online Physics class with the lab this semester and it is going surprisingly well. I did forget to take the first quiz and do the first discussion so I lost some points there. Online classes do take a lot of responsibility. I've been taking them since I was in high school but I can slack off too. I actually got a 92% on my test last week, not to brag or anything. Well, I sort of am. :)

So, my boyfriend, Jeremy, is thinking that he wants to go to chiropractic school as well. It is kind of exciting because we would be in classes together and be able to study together. The bad thing is that he graduated with a business major and has no science credits. They do have programs where you can fast track your science pre-requisites and get you into the doctor of chiropractic program faster. So this is real example that you can really do anything if you put your mind to it. He's applied to Life University in Georgia and is talking with representatives at Palmer. We are thinking about starting in the spring. I hope!!!

Okay, the good news.

Are you ready?

Here goes it....

I GOT ACCEPTED INTO PALMER IN DAVENPORT!!!! Pretty big news right? I'm so excited and I really hope Jeremy likes Palmer as much as I do. Otherwise he'll just have to suck it up! We still are going to visit Life but I really feel like Palmer is the place for me. It is a lot closer to my family and I am a big daddy's girl so I really don't want to be that far away. We'll figure it out though!

I hope you enjoy this lovely fall weekend!

MH

Long Time No See....

2011-08-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

I know it has been way to long since I last posted and there really is no excuse for it! I finished my spring classes, moved into my first apartment, lived with my brother and my dogs, worked at the lab, finished my summer classes, and I have now moved up to Madison. It isn't an exaggeration to say that I've been a tad bit busy.

I hope everyone's summer is going good and I'm sad to see that it is almost over. I'm taking physics online this fall through Iowa Western Community College so I'm not really looking forward to September. I'm working at the Hy-Vee in Madison for now until I go to chiropractic school. I've talked to a lot of chiropractors here in Madison and most of them have graduated from Palmer. One couple (they are both chiropractors) told me of a newer school called Life Chiropractic College down in Atlanta, GA. I've looked into it and I don't really feel like it offers me anything above and beyond what Palmer does. I think I'll take a visit down there but I'd really like to stay close to home. I know, I'm lame but I would miss them all too much!

Picking a college for my undergrad was really easy. I wanted to stay in Iowa and I knew exactly what I wanted to study so Iowa State was the perfect fit. Choosing a chiropractic school on the other hand, is providing to be a challenge. I thought that Palmer was a sure thing but there are other schools I could be a better fit for. I need to research and go on some college visits and really take a look and extra curriculars and financial aid. I want to find the best school at an affordable price.

There is really only one thing I regret about my undergrad experience and that is that I really didn't get involved with as much as I wanted to. I'm really excited for my brother because he is going to be a freshman at ISU this year. He is rushing a fraternity, living in the dorms, and I'm hoping I can help him decide which groups he'd be interested in joining. He's pretty lucky in my opinion. Not only does he have a very sweet, cute sister, but I can also give him advice and guidance while he is at school. It can be kind of stressful for me at times but what are big sisters for?

A big challenge for me is trying to be social and get involved with things. It can be intimidating and overwhelming all at once. I have to remind myself to be a little outgoing and not worry about what people think. It can be really hard but you can end up finding some friends for life if you get out there and be yourself. I played softball and volleyball with some friends from work. I was really nervous that I wouldn't fit in but I stayed social and had a blast. It really is the worst feeling in the world to feel alone. There are always groups in the dorms or on campus that a person should never really feel alone at college or even in life. There is always going to be some person that can relate to you and have some of the same likes and hobbies.

I'm applying for Palmer this summer like planned but I now think I'm going to take a few more visits to other colleges as well. I'll keep you posted!

MH

Spring is Here!!!

2011-03-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

What a busy busy couple of months! But the sun is out and it's starting to warm up! Yay!

Spring break was two weeks ago. I had a blast and didn't have to worry about to much homework or studying! I went up to Madison to see the boy and we both went on a little road trip together. First we went to Davenport so I could go on a college visit to Palmer Chiropractic. It was pretty awesome and I'm pretty sure I'm going to go there! After our visit we went to Sycamore, IL. That is between Rockford and Chicago. Jeremy had an interview and we had a fun time exploring!

So, chiropractic school huh? I know, first it was vet school, then no school, then vet or medical school...But I think I've finally made up my mind. I will be done with my Doctor of Chiropractic in 3 years. Which is awesome. Plus I won't get called out on weekends, nights, or holidays. Then I'll have time to do things that I want to do like take care of my own animals or start a family. I think it will be the perfect fit for me. They have a ton of student jobs, financial aid, clubs, programs, and even study abroad trips! Did I mention I'll be done in 3 years?!?!

I wouldn't have known how awesome Palmer was if I hadn't gone on a college visit. They are a great way to scope out the school, talk with current students, and see how you feel on campus. I wouldn't recommend going to a college that you haven't visited. I know it can get expensive if the college you want is across the country (or even the ocean) so at least participate in virtual tours and speak with current students and advisers on the phone/internet.

Only 5 weeks and 2 days left until the end of the year. I'm pumped. Even though I have to stick around and take some classes this summer and work as well. I feel like this summer is going to go by fast. I'm getting my first apartment and my doggie from home is going to stay with me!! I'm going to apply to Palmer this summer and hopefully I can get in either next July or November. They have trimesters and they go year round so I'll never get out of the school/studying groove. That's kind of perfect for me. I just want to go and go and go until I finish something.

