10 Things to expect from College

I've posted a great amount of posts on all types of things to look forward to during college but this list might be the most important.

Some of the things on this list are inevitable while others are part of the culture of college.

Lets begin.

Top 10 things to expect from College

1.Skipping Class-  Everyone does it once in a while.  Not going to class has become part of the college experience.  I am not condoning skipping class but I guarantee that you will meet a friend that has something better to do rather than go to class.






2. Canceled Class-  This is probably every students favorite part of college, receiving an email that class was canceled.  I cannot explain to you how much joy I felt every time  I checked my email and saw that the professor had canceled class.





3.Parties- I can easily guarantee that one of the first things college freshmen think of when starting school is where the parties are.  If you were to conduct a survey of what students look forward to in college, the greatest percentage would be the wildest parties they want to attend.  They can't help it, its in their DNA to want to have fun.




4. Spring Break-  The only thing better than a canceled class is Spring Break.  This lovely mini vacation allows students to let loose.  Everyone loves a little time off and college students are no different.  You met new friends in college so why not have a great time with them?





5. Roommates-  Some people love the idea of living on campus.  The sense of freedom is enormous.  No more rules from your parents.  Doesn't that sound amazing?! Even though some students don't like their roommates, others grow great friendships during college!  They might even end up looking like these guys.





6.Road Trips-  This is one of my favorites on the list.  There is nothing like jumping in a car with a couple of your buds and taking a trip somewhere! You never know who you might meet on these road trips, but that is the beauty of it.  You might meet a really cool Chinese man that owns his own restaurant in Canada.





7.Bookstore Money-  Every so often you get some funds in your ID car that can be used to buy stuff at the bookstore. That ID card will become your go to source when you are in desperate need of gum.  At the end of the day you'll have to pay that money back but what's a pack of orbit and a red-bull right?








8. 7-Eleven Runs- I don't mean having to run to the bathroom after a corn-dog  I'm referring to that go to spot when you have to "disscuss" life's issues with your friends.  Spots like these make college that much
memorable because they become your getaway place from the thoughts of school.









9.Term papers/Finals-  There is no other way for me to put this other than you're going to get them, more
than you can even imagine. Get ready.

10.Drama- You thought High School was bad?  Oh man are you in for a surprise.  People DO NOT mature as fast as they should so be prepared for rumors, drama, beef, cold stares, and broken friendships.  Don't be discouraged, it is all part of the beauty of college.


Catch you next time,

-L.U.J

Hip Hop, Molly, & College

In a recent track titled U.O.E.N.O Rapper Rick Ross had some controversial lyrics that got him into a little bit of trouble. Here are the exact lyrics that made the rapper lose his endorsement deal with shoe company Reebok.






"Put Molly all in her Champagne/ 


She ain't even know it/ 

I took her home and I enjoyed 

that/ She ain't even know it,"






Now for those of you who don't know what Molly is, let me fill you in.

"Molly is a party drug that is a derivative of Ecstasy, which has fueled dance parties for decades. It appeared on the dance-music and hip-hop scenes around early 2011 ׀ billed as pure MDMA, the amphetamine that is the prime ingredient of Ecstasy. It comes as crystals or as a white powder inside a capsule and can cause high blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, possible brain injury and even heart attacks."

For more info check out the link below. 

The Miami Herald 

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/03/12/3281778/police-expect-club-drug-molly.html#storylink=cpy

As I've mentioned in many posts, date rape drugs are serious and they are out there! The rage that's been popularized for the past couple of years is the drug "Molly".  As an avid Hip Hop listener I listen to the music regularly. I listen to the music for entertainment purposes but I can only speak for myself.  The rappers that speak about these drugs in their songs are going to college campuses on tour and that is where the problem begins.  

Rapper Tyga was set to promote his new album Hotel California at Harvard University and he received a letter from a group that did not want him to perform at their campus because 
of his lyrics.  

The fear is that children will begin to take these drugs and harm themselves.  I honestly believe that the older crowd needs to stop making their drug use public.  The music industry is entertainment therefore people shouldn't take things so seriously. 

Let's just hope college students drown in their headphones listening to their favorite genre of music and not act on what they listen to. 

Catch you next time, 


-L.U.J   

The Unwritten Rules of College

Some people start college without an idea of what's acceptable and what isn't.  Here is a list of 10 unwritten rules of college.  Some of these are common sense, while others are great tips. 

