Finals

So this semester I totally lucked out with my classes. I have no finals just papers and tests. Imagine putting in 2 weeks of all your classes into one week....yikes!! I have a test tuesday, five page paper wednesday, test thursday, all my homework for my accounting class due by friday, and a portfolio due on friday...CRAZY HUH? I'm only taking four classes, but it is every class jam-packed into one week. This weekend I am working hard to get started and finish many of my tasks. It's going to be crazy, but I'm looking to the brighter side of things. While everybody else is stressed and struggling with their finals during actual finals week, I will be sitting back and enjoying my time until I leave at the end of the month. Oh yeah, I almost forgot I will also be getting ready for London!

*LONDON OR BUST.....*

Okay so the count down for my study abroad to London is getting closer and closer. I cannot wait until I hop on the plane, and fly across the pond. Paying the bills, getting my visa together, and preparing my life (along with some stress) is all worth it. Lately it has been hard to stay focused with all of this advance planning, and trying to maintain myself this semester. But I know that the hard work is going to pay off. Despite the fact that I may come back with a little less cash in my pocket, I know it is going to be worth the wait, time, and energy. I have London on my mind, and it's exciting.

Communications: Newhouse vs. Visual and Performing Arts

Okay, so I had the opportunity to be a student Ambassador for VPA and talk with parents and students about the VPA college in general, and specifically about the different departments. Well, when I spoke with students who were interested in Communication and Rhetorical studies, people thought it was television and reporting. Not discrediting Newhouse whatsoever, but VPA communication is not like Newhouse, but does have similar characteristics incorporated into the programs. I just want to clarify only a few points about each so that maybe students will understand the difference.

VPA: Communications:

*People based- (as a CRS major you are a people-person. You will learn how to interact with an assortment of people and learn how to go from impersonal to interpersonal)

*Rhetoric- The amazing word that everyone wants to know what means. (book definition- the art of finding in any given situation the avaliable means of persuasion) Basically, you know how to make a legitament point of perspective and back it up

* Argumentation- For all of you people out there who love to argue this is for you- but CRS takes it a step further with learning how to argue with a purpose and making points

* Writing- Learn how to express yourself through personal writing, and articulate points through other text that you will be reading.

You will also learn how to present yourself in a small and large group setting and by dynamic in the sense that you have confidence and know what and how to present your topic.

Newhouse communication-

*Business oriented- if you are more intersted in the business side to communication, such as producer for television, advertising, and public relations. This is great for you

Communication in Newhouse is more for a broader perspective of the business, as compared to VPA communication which is of more individual development.

Both departments are exceptional and have amazing strengths and students who leave both departments prepared for the real world. It simply depends on what you are looking for.

*I'M BAAAACCCCKKKK*

HEY EVERYONE

Can you believe that this semester is almost over. I honestly think that first semester classes go by so much faster then any other semester. I also think that it is going by so fast for me because I am getting excited for my study abroad program in LONDON!!!!!! :-) I still can't believe it. I don't think it will hit me fully until I am actually on the plane. It has been hard work getting everything together, classes, finances, everything; but it has been a great experience for me. I have already learned even more about deadlines and time management. I just can't wait to get on that plane and head overseas. And don't worry, I will be taking tons of pictures of all the places that I go too- and yes I'm am one of those types of people who takes pictures of everything.

Well I'll be back with more great things later

Its Time....for the Multicultural Spring Program

Hey Hey Hey



Oh man, the weather this month has been amazing...warm and breezy feels like spring to me. Everytime I walk through the quad on the way to class, I see so many people playing soccer, reading/doing homework (yes in the grass haha!) and the most popular game FRISBEE!!!! I couldnt tell how many people love playing frisbee in the quad, but also people many other cool sports as well. And I think that one of the coolest things that can happen during the spring time is having class outside! I had my spanish class outside today, and we played futbol (soccer.) It was awesome!



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Multicultual Spring Progam



MSP is an annual event that happens towards the end of the semester, and it allows admitted incoming freshman to experience college life. Each student is paired with an existing student and is there host for the weekend. Basically, each MSP student has the opportunity to rerceive a first hand experience of how a Syracuse University College student lives and interacts.



I remember the first year I hosted a student...we had a blast, it was so much fun! MSP put on many different functions and events (social, academic, and educational) Last year the program was filled with awesome performances from numerous organizations. There was food, you get to meet to new people, and you get a better understanding of the type of environment your are going to be in the following semester. This year is going to be amazing, they are more performances, more opportunities to meet people, and have a great time!



I am going to be taking pictures, and video taping some of the performances, so stay tuned.

Here are some videos from the 3rd Annual Pan African Night. These first couple of videos are of a new acapella group named, Redemption. This was their first performance, and they sang the songs, Summertime by Billy Holiday and Redemption Song by Bob Marley.

