Cafe Victoria

I need your input. For my current research project, I am researching the transfer experience of community college students; especially those who join the Greek system at their four year college. If you are a transfer student who can related to this project, please leave a comment. If you are a transfer student, I would also like to hear how your experience was moving on to a four-year university. Here are a few questions to answer. Feel free to leave your email for follow up.

1)      Are you a commuter or do you live on campus?

2)      Why did you decide to join a fraternity or sorority?

3)      Since you have transferred, has your G.P.A. increased?

4)      What has been the biggest change since you transferred to a four-year college?

Thanks for your help!

Inspired by my fellow co-hort member Shauna’s blog.

Like

Green Tea

American Idol (I’m hooked)

Listening to music on the way to work

Journaling

Snooze button.

Hugs.

Coordinating the annual student government African American Celebration Dinner. This was the week for the dinner and it sold out! Over 225 people came out for free soul food, live theatre and great company.

Dislike

Running out of time to enjoy lunch break.

Uncomfortable shoes.

Feeling overwhelmed.

People lying.

Feeling cold.

Have you decided yet what you will give up or let go of? In my office I have a candy bowl that keeps me connected to my students. Often times, my daily highs are when a student comes in for some candy and ultimately let me know how they are doing.

During Lent, I remove the candy and replace it with tiny pictures that have a word on the back of them. I was just thinking, what is Lent really about. Is it about “giving up something” like chocolate or could it have an intention such as “let something go”?

For this Lent, I want to let go of doing more and focus on the joy happening right now.

Speaking of enjoyment, Missy took me wedding dress shopping last weekend. It was so much fun and meant a lot to me. Thanks Miss!

Trendspotting:
I just saw on Aol.com main page for Valentine’s Day, one of those candy hearts reading “text me”. I can imagine that saying Happy Valentine’s Day on your blog could be another trend in action. Happy V-Day!

Matthias and I are getting married! 8 months from today. He asked me in the middle of a labyrinth in Sonoma. One of the places we went to on our first date. I loved it. I said yes and we spent the rest of the evening walking the streets of the Sonoma Plaza. It was Christmas Day in the evening. Not a soul around. As we walked hand in hand we promised that we would reach out to each other when we needed to the most. That we would try to reach out to friends when times were tough and life was busy with work and school and we couldn’t be there in person. Most importantly, we saw how sharing our lives made all the difference in the world. Our wedding date will be Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007.

How am I doing it all?  I’m taking it one week at a time and ordering champagne when I can.

This week I begin another graduate course. This one is titled Today’s College Students. The main focus of the course is a research paper on a subgroup. My first choice is on the subgroup of Transfer Students who join Greek Life. Why or why not? I think it would be interesting to learn if Greeks consider recruiting incoming transfer students along with incoming freshman.

Today, the students I work with were in the office scrambling to finish their scholarship applications. They even asked to shorten the student government meeting so they could finish their applications. For the first time, I think the office was pretty quiet while 5 students focused on their personal essays. I wish them the best. Any student who applies for financial support will use all the help they can get. It takes a lot out of you to talk about yourself, your strengths, and why you are worthy …kind of like applying for a job. The best part is the feeling you get when you turn it in and let life takes it course. I say go for it, whatever it may be!

My 30th birthday party was a blast. I want to thank everyone who was able to make it. We all enjoyed sparkling apple cider, a few different kinds of red wine and lots of cheese. Carmen, Christine and I got our grove on when the best of the 90’s hip hop music came on over the stereo. For background music, I chose a 90’s theme. Through out the party we were all trying to remember who the artists were. My mom was a HUGE help, I could not have down with out her. She helped me clean and put all the meats and cheese trays together. The best part was she picked up 10 extra wine glasses so everyone at the party had their own glass. Thanks Mom! Here are a few of my favorite pictures. (Pictures under the cut) (more…)