Road trip!

I don't know what it is about teenagers and college-age kids, but we love taking road trips with our friends. Maybe because we're still trying to live up the freedom that we gained when we went away to college (or got our drivers license). Our parents aren't around to put restrictions on our fun and there's an open road ahead. I personally haven't traveled anywhere oversees or even across the country... I tend to do things on a smaller scale. But I love traveling so when I do get the change to go on a trip, I take it! Of course I love driving with my family to Pennsylvania to visit my grandparents twice a year, but there's nothing like the feeling of freedom and adventure when I go on a road trip with my friends. Whether it's a weekend trip to another college campus or staying at your friend's beach house for a few days, half the fun is getting there. If you're with people that you can be yourself around and have a good time with, then who cares if you have to squeeze too many people into one tiny room at a rundown, cheap motel? To me, those trips make the best memories. And That's what I love about being young & broke. I can get away with taking a spontaneous weekend trip to Snowshoe mountain with 13 of my friends, in which I'll have to fight for a bed in a condo that sleeps 8. And on top of that I'll have to settle for snow tubing for $22 because I can't afford ski rentals and a lift ticket. And that's exactly what I'm doing this weekend. The way I see it, I'd much rather save a little money and make the most of a situation as long as I'm having fun with my friends. It's also nice to get away from school for the weekend too. Everybody needs a little detox sometimes. One day when you're married and you have a job and kids, spur of the moment road trips are more than likely going to be out of the question. So I say enjoy your freedom, youth and your social life while you still can!

Secret's out

As I'm sitting in the Greenwood library, attempting to come up with a topic for this blog, I can't help but listen to the conversations that are going on around me. Then I got to thinking about all the times I've been in a public place on campus (which is pretty much every location on campus) and I've heard something that I know was not meant for my ears. Whether it's someone talking about a top secret mission on their cell phone, or a group of girls sharing the latest gossip, I CAN HEAR YOU!!! I find it so annoying when people think they are being discrete when they’re actually airing out their dirty laundry to the whole world (or at least whoever is near them). Especially in the computer lab on the first floor of the greenwood library…those mesh barriers that separate each little cubicle are not soundproof! If people are going to talk about stuff that they don’t want anyone else to hear, they should do a better job of whispering. I’ve heard some pretty juicy gossip sitting in D-hall too. But at least D-hall is a little bit noisier than the library so most of the time you can get away with telling secrets out loud. But the library is definitely a no-no. It’s not just the gossip either. People talk about some very interesting things in public that I know they wouldn’t want anyone to hear…things like what a crazy weekend they had, who hooked up with who, or they’ll talk about certain sororities and fraternities without knowing who is sitting around them. I’ve heard way too much information on a few occasions and I just feel like people should have some kind censor on what they discuss “privately” when they’re in a public place. Longwood is a small school and you never know who is listening in on your conversations. But for my sake, I think I’m going to start listening to my iPod when I’m doing school work in the library. I’d rather listen to Lady GaGa than hear about what your pledges did last night.

Procrastination: the art of keeping up with yesterday

As every college student comes to find, there are not an endless amount of hours in the day... although sometimes we wish there were. "So much to do, so little time" is the story of my life. Sometimes I wonder why my parents are paying so much money for my tuition when all I'm doing in college is stressing out about how much stuff I have going on. Sitting through 15 hours of class every week, pulling all-nighters to finish my homework, attending countless organizational meetings and campus events... I have to remind myself that it will all be worth it in the end. Another thing that makes it all worth it is the time management skills (or there lack of) that you learn throughout the four years you spend in college. Personally, I'm still waiting for those skills to kick in. 

There's nothing worse than the feeling you get when you've waited until the last minute to do something. You feel rushed, frustrated, nervous, and mad at yourself for procrastinating in the first place. So why do we continue to put things off? My theory is that it depends on a combination of things including your course load, how long it takes you to complete a particular assignment or task, your schedule, the amount of "extracurricular activities" you're involved in, and how important something is to you. The last component on the list comes down to whether or not you care about fulfilling your responsibilities as a student and a citizen. It also depends on your values and work ethic. Those who want to succeed will do what they have to do to achieve their goals. I believe that all college students have this capability, but they just wait a little bit longer to get the ball rolling. If I'm really busy one day and don't have time to start doing my homework until 10pm, then so be it. I don't consider that to be procrastinating. But when you're just being flat out lazy and choose to watch TV or surf the internet instead of studying, then it's your own fault that you had to skip lunch so you could cram for your test. 

I believe that good time management is a personal choice that requires will and motivation. My motivation is graduating on time. I have to be organized and stay on top of things to make it through each hectic day. It's an art form that I think everyone is constantly trying to perfect. And to be honest, it feels good to get things out of the way early so you don't have to worry about it. Due dates and deadlines are not something to be taken lightly, especially in the real world. But they wouldn't seem so dreadful if you try to get your work done as soon as you have the chance (hmmm that makes sense... I should take my own advice more often). Procrastination is the enemy, not the deadline. Keep that in mind.

Facebook: career killer or networking genius?

I still have another year of college to go, so why should I start worrying now about my Facebook page? Apparently the rumors are true: some employers use Facebook to look at potential employees before they hire them. It seems unfair. But it's not an invasion of privacy is it's published online for the world to see. The trick is to not post something on your Facebook page that you wouldn't want a future employer to see. Personally, I'm going to wait until I graduate (or until I start applying for "real" jobs) to clean up my Facebook profile. If it weren't for digital cameras, theme parties, and keggers, I would probably be good to go. But let's be honest, it's college...it gets a little crazy sometimes. Of course I've set all the standard privacy settings on Facebook (only my friends can see my photo albums and my profile), but what happens when some major company tries to do a "background" check on you and they come across some less than flattering pictures and inappropriate wall posts...chances are if that company is serious enough to check your Facebook, then you probably won't get the job.

Not too long ago the CEO and founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, posted a letter stating that there will be some changes in the privacy settings in the near future. The only problem is that Mr. Zuckerberg's goal is to eliminate all regional networks and encourage users to sharre more stuff publicly by letting them choose to share their information with "everyone." Zuckerberg's exact words: "Thanks for helping to make the world more open and connected." Somehow I don't think these changes are a good thing for college students who are about to graduate and start looking for a job. Some things are better off private (on Facebook) and for the eyes of friends only. Take a look at some articles on this privacy issue:

It's Privacy Day at Facebook

Facebook CEO: Prepare for Some Big Privacy Changes

Also, check out these tips that can make a big difference in protecting yourself on Facebook and other search engines: 10 Privacy Settings Every Facebook User Should Know

Facebook has created the opportunity for people to make new friends, maintain relationships and communicate easily with others online. It's one of the most successful social networking sites in recent years (MySpace is out, Facebook is in). But there are precautions that all Facebook users should make in order to protect their personal and professional lives.