The End is Near…

Well…the end of the semester, that is.

I can’t believe how quickly it’s all gone by! Seems like just last week that it was January and I was getting to know all my Spring semester professors. Wowee. Monday is the last day of classes so it is really crunch time. I am proud to say that my research assistant position ended yesterday. I learned SO MUCH. Research is a crazy crazy world filled with good times and bad. If anything though, I think I have decided that research is not for me. I’m so glad to have an the experience but I think I want to work more one-on-one with people in a non-study setting. If you ever have the chance to do research or anything like that extra stuff outside of the classroom, DO IT. You’ll learn so much and gain more networking experience. You’ll also learn more about what you really love and what you don’t so much. Even if it sounds like something you wouldn’t be interested in, check it out…you never know!

So, as it is crunch time, there has been little fun time. That’s the be expected though…I have three papers due on Monday (ahhhh!!!!). Luckily, having so many papers means I only have 3 final exams. Which is a bit of a relief! This has been such a crazy and busy semester. I’m proud of myself but I am pooped.

Here’s to hoping I can catch a nap before working on one of my papers tonight…cheers and good luck studying!

 

Oh, hello

Ok…can we just talk about how much I LOVE fishing shows? Yeah, I’m all over those.

Sorry, had to get that off my chest.

Anyhoo! So, the semester is winding down but really, it just feels like it’s winding up and getting crazier. Because. Ya know. It is. So many papers and final presentations to get together! It’s a wonder I’m still alive. But along with papers and school work, I have managed to sneak in some fun. Can you guess how? (hint hint look at every other Owl’s blog!!) The answer: SPRING FLING!

Ok, now you’re probably thinking, um….Shireen…we already saw this. Everyone else posted the same thing.

But then I say, UM NO, MY EXPERIENCE WAS DIFFERENT.

I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned this before, but I am the recruitment and fundraising officer for Temple University’s Fencing Club. Yes, we are an official sports club. That said, we are super chill…but super AWESOME. We travel around the east coast and compete with schools all around but our practices are relaxed and fun. Anyway! If you’re reading this as an incoming freshman and you’re interested, feel free to ask any questions! No experience necessary, and all are welcome!

Ok, so that’s pretty much all I did with Spring Fling yesterday. Manned the table and recruited new members. It’s always fun though!

This picture is of our table in the setting-up stages. It was kind of cloudy at that time, but later on we got a lot of sun! And a LOT of people interested in fencing! Cool beans!

I also walked around to soak up the Spring Flingy-ness. So much going on! Inflatables, prizes, raffles…so much stuff! Here’s a picture of my bff and fencing-partner-in-crime, Katie and I with folks our fellow sports club, the Equestrian Club!

Oh, many fun times are to be had at Spring Fling. If you come to Temple, you can join in the fun! Definitely one of the best days on campus.

Well, that’s all for now I guess….Fish on, fish on!

Shireen

Snowy Day

Oh boy…spring, where did you go?

You were here for one day…and then poof! Gone!

As much as I love snow (being from super up North, it’s my thing), I really don’t like what we are having today. Come one Philly! It’s slushing! Not very pleasant. I cannot emphasize enough to make sure you have a pair of good quality rain or waterproof shoes and a decent umbrella. Apparently though, I still haven’t learned this. Being the thrifty and resourceful college student that I am, I prepared myself today by wrapping my feet in seran wrap and two pairs of socks.

Ok, only slightly pathetic.

I, Shireen, promise to go rain boot shopping….in the near future.

Please hold me to it.

Otherwise, despite having toes that ensemble white raisins, today has been your typical rainy day. Coffee was needed and now I’m curled up in bed with my fuzzy blanket watching Airplane Disasters. What a life! Well, I won’t bore you with any more details of my rainy day. Go grab a cup of Starbucks and do your best to stay dry. Preferably with a cuddle buddy or a furry companion of sorts. I’m settling with my stuffed dog that I made in sixth grade…his name is Doggy.

Breathe Time

Wait….what is that? I’ve practically forgotten.

Between classes, projects, papers, research stuff, and tour guiding…who has time for that?

Well, to quote someone from a very long time ago in my life, if you don’t have time, make it. I tend to have a personal rule about not doing homework after 9 PM. I know that sounds super high-schooly and you’re probably like, “um…aren’t you a college student?” Truth is, not all college students stay up all night and sustain themselves on caffeine. In fact, I can’t actually do that at all. I can proudly say that I’ve never pulled an all-nighter. I mean, if I don’t have to why should I? I have a reasonable sleep schedule and I find I’m much more productive and alert with it. Hurray! Having structure in your life can be difficult, especially in college, but if you can have some sort of routine, it will help.

I guess that’s all I have to say about that. Ciao for now!

 

NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK

Networking. What college student likes to think about it? It just reminds us of all the work we still have ahead of us to finally reach some sort of career opportunity. But guess what? You still have to do it. And until quite recently, I don’t think I quite understood what it meant until I reached out to someone I had never met or spoken to in my entire life and that’s when it started.

 

It’s addictive.

Like seriously. Who would have though that one email would change everything for me?

Ok, so working at the Obesity and Research Center isn’t what I want to do with my life…but I’m learning a lot.

Such as the fact that simply being there and working as a Research Assistant is impressive.

Senior year, all public health majors at Temple are required to complete 2 internships.

AND GUESS WHO HAS ONE ALREADY??

I mean, how did that happen?

Well, a professor of mine knows a person who knows a person who needs an intern.

And I reached out to it…and BAM! Internship for Shireen.

Ok, so it’s not always that simple. But hey, that’s how you start…and let me tell you: It’s kind of REALLY addictive.

I just want to email and call EVERYONE AND TELL THEM HOW WONDERFUL I AM. But that would be ridiculous. That said, reach out to people. What’s the worst they can do? Just not reply. More likely than not, they will be impressed that you’re taking the initiative!

That’s it for now…hopefully, I’ll be having more adventures to write on here about!

 

Back in Business

SO! It’s been an incredibly busy semester already and I am just FINALLY finding a moment to write up on what I’ve been up to! Where to begin?

Well, classes are fantastic. It’s always fun starting a new semester because it’s fresh, new material and a new teacher. That said, there has been lots of work to do between reading for class and writing papers.  Whenever will I be able to watch Say Yes to the Dress or Honey Boo-Boo??! Ugh, life!!

I’ve had a limited time for work but I still manage to pop my head in the Owl Office to say hello. We started recruitment for new Owl Ambassadors this past week so it was fun to be on the other side of the interview process. One thing’s for sure, and with any interview, you definitely have to make yourself stand out. After seeing 100 girls with the same line, laugh, fun fact, and hair color, everyone seems to be a blur. Moral of the story? STAND OUT!

So, in addition to my work here on main campus, I have spread my little owl wings and ventured off to the medical campus! That’s right, I recently acquired a research assistant position working at the Temple University’s Center for Obesity Research & Education. I’m working on a study about parents and children about their health behaviors, with a focus on sugary drinks and screen time. It’s been pretty interesting so far! I’m mostly in charge of calling and recruiting members, but when we get people enrolled in the study, I’m supposed to work with the kids and their parents directly and observe them. It should be fun!

Anyhoo, it should be an interesting and fun semester…and BUSY!

Peace out for now

hello!

Sooo….after a little hiatus, I am back! It’s already been a very busy week, despite it being the first of the semester, but it is definitely going to be an interesting and exciting next few months. I’m at the point in my education where my classes and professors are preparing me for the Big Bad Real World. It’s stressful but so awesome.

Stay tuned for more exciting things!

Best,

Shireen