Hi hi! So, while I should be studying after totally failing my math 184 quiz, I decided to take a few minutes to do a new post. Although nobody really reads it, I enjoy just writing because it lets me reflect on myself and what I've been up to. I do appreciate readers though, so don't get me wrong! :)
This week, Wednesday-Friday, is Clubs Days at UBC. The 300+ clubs offered by UBC's AMS (Alma Mater Society) set up booths in the SUB (Student Union Building) and there is quite a vast number of clubs for pretty much anything you can think of. Ethnic clubs, dance clubs, political clubs, whatever you can think of, they probably have it. After getting a little preview of some of the clubs at Imagine Day, I decided that I was going to join a few clubs. I had my mind set on a few, but I knew I wanted to join an ethnic club, a volunteering club, and then a fun club! To start off my quest to join clubs, I went searching for the UBC Romanian Club. Was I ever surprised last year when my friend told me about this! I enjoy my culture and am proud of who I am, so I decided that joining an ethnic club would be great. The UBC Romanian Club puts on tons of fun events, and you don't have to be a member to show up to them. I did become a member, but I just wanted to put that out there. After having a great performance last week of "O Noapte Furtunoasa", they're hosting an awesome event in the Elk's Hall in Port Coquitlam this Saturday to celebrate an amazing performance. There's music and such, and a great place to hang out. Although I won't be attending because Saturday is Graffiti Night at Place Vanier!, I'm sure it will be an amazing event. :)
Next, I decided to join a volunteering club. Since I will be applying for a transfer into UBC's Sauder School of Business, I needed something that will reflect well on my resume, as well as a great club to get involved in the community with. After going through all the clubs, I decided on the Children's Health Association at UBC. This is a great club where students volunteer at innercity schools to teach kids about different important topics. I am sure this will be an amazing club and I will gain so much out of it!
Then today, I went back to join a club I considered yesterday. It's called food society! You pretty much get to meet people, go to dinner, try new things, and have fun! they also have mini clubs inside of it, and one that caught my eye was a baking style mini club. So I think this will be tons of fun! I mean, who doesn't love food? :)
What I couldn't get over was the fact that UBC does not have a baking club! While there is a mini club inside food society dedicated to baking, there is no official baking club. Of course, when I get into one of those moods, I decide, well, why not start my own club! While there are lots of logistics to figure out, and paperwork to apply for the creation of a club, I feel that this would be a great thing! I'll keep you all posted on how that works out.
Now, it's off to study. I have a math assignment due tomorrow, and I have got to start working harder. I mean, you know you aren't trying hard enough when you have less homework in university than when you did in high school?
X.O.
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Friday, 16 September 2011
Experiences of a University Student.
Since it's already been, well, about 2 weeks since moving into rez here at UBC, I decided to do a little bit of an update on everything.I've learned a lot in my 2 weeks of emotional ups and downs, my days of enjoyment and the days I just wanted to go home. It may only be 2 weeks, but the experiences I have encountered so far have forever changed me. There's questions I ask myself everyday, and I think I will continue asking myself everyday, but for now, I just have to go with it.
My first two weeks were hard, to say the least. While first being ecstatic that I was going to live in rez, and in a building that was co-ed, including the floors, I thought that this was going to be the best year of my life right off the bat. Let's just say I was OH SO WRONG. I had trouble fitting in, and I have to admit, I still do. I thought that being in a building with co-ed floors would mean that it would be more fun, but I soon discovered that it was actually the single gendered floors who made the most friends. Obviously, this is something new to me, but it was weird being in a new place and being surrounded by a sea of people around campus and on my floor, but feeling so alone. I slowly felt as if everyone was making friends, getting along, and I felt trapped with my high school friends. Not that I believe that there is anything wrong with keeping my old friends, but everyone says "university is the time to make the friends that will last you a lifetime". I didn't feel that was so accurate in my case.
So, I wanted to go home. Really badly. I cried every night, felt so alone, and felt myself spiral into a bit of a sort of a depression. I didn't want to admit it, but I thought about it, "was there something wrong with me?" I sought out advice from people who have given me guidance in the past, and while they reassured me that it would take a while, I didn't feel that was true. After all, everyone was making friends, why wasn't I? As I slowly met new people, I started feeling a little better. But I still wasn't sure, I may have met new people, but were these so called students going to be my friends? I still don't have an answer to that. I've made a few friends, and I guess slowly, I will be making more. As someone said to me "not everyone make a huge group of friends from the first few weeks. It takes a while to form a meaningful group of friends that will really last you a lifetime".
So where do I stand now? I've considered switching houses, even residences, but I thought about it in the end, would it be worth it? What if I wasted all that time and the experience was the same, if not worse? Should I give up because things aren't going my way or should I work on it? I have to say that I'm going to work at it. I have to blame part of the fact I'm not making that many friends and feeling lonely on myself, because it is I who am causing my own demise in this "play" we call Residence Life. Have I started making more friends? A few. For me, it takes time. and the best way to make friends is to establish a close connection with a few people and meet friends they've made. That's how you establish yourself. While I may want to go home, I don't want to be the girl who goes back home for every problem. Family and a home is there when you need it, but I need to get out into the world and make my own connections, experiences (both good and bad), and establish a life.
So what advice do I have for the people who may be reading this feeling as if everyone says that "University is the best time of your life. You make tons of friends. You have tons of fun"?
I say that it's true. But, I don't want you to believe it will happen to you just right off the bat. Fuck, it's only been 2 weeks and I'm still working at it, and I'll probably we working at it for a long time. Here's the advice I can give:
1. Don't give up, and go home (obviously, in some cases where you are an international student, that's not possible). You're only letting yourself down, and you are not learning from your experiences. It will get better, trust me on that.
2. Find people, even if it's just one or two, who seem to feel the way you do. Although it's hard to believe, you aren't the only one who is going through what you are going through. I definitely didn't believe it, but now I do. While others didn't make friends because the people on their floor didn't talk to them, and others felt lonely even when everyone on their floor was super friendly with each other, there are other people going through the same thing.
3. Try to talk to people in your classes. While my post is geared more for people living in residence, this point is true for commuters as well. Sit next to people that seem interesting. Introduce yourself. Talk to them. Find them next class and sit with them again. It will become habit and that's just one more person you've established a connection with. Who cares if they live in another residence, off campus, whatever? You've still made a new friend.
4. Join clubs or groups that seem interesting. One regret I have this year is not rushing sororities. I use to joke around and say that it was a waste of time, for people who couldn't make friends otherwise, but that's so not true! Sororities is a great way to make a close knit group of people who you can talk to and have fun with. Just make sure you pick the right one for you; just because they're super happy and excited during the tours, doesn't mean that is how they are in day-to-day life. Research on the sorority, and pick the one you feel you see yourself as a part of. After all, you're going to be spending a lot of time with these women and they'll literally end up being "your sisters for life". Besides sororities, join clubs that interest you. You can join ethnic clubs, but you don't have to be of that ethnicity to join! Join whatever interests you, this way, you will make the most of it.
You only get one chance at university. So make it your own. Just because others are having a great experience right off the bat (or so it seems), doesn't mean you will to. You will make friends at your own pace. Take risks-otherwise, you'll always just end up doing the same routine every day. And don't give up, because I know that if I were to give up, I'd be losing a lot. Make the best of it!
I'm heading home for the weekend, so I probably won't be updating. I hope you feel a bit better after this post; after all, if anyone understands how you feel, it's me. Have an awesome weekend and make the most of every opportunity you're faced with!
My first two weeks were hard, to say the least. While first being ecstatic that I was going to live in rez, and in a building that was co-ed, including the floors, I thought that this was going to be the best year of my life right off the bat. Let's just say I was OH SO WRONG. I had trouble fitting in, and I have to admit, I still do. I thought that being in a building with co-ed floors would mean that it would be more fun, but I soon discovered that it was actually the single gendered floors who made the most friends. Obviously, this is something new to me, but it was weird being in a new place and being surrounded by a sea of people around campus and on my floor, but feeling so alone. I slowly felt as if everyone was making friends, getting along, and I felt trapped with my high school friends. Not that I believe that there is anything wrong with keeping my old friends, but everyone says "university is the time to make the friends that will last you a lifetime". I didn't feel that was so accurate in my case.
