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.