Speaking of finishing things....Have you finished applying to college? Filing your FAFSA? Sending in supplemental material if you got picked for verification? I remember how exciting it was to be going to college...I was so excited I forgot to do my entrance counseling until two weeks before school started. Make sure you get everything squared away as soon as you can so you can enjoy your summer and have everything you need when classes start.

I hope everyone is enjoying the sun and have a great spring break!!!

MH

Yes, I'm a slacker.

2011-02-10T06:53:00.000-08:00

I have slacked off very bad with this. School started off to a very quick start! I've already taken my first tests! My genetics test is tomorrow and I'm very nervous! I've been studying, doing taxes, filing the FAFSA, and searching for apartments for the summer!

So....if you haven't already you need to FILE YOUR FAFSA! It is quick, easy, and they've changed the format from back in my day and it is much quicker. I helped my brother out and we were done in less than 15 minutes. Super quick! It is really nice this next year because both of us will be in school and so we'll get a little bit of a break when it comes to financial aid!

My brother is having quite the dilemma. My parents want him to go to a community college for the first year or two so he can stay at home and save money. My brother wants to go to a university, stay on campus, rush a fraternity, and have the "full college experience". I think both are great ideas. The reason I went straight to Iowa State was because I already had 42 credits from DMACC and really didn't have any more pre-reqs that I could take. I'll be graduating early and saving a couple semesters worth of money.

If you are going to be paying for your schooling I recommend doing what you feel would fit you the best. If your parents are giving you the old ultimatum of "We'll pay for college if you go where we want you to go" I'd say do that and maybe you won't see a student loan bill all of your life. Honestly college is a big choice...do you want to save money or do you want a run of the mill college experience? I'm not saying you can't get a normal college experience at a community college but it will be a little different than one at a private college or university.

So, lets say you've applied to college. What next? Well first you need to find out when the deadline to apply for scholarships is. I know here at Iowa State they are do by like the 15th of this month. You will also need to verify your housing plans. That usually won't finalize until the middle of March but if you want to get your first or second choices get them in sooner than later. Along with housing plans you need to figure out what dining plan will work best for you. All colleges are different and the amount of meals you'll want will probably be different from your friend. I wanted to save money so I got the 7 meals a week plan but my best friend got the 21 meal a week plan. I don't even use all mine half the time.

You might be getting things in the mail about orientation! Yay!! It is really exciting and I encourage everyone to go! You'll learn about different programs and register for classes! It is a lot of fun and it really feels REAL that you are going to college.

Now...what if you didn't apply to college yet? Well make sure you've taken your ACTs first. That is kind of important. If you haven't and you are looking at going to a community college they might have you take what is called a COMPASS test. I'm not exactly sure of the logistics but it is similar to the ACTs except you take it on a computer. I'd really encourage you to apply before March 1st so you can get your FAFSA to your school as soon as possible. You want to meet the priority deadline because financial aid is definitely first come first serve.

I hope everyone isn't to tired of the snow yet but I hear the groundhog didn't see his shadow so Spring is on the way!! :)

MH

A bit of an update...more of a reminder for me!

2010-12-27T18:49:00.001-08:00

So I definitely did not post before Christmas! Finals were pretty awful and then I had to work until the 22nd. I spent Christmas with my family and went to Madison the day after Christmas. I've been on the run since I got out of school. I am working at Hy-Vee this week and hopefully I'll have some time to study for the GRE's.

This is just an update and kind of a reminder for me to write some more over my break.

My brother is a senior in high school and I'll have to post about what to do if you haven't applied to college yet and this is your senior year. It definitely applies to him!! If I have time I'll post on what to do if you HAVE applied for school!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!!! :)

MH

Dead Week....and Finals Quickly Approaching...

2010-12-08T06:59:00.000-08:00

Yikes! It's going to be a rough couple of weeks. I have to study for finals and work all week. It has been really slow going with the studying. I need to pick up the pace but I'm just not feeling it quite yet.

I really should be studying so just a few quick things. I will be posting over Christmas break. I'll probably focus on things like what to do if you haven't applied for college yet, what to do if you have applied for college, filing your FAFSA, etc.

But my topic today...choosing your college.

Picking a college to attend is a pretty big deal. I mean you will probably shell out at least 10 grand for your first year and if your not happy at school your grades will suffer. I would hate to spend that much money and not enjoy the college I'm attending. Here are some tips:

First, ask yourself:
1. What interests you? What kind of activities do you think you would like to participate in?
2. What kind of atmosphere do you like (i.e., city, town, warm, cold, country, urban)?
3. How much are you willing to spend?
4. What academic program are you interested in?
5. Are they going to have the resources you need to suceed?

Second, you should probably make a campus visit. You need to make sure it is exactly what you want and feels like home.

Third, and most important, you should probably try the dining center food. If its good then that is probably the school for you!! :)

Remember, a college isn't all about a "name", it's a place where you spend two to four years trying to get the best education you can get. If the cheapest community college in your state is the right place for you then don't worry about how it will look on a resume. Enjoy yourself and make the most out of your college experience. You don't have to go to an Ivy League to impress employers. (So maybe going to Harvard might be kind of impressive, but so what?)

Pick the college that fits you!

I'm sure I'll post before Christmas but if I don't then, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

MH

Harry Potter Weekend!! ...and maybe studying...

2010-11-12T06:57:00.000-08:00

Hello All!

One more week until Thanksgiving break...and the premier for the Harry Potter movie!!! I'm very excited about both. ABC Family is having a four day Harry Potter movie "marathon" and I watched the first one last night! Probably not the most responsible thing to do when I have a genetics test on Monday but a girl's gotta enjoy herself sometime...right? Right!

