Blog 6

I have to say, this has been a great week! I think it was a good idea that we changed the third test date to Friday, because that was the subject I was most confused about. I think I did fairly well; however, we will see... Honestly, I am sad for this short semester to be over. Normally I dislike math with a burning passion (which I think is because I did not understand it completely), but this has been an enjoyable time! If I could take every class like this, I would. There is a lot of busy work because it is all packed into a short period of time, but it manageable. I did a couple of fun things this week, to start off the summer. My friend in Mason opened a pizza restaurant that has both Chicago and New York style pizza, and let me tell you, it is amazing. Whoever reads this should check it out! It's called Two Cities Pizza. I believe they opened 7 months ago. Anyway, this past Friday, they had a block party celebrating their winning Best Pizza in Cincinnati. That was huge for them because they had just opened not too long ago! That was a blast, though. Then, last night, my family and I went to the Plain Folk Cafe to hear some (a little more modern than traditional) Bluegrass! My Papaw used to be in a bluegrass band, and can play just about any stringed instrument, so he really enjoys hearing younger people play. We actually heard them play last week, and liked them so much we saw them last night. Their name is My Brother's Keeper. They are a very fun and energetic group. They gave me the same vibe of when I was in Ireland in an old pub! So much fun (and if we are being completely honest, not too hard on the eyes either, if you know what I mean). I would say though, that an accomplishment was that I started to understand what we were working on in the third chapter of this class. Slowly, but surely, that is. I know I probably had some challenges, but they must've been awfully little, because I can't think of one right now--which is a challenge...! I went to a wedding shower this week, too, and I would say I have learned that I am SO not ready to get married. I definitely want to someday (God willing), but gosh, it stresses me out. Mainly the wedding itself. I am a little high maintenance, though. I bring it on myself. White Tie (Meaning all of the guests have to wear a tuxedo and gowns), organ, huge cathedral or castle. All of that takes a lot of time and money (Mostly money), so I think I should start stressing now. I digress, but a girl can dream, right? I'm not sure if I still have to put a math problem, but I will because the instructions say, "...also include a letter..."

Solve for r:

C=k+Pr/10

Dear Future Students,

First of all, I want to say "Good Luck". Not in a sense that it will be difficult, but it's always nice to receive words of encouragement. For this specific class you'll be learning the basics of mathematics, so do not stress. For some it may be new material, for others, it may just be review. As far as the work load, it was a decent amount because of the condensed semester; however, it is extremely doable and if you do a little each day, you'll get through with ease. Being successful in a class is easier than being unsuccessful, in my opinion. I have seen through my two years of college, that students will put more effort into not coming to class and participated than the students that do. If you do your work in a timely manner and study with a purposed mind, you'll do great. I had an English professor my first semester of college, and he always urged us to raise the bar. "Don't be like Joe Shmo over there, take the reins and raise the bar for your fellow students!" When you think about running a race, do you just want to make it through the race, or do you want to win the race in flying colors? It is tempting at times to do just what's required, but why not go the extra mile? I try to make school as enjoyable as I can, that way I don't feel I am wasting my life away (like many college students think!). My old Spanish professor, Luciano Cruz, always asked his students, "What do you like about Spanish? It can be anything. Do you like the culture, food, music, the language itself, the history--whatever it is, find it, and make that your passion for doing well in this course". It is always good to find at least one thing about the subject of your class that you enjoy. For this course, my determination came from the fact that I was tired of "hating" math. I wanted to understand it enough, so that I would not be embarrassed by not knowing it anymore. Sometimes, when you don't understand something (especially when it is something most people do know) it can be hard to open up in front of your peers and really learn it. That's what was nice about taking this during the summer, because I had the time to really focus on this subject specifically. In addition to finding something you like about the class; for me personally, I love learning new things. Especially when it finally clicks. It is such a fulfilling thing to learn something and then apply it correctly. I love getting good grades, and it's more of a relief to my brain than anything. Like, "Hey Brain, all of that thinking and straining and trying to calculate in there wasn't for nothing! We did it!" It's a great feeling to get a test back and know, you did actually understand what was taught. Another great asset to your success is your professor (imagine that..!). But really, aren't we paying the college thousands of dollars? Try to get your money's worth and ask questions! I understand some people are introverted and afraid to ask "stupid" questions, but honestly, live a little! Be spontaneous! Ask what 2+2 is if you have to! ...Well, I mean, only if you truly don't know the answer... But in all seriousness, it is important to ask questions, and students do not take advantage of that as much as they probably should. Now, this professor is one of the good ones. She doesn't have a monotoned voice or go through powerpoint slides, so you will thoroughly enjoy this class. She is not intimidating at all, so don't worry at all. You are all set up for success in this class! Just give it your all and win the race!

Kindest Regards,

Emma R. Snyder