I am UIC | UIC student blogs

In the aftermath of what occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., I have gone back and forth whether I wanted to tackle the subject and all the questions that come with it, not to mention the emotion people feel about this issue.  I knew that this specific blog would be posted on Christmas Eve and wasn’t sure if it was something I wanted my readers to read during the holiday. One thing that made up my mind was something a mother of one of the victims said.  She said, “There is a new comfort that I feel when I realized that my daughter is with all of her friends now.  She is up there with her friends and her amazing principal.”  What happened made me very sad, angry, scared, and wanting answers.  So, I decided to honor those 26 people killed on December 14, 2012, with the continuation of the gun control conversation.  Some people say that when an event like this happens, it isn’t right to talk about gun control right away.  But now, it’s necessary. Otherwise, when would be the right time to talk about it? Change needs to happen and It needs to happen now.

Like most people, I was at work on Friday, Dec. 14th.  I was in the middle of feeding the baby when my mom called me.  She said, “Put on the news when you put him to sleep, it’s horrific.”  At this point, a million things went through my head.  Even though I eventually learned this event took place in Connecticut, 900 miles from Chicago, it hit very close to home.  As most of you know, I am working on my master’s degree in early childhood education.  My first thought was, “Children? Twenty children were killed? When will this stop?”  I switched between CNN and MSNBC to get the latest information.  Then I sat and watched for hours, stunned.  I was so sad for all those killed, for their families and the community of Newtown.  I was scared for the safety of the first and third graders I nanny.  I was angry that guns and gun owners in our society are so protected and that it is incredibly easy to purchase one, particularly assault rifles.  I’m extremely angry that gun sales have skyrocketed in the last week amid fear for harsher gun restrictions.  One gun company said they made more than $20,000 in gun sales in a day.  Another company did about $1 million in gun sales in one day. More than any other day in the last 50 years. That’s ludicrous!  Then, I wanted to know why.  Why is the debate of gun control so black and white?  In the past years, the number of Americans supporting major restrictions or a complete ban, has wavered at around 50 percent.  Now, it’s over 60 percent, according to a CNN poll.

I simply put “Gun Control” as my status on Facebook that day.  I got some support and a lot of criticism.  Now, I know I have a right to my opinion and you have a right to yours, even if you disagree with me.  I was just amazed at the amount of comments saying that gun control won’t work.  One person said with sarcasm, “Right, like criminals and murderers are going to follow gun laws.”  This person’s comment made me realize that I don’t think people understand gun control.  By gun control, I don’t mean that creating more legislation is going to solve the problem completely.  Many things need to change in addition making it more difficult to purchase guns.  But also, my response is, how do you know what will and will not work if we have never tried?  Isn’t something worth trying if it’s going to potentially save lives?  How many more mass shootings does this country need to endure?  How many more lives need to be taken for something to change?  Change happens within yourself.  If you want change to happen, YOU have to make it happen.

I understand the 2nd Amendment protects people’s rights to bear arms.  I believe if someone feels the need to have a handgun hidden away in their house for safety…well, that is their right.  However, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, safety devices could have prevented 31 percent of accidental deaths due to firearms.  There are roughly 700 deaths a year from accidental shootings and most of those are children.

I have been doing research on what Australia did in the 90s to win their war on guns. I was curious about what the actual results were.  I checked factcheck.org:

http://www.factcheck.org/2009/05/gun-control-in-australia/

Another aspect of this horrific event that people are talking about is mental health.  I understand there are many people out there with mental health issues that don’t have help and the lack of health care doesn’t make the situation any better.  So, here is my suggestion: tougher legislation on owning and selling assault rifles, MANDATORY background checks AND psych evaluations before you can purchase a gun.  Now, I don’t know if it will work, but I firmly believe it is worth trying.

I am going to end this blog with a video from Saturday Night Live.  They opened their show with a children’s choir singing “Silent Night.”

Finals week is over! 

So excited — I’ve actually been studying in the Civil & Materials Engineering Lab for the past 48 hours. A couple of my friends actually slept in the lab, too; it’s crazy. Anyway, we also helped out the younger civil engineering students, seeing that we were in their shoes a few years ago and covering the same subjects as before. This song has also been playing in my head, from NBC’s Community titled “Donde esta la biblioteca?

