Faded Sol: What have you been up to? [Tips from a College Student]

ill faded sol
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Short answer - LOTS!


Its about a month into the semester and I am finding myself drained and scavenging for motivation. For those that don't know I plan to graduate with a Bachelors in Marketing in December (*crosses fingers*) given that I keep up with all my deadlines and studying.

My tips for anyone overwhelmed with what seems like tons of homework and appointments:
  • Keep a schedule - I personally use Google Calendar and integrate it with just amount any device I am connected to. On my PC, on my Mac (via iCal), or even when I log in to Gmail
  • Add Reminders/Alarms - Like repetition advertising you want to be reminded, that being due dates and appointments. I personally set up my reminders to go off as alarms, pop-ups, and even as text messages. That way there should be no excuse for late assignment.
  • Know your limits - If you have 3 exams in a week my suggestion is do study by strength reviewing content by the least knowledgeable to the most. Given that, give each subject a sizable time.
Despite my tips I find my self being overwhelmed with due dates and the stress is making feel very unmotivated.

Out of the 4 classes I have this semester each has a group project (of some 20+ pages) and presentations (of some 10-20minutes). One of these classes is completely online and we virtually never meet face 2 face, talk about challenges. Cant Google Wave be released any sooner to make my life much easier? Sigh. I guess its Microsoft Groove for now.

One good practice I have come across for group project is to 'set team deadlines' that is have everyone submit their portion or ideas by a certain date before project or milestone is due. This leaves ample time to make changes, revisions, and collating the work.

Some of my daily rituals aside from my morning power nap (which I highly suggest) is to study content in the event of a pop quiz. Never before have I seen the amount of quiz's in my whole college career than I have seen in the last 4 weeks. I have treated each lecture as a possible pop quiz not only does review give me a better idea of course content but prepares me for an exam.

Aside from the school rant I have been busy as the VP for Web and Design for the American Marketing Association at CSUS. Ive been fortunate to meeting and get to know many of the alumni, guest speakers because of AMA. My hopes is that I can meet the right people to secure a job somewhere, anywhere, as long as I am doing bigger and better things I am doing now. That is not to say that I don't enjoy my job or situation I am at now but my personality calls for progression and Ive got only the sky to shoot for.

With all this talk of school I have to put some of my hobbies on back burner. Ive been called a couple of times by the staff at CQB City and Ive ensured them my well-being. At times I find myself with an itchy trigger finger and day dream of the warehouse. Sigh. One of these days I will make my return to the field.

Thats it for now. My hopes is that you found my tips insightful.

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University Falls Hike: A stuntastic Tuesday

ill faded sol
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I was ending my monday with plans to stay in on Tuesday and work on the AMA website which BTW is coming a long together nicely. Then I get an invite from Mark to go hiking to a place we both have only heard about from other classmates; University Falls (Pilot Creek Falls).


Having not done anything but summer session I figure it would be a decent way to end the summer on a good note.

The morning was spent at Sac State waiting for the last member of our hiking group also a local of the area we would be hiking. BTW the Jamba Juice on campus was open (soft open) so we were some of the first customers there.

We head up I-80 east towards Reno and turn off into Auburn and take 49 South. The whole trip to the trail was scenic with mountains, huge tree's, small communities stuck in time, and wildlife.

The whole trail was about 5 mils round trip anicipate an 1hr going down and a 1hr and a half hiking back up. There are trail divides but most previous hikers have mapped out which to take with trail markers and arrows. Id suggest taking a quick breather about halfway. Near the fallls you begin a steep decent, at this point id like to suggest you bring a decent pair of shoes, I myself almost fell a few times. Watch your step.

Once arriving at the falls we were greeted to a wide open clearing with 4 "water-slides" although realistically I wouldnt suggest the 4th near the button as people have been injured and/or died attempting it. Id park your gear in the shade nearby the first falls or down more near the 3rd fall.

Now usually I hear this area is is filled with students/locals alike but since it was a weekday and midday we were the only ones around (apart from the hippies) so we had the whole area to ourselves. Im glad I packed light as I didnt have to bring much hiking back up.

We stayed there for a couple hours and decided to head back up the trail before it went dark. The up hill climb was brutal at the start since our steep decent just before the falls ment a steep climb back up. Needless to say I used the inhaler more than once going back up. Pacing myself and taking small breathers I made my way passed the worst of it in no time.

On our way back we decided to stop by Forest Hill Bridge. Some of you may recognize this as it was the bridge featured in xXx starring Vin Diesel. It was the bridge he jumps off with the corvette. (youTube video)

Not a bad way to end a somewhat un-eventful summer. I will be going back this time with more people. Wish you where there.







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