The
lark
Chronicle
APRIL AND MAY ISSUE
All Things Must Come to an End By: Scott Kozak Writer and Editor Life is full of adventure; of laughs and cries; of smiles and frowns; of successes and failures. These bring substance and excitement to our lives, but they do not bring purpose. Our experiences are not meaningful in their own rite. Rather their importance is contingent upon their relationship with the world around them. Of course this all very philosophical and esoteric; put simply we all exist in a much larger community: our friends and family, our residence hall, our college, our country, our planet. It is within all of these and with all of these that we interact, and through them that our life derives meaning. It has been said that no man [or woman for that matter] is an island. Indeed, as the end of the semester draws near, it is of this fact that I become increasingly aware. Whether you are a freshman or a senior, the end of the spring semester is always a well of mixed emotions. Excitement over classes being over and being able to go home and see our families; compiled with the impending dread of all the work that stands in our way and leaving our new or old friends, either until next semester, or the next time our paths meet. So how do we deal with all these conflicting feelings? How
do we draw cool refreshing water out of this dark and mysterious well? We accomplish this task by recognizing a simple truth, all wells have bottoms, or more generally all things must come to an end. It is considered a fact of life, however, alone it is not sufficient for it tells only half the tale. The other half is defined by the beginning. For these two ideas are intimately connected, there cannot be one without the other; beginnings most have an end, and ends most have a new beginning. This is not just a metaphor it is scientific fact, when stars go nova and die the gas and elements they release give birth to new stars and solar systems. And so we have no need to fear when it comes to finishing our work. After all, all things most come to an end, the work will be done soon enough. Furthermore we have nothing to fear when it comes to saying goodbye to friends. After all, all endings most come with a new beginning; we will see our friends again and make new friends in new places too. So as you are contemplating the final weeks of the semester, remember that the end is near and the beginning is not far away. So let go and embrace the adventure of life.
10 Sure Fire Ways to Best Your Tests By: Scott Kozak Writer
1.)
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize: Facebook, cell phones, instagram, Stumble upon; these are your enemies avoid them at all costs when studying. Turn off your computer, shut off the cell phone and get to work. You won’t believe how focused you can be.
2.)
Think Positive: Often you defeat yourself before you even begin. No matter how much you have to study it is all possible. Repeatedly reassure yourself that you can do it. Once you believe it, the work will get done before you know it.
3.)
Sleep Well: Your brain cannot retain information when it’s tired. Make sure you get a good night’s rest before studying and before each of your exams.
4.)
Eat healthy: I’m not talking just brain food. Your mind is part of your body and you need to take care of both. Eat plenty of vegetables, and fruits and avoid those extra sugary snacks with no nutritional value.
5.)
Take Breaks: The mind can only hold so much. Pace yourself! This isn’t a sprint it’s a marathon. Take a nap, go for a walk, do what you need to in order to relax for fifteen to thirty minutes every hour or so.
6.)
Find Your Happy Place: There’s nothing like finding a nice quiet, comfortable place to study. Find somewhere away from distraction where you can focus.
7.)
Have it Your Way: I’m not suggesting Burger King, everyone has certain study habits that work for them. Find yours! Rewrite notes, make study guides, flash cards, whatever works best for you. There’s no one right way to study, but there are plenty of wrong ways.
8.)
Find Your Study Buddy: Not everyone studies well with others, but sometimes explaining a concept to someone else will help you understand it better too. It’s like a two-for… but not in the way that you know it.
9.)
Don’t Run the Clock: Studying takes time, so make sure you give yourself plenty of it. Start early and you won’t be stressed when the day of your exam arrives.
10.) JUST DO IT!! Granted this Nike slogan is overused, but these are words of wisdom that you need to follow. Procrastination and distractions keep you from the task at hand. Sit down, bite the bullet, and do work. You’ll be glad you did!
Clark Hall Memories
Closing Q&A with RA Scott Kozak 1.)
When do the Halls Close? Answer: The residence halls close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday May 15, EXCEPT for graduating students, students with late finals, or residents helping with commencements.
2.)
What do I have to do if I have a late final? Answer: You must e-mail the RHD, Adrienne Victor, by noon on May 13 if you have to stay Wednesday night May 9.
3.)
When do 24 Hour Quiet hours and Dry Campus start? Answer: They start May 7 at 11 p.m. This means that noise should not be heard outside your room, if it is RAs like me will document you. There are NO WARNINGs given during this time. Also you are not allowed to purchase, possess or consume alcohol between May 7 and May 15 at 5 p.m. EVEN IF you are 21. These rules are set in place so everyone may have a quiet and safe environment in which to study
4.)
What about having a quest over? Answer: Having guest over the weekend of May 10 and 11 is discouraged and you actually need to get Adrienne’s approval first.
5.)
What do I do before checking out? Answer: You need to follow the checklist provided by your RAs. Look for a floor meeting in the upcoming week and check bulletin boards. The checklist essentially has you completely clean out your room, like actually CLEAN it. And please take you trash to the Dumpster outside so you can save Michelle a lot of back breaking work. Also fill out a forwarding address card supplied by your RA so your mail doesn’t get turned away.
6.)
How do I check out? Answer: You can make an appointment with Adrienne to have her assess the room while you are here (so you know if you’ll be charged). However, in all cases you must first completely clean out your room, filling out the checklist, and removing all personal possessions. Then if Adrienne checks it, she will have you sign your RCR and turn in your keys. If not you must sign out before leaving with an RA in the staff office (there will be someone there all day starting finals week). Then, an RA will have you sign your RCR and turn in your keys. If you don’t do this you will be charged up to a $100 fee.
7.)
How do I know if I’m being charged for damages? Answer: If you have Adrienne check your room ahead of time you will know before you leave. Otherwise check myRedDragon on June 17 for Closing assessment charges. The appeals process ends July 1 so make sure you check immediately even if you don’t think you’ll be charged.