Troy and Abed Rap \”Donde Esta La Biblioteca?\”

So this past week as well, my family and I had to make the tough decision on putting to rest our family dog, Poochie. We had him for 9 years (72 dog years). He was one of the best dogs I’ve ever known — we all loved him so much. So this week’s Pic of the Week goes to him:

Poochie, our Pomeranian 10/23/02 to 12/12/12

Other things that happened this week: Campus Housing began winter closing of all the residence halls on campus. The student staff went around to ensure the building is secure over winter break as a majority of the students went home for the holidays. If at anytime any of the student wishes to stay for a period of time during winter break, they may request approval here at:

Winter Interim for UIC Campus Housing, \”Winterim\”

If you’re a resident at UIC Campus Housing, you may also request something to be repaired or replaced in your room while away at home. You may do that at:

Work Orders for UIC Campus Housing

Our past program last Friday was an attempted trip to go ice skating at Chicago’s Millennium Park. Sadly, no residents turned up and it became a staff program. We just decided to get dinner at the Ogilvie Transportation Center. The food court there had Popeyes, McDonalds, Taco Bell, Cinnabon and more! It’s a fast food paradise. Here’s our picture:

From left to right, Me, RA Andrew, and RA Katrina

That’s a wrap for this week. Next week I’ll talk about my internship with an engineering company over winter break!

Stay Classy Chicago,
-Darren
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TOPIC NEXT WEEK: Internship

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What is your dream job? What kind of place do you want to work in? Who do you want to work with?

Well, the semester is done! Of course, the work is never gone out of my life. I have lots of qPCR’s to run at research and other miscellaneous design-y things to create and send to clients. One of my clients is my past WISE mentor’s husband — he and his two partners are competing in UIC’s C2V competition. I was actually thinking about competing too earlier this year with my friend, but this semester was nuts! Over winter break we’ll be making what we wanted to though. I’ll update on that when there is progress. (:

After having some hot pot, my roommate+her boyfriend+my best friend played Monopoly Deal! I couldn't play because I had to study for a nutrition exam the next day. I also had two exams the day after for abnormal psychology and Polish. Finals week wasn't very fun for me...

The main goal of winter break is to start on my medical school application and study for the MCAT! My GPA, especially my science GPA, will NOT get me into medical school. It’s absolutely terrible and wouldn’t be able to compete with others. Sure, cumulative is great but once they dig deeper they’ll say, “Man, this girl is dumb.” Eep! I am going to study day and night for that MCAT! Although it’ll be hard to manage with HAC to run (since we’re going to the high schools and all), I know I can do it if I put my mind to it!

Ahhh, I can’t wait for Christmas! We’re doing white elephant…I still have to purchase a gift! No clue what to get, but it’ll happen…oh man, and then New Year’s will be upon us! Absolutely nuts, I tell ya. (:

I hope everyone got good grades this semester! I hope I did…if not, you always have next semester and this winter break to get back on track. :D

Have any beautiful plans for your winter break?

We made it through fall semester and I am anxiously awaiting my grades.  A little nervous about that.  My goal was to keep my 4.0 GPA up. But one of my classes really challenged me this semester and I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep that GPA.  At least doing things for Christmas, like decorating and shopping, help keep my mind off obsessing over it.  I’d like to share some of my holiday traditions with you.

Christmas shopping.  It definitely can be stressful but I have most of it done.  With little things here and there, I should be able to finish within a few days.  It’s all the wrapping that is going to take the most time. Last week, I worked 6 days straight (both jobs, with a couple 12-14 hour days) so I definitely didn’t have time, nor the energy, to do anything.

We buy a real tree every year, which is the best.  We go to this empty lot full of trees from Michigan that’s by my house.  I like purchasing my tree from them because they’re farmers.  This guy and his wife do all the hard labor, cutting down the trees and transporting them to us, AND they have to live in a trailer for weeks.  It has to be challenging for them.  It wouldn’t be Christmas if we didn’t have a real tree.

Christmas Eve is my favorite part of the holiday.  My immediate family and I gather at our house and we eat a HUGE steak and lobster dinner.  We play music and games and then after dinner, we open presents.  I’m REALLY excited for the gifts I am giving this year.  I put a lot of thought into all of them.

Christmas Day will be a bit different for us this year.  In past years, we would split the day between my mom’s side and my dad’s side. We’d have dinner with my mom’s family and snacks and dessert with my dad’s family.  It’s a very long day because it is a TON of driving.  However, this year my dad’s side is coming over to our house to have Christmas dinner, which we’ve never been able to do before. My grandparents usually have it, but they’re getting to the age where it’s too much work for them.  So, this year I will be spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at home.

