Pocket Your Phone

When was the last time you walked across campus without looking at your phone? On Wednesday I took a walk around the Drillfield during lunch and everyone was on their phone. This situation of being on your phone and walking, or just being on your phone constantly is getting out of hand. It is so bad that VT has put a “Heads Up” warning on a major crosswalk. This is to remind pedestrians to look for oncoming traffic. In addition to that, doctors are seeing an increase in what is now termed “text neck” in young adults. You people are too young to have neck and back pain.

I challenge each of you to pocket your phone when walking from here to there. Pocket the phone and watch the wind slowly ripple across the leaves. Listen to the birds as the chase each other. Check out the flowers around campus. Enjoy the things you don’t see or hear when you are aimlessly walking around like a zombie with your head down.

Senior News
Schedule your required exit interview with Dr. Clark now.

Important Dates
March 22: Fall Course Request Open (required meetings)
March 29: Fall Course Request Closes

Helpful Tools
5 Ways to Keep Your Cool During a Big Presentation

1. Redefine your negative symptoms as positive.
2. Give yourself a pep talk.
3. Visualize your success.
4. Practice filling up your belly balloon.
5. Stay positive.

Random
The plastic things on the end of shoelaces are called aglets.

Words to Live By
Technology can be our best friend, and technology can also be the biggest party pooper of our lives. It interrupts our own story, interrupts our ability to have a thought or a daydream, to imagine something wonderful, because we're too busy bridging the walk from the cafeteria back to the office on the cell phone. 

– Steven Spielberg

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My Schedule
We are now using Google Calendar for scheduling. Please use the following directions ...
In your Google Calendar look at the left side, under your name you will see an option to view others calendars.

• Click on the down arrow to the right of “other” and a small gray text box should appear just below.
• Type my email address then enter (do NOT use the @mse.vt.edu or VTmaterials)
• My calendar should appear in your calendar feed with pinkish boxes

To schedule an appointment

• Click on a pink box from my calendar
• Available time slots will appear
• Select an appointment time that works for you.
• This appointment will now appear on my calendar & should appear on yours

Keep in mind…

• When signing up you cannot delete the appointment. Email me if you need to cancel.
• Your name will be public for other MSE students to see – if you don’t want your name public please email me and I will schedule your meeting.

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

55° Next Friday

Nothing says welcome back to Blacksburg like 20 inches on snow! Hopefully that will be the end of the major weather events for the term. More importantly, did you enjoy the annual snowball fight?

Still a lot to do before the last day to add classes. So, to try to squeeze it all in I need to make a few changes to tomorrow's schedule. I will try to honor the appointments already made but for the rest of the day it will be walk-in only.
Junior & Senior News
I will complete my review of the ECON substitution for seniors by Monday and will begin looking into the Juniors after.

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
January 25: Last day to add a class
February 29: Last day to drop a class (check with me first)

Helpful Tools
I always recommend a planner that isn't on your phone. It is too easy to dismiss reminders and postpone things on your phone. But you cannot dismiss an actual event in a planner. Yet many of you still resist - where to start, how, and which planner. Review these options then find the best one for you. 

Fabulous Food
Philly Cheese Steak Dip - this is the best hot meal/dip ever! No exaggeration.

Random
Kangaroos cannot jump backwards. 

Ut Prosim
Repeat daily. 


Sandbox

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

In The Blink Of An Eye

This morning I was on my way to the dentist office when I stopped to watch the sun rise. Yes, I pulled off the road and watched the sun rise above the mist. 

Every day I chat with you guys and you talk about what a hurry you are to get to the ‘real world.’ We won’t discuss how this is your real world again, but we will talk about the hurry that you are in and what you miss when you don’t pull off the road to watch the sun rise. 

   

Yes, it happens every day. And yes, we take it for granted every day because we are in a hurry. You think that tomorrow you will take a break to appreciate the beauty in the things around you. Justify that tomorrow I’ll slow down to enjoy those around me and let them know how I feel. Why tomorrow? Why not now? 

PARTY
The MSE Winter Pot-Luck is Thursday from 11 – 1ish in 142 Randolph Hall. Please come, bring a dish (or not). Come for the friendship, MSE Family, games and the annual Faculty Auction.

Senior News
Deadline extended until December 11 to pick up your senior picture… you need to select the pose that will be used for the senior composite.

Important Dates
December 8: Career Luncheon
December 9: Last Day to Withdraw … SEE ME FIRST
December 10: Annual MSE Winter Pot-Luck
December 11-17: Exams
January 19: Spring 2016 Term Begins

Helpful Tools
3 Things That Could Help You Sleep Better

1. Stop using all technology 30 min before bed- no cell phone- no lap top- no kindle.  The light block melatonin which can help you fall asleep.  A 30 min wind down with relaxation and reading (a paper book) can make it easier to fall asleep.
2. No caffeine after 3 PM.
3. Sleep only an hour longer during the weekend than your latest weekday wake-up time.

Random
Americans use and dispose of 100,000,000,000 plastic shopping bags each year.

Ut Prosim 
Every year I volunteer at the Montgomery County Christmas Store. One year I would love to have you guys there with me. http://www.mcchristmasstore.org/

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.