College Life

It's a Crazzy Life

noreply@blogger.com (Kayla) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:44:00 +0000

First off, I would like to sincerely apologize for not writing for a while. It has been very hectic lately and I have struggled with finding time to let loose and confess all here.

This semester my five classes have been a lot of work. My journalism class is fairly based on common sense and involves issues I learned last semester but is still a challenge because when writing stories, if you have even one error you get a zero on it. I have never paid so much attention to the different variations of the name Anna before in my life. My English class is by far the easiest and the most relaxing. French continues to be the class I count down till the end of the days. My math class is pretty basic, after all it is math 142. It is math that you learn in high school but need to refresh on and it is the basic math that journalists need so I�m set. The more challenging class though would be sociology. It is one of those classes where I go everyday, take all the notes, follow along to the lectures and do most of the reading then a test comes along. I sit and take the test thinking I am doing good and must have gotten a good grade but then I look at the class average and it�s a 62%. I know this most frusterate others as well. It is very disturbing to not know what you are doing wrong when you are doing everything you can think of.

In addition to school, I have recently totaled my car and quit my job. Although I now have a new car and job as you can see life has been extremely stressful lately. Sadly, one morning on my way to school I got in a fender bender and had to say goodbye to my some-what faithful Marilyn (my car named after the one and only Marilyn Monroe). My boyfriend helped me find a very good car with low mileage and a clean exterior and interior. However, the car has no name yet. Last week I quit my job after three and half years. I figured it was time to move on and the drama was getting too strong I never knew what to expect. Monday was my first day at Kinder Care and so far I really like it. The kids are so much fun and they really can make the hours fly by. I also increased the amount of hours I work. Since I live on my own and school is a lit bit of a challenge I thought it would be wise to have extra cash on backup.

I hope all of you had a wonderful spring break and are looking forward to graduating in a few months.

Leave comments and questions, I�d loved to hear them.

Back to The Books

noreply@blogger.com (Kayla) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:37:00 +0000

Well it�s that time of the year again�Santa has brought us our Juicy Couture, Victoria�s Secret and pretty pink digital cameras. We have rang in the New Year with lip glossed smiles and only the cutest outfit we could get our hands on and now, well now it�s back to school for the second half of the year.

I started school last Monday and since I am finally settled in and don�t need to look at my schedule to find my classes I knew I could write this blog in peace. This semester I am taking five classes. For those of you who read my other bogs, you already know this but I am taking JMC 201, English 102, French 201 =( , Math 142 and Sociology 101. Unfortunately, I have classes all five days of the school week and for some reason I decided to take on the challenge of a 7:40 class. Overall waking up at 5:00 hasn�t been that bad but like many others my new years resolution was to exercise and eat healthier. Because I am (at least at the moment) very dedicated to keeping this goal, my 5:00 alarm is not helping the situation. On Wednesdays I leave my house at 6:30 and don�t come home until 6:30 p.m. As you can guess by this time I am very tired and not in the mood to run on the treadmill for a half an hour. However, besides this Wednesday drawback waking up at 5:00 has made me more appreciative of sleep and my Zune, which helps wake me up the right way. Energy Filled. Friday is my blissful, catch-up on sleep day because my class isn�t till 12:40�THANK GOD!

Being a week into the semester we have begun taking notes, getting ready for the first tests, and reading the first few chapters. So far it�s not bad at all. In fact, I am excited for this semester; but aren�t we all in the beginning? My prediction is that my Sociology class will be the one I have a passion for. That may sound a little strange since I have a news writing and reporting class and that is my major but honestly I want to be a magazine writer and not so much a news reporter. Hence, the less excitement.

Unlike the beginning of last semester it is the cold weather that is a little annoying this time but I would much rather have that then the scorching heat. I know someday I will happy with the weather; but probably not until that day is 76 degrees outside and sunny. All of my classes are close together which saves the anxiety of walking too far to make it to class on time and/or getting lost. Overall, I have high hopes that this semester will make me a very more knowledgeable, organized, better person. How about you guys?

Hope you all had a nice break and are still enjoying the excitement of the new semester.

