English 1200

How was English 1200?

I enjoyed English 1200 very much and I was so excited when I discovered I got my first pick, because many people did not. Actually I thought it was a funny coincidence that all the asians were lucky enough to be put in the same class. Anyways, English 1200 is definitly a learning experience (I still feel awkward eating in class :p), my teacher is so unique and different, it makes English worth coming to because everyday is a suprise...what will she do today? what are we going to do today? But it's not all fun and games, we do a lot of workshopping together and for the first week many of us apprehended more knowledge on Native Americans that we hadn't known beforehand. We had two guest speakers when this program began, Jesse and Wamblee, they were both passionate individuals who were proud of their native roots. It was interesting to listen to their stories, there was a lot of sorrow but courage and triumph as well. (maybe we'll go on a trip!!) They only negative I would say about English 1200 was the room. It was sooooo super tiny and cramped in there, but luckily towards the last couple weeks we were able to move to an empty computer lab where we could use our time more efficiently and have some room to breathe.

How was the teacher?

Miss Sheila Rocha-Cruz without a doubt would be my favorate english teacher. She has shared so many stories with us and I only wish I could be in her class longer because I know she has so much more to say. She is an interesting individual not afraid to travel outside boundaries. We never really stick to a schedule (who needs a syllabus anyways?), sometimes we analyze music videos on youtube (or should i say u tube? haha), or we watch small little news reels, interesting news reels where we then have an opportunity to voice our opinion. I love Ms. Rocha because with her, there's never a wrong answer, at times we can be waaaayyy out there but she has a way with words and can pretty much segway it to whatever she was aiming for. I feel sorry for the students who didn't get to be with her the whole time because I know they would have loved her just as much as my class does. The other scholars had a taste of how fun our class is because she was able to come talk to us this monday, but that is our class on a daily basis. Patrick and Jennifer, our study group teachers are good as well. Both of them are just so easy going it makes you feel comfortable...and they have opinions on certain issues as well which they voice once in a while. It's always interesting to see someone else's vantage point.

Did you have any difficulty?
(tests&homework)

Tests and homework was a piece of cake. Nothing we couldn't handle and very reasonable. Compared to the kind of homework that I have to accomplish in high school, I would be able to do this in my sleep (not literally but you know what I mean). The tests are simple, we just have to let Rocha know what we felt out of the readings she had assigned or sometimes we are given a question in which we answer to the best of our ability. All the readings that had been assigned for homework I enjoyed very much (except Rodriguez..no offense), my favorite would be the essay that was written by Amy Tan. It was a more modern piece and had more tension that students like us are interested in. As long as you tried and made an effort, it would not hold out against you.

Blog #3 cont'd

Honestly I was somewhat disappointed, I was expecting to actually shadow someone,...a doctor, nurse, dentist, neurosurgeon.....whatever..anything, my last guess was to talk to a member of the recruitment staff...ABOUT UNMC.

Blog #3

On Monday, June 30 I shadowed a recruiter from UNMC. He was a very intellectual person and concise as well. Mr. Petite handed us brochures along with packets of information about UNMC, describing programs and scholarship opportunities inside out. He spoke of professions in allied health such as clinical perfusion, cytotechnology, physician assistant, physical therapy, clinical lab science, medical nutrition, and radiography. He went into great detail about careers that could potentially interest us, but uncommon like clinical perfusion where I discovered was where all urinals and blood samples get sent to in order to figure out what was needed. He also touched on UNMC's College of Dentistry, College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, Graduate Studies, and College of Public Health. He was a serious individual warning us that if we did not feel this was the path to go, it could lead to serious debt in the future.

Since I am interested in the College of Medicine, I paid special attention to the details he was giving out, general information and statistics too. There are around 1,375 students that apply each year to UNMC's Medical College however there are only 121 seats available making not on UNMC but any other med school extremely competitive. Those that get accepted have an average GPA of 3.7 with a 29 on their MCAT. They are currently renovating with money they received from a federal grant which allows them to add 8 more spots, this is quite a large jump increasing the chances of acceptance to UNMC. Those who live in-state are also prioritized as well, and even if you receive an education from, let's say....University of Iowa, you are still considered a Nebraska resident so long as you don't register to vote or to move.