I'm still working so hard on trying to figure out the best way to study. I'm still pretty awful about it. Sometimes I feel like I'll never figure it out. Some classes are easy and I don't have to study but then I have a test in chemistry or genetics and I stress out because I don't know how to prepare for the test. It is a lot different then high school, I can't stress that enough.

I've been sick all week (well since last Friday) and I went to the doctor and they did nothing. All of my friends that have gotten sick this week have gotten antibiotics but MY doctor thinks it is viral and didn't give me anything. So I still have a wicked cough but at least I can breath out of my nose now! I know I need rest but with school, work, studying, and Harry Potter I just get really overwhelmed. In all honesty, on Wednesday, I was so tired of being sick, I couldn't stay asleep, and I had to go to class and then work and stressed myself out so much I just started bawling. I called my dad and he listened to me and told me everything would be okay. He is the best support I have.

I don't know what I would do without my dad. He helps me think rationally, keep things straight, and knows how to make me feel a ton better. My mom is alright at that too but she's really busy most of the time so I don't bug her much. Jeremy would be good at that kind of stuff but he lives way to far away for him to be able to to do anything. I have my best friend on campus but it is her first year here and I should be helping her, but I do make her go to Coldstone with me and listen to me while I vent about work and school...and boyfriends. I let her do the same though. Why am I telling you all of this? Because when you choose a school it might be a good idea to move far away, leave your friends, but remember you will definitely need support in college. So you might want to invest in unlimited texting or Skype and a webcam. College isn't easy. Especially if you add a job, a lot of activities, or partying into the equation.

Whoa, I know I said "partying" in an ICAN blog...Well it does happen in college. There are at least 50 parties in Ames on a Friday night. They do exist as many of you are aware. Now it is one thing to go out once in a while, enjoy yourself, have fun with friends, but drinking/partying will not help your grades or your chances of staying in college if you do it too much. There is no reason to go out and forget every weekend. There are plenty of fun things to do without alcohol. I'm going to a movie with the bestie, getting lunch, and watching Harry Potter on Saturday. No reason for me to go out when I could stay in and have a blast...without alcohol. Plus, the more you drink the more stupid things you can do. I'm not going to risk getting alcohol poisoning, having unprotected sex (which could lead to an STD or pregnancy), or getting into a car with a drunk driver (and potentially crashing or hurting someone else).

I know drinking in college is going to happen...it does. But be responsible. You are obviously smart if you go to college, so stay smart on the weekends too.

Okay, enough of my "be safe and responsible" plug. I am going to have a fun weekend (minus the studying for genetics part) and hopefully next week will fly by until Thanksgiving break!!!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

MH

November already!!

2010-11-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

November is here which means Thanksgiving break and my birthday!! Yay! Except the part where I get two of my wisdom teeth removed. Not looking forward to that...But I am looking forward to the great food!

I had a busy two weeks; 4 tests, meetings, appointments, scheduling my classes next semester. Now I get to relax a bit for a couple weeks but then I have 3 tests right after Thanksgiving break. So much for a break from studying...

College can be very overwhelming sometimes, so I took my own break. I spent the weekend in Madison and carved pumpkins, watched scary movies, and cooked! I had a really good time and feel like I can survive the rest of my classes until break. I'm kind of behind in my genetics class now but doing a little extra homework is sure a lot easier than being stressed out.

In think maybe the worst thing in college is not having a good support system. My parents aren't here and Jeremy lives 5 hours away. The best thing is having my best friend, Annie, and my roomate, Lindsey, to help me out. They are great listeners and if I need a little retail therapy I can count on one of them to go with me! I can get so overwhelmed with school work and trying to figure out the future that I really need someone to listen and vent to. Sometimes I just need someone to bring my back down to earth and keep me from going crazy!

Well, I really haven't been up to much so I'll think of some other things to write about later this month!!

MH

Activities!

2010-10-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note....

So I had a pretty eventful Friday night last week. I went to see Legally Blonde the Musical which pretty much rocked. My roommate and I went and we had a blast. It only cost us 20 dollars each and we got seats in the 6th row!

After the show we went and changed and went to watch Dan Sperry on campus. He was doing a show for Iowa State and it was ridiculous! He was the magician off of America's Got Talent. It was a pretty fun show.

Next week I'm going to see Spring Awakening. It is another musical that is going to be playing here at Stephen's Auditorium. I am so excited to be able to go to such fun shows and activities that my college provides. There are tons of free things to do on campus.

When choosing a school to go to you should check their activities schedule. Make sure they have alternatives to partying on the weekends. You might be wondering why you should even care if your school has free or inexpensive activities...but trust me, you will need a break from studying or something to do on those weekends you don't go home.

Keep things like this in mind when choosing a college!

MH

My headache of a time trying to get into vet school...

2010-10-10T17:06:00.000-07:00

Hello again!

So I made a rash decision to drop my "pre-vet" requirements on my degree so I could get out of school earlier and easier. Over the summer as I was working practically full time at Hy-Vee I realized that I did not want to be a stocker the rest of my life and that the only thing I really wanted to do was to become a vet or a doctor. That is when my battle with my schedule started.

I had to take another chemistry class, physics, organic chemistry, and biochemistry to fulfill the requirements to apply to Iowa State's veterinary college. I'm trying to graduate by this summer which means I will have been in school for two years. I do not encourage anyone to do this. You will be losing out on some great opportunities if you graduate college early. I'm planning on graduating early because I cannot afford to stay here much longer. Let's put it this way; my mom told me that borrowing $21,000 was pretty good, until I reminded here that I was borrowing $21,000 for just two years. Now imagine if I stayed longer?! 42,000? I could practically buy two cars with that! Anyway, back to the point.