So, I wanted to go home. Really badly. I cried every night, felt so alone, and felt myself spiral into a bit of a sort of a depression. I didn't want to admit it, but I thought about it, "was there something wrong with me?" I sought out advice from people who have given me guidance in the past, and while they reassured me that it would take a while, I didn't feel that was true. After all, everyone was making friends, why wasn't I? As I slowly met new people, I started feeling a little better. But I still wasn't sure, I may have met new people, but were these so called students going to be my friends? I still don't have an answer to that. I've made a few friends, and I guess slowly, I will be making more. As someone said to me "not everyone make a huge group of friends from the first few weeks. It takes a while to form a meaningful group of friends that will really last you a lifetime".
So where do I stand now? I've considered switching houses, even residences, but I thought about it in the end, would it be worth it? What if I wasted all that time and the experience was the same, if not worse? Should I give up because things aren't going my way or should I work on it? I have to say that I'm going to work at it. I have to blame part of the fact I'm not making that many friends and feeling lonely on myself, because it is I who am causing my own demise in this "play" we call Residence Life. Have I started making more friends? A few. For me, it takes time. and the best way to make friends is to establish a close connection with a few people and meet friends they've made. That's how you establish yourself. While I may want to go home, I don't want to be the girl who goes back home for every problem. Family and a home is there when you need it, but I need to get out into the world and make my own connections, experiences (both good and bad), and establish a life.
So what advice do I have for the people who may be reading this feeling as if everyone says that "University is the best time of your life. You make tons of friends. You have tons of fun"?
I say that it's true. But, I don't want you to believe it will happen to you just right off the bat. Fuck, it's only been 2 weeks and I'm still working at it, and I'll probably we working at it for a long time. Here's the advice I can give:
1. Don't give up, and go home (obviously, in some cases where you are an international student, that's not possible). You're only letting yourself down, and you are not learning from your experiences. It will get better, trust me on that.
2. Find people, even if it's just one or two, who seem to feel the way you do. Although it's hard to believe, you aren't the only one who is going through what you are going through. I definitely didn't believe it, but now I do. While others didn't make friends because the people on their floor didn't talk to them, and others felt lonely even when everyone on their floor was super friendly with each other, there are other people going through the same thing.
3. Try to talk to people in your classes. While my post is geared more for people living in residence, this point is true for commuters as well. Sit next to people that seem interesting. Introduce yourself. Talk to them. Find them next class and sit with them again. It will become habit and that's just one more person you've established a connection with. Who cares if they live in another residence, off campus, whatever? You've still made a new friend.
4. Join clubs or groups that seem interesting. One regret I have this year is not rushing sororities. I use to joke around and say that it was a waste of time, for people who couldn't make friends otherwise, but that's so not true! Sororities is a great way to make a close knit group of people who you can talk to and have fun with. Just make sure you pick the right one for you; just because they're super happy and excited during the tours, doesn't mean that is how they are in day-to-day life. Research on the sorority, and pick the one you feel you see yourself as a part of. After all, you're going to be spending a lot of time with these women and they'll literally end up being "your sisters for life". Besides sororities, join clubs that interest you. You can join ethnic clubs, but you don't have to be of that ethnicity to join! Join whatever interests you, this way, you will make the most of it.
You only get one chance at university. So make it your own. Just because others are having a great experience right off the bat (or so it seems), doesn't mean you will to. You will make friends at your own pace. Take risks-otherwise, you'll always just end up doing the same routine every day. And don't give up, because I know that if I were to give up, I'd be losing a lot. Make the best of it!
I'm heading home for the weekend, so I probably won't be updating. I hope you feel a bit better after this post; after all, if anyone understands how you feel, it's me. Have an awesome weekend and make the most of every opportunity you're faced with!
Monday, 12 September 2011
Back in Rez and still feeling unsure.
I was so excited as Friday rolled around because I could go home! I may only live 30 minutes away (by car), but I have never been so relieved to be in my own house. Last week was....well, to put it simply, brutal for me. While I enjoyed all my classes, and think that it'll be a great year, academically, I am quite unsure about living in residence. I don't think I've ever cried so about going home before and not living here anymore.