Kindness on Campus

noreply@blogger.com (Kayla) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 23:58:00 +0000

When you think of college and being on campus, I'm sure politeness and kindness are the last things you think of. I never really thought about it either, until I started paying better attention to my surroundings.

As I was swaying back and forth on the Flash Bus, holding on for the sake of embarrassment, I saw an act of politeness. The bus made a stop and a few people got off opening some of the seats. I looked around to see if anyone was making his or her way towards the seat across from the door. A guy was making eye contact to the same grey seat I was. He was almost butt in seat when he looked up and saw me, the only girl standing. �Would you like to sit?� I just smiled and said, �It�s ok.� Being a gentleman though, he said, �No, go ahead.� So I sat, smiled and said, �Thank you.� That was the first act of the day.

Next was on my way to English. I was just doing the regular, walking across Orange Street thinking of all the things I had to do that day when it hit me� Kindness Blog! I immediately opened my eyes and watched every interaction. Now, this wasn�t the first time this happened, but this is the first time I am sharing it with you. When many students walk into a building at the same time there is usually someone who will wait and hold the door open for everyone. Ok, so you may be thinking, �Kayla, what�s the big deal?� But I have to ask how often have you seen a high school kid open the door for classmates they don�t like, classmates they think are strange or weird and classmates they could care less about?

Another observation of mine is how outgoing most people are. If someone recognizes your face from a class they will start talking to you about the class or just about life is going. Recently, as you all know, was Thanksgiving and I heard and took part in many conversations about what people were doing for the holiday, if they were staying here or going back home or even about if they like turkey or not. It is really cool to be a part of this college life and see how so many people just grow on their own and branch out and make new friends.

And just think the next time you feel that you�re cool enough to be in college maybe part of the coolness should be based on how you treat others. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

When Hunger Strikes

noreply@blogger.com (Kayla) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 04:05:00 +0000

It is reasonable to say that while you are in college your tummy will rumble, your stomach will clench with hunger and your strength will start to grow weak. No need to fear though these are all symptoms of a little thing called hunger. When this urge to eat strikes you there are many simple things you can do to satisfy the pain.

Like I mentioned before, keeping a slimming figure in college can be a bit of a challenge. However, it can also be very simple if you choose wisely. At first, I had a little trouble myself thinking of things I could eat when I didn�t want to spend too much money or didn�t have enough time to grab something so I got a little help from my healthy-eating boyfriend. Buying healthy crackers such as, Kashi, Triscuits and Wheat Thins is a great idea really because the taste is good, your stomach will be satisfied and the last thing you�ll be worrying about will be watching your weight. Not in the mood for salt? Well, that�s okay too. Cut an apple (good with a touch of salt I must say), an orange, a pear or a peach and bring it in a zip-lock baggy. If you keep it in your purse it will be all right for a couple hours because you will most likely be in air conditioning anyways. Grapes and raisins are also tasty snacks to bring to school. Neither sound like a hunger stopper to you? Nuts and granola are two choices that will also do you no harm, only good. Of course eating healthy may get a little boring at times and splurging on the occasional M&M or Snickers won�t make you gain the Freshmen 15, so why not, right? But just remember as long as you keep these healthy snacks in mind they will keep you focused, full, and healthy!

* Thanks for the comments. I read them and responded to some. Feel free to keep up a chat on the articles comments. =)

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Balancing Act!

noreply@blogger.com (Kayla) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:59:00 +0000

Juggling is a skill that only a handful of people have but juggling classes along with work and maintaining a social life is a skill that college students become a pro at. In my few months of being a full-fledged Arizona State University student, the balancing bug has bitten me. I must share with you, my online friends, that at first the thought of going to work, doing well in school, doing homework, commuting and finding time to have fun with my boyfriend and friends gave me a little bit of a tummy ache. But I quickly realized I shouldn�t be such a worrywart; instead go about this change with an optimistic mind and hopeful heart.

