Advice from a cough drop

As you know, I was down with the flu. I’m back and ready to take on the rest of the semester. We have 29 days till Reading Day. As the wrapper on my Halls cough drop read, “Put your game face on.”

The winner of the MSE Halloween Guessing Game will be announced tomorrow. So you still have a chance to submit your guess.

MEPS News
iMAPS
Are you interested in electronic materials and looking for possible networking opportunities? A student chapter of the International Micropackaging Assembly and Packaging Society is coming to Virginia Tech and looking for students to join!

On Friday November 6th at 3:00, iMAPS will be having a poster contest (with cash prizes) in conjunction with the weekly seminar in Mcbryde 113 and all MSE students are invited to attend. Mr. Benson Chan, a director of the society, will be there to judge the posters and to give a presentation on iMAPS, and Frank Kramer from Corning will give a talk on ultra thin glass sheets for IC packaging. Refreshments will also be served during the poster presentation.

If you are interested in participating in the poster contest or have any questions about iMAPS, please email enerd@vt.edu. We hope to see you there!

*FREE IMAPS MEMBERSHIPS ARE RUNNING OUT!!! IF YOU ARE INTERESTED SHOOT US AN EMAIL NOW!*

Resume Book
One professional opportunity we want everyone to know about is our Resume Book! We have been working very hard to build a resume book to send to companies a PDF of all of the students they are looking for. So far we have over 30 companies looking to hire you, so please give us your information & resume using the links below. If you run into any issues when submitting the resume book feel free to email jasmine7@vt.edu!

Form: https://docs.google.com/a/vt.edu/forms/d/1Q_yod-bghoYph7Ki0yKSfe-yQPndwvA-v2ACALVGGZo/viewform

Resume: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0rC5AS00BRPUUxXczZJVkluRXM

Senior News
Proofs of your senior portraits are in. Please stop by my office to pick yours up.
Run your DARs.

Important Dates
November 20 – Last Day to Reschedule Final Exam
November 21 – Thanksgiving Break Begins
November 28 – Spring Add/Drop Opens
November 29 – Thanksgiving Break Ends
December 9 – Last Day to Withdraw … SEE ME FIRST

Halloween Facts
http://paranormalpalace.org/more-fun-facts-about-halloween/
 
According to Irish legend, Jack O’Lanterns are named after a stingy man named Jack who, because he tricked the devil several times, was forbidden entrance into both heaven and hell. He was condemned to wander the Earth, waving his lantern to lead people away from their paths.

Halloween originated in Ireland over 2,000 years ago Ireland is typically believed to be the birthplace of Halloween. (My people gave you Halloween & St. Patty’s Day. This is why you love the Irish!) 

During the pre-Halloween celebration of Samhain, bonfires were lit to ensure the sun would return after the long, hard winter. Often Druid priests would throw the bones of cattle into the flames and, hence, “bone fire” became “bonfire.”

Dressing up as ghouls and other spooks originated from the ancient Celtic tradition of townspeople disguising themselves as demons and spirits. The Celts believed that disguising themselves this way would allow them to escape the notice of the real spirits wandering the streets during Samhain.

Random
Camel’s milk doesn’t curdle.

Ut Prosim
Corps of Cadets and Veterans@VT welcome all to next month's Veterans Day events

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.

7 - 0

How was your fall break? Mine was great. I got to drive 6 hours to PA; passing through stand still traffic in Roanoke for an hour, typical PA road construction all to see my nephew play football. It was so worth it – his team is 7-0. Oh, and you have to see this … VT football entrance has nothing on this team!

But it’s now Monday and we are back to classes. We are also back to course request. Fall course request is a required meeting time for everyone. So please schedule your meeting now.

I will hold after hour walk-in meetings on Wednesday (10/21) from 5 – 6:30. As always, first come first served and you must be signed in by 6:30.

Important Dates
October 19 - Last day to resign
October 20 - Spring course request opens – REQUIRED MEETING TIME
October 27 - Spring course request closes
November 20 – Last Day to Reschedule Final Exam
November 21 – Thanksgiving Break Begins
November 28 – Spring Add/Drop Opens
November 29 – Thanksgiving Break Ends

Helpful Tools
There are 39 class days left of this term. Let’s make them the best 39 days of the semester by attending both of these sessions offered by the Student Success Center.