Even as I left my family and everything to head of to Japan 4 years ago for 10 weeks, I still don't think it was as hard or brutal as living in residence is. Why? I have no frikkin' clue. I haven't made really many friends, which is probably the reason why. I can't even say I want to try because I don't really like the people on my floor. Now, that's not completely true, because there are some cool people, but most of them just aren't my kinds of people. I have some friends in totem who I'm gonna hang out with later this week hopefully, and I'm hoping it will help me branch out because that's how people get to know each other. They meet people who know other people and introduce you to them. So I'm hoping.
My mom and I talked to this weekend, and she says it takes a while to become adjusted. I don't know how true that is. I'm giving it till December...if not, I want to go home. It's just hard for me, because I do require friendship attention to feel 'fulfilled' and the fact that I'm not finding it is actually quite painful for me!
I'm gonna try and branch out. and if that doesn't work...well, i'm heading home, I guess.
Even as I left my family and everything to head of to Japan 4 years ago for 10 weeks, I still don't think it was as hard or brutal as living in residence is. Why? I have no frikkin' clue. I haven't made really many friends, which is probably the reason why. I can't even say I want to try because I don't really like the people on my floor. Now, that's not completely true, because there are some cool people, but most of them just aren't my kinds of people. I have some friends in totem who I'm gonna hang out with later this week hopefully, and I'm hoping it will help me branch out because that's how people get to know each other. They meet people who know other people and introduce you to them. So I'm hoping.
My mom and I talked to this weekend, and she says it takes a while to become adjusted. I don't know how true that is. I'm giving it till December...if not, I want to go home. It's just hard for me, because I do require friendship attention to feel 'fulfilled' and the fact that I'm not finding it is actually quite painful for me!
I'm gonna try and branch out. and if that doesn't work...well, i'm heading home, I guess.
Thursday, 8 September 2011
After the First Day of Classes...
So, I had my first classes yersterday! I started the day with MATH 184 (Differential Calculus with Social Sciences and Commerce Applications), then went on to ASTU 150 (pretty much an English course), and ended the day with ECON 101 (Principles of Microeconomics).
Math was pretty chill since we did some review on Exponential Functions, which was a bit hard to remember since I technically taught myself all of Math 12. I hope that won't hinder my success in learning Calculus... I was suppose to have a workshop this morning at 11, but there's no workshops/discussions or anything first week. so it's goood.
Then I had ASTU 150 right after Math, so I had to sprint to Buchanan which wasn't too bad. I did make it there in time. It's like a english and research class. Our topic is transgender studies...yeah, casual. The teacher is weird (just a tad...) but I think it'll be a chill class.
I had about 2 hours to spare between ASTU and Econ, so I went to the bookstore to buy a textbook and I also got a UBC hoodie! yay :)
At 12:30 today, I have Philosophy 102. Now, I did the pre-reading and I can't say if I'm gonna enjoy this class too much or not. But, I have to work hard because I need to get into commerce next year!
So, moving on from classes. I guess we can talk about rez life. First off, all I have to say is THANK GOODNESS I DID NOT GO TO MCGILL. I'm barely like 45 minutes away from home and I'm kind of homesick, let alone if I was 3700 km away in Montreal. I've gotten to make a few friends, and as I mentioned before, Fraush helped ALOT with that. I usually hang out in Okanagan house because my friend lives there. I made a few friends there, which is cool. What seems to be kind of hard is making friends on my floor. Since I last went on a rant about how I feel out of place on my floor, I can't say it's much different right now. We say hi in the hall, in the bathroom, whatever. But hanging out is just awkward. I honestly want to try, but it's a bit difficult because I'm just a bit out of place with them. Some of them are cool, while others are defs not my kind of people. I've been considering goin to the other wing and meetin some people there, but I'm kind of shy that way.
I've also tried to sit with people in the caf but I'm not super courageous like that. But, I guess I need to try harder because so far, while people say university is the best time ever and you make your life long friends there, I don't feel it yet.
