Tunnel of Oppression...

This past week I've been busy writing papers, studying for exams, putting portfolios together, and volunteering at Tunnel of Oppression.

It may seem a bit obvious, but staying in a cold room for 6 hours surrounded by graphic representations of controversial issues is a bit depressing.

Which is why I'm glad the C-store sells Ben & Jerrys.

The brain freeze I get from ice cream tends to help me to temporarily forget everything else.

I have my first final exam tommorrow- art history.

2 more weeks!

Next 2 Weeks = the Worst of the Best

I leave campus in exactly 16 days, and seem to have more than 16 days worth of work to get done.

This week starts off Tunnel of Oppression. We started building at noon on Saturday, and it hasn't stopped since. Even though I had a hand in setting it up, I still can't stand to be in any of the rooms for very long- the whole point is to stop sugar coating important issues (body image, global health, sexual assault, etc.), and as a result it can get pretty graphic.
Last year was the University's first in hosting the program to much avail- hopefully we have an even bigger turn out this time around.

I have pictures from the set up, but I'm assuming many of you could go without having these images burned into your memories for the week.

As for everything else, everything will be better after this week- 3 papers, a portfolio, and an exam is a bit overwhelming. After that I only have 2 exams to worry about- they're going to be a bit challenging, but with a week inbetween them I should be fine.

Went to the baseball game the other night when we played against Virginia Tech- it was great fun, and we even spotted Shalala every once in a while.


Afterwards was the 'Cane Carnival- long lines, but with everything free of charge, definitely worth it. =)

The 2009 Billboard Latin Music Awards

The BUC has been a busy place lately, and can now add The 2009 Billboard Latin Music Awards to its' list of recent events. Although I didn't attend, I was able to enjoy the brief fireworks show from the stairwell balcony.

pictures

This week has gone by quicker than expected- I've been keeping myself busy with finishing up portfolios, studying for exams, and making use of that gym membership while I've still got it.

Hugging!

Earth Day!

Whether you love tyedye and flowers or not, today is your day to be a hippy. At least for a little. Try to recycle something at the very least- believe me, throwing your plastic bottle into that green bin next to the trash does not require any extra energy.

The University is holding its' annual Hug the Lake (where students gather to hold hands around the lake in true hippy style), EcoFair, and much more. Free t-shirts, free food, free feel-goodness.

And look at the cute reusable Mickey tote Disney stores are giving away for free today when you bring in 3 plastic bottles to be recycled!

Classes for Next Semester

I just returned from registering for classes- perhaps a bit more successful than previous visits, but there are still a few bugs to work out.

It seems that on Mondays and Wednesdays I'll be in Graphic Design from 9:05 until 12:05. If I'm lucky and get an override into my much needed class of Intro to Photography, I'll be in that building again from 3:35 - 6:15 on the same days.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are going to be just as busy (if not worse) than they have been this semester. From 9:30 - 10:45 I'm scheduled for a history course concerning the Renaissance in Florence, then the History of Modern Art from 2:00 - 3:15, and finally Contemporary Moral Issues from 6:25 - 7:40. I've wanted CMI ever since fall semester, and I'm glad a spot has opened up. Hopefully it's worth it- I often find myself fighting for classes of these natures and then wondering why... Not that I don't love them, I'm just not a philosophy major for a reason.

The Answer You May Be Looking For...

If you're like me, you're having tremendous difficulty with all the problems financial aid forms can sum up. One of the most doom-like problems is not being able to use your parents financial information; whether they refuse to release it, can't be contacted, etc.

But fear not!
Read: How to File Your FAFSA Without Your Parents Information.

It's by no means the easy road (as this option requires a LOT of time and dedication not only on your behalf but also those handling the paperwork) but desperate times call for desperate measures. You have to take full advantage of any loop holes, seek out any rays of help, and perservere despite the long process.

I hope none of you have to deal with this, but for those who are, best of luck!

I'm Back at the U!

Being gone for a week was really weird- while it's nice to get away for just a bit, coming back just felt right.

It's getting a bit tougher to focus nowadays, seeing as I only have 3 more weeks of this semester left to plow through. These 3 weeks, however, require more focus and drive than any other- and it's not easy for me to get through in all honesty. Term papers and exams galore seem to be piling up everywhere, not to mention finding a job for over the summer, working out the kinks with financial aid, etc. etc. etc.

