Student Soundbytes

Posted: January 5, 2007

I cannot believe that we are already 5 days into the New Year and my ‘to-do list’ is already busting at the seams with things to get done this year. The past 2 weeks I spent my Christmas holiday in my home country, of Canada. It was great to go home and see family and friends which I have not seen in a very long time. On the other hand it was bitter sweet, as my sister’s godfather, Richard past away at the age of 85. He will be remembered as an amazing man, who also served in both the US and Canadian Marines.

After spending two weeks away from IPFW, I feel refreshed and re-energized to start the Spring 2007 semester off on a positive note. I am also looking forward to a trip to St. Louis, MO which I will be taking with the Upward Bound program, which is housed here at IPFW. This will be my first time to St. Louis and I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to be able to travel there with the high school students in our program.

In addition to the trip to St. Louis, I am also looking forward to the Spring 2007 semester, because it also means 4 more months until the semester is over and I can look forward to Summer weather.

Other then that, I am just enjoying the last remaining days I have left of rest and relaxation. I hope everyone had a great holiday season and I look forward to heading back to the classroom on Monday to see everyone!

Have a great weekend!

Alicia

Posted: December 6, 2006

It is hard to believe that I am finishing up my 3rd semester here at IPFW. Time sure does fly when you are having fun. I wish I had more free time available so I could commit myself to all the other great organization and events here on campus, but my schedule for now sure does limit me.

As I waited for an experiment session of PSY120, freshmen students to complete their surveys, I could not help but think that, it was not very long ago that I was a newly graduated student from high school experiencing my first semester of college life. I have learned that time flies by so fast and college life sure has been the best time by far. It is not about how many activities or events you have been apart of, but the quality of the experiences and opportunities that you have been able to be apart of. In less then two years, I will be graduating with my Bachelor’s in Psychology, and hope that I am able to pursue graduate school, so I can stay around a little bit longer and also pursue my passion for education. For most people, they cannot wait to graduate, but for me it is the complete opposite. I have met so many wonderful and inspirational people here at IPFW, that I think it would be a merely impossible task to replace them.

Marietta from International Student Services will be leaving her position at the end of this semester, which saddens me because she is such a wonderful person that is complete with so much passion and admiration for all the international students that cross her path. I wish her only the best in the future and will truly miss having such a great friend and contact for international students. I also want to thank her for all her hard work and guidance in helping me with last months Canadian Culture Break. Thank you!

With that in mind, may all those who are reading this truly embrace their college experience, as it holds so many wonderful opportunities and lasting friendships for years to come. From my Canadian family, to yours, may you have a safe and joyous holiday season! I look forward to what the Spring 2007 semester has in store for me!

Yours truly,

Alicia

Posted: November 17, 2006

I cannot believe that another semester is almost over. This semester sure has been the fastest one by far since I have been at IPFW. In the last 4 months I have been presented with so much opportunity because of IPFW – from IPFW photo shoots directed by the AWESOME Pete Nowak, to being inducted into the National Honor Society in Psychology, and yes that is me . . . being asked to be in an IPFW commercial, there has just been an endless supply of opportunity presented to me. In addition, I have also been a Research Assistant for Dr. Miller from the Psychology Department. I am so grateful for all the opportunity that has been offered to me, and I only hope that the semester ahead presents the same opportunities to get involved even further with the IPFW community.

On the other hand, the courses I have taken this semester have been the most challenging by far. Abnormal Psychology, Personality Psychology, and Stereotyping and Prejudice, and English sure have kept my studies packed with readings and assignments. I do have to say, if you are looking for an intriguing and very informative class, Abnormal Psychology with Dr. Young is a worthwhile course!

Until next time, have a great weekend!

-Alicia

Posted: July 24, 2006

I can’t believe it is almost a month until classes start back up. I don’t think I am prepared for those long nights of studying and cramming for tests, but at least I don’t have too many years of college left. . . . but then there is the thought of attending grad school and many more years of college life. 

All I can say, is time sure does fly. My younger sister will be entering the wonderful world of high school in September. She recently graduated from Ruth Thompson Middle School, in Mississauga, Ontario. A special shout out to all those ‘Riptides’! You know who you are!! Best of luck to all those who recently graduated and remember to work hard and in the end you will be rewarded with great things!! GO RUTH THOMPSON RIPTIDE! 

I know my blogs have not been anything overly interesting, but they eventually will as campus life gets back into full swing. Until then, keep cool and enjoy the sunshine!