I've considered branching out from my high school friends but it's hard and I don't want to push them away.
Gosh, if only this was easier...
Math was pretty chill since we did some review on Exponential Functions, which was a bit hard to remember since I technically taught myself all of Math 12. I hope that won't hinder my success in learning Calculus... I was suppose to have a workshop this morning at 11, but there's no workshops/discussions or anything first week. so it's goood.
Then I had ASTU 150 right after Math, so I had to sprint to Buchanan which wasn't too bad. I did make it there in time. It's like a english and research class. Our topic is transgender studies...yeah, casual. The teacher is weird (just a tad...) but I think it'll be a chill class.
I had about 2 hours to spare between ASTU and Econ, so I went to the bookstore to buy a textbook and I also got a UBC hoodie! yay :)
At 12:30 today, I have Philosophy 102. Now, I did the pre-reading and I can't say if I'm gonna enjoy this class too much or not. But, I have to work hard because I need to get into commerce next year!
So, moving on from classes. I guess we can talk about rez life. First off, all I have to say is THANK GOODNESS I DID NOT GO TO MCGILL. I'm barely like 45 minutes away from home and I'm kind of homesick, let alone if I was 3700 km away in Montreal. I've gotten to make a few friends, and as I mentioned before, Fraush helped ALOT with that. I usually hang out in Okanagan house because my friend lives there. I made a few friends there, which is cool. What seems to be kind of hard is making friends on my floor. Since I last went on a rant about how I feel out of place on my floor, I can't say it's much different right now. We say hi in the hall, in the bathroom, whatever. But hanging out is just awkward. I honestly want to try, but it's a bit difficult because I'm just a bit out of place with them. Some of them are cool, while others are defs not my kind of people. I've been considering goin to the other wing and meetin some people there, but I'm kind of shy that way.
I've also tried to sit with people in the caf but I'm not super courageous like that. But, I guess I need to try harder because so far, while people say university is the best time ever and you make your life long friends there, I don't feel it yet.
I've considered branching out from my high school friends but it's hard and I don't want to push them away.
Gosh, if only this was easier...
Monday, 5 September 2011
Moved In and...Unsure.
So I moved in on Saturday. It was...well, interesting. The room is pretty big, and it's not that old, so I don't mind. and I like my floor; they're not boring but they aren't super rowdy or anything either. Yet, I still feel a bit out of place. I don't know if it's just me and the way I am, but I find it hard making friends in residence. I don't really know what to say half of the time, and I feel like I'm just a tagger. So, when I left on Saturday night to go home for my sister's engagement party, I almost felt relieved. I thought it would be way easier to make friends in rez and get to know people, but it really isn't.
I went to Fraush (Arts Frosh) yesterday at the Hyatt Downtown. We were placed in groups, I was in A2, and well, I had fun. I can't say that I particularly enjoyed Fraush, like the activities themselves, but I met a lot of awesome people and I was really happy about that. I feel like it was definitely worth it just for that reason.
So, now I am back in my room at Vanier, and once again, I'm feeling out of place. I hope things get better, because I really do want to get to know ppl on my floor and have fun. My brother's girlfriend said it takes a while, but I just feel a bit blah, and kind of just want to be at home. Thank goodness I didn't leave Vancouver, I would have felt even worse!
Well, I guess that's about it. We have Imagine Day (Orientation) tomorrow and classes start on Wednesday. See you guys soon. :|
I went to Fraush (Arts Frosh) yesterday at the Hyatt Downtown. We were placed in groups, I was in A2, and well, I had fun. I can't say that I particularly enjoyed Fraush, like the activities themselves, but I met a lot of awesome people and I was really happy about that. I feel like it was definitely worth it just for that reason.
So, now I am back in my room at Vanier, and once again, I'm feeling out of place. I hope things get better, because I really do want to get to know ppl on my floor and have fun. My brother's girlfriend said it takes a while, but I just feel a bit blah, and kind of just want to be at home. Thank goodness I didn't leave Vancouver, I would have felt even worse!
Well, I guess that's about it. We have Imagine Day (Orientation) tomorrow and classes start on Wednesday. See you guys soon. :|
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