Anne's Blog

This semester has consisted of a lot of research papers for me this semester, and as I continue tackling all of the important topics, I’ve spent more and more time utilizing the University Library Services.

This last week I attended Gradfest, the University sponsored event to prepare all graduating students for commencement and beyond graduation. It was basically a large grad fair, and it there were a lot of people to see and booths to get information at.

This semester I have been interning at the Minnesota State Senate. It has been really interesting so far, and has really contributed to my college experience.

Over winter break I went to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates on a Study Abroad excursion through the University of Minnesota.

So finals are over, and now I get a chance to relax a little bit and start thinking about next semester. I actually already have homework, but it’s not so bad, especially because in about a week I will be flying halfway across the world and starting my study abroad experience.

As the semester is coming to an end I am trying to finish up papers and get ready for tests before winter break. I am studying abroad over the winter break in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. I am really excited to finally be studying abroad before I graduate in the spring.

I am going on a Global Seminar through the Learning Abroad Center, which means that I am going with about 25 other students and a professor from the University of Minnesota. My trip will be more focused on Marketing and have more of a business and cultural aspect to it. We met this week for our Pre-Departure Orientation and discussed travel schedules, safety and health tips, and general topics about the trip. It was really nice to meet our professor who is leading the trip and learn about his teaching style before we went, as well as meet some other students who are also going.

Another nice thing was that we received our syllabus and can start on homework and have an idea of the readings that we’ll do once we are there. I think that this will really help when we get there, since we’ll have a better idea of what to expect from pre-departure stuff. Anyway, I am really excited to be studying abroad, and can’t wait to share more about the experience after I’m back!

A few weeks ago I attended a political science career panel, where they brought in University of Minnesota political science alumni ranging from recent graduates, to more seasoned graduates. It was really interesting to hear what different paths students took, and hear their advice about the necessary steps that helped to get them there.

Today we did a CLA Ambassador Amazing Race to recap all the different helpful offices and unique opportunities the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) and the University of Minnesota has to offer. I’ve been to most of these offices around campus, but I haven’t been to them in such a short amount of time. Running around campus today reminded me of how many different aspects there are around campus.

I remember when I was a senior in high school how scary and enormous the decision of which college to go to felt. I was so nervous about making a wrong decision. I decided just before the May deadline, and wanted to come to the University of Minnesota, and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I’ve been on the go this semester keeping up with homework, clubs, and friends. Now after midterms and a relaxing Spring Break, I’m ready to finish the last kick of the semester here at the University of Minnesota!

Applying for colleges can be a daunting process, but after you’ve written all the essays, found recommendations, and gotten all your transcripts and resumes together and sent in, the best part is visiting campuses. When I was a senior in high school, I applied at seven institutions.

It is so great to be back on campus and settling into the swing of things. Even though I’m a junior now, I still have to transition myself back into college life here at the U. It can take some time after an overwhelming first week of classes and schedules and catching up with friends, not to mention adjusting being away from family again. But, with the start of a new year comes exciting opportunities.

Summer has been treating me pretty well, and even from home I’ve found that I can stay connected to the University of Minnesota. I have been putting my communications skills to work as an intern for the NU Technology Park. As the communications intern I am in charge of the newsletter, and I have been gaining great experience through my work. I have been having a good time, but even here in Nebraska at my job I’ve run into Minnesota alumni.

I’m back at home for this summer and I’m glad for the much needed break. I had a fun and interesting semester, but a little rest and relaxation is just what I needed.

Tomorrow I start one of my internships and I’m getting ready to get back in to the swing of things and work. Being a political science major and in the school of journalism I am really excited to start as an intern for a state political party as a communications intern. It might be a lot of work, but it should be great experience.

Well, I just scheduled my classes for next fall, and I think I made a good one. Signing up for classes can be stressful, but I’ve found that it’s more fun than anything else. I love looking at all the different classes that the University has to offer, and tailoring a schedule to my personal interests.

Being in college I have learned that, at least during the week I study quite a lot more than I had to in high school. I guess the perk is that I get to take the classes that I want to in my major, but I still find myself needing a little encouragement to study.

Coming back from Spring Break there are a lot of things going on the rest of this semester. It is going to be busy but fun.

All of my classes are getting more in depth with the material, and I really like how all of my classes are blending together. After having a week to rest from my classes I feel refreshed to go back and finish out this semester. I also have had a week to explain the kinds of classes I’m taking to friends and family and take a step back from all the work for a little while. But I’m ready to hit the books again and get back into the swing of things.