I decided that I should apply to a few other places (Colorado State, Kansas State, University of Wisconsin, and Iowa for med school) but they all require different classes! Colorado State wants me to take a upper level statistics class, Kansas State wants me to take TWO semesters of physics, Iowa wants me to have two semesters of physics as well plus I have to take the MCATs. To make a long story short, I will have to accommodate for all these different requirements while trying not to borrow any more money.

Now I still have to try to take the GREs and the MCATs and not completely bomb them. The GREs cost about 120 dollars while the MCATs cost about 260 dollars. Kind of ridiculous but I can't get into professional school without them. I was told that my dad makes too much money to get financial help with the GREs so I have to pay the full price for that test. Hopefully I can get some help on the MCATs.

So after I take these very expensive tests and have completed my very expensive and time consuming classes I get to apply to each individual school. That costs money and then I have to send in a supplemental application with yet another application fee into each school. So if I don't make it in to a program I'm going to be out a few bucks. It is really stressful and costs a lot of money. My advice to you: even if you don't think you want to go to a professional program or work for a masters or PhD at least take all the classes you might need and put some money aside so you can pay for tests and application fees.

At least I can say that I am on the right track to being eligible to apply to all these schools and hopefully I get accepted on my first try. I know I may be complaining about the time and money and effort I have to put in to getting into a vet or med school program but the pay off will be worth it in the end. I hope!!!

Hope I haven't completely bored you!!

MH

Whoa, Midterm already?!?

2010-10-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

Hello All!!

I kept telling myself I would write but for some reason (maybe my really hard classes or working practically every night) I kept falling asleep before I could turn my computer on! But I am here now! Have no fear! I'm still alive.

My 6th week back to college is over and the semester is chugging along at an outstanding rate! Soon it is going to be Thanksgiving break! Woot woot! So I took my own advice; I'm only taking 14 credits this semester! It is so much easier and I have a lot more free time (well, sorta). During my "free time" I go to work out at the vet school. If I am lucky I'll have time to catch an episode of House or Law and Order before I work on some homework.

I am taking a bunch of genetics classes and one chemistry class and I have to work hard at keeping my grade up. I'm still learning how to study and honestly, I'm not very good at it. Like I've said, college is much different than high school.

So I'm president of my floor this year and I feel very important. I put up posters on our "events wall". It is a pretty big deal! I lead our meetings and make some executive decisions but that is pretty much it! The most important thing you can do in college is to get involved. Get involved with clubs, the community, your dorm or apartment. Anything!

The first semester always seems to fly by. I'm already trying to make plans for Thanksgiving break. I want to volunteer at an ARL shelter or a soup kitchen. The Madison Police Department in Wisconsin has a K9 and mounted police team so I could probably volunteer out there if I called. Getting involved with the community will really help me when I'm applying for scholarships or veterinary school. I'll most likely volunteer over Christmas break as well.

So homecoming and Halloween are on the same weekend here at Iowa State. I think I'm going to head up to Jeremy's and stay out of trouble. I'm definitely all for school spirit but I think I'd rather sleep in a nice quiet apartment then wake up to people running and screaming down the dorm halls. I'll probably get more studying done and catch up on some sleep if I miss out on the homecoming game. The good news is he has cable now so I can definitely watch the game on my couch eating frozen pizza and junk food!!

So I have been looking at a lot of vet schools and medical schools online and all their requirements are different. Some want two semesters of general chem labs, some want one semester of physics while the others want two. It is ridiculous how different each schools requirements are. So I am warning you now; don't wait until the last minute to make sure you have all the requirements needed to get into the professional school of your choice! It can really set you back in time and money if you wait until the last few semesters before you have to apply.

So I am going to make up all the time that I haven't been posting and post a couple more this weekend. I should cover the kind of tests you should plan on taking if you want to get a masters, PhD, etc., some problems I've been facing while looking at med school and vet school, and opportunities that professional schools look to see on your applications.

Enjoy your Friday everyone!!!

MH

Back to school so soon!!!

2010-08-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

So summer is coming to a quick close. It went way too fast!! I will be packing and heading back to Iowa State University in less than 20 days. I'm very excited for the new semester but I feel like I didn't get a chance to do everything I wanted to.

I finished my four classes for the summer today. Two of them were over the week of the 4th of July, one was over the following week, and the last one (which I procrastinated a lot) was done at noon today! Now I just have to sell my books and enjoy the little bit of time I do have of no homework.

I've almost gotten my schedule finalized. I am officially going to try to go to vet school and so I have added my pre-vet requirements into my schedule. It was a puzzle trying to fit everything together but I think it will work out. I'll have to take my GRE's (a test similar to the ACT's but is required to get into a professional or graduate program) sometime this year. I might also take the MCAT's for medical school just in case I don't get accepted into vet school. I'm going to apply at Iowa State University because they have just about the best vet school in America.

Now, if your a senior and haven't taken the ACT's DO NOT forget. They are very important. Make sure to check the school you are applying to and see if they require the essay portion of the test. I wouldn't take it if you don't have too. It costs extra and your hand and your brain are already fried by the time you get to the essay part. Don't stress about the ACT's it really is a piece of cake. Just don't second guess yourself and relax. I have taken the ACT's four times (once in 7th grade, 8th grade, twice in 9th). The first two were just for practice, the third wasn't much different than the first two scores so I took it the last time and did a lot better. Believe me, it isn't hard, I just liked seeing how I improved year after year.