Posted: June 8, 2006

You always hear the saying ‘right in my own backyard.’ But this time it was actually real. After reading this past weekend’s article in the Journal Gazette, I came to realize that the 17 men nabbed in Canada for terrorist acts, had lived within a 2 hour radius of my home city of Mississauga, Ontario. One man, Ahmad Ghany was from Mississauga and had resided about 5 minutes from my home. He is only 21 and attended the local public high school. Now that is FrEaKy! This past Tuesday, the hearing took place at the Brampton County Courthouse, which was located around the corner from the college I had graduated from in June of 2005. With all this information, it is safe to say that there were ‘home-grown’ terrorists in my very own backyard! After hearing of these arrests in Canada, no one person or country is safe from terrorism. We are all at risk of seeing these evil and deadly acts in any country, other then just the United States. I believe that if these men were not caught they would have committed damage that could be almost comparable in magnitude to that of 9-11. Toronto is such a close nit city continuously buzzing with citizens and tourists. This is just a lesson in that you can never be too cautious of the people around you and your surroundings. With this news, I hope that these evil and corruptive people will be caught and punished in order to put an end to this evil kind of behavior.

Posted: May 18, 2006

This past weekend I went to Windsor, which is just across the river from Detroit, MI to meet the most important women in my life, my mom, grandma, and sister for a Mother’s Day weekend getaway! Just the ladies!! I had this huge urge to try my luck at the casino, but unfortunately I lost $45 trying my luck at the slots. Oh well, better luck next time! The weather was crummy as I am well aware that everyone besides myself has started to notice. I have never seen so much rain my life. But the rain didn’t put a damper on my weekend, it was a great weekend overall. Gambling, eating at fancy restaurants, hanging out at the hotels pool and spa, shopping, shopping, and more shopping. It was the perfect girl’s getaway! Let’s just say Windsor is a major hot spot for partying and bachlorette parties! I also found out over the weekend that I kicked but this past semester and got ‘Semester Honors’ which was awesome news and also made my mom’s Mother’s Day even better! Other then that it was a nice weekend to get out of Ft. Wayne and enjoy the company of my family! 

For all those who are currently taking summer classes, study hard and don’t forget to leave some room for enjoy the sunshine (that’s if this rain ever goes away!). 

See ya later!

Posted: May 8, 2006

This blog will be short and sweet for this week all because of the fact that I want to dedicate this one to Pete Nowak of the IPFW University Relations and Communications Department. “Hello Pete!” He has been the mastermind behind the IPFW photo shoots and has provided the IPFW community with all those amazing photos you see around campus, on the website, and other general publications advertising IPFW. He has also helped with the designing of the new IPFW Student Soundbytes webpage that you are currently reading. Pete has dedicated a tremendous amount of time and effort to ensure that the IPFW community is depicted in a positive and beautiful manner and also showcases what a great school IPFW truly is. On behalf of all the Student Soundbyte members and the photo shoot models THANK YOU PETE FOR A GREAT YEAR AND ALL YOUR HARD WORK TO MAKE US LOOK LIKE STARS IN OUR PHOTOS!!! LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE NEXT PHOTO SHOOT! 

Posted: May 03, 2006

This passed weekend I decided to watch a few movies. The first one I saw was The Sentinel. I thoroughly enjoyed it, probably because half of the movie was filmed in Toronto, Canada. Very exciting, eh! I think over all I would give it two thumbs up just because it was partially filmed in Canada and gave a beautiful depiction of how beautiful the city of Toronto is.

The main movie I wanted to see was United 93, as we are all aware it was the movie based on the tragic events that took place on September 11th, 2001. There was recently a documentary on television based on the plane that crashed into the farmer’s field, title ‘Flight 93’. After seeing this documentary I was very eager to see the movie that came out in theaters this past weekend. I remember reading an article about an elderly couple who decided to purchase their tickets in advance for fear that the show would be sold out. To their surprise, the theater was less then half full at a local theater here in Ft. Wayne.

There has been so much hype about this movie and whether or not it was too soon to release such a movie. After seeing the movie, I came to realize that this movie was a documentary of a tragic event that took place in history. Although it has only been 5 years since 9-11, in 20, 30, 40 plus years it will be one of those movies that remind of us someone of the tragic occurrences that took place. Although the only difference with this movie, is that it affected the American people and has been only a few short years since it occurred.

