Lifesaver
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Posts posted by Lifesaver
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YoungRebel has tons of money. He drives a Porsche, you know.
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Some older man just wanted to fight me on the road because HE cut ME off. Makes sense.
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I think the only residential high rise type buildings are dorms.
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I'd do it. If you can get the PPE and be a counselor and start in the area you want to work AND have an entire career field to fall back on if you happen to get bored of advising... why not? Sounds like a win/win.
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In my experience, the schools that had rolling admission and let me know quickly gave me a decent chunk of time to accept their offer. To the tune of a few months. The ones who wait will only give you about two weeks to make your decision, however they will gladly give you an extension if you're still waiting to hear back from another school.
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Yep. I have excuses as to why I don't run. Turning purple and being in too much pain the next day which prohibits my returning to the gym... not good nor productive. I can occupy myself with other things. Not a big deal.
There is also no way I can do 3 sets of 12 reps on the bench right now. I do 5 reps, rest for 20ish seconds (at the beginning), do 5 more. When I get towards the 40th rep, even 5 in a row gets tired. And I do space out my rests as it goes on. If I have the luxury of being in the gym when there are few people around, I'll work out a different muscle, but usually it's use it or lose it around here.
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Since I've had a lot of spare time recently and an awesome gym at my new apartment, I try to go every day for an hour-hour and a half. I actually enjoy going, provided I'm doing things I enjoy while I'm there. I have bad allergies (to what, I don't know, can't afford to get tested) and asthma, so I hate anything that makes me feel like I'm suffocating. For the most part, that's just running. I also refuse to run because I get really bad shin splints almost instantly. So, as long as I stay away from the tredmill, I'm usually pretty happy. My issue is that I get bored easily. I enjoy biking, but it bores me to death and I don't want to spend more than 10 minutes on the thing. But I know I need some cardio in my life.
I try to do 10 sets of 5 per machine that I use. Bench press included. I'm up to benching 40 lbs after three weeks. I will probably up it to 50 next week.
My other issue is that I'm not seeing any results. I've been in the gym pretty religiously and trying to watch what I eat (I failed miserably at that yesterday, though) but I haven't seen any changes with my body. It's kind of disheartening. I really want to lose some serious weight.
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First car was a GMC envoy
Second is a corvette c6 2010
Current car is a modified Porsche Turbo 2012 with carbon fiber rear and fronts.
Can I throw the BS flag?
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Ooooh, I didn't even think to suggest familiarizing yourself with APA. That's some rockin' advice. We used MLA in undergrad and APA in grad1, and it ws not the easiest of transitions. My professors were extremely knowledgable about APA and could pick out the tiniest error from a mile away. Many also ran our papers through APA computer programs designed to pick out errors. And let me tell you, nothing got past those. My friend and I contemplated going halves on the program to have for ourselves, but we never got around to it. Anyway, definitely get to know it if you aren't familiar with it yet.
Cooking will likely fall by the wayside from time to time. I worked full time through my first masters and went to school full time, in class. I ended up taking the three hardest classes in my program all at once during the same semester, and that nearly broke me. I ended up having to drop to part time at work temporarily just so I could get through the semester. I was getting very little sleep and definitely not eating very healthy. I definitely didn't have a spare minute to even think of going to the gym. I lived off of Lean Cuisines and mac n cheese. I've done a lot of crockpot cooking over the years, which I definitely suggest. You throw whatever you want in there in the morning and by the time you're home for dinner it's all ready to go. They even make crockpot liners now, so you don't have to sit there and scrub the thing afterwards for 20 minutes. You can use Pinterest for good crockpot recipes.
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I can't really say that I'm nervous, but I am anxious to get going and meet my classmates and professors.
My advice to you (this is my second masters) is to keep up with your work. I know that keeping up with schoolwork is especially hard with online classes; at least it was for me, and I only took three during undergrad/grad 1. Don't leave your assignments for the last minute. They're probably going to be longer than you're accustom to and professors demand a little more substance to your submissions. I skated by in undergrad. I barely studied, didn't proofread anything, etc. In graduate school I changed all of those habits and became a much better student and it definitely paid off. If possible, I suggest doing the bulk of your work in a library. There are a lot of distractions at home and you may not accomplish your best work there. I did most of my work in my school's library and studied primarily in Starbucks in groups.
Don't worry about not having a book list. You likely wouldn't be able to do much with it without a syllabus. I can't speak for all professors, but in my experience, only portions of textbooks are assigned and they aren't always assigned in order. I know I would be a little miffed if I read all of the wrong chapters trying to prep, lol.
I'm sure you'll be fine. Don't stress out.
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That IS ridiculous. If I remember correctly, my semester parking pass in undergrad was only $73. Parking was free on campus where I did my first masters, other than $20 commuter decal that was good for the calendar year. Small schools are good for something - we could literally park at the doorsteps of the classrooms, for the most part.
I'm still debating how I'm going to get to class in September. I can either take the bus or I can drive and park (in various lots with different payment options). I'm going to do a test run on the bus in a few days. I've only been on a public bus once in my life. Kind of weird for someone who grew up in NYC.
Anyway, back to the initial topic. These are my 7 fall classes, 16 credits total:
Professional Foundations - 1 credit
Social Welfare, History, and Politics - 3 credits
Diversity and Social Justice - 2 credits
Intro to Organizational and Community Management - 2 credits
Theories of Human Behavior - 2 credits
Intro to Direct Social Work Practