I'm baaaaaaack!

Yesterday was our first day of class and I returned from my California trip the day before that. I must say I was still enjoying my vacation when I began my journey back to Minneapolis at 3 a.m. Monday morning, but after going to my first week of classes, I'm definitely getting excited for this semester.

In addition to brand new classes, I am eager for a new semester of Voices Merging! Voices Merging is a student group that is dedicated to urban visual/performing arts with a focus on spoken word. They host free open mics on campus every 2nd and 4th Monday of a month and I can't wait to attend. It is the perfect way to start a week and a great way to start off the semester. Attending free events is probably my favorite thing about college. (Except maybe free food!)

That's one of the many reasons I love the University of Minnesota. There is always some type of student group on campus holding a free event, or giving out free food, or even better yet, giving out free food at a free event! California was wonderful, but it is great to be back on campus.

Until next time!

-Daisy

California dreamin'

The greatest thing about our winter break is that it allows for a lengthy vacation!

I'm heading to California for some fun in the sun over my last two weeks off of school. Other students are taking advantage of semester break by earning credit abroad. At the University of Minnesota, students have the opportunity to learn abroad during winter break, May term, summer, fall or spring semester, or even for a full year. The University's Learning Abroad Center has amazing advising services and planning programs to help you choose the learning abroad experience that best fits your schedule, goals, and academic needs. They even provide some scholarships!

The University of Minnesota is also a member of the National Student Exchange program which allows students to study at other universities within the country while earning credit at the U of M. So, technically, I could take a seminar at a college in California while I'm there. But I think I'll save that for another time--after all of this cold Minnesota weather, I'm ready for the beach!

I hope that you are enjoying your winter break as much as I am. I'll be back soon...

I survived finals...now on to winter break

Hey Missouri! :)

Well, I survived my finals and I'm welcoming the holiday season with open arms! It was definitely a tough week with the seven-page take-home exam for my social science course, a 12-page research paper for my literature course, the final project for my drawing course, and last but not least...a six-page critique of my class experience for my art history course. Whew.

It may seem like a lot of work--and it is--but you know what? I was prepared for this material and I feel great about the work that I've done. I'm already getting excited for the classes that I've chosen for next semester! Luckily, I can be excited from a distance. The University of Minnesota gives us students a full month for winter break, so I'm going to enjoy rest and relaxation for the next four weeks. That, and blogging with you!

Because I work in the Office of Admissions, I will be keeping myself busy around campus for the first few weeks of break. With campus nearly all to myself, I have big plans in place. I've decided to take myself on a date this Saturday! I'm going to visit the Weisman Art Museum (it's free and right on campus) to check out their new exhibitions, take myself out for dinner at the newly opened Punch Pizza in Stadium Village, and treat myself to some new reading material from the bargain books section of the University of Minnesota Bookstore in Coffman Student Union.

What do you plan to do on your winter break? I'd love to hear from you and tell you a little bit more about my life as a U of M student!

Till next time,

Daisy