Movies about the Nazi-Jews, Pearl Harbor, Titanic, and slavery in the South were not related to terrorism, like United 93 was based upon, but all sum up tragic events that millions of people had to go through, and further reminds us of how fortunate we are to be alive.

I am not an American citizen, but living not too far from the U.S. – Canadian border, we too had those images of that tragic day playing within our minds for everyday that followed thereafter 9-11. I think irregardless of where one comes from, any true human being felt the emotional and agonizing impact that 9-11 left on the world and still to this day are reminded of how the events of one day further changed the world and people’s perspectives on life.

The documentary on television and the movie United 93 were very similar in context, although we may never know the exact events that folded on the plane as it was being taken over, but one can only imagine that the fear instilled within the crew and passengers was much greater then depicted in the film then we will ever be able to comprehend.

I end here with one last final note: to all those who are opposed to seeing the movie, perhaps taking an hour and half to watch it will give you a greater appreciation of the men and women that fought for their lives and their country to save another plane from crashing into another building and killing thousands of innocent people.

Posted: April 27, 2006

Most Importantly . . .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPYBIRTHDAY Dear Mom, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! Bonne Feta! Eh! I just wantedto wish my mom back in Canada a very Happy 21 st Birthday! *Never reveal your mom’s true age she might just stop sending you gas money . . . don’t want that!*

Like I said last week, I cannot believe that this is the final week of classes, time sure does fly when you are having fun! I am even more thrilled because I only have to write two exams next week. Woohoo!eh!

I am looking forward to summer break. I have it all planned out. You will be sure to find me on campus working at the Walb Student Union Building. The one thing I am most looking forward to is going to Indiana Sand Dunes State Park. If you have yet to go there, I highly recommend it. There are several dunes covered in white sand and a beautiful beach that you just want to lay out on and bask in the nice warm sun! It is about 2 hours from Ft. Wayne, but definitely worth the drive. So when you are wondering what to do with yourself during the summer, perhaps you will try out the Indiana Dunes.

Well today has been one of those days, firstly I was cell phoneless, then my car battery died on me which forced me to miss class and work, but by the end of the day it all worked out, but I am just mentally exhausted, so I think I will end it here for now! To my fellow IPFW students, best of luck with your exams and have a great summer!

*Special shout out to my fellow co-worker, Andreas . . . . “I told you I would mention you in my blog!!”

Have a great last week of classes everyone and enjoyable weekend!! :0)

Posted: April 18, 2006

Time sure does fly when you are having fun! I cannot believe that it is already less then three weeks until the end of the semester. My first year here at IPFW has goneby so fast and sure has been a blast! I cannot begin to explain the world of endlessopportunities that I have found myself within. Prior to coming to IPFW, I could not imagine how much fun I was going to have or the many activities that I would getinvolved in. I have formed several life long friendships with so many of my fellowstudents that have not only taught me a few things about their culture but have further enriched my experiences here at IPFW. All I can say is that if you want to make the most of your college years . . . network, network, and network!! No I don’t mean in a technological sense, but more so to get involved with opportunities provided by IPFW and you will be amazed to see how many unique and amazing people there are on campus; both students and faculty alike. From working at the Walb Student Union Building to CASA, being apart of IPFW photo shoots and Student Soundbytes, to being the newest member of the IPFW Water Ski & Wakeboard Team, and of course keeping up with my studies in Psychology, it just goes to show that there is no shortage of activities on campus to get involved in! With less then 2 weeks before final exams, I should make this short so I can hit the books. (Not literally!) I just want to thank all thosewho have enriched my experience here at IPFW and for all the opportunities I have been provided with! Until next time, good luck on your exam studying and have a great week! If you find the need to release some stress, the IPFW Men’s Volleyball team sure knows how to kick some butt!! Go to a game and find out for yourself what I am talking about!

Posted: January 7, 2006

It has been five months since the big day. No I didn’t get married or win the lottery, which I wish I did, because if I did I would not be sitting here getting ready to take you into an in depth look at the events that have enfolded over the last five months of my life. No offence. I hope the events that occurred most recently in my life will give you an insight to what it is like being an International Student leaving their home country to travel to a place that may seem very much the same, but to my experience and recent observation is not.

It has been three weeks, two day, twelve hours, thirteen minutes, and twenty-two seconds that I have been on American soil. Okay, perhaps I may be off a little in terms of the minutes and seconds, but lets just say that the last few weeks have been very interesting and educational to my surprise.

