Hey Everyone!

SPRING IS HERE! I can’t believe were almost done! This week sparks the last week of classes and things are flying by. I’m so excited for this summer too – I’ll be back at my summer camp – my 16th summer there – I’ve gone from camper to head counselor and now assist with of supervisor-type activities. It’s really an amazing place, here is the link about that: http://www.miyjcc.org/Camp/Index.cfm

There is only a week and a half till my Sophomore year is over! I’m still shocked that it went so fast. Looking back, this year has been incredible and I am so happy where I am and all that I have to look forward to. Just wanted to pop in – my next post will contain a ton of pictures but for now, I want to leave you with a quote that reminds me why I picked New Paltz and why I love it here: “You’d rather be a big fish, in a small pond, than a small fish, in a big pond”.

I always say it on my tours and it makes so much sense when you think of this school – with its size, possibilities are endless. Hope that could inspire you!

What are you all excited for with Summer near? Comment and let me know!

Max

Hey readers!

We are finally feeling the spring weather up here and it couldn’t be at a better time! We only have a little less than 3 weeks left of school! It’s crazy to think that my Sophomore year of college has come and past…it’s really been an awesome year.

This week has had a couple of big events – one being the major signs that the end of the year is here: REGISTRATION (…dun dun dun). People all over campus run to the nearest computer at their registration times to hope they get the classes they want! I have been pretty lucky and have gotten all of my classes (Psych of Learning, Internship in Psych, Disaster Psychology, Psych of Adolescence and Adulthood and Human Services..a lot of psych)! – but its something where you need to wait it out and hope for the best! (To see all of New Paltz’s class options, click here: www.newpaltz.edu/classes).

This week also had a major event – called TRANSaction. This is an event to spread awareness about the transgender population. I do not know a lot about it, so I attended the event with some friends and learned a lot. It was really nice to learn about something from people really passionate about the topic. Here was the Facebook event link for that workshop: https://www.facebook.com/events/436496533100182/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Today, in all of the halls across campus, is RA Appreciation Day. All the residents, Hall Government and the Resident Director come together to give us RAs a special day. It feels so nice to know that what you do is appreciated by others – it gives me even more fuel to continue what I’m doing. The RA position is an incredible job and if you have any questions, post here! Here is the sign my residents made for me (our hall’s mascot is the dragon, by the way)

What are some events that YOU would like to attend on campus? Anything that you are looking forward to in the next few weeks as we enjoy the sun? Post and let me know!

Here is a picture of a New Paltz sunset, one to leave you for now. I also heard a quote this week that meant a lot – and I think you all will enjoy it:

“If you aren’t doing what makes you happy, what are you doing?”

Till next time

This week was one of those insane, never ending weeks…I am so glad to finally be at the end! What makes this week even better is that the weather will be in the high 60′s in the next week as well!

Before this crazy week, I was on Spring Break, and my family and I went to Puerto Rico! We had such a good time and we stayed at a beautiful hotel, here’s a picture:

I got back to campus on Monday to start a crazy week–it felt like it would never end! Whenever I thought I had a free moment, something else came up. But now I am at the end and this weekend is going to be a great one…because…on Friday, I have a Leadership Gala to go to with my RA staff, we are psyched! Pictures to come!

And Saturday is finally the Epic-Glee Invitational!!! We hope you could make it, here’s the event info (https://www.facebook.com/events/352651254847244/?fref=ts). Here’s a little picture of us, we hope to see you Saturday at Studley Theatre!!

Hey Readers!

Today starts our Spring Break! I can’t wait to head home and see my family and some of my friends who are home. It’s crazy how fast time is going! Yesterday, I gave my weekly tour, and it made me think of things that I would want to tell any first-year student coming into New Paltz. With that said, here’s that list…

1. Go out of your residence hall! There is an amazing world out there and you need to experience it! You were attracted to your college for something besides the academics. New Paltz is in a beautiful location. One of the easiest ways to meet people, for me, was being outside—and being social. Remember all freshmen are going through the same thing!
2. Do not be afraid to try new things (or continue with your passion)! All throughout high school, I was involved with the performing arts—and that did not stop once I arrived at New Paltz. I decided to audition for the “Epic-Glee” club; one of the best decisions I have made! Also explore some clubs inside your major! As a counseling psychology major, I joined my school’s crisis hotline—a great way to get some hands on experience!
3. Explore some majors and minors! This is the time to figure out what you would want to be. But do not stress! You have a couple of years to figure it out.
4. Most importantly, find a good balance. College is all about time management. Make time for sleep, homework, studying and relaxing; but also make time for seeing your friends and having fun. Getting to know new people and making new friends is as important as anything else.