I guess what I'm most excited for next year (aside from living in Mahoney) is the abundance of art classes I'll (hopefully) be taking. This year it's been difficult to commit myself to them as much as I would like- however passionate I am for art, learning Calculus (or not learning...) and remembering the intricacies of holy wars takes a lot more of my time and energy than it did in high school.

I'm also excited for work next year- I love both of the jobs I have right now; they're perfect in giving me the experience I'll soon be needing and working with my crazy class schedules. Woot woot for student employment opportunities!

Hope none of you have a case of the Mondays- summer is almost here. =)

(Candy) Seder & Other Pictures

Because we could not possibly find all of the ingredients for a traditional Seder, and the celebration being hosted by Hillel was a bit long for our attention spans, my friends decided to create their own rendition of Seder- using candy. Renditions of Hebrew songs were attempted, the 4 questions were sung (more or less spoken, actually), and we all ate lots of matzo and cheese.

Other pictures for the week:

Next week I won't be on campus, which is a real shame- we've got a lot of fun stuff going on; Applause for a Cause, No Zebras "Take Back the Night" (working on sexual assault issues and helping victims), Erik Weihenmayer's presentation, Crohn's and Colitis Walk, SAE benefit concert with the Ying Yang Twins, Budget Ball, Greek Earth Day, and AIDS walk.

"It's a Required College Experience."

Denny's at 2 in the morning.

Have to do it at least once.

At least so I've heard.

Yesterday I spent my birthday going to class- not unlike many other Tuesdays, but I allowed myself a nap to make up for it.
Oh, and I had ice cream for dinner (because apparently the dining hall has decided to carry Edy's ice cream in the machines.... no arguments here).

After a difficult art history exam and just a long day in general, I decided to hang out with my friends for the night- did a bit of work here and there, but I just needed to unwind. We decided to head out to Denny's around 1 in the morning and rented a Zipcar thusly. Fortunately the Denny's is only right across the street, so we all had our heart attack inducing food in no time. Lovelyyyyy. I had never been to Denny's before- not sure how crazy I am for the food, but it was fun.

I was just informed that today there's free breakfast at said restaurant. Oy.

Next week I'll be out of the country- I don't know if I'll be able to make any blogposts (something tells me the purchase of internet where I'll be will come along with a hefty pricetag...) but feel free to message me on facebook if you have any questions / concerns.

Accepted Student Open House

It was a lot of fun to see this event from a 'Canes perspective as opposed to the accepted students. When I attended last year, I never imagined how different my life would be at this point in time- all of the things I've been able to experience, everything I've learned, and how they've changed me as a person.

Pretty corny, but pretty cool if you don't think about it for too long.

As for that orange backdrop set up for families to take pictures against?

Deadly when paired with strong gusts of wind.

More Sun, More Photos

The weather continues to be absolutely beautiful here, so my friend Adge and I decided to take advantage of it and take a stroll through a neighborhood just off campus.

As for today, I've got a bit of work to do and some meetings, but going to the pool is definitely in the near future. =)

My birthday is on Tuesday, so I'll be celebrating tonight.... and the rest of this weekend. Dinner at the melting pot, beach during Saturday, Relay for Life Saturday night, Accepted Student Open House (which yes, I think will be a LOT of fun), and lots of relaxing. =)

The Miami Herald just put out a great list of cheap things to do this weekend... check it out if you'll be in the area.

Have a good weekend!

UM Alternative Spring Break '09

These videos are of the group of students who went to Brazil with Hillel as a part of UM Alternative Break.







The soccer game looks insane.



Oh, and a note to Youtube- I don't find your April Fool's joke funny. Please stop flipping everything upside down. :-(

Shutterbug Fever

I just received my Nikon D40 in the mail the other day- it took a long time to save up for it, but it's worth every cent! I haven't been able to use it much just yet, but I took a few pictures I thought might be of interest...

:-D

Last night was full of great music, food, and performances thanks to COISO's International Week. Belly dancers, hookah, a Mariachi (I can't spell that and Google doesn't want to help me) band, and some really good food greeted all who found themselves on the UC patio.

Around 9:30 there was an advanced screening of Observe and Report; surprisingly the line wasn't as long as it usually is, but it was a great film.

Oh, it's really hot out.

I'm just bitter because I'm wearing too many layers, forgot my sunglasses this morning, and my hair does not agree with humidity levels above 0%.