My Recommendations December 10, 2009
Posted by abearman in : Uncategorized , add a commentI have been so involved in my studies I haven’t been able to see very many movies, but I have had the opportunity to read some books. I love to read, and find myself spending at least 6 hours a week dedicated to a great book. Some of my ultimate favorites are A child called it, The Odyssey, Fly Girl, just to name a few. I am currently reading the book precious, which just came out in the video form. I encourage you to go see the movie, I heard it was great. But at the same time, books are so more detailed and I would personally rather read a book than watch a movie.
Disney is presenting the first African American princess in “The Princess and the Frog.” This is truly a mark in history and I would encourage everyone to go see the movie.
Use this time to spend time with your friends and family that you might have lacked while your semester was very busy. Cherish the ones you have because you never know what you’re missing until they’re gone.
Flint December 10, 2009
Posted by abearman in : Uncategorized , add a commentFlint is my hometown, and I will never forget it! There have been many times, where I would wish to just get out of Flint. I was determined to move out the area and go out of state to college, but I was offered a full scholarship here in Flint, and I took it. I think it was one of the best choices I have made thus far. It has been a truly learning experience. I can’t just pick one good thing about Flint because there are so many.
We often grab hold to the stereotypes that Flint is crime central or nothing will ever come out of Flint. It is a stigma that will continue to surround Flint, unless we as the community believe that were are better than the typical stereotypes.
Flint is growing and making history as we speak. We are becoming more of a college town. I am excited to see what the future holds for the city of Flint. I love what Flint has to offer, even though I can list things that I want to change or improve but the good always seems to outweigh the bad. If there is anything we as a community want to change or enhance the time is now!
We have so many great things and people that have came out of Flint and/or its surrounding areas such as Morris Peterson, Eddie Robinson, Charlie Bell, Ready for the World, just to name a few.
Thanksgiving Recap December 10, 2009
Posted by abearman in : Uncategorized , add a commentThanksgiving is a time to share with you family and friends, in which you come together and celebrate everything you are thankful for. I have no definite plans, but I do know I will be around the people I love. I am thankful for everyone in my life and everything they have done for me.
This year I have decided to branch out and cook. I have been planning to get my cooking skills up, I just haven’t had the opportunity. So this year, I will put my plan into action. This year I am cooking smoked glazed ham, spaghetti salad, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and banana pudding. Whew, it’s making me hungry just thinking about it. I am a very picky eater, so the typical holiday food, I can do without.
On the other hand, I am very excited to have an extended weekend. I am definitely going to take advantage of it and get some rest. I am going to try to study and get ahead in some of my classes, but we will see how that actually works out. Wish me luck on that one. I hope everyone enjoys their holiday and remember the purpose of Thanksgiving is not just to eat but to realize how fortunate you are no matter how many problems you have. There is always someone out there that is in a worse situation than you. So use this time, to show how thankful you are!
Classes November 18, 2009
Posted by abearman in : Uncategorized , add a commentI was able to register for classes earlier than most students because I am a senior. Therefore I was able to register on this past Friday. Fortunately I was able to get all the classes that I needed. I can remember when I was a freshman, and my first semester I ended up with no classes that I liked. I felt like I had all classes that were at the bottom of the barrel and it was because all the classes were picked over. I didn’t understand then why I was the last group to register but now I do. It’s more important that seniors get to register first because they are closer to graduation and not every class is offered every semester, meaning if they can’t get into a class, they might have to wait an entire year to take it which pushes back their graduation.
Next semester is definitely going to be a handful. I have 3 science classes and one honors class. I know, right?! Whew it’s going to be a tough semester. I a little excited though. Maybe it’s because I’m ready to get them over with, but either way the excitement can help in my favor.
I’m excited in general for next semester. It’s a New Year, new resolutions, new faces, and new opportunities. Can’t wait to see what next semester holds for me. Start thinking now, what are you goals and new year resolutions for next year?
