Final Project

I did not find the final project to be very easy. I think I know who I am, and I think I know what I want to do, but of course, I'm not sure. It's hard to describe the changes I've made and how they have affected me. A few of the things that I stated in my presentation that I believe I have changed were my study habits, how I manage my time, and the social changes I've had to make. Coming here and being involved in all that I have been, was a very tough transition. Being here has only helped to solidify the decision that I have made in being a music major. I love the environment and the people here. Everything that I am surrounded by challenges me to be a better person and student. My competitive nature has started to push me to be better in all that I do here. I did not really mention in my presentation where I want to be in the future. Whether I am a music therapist or teacher or whatever else may come up, I just hope I am involved in music. I want to be successful in all that I do, and I know that being here at Converse will only help me to reach that goal.

A new tradition

It's really tough to try and start a new tradition at Converse. These sort of things just kind of happen and it definitely is not intentional. But, if I have to think of something I would like to imagine a powderpuff team at Converse that plays more often than just 1889 week. Us fresman that played last weekend had such a good time, both in playing and getting ready for the game. Not only that, but we were pretty good. If there was someway to create a league at school where we play other powderpuff teams from different schools or even teams from our own school, that would be a new tradition I could deal with. We could play every few weekends and make a big tournament out of it. This would be a way to get everyone involved, that is willing to play of course, and a great way to get to know your classmates. There is nothing like winning a game to really bond with new friends. This may just be something worth working into the traditions here at school.

My Music Pick-me-ups

I'm definitely not one of the musicians that listens to classical music all day, everyday. That's definitely not me. Don't get my wrong, I do enjoy it, but every once in a while I must escape from the norm, and find peace. I'll begin by saying that I usually enjoy alternative music. On satellite radio my favorite station is Alt nation, and they play basically everything that I enjoy. A few favorite bands include; Muse, Death Cab for cutie, Vampire Weekend, Black Keys, White Stripes, and The Beatles, even though they do not fit in this genre. On a day where I'm down, and completely stressed, Vampire weekend is a great pick-me-up. COUSINS! Definitely my favorite song on Contra, their Album. For a long drive or run, Death Cab for Cutie is definitely my choice. For a day where I just feel on top of the world, Muse is always good. I won't lie, I usually find myself attempting to conduct these songs while I listen, but that's just the musician in me.

Everyone can find solace in music, and in all types of music. The key is finding what really works for you and always exploring new boundaries. The music world is huge, and there are always new songs and bands to find.

Drinking Age Change

     Obviously, the drinking age has been an issue for years now. Some people want it younger, others want it older, it's really hard to please everyone. I know when my mom was in college she could drink at 18. Soliders can drink at 18. It's a tough call to make. I feel like I am responsible enough to know my limits regarding alcohol and know how to control myself, and I'm sure that others feel the same. However, a lot of 18 year olds do not know how to control themselves and involving alcohol could cause pure chaos.
     There is something to be said about the drinking age being 21. Usually by 21, you're almost out of school, and if not, you know the ropes. If you're not in school you more than likely have a job or are doing something to support yourself. There is a huge maturity difference between and 18 year old and a 21 year old. Giving alcohol to an 18 year old fresh out of high school just is not a good idea. We really don't know our limits and no college freshman or young person just getting a job needs the temptation of alcohol. Basically, I feel like the drinking age should remain at 21. Giving people time to learn how they will live the rest of their lives, and how they will survive, is something that creates a lot of stress. Allowing them to turn to alcohol would just be a bad idea. People need time to adjust and learn what their live will hold before they can drink. No one will ever agree on what the appropriate age for drinking is, but for now I am content.

Finding Your Flock

Firstly, I really appreciated what Sarah and Tori had to say to our class. They were both honest, and even though it was a bit intimidating, it was honest and real. I know I came into college thinking that I would handle just like I did high school, because I breezed right on through high school and I was able to juggle multiple things at once. Had I known then what I've learned so far, I would have thought a bit more wisely.

     If I were to be asked to speak to a group of freshman knowing only what I know now, I would have a mouthful. I would begin with telling them to go on and throw the idea of music in college being as simple as it may have been in high school out of the window. I was not ready for the challenge that music would provide for me. The classes in themselves are difficult and time consuming, and let's not even discuss how many hours of practice you have to commit. I would also warn them of the dreaded time management, my main struggle. You must learn to manage your time wisely and prioritize. Social life can be put aside for the week and all of your time needs to be dedicated to doing your work and practice. Being an athlete and also a Cello player, I have learned how crucial time management can be. Use a planner! That has saved my grade more than once already. I would end by saying that you always have to be prepared for what college may have in store for you, and of course enjoy yourself. Don't let the stress overcome you. College is manageable.

Time Management

            My senior year in high school, I took four classes at Upstate; Biology, English 102, and US history 105 and 106. So during that time, I had only two classes each semester to prepare for and complete work for. I was extremely delusional coming into converse as a music major/athlete thinking that my experience here would be just as simple as it was at Upstate.

            Daily, I struggle finding enough time to practice, study, go to classes, go to soccer, and even to sleep. I realize that I have a few things that I could sacrifice. My naptime during the day should probably be the first to go. I am required as an athlete to complete eight hours of study hall a week and trying to do that and nap and all of the other things I have to do just will not work anymore. Secondly, I could probably sacrifice a little more time with friends. During the weekend, instead of going to see friends and spending time with them, I could commit a few hours to practice time and to studying.

            Being a college student is no easy task. Finding time to complete everything that I have to do is really difficult. If the day was composed of 30 hours it may be a little easier. And if I did not have to fight the urge to sleep I could get everything done with no problem! Time management will be my key to success this year, and as soon as I can figure out how to accomplish that, I will be golden.

Blog 1

     Obviously, making the decision to attend college is an extremely difficult and strenuous one. The pressure from your peers and parents also add that extra bit of stress. My mom attended Wofford and was a biology major and my father attend Pfieffer college on a full-ride for wrestling. They clearly expected for me to follow in their footsteps, and hoping to be successful not only for myself but also for them, led me to college. Not only do I want to be the best that I can be and be as successful as I know I can be, I want to get the kind of education that will allow for that. Which leads to the next question of why I chose Converse. Being an athlete and also a musician made choosing a college where I could do both a little tough. I wanted to go somewhere that would allow me to pursue a music degree from a great college and also let me play soccer for a school that was able to give me a scholarship. Turning down athletic, music, and academic money is not an easy decision to make. Thus, I am at Converse. I studied under the wise direction of Mr. Law as soon as I started 8th grade. He has opened my eyes to so many wonderful things about music and has also been the inspiration that led me to choosing Music as my major. He makes playing cello look simple and pleasurable, and also shows the kind of passion that I strive to have. I know that choosing music for my major was a daunting decision to make and will require tons of work and practice, but I look forward to living in Blackman and the final results that it will provide. Lastly, the obvious decision in the question of sandwiches or cereal is quite clearly cereal. How could I possibly give up Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or Trix. No way. And eating cereal for three meals a day sounds perfectly fine to me.