I'll post soon about what you can plan to take to college and maybe the different pre-professional tests you have to take before you apply for a professional program or graduate school.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!!!

MH

Financial Aid

2010-05-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

Graduation is coming (or has gone for some of you) and I bet most of you are anticipating your first college semester! Well my best friend just graduated and asked me for some help with financial aid stuff. I thought, well, she is one smart girl, so if she is having problems then maybe others need help too.

I remember last summer coming to an end and thinking I was all set for school but came to find out that I hadn't done everything that was required for me to receive all of my financial aid. When I say "financial aid" I mean scholarships and loans. I was very stressed out and had to rush to get everything completed so I would have money for tuition and books. So lets break down the steps needed to accept and receive financial aid.

Scholarships: Now, you can have scholarships given to you by the school (ex: Iowa State University), by donors of the school, by a specific college (ex. I am an animal science major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; this applies to universities), by your department (ex: I'm an animal science major in the animal science department), or from private scholarships given from your high school, scholarship websites, etc. Your college will notify you of the scholarships you have been chosen to receive from those given by the school, college, or department. These should appear on a financial aid award letter (either an actual letter or electronic). Now you must accept the individual scholarships you were awarded or you do not receive any money! You notify your school (usually online) that you want to receive the money (or if you don't).

You might be wondering why they want you to accept scholarships. Duh, of course I want free money. But there are plenty of other students who need money and if you don't accept it then they can give it to them!

Now you have to worry about private scholarships. Some will send the money to your school directly, you just have to provide them with information such as the name of the institution, address, phone and fax number of Financial Aid office, etc. Others will give you a check written out to your school and it is your responsibility to get it to your Financial Aid office. They will then process it and report it on your financial aid award letter. Make sure you get it to them as soon as you can so that you can have that money as soon as they apply financial aid to tuition, room and board, etc.

Now comes the harder part, Loans: Your school will let you know if you are eligible for federal/state loans. You can accept the entire amount, accept a partial amount (if you don't want to take out more than you need), or you can decline the loan. You will have to complete entrance counseling before you can receive loans, which you can do at this website. You will also have to complete a promissory note, and these differ from loan to loan so depending on the types of loans you are eligible for you may be signing more than one.

I don't know much about private loans as I didn't take any out, but many people do. There is a separate application through the company you plan to take the loan from and you will most likely need a co-signer. You will give the company the information about your school and they will send the money to your school.

Now before you are able to do all of this you must remember to file your FAFSA before March 1st. You can file it after but I encourage you not to. Your FAFSA will determine if you are eligible for financial aid. You should also check your institution's website for applications for scholarships and apply before the deadline!

Hope this helps you get ready for your first college semester stress free!!! Enjoy the sun, college orientation, and shopping for your dorm room! Mini-fridge, microwave, and a printer are a must!!!

MH

Late night.

2010-05-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

Finals week... Four tests tomorrow then HELLO summer! I can probably bet that I will be up for at least the next four hours. I promised myself I wouldn't procrastinate but um...opps. Red Bull is my friend!

Finals can be really stressful; I have a face full of pimples to prove it. I broke out like last week and it is killing me. I read a great article in the ISU Daily about stress though. Students need to realize that they are stressed so if you're stressed you should admit it out loud. So here I go: "I'M STRESSED!" Then you need to get calm and happy. The article recommended exercising, laughing, and best of all smiling! I love to smile so I have no idea what my problem is. Smiling sends signals to your brain that you are happy/calm and then endorphins and other chemical signals are released. Our bodies are really cool; which reminds me of the test in anatomy and physiology test I have at 7:30 tomorrow.

Moving out is going to be a pain. If you aren't moved out in time the Department of Residence can charge you! They can pretty much charge you for anything so we even have to dust door and window and mirror ledges. It is kind of ridiculous but I'll do anything to start my summer problem free. Sometimes residence halls have summer storage if you are moving into the building next year so the fridge is definitely staying here! I think I will be driving one of my neighbors to the airport with my roommate sometime in the early morning. I am mostly looking forward to the super early morning Perkins run!

I just got back from my Taco Bell break with some girls on my floor and realized I have spent way too much time procrastinating. Hope your tests/finals are going smooth and hope you're getting ready for the summer! :)

MH

Long month!

2010-04-22T06:04:00.000-07:00

April has proven to be a busy month. VEISHEA, res-hall week, dead week, and finals week. The last four weeks to wrap up the semester.

VEISHEA is a celebration at Iowa State University that is held to celebrate each of the colleges here on campus. It is a huge deal and there is tons of stuff to do! People from all over the United States come to take part in the festivities.

Residence Hall week is a week of games, free food, movies, and activities that residence hall students get to enjoy! That is going on this week and my hall hosted an ice cream social! It was scrumptious! There is going to be a big concert on Saturday that I'm looking forward too!

Dead week is the week right before finals, classes start slowing down, some finals are given so you can just get them over with and you study a lot! All the halls are under 23/7 quiet time, with one hour each day that everyone can be "loud". That is when we serve dead week treats and they are yummy! We're going to have pizza, smoothies, candy, cookies, fruit platters, and tons of other things all week! I can't wait.

Finals is pretty self explanatory. A week dedicated to tests. I have five finals to take but I'm going to try to take a few of them during dead week! I'm going to work until that Friday then they kick us out of the residence halls on Saturday. I will be enjoying my summer officially on the 8th of May! Woot! Even though college is fun and pretty amazing I think everyone gets excited about the summer.