Don’t Be A Pokie Hokie: Overcoming Procrastination
You try to get your work done, but there’s always a better time. All of a sudden it’s the night before your big test, or project, or paper and there’s not enough time to get it done! You stress out, stay up all night, and turn something in that you know is not your best work. If you’re tired of that routine, come learn how to use your free time more efficiently to get homework done before the final countdown. This workshop will include motivation techniques to get you started early, help to design a study/homework plan to avoid rushing at the last minute, and will debunk the idea that we work better under pressure.
October 23 or November from 12:30-1:30pm

Making it Through the Final Stretch
Are you stressed out over all the exams, papers, and group projects that will soon be taking up your time? Learn how to stay motivated, manage the stress, and find the time to do all of the things you need (plus some time for fun!). We will also review strategies for effective test taking.
November 13 from 1:00-2:00pm
November 17 from 4:30-5:30pm
November 30 from 12:30-1:30pm
December 1 from 3:30-4:30pm
December 3 from 4:30-5:30pm

Random
Lion King’s Pumbaa was the first Disney character to fart.

Words to Live By
“82d undertake not what you cannot perform but be carefull to keep your promise.” - George Washington, from his Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation. (82 of 110 rules)

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.

Checking Out

How was your weekend? My husband and I checked out over the weekend. Saturday we watched 3 movies & 2 episodes of Scandal. To top it off we got a large bucket of chicken and told the boys ‘here’s lunch and dinner.’ Parenting at its best! Don’t be afraid to check out and take care of yourself every once in a while.

So, if you haven’t realized, the spring time table is up for your viewing pleasure. Spring course request will be open from Tuesday, October 20 – Tuesday, October 27. You don’t have to be the first to request, but you won’t be last.
I have updated the available of appointments on my Scholar to accommodate required meetings for course request. Please schedule your meeting now; this is a required meeting time for all MSE undergrad students.

Senior News
Run your DARs before our course request meeting. 

Important Dates
October 16 - Fall Break
October 19 - Last day to resign
October 20 - Spring course request opens – REQUIRED MEETING TIME
October 27 - Spring course request closes

Helpful Tools
In the coming days we will be talking about the classes you plan to take. All good stuff. I will also ask you what you do for you … where is the balance in your day, your week, your life. Do you have balance? When was the last time you checked out?

These six tips will help you strike a better balance in life:

1. Make time for you. Realize that you’re important and valuable. Taking care of your happiness (and sanity) is an essential part of creating a balanced life. Even if for just two hours each week, put everyone else’s needs aside and focus on you!
2. Strive for a healthy lifestyle. Both exercise and a conscious diet are necessary in order to remain healthy and happy. Set aside 30-minutes each week to exercise. Your workout can be anything under the sun, as long as it keeps you active.
3. Leave work in the office. There’s a reason you have a work schedule: your employer is only willing to pay you for a specific amount of time each day. Do your family a favor and leave work at work. Avoid overworking yourself if there isn’t a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
4. Make time for love. Rekindle the romance by making thoughtful gestures. Bring home a candle in her favorite scent, send roses to the workplace, or maybe even hire a maid so your wife can spend more time doing the things she loves. Spend quality, uninterrupted time with your spouse.
5. Live within your means. If your finances are causing you stress, it’s time to reassess your budget. Make budget cuts in order to proactively work towards achieving your financial goals.
6. Socialize. Hanging out with friends allows you to unwind and have a few laughs. Make it a point to meet up with friends at least once each month. Go out to dinner or host a get together in your home.

Random
New Study Finds Out Why Men Won’t Ask For Directions

Words to Live By
Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value. - Albert Einstein

Sandbox  

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

Cleansing Facebook

Recently I visited the Sr. Design Recitation class for a group advising meeting. During this meeting I told the class to clean up their Facebook because potential employers will be looking at it. As I think about it, everyone needs to clean up their Facebook page. 

Is there something on your page you wouldn’t show your grandmother? I can tell you what employers don’t want to see…

• 83% of employers say they are turned off by references about using illegal drugs.
• 71% are turned off by posts of a sexual nature. (Nobody wants to see that).
• 65% are turned off by use of profanity.
• 61% are turned off by bad spelling or grammar.
• 51% are turned off by references to guns, and
• 47% are turned off by photos of consuming alcohol.

Recent events have demonstrated that you can also lose your job based on things you post to Facebook and other social network sites. 

Today’s example is Geris Hilton. Mr. Hilton posted a picture of a coworkers son and his so-called friends posted racial comments about the little boy. As of now, Garis and two of his friends have lost their jobs because of the comments they posted. Years ago a woman posted pictures of her disrespectful behavior at Arlington Cemetery – she lost her job that day.
 