Something that I had completely been unaware until today was the NU Path scholarship. It is one of the most competitive scholarships that are given to around 2 students each year from either UNK, UNL, or UNO. The recipients can vary but are generally 2 from each of the schools I stated earlier. Upon receiving this scholarship, you are guaranteed a spot at UNMC even if you didn't do well on your MCAT however you must maintain a high GPA while in college in order to keep this scholarship.

Blog #2

1. What are your achievements?

Student Council is where I give my unconditional attention to. It is absolutely my favorite organization and the one I have donated my time to the most. I have been an officer for Student Council since my freshman year of high school and in my coming senior year, I plan to run as president. We do many community activities as a group and our dedication is apparent. Our school remains a dedicated member for the Make-A-Wish cause, donating at least $1000 each year to make a child's wish come true. It requires a lot of work in fundraising but it is also a rewarding feeling once we have reached our goal. The rest of the extra money we earn usually goes to our Adopt-A-Family. Each Christmas we adopt a different family who are unable to provide presents for their children. We give them a little boost by using the money to go and buy gifts such as toys, clothing, electronics, etc. Then we all get together to wrap the presents so they can be presented beautifully and to demonstrate our dedication and care.


2. What issues matter to you?

Money seems to come up in every situation even as much as we try to avoid it. Raising gas prices has been crippling the economy not only in the U.S. but the whole world leaving a path of destruction and quite a large dent in our pocketbooks. This is a growing problem that every citizen should become aware of because it is a factor in our everyday lives, whether is keeping us warm in the winter, cooking our food, or providing us with the much needed fuel for transportation. Airplane tickets have grown tremendously making people like me, difficult to visit our relatives oversees. Even to simply drive you car to work has deemed a hassle to some, so much so that other have to consider if going to the grocery store is worth the gas.


3. Who has been an influence on you?

From "that one kid" in second grade to my father, everyone has been an influence to me in one way. We encounter many things growing up, that at first glance may not seem to have a significant impact but in reality affects your life. The most prominent footprints that have been made on my life belong to my father. He is a punctual, hardworking, wise man with an intrepid personality whom I look up to in every moment of my waking life. He can give advice through my troubles, give me space when I need to think, or give me boundaries so when I know what is "crossing the line." He is the definition of role model through my eyes and my appreciation for him is ineffable.

4. Why do you want to attend our school?

UNO allows every student to have an opportunity to extend their knowledge beyond high school. For me, it is a sensible choice that will broaden my horizons and allow me to escape the boorishness behavior of students I encountered in high school. UNO is instate which allows me to save more money by paying for a tuituion that is realistic. It can help me save more of my money for graduate school so I can be less apprehensive and rest easier. The environment is not an abhorrent one either, it is located in Omaha where all the businesses are located making it easier to get a job during school or to get recruited once you have graduated. In my own personal experience here at UNO, I appreciate the incisive teachers that will help me achieve. This university is perfect for my ambitions to study abroad as well offering an enormous variety of different countries available for the taking. I've also discovered that many students in the pre-med program at UNO are admitted to UNMC each year, increasing my chances of getting accepted and graduate med school, my ultimate goal in life. Attending UNO would be a sagacious choice for my future.

First Week Blog #1

Just the fact that we are receiving college credit, being a Summer Scholar give us the opportunity to get one step ahead of everyone else and lets us experience first hand what college life is really like and not just what speakers tell you through brochures.

The most challenging thing would be getting past the concept that it is our first grade. There are no such things as second chances and whatever we receive as our grade, will be on our college transcript forever. It is also a college level class, much different from high school, I also find it very weird that we don't have to ask for permission to go use the restroom, that will need some getting use to. :p

I learned that in college life, rules are very important and being able to tolerate people. I get personally get along with everyone, but I realize that those who individuals who find it hard to develop relationships with their dorm-mates will find college life stressful. I also learned when to say "no." In college there will be no room for hanging out with friends, at least not on a daily basis, so when a room mate asks you to watch a movie or go out, you have to prioritize and think for yourself whether or not you have the time for it.

In this first week, I learned better time management. On the first day I received homework, one of the activities ran an hour late. I had started on it and assumed I could finish later. Making an assumption like that was my fault and I did not make the same mistake twice, getting my assignments done ahead of time now is a must.

Dorm life was interesting. I thought for the first couple of days it was fun. We were near our friends and we could all have fun together as a group, but later on it wore off....I missed things that in the 'real' dorm life I would have, like my t.v. or other essentials. It was fun but going home felt better and more comfortable.