This past week, it was business as usual. I finished two new paintings for my class, did about 150 pages of reading, started two papers for next week, cleaned my room twice (my current apartment and my old bedroom at my parents' house) and of course I watched the Superbowl. I've never been a huge football person so for me it was more about the guacamole and the chicken wings. It was definitely not a bad week. I feel as though it was pretty productive, however I am a tad bit tired.
So I have decided that this coming week, it's all about me! I'm going to hit up some thrift shops with one of my girlfriends to look for a pair of (gently!) used jeans. I miss biking around campus so I think I might get some snow tires for my bike. Last but not least, I need to stop by the store at some point to get some cookies to send to my boyfriend who is studying abroad in Samoa this semester.
And wonderfully enough, I can do all of this without leaving campus. The University of Minnesota itself offers many services to students and is surrounded by several different campus communities that have everything a student could possibly need or want! Dinkytown has a post office, a grocery store, a bike shop, banks, restaurants, clothing shops, salons and much much more! Stadium Village is closer to my new apartment so I've been spending more time there these past semesters. Stadium Village has restaurants and salons too, but they also have a yoga studio and a flower shop along with several other businesses. (And let me tell you, that flower shop saved me last Mother's Day!)
If I want to leave campus, I know that I can always hop on the city bus and head to downtown Minneapolis or Saint Paul, to one of Minnesota's lakes, to the Mall of America, but it is great to know that everything I need is so closeby. We would love for you to come up for a visit and see our campus and its wonderful communities for yourself!
-Daisy
Monday, March 1, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Minnesota's winter spirit
I hope that you all are finally settled back into the swing of school after your winter break. I know I am! It took a couple of days for my body to adjust back to the cooler temperatures after my California vacation, but for the past several weeks I have been really enjoying waking up and heading outside.
I've heard some talk of snow in Missouri. I checked the Weather Channel and saw that there have been a few days of snow and then rain . . . and then some more snow and then some more rain. However, I have to say that one has never truly experienced winter and the full span of the seasons until they have experienced a Minnesota winter, and I'm referring to more than just the few feet of snow. I am talking about the hardy Minnesota winter spirit.
One of my favorite expressions of this winter spirit is the St. Paul Winter Carnival (dubbed "The Coolest Celebration on Earth") which took the last week in January. There is a huge ice sculpture competition, and for the large majority of us who aren't masters in the art of ice sculpting, there is also the snow sculpture competition. But there is more going on than playing in the ice and snow. The carnival also has plays, scavenger hunts, free ice skating, concerts! Most of the events take place within walking or busing distance from the University of Minnesota campus so it's very accessible to and popular with students.
The St. Paul Winter Carnival is just one of the many events that we have in Minnesota to celebrate the winter season. But don't fear, Missourians! We have just as many to celebrate the warmer months as well!
Until next time,
-Daisy
I've heard some talk of snow in Missouri. I checked the Weather Channel and saw that there have been a few days of snow and then rain . . . and then some more snow and then some more rain. However, I have to say that one has never truly experienced winter and the full span of the seasons until they have experienced a Minnesota winter, and I'm referring to more than just the few feet of snow. I am talking about the hardy Minnesota winter spirit.
One of my favorite expressions of this winter spirit is the St. Paul Winter Carnival (dubbed "The Coolest Celebration on Earth") which took the last week in January. There is a huge ice sculpture competition, and for the large majority of us who aren't masters in the art of ice sculpting, there is also the snow sculpture competition. But there is more going on than playing in the ice and snow. The carnival also has plays, scavenger hunts, free ice skating, concerts! Most of the events take place within walking or busing distance from the University of Minnesota campus so it's very accessible to and popular with students.
The St. Paul Winter Carnival is just one of the many events that we have in Minnesota to celebrate the winter season. But don't fear, Missourians! We have just as many to celebrate the warmer months as well!
Until next time,
-Daisy
New semester resolutions
And so it begins! Another year, another semester, and the U of M is bustling once again. The campus is full of students wrapped up in their winter gear walking, busing, and in some cases, biking (brrrr!) to their classes.
