Finding Your Passion, by Jesse Frank

I have been asked to write about love/dating in college. Since I’m not real good with the whole dating/ talking to girls thing, I’m going to write about finding your passion, and not your better half, in college. Playing off that, I found a quote in the Engineering Planner at CU that I really liked. Yes I know, I’m a huge nerd, but I was bored during class one day and started skimming through the planner. Here is what I found:

“Don’t make your school life all about academics. The more you participate in campus life, the more networking opportunities you’ll have.”

Yeah, it’s pretty cliché, but it’s just as true. In one of my last blogs I talked about the triathlon team at CU and how close everyone is. It might be better named as the CU Triathlon Family. The big thing it did for me was shrink a 25,000+ person campus to one of about 60ish people.

I always joke around on some of my campus tours that I’m going to write a book called “Jesse’s Tips to Succeeding in College.” I’m sure there are a bagillion books like that. So, to save me the time of writing a book and you the money, I’ll give you my number one tip: Join as many clubs as you can first semester of college. After a month or two you will know which one(s) you truly enjoy. Once you figure this out, you can put all of your effort into that club(s). Once you narrow down your clubs, extracurricular activities (essentially what you are passionate about), you will get so much more out of your experience. Trust Me. I can say that there are times where the last thing I want to do is go train but I go anyway just to be with the CU Tri Team.

I was lucky, coming into college I already knew what I loved in terms of athletics. Going back to the quote at the beginning of the post, college is the time to explore and find what you love, whether it is a person, career, club, or I don’t know … food. Yes, college is the last part and most important part of your academic career. There is a reason why many college students take part in internships or research opportunities with professors. But there are just as many opportunities outside of academics to explore. That is what is great about college: there are numerous opportunities to get one step closer to finding what you love.

There is no need to worry if you have no idea what you want to do in life going into college or who you love. I mean, look at me, I am a single engineer who enjoys writing….

Extreme Violence on Film: Or, How I Learned to Google Plot Lines Before Watching Certain Movies, by Meagan Flannery

I debated with myself on whether or not to write a blog about this topic, because it’s such a hot button issue, and usually pits people against each other. I’m a different kind of filmmaker; I like for everyone to get along, the idealist I am. However, I’ve been thinking about it A LOT lately, so I might as well write about it.

One of my favorite pastimes is watching terrible, preferably even controversial films. I like to see movies that exploit taboo topics, and do so in a bad way. Don’t get me wrong, I love great films (I would give anything to recreate the feeling I got when I first saw 2001: A Space Odyssey) – they are the reason I do what I do and why I love it so much. But I get a guilty pleasure out of watching bad movies. Recently, I decided it was time to watch more of the “controversial” films; the films that get banned, censored or cause riots because they upset people so much. A lot of these movies are critically acclaimed (though not all of them are) but are just not received well by the general public. I wanted to see what the big deal was with these movies. Why do they upset people?

I realized I found my Achilles heel. I have problems watching extreme violence on film. I get nauseous, upset and it bothers me for days afterward. Granted, I’m never one to jump up and demand to censor or ban a film for its content, but nonetheless, I’m adversely affected by the movie. And I’m not talking about Kill Bill violence either – I am talking about the worst, most vile acts you could possibly do to a person, and then portray it on film in a realistic way.

I thought that knowing how movies work, knowing the inside/out of a production, would make me immune to seeing certain things on screen, but apparently the suspension of disbelief is quite strong for me when watching movies.

The thing is, film is a strong medium. Unlike literature and music, you see the scene played out before you. Visual images can be stronger than ones made up in your head, and they definitely cannot be controlled because you are basically watching someone else’s vision. There is no escape, either (unless you close your eyes). Movies utilize two of most people’s ways of perceiving things: sight and sound. That’s why a movie tends to engulf you. That’s why, sometimes, you can get lost in a film.

So what is my final verdict on violence in films? I don’t really have one. Do I think that seeing violence on film causes people to be violent? I don’t really think that’s necessarily true, mainly because there are dozens of other factors to consider. Do I think violence on film affects audiences? Usually, yes. Some people get upset, some people get excited, and yes, some people will even take to the streets and riot. Movies can be a powerful thing. It’s not always just entertainment.

