Phone Rules

This morning I took my dogs for our 2 mile walk. Getting back into the routine is hard, but it’s good for me and the dogs love it. Each morning when I put on my workout clothes, the dogs realize it’s walk time. They stand in front of me as I put on my shoes, tails wagging with anticipation on their faces. If I take too long, Bodie barks and whines for me to hurry up. Each morning it is just the dogs and me. No phone, no music, no distractions. It is wonderful. I’ve encouraged you guys to put your phone away before and here I am again. Making the same plea. Put your phones away occasionally when you walk from class to class. Look around you; take in the sights, the sounds, and smells of campus. You cannot do that if your face is inches away from this hindrance you have chained yourself to. If you don’t want to do it for the tranquility, do it for your safety. In 2016 the number of pedestrian deaths increased by 11% from 2015. This increase can be contributed to a number of factors from both pedestrian and driver distraction. Everyone is more and more distracted today. Phones, laptops, tablets, smart watches, Fitbits… I know that VT developed a “Heads Up” campaign designed to remind distracted pedestrians to look before crossing the road. I like this campaign and I dislike it at the same time. It was good of VT to look out for you, but it is dumb that you need this reminder.  You made it to college; you should be able to make it across the street.  (When I say ‘you,’ I am referring to VT students in general.) Simple phone rules. Put it away when you walk, talk & are in class or working. Take your phone out when you need to call someone or take a picture. Helpful Tools / ECP 8 Secrets for Mastering Time Management Declutter. Declutter your desk, inbox, task list & life Plan. Plan out your work day & stick to it. Check off accomplished tasks as you go). Prioritize. Rank your tasks in terms of priority and align them with your job demands, your goals. Be Effective. It’s not a race. Don’t try to be the most efficient; try to be the most effective. Focus. Focus on the ‘vital few’ rather than on the ‘vital many.’ Finish The Job. Develop your ‘finish instinct’ when you get to a task complete it no matter what. Stop Procrastinating. Most people tend to tackle easy tasks first and push out the difficult ones – don’t fall into this trap. Stay Organized. Once you get organized, stay organized. Outreach / MEPS Events Two exciting events this weekend that you don't want to miss.  Friday, March 31: MSE Design Team Expo Saturday, April 1: Foundry Open House random FACT:  Everything you say to Siri is sent to Apple, analyzed and stored. In case you need a distraction! The DC Eagle nest is hatching. Egg 2 hatched today at 1pm. Pictured here is eaglet 1 who hatched yesterday morning.  MEPS NEWS Congrautlations to the new MEPS Board. Andrew Pfaff, President Justin Yon, Vice President Dylan Petersen, Secretary Randi Clayton, Treasurer Emily Bautista, Outreach Coordinator William Wenger, Social Chair Important Dates April 14: Last day to reschedule final exam April 15: Fall Drop/Add Opens May 01: Change of Major Opens May 03: Course Withdraw Senior News Run your DARS RSVP for reception. Today's Sandbox was selected by seniors  Trey van Hout & John Lones.  https://youtu.be/zw85IagnKu8

Water

Yesterday I did my favorite thing - course request meetings. I love it. I get to meet with you guys one-on-one and chat about what is going on with you. What you love about your classes, see how I can help, encourage you, and help you map our plans for next semester.  In helping you guys, I forgot to take care of myself and got dehydrated. At first, I didn’t think anything of it. Thought I just needed a large glass of water and I would be ok. But that wasn’t enough. I was so dehydrated that the effects went well into the night. My neck hurt, I was so fatigued I couldn’t make dinner. I also couldn’t make the cupcakes I was going to make for today. Sorry. This morning I did a little research about dehydration. Let’s just say that dehydration can really mess up your day, studies, and wellbeing!  I hope every is using CPD or Career & Professional Development when writing a resume or cover letter. In case you decide to go it alone, please use these 10 tips random FACT:  Only 9% of the Irish population are natural redheads.

MEPS NEWS On Thursday, March 23 MEPS is having the easiest fund raiser ever. All you have to do is go to Souvlaki for dinner between 5 – 9. At least 15% of all food sales will be donated to MEPS.  See you there. Important Dates Mar 21: Fall Course Request Opens Mar 28: Fall Course Request Closes Apr 14: Exam Rescheduling Deadline Senior News Have you made your appointment with Dr. Clark yet? Have you RSVPed for the graduation reception?

Sandbox Our mailing address is: Department of Materials Science and Engineering Advising Office 460 Old Turner Street, 142 Randolph Hall, MC 0286 Blacksburg, VA 24061