Tonight we had a study session. I usually like studying by myself but I decided to try this out and study my scientific names for my Field Crops lab practical tomorrow. We used the Pomodoro method where you study for 20 minutes and then take a break for 5 minutes. I had never tried this method before but I thought it helped me stay more focused and I learned the scientific names quicker. I think that I will definitely try this method again in the future when I have other tests to study for.
Author Archives: Mikala
Talk with VP Lombardi
I was a little nervous going into our table talk with Vice President Ryan Lombardi. I had never actually talked to him before and I was not sure how many people were going to be on our call and if we would actually get the chance to ask questions. here was only 14 of us on the call so we were able to ask questions about the things that were important to us. I am a sprint football manager and I was able to ask about sports and what some o the ideas are for the upcoming seasons. I also got to ask about how things will look in the spring when we return. I kind of felt reassured after our talk and felt that it was okay to pack up just what I needed not everything in case we do not come back. I felt more confident about leaving and coming back.
Our Planet
We were not able to watch the Boys State film and instead we watched an episode of Our Planet. I have not always been a huge fan of documentaries but I did enjoy watching this one. I always get really bored and distracted watching them but I did like watching this one. It was a nice break from being stressed out from prelims and other looming deadlines. I hope that in the future I will perhaps enjoy watching documentaries more!
How to Succeed
One of the main things that stuck out to me from our discussion were to always have a plan. Having a plan helps you prepare and organize you life and daily routines. With a plan you can have a sense of direction and can be more focused. We also discussed learning and what important things you should look for. For instance you need to look for mentors and people that can write recommendation letters for you. Being friendly and genuinely wanting to learn will take you farther than only doing what you must. It was an interesting conversation and idea on learning and the future. It surprised me when he said he doesn’t take any days off and no breaks. I try my hardest to do my best at school and at everything else in my life, but I need breaks and days off to relax. I would drive myself crazy if I never stopped.
Relaxing Morning with Yoga
This past Sunday I got to have a nice relaxing morning and got to do a yoga class. I have a hard time settling down and focusing when doing things like yoga and meditation. I really enjoy doing yoga, but I struggle to relax my mind and focus to fully experience the yoga and mindfulness. I was able to relax enough to focus and appreciate our yoga class. I really enjoyed how he taught the class. I actually wanted to take his yoga class for PE but it did not fit in my schedule. Maybe next semester it will fit better and I’ll be able to become better at yoga and be able to have more time fo mindfulness in my life!
Walk in the Botanical Gardens
This weekend I tour a walking tour of the Botanical Gardens. I had been there a few times for class and enjoyed getting the chance to just walk around the gardens for fun. My favorite garden is the winter garden because when it gets colder there is actually a lot of color there and it is a nice little burst of color in the white snow! I am planning on taking the time to go for walks and potentially more walking tours more often!
Herb Garden
Flower Garden
Winter Garden
What to do about Grad School
Last Thursday night I listened to the seminar about preparing for and applying to grad school. I am only a sophomore but I like to think ahead and be prepared. There was lots of great information and tips on how to make the process easier and how to choose which schools to apply to and which programs. My major here at Cornel sets me up to go into a streamlined program at Ithaca college for getting my Masters of Teaching in Agricultural Education. I really think that this that the program is something that I want to do. The program and my major are intertwined and so that would allow me to take all the prereqs that I need for the program there. If I get my masters in Ag Education then I can be an Ag teacher anywhere and I can work for Cornell Cooperative Extension offices anywhere. It just makes sense to do this so that once I get those entry level jobs I will be able to move up quicker and have jobs that require a masters. The program is roughly 13 months long, so I would be done fairly quick. Listing to this seminar gave me the chance to think about other schools and programs that have what I am looking for, but since my major at Cornell and the Ithaca program are working together so well and trying to make this process easier for people, it makes since to go there. If I went there I could possibly still live at home and make things cheaper for myself too. I enjoyed listening to this seminar as it really opened my eyes and kind of set in stone that this what I want to do and that I need to continue taking the prereqs.
Taking Time To Make Cards
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I really enjoyed the card making workshop. I received my kit in my mailbox filled with cute scrapbook paper, ribbons, and markers. I had been working on homework all day and was stressed about some upcoming deadlines. Taking the time to just be creative and make something really calmed be down and I enjoyed it so much. I made four cards. I made a card for my mom’s birthday next week and I made another one for my cousin Morgen’s birthday in two weeks. I really enjoyed this time to just step away from my schoolwork and be creative. In the future I think I will be finding more time in my days to take a few minutes to be creative to rest and recharge!
My Cards!