It was a sweltering and hot, but sunny Friday afternoon when I took my last steps down the walkway to my car to load up the final box consisting of the usual, clothes, clothes, and well might I say more clothes. Being the true Canadian girl that I am knows first hand that you can never have too many clothes. That is warm clothes I might add. I am used to winters that are forty below, not counting the added wind chill factor. I know what you must be thinking now, where are this girls academic priorities? Do not worry, buried beneath all the warm flannel and cotton was of course, the essentials needed for success in university, my computer and lots of paper and pens.

As the kilometers went from triple digits to double digits then of course the moment I reached the sign that said “Bridge to U.S.A. 7km”, the anxiety grew deeper and deeper. The line up, as expected seemed almost longer then the C.N. Tower to reach the customs booths. What seemed like eternity only lasted about 10 minutes or so. I am not one for going through customs. I don’t have anything to hide, but just the questions and searching and the added feeling of being guilty for nothing just makes it a very unpleasant situation. Everyone told me I would be fine and of course, as always they were right. I was well aware ahead of time of the procedures for making my first trip down as a student from Canada. And of course, being the ‘worry-ward’ that I am, I had worried for nothing. Let’s just say getting my paperwork finalized was like a ‘peace of cake.’ The customs officer that served me was a real joker. Who would of thought, I was expecting some serious, robotic like person. But I got the exact opposite. Thank goodness for that.

As I spent the days prior to the start of school relaxing and preparing for the next few years ahead of me filled with lots of work and agonizing nights studying, I also learned a few things about the American culture that differ from the Canadian culture. Nothing big or drastic, but now that I look back, I guess you could say it was quite amusing, considering that you are on the outside looking in.

To my experience I have come to realize that the ‘washroom’ is not a 'washroom’, but rather ‘the restroom’ or in my case ‘the ladies room’. I remember the first time I was sitting at the Olive Garden and I had that sudden urge to have to go to the ‘washroom’. Let’s just say I learned a lot by going to the restaurant for dinner that night. Here I was referring to the ‘restroom’ as American’s call it in my Canadian terminology and having the waiter stare at me as if I were from Planet Mars. As several seconds passed by I quickly searched for the words, and to my luck I was on my way to use ‘the ladies room’. Phew.

Over the last few weeks, as I drive around getting acquainted with my directions in Ft. Wayne, I began to grow a deep admiration towards the person who came up with the idea to have green turning arrows at every intersection I have come to. In Canada, we call them ‘advanced green lights.’ These are only placed at the very busiest of intersections or where there is a high accident rate occurring from driver’s trying to make left turns. I might just put in a proposal to the Ontario Government to implement the use of these arrows at every intersection. I personally think it is very ‘safe’ concept.

The day finally arrived. It was 8:22am as I made my journey to the IPFW campus. The drive to school lasted about 13 minutes in duration, but the drive to get onto school premises, while let me just say that seemed to take forever. I finally put the car in ‘park’grabbed my knapsack and made my way to my first class, COMM 114. It did not take long to notice the school spirit. Everywhere you looked there were flashes of school colors, t-shirts bearing IPFW, Purdue or IU logos. At that point I knew I was at the rightplace.

If one thing is for sure, I definitely took notice of the vast amount of school spirit and pride that lingers amongst the school grounds. I am most proud of the fact that I am living out one of my goals, that is to not only attend university after attending a Canadian college, but to be doing it in a place that both students and faculty are proud to be apart of the same great name – Indiana University – Purdue University Ft. Wayne.

Posted: January 31, 2006

It is the beginning of so many things. And with that in mind the beginning can provide a fresh, enthusiastic opportunity to start something new. The most common of all a New Year’s Resolution. You may be wondering what I am trying to get at. But let’s just say that it all stems from my very first day here at IPFW.

Perhaps leaving twenty minutes ahead of my usual departure time would provide an adequate amount of time to get to school with time to spare. The average amount of time to get to school is 10 minutes on a normal day. I had good intentions of being an extra twenty minutes early. Firstly, finding my classes and setting a good impression with my first teacher of that particular morning, by demonstrating my eagerness to be a student who is promptly on time, if not early in most cases. Let’s just say, I was in for a rude awakening on the August morning. I guess being new to the school, I was unaware of the extra thirty minutes that I should have added onto my morning schedule in order to actually getting on campus, let alone find parking.

As my second semester began only a few weeks ago, I came to realize the same thing I noticed back in August. No matter how early you leave in the morning, you will still be presented with a very long line up of cars creeping their way through the treets of IPFW to find parking.