Enjoy Summertime

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This next videos are by the same group, but they are singing Redemption Song by Bob Marley













Afrcian Dance, and drumming









I hope you all enjoy!!!!!

Pan African Night

Pan African Night is a celebration of not only Africa, and the people who live there, but also the decendents of Africans around the world. At this social event, numerous organizations within the campus come together to put a huge production. As Syracuse presents its' 3rd annual Pan African Night, "Looking to the Past to Create the Future," the African Student Union, as well as other organizations, will be hosting a fashion show, play production, and other liberal art performances. The purpose of having Pan African Night, is to attribute to diversity here on campus, and recognize to all people a cultural celebration that exemplifies the Africa Diaspora.

Imagine, a live drumming performance in collaboration with a dance, amazing food (YES FOOD!) and a great time with friends learning about many different cultures.

As students in Visual and Perfoming Arts, participation in this event can be limitless. Drama, music (i.e singing), film, and communication. There are so many opportunities for VPA students to exercise their skills and talents with a campus-wide event such as this; the possibilities are limitless. Participating in organizations here at Syracuse will allow you as an individual to develop your skills, and build a portfolio that is unique and filled with variety.



I will be taking video and pictures at Pan African Night and posting them on my blog, so check them out!!!

~Ashley's Study Tips~

Hey everyone....it's me again! I hope you guys enjoyed Black History month. Here at Syracuse University, we have numerous organizations on campus that celebrate and help to recognize Black History month on campus. Social events, public speakings, poetry, dinners, and more, Syraucse University supports and embraces diversity here on campus.



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Well...not that we are half way into the second semester of school, students around campus have calmed down from all of the intense and late night studying. This midterm for me was not as time consuming and intense as last semester. I had just one paper and the rest of my classes were EXAMS!!!!! I know that many students have a variety of study methods and study tactics that work for them. However, my means of studying is that old fashion working ahead. I know I know it sound so cliche and cheesy, but trying to stay ahead of the game is always practical and useful for me. I am involved in some activities on campus, church group, and other activities that are time consuming. So when I have a break from it all, I have to work quickly and efficiently to get whatever studying and homework I need to get done.



I do not like to feel exhausted or over worked during the week, becuase I am afraid of the crash. I try to make as much use out of the study lounges, study groups, and any free time I can use to help my prepare for midterms or other exams.

p.s COFFEE HELPS :-)



Here are my easy tips/my routine for studying during the midterms:



1. When I get my Syllibi- I mark down all of my important dates in my planner

- I use stickers too because they catch my attention

2. I mark down all of my other activites and meetings that I know I am going to have during the week



3. I mark down my work schedule ( I make changes here because my work is more important than my job)



4. Then based on what my planner tells me, I plan my study times- any free time that I have I use. Where ever I go, I take some work with me because I never know when I will have the opportunity to study.



5. I use office hours for my professors and T.A's (Teaching Assisstants) like crazy- I practically live there)



6. I study rigorously a week or so before I know I have an exam



These are just basic things that I use in order to help me study- if you have any questions about my course load or tips on studying, LET ME KNOW!!! :-)



ENJOY YOUR SPRING BREAK IF YOU ARE ON IT!!!!!!

*Knock Knock..It's Me...ASHLEY*

Hey what's up everybody! I first want to thank you for taking the time to view my blog. I am very excited to share with you some of my life, as well as my experiences as a Syracuse Unversity student. I can't wait to share with you many of the exciting events, lifestyles, and amazing memories that you can create here at Syracuse University. But before I jump into it, here is a brief introduction about me...

~ASHLEY~ :-)

My name is Ashley Robinson, and I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. (Yes, you read correctly OMAHA, NEBRASKA!) I graduated from high school in 2007, and came to Syraucse in a summer program called SummerStart; this is designed for incoming freshman to gain a headstart on classes and credits. Through my experiences with the Resident Advisors, and other students from different cultures and backgrounds, I was able to get a strong feel for how the academic year was going to have an impact on me. By participating in the program, I was able to smoothly make the transition from my high school life and mentality, to a more mature and mentally prepared mindset for college life.

Now, two years later, I have grown so much as a person, and I am more focused on my career, spiritual and personal goals. I think that I have a stronger and more positive outlook on my life, and how it affects my character and the people that I encounter everyday. I have full confidence in Syracuse University, especially the people who have dedicated themselves to helping me see a potential that I would have missed. Ever since I took my first walk on the quad, I knew that Syracuse was for me. I grew up in a suburban atmosphere, and Syracuse welcomed me, and made me feel accepted and HOME!

~ Stay tuned to my future posts, as I take on a journey through my life ~