Now, as I�ve said before there is not an overwhelming amount of homework but don�t let that mislead you. Just because there is no piece of paper to turn in with the correct college heading, there is still a lot you need to keep up on, such as studying. I probably spend 2 hours a day reviewing for my next day classes, (I should be doing four hours according to what the college says,) 3 hours at work a day, between 3-4 hours at school, 1 and 1/2 hours driving, 1 hour getting ready, 1 hour doing things around the house and 2 hours for dinner and evening relaxation. That adds up to thirteen hours! It is only a little over half a day but add seven hours of sleep and you only have about four hours left. That sounds like a lot of time but with all those activities needing to get done the hours of the day are all chopped up, causing those four hours to seem like really not any time at all. So just remember that even though you can�t pick up those three oranges and juggle them, you will be able to juggle all the responsibilities when it�s college time. Or, if you are having trouble in high school staying sane while keeping up with almost as many things, you can do it because the trick to juggling is just to keep a balance.

A Look Ahead!

noreply@blogger.com (Kayla) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:55:00 +0000

With only six more weeks to go till the end of the semester, I am beginning to glance ahead and take a look at the spring semester. In the Cronkite School it is mandatory you meet with your advisor. My advising appointment was today. I woke up early this morning, got ready and as I drove to school, my head filled with questions I wanted to ask. Now, I bet many of you are just like me and have a need to know everything, especially information regarding your future. My plan is to try and graduate early. Yes, that�s right I want to have the full on responsibilities of an adult. See, the thing is my �roommate� and I want to buy a house of our own. You�ve most likely figured out by now that my �roommate� is actually my boyfriend. The tricky part of wanting to own your own place is the money that it takes. So, the sooner I graduate, the sooner I can have a career, the sooner I make more money which makes it sooner to have a house. Pretty rational thinking I�d say.

Back to my advising appointment; when I asked my advisor about graduating early she gave me a look of pure puzzlement, as if I was crazy! The downside of my plan I discovered, is that because the Cronkite classes are set up in order it may be difficult to graduate early because I would need to take classes differently than the curriculum is set up. The good news, however, is that I can take my general studies classes during the summer at the chance that graduating early can happen and just at the fact that my course load would be lighter for the fall �08 semester. Honestly, having five classes right now isn�t too challenging that I couldn�t do it again, but I would like to spend a lot of focus on my journalism courses since that is where my future lies.

Senior year in high school I changed my mind kind of late in the game on where I wanted to go to school, so I ended up registering late for ASU. This made me register late for classes and it is harder to get a great schedule that way. I advise you not to do this, but do make sure you are a making a decision about college that makes you happy. Anyway, I still have to fulfill my math credit. That class along with English 102, French 201, Sociology 101 and JMC 201 are what, at the end of my advising appointment I knew I had to register for. Wish me luck I beat the crowd when its enrollment time.

P.S. Don't forget you guys can leave comments. I'd love to hear what you guys have to say or any questions you have!

Sounds to Hear

noreply@blogger.com (Kayla) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:48:00 +0000

Walking around ASU not only are your eyes observing everything, but your ears are also working hard. In high school, the only things your ears wanted to hear was latest gossip or the two-minute warning bell walking to class. College however is a little different. Many times as I have walked from class to class I have almost run into someone or worse, got run over. Luckily though, my ears were with me all those times. I know, I know, I sound a little crazy, but it�s true, every sound is important when walking around campus. The sound of a bike�s tires being peddled faster and faster is an excellent tip to turn around and see if you need to get out of the way. After a while, you will get so used to hearing bikes that you will easily be able to determine how far away the rider is and even what side of you it is on. Bikes aren�t the only thing to hear for, but also rollerblades, skateboards, cars and feet. Although it can be difficult to hear the wheels of a skateboard on the smooth cement, try to pay attention because you don�t want to collide with the other person. I never realized how handy my ears would be walking around in college. The day I realized that I needed to step out of my own world and listen to what was going on around me was when I was just minding my own business walking to my car and then as I started to cross the street, I almost stepped right into the path of a bike. What stopped me was my sudden halt. It was then I realized my ears could stop this from happening again. Another reason it is important to hear your surroundings is that you don�t have to make a car wait for you but you can notice where they are and walk accordingly. Now, you may be thinking this all seems a little extreme, but I swear just giving your ears more of a job than listening to gossip you will save yourself the humiliation of running into someone and ending up on your butt.