I am sure you can all relate to me in regards to the amount of time it takes to get on campus and find a parking spot. We have all seen it! It is like we are all playing a game of ‘bumper cars’ or are in some sort of race to find the best parking spot irregardless of what it takes.

It is obvious to tell what my pet peeve is regarding IPFW. That is the campus parking. Now I can move onto how my pet peeve and having a New Year’s Resolution tie into one another.

Alright. Here I go. The majority of us have the idea that we are going to get in shape or loose those few added pounds we have gained from the campus food we tend to consume as we rush from one class to the next or from school to work. I have come up with an idea to solve this dilemma as well as to hopefully rid the campus of the major pile ups that are caused by the majority of IPFW students attempting to find the parking spot that reduces the amount of walking they have to do to get to their classes. First let me mention that this is not ‘rocket science,’ nor is it an overly complex idea. It’s just some plain old common sense.

There are plenty of parking sections located on campus. But it seems to be that the ones on the far end of the campus, that is the parking garage located near the Walb Student Union Building and Gates Sports Center, are seldom packed to their maximum capacity with cars. I am sure those of you that are reading this who do in fact park in these spaces, including myself, are thinking that is not a bad thing because it reduces the risk of accident and dents and dings to our cars. Thank goodness for dent resistant Saturn vehicles. Need I say more? But I think we need to look out for the remainder of our fellow IPFW students.

I am sure you are also wondering when will she ever get to her main point of this article. Well you can be rest assured now that I am getting to it at this very minute. Okay firstly, just think of all the time you would save looking for the ‘so-called’ best spot located near Kettler Hall or the Technology buildings. I can say from experience that I save more time parking far away in the garage located near the Walb Student Union Building, then remaining in my car and driving up and down the aisles of the Kettler parking lot looking for a prime spot. Secondly, if half us chose to park further away this would eliminate the long lines of cars waiting to turn into the campus from the main streets as well as the long line up of cars that tends to form rather quickly from those waiting to turn into the parking sections.

I decided to save the most important point for last. This is for all of you who are trying to find a way to get a little more active ( no I do not mean sexually either) and loose an extra pound or two. Okie dokie, and here for the grand finale is the most important point I want to make. Parking far away can serve as a very important factor for those of you striving to get in shape. Just think of all the extra mileage your feet will get walking to class from the furthest parking spot on campus.

See, who said walking was bad for you after all? Now, tomorrow morning when you are sitting in your car and you are at the brink of your patience and wanting to give the guy ahead of you the middle finger for being so slow, stop and think about what you just read the day before. Chances of you being parked fast, loosing a few extra pounds, and getting to class before the idiot in front of you seem far better then those of the idiot in front of you responding with grace to the finger you so eagerly want to give to him.

So over the next week, perhaps my car will start to see some company in that not so distant parking garage that it once was thought of to be. Until next week, keep your fingers to yourself and best of luck reaching your New Year’s Resolution.

Posted: January 17, 2006

To all my fellow, Canadian IPFW students, I am sure we can all agree that Canada’s January 23rd election was a historical turning point. After 13 consecutive years in power and Canadians rushing to the polls for the 39th election in Canadian history, the Conservatives finally defeated the Liberals.

The Liberals have always been in favor by the majority of Canadians, but it is time to finally reveal the true Canada that once was before being corrupted by such a vindictive and corrupt ruling party; the Liberals. Steven Harper’s Conservative insists change in order to improve Canada as a whole, including it’s citizens, standard of living, and most importantly it’s relationship with our friends to the south, the United States.

The Conservative government is still considered a minority government, because they had to win 155 seats in order to be considered a majority government. Despite this minor set back, they still surpassed the Liberals, winning a 124 seats compared to the 103 won by the Liberals. This victory will still bring about change to Canada including changes to health care, decreasing taxes, strengthening our support for the U.S. lead war in Iraq and assisting the U.S. in increased border security, which includes joining in on the fight on terrorism and the issue of illegal guns between the two countries.

Steven Harper’s Conservative views will allow the true Canadian facet to be unveiled and allow Canada the opportunity to redeem them selves from the corruptionthat plagued them from being overrun by a Liberal majority government.

To those who believe that Canada lacked in credibility, perhaps this change in government will provide you with a new perspective on Canada and it’s ‘hockey-crazed’ citizens. All I can say is, ‘Auvoir Paul Martin, Bonjour Steven Harper!’