What you post of Facebook can prevent you for getting a co-op or job. It can also get you fired. Be mindful of who you are and how you represent yourself to the world. 

Ambassadors & VolunteersPlease be at 142 Randolph Hall by 5pm tomorrow to help with the Department Info Night. First 5 volunteers will receive a free MEPS tee-shirt.
 
Senior News
Pictures are this Thursday & Friday. Please check the Google Doc for your scheduled appointment.

Important Dates
October 16 - Fall Break
October 19 - Last day to resign
October 20 - Spring course request opens
October 27 - Spring course request closes

Helpful Tools
CareerShift  set of tools and applications provide a very unique opportunity to job-hunters. While other web services provide bits and pieces of the job hunt process, only CareerShift provides an easy-to-use approach for bringing all these parts together to crack the “hidden job market” and for managing the job hunt all in one place. With CareerShift, you can:
Search and store jobs from all the major job boards, company websites, newspapers and anywhere else a job is posted on the Internet.

Materials in the news
http://dangerousminds.net/comments/woman_ends_up_in_er_after_mixing_up_hair_mousse_with_builders_foam

Random
The Statue of Liberty weighs over 225 tons.

Words to Live By

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.

Moving to Monday

Because readership of the Wednesday Blog has been on a decline we will return to the Monday Blog! If anything, I’m adaptable (or so I keep telling people!). I’m will be adding a few features that will rotate in – have to check back to see what is new each week.  

Thank you Thomas for my new art work. Still waiting on the other team members to contact me with their ideas.... group or individual art? You decide. 

MEPS News
Meeting Thursday night. 

Senior News
You must sign up for your senior portrait by this Friday, (10/2). Please see the email previously sent to you for the link to the Google Doc.

Word to the Wise  
(New section: these are suggestions from recent MSE graduates - all anonymous.)  


Don't cheat in Corcoran's class he will catch you. Don't cheat in other classes, you won't learn anything, and you will fail. - MSE Class of 2015

Important Dates
October 2 - Last day to drop a class (check with me first)
October 16 - Fall Break
October 109 - Last day to resign
October 20 - Spring course request opens
October 27 - Spring course request closes

Helpful Tools
5 Ways to Fall Asleep Faster
Poor sleep is nothing to yawn at—it takes a toll on everything from your job performance and sex life to overall health. Here, real ways to get the zzz’s you need.

1. Nix annoying noises: A snoring husband, that beeping delivery truck—whatever keeps you awake—tune it all out with a relaxing soundtrack. (Check iTunes for downloads of sleep-friendly sounds.) For comfort, try SleepPhones ($60), thin speakers inside a soft fleece headband; they’re especially nice for side-sleepers.
2. Prep your body: When you hit the sack, try this progressive relaxation technique, says Catherine Darley, ND, director of the Institute of Naturopathic Sleep Medicine in Seattle. Curl your toes tightly for a count of seven, and then relax. Repeat through each muscle group, working up from your toes to your neck.
3. Take notes: Your daily routine affects how well you sleep. A sleep log can help you make those connections, says Stephanie Silberman, PhD, author of The Insomnia Workbook. Every day, record how much caffeine you drink, when and how much you exercise, what you eat, when you go to bed and wake up, and your total sleep time. Share the log with a sleep specialist.
4. Keep cool: People doze off easier and sleep better when the room temperature is on the cooler side, according to Silberman. Set your thermostat to around 65 degrees or lower. If perimenopausal night sweats or hot flashes make you kick off the covers, then try a cooling mattress pad, moisture-wicking sheets, or a pair of breathable cotton pajamas.
5. Relax right: Instead of mulling over the day’s events when you get in bed, try journaling about the big stuff at least two hours earlier, so your mind’s not racing when you turn in, Darley says. Right before bed, try a relaxing imagery exercise: Picture any tranquil scene, like a day at the beach. Over time, the new routine will help cue your brain to settle down.

Delicious Dish 
(2 points to those who know where I borrowed the section title from.)
This is one of the new revolving sections I mentioned. Today’s recipe is one of my favorite cookie recipes. I will gladly post your recipes here.