If you follow these rules, you will have a wonderful adjustment to college life—whether you’re in New York, Alaska or California! Remember to keep in touch with all of your family and friends from home. You would not be here without them! Remember to enjoy yourself and to remain optimistic. Here’s a quote to leave you with. My uncle once told me, “It is not your circumstances that affects your attitude—it’s your attitude that affects your circumstances”. Remain positive and best of luck!

Max

Hope I got you in by that title! Hi! Yesterday I had the best program I think I’ve had yet. A friend gave me the number of a woman who raises puppies and she brought a bunch of them to my hall to play and provide some midterm stress relief! See the pictures below. Our residents LOVED it–we had about 120 people come! It was incredible.

What else is going on? Well, this weekend is Accepted Students Day! As a Student Ambassador, I’ll be showing people around for part of the day and also, my show choir, Epic-Glee (here’s one of our latest videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vf8dlH6U64) was asked to perform for the Accepted Students! Were so excited! See below for our latest group picture as well.

Also…SPRING BREAK IS A WEEK AWAY!!! I can’t wait. This year, my family and I are going to San Juan, Puerto Rico for break. It will be my Mom’s birthday and for the first time in years, my sister’s break (she’s in 8th grade) and mine overlap – so it’s so cool that we get to have the time together!

Hope you all have great weeks – before you leave, comment with what you’re looking forward to as the weather gets warmer!

Talk to you next week

Hey readers!

Well, somehow it’s almost midterm season already and I feel like time is flying by! No complaints! But I was talking to my suitemate yesterday, who’s also a sophomore; and we were talking about how college is almost half way over for us already. It’s crazy to think! We talked about how much we’ve accomplished and how much there’s left to accomplish–which got me excited and more prepared for midterms!

With that in mind, I made some countdowns…these keep me motivated and maybe they’ll help you too!

Days till Spring Break: 22

Days till Spring: 18

Days till Summer: 122 (getting there!)

Days till last day of finals: 78

Hope this could keep you a little motivated

Hey Readers,

Hope this post finds you warm (and well!). We are only a week away from March and I couldn’t be more excited! This week, I am going to go through ‘a week in the life’, of me, and I hope you enjoy it! Here we go…

Monday: I was home this past weekend and got to see my family and some of my friends, and here is my dog! Her name is Baylee, she’s the best!

Tuesday: I came back to New Paltz this day and watched this amazing video in my Sociology class–it was so meaningful, and a bit harsh along the way; kind of a wake up call: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf2LB0IG1xo

Wednesday: Was my day off! But I had a ton of things to do. I had a big test to study for and a lot of work to catch up on. But, I did have time for a break at my favorite New Paltz restaurant, Main Street Bistro! Here is a picture of my favorite dish, Salmon Hash (yummmmmmmmmmmm)

Thursday: I gave my weekly tour today and had Crime and Society, Sociology and Research. On my way back, I passed my favorite view on campus…and here’s a picture from that:

Friday: …to be announced!

Hope you all enjoy your weekends and are looking forward to the warm weather as much as I am

Max

Hey Everyone!

So I promised my next post would be about classes, so that’s what this post will be about!

1. Intro to Philosophy: Classics (PHI120)

This class counts for my General Education: Western Civilization requirement. I didn’t know what to think of it, but I am really enjoying it so far! My professor, Dr. Humiston, seems like a really cool guy and the class is fair and interesting.

2. Psychology of Infancy and Childhood (PSY343)

This class is my prime major class, and I am really enjoying it. Dr. Nash is a developmental psychologist and she is really passionate about the subject. I am really really enjoying this course.

3. Crime and Society (SOC250)

This class is for my minor. I took it because I LOVE the crime-related TV shows (“Beyond Scared Straight”…etc) and I wanted to learn more. I am looking forward to learning more, it definitely seems interesting so far!

4. Intro to Sociology (SOC100)

This is the prime course for my minor. I tried to mix simple and difficult classes this semester and this one is more of an enjoyable, beginner course. It is SO interesting; all classroom discussion, and I love it.

5. Independent Study – Psychology Research (PSY495)

This is my second semester performing research with my advisor, Dr. KatySue Tillman. Our research project, which explores when school counselors report childhood physical abuse (a heavy topic, but REALLY interesting), was chosen to be presented at the American Psychological Association’s convention! This summer, the convention is in…wait for it…

HONOLULU, HAWAII. So surreal! It is going to be the best!

More about this next time have a good weekend and week! STAY WARM! (2 feet of snow? :/)

Max