I will be taking 12 credits this summer (Microbiology, English, Psychology, Sociology) and will be very busy. I'm going to take most of my homework outside just so I can enjoy the weather! I'll be working as well and hopefully I'll still have time to enjoy my summer.

This is about the time in the year when students start getting their financial aid award for the next year. This time last year I got mine for my freshman year and didn't authorize my aid or sign my Master Promissory Note (which are things you need to do to receive financial aid like loans). If you have questions about your financial aid you should not be afraid to call the Financial Aid Office. That is what they are there for. Just a word of advice, do not spend your student loans on anything but school. This means tuition, books, supplies, laptop...NOT cars, clothes, vacations!

Well, I should probably start paying attention to the lecture but enjoy the wonderful day!

MH

Another weekend....

2010-03-27T15:21:00.001-07:00

Staying on campus this weekend! Yippy! I worked then went shopping with the roomie. We went to the mall here in town and to Target AND Wal-Mart. I'm so excited for Spring so I got a pair of shorts, some bubbles, a new softball, and a new basketball! I am all set for sports time except that my soccer ball and golf clubs are still at my fathers. I'll get those next weekend! I love getting a group of people together to play sports for fun. Inter-murals are fun but when you play with all your friends and there isn't as much competition it is a lot more fun!

I have some tests to study for and a project to keep up on all week (I'm watching peas and corn grow) but I would rather be outside! On Monday I will go to a study group for my anatomy and physiology class in the evening. It is a tough class and I could use the extra help. There are lots of study groups, or supplemental instruction, which is what it is called here on campus, for a lot of different classes. Biology and chemistry are the big ones because those are very difficult classes. I did really well in bio and chem in high school but it is nothing like bio and chem in college. The tests are different, the material covered is different, and setting in which the class is given is soooo different, and I did not adjust very well at all. Maybe next year will be easier!

I signed up for some of my summer classes already. I'm taking 12 credits this summer, which I don't recommend for anyone. They will all be online and like I said, I love online classes. I'm very excited for those to start and I've already emailed the professors to see what books I will need. If you are planning on buying your books used through Amazon or such don't be afraid to ask your teachers in advance what books are required. I like to make sure they will be here on time. Nothing is worse than starting off a class late because you didn't have the reading material!!

I am going to study then go grill out with one of my buddies!! Enjoy the weather!!

MH

Spring break is over :(

2010-03-21T18:33:00.001-07:00

So I have definitely been slacking...I've only posted once this whole month!! Whoops...

Spring break has come and gone and it wasn't as busy as I thought it would be. I had a great time in Madison. I will officially be doing some projects for the Hy-Vee up there this summer!! I also worked a ton and made some money! I even got to see my mom, dad, brother, and puppy dog this weekend. I've been studying for a biology test that I have to take tomorrow which I am not happy about but it's school, what can you do?

We recently had elections for our GSB (Government of the Student Body) elections for president and vice president and the winners sent out an email accepting positions for GSB executive positions. If you are looking for a great way to get involved with your college or university (or even high school) than this would be it! Sometimes you even get special parking permits which is probably the best perk about the job if you ask me!

I'm taking classes this summer which I am kind of excited about because they are online classes and I pretty much rock the online classes. Taking classes through the university is very expensive though so I'm taking a couple at DMACC. It is like 10 times cheaper and they transfer. If you plan on taking summer classes at a community college you might want to check to see if they will transfer, specially if you will be going to an out of state college. Also be warned that most colleges and universities have a limit on the amount of credits you can bring in from another institution. Iowa State only allows 60 credits which is about half of the total credits you need to graduate. Many community colleges have special applications for "guest students" so it makes it a little bit easier to apply to take classes. Don't forget to have your transcripts sent to your permanent college though!!

Good news! I only have five semester tests this semester and I can take two of them any time before finals week. Which means that I only have to take three tests during finals week and that totally rocks!! I feel like a lot of stress has been lifted! Plus the sun will be shining all week so how can I be in a bad mood?!

Got to work on biology some more...enjoy the weather!!!

MH

Spring break....so close!!

2010-03-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hello all!!

It has been very busy. I had four tests last week and two this week!! Midterms are a killer but Spring Break makes up for the craziness these past two weeks! I'm going to be a bit lazy this spring break; I'm going to Madison, Wisconsin to talk to some people about starting some presentations on meat safety and education over the summer and then I will be back on campus to work the rest of the week. There are plenty of better ways to spend spring break, specially if you attend a state university. You can go on mission trips or study/travel abroad with special programs. Some of the travel abroad programs require that you take a class during the semester but it would be so worth it.

Once I get back from spring break I will be able to register for classes! I will have to make an appointment with my adviser ( a professor in my department of study that advises me on my education) to make sure my schedule is sound and get my registration number. My adviser is really awesome; we get along great and he knows his stuff. I was told at orientation that sometimes you don't get matched up with the right adviser for you. Don't be afraid to switch advisers; you're paying for your schooling and they are there to help you.

I filed my FAFSA last month and applied for my scholarships. It was a pain but it is over with. I was chosen AGAIN this year for verification. It means I have to verify my FAFSA information to my school by sending tax return papers from both my parents and I and signing some form. It is a little annoying that this is the second time it has happened to me but I want money so I have to do it.

Well, I should be studying so I'm going to get back to that. I should have more time over spring break to write more often!!

MH

Only 10 weeks left!!