10 Unwritten Rules of College

1. The Snack- Some professors allow students to bring snacks into the class.  Did you notice how I said snacks, and not a full blown Thanksgiving dinner? No one wants to be stuck in a room for an hour and a half and have to see someone pigging out, especially if the person is eating some weird dish.  If it can't fit into one small Ziplock bag then it isn't a snack. 

2. Obnoxious- Surely this isn't written anywhere but everyone hates an obnoxious student, especially the professor.  If you're the obnoxious student and do not know it ask yourself this question, every time you make a comment do people roll their eyes, suck their teeth, or make side remarks? If so you need to keep the smart remarks down to a minimum, or just hush it. 

3.Brown Nosing- We have all seen them, the largest "Arse Kisser" is the one that always has something to say. If the professor states something, there goes that one student inputting their two cents.  No one likes a "brown noser" so if you feel like you have to kiss up to get a good grade, you might be surprised by the time the semester is over and you find a nice fat "F" as your grade.

4.The Grapevine-  If you go to a smaller college rumors spread like a wildfire.  Gossip travels no matter the size of the school but if the campus is smaller you'll realize that the moment something left your lips it's reached everyone and their "momma".  Oh yeah remember that we live in a social media age so imagine how fast it is to retweet or like something on Facebook.  Yup, rumors fly.

5.Plagiarism- Yes, it is written in the syllabus but it is EXTREMELY risky not to mention it on this list.  During college you will be writing a ton of papers.  Some students become overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do so they turn to using someone else's work and calling it their own.  I warn you, If you are caught plagiarizing you'll will be reprimanded drastically. Avoid all that mess and just get your work done.  

6.Same Problems & Friendships- Friends with relationship problems are the worst during college.  You'll quickly see that there is always that one friend that finds themselves stressing over someone.  The part that drives people crazy is when they do not take the advice that is given to them and end up making the same mistake over, and over again.  Friendships do not always last so keep that in mind when you're supplying the shoulder to that one sobbing friend. 

7. Sloppy Seconds- This is a good one.  This rule can be applied to any time in your life.  Never and I mean EVER date one of your closest friend's ex's, that is one line you do not want to cross.  I don't care if you got "permission" to do so.  If you do date a friend's ex they'll always have that to hold against you.  You don't want to deal with that mess.  The good thing about college is that there are a MILLION of options, trust me. 

8.Never Go Alone-  Partying is inevitable during college but there are many risks that students are exposed to when they go partying. Date Rape drugs are a major risk people face when they go to clubs or house parties.  If you are going to bar hop or what ever the case may be, never go alone.  It's better to be surrounded by people who have your best interest at heart than to be around creepy freaks that will do anything to get what they want. 

9.Professors aren't Nanny's- It may come to a surprise but Professors will not grab your hand and walk you through college.  There are a couple of professors who are more lenient than others but don't expect all of them to give you a free pass.  As professors they are there to teach you, but you have to do your part and get the work done.

10.The Shock- College is nothing like High School.  If you are a freshmen keep in mind that what you are about to experience is nothing like what you just went through for the last four years.  College isn't impossible, it is just a new challenge. If you tell yourself that you can do it, you will.

Catch you next time, 


-L.U.J 

Kevin Ware

For those of you who haven't heard, this past Sunday Louisville's guard Kevin Ware suffered a horrific injury.  Kevin was running to defend a play when it happened.  As Ware leaped in the air to pressure the Duke shooter he landed awkwardly on his right leg.  Ware's landing caused his bone to break through the skin.

As text messages and tweets began to circulate, It was horrible to hear what had just happened to the 20 year old college ball player.  At first Kevin did not know his leg had suffered such a horrible incident.  Kevin was quoted saying in an interview that he thought his ankle was just hurt.  When his coach came over to check on Ware, they both realized the severity of the injury.

The actual video is quite gruesome so I chose not to post it in this post. If you want to see it you can click the link below.  I warn you, this video isn't suitable for everyone.

Kevin Warn Injury

The interview below is of Kevin Ware discussing the severity of his injury and how important it was for his team to win that game.  Doctor's say that Kevin's Injury might have been a stressed fracture that was just ignored.  For those of you who play college sports make sure to take care of your bodies.  Winning a game is important but your well being is what matters the most.

I just want to wish a speedy recovery to this brave young man.

University of Central Florida Tragedy

Early this morning The University of Central Florida had to close their campus due to a horrific accident.  A suicide had occurred on the campus leaving The  University of Central Florida in shock.  The scariest part?  The police found a handgun, assault weapon, and explosives where the student had taken his own life.

This is a horrible incident that should be handled appropriately.  When the news first broke this morning I began to think of how much something like this affects a college campus.  The atmosphere at that University must be unbearable.