The Challenge November 13, 2009
Posted by abearman in : Uncategorized , add a commentWhew, what another week. This week has definitely been a challenge. Last weekend I was sick with the flu, which totally made me behind in everything. I had two exams this week, and it was definitely a challenge to prepare myself for them with a limited amount of energy. Needless to say, I aced both of my exams. I’m sure you heard but the flu is running wild. If you feel sick or like you are coming down with flu like symptoms please see your local physician or visit the Health and Wellness Center here on campus. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Despite me having a setback this past weekend, I still found time to engage in some of the activities on campus this weekend. Last night Students Moving the UCEN Forward (SMUF) held a 24/7 night in which the entire university center was committed to having fun. On all three floors there were activities such as video games, dancing, karaoke, movies, board games, free food, and drinks. It was held from 7pm to 7am. It was a chance for students to relax from a long week of classes and have fun with their friends all while being safe. Also while the 24/7 was going on, it was a Casino Night hosted by the Campus Activities Board (CAB) on the third floor UCEN. You student ID allowed you to receive 20 chips or slot machine coins. There were various games such as poker, black jack, and slot machines. If you turned in either 20 coins or chips you were entered into a raffle to win an iPod. I can see that the slot machines are not my forte; I did do rather well on the black jack tables though.
Only 4 more weeks of this semester to go! Make sure you register early so you can ensure the classes that you need. There is nothing worse than not getting into a class that you really need.
Top 10 – UMF style! November 11, 2009
Posted by abearman in : Uncategorized , add a comment1.Friends
a.Being around people you know is always a plus. A lot of friends I had from high school came to the UMF. When I need to relax, my friends are always there for me.
2.Faculty
a.The faculty is always a support system. Since our campus is not that big, it allows you to have a close relationship with the faculty.
3.Resources
a.There are so many resources on campus whenever you are in need. Our campus provides workshops, scholarships, and the writing center, just to name a few.
4.Free Money
a.When I came to the U of M, I received an abundant amount of scholarships. The UM-Flint provides a list of various scholarships that are offered every semester.
5.Small class size
a.A small class size allows me to have a one on one relationship with professors. You are available to more help if needed.
6.Easy to commute
a.UMF is less than ten minutes away. I don’t have to drive a long distance, to get my education.
7.In the heart of Downtown Flint
a.There are several restaurants, organizations, and companies surrounding the UMF campus.
8.Library
a.UMF has one of the best libraries. It is very resourceful. If there is a book or article that is not available at UMF, we as students have access to the other U of M libraries.
9.Tutoring
a.UMF provides free tutoring in all subjects.
10.Family
a.UMF is my second family. Always there as a support system, helping me to succeed.
Work and Volunteer November 5, 2009
Posted by abearman in : Uncategorized , add a commentI have a full time job that keeps me busy. I commit most of my free time to my job and I take it very seriously. I may be working till the break of dawn just to make sure I get everything done. I always seem to make sacrifices, but I will be rewarded for it in the end. Whew, thinking about my job makes me tired, but I am determined. I work at the University of Michigan-Flint as a full time student. Yes, being a student is my job.
From the age of 15, till my junior year in college I worked a real part time job outside of school. I had to realize that I am in college and my attention should be focused on my school work and not making money at the present time. Yes, having money is nice, but I had to realize that I am in college and my school work is my first priority. So do I have a job outside of school? No, and it’s by choice. If I can commit myself to my schoolwork like I did to my job, I’m guaranteed to succeed.
Volunteering is a passion of mine. You will never be where you are today without the help of someone else, so it is important to give back to the community, whether they helped you directly or indirectly. Every month I participate in various community service activities with my sorority. We are a organization committed to public service with a primary focus on the black community. We participate in volunteer projects work such as: Crossover Ministries, Breast Cancer Walk, AIDS Walk, Big Brother Big Sister, Christmas Caroling for the elderly, the list goes on and on.
The weeks go by faster and faster… November 3, 2009
Posted by abearman in : Uncategorized , add a commentAnother week has passed and we will be done for the semester before you know it. Another hectic week for me, but I made the best out of it. Two exams and I guarantee I aced both of them. I can’t wait till this weekend, because I definitely want to celebrate.
This week was pretty interesting. There were several events around campus including the Student Leadership Conference, Student Government Constitution forum and Halloween activities. I tried to participate in the majority of them, but them again I must keep my priorities straight.