Midterm Madness

noreply@blogger.com (Kayla) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:47:00 +0000

The past two weeks have been fun-filled with studying, school, and homework, studying, work and yes even more studying. It is that wonderful time of year known as midterms. With five classes, four of them all having tests around the same time it is kind of a challenge making sure you know everything that you�ve been discussing in class. As I have shared with you before, French is my most challenging class. Amazingly however, I managed to get an 87 on the test. It was a test filled with writing. Looking at the test at first I was thinking there was no way I was going to do well. But, I took it one section at a time, remembered to breathe and dug way into my brain. A helpful tip for tests jot down everything you remember that you know will be on the test, such as in a foreign language class I always put the new verbs with their conjunction and new grammar rules down so I don�t forget about them when it comes to the writing part of the exam. Not only did we have a written test, but we also had an oral part as well. Now, it was not like in high school when you have a group of people and you memorize a conversation and present it in front of the teacher. No, for this you had to schedule an appointment with the teacher, know all phrases and situations is the chapters you have learned and are expected to respond to whatever the teacher says. The only preparation you can really have is just to review everything.

For my history class there was a lot to take in for the exam: lectures, PowerPoint�s, reading and online information. I thought I studied pretty well by reading my notes and looking back in the book but I was wrong. I realize now that I should have really understood every reading assigned and took more oral notes from the teacher. My goal for the next exam is to be better prepared; also going with your first choice for an answer really is most likely always right. Next was my JMC 110 class, a class fully about the history and principles of journalism. The class is lecture style with PowerPoints. I�ll have to admit I was actually a little bit of a rebel in this class because I don�t have the book that accompanies the course. I do, luckily, pay very good attention in class and take all the notes including talking the professors do. (Unlike history these PowerPoints are more straightforward) I read my notes over and over and even made flashcards for some of the important dates and names. (Quick, what was the name of the first American newspaper and who published it? haha.) During the test I referred back to my history knowledge to help me out; I ended up getting an 88. Not too shabby, I think. My English 101 class doesn�t have a midterm or final exam so the only test I had left to sturdy for was JMC 194; a class purely on English grammar. You would assume that a journalism major would know good grammar but the class is actually a little challenging. My teacher, who is an editor, puts the lectures from each class online so we can review them and really understand the concepts. For studying, I looked back on all the lectures and printed out the review so I could look at it the day of the exam before class. I also used other references to practice and study with. Although I don�t have the results for that class yet, I feel pretty confident I did well. I�m still crossing my fingers.

The Choices College Brings.

noreply@blogger.com (Kayla) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 17:16:00 +0000

I don't know if it was the clouded weather or that I just had such a wonderful weekend, but as I went to school today my eyes showed me things I had neglected to see. As I was walking to the FLASH bus, two guys passed me that were speaking a different language and it made me think two different things. One; ASU really does have a vast variety of students with many interesting cultures and two; I should really just suck it up when it comes to French because it would be pretty amazing if I could speak it...even if it is only a little bit. As I was on the FLASH bus, it passed through Mill Avenue. Mill is really a cute street with many places to eat, relax and shop. Sitting there looking out the window, I noticed how Mill brings such a convience to the students and local employees. Years ago, I would have been intimidated by all the college students and adults on lunch, now, I want to make some extra time one of these days to stop there and get a cup of coffee and look at all the neat shops that you don't see everywhere and sit and people watch.

ASU has many other neat things to offer, you could go to a football game and cheer on your fellow peers or get involved in an organization. It is truly amazing the differences between college and high school, can you say freedom? Freedom to wear whatever you want, go to the bathroom without asking, even leave class to talk on that important phone call. And from my personal observation, there is no real punishment or embarresment from the teacher for being late. It is nice to have all these adult freedoms, but what do you think you'll do with them when you have such nice options? Most likely you will be late once or twice and leave early, dress a little scandalous and send a text message or two, but hopefully you will also realize that attending class and doing homework are two choices that you should make more than a couple of times.

Maturity Levels May Not Rise.

noreply@blogger.com (Kayla) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 16:21:00 +0000

Today I started thinking about senior year and how excited I was to graduate and go to college. At first, I was going to attend Florida State University. You may be thinking that seems a little random, but at the time it made sense. After thinking how much I would miss my boyfriend, friends and coworkers, I just couldn't bring myself to leave. However, it is kind of ironic that now I really don't see many friends at campus. And, with work, studying and going to school there really isn't much time for a lot of lunches and shopping together.