2010-02-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

This semester is going by very quickly, which is alright for me because I am so ready for the summer! I'm getting very pale and am in dire need of a tan.

I love that Iowa State has a rec center that all students get to use for free! I've been going there a few days a week and feel less lazy! You can play raquetball, start a game of soccer, or go upstairs and run. There are also tons of weight machines, bikes, weights, and other things to use. They also have a room that hosts exercise classes all throughout the week. There are basketball hoops too!! I found out yesterday that there are gyms in other buildings too. We have a pool on campus, but I think it might just be for the swimming team.

Speaking of teams, there are lots of club sports available for anyone to try-out. They practice (usually at nights and on the weekends) and it is a great way to stay in shape and get involved. I was going to try-out for soccer but I figured I had enough on my plate already.

Inter-mural sports are another way to go if you like playing but want a less competitive atmosphere. You can sign up as a team for sports that will be held throughout the semester and play against other teams across campus. It is really fun and doesn't really take a huge time commitment.

We have buses on campus (Cy-Ride) but I only use them at night or when I go to work. I try to stay as active as possible. I figure even walking to class is better than nothing. At least I don't go to school at U of I, their campus is so spread out I would have to leave at 5 in the morning to walk to my 8 o'clock class!! Okay, maybe its not that extreme...

I had a quiz and a test today. My test was for an online class that I keep procrastinating on. That is the only problem I have with online classes. I really do enjoy them better than going to lecture but it really takes a lot of self-control and scheduling to make sure you do it! At Iowa State they make it very easy for students to take advantage of online learning. There is usually an extra "tech" or "delivery" fee but I think that it is totally worth it. If you don't understand something in the material your teacher or TA's will have office hours where you can go in and ask questions, just like in a regular class. In the summer I find them really helpful because you can go on vacation or take an unexpected road trip and not miss class time. It is so convenient and for the most part it you can get it done on your schedule.

Well, I think I'm going to take a power nap and then get to homework!!

MH

Tests, homework, and the flu!

2010-02-16T16:29:00.000-08:00

Busy Busy Busy!! Don't ever take 20 credits in one semester! I have at least one test every week until school ends, different homework due every day and to top it all off I have to do all my homework in advance, so I can enjoy a nice Valentine's Day with the boy. (I actually might have procrastinated instead of doing homework in advance!) I have resorted to using post-it notes to keep track of my "to-dos". The best part is when I do one of the things that is written on a post-it note and I get to crumple it up and through it in the trash!!

It is the sixth week into school and I have gotten sick for the first time this semester. I'm really tired of being sick at college. I have no one to take care of me and bring me things. I can't miss class or I fall behind so I'm miserable and don't really learn anything when I do go to class. AND who wants to be sick in college anyways!? There is so much going on! I definitely think I should go pick up some vitamins. Orange juice is just not cutting it.

So I'm thinking I should make a list of much needed items for a first time college go-er....
1. DAYQUIL!! It is a lifesaver

2. Nyquil...best sleep you ever got in a dorm room :)

3. Pepto bismol : Your stomach will thank you...

4. Advil : Late night cramming and caffeine crashes will hit you hard when you wake up at 8
to take that very important mid-term.

5. Band-aids : Because I always have to borrow them from my roommate.

6. Heating pad : Girls, definitely don't forget this one. I have to resort to a water bottle heated in the microwave. Not as comfy.

7. Fiber supplements : Trust me, it probably isn't appendicitis. To much junk food and not enough fiber equals really bad stomach pains.

8. Vitamins!! <---Getting some soon! When we go to college it is almost like going to kindergarten again. We are all in a new germ pool and we like to share!

I think that about covers it.

I missed class on Monday because I was dying and the teacher gave a pop-quiz! The one time I'm not there... See, this is why attendance is important. Except I don't think anyone would have really wanted me there anyway. Just a word of advice...DON'T GET SICK! Then you'll be able to attend every lecture and get 100% on every pop quiz!

By the way, you should always know the number to your student health center. I don't. I don't think I even know where it is. But it is there for a reason and if you aren't stubborn like me you should probably see a doctor if you are sick. If you are contagious then you might want to know so you don't go contaminating people. Two students at the University of Wisconsin: Madison have died of meningitis just this year. It is one of the most serious diseases that college students are exposed to. So if you're sick see a doctor. Sick = doctor. Got it? Good.

Well, I'm going to curl up in a ball and contemplate doing homework.

MH

One month down....

2010-02-07T12:37:00.000-08:00

The first month of the second semester has come and gone. Our building's dance was last night! It was really fun and the food was awesome; we had mini cheesecakes, cheese, meat, crackers, and chocolate!! It was a good way to celebrate the beginning of the second semester.

So this week the board of regents in Iowa decided that students needed to pay extra for school and so they passed a 6% tuition increase for next year. I'm very upset and I was interviewed by channel 5 news!! I was on TV and it was awesome! College gets more expensive every year it seems so that is why students need to work on scholarships well before they get to college! If I could give any advice to freshmen in high school it would be "Volunteer in your community!" There are so many scholarships and a lot of them will really take your application seriously if you participate in improving the community. There are scholarships that I'm not eligible for because I haven't volunteered in Ames since I started school. Guess what I'm going to be working on for next year? Oh yeah, I'm going to volunteer!