For New Year’s Eve, I still have no plans.  My boyfriend and I can’t figure out what to do.  We don’t really want to go out.  Most places are way too expensive and way too crowded.  But we don’t want to stay home.  My friends all kind of do their own thing, so that option is out.  We have no clue what his friends are doing.   If we go to the city, we’d need to stay in a hotel and that can get expensive.  I’m running out of good ideas.  I’m definitely the kind of person that needs to plan ahead, too.  However, last year, last minute we ended up going to dinner with his parents and went out and sang karaoke all night. We had so much fun! So maybe I should try to be more spontaneous since it worked out so well last year.  It might kill me, but I’ll try.

What are some of your holiday traditions?

I DID IT!  I RAN THE HONOLULU MARATHON!

I can't believe I finished!

On Friday, Dec. 7, I landed at Honolulu International Airport. After a bunch of unexpected stress involving loose ends I forgot to tie up in Chicago…I was finally able to relax in Waikiki. This relaxation lasted all of 12 hours. On Dec. 9, I had to wake up at 1:30 a.m.!!! After a quick breakfast, stretching and prayer, I made my way down to the starting line of the Honolulu Marathon!

I finished in 7:14:20. I know this may seem a little long, but miles 20-25 were all uphill. I ended up finishing about dead center of my age and gender class. My legs, back and arms are SUPER sore, but getting that medal and finishers T-shirt was well worth it!

It feels great to be back in Hawaii. I got to meet up with old friends from high school, hang out with other Team to End Aids participants from across the U.S., relax by the beach, and get a free massage and other cool free stuff for finishing the race. Some say that Honolulu is paradise; however, I just can’t shake the feeling that Chicago trumps Honolulu. 

My shoes got beat up pretty bad. Casualites of the marathon.

Even though most people do not get to finish off their finals week in Honolulu, Hawaii…I encourage all of you to keep exploring our great city.

Free Thing To do This Weekend: 

Have you heard the caroling going on at Millennium Park? This free program, presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, showcases Chicago choral groups and invites visitors to participate in a holiday sing-along. The last two caroling events will happen at 6 p.m. today and Friday, Dec. 21.
Random Hawaii Fact: Aiea, a city on the island of Oahu, is the only U.S. city to consist of only vowels.

Hope you guys are enjoying your break and ALOOOOOOOOOHA!

Hello fellow students!!

All term projects are done and one final down — and now the rigorous task begins on preparing for finals week. The culmination of all our semester’s work comes down to this. Here in Marie Robinson Hall, I can see students studying frantically in the lounges, pulling all-nighters in the computer lab and making quick trips to 7-11 to get energy drinks/coffee.

From all that, I decided to make a quick guide on:

Survivor’s Essential Tool Pack to Studying for Finals Week:

1.) Caffeine- Whether it’s coffee, energy drinks, apples or more. You’ll need it to keep the energy flowing.

2.) Entertainment Break- iPod, tablet, laptop, anything that gives you an outlet for those times when you get overwhelmed cramming a subject.

3.) All Notes/Slides Printer- Print out all of your necessary study materials. If you’re a resident of Campus Housing, you have FREE printing (up to 750 pages).

4.) Cell phone (optional)- This is if you want to place an order for food or to call your study buddy to meet up.

So this past week, it’s been crazy time management. Bouncing between floor meetings, RA programs, term projects and studying for finals. Although I did manage to get a picture for a program we conducted at MRH, “Gingerbread Houses.”

MRH Residents building gingerbread houses using graham crackers.

The assembly line!! So many ingredients.

Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work for everyone. “My [gingerbread] house just collapsed!” said MRH resident and Apartment Council member Anna as she picked up the remains of her house. “I think I’ll make a gingerbread sandwich instead.” The MRH Gingerbread House Making Program was a huge success, thanks to our resident Jenny Sampras.

At the MRH television room, we also had the MRH/TBH International Film Festival. This month we feature Miyazaki Films, such as “Spirited Away” and ”My Neighbor Totoro.” We also served Filipino dishes for those who stayed with us.

Our staff, residents and friends attended the program. =)

Well, that’s what’s up these past two weeks. I wish you all the best during Finals Week.

Good Luck!!
-Darren
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TOPIC NEXT WEEK: I can’t of anything right now, so it will be spontaneous. =)

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What was your favorite class this semester? (For me, it would be between Senior Design or Finite Elements.)

Most of my nightmares consist of two themes: zombies and fish. For a while I used to define my strongest interests with those two things, but right now I’m more concerned about doing well on my finals! Yet, I continually have had for a few nights now the dreams that involve either zombies or my fish (never both in one dream though…that’d be insane!). I am not thrilled when I wake up from these…

I think I posted a picture of my lionfish before, but this one is even better! Man, he is terrifyingly cool! My dad was cleaning the big tank so we had to stick him somewhere else. I am not sure how my dad did it without getting stung...if you get cut by this fish you basically die unless you get yourself to the hospital in three seconds. I always have nightmares about cleaning his tank and then he flops out of the tank and chases me around to sting me. I really hope this fish never evolves out of the ocean! Otherwise, we're all screwed! There are so many in the Atlantic apparently. Be careful around there. Other than its poisonous characteristics, it's a beautiful fish! =)

My freshman year, I took an honors course that involved dreams and we had like a “how-to” guide on how to decipher them. All I remember was “take it literal, but if it makes no sense then take it metaphorical.” Not sure how zombies and my poisonous fish come into play, but I assume I must be worrying about something or trying to “run away” from something.

I am guessing these dreams are influenced by the infamous finals week that is upon all of us. It’s never a good week for me, but once it’s over there is a tiny bit of relief, no matter how bad I felt after taking them. I wouldn’t describe myself as running away from my finals at the moment, so maybe my dreams are just a result of simply having bad dreams, haha. My finals schedule is kind of nice this year in terms of Monday being strictly all of my science finals and after that it’s my electives/social sciences (my favorite!). I actually took two exams beforehand (literally just a few days) and think it’s kind of silly to have an exam right after because I can’t comprehend that much information!

To me, the hard part of college is being able to cram everything in such a short period of time. In high school, you at least had the whole school year to master concepts over and over! In college, if you’re going by semesters, you had 15 weeks and one final week. That’s actually not that much time in my opinion when you look at everything you have to know! So, if we all REALLY wanted to know the material, you’d probably have to start at least a week or two prior to classes starting. I don’t know. I’m good with time management, but when it comes to creating that study schedule — not so much!

Meh, honestly…there’s always next semester. I was really feeling the 4.0 on this…but at the moment I don’t even know if I can get more than one A! :( I’m crossing my fingers that someone loves me out there.

Again, best of luck on your finals and enjoy your winter break! I’ll keep you posted on any holiday festivities I encounter. I’m still looking to purchase a white elephant gift for Christmas!

It’s finally here – the end of the semester!

As I begin finals this week, I can’t help but get excited for winter break. I have a countdown running on my laptop and have a screensaver of a photo and quote from Homer Simpson saying, “I never want to leave this bed.” They both remind me that soon, very soon, I will be able to sleep in and do whatever I want for a whole month. I am in need of being school-free.

With that said, I also realize the importance of taking advantage of the free time I’m going to have. Last winter break I literally slept in all day and went out with friends at night. I felt like a bum to say the least. I’m fully open to the idea of making this break productive.

I definitely want to express my creativity somehow over break. As I was studying yesterday, I suddenly felt the desire to be creative. I have a lot of great ideas and have a mind full of creativity, if I do say so myself. During the semester, with school and other commitments, the ability to express my creativity is limited. Over break, instead of writing papers and studying, I want to find a creative outlet. I’ve had a bunch of empty scrapbooks and printed photos in my closet for a couple of years now. I think now I’ll actually bring them out and put it all together. Or maybe I’ll even buy some canvas and do some cool art project. Whatever it is, I have a desire to express myself in some creative fashion.

I’ve also felt the desire to volunteer this past week. I’ve been working on a project that involves making press releases for my local YMCA. One press release I am doing is about volunteering. After hearing first-hand about the impact that one can have by simply giving up their time to teach a class or help out at an event, it put volunteering into perspective. I was able to talk to a stay-at-home mom but volunteers at her children’s grammar school and at the pre-school program at the Pav YMCA. I also talked to a 15-year-old who, with a busy high-school schedule, fits in time to volunteer for Y events. Their stories and passion made me realize the effect volunteering can have on a community. I want to find some way to volunteer for the community. Even if it is just a one-time thing, I want to feel like I am giving back my talents to the community. During break, I’m going to find something and get started volunteering.

Whatever I do, I just want to be able to say that I did something meaningful to me over break. Winter break is the time for UIC students to rest, collect their thoughts on life and do the things that they can’t do with busy school schedules. I hope that I’m able to do just that over break and come back in January with a fresh and ready mind.