Back, to my high school flashback, I remember getting really annoyed towards the end of high school thinking that some people really need to grow up and act like they are going to be college students. If you also are feeling this way, or if you end up feeling this way in a couple of months I hate to break it to you, but some of them never change. I was sitting in my journalism class on Wednesday when I overheard a couple of guys talking. They were all about who was getting with who and about the parties the night before. This I found slightly usual, yet, slightly annoying. Then, the started mocking the professor after everything she would say. Guys and girls that act like that really need to grow up and act their age. When the teacher says, "this was very unusual" and you hear them say, "no, you're unusual" it seriously makes you wonder how they are ever going to be taken seriously as journalists of even adults in the real world. After hearing this same childish game over and over it can get pretty old fast. I understand that it takes time for every one to mature a little bit and realize there is an appropriate time to be funny, but I hope that all of you seniors or fellow college freshman consider that you're getting older and to be "funny" all you want but when the timing is right.

Caution: Tests Approaching

noreply@blogger.com (Kayla) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 03:04:00 +0000

Arizona State University has gotten the claim to be a very happenin' party school. After two and a half weeks of school I would have to say this claim is definitly true. I base this on overhearing certain conversations, "dude I'm so tired, I didn't get back to my dorm till three this morning. I almost wasn't going to come to class, we had such an awesome time last night," one ASU student said. I have to say, that it is kind of pathetic that not even a month into school students are already missing class. Most classes students are not even called on individually, but are expected to volunteer to participate in class. That is even more of a reason to go and just sit back and take in the class when you are tired from all the partying.

Moving on, this past weekend was very enjoyable. It was very nice having a three day weekend just after two weeks of school. While I was enjoying laying out in the pool sipping on my very own creative version of a cherry Coke icee ( future reference; making your own icee does not taste as good as the ones at the movies) other freshman students were rushing. As you walk around campus you can see where some of the sororirty and frat houses are. Although they are not the newest houses, they are still pretty well off. They are located perfectly to school, Mill Avenue, and ritzy-pritzy Scottsdale.

Next week is a big week, I have my first ever college test. I have a French chapter test on Monday afternoon and I am a little nervous about it. I am curious to see if there is a big change between college and high scool language tests. I am hoping for my sake there isn't. The following week I have another test so the next two weeks are going to be filled with cramming in study time. I want to review my class reading assignments and make sure I fully understand everything for all my classes. My goal is to get all A's and B's so I am definitly going to have to be prepared for tests. I will make sure to report back to you guys and gals and tell you if there really is a huge difference between exam set ups. Have a good Thurday, I am going to began studying now before my class.

Social Awareness

noreply@blogger.com (Kayla) — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:01:00 +0000

Walking around campus you see many different people. All the sorority girls are walking around with others in their group. You can tell which sorority they belong to by the letters on their shirt and matching bag. Even the frat guys are sporting their fraternity name. I am pretty sure rush (the time when people can try to join a sorority or fraternity) is coming up very shortly. I have decided not to go Greek. My cousin ruches and she told me a little about what she had to do to get in, and, based on how movies represent rush week, I would rather not. Although, I do feel that for some rushing is the perfect thing to do, especially if it is in your blood.

Another group you see around school are those who wear scrub clothes; Soffee shorts, beachwear, loose shirts and a ponytail. And for the guys this look requires gym shorts and t-shirts accompanied by either sneakers or flip-flops for both sexes. Next, are the glamour girls and punk princesses; these girls wear their preferred choice of fashion. They wear the trendy clothes, do their makeup all nice, and have hair that looks like they really spent their time and money. Guys do this too. You�d see them with plaid or printed shorts with a nice shirt. Although, guys have it much easier when it comes to getting ready in the morning and dealing with the heat. Last, but not least, are those who are in-between it all and just go with the flow for that day. Whether it is a scrub day or dress up day, they don�t really care; it�s just a matter of what�s convenient. Sometimes, they even pair glamour with scrub creating the �scamour style�. For instance, wearing a cute, breezy summer dress with no makeup and easy, roll out of bed hair. This seems to be the most popular fashion statement I see.