It was scary to know that despite the handgun which the student took his own life with, there were other weapons found.  An assault weapon, and explosives are sure signs of a person preparing for something.  This nation has had enough senseless slaughters.

What if this student taking his own life was his way of stopping himself from harming others?
Until we hear more from this case, all we have is questions.

I made this post as a simple gesture to get people thinking.  If you see something, just say something.  Who knows if any of the three other roommates knew that this student had these weapons in his possession?  Situations like this cannot be ignored.  It is just sad that a life was lost.

If you hear or see anything suspicious contact your campus security, or even better the police.

Who knows if your voice could be what saves multiple lives.


-L.U.J

Self Actualization

In many of my previous posts I've mentioned the importance of a dream and doing what you love.  I've also mentioned how college is a place to start thinking of your future and what you want to do with it.  Obviously you're in college because you want to do something with your life but on many occasions people reach a point where they get stuck doing something just because.

With that being said I think it's time I put on a monocle and get into my psychology state of mind.




How many of you know exactly what you want to do with your life?  If you don't know what you want to do just yet, don't stress it.  There is a simple task you can do to get the motor started.   Here is what I want you to think about for a second.  If you have a goal isn't the best way of achieving it to start planning?  Surely many of you know that once out of college, real life starts but planning for the future can start anywhere.








I am a firm believer in the power of your mind.  What I mean by that is if you believe it, it will be achieved.  If you want to be successful you have to believe it.

If any of you have taken psychology, you might be familiar with Maslow's Hierarchy pyramid. To your right is an extremely well designed image of the pyramid.  The pyramid basically breaks down into five sections that describe the needs of humans.  Self-Actualization is at the top of the pyramid and some people never get there.  Self-Actualization is the highest point you can reach and it represents you accomplishing your life goals.

Many people never get there, but I promise you that the people who don't get there are the people that quit.  


We can all reach our goals but if we don't start thinking about what it is we want to accomplish now, we'll never get there!


That my friends, was food for thought. 


L.U.J 

The Greatest Classmate

Everyone has had those classmates that make or break your experience in a classroom.  Whether they are the class clowns or the annoying teacher's pet, a classmate can drive you insane or make the class that much memorable.  Here are five essentials to the greatest classmate.



5 Attributes that make a great classmate

1. Sense of Humor-  The overall environment of a classroom is what makes a class fun and enjoyable.  If you've been lucky you've had a class where there is this one joker who makes it all worth it.  Sometimes though the funny guy is also the rude and insensitive one so if you can find a funny guy without the rudeness then you are in luck. Keep an ear out for the jokes.

2. The "A" kid- I sometimes envy this student, but there is usually that one kid that always, and I mean always gets the highest grade on an assignment.  The "A" student is the one that busts their "kaboose" to get the job done.  It might be in your best interest to become friends with this person, who knows when you'll need a tutor.

Look at those curves

3.The leech- My skin just crawls when I think of this student.  You'll be a great classmate if you ARE NOT THIS STUDENT.  This is the one that comes up to you and says "Hey man did you do the homework assignment? Can I see it to see if we have the same answers?"
I was used to this in High School but man was I surprised in College.  I guarantee that you'll come across at least one of these.  What makes it worse is when the leeches are cute.  All I can think is why? You're so pretty!

4. I got you- This is my favorite! The student that you are already close with.  This is the student that has your back when you aren't there.  This is the student that takes notes for you and covers your back when you are running late for class.  These might be the most memorable because without them who knows if you would have passed the class.












5.Respectful- This might be the most important quality one would like in a classmate.  If you can respect the class you are in then you are worth being respected. Obnoxious students leave a horrible tension in the air that can cause a hostile environment.  I have had many disrespectful classmates and quite frankly they just make fools out of themselves.





-L.U.J

Importance of a Dream

Many times in college you change your mind about what you are going to study (What to major in).  One of the most important things in life is doing something you love.  There is no better feeling than achieving bliss or fulfillment.  Many people go to college just to get a degree, or to obtain a job that delivers plump checks.  What if you got all of that but were still unhappy?  Achieving happiness isn't impossible but the journey to it can prove to be exhausting.  

I like to keep a thought in mind.  When trying to reach a dream keep your eyes on the goal and forget about the obstacles.  Everyone goes through struggle and that part of life is inevitable.  The point when you  achieve a dream is what makes it all worth it.  

I found an article online that got me thinking.  Here are my top three favorite questions from the article.