I was surfing the UM Flint website and guess what I can across…the virtual tour. Yes, a virtual tour. It’s not only amazing that you can see a tour of the school, its classes, students, and what it has to offer but you also get to see me! Yes I’m featured in the tour; I have my great 5 seconds of fame…sounds a little conceited, huh? Well just a little…but still check it out.
On another note, I went to support one of the local sorority’s on campus. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. held a fundraiser Wednesday at Coldstone in Grand Blanc. I was really nice. What I enjoyed most of all is watching my friends actually serve customers. FYI some of them should never attempt to make ice cream again. Speaking of Greek life, my sorority has begun to practice for the upcoming annual step show. It will be held on December 5, 2009 in the University of Michigan- Flint Recreation Center. Please put it on your calendars now, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. It will feature the entire Divine 9 (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.) Don’t forget to check it out.
I found a new chill spot, to all those who took on my challenge…2nd floor French Hall. Did you find any place? If you haven’t taken the challenge…I urge you to do so. Until next time…
Hanging with Friends October 29, 2009
Posted by abearman in : Uncategorized , add a commentWhen classes are stressing you out or you just want to chill out and hang with your friends, you have several options. I know that this semester has really kept me going and any free time that I have to relax and hang with my friends, I definitely try to take advantage of it. I can honestly say that Flint, as a city, has come up since I have been in college. I started in the fall 2006, and my general hang out spot was the 2nd floor UCEN in the Alvin D. Loving Cultural Lounge. Most of the students that were in the same scholarship program hung out there. It was just a place to relax, talk, kick back, have fun, and even do homework. I think that one of the reasons why I resorted to ONLY the cultural lounge is because there weren’t many resources or locations where you could just hang with friends. Since then, I can truly say that there are several more outlets.
As I got older my horizons began to grow. As I stated I try to visit at least one of the local hot spots around campus every week such as Brown Sugar Café, Blackstones, 501 Grill, etc. These are just a few of the many outlets that we have around campus now. Even on campus there are several locations such as 3rd floor UCEN where you can chill, watch tv, play pool, or even grab something to eat. On the other hand we still have the 2nd floor UCEN, where I continue to find myself located, where you have the cultural lounge, televisions, vending machines, video games etc.
Your hot spot might differ from my hot spot, but one thing we do have in common is that we all seem to have fun when we are around the people that we enjoy and/or love. Anytime with friends and/or family is enjoyment. You may enjoy hanging in the Student Life office or the Student Organization Center, where ever it may be, we have several locations at the university.
The challenge of the week is not to visit another local restaurant, but rather visit some of the different locations on campus where you don’t usually go; you might find a new chill spot. I will partake in this challenge with you. Instead of finding myself in the cultural lounge this week, I will challenge myself to branch out even more and go around campus. Wherever it is on campus, I’m happy as long as I have my friends to spend time with!
Delta Week October 26, 2009
Posted by abearman in : Uncategorized , add a commentWow, is this week over already? Time has truly passed me by. Now I can understand why people complain because it’s only 24 hours in a day. This was Delta Week for my sorority and it has truly kept me busy. Sunday we went to church and ended the evening with Study Night. Monday was One on One with DST with gave students and opportunity to sit and chill with the current chapter. Individuals were able to ask questions that they always wondered but never had the opportunity. Tuesday was Real Talk with DST. It was set up in a talk show style where there were different guest with different relationship problems varying from having kids to focusing on their career. It was a great discussion with several different viewpoints. Wednesday was Workout with DST, which we did a great hip hop abs video. It seems like exercising is so much easier when you’re having fun. Thursday was the N Word Discussion, which we discussed how often and why the N word is used. We had several interactive activities and clips viewing the N word in various situations. Friday concluded our Delta Week which we made candy bags to donate to the children at Whaley’s’ Center, for Halloween.
Since my week was full of activities I didn’t have too much time to chill with my friends and go a new restaurant for the week. Maybe next week I will have more time. I know that next week will be a lot less stressful for me; well maybe not I have two exams. It just doesn’t stop does it?
This semester seems to be flying by…whew; I can honestly say that I am having a great semester though, both socially and academically. So many great times!