The reason I am pointing all this out is to emphasize a wonderful change between high school and college. In high school, the differences in apparel would mean a difference in friends, who you would socialize with, possible even who you�d be really nice to. Here, however, I feel a change in atmosphere. Everybody talks to everybody. I have only seen politeness and communication among all the different people and I have to say that is very refreshing. =)

A Devilsh First

noreply@blogger.com (Kayla) — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 03:51:00 +0000

So, today is my first day of being a Sun Devil. Overall it was actually not that bad, However, after parking about half a mile from the flash bus stop I am going to tell all you seniors, once again, next year buy a parking spot the day they are available. After walking to the bus stop and around campus to get to class I can�t help but wonder why the freshman 15 even exists. People must seriously pig out! I only had to ask once where a building was but since I only had 2 classes today, my sense of direction was only 50/50. I only had ten minutes between my two classes so I took advantage of arriving early and walked the distance making a mental note of what everything looked like.

I sat outside my French class for around 30 minutes but no worries; I saw a numerous amount of students doing this. After I was released from my first class I had to endure the 106-degree weather once again. Now, my first class was in a regular high school like setup but my journalism class was not. It was like a movie setting. I was one in a crowd of 200. I feel that it should fun and interesting in a class like that.

Walking through the school I can tell you that everyone dresses to whatever their style is and some girls are actually brave enough to take on the campus in 4-inch heels. It�s much different than high school, we all have been a part of a click and talked about all the drama. . . college is you and only you. Now, I�m not saying you don�t have friends and still talk about what�s going on with everyone you associate with; but everything is much more on you. No mommy and daddy holding your hand and not a lot of classes with your best bud. It is the time for you to explore and get to know yourself as an individual not as one of the crowd.

Some observations of how the Freshman 15 came to be:
� Snacking between classes � instead bring healthy food such as an apple, banana, orange, granola, etc� avoid candy, doughnuts, chocolate, cookies, chips
� Yes, the same thing you�ve heard a hundred times before, eat a big healthy breakfast that will get you ready for the day and energize your body and mind. (Ha-ha)
� Dehydration � I know a Pepsi sounds refreshing and delightful but do yourself some good and drink the water. It will really help your body out and keep down the weight gain.

More tips coming soon!!

No Homework Overload... Yet!

noreply@blogger.com (Kayla) — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 02:25:00 +0000

So far, I am having mixed feelings about the college experience. It seems that the only real negative aspect of it is the heat. Every morning when I get up and begin getting ready my mind immediately focuses on the heat. How I should do my hair? What I should wear? What shoes? All these thoughts are normal true, but when it�s 110 degrees outside you start focusing more on keeping cool rather than looking �cool�.

Because of my paranoia of being late (especially in French) I leave my house an hour and fifteen minutes before class. This ensures me that I will not be late and that I don�t have to rush in the heat, which could cause me to become overheated even faster. As of now, the homework load hasn�t felt excessive, but it is only the second week. Everyday I go home and check the Internet for any comments or assignments my teachers have left online. One huge difference from high school to college is being responsible for a lot of your own course work. If you don�t look on this thing called Blackboard you could really become lost in class. Reading class materials is the only real homework I have had. With the extra time in the week when I am not working at the hair salon, I make sure I have finished all my homework and then focus on the class I have the next day and review some. My personal goal for college is not only to graduate which I know I will, but also to do it with all A�s and B�s.

You might be wondering why I said I would really hate to be late in French, well that�s because I think French is a little difficult. Sadly, I have to reach the 202 levels of French for my degree. Although I took three years of French in the past I still don�t feel confident when be called on in class, so I would definitely not want to be responsible to say �sorry, I�m late.� Because I am always at least twenty minutes early it is a lot of fun to kill the time just watching people pass through the halls. It is true what they say about just getting up and putting some clothes on and saving the makeup for the weekend. Yes, not everyone does this, but once again I think guys have it easier than girls in dealing with fighting the heart while staying �hot�. Well, I am off to history. Come back to tomorrow so I can tell you more about life at Arizona State.

