Thursday, February 25, 2016

Can a fish climb a tree?

Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. – Albert Einstein

Do you guys know I’m dyslexic? I am and I’m not ashamed of it. I was diagnosed when I was around 8. I was diagnosed was because my teacher told my mom I was stupid (maybe not those exact words). The doctor that diagnosed me told my mother, “You are lucky. The dyslexia is slowing her down to our level. If she didn’t have it she would be driving all of us crazy.”

I tell you this because many of you are being judged at career fairs the same way this 2nd grade teacher judge me … based on a test score or GPA. Don’t let those fools judge you because of a number. You are more than that. You are the best there is. Your GPA is a reflection of who you were back then, it has nothing to do with what you are capable of tomorrow.

Senior News
Are you graduating? Not if your requirements are unmet … Run your DARs to check.

Important Dates
February 29: Last day to drop a class (check with me first)
March 5: Spring Break
March 22: Fall Course Request Open (required meetings)
March 29: Fall Course Request Closes

Helpful Tools

Spring is around the corner. So is job and internship interview season. Get your interview skills up to par with a mock interview at Career Services. http://www.career.vt.edu/Interviewing/PracticeInterviews.html

Random
A pregnant goldfish is called a twit.

Words to Live By
“If you're not willing to work hard, let someone else do it. I'd rather be with someone who does a horrible job, but gives 110% than with someone who does a good job and gives 60%.” - Will Smith

Sandbox




My Schedule   
Scheduled meeting times are available 9:30-11:30 & 1:30-4:30. To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account.

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Happy Anniversary

Do you remember where you were on February 6, 2012? It was a Monday … it was also my first day as the MSE Undergrad Adviser.  WOW.

In 4 years … the MSE undergrad class size has doubled, we moved, one faculty member retired & we hired 3, I’ve lost and gain an untold number of pounds, cut my hair off & grew it back out, graduated my first class (that I saw all the way through) and I’m getting ready to graduate my second class. With the exception of you guys graduating and leaving me, this is the most awesome job.

The past 4 years have been exciting – what & who will the next 4 bring?

I can tell you that over the next few days we are going to make changes to the MSE email list serves. So please be patient with us as we work out the kinks.

MEPS News
MSE Photo Scavenger Hunt continues. MSE Class 2018 is in the lead … will your class win the pizza party?

Senior News
Run your DARS.

Graduation Cords
We are purchasing graduation cords for MSE Seniors! They will cost 5$ for non-members and free to everyone who purchased a MA membership throughout their college career! Fill out the survey by Thursday, FEBRUARY 18, 2016 at NOON if you want a cord for graduation!

Important Dates & Events
February 25: CAMEO Career Fair, 10am-4pm in Squires Commonwealth Ballroom
February 29: Last day to drop a class (check with me first)
February 22: PCC Information Session, 7pm in Randolph 120
February 24: Corning Information Session, 7pm in Holden 110

Helpful Tools
Did you get your 7 hours of sleep last night? Probably not!

7 Amazing Things You Probably Didn't Know About REM sleep

  1. Your eyes are "looking" at something when they move.
  2. Alcohol and drugs mess with your REM.
  3. This sleep phase is critical for the developing brain.
  4. It can enhance creative problem-solving.
  5. A rare disorder can cause people to act out their dreams.
  6. REM sleep paralyzes you.
  7. Lack of REM sleep is linked with neurodegenerative disorders.
Random
A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.

Ut Prosim 
4 Amazing Health Benefits of Helping Others

  1. Longer Lifespan
  2. Greater Happiness
  3. Better Pain Management
  4. Lower Blood Pressure
Sandbox

My Schedule   
To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Why It Pains Me To Be Late

Some of you know that my father was in the service; my grandfather too. With both these important influential men in my life I learn many lessons that most girls growing up don’t have the opportunity to learn. Some of them could be considered silly things like rain is actually liquid sunshine or never walk on the grass when the sidewalk leads the way. Two of these lessons are now part of my DNA … 1) if you are 5 minutes early you are 10 minutes late and 2) leave a place cleaner than you found it.

So this brings me to my point. Please leave the advising lounge cleaner than you found it.

We are absolutely thrilled that you use the advising space to collaborate, study and work. We worked hard to bring this space to you, so please respect the space.


