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. =)

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%.

The REAL College Experience... Part 1

I got a message asking me to truthfully evaluate the U- beyond the brochures and website.

It reminds me of a poster we have hanging up in one of the offices-

It makes me laugh each time I see it- mainly because it's so true. The poster, as well as the message, give me a great chance to tell you what to REALLY expect. I'll answer it in parts, because the questions bring up many layers that should be given the chance to answer fully.

Let us begin with the beginning... seems like the obvious thing to do, right?

"so the website and the welcome guides can say what they want, but it's basically the same thing everyone else says: our college is nice, kids have fun, come here.if you wouldn't mind, could you please tell me what the truth about the university of miami is? the stuff that they don't put in the brochures?"

I wanted the same kind of information when I was debating whether to go to UM or UF- sometimes it's difficult to evaluate what kind of experience you'll really have.  Quite honestly, I hated receiving those sugar-coated answers; they're generic and are always in the confines of being politically correct.

Just some starting points:

- One of the main points that is pushed about the U is how diverse the student population; and this is true.... in some senses.  We have students from various US states and many other countries, but it's mainly white-collar students (as opposed to blue-collared).  At first I thought this would have a big impact, but in the end the only thing it changes is how much of the cab fare you have to pay when with some friends.  I'll admit that it was a bit of a culture shock to me when I saw girls spending $150 on flip flops every other weekend, but everything is a learning experience.

- On a related note.... it's expensive here, regardless of scholarships.  Books, supplies, food, and fun all cost money at some point in time.  I've come to find that being able to budget yourself is very important.  This may be why I work two jobs.

- People here really do have a general crush on President Shalala- I know I'm not speaking for myself, because everyone stops and stares and pretty much bows down in front of her when they are graced with her presence.

- This school DOES offer challenging classes; that's why it's ranked higher than many others. Just be aware that a 101 class is definitly easier than a 232.... and sometimes easier isn't always better. Figure out where you belong, and you'll enjoy the academic side (yes, it does exist) to this college business much more.

That should get us off to a good start.

And if you were wondering-

As for the frisbee throwing that you so often see in various college ads,

that actually does happen.

Frequently.

Oh Yeah? Hecht Yeah!

So, as expected, Hecht won Sportsfest for the 8th year in a row. It was an absolute blast, and I feel sorry for the few who decided to stay cooped up in their dorms over the weekend. Overall, my floor won 4th place out of the female teams, just 15 points behind 3rd! Our RA and AF helped us Captains keep everything in order, while all of Hecht worked together so as not to forfeit any games. With the exception of a couple minutes of light rain, the weather was perfect. I can't wait for next year's games. :-)

Our fierce Wallyball team- 1st place champs!

the team t-shirt I designed with the help of Bambi's feathered friends

our kick-butt basketball team- we made it to semi-finals!

Me and Auntie Bird (My AF, but we're swallows, get it?)

that boombox helped keep up the spirit all weekend long, especially during the probability defying tug-of-war

our banner won 1st place!

some of the team with Sebastian

Spreading School Spirit

It's fun to do with friends!

...even if you look a bit silly doing it.

This Could Be You!

To give you a better idea as to what living in Hecht offers students, I've posted one of the weekly emails sent to those who live in the two Hecht towers (McDonald and- the best- Pentland)

HECHT HAPPENINGS

A weekly e-mail update for Hecht Residents about what is happening in Hecht!

MONDAY NOVEMBER 17TH

HECHT COFFEE HOUSE

One of Hecht’s most popular programs!

8pm in Vince’s Apt.

Free coffee & snacks, casual entertainment provided by YOU!

Singing, Dancing, Poetry Reading, Piano, Comedy

Sign your act up at the front desk today!

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 18TH

ARSHT ETHICS DEBATE INFORMATION SESSION

7pm in the Hecht Classroom

Want to compete for Hecht in the Arsht Ethics Debate 2009?

Stop by this information session and find out more!

(The Ethics Debate is part of Sportsfest 2009)*

*One of the most anticipated events each year is Sportsfest, which is an event hosted by the Wellness Center in order to promote community among residents. Generally, teams are chosen by floor in each building. Some teams have notorious reputations in Sportsfest activities (you may want to note that Hecht kicks Stanford's butt in ALL activities). Activities to participate in are: flag football, soccer, vollyball, mystery event, water polo and tennis, just to name a few.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 22ND

HCC* TRIP TO SEE THE MIAMI HEAT vs. THE INDIANA PACERS

ONLY $5!

Sign up today at the Hecht Front Desk

(only spots on the waiting list remaining)

If you have signed up but have not paid your deposit you will be moved to the waiting list and your spot will be given to someone willing to pay.

Meet in the Hecht Lobby at 6pm on the 22nd. Transportation to and from the game provided.

*HCC (Hecht College Council) is comprised of elected students (President, Vice-President, Secretary, etc.) and floor representatives (chosen by their respective floor). It meets weekly to decide upon events for Hecht students, decorations for the lobby, and to voice the questions of their peers.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23RD

Want to get involved in serving the Miami community this Thanksgiving season?

Join us from 2:30-6pm for a day of service working with the children from Community Partnerships for the Homeless.

Hecht will be heading out to give back to our neighborhood by spending some quality time with a great group of kids that need U!

Sign up at the front desk NOW to join us on Sunday Nov. 23rd.

Transportation to and from the event will be provided.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 27TH

STAYING IN TOWN FOR THANKSGIVING?

JOIN HECHT FOR A CASUAL THANKSGIVING MEAL OR JUST GRAB SOME FOOD AND TAKE IT WITH YOU!

1:30PM IN VINCE’S APT.

Message from the ACAR: If you have any questions or concerns about your academic path, please send me an email at hechtadvising@miami.edu or stop by the ACAR office today!

Sarah Barker, Academic and Career Advisor in Residence

Message from the AFs*: Feel free to find us whenever you have questions or concerns about your classes. Have a great week!

Brittny, Dan, Jeremy, Mike, Michelle, Reem, Stephanie, and Tim

*AF's (or Academic Fellows) are sophomores who live on some of the freshmen floors. They are there to help you with any questions you may have concerning your classes, schedule, and the stresses that go along with being a college student. They often work with RA's or other AF's to put on special programs.

FOR MORE RESOURCES, INFORMATION & UPDATES ABOUT

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HECHT,

VISIT THE HECHT WEBSITE AT …

hecht.miami.edu