Until next year…

-Mike

Remember how Oprah used to have her “favorite things” episodes, where she promoted her favorite books, movies, gadgets, etc.?  And then she would give the audience one of everything?  Well, here’s my favorite things list, except you won’t be getting anything out of it, except maybe some holiday gift ideas.  But hey! That’s still good! Some people never have any idea what gifts to buy for their people for Christmas.  That’s a gift itself!  I give you the gift of knowledge!

My favorite things:

(In no particular order)

1) Apple MacBook: Yes, I realize that most people can’t afford to give a computer for Christmas.  If you can, well…I’m jealous.  But if it’s something they really want (or you really want), It’s always a nice idea to pay for a small portion.  The only downside is that there really is no surprise.  Last year, I really needed a new laptop.  I mean, my HP wouldn’t even connect to the Internet anymore.  So, my boyfriend and I went to Best Buy and I opened a credit card (no interest for an entire year), and he put some money into it.  I easily paid it off before the year was over, was happy with my new computer and he was happy he didn’t have to go shopping.

2) Gift card to a restaurant: Who doesn’t love food? I mean, come on!  It’s always a good gift to give. It not only allows that person to go out for a meal without paying, but also it gives them a break from cooking, which is ALWAYS a nice thing.

3) Movies:  Getting someone a DVD always works.  Unless you give them a movie that was totally horrible like “Gigli” or an exercise DVD.  It MAY not be a good idea to give someone an exercise DVD unless they ask…then it seems you’re trying to tell them something.  “Grandma…maybe you should lay off the bon bons,”-dead man walking.  Well anyway, here are some of my favorite movies:

4) Personalized photos:  You can go online to a photo-printing website, such as www.shutterfly.com, upload some photos and create pretty much anything with your memories. Picture books, coffee mugs, T-shirts, cards and stationery, phone cases, blankets, magnets, coasters and my personal favorite….calendars.  I made one for my mom one year and put pictures of family and friends throughout each month. That was in 2010 and she still has it hanging up for the photos. It is a gift that has meaning.

5) XL Wine glass: For all you of who are 21 and over…this is pretty funny.  This wine glass is pretty big.  So big that it holds an entire bottle of wine!  You can give it as a gag gift or to someone who really likes their wine.  Ellen DeGeneres had it on her show one day and said…”Well, you can still say that you only drink one glass of wine a night.”

6) A massage: I love getting massages.  The only way that a gift certificate for a massage would bomb is if the person you’re giving it to was totally weird about strangers touching them…while being naked…I mean…the masseuse isn’t naked…you’re naked…well not completely naked…but you’re under a sheet with not much clothing…and the masseuse doesn’t SEE you naked.  Well, hopefully you would know if they’re weird about strangers touching them.  In my opinion, anyone who gets me anything that is meant for relaxation or stress relief gets a gold star.

7) Arts and crafts: I usually try to mix it up a bit each year.  I buy some gifts and I make some gifts.  If you time manage well, especially with something that might take a while, you can give someone something that you are really proud of that has a lot of meaning behind it.  Kind of like when you were a kid and brought home a ton of artwork you did at school that probably wasn’t very good, but your parents hung it up anyway because YOU made it.  It’s the time you spend and the love you put into it.  And sometimes…it turns out really good :).

8) Candles:  Another thing that I think everyone likes and can use. They can use it to create a nice smell in their house or for light if they’re trying to cut back on that massive electric bill.

9) Chocolate: Who doesn’t love chocolate?! Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? That’s right…because everyone loves chocolate (unless I’m wrong and you just really don’t like chocolate).  It’s USUALLY a safe bet.  Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.  Unless you just look on the back of the cover where they tell you what kind of chocolate is in what spot. Before they started doing that, it was always a big risk.  Every time I bit into a piece of chocolate and jelly poured out of it, I immediately spit it out.  Yuck!

10) Books: I love getting books as gifts.  It’s a bit more difficult to finish one nowadays since I’m in school.  But for Christmas, it’s perfect and I have time to read since I’m on break.  Get your person the next book in the trilogy they’re reading or a new bestseller!  Or if you’re rich and buying people a bunch of Macbooks, you can get them a Kindle! I’m one to physically have the book in my hand, though.  It’s such a great feeling to be immersed in a book on the couch, with a blanket and a hot cup of tea.

…and those are some of my favorite things.