Chocolate is the Best Medicine, by Anne Wrobetz

I never thought that I would be grateful to be sick on a weekend, but here it is, Saturday night, and I’m blessing my lucky stars that I can’t hold down solid food. You see, it’s Easter weekend and I normally do a double shift on Sundays. But tomorrow is an unforeseen day off for this bedridden work study student.

I’m not grateful merely because I get a chance to put my feet up at my mom’s place, kicking it old school with some cable TV and free food (albeit oatmeal and saltine crackers). This year, unlike the previous one, I’ll be able to spend Easter Sunday with the people I love. My family, a few of my best friends from high school, and, of course, my boyfriend will all receive some long-awaited Anne time. I figure it’s a much better present than a chocolate rabbit, anyway. When you’re in college, you’re constantly pressed for time. Between classes, homework, studying, review sessions, clubs, trying to stay in shape, and walking everywhere, a few hours of time are very precious. Add two part-time jobs into the equation, and you’re lucky to get six hours of sleep every night. But relationships are something most college students desire, whether romantic or filial, and they do require attention. Although I struggle to find the time, I am loathe to let my relationships slide. If I’m to keep happy and sane, I need to make the time to spend with my family, friends, and significant other.

There are ways to make relationships in college more manageable. It’s much easier to date someone if you share interests—not only are you more likely to have meaningful conversations, but your dates consist of activities you would likely both be doing anyway. For example, my boyfriend and I both love to eat new foods. So we make it our mission to go out to eat whenever we can, and every Friday we try a new restaurant. Also, both of us are really interested in renewable energy. Sometimes when we are together we look for jobs in that field. I am ecstatic to be searching for a meaningful career, but more ecstatic that I can do it with someone who really matters to me.

Some people come to college just to meet new people and fall in love. My motivations are different—I am in college to learn and prepare myself for the wide world of research and science. However, college has served as a kind of social stew, allowing me to mix with a huge number of people, and I lucked out with a fantastic boyfriend. I suppose I’m a lucky person in general—this exalted virus has given me a chance to spend a day with my favorite people, both new and old. This Easter, I’m able to have my chocolate rabbit and eat it, too

How I Met The Love Of My Life In College by Meagan Flannery

http://universityvisitorsnetwork.com/blog/?p=415

I know I usually write blogs about film, but they (UVN) have asked us to write about our dating experiences in college. This is not a fairy tale.

When I started college, I lacked one social advantage that most freshmen had. I did not live in the dorms. It wasn’t that I was anti-social or anything, it’s just that I was starting college as a 21-year old, because I took two years off after high school, and I didn’t feel comfortable being the only freshmen in the dorms who could legally purchase alcohol. Too much pressure.

Anyway, I didn’t have the same social opportunities that a lot of freshmen have. I wasn’t involved with dorm activities, and I wasn’t around the same group of people all the time. In fact, I went into college pretty much alone, focusing on work and class. Not to mention, I didn’t like the party scene.

So how did I approach dating?

I went to class. I took at least two classes every semester that I enjoyed and were small. This is how I met all of my closest friends now. In classes that are small, and project-based, it is easier to interact with people in a natural way. It also doesn’t hurt to take a class in which you meet people with similar interests. Think of it as a “pre-screening” for potential dates. Most of the people I dated in college I was not only in class with, but I met while working on a project together. I promise I’m not just saying this to get you to go to class.

However, this is not how I met my boyfriend. I met my boyfriend through mutual friends (also another “pre-screening” technique) but our relationship grew by partaking in school-related activities and groups. We have a common interest in terrible and disgusting horror films that has solidified our relationship for 3 years.

College is a wonderful place to date, because there is so much to do, and so many ways to interact with a person to tell if they are a good match. It is also a way to date safely! Unfortunately, being in college doesn’t protect you from dating hazards, but this is a way to keep it safe.

My advice for people dating in college is to get involved in activities that interest you. This way you meet people with like interests. Try to avoid “hooking up” at parties. You might think everyone is doing it (they aren’t) and you will probably regret it later.

You might not meet your soul mate, but I promise you will meet a lot of interesting people, and hopefully go on a lot of fun/interesting dates! Also, I can guarantee that your college screens at least one movie for free at least once a month, so that’s a perfect date idea!