The career fair was this week for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. I got two interviews! There are tons of businesses that are looking for employees right out of college! I know that with my degree I'm not going to have a problem finding a job. College is really important even if I don't like it sometimes. Classes are interesting but sometimes I really have a hard time getting motivated enough to get out of bed and make it to my 8 o'clock classes! Another tip; when your making your first semester schedule you should avoid 8 am classes and try to get done by 2 or 3 in the afternoon. You'll have plenty of time to study and if your classes aren't to early chances are you won't miss them!! Trust me, having a test at 8 am is not fun!!

Ugh, so it is tax season and so I made an appointment with the student financial counseling people on campus! They helped me file my taxes and answered every question I have! It was wonderful! You definitely need to take advantage of these resources in college because once you graduate you have to start paying for some of the services you get for free on campus!

Super bowl is in just a few hours so I think I'm going to order a pizza, do some homework, and then turn on the TV!! GO COLTS!!

MH

Semester Two: Week Four

2010-02-01T18:57:00.000-08:00

Fourth week...

I already have tests and it is crazy! I took my first test of the week this morning at 8! My next test is at Wednesday!

I've said before that being active with the dorm you live is super important and this semester I'm vice president of my building! I am helping plan a dance for our building which is taking a lot of time but it is really exciting! I found a photographer (which was my task) and going to the dance is my reward for all my schoolwork I have to get done this week!

My CA gave me a really good tip earlier this week. She keeps post-it notes with things she needs to do and sticks them somewhere she can see them. When she gets something done she gets to take a post-it note down and I think it is really going to keep me in line and on track.
*A CA is a community advisor that lives with us (they are usually upperclassmen). My CA rocks; she gives great advice, listens, and is a great leader. *

Clubfest was last week. Clubfest is an event that hosts different clubs at Iowa State and students can go sign up for clubs. There are tons and there are some really interesting clubs!
Oh, the Study Abroad Center came in and presented to our class. There are Freshmen programs too! You can go anywhere! Italy, New Zealand, England, EVERYWHERE! There are tons of things to do beyond just academics!

Well off to study!

MH

First Semester

2010-01-24T17:23:00.000-08:00

Hello all.

My first semester of college was really intense. Moving into the dorms was not what I expected. It was way more laid back and it felt a lot more like home then what I thought it would. I live in an all girls dorm. Kinda lame right? No. Not at all! The girls on my floor are awesome and we all help each other out. We have house meetings on Sunday's and eat snacks and do fun things all the time. I am living with a random roommate (not that she is random, I just didn't know her until I got to Iowa State)! It has really worked out, I got lucky and we get along great.

I really thought that getting involved with my floor would help me be social; I really didn't want to be a shut-in my first semester of school. So I forced myself to participate and was elected academic chair for my floor. I put together study groups, organized a common class list, and unsuccessfully tried to get a speaker to come talk to us (she got snowed in at her apartment). Then this semester I am vice president of my entire dorm! I get to go to special meetings and help the social chairs plan fun things for our dorm. Hopefully next year I can be president of my dorm, it would totally rock.

Can't forget about classes. I applied, and was accepted, into the Freshman's Honor Program at Iowa State. I thought it would be a good opportunity to meet new people and challenge myself.

Just a side note: Most schools have honors programs that encourage students to challenge themselves in their course of study. It is a great program and you get to do so many cool things! Make sure you check deadlines for applications into the honors program. Some are due before you even start school. I sent mine in the December before I started at Iowa State.

So, because I was on the honors program I was allowed to take more credits than what is recommended and took 18.5. Chemistry, Biology, and math were just a few of the classes I took. It was pretty much killer. Doable but very stressful. Not to mention I got mono and H1N1 and missed over 2 weeks of classes. So I didn't do as well as I wanted, grade wise. I know I learned a lot; when I actually made it to class.

I went to my dad's almost every weekend (to do laundry and eat for free) and if I wasn't at my dad's I was up at the boy's in Wisconsin. I kind of wish I had spent more time on campus so I'm going to do that more this semester. Juggling family, boyfriends, and school proved to be more than challenging. My word of advice is to take it easy your first semester. Take 12-15 credits, join a club, and try to focus on homework, OH! and don't get sick. You can always do more your second semester!!

Gosh, I have tons more to say, but I'll leave it for another day!

MH

Introduction

2010-01-19T20:19:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

So let me introduce myself. I am a freshman at Iowa State University. I live on campus in a dorm with a random roommate (Agnes). My parents are close so I go home once in a while to do laundry and eat all of their food. I am majoring in animal science and I absolutely love it! There is so much to learn in college. I have a lot of pets at home and I miss them very much. I have three poodles and two very big dogs that make time at home a blast.

So you're probably wondering why I'm writing a blog for ICAN. Well I used a lot of what ICAN had to offer when it came to preparing myself for college. I got the e-newsletter and had the calender that told me what I had to do each month in high school to be prepared for college. I had the opportunity to join the ICAN student advisory board and did because I wanted to help other students learn how to take advantage of all the great resources ICAN had to offer. There is no better way to get things straight on your road to college than to be on a student advisory for an organization who's purpose is to help students plan for college.

A little about Iowa State:
Their website is www.iastate.edu and it is a great place to start if you are interested in state universities.
Iowa State University was one of the first land grant colleges that allowed higher education to all students.
There is a ton of research going on here by very prestigious and well known professors in any area of study! In one building they could be making crystals and on the other side of campus they could be studying muscle dystrophy in pigs!
We are in the Big 12! Woot woot!
Iowa State is listed in the top 50 universities in the U.S. so it's pretty good!

I am not writing this blog to persuade you to come to Iowa State though, my main goal is to share my first year college experience!

Sadly, it's only the second week back and I already have homework so I'll post again later and share all about my first semester at Iowa State!

MH