I’m sure everyone is very much aware of the chaos that is currently happening here at SIUC. I originally told myself that I would remain neutral and try my hardest to not allow my thoughts or impressions be changed by the strikes here at SIUC. I can honestly say that the strike has been brewing for a while now and I’m actually happy deep down inside for the professors who are taking a position for their mistreatment. My favorite and most influential professor is speaking her mind via face book, emails, news articles and expressing herself through belly dancing and trust me I am so proud of her. Since I am a student I am somewhat bias with my opinions, which is why I originally told myself that I wouldn’t get involved. I haven’t picked a side for what’s going on but I just wish it would end soon. Seriously, this isn’t fun or enjoyable and I just want to learn and be taught by a qualified professional that cares about my future.

Tonight I was put into an environment that was extremely awkward and uncomforting and honestly I hope it doesn’t happen again. I came to Carbondale to obtain an education and I expect to receive one and if that’s not the case, maybe its time for me to pack my bags and pursue my educational needs elsewhere. The incident that I experienced tonight was one that was unbelievable and even a little scary. I understand standing up for what one believes; trust me I’m an advocate of standing up for my beliefs. But to use my education as a way to get the “message” across, I AM NOT a fan of. To sit in a classroom and have a professor that I respected yell and be extremely rude to a member of administration is beyond words. To have to get up and leave my classroom just to engage in intellectual conversation with my cohorts regarding my homework is unbelievable. I’m aware that there are many viewpoints and potential issues concerning the integrity of this campus and the professors it may attract in the future, but can someone please just take the time out and think about the students for a second? Please.

Woke up with Egypt on the brain. I know I didn’t share alot of my personal pictures from the trip intially due to personal reasons. But heres a couple of my favorites.

So SIUC decided to bring Fall Break back… I’m feeling bittersweet about this break. Yes it is perfect timing because I need a break from classes and I was going to go home this weekend anyway. But it just sucks that for Thanksgiving break we only get off that thursday and friday instead of the whole week. I think it makes traveling very hard for students that don’t drive because they have to travel on thanksgiving day instead of already being home during that time. Nonetheless I am excited for fall break it gives me a breather from the world of academia and allows me to spend free time with family. My little sister’s homecoming is saturday and she actually made her own dress this time so she is excited and I’m happy to be able to see her off. I may post pictures this weekend as well.

Tomorrow I will be volunteering at the Study Abroad Fair. Earlier this year I visited Egypt through the study abroad program here at SIUC. Please come out and ask questions if you’re interested in studying abroad. It is def an opportunity that I encourage everyone to consider.

Want to know more about how you can study overseas? Want to talk to SIU students who have gone abroad? Wondering how aid applies and whether the classes will transfer?

Come to the 2011 Study Abroad Fair to get the answers to these and other questions!

What:  2011 Study Abroad Fair

When:  11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Wednesday, September 21

Where: Student Center, 1st floor, Art Gallery Area – by the south escalators.

Why:   We live in a global marketplace that demands intercultural and language skills. Are you prepared?

Who:   Anyone interested in study abroad

Study Abroad: Don’t leave college without it!

Salukis!

It feels so good to be back! I barely blogged this summer, despite my many attempts to do so. It just never quite worked out. Well now that I’ve graduated…. guess what? I’m still enrolled in classes, I’m still writing research papers, and I’m still having anxiety and I can thank SIUC’s graduate program for that. I am currently in the Higher Education Administration Program here. What am I going to do with that you ask? Ha. That’s a total different post. I just wanted to write a quick post to get back familiar with blogging especially since the bloggers section is totally upgraded and there are more bloggers. Yay!