MEPS News
  • 2016 MS&T Competition Interest Meeting: Wednesday, Feb 17th at 7 PM Holden 110
  • PCC Information Session: Monday, Feb 22nd at 7 PM Randolph 120
  • Corning Information Session: Wednesday, Feb 24th at 7 PM Holden 110
  • CAMEO Career Fair: Thursday, Feb 25th 10AM-4PM at Squires Commonwealth Ballroom
ECP NEWS 
Senior News
GRADUATION CORDS
We are purchasing graduation cords for MSE Seniors! They will cost 5$ for non-members and free to everyone who purchased a MA membership throughout their college career! Fill out the survey by Thursday, FEBRUARY 18, 2016 at NOON if you want a cord for graduation!

SENIOR NIGHT

  • Saturday, April 30th - Afternoon
  • PK'S pizza on us! 
  • Wear your MEPS T-SHIRTS
  • LAST BONDING EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR CLASS!
Important Dates
February 29: Last day to drop a class (check with me first)

Helpful Tool

What do employers really want to know when they ask you the following

  1. Tell me about yourself
  2. What are your greatest weaknesses?
  3. Where do you see yourself in five years?
  4. Why do you want to work for us?
  5. Why did you leave your last job?
  6. Do you have any questions for me?
  7. [Insert incredibly hard problem.]
  8. [Insert surprising question.]
  9. What would your co-workers say about you?
  10. What are your hobbies?
Random
3 pieces of Assorted Chocolates by Russell Stover chocolates has 210 calories where as one teaspoon of Elmers Glue has only 25 calories.

Ut Prosim 
MEPS outreach opportunities for you.

  • Help us introduce children in need to MSE by volunteering at the "What We're Made of Outreach" event on April 2nd!
  • Join our Relay for Life Team
    • April 22, 2016
    • Team Name: MEPS RELAY, Code: Relay2016
  • Big Event Team
    • April 9, 2016
    • Help us keep Blacksburg great by volunteering for our local community!
    • TEAM NAME: MEPS Big Event Team 
Sandbox
My Schedule   
Scheduled meeting times are available 9:30-11:30 & 1:30-4:30. To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Lessons from Vince

During this past snow storm I watched my two dogs in the snow having the time of their lives. My Sheppard mix, Bodie, was so happy.  Vince, a terroir mix, was less pleased but carried on regardless.  Bodie’s favorite game is when you kick the snow in his face and he attempts to bite it out of the air. He will catch a snowball and immediately drop it.

Now, Vince is such a little dog that I once put a coat on him to protect him from the elements. Embarrassed, he managed to get it off. Vince might be short in stature but he does not give up. Even with snow up to his neck, he managed to keep up with Bodie.

I was standing there freezing watching Vince with amazement as they played in the snow. He was not going to be left behind, he was going to go where Bodie went - snow be damned.

This little dog, who is so shy and timid around people was not going to give up. He was going to and did march through 17 inches of snow. If only I could have that determination all the time. 



MEPS News
MEPS first meeting of the spring term will be Feb 10th at 7PM in Holden 110.

Engineering Communications Program News
The COE scholarship process is open until May 4. At that time applications for the COE will be reviewed for COE awards. MSE will pull applications submitted by MSE students to review for MSE scholarship.  This year MSE will be awarding a limited number of scholarships.  Please make sure your applications is all that it can be by attending the ECP Scholarship Workshop.

Feb 3 from 2 – 3
Feb 4 from 3:30 – 4:30

Additional date may be added, if deemed necessary.

Attend to get help with the COE application and others. I believe everyone could benefit from assistance with scholarship essays writing and proofreading. After all, there is a difference between ‘That I serve’ and ‘That I sever.’

RSVP is recommended.


Senior News
The Graduation Fair is set for February 9, 2016. Please attend to order graduation announcement, get fitted for your cap & gown, and receive other commencement information.

Important Dates
February 3: Scholarship Workshop
February 4: Scholarship Workshop
February 9: Graduation Fair
February 29: Last day to drop a class (check with me first)

Helpful Tools
Effective Study Strategies
Have you ever wondered how, after hours of going over notes and materials, you still can’t remember what you need to know? It turns out that many of the most commonly used learning strategies just don’t work. This seminar will provide you with tips and strategies to make your learning and studying more effective!


February 4 from 12:30-1:30 PM
February 24 from 4:00-5:00 PM
March 21 from 3:30-4:30 PM
April 5 from 12:30-1:30 PM

Random
The average dog is as intelligent as a two-year-old child.

Sandbox


My Schedule   
Scheduled meeting times are available in Scholar. I will be out of the office on Friday, February 5.