1. How do you really know anything for sure?  

2. When you're 90 years old, what will matter to you the most?

3. When will you be good enough for you?  Is there some breaking point where you will accept everything about yourself?


These were some of my favorite questions from the site because they make you think about the important things in life.  When I'm 90 years old the thing that will matter to me the most  is if I achieved my goal of writing multiple books.  Even if only one person reads them,  I would feel accomplished.  

This is the link to the website, go check out the rest of the questions.
18 thought provoking questions


I'll leave you guys with this, 

"There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though everything is a miracle." -Albert Einstein

Glasses

College is all about surviving and getting through it as easily as possible.  Tips and tricks are the best way to manage the craziness that is college.  I am not sure if you guys have seen the recent commercials for Glasses.com, but they have a pretty sweet deal on glasses.  Check out the video below. 

Glasses.com  is a website where you can buy designer shades, or frames for good prices.  The point that completely convinced me was their at home trial.  You get to pick five frames and they send them to you for FREE! No cost at all, not even shipping! I was hesitant until I received the box myself.  Delivery doesn't take long at all and in no time you'll the frames you selected. Once you've selected which frames you want, just send them back and order online.  It's that simple.  

This what the box looks like once it gets delivered. 

Once opened you get to see the five frames you chose.  

These are the frames IҀm going with and I really like them. 

So if you have a chance and donҀt want to spend so much money on designer frames, check out Glasses.com

Nothing beats that free 7 day trial!

Catch you next time!

L.U.J 

Daily Hacks

There are many situations when you say you are going to do something and for some reason (procrastination) you don't.  For example, you know you have to email your group the blueprint for a very important PowerPoint and for some reason you leave it for last minute.  I'm am DEFINITELY not speaking from experience....yeah I am.

My point is that we "know" the job has to be done but there is still that mental block that stops us from doing what needs to be done.  

The solution to these blocks is to create hacks, yup, brain hacks.  The types of hacks that will feel like ordinary habits, but are essentially helping you get the job done.  If you can get it into your mind that this is a "HACK" you can pull off some great things.




5 Brain Hacks

Hydration-  I know some of you are thinking, "really? water?"  and I couldn't be more serious.  Did you know that water is good for your skin, losing weight, gaining muscle, and even improving joint movement.  So ha! take that H2O haters! (I hope there isn't an actual cult out there who hates water, that's just weird).

Breakfast-  Eating healthy starts in the brain.  "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day"  We've heard it our entire lives and anytime is the right time to start eating right.  For the last couple of weeks I've been on a mission to eat healthy and workout daily, besides Sundays Lord knows I need my break.  Eating a good breakfast gives you energy, and boosts your mood. 

My favorite breakfast is five egg whites, half an orange, two slices of wheat bread and a large cup of water, sounds good right?  

Stop Smoking-   I take pride in saying that I have never touched a cigarette or any of that "green stuff"  If you know what I mean.  Smoking is a bad habit that many people have.  We all know that the ultimate consequence of smoking is death so why not stop now?  Always remember that the battle starts from within.  If you can convince yourself that you want to live, then you'll stop smoking.  Here's a link to a website that has information on how you or anyone you know can stop smoking.  BeatingSmoking

Sleep- Oh how we love to sleep.  Snooze buttons around the world feel the wrath of the sleeping beasts we humans are.  The trick is to get just enough sleep to feel rested, and energized when you wake up.  Of course, this is easier said than done. Adults need approximately 7.5 hours of sleep, while teens need about 8 hours.   I can go some days with only four hours of sleep, but there are others where I walk around looking like an extra in "The Walking Dead".  

Brain Food-  Yes brain foods exist.  Eating right helps many things and if you feel like you're slacking when it comes to memory, energy, or even mood it might prove that your poor eating habits are to blame.  I have an entire post on "BrainFoods", go check it out! 


So there you have it, five hacks that can help any person out who needs that little pick me up.  Hope you enjoyed!

-L.U.J 

The Beauty of Amazon

I've had a couple of posts about how to use your money wisely while in college.

You can check them out HERE & HERE

College itself is expensive, so excess spending should be avoided as much as possible.

Cellphone cases are sold all over the place but some of them can set you back $30 to $50.  That is too much money for a cell phone case.

You guys are in luck, I know of a site that has great cases for cheap!

AMAZON.COM!

Alright so I'm sure all of you have heard of Amazon so online shopping isn't a surprise.

These cases can save you a load of money and I recommend that you buy your next couple of cases there.

My collection has already started!

Saving money now while in college is a great way of getting into the habit of things!
Give amazon.com a try and who knows what you'll find!

Catch you next time,

L.U.J