Finals

The most wonderful time of the year only to be preceded by the most awful time of the year. For some, finals have little effect on their lives or grades, but for others such as myself finals are the make or break for their grade. I find myself being on the cusp of B's or A's as finals are right around the corner. Due to the fact that finals are no more than 20% of our grades as long as I maintain at least a C average grades only drop 1 or 2 percent. Although, I realize that in college this is not the case. Finals are worth much more of one's grades and must be taken more seriously. It may be the latter half of my high school career but it can't be too late to build better study habits! And with the new year so close I have my first resolution: work harder during the semester so finals aren't so stressful. Wish me luck! Hope everyone else's finals aren't too scary!

Athlete-Student

If you don't know, I play volleyball for both high school and a club team named Stingray. Although many athletes are scouted by colleges through their high school teams, others are also evaluated throughout the club season. For some, club is recreational, but for most girls it is a way to earn scholarships to colleges. For example, a friend of mine has committed to playing for NYU. Until a couple of years ago I was seriously intent on playing volleyball in college. After watching my sister struggle as a student athlete I reconsidered. Although she only played on USC's club filed hockey team, a lesser commitment than Division 1,2, or 3 teams, she still found herself sacrificing time to play. Even friends of mine have difficulty balancing academics and sports at junior colleges, such as West Valley. Regardless of the commitment level, the trend seems to be athlete first, student second. For now, I don't plan on playing sports in college. Although, that doesn't mean if I were to get a scholarship to one of my dream schools I would decline the offer.

Naviance

Today we were introduced to a college and career website name Naviance. Here students can monitor colleges they are interested in and have teachers write letter of reconmendation. One of the most helpful things, I think, is the extensive personality test. After a series of questions Naviance provides a general personality assessment, a list of strenghts and weaknesses, and possible careers that go well with your personality according to what majors you are interested in.
The career options that Naviance suggested for me were interesting and jobs that I had never thought of. For example, a copy writer, crisis hotline operator, or a human resources manager. I plan on really utilizing this extensive list of possible careers to further explore what I really want to do in the future.
As a sidenote Naviance gives its users four letters to describe his or her personality but no explination of what the letters mean. I got ENFP, if anyone oculd tell me what they mean I would appreciate it. Please and thank you!

Just Maybe If I Get Into My Dream School(s)...

like UCSD, USC, Cal Poly, LMU, Pepperdine, or UCSB I will be able to pursue my (current) aspiration of being a neonatal nurse. This specialized nurse handles at-risk babies, like those who are premature or have serious health complications. This inspiration started on November 30, 2010: my nephew's birthday. His parents were unable to see or hold him because nurses immediately discovered he needed specialized care. After spending the entire morning in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where nurses carefully monitored him, my nephew he was reunited with his parents and the rest of my family. It was after this experience that I realized the immense respect I have and how grateful I am for neonatal nurses.

Making sure that this career is best for me can only be ensured by first finding the school that I enjoy the most.This specialized care giving falls under the major of Pre-Med. This fact raises my concern because this major is extremely competitive at any school.
I am unsure of the exact qualities I want from my college. Of course the academics are my top priority, but such aspects such as athletics (which have always come second behind school) play a factor as well. Along with the diversity of the undergraduate student body and the involvement that the school has in its community and internationally are deciding factors. I hope to gain more insight after the college trip offered at Westmont. But until then neonatal nursing continues to be my career path.