INSTANT JELLO PUDDING CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES     

• 2 1/4 c. flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 c. softened butter
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 3/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 pkg. (4 oz. serving) instant vanilla pudding
• 2 eggs
• 1 pkg. (12 oz.) chocolate chips

1. Combine butter, the sugars, vanilla and pudding mix in large bowl. Beat until creamy. 
2. Then beat in eggs, mix thoroughly.  
3. Gradually add flour, soda, then chips. Batter will be stiff. 
4. Drop teaspoonful, about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. 
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

Pointers: If brown on top they are too done – they should look under cooked when coming out of the oven, just barley tannish. Rest on cookie sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to complete cooling. Cookies will be soft.  Makes 7 dozen. (Not enough.)

Random
September 27 is National Chocolate Milk Day

Aspire 

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. 

So Much To Do

Several important reminders today… 

First, we need your help with the MSE Department Info Night which will be on Wednesday, October 7. Complete this survey if you would like to help, indicate if you want to help with labs or something else, have suggestions or questions: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1442845403173
Ambassadors, unless you are attending MS&T is this a required participation event.

Ok, on to pesky things like required meetings. I hold these meetings with you to benefit you, to make sure you are on track, have all your questions answered, and are exploring all the wonderful possibilities that awaits you.  So, on with it… fill my calendar with meetings. As stated in a previous blog…
Seniors – I will come to your recitation class, so sit tight.
Juniors  you must schedule your first meeting with me by September 30.
Sophomores – now that I’ve come to your Professional Development class please schedule your meeting with me ASAP.

Many of you have come and enjoyed the MSE Advising Space. We want you to use the space; studying, meeting with me or Kim, group stuff… ect. As previously stated, please continue to be quiet and respectful of the others. I must also remind you that your mother isn’t here to clean up after you. (yes, I went there) Over the past two weeks the staff has been clean up after you guys – picking up your trash (receipts, candy wrappers, trash…) and pushing in the chairs. OMGosh … for my sanity, please push your chairs in when you leave. Again, we want you to use this space, but you have to be respectful of it.

MEPS News
Will have our October Meeting October 1st at 6PM! Location TBA.
Good luck to the 5 Mug Drop Teams, 2 Disk Golf and  2 Domes heading to MS&T next month.

Senior News
You were sent the link to sign up for the senior pictures that will be taken on October 8 & 9. Please sign up by Friday, October 2. (drop a class, add a picture!)

Important Dates
October 2 - Last day to drop a class (check with me first)
October 16 - Fall Break
October 109 - Last day to resign
October 20 - Spring course request opens
October 27 - Spring course request closes

Helpful Tools
Effective Teams have….

• A meaningful common purpose; a shared vision
• Specific performance goals
• A balance of complementary skills and roles
• Trust, and a safe environment where conflict can be productive
• A strong commitment to how work gets done
• Mutual accountability

Random
The movie Wayne’s World was filmed in two weeks.

Ut Prosim

Sandbox

My Schedule   
Scheduled meeting times are available 10-11:45 & 1:30-415. To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account.

Be The Duck or Darth Princess

As everyone knows we moved from Collegiate Square to Randolph a few months ago. The move has been successful except for my computer; which protested by refusing to cooperate. Just yesterday the demons were removed and it was asked nicely to please play with others. So far, so good. The reason I'm sharing this is because I may not have all my files and the swipe card wasn't working prior to now. Deep breath, and cross your fingers are we move forward.

I have been asked to share this scholarship opportunity with everyone: Ellwood Group, http://news.ellwoodgroup.com/2015/09/ If you have any questions, please contact Sean Cowden (csean93@vt.edu).

This will be posted on the MSE Opportunities Blog ... link on the left ... if you haven't already, you should visit this blog. It is a 'follow me' only blog. I do not send reminders when I post job, internship or scholarship announcements to it. So the only way to get these announcements is to follow the blog.

Senior News

Run your DARs
Look for the Sr Picture sign up info soon. Dates of Sr Pictures will be on October 8 & 9.


Important Dates
October 2 - Last day to drop a class (check with me first)
October 16 - Fall Break
October 109 - Last day to resign
October 20 - Spring course request opens
October 27 - Spring course request closes


Helpful Tools
Looking for helpful tips I found this site which is good of interesting tips.
http://removeandreplace.com/2013/06/01/50-useful-tips-and-tricks-for-making-everyday-life-easier/

The only thing I will say is that if you do finish a tube of chap stick before loosing it you deserve an award!

Random 

An Octopus pupil is rectangular.


Ut Prosim    

Be the Duck

Sandbox 

My Schedule   
Scheduled meeting times are available 10-11:45 & 1:30-415. To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account.