With the new and semester come all sorts of resolutions. What are mine, you ask? Well, in addition to devoting less time to CSI: Las Vegas and more to my studies, I am also making the commitment that this year, I will make use of the free membership to our recreation center that I receive as a student. I attempted to do this last semester and failed drastically...but this time I have 2010 on my side. I went to the "rec" with my roommate this past Sunday and I must say I enjoyed the burn.
I'm trying to make healthy changes in all areas of my life. I'm so glad that our University Dining Services provides healthy options for students like me who are trying to rid themselves of the freshmen fifteen (and no, it is not just a myth!). It's so much easier to eat right when you don't have to go out of the way to find a meal that is delicious AND nutritious. I'm gettin' healthy again in 2010! (Just a little rhyme I use to stay motivated). I think I'm off to a great start, but I think I'll wait for the weather to warm up a bit before I start biking to class!
Later!
-Daisy
With the new and semester come all sorts of resolutions. What are mine, you ask? Well, in addition to devoting less time to CSI: Las Vegas and more to my studies, I am also making the commitment that this year, I will make use of the free membership to our recreation center that I receive as a student. I attempted to do this last semester and failed drastically...but this time I have 2010 on my side. I went to the "rec" with my roommate this past Sunday and I must say I enjoyed the burn.
I'm trying to make healthy changes in all areas of my life. I'm so glad that our University Dining Services provides healthy options for students like me who are trying to rid themselves of the freshmen fifteen (and no, it is not just a myth!). It's so much easier to eat right when you don't have to go out of the way to find a meal that is delicious AND nutritious. I'm gettin' healthy again in 2010! (Just a little rhyme I use to stay motivated). I think I'm off to a great start, but I think I'll wait for the weather to warm up a bit before I start biking to class!
Later!
-Daisy
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
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'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...
Monday, January 4, 2010
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
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
Friday, December 18, 2009
New blogger here!
Hey there! Greetings from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities! My name is Daisy Giles, and I am an assistant admissions counselor in the Office of Admissions at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I work specifically with students from the state of Missouri who are interested in the U of M. I'm going to be taking over this blog, and I'm really excited about it. (I hope it's okay with you, too!) I am also a current senior, majoring in Art and African American and African Studies. Throughout the rest of the year, I hope to give you inside look at campus events and a feel for what it is like to be a student here are the U of M.
I've been in your shoes before and when I first graduated from high school, I wasn't sure what I wanted to study. I have so many different interests and I knew that it would be hard to choose one. This is one of the reasons I decided to attend the University of Minnesota. I knew the U of M had a number of majors and courses to choose from. And, even though I entered college as an undecided student with 10 different career aspirations (no kidding!), I knew that the variety of courses offered here would work to my advantage in choosing a major. Once I got here, I found a number of terrific college advisers willing to help me figure out what I wanted to study. Turns out that I didn’t need to pick just one thing! So, if you are a student like me who is interested in studying multiple subjects, the University of Minnesota could be a great place for you.
Well, that is it for now! My finals start this week so I have a lot of studying to do. In order to graduate with two degrees, I need to pass my classes this semester. I'll be in touch and let you know how it all went next week. If you have any questions about the U of M, feel free to contact me. I'd love to assist you with any questions you might have.
Thanks, and welcome!
Daisy
I've been in your shoes before and when I first graduated from high school, I wasn't sure what I wanted to study. I have so many different interests and I knew that it would be hard to choose one. This is one of the reasons I decided to attend the University of Minnesota. I knew the U of M had a number of majors and courses to choose from. And, even though I entered college as an undecided student with 10 different career aspirations (no kidding!), I knew that the variety of courses offered here would work to my advantage in choosing a major. Once I got here, I found a number of terrific college advisers willing to help me figure out what I wanted to study. Turns out that I didn’t need to pick just one thing! So, if you are a student like me who is interested in studying multiple subjects, the University of Minnesota could be a great place for you.
Well, that is it for now! My finals start this week so I have a lot of studying to do. In order to graduate with two degrees, I need to pass my classes this semester. I'll be in touch and let you know how it all went next week. If you have any questions about the U of M, feel free to contact me. I'd love to assist you with any questions you might have.
Thanks, and welcome!
Daisy
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