Getting Ready For First Day Of Classes At ASU.

noreply@blogger.com (azTeen Blogger) — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 22:44:00 +0000

Kayla Boardman
Arizona State University Freshman

The reality of starting college at one of the largest campuses set in on my way to buy books on Friday. After walking in the lovely AZ heat for five minutes I joined in the madness of ASU students getting their books and buying supplies. (Piece of Advice: fill out the bookstore sheet with all your class numbers on it beforehand so the bookstore gets all your books together and you don't have to hunt through the store.) Once the workers called my name and handed me a basket with all my books in it, my heart sped up. This was the beginning of my rapid heartbeat and numerous thoughts of attending ASU. I am now the proud owner of nine college books by the way.

I actually felt anxious for the first day just so I could get it over with and lose the weight of nervousness. Sunday morning I woke up and began to trace my plan of Monday over and over in my head. My boyfriend was very kind to accompany me in the laziness of the day and drive to ASU. My Goal: have a solid route for tomorrow morning. I was holding the map in my hand telling him where my classes were while thinking, "HOLY CRAP THIS PLACE IS HUGE!" He could tell I was a bit intimated so we drove my Monday day about three times. Thank god for the pretty good memory I have because after today I can say I am quite relieved from all the stress I had earlier. Although my parking spot is a little out of the way (another tip - buy your parking decal A.S.A.P, learn from me) I have already planned to wear my denim shorts and short sleeve shirt with SPF face makeup accompanied by a cold water bottle. I figure the combination of the four should keep me cool and hydrated as well as protected from the blaze while I walk from my car to the FLASH bus ASU has. (The FLASH: a free bus for ASU students so that they are easily transported from car spot to class stop)

Well, here we are on Sunday, the day before my future begins, with only hours before my first college class; I must confess I am slightly still scared of getting lost or being late. But I will also tell you that I am going to be at school an hour before my class so I can see how long it takes me to get from my French class to Journalism 194. Maybe I'm being a little too much of a drama queen but I'll let you know tomorrow.

Welcome to College Life

noreply@blogger.com (azTeen Blogger) — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 21:58:00 +0000

Kayla Boardman
Arizona State University Freshman

Why Hello, my name is Kayla and I recently graduated from Hamilton High in Chandler Arizona, a school known for its football; I'm sure you've heard of it. I am eighteen and soon to be a college student attending the also very known Arizona State University. What you are reading is my blog. Yes, in addition to being a full time student and assistant to a hair salon I will be writing this blog of my college life for AZTeen Magazine. Think of me as an older friend, big sister, or just some girl who's life you get a special peak into as I fight the odds on the freshman college myths, handle a 15 credit hour semester of homework, maintain a social life, meet my college goal of maintaining a 3.5 gpa and keep my job.

Here's the twist...I will not be living at home or in a dorm. I have already moved out with what for now we'll call a roommate. Curious how it's all going to unravel? Well if you continue to read my ongoing blog you can join me in being stressed, laughing and just enjoying being a college student as you get prepared for college yourself.

What I must scare you with, I mean share with you, is that I am going to be starting school on August 20, 2007. As of this point, I have spent my day at freshman orientation, meeting new people and getting many of my stressing questions answered. Such as "what is the timeline of how many classes and what classes I am going to need to graduate in four years?" Well sure enough the counselors have a sheet all laid out with detail of what classes should be taken for all eight semesters. Orientation was a little boring, but by the end of the day I was filled with excitement and just an ounce of nervousness at how large the campus is and how large my classes may be. What's an ounce to worry about anyway? It barely counts.

The last two weeks however have been nightmarish, literally. I have been having frequent dreams that I either get lost or end up late in class as a result of being lost. Well, I figured a way to solve my scary dreams and get back to snoring z's. I managed to talk my boyfriend into taking a walk on campus with me so I knew what buildings my classes were at. That way, not only have I had a sneak peak but then I will also have a route for my anxiety of getting lost for the first week of school. Getting prepared by filling out a reservation book sheet at the ASU bookstore and buying a backpack, binder, paper and pens have left me feeling at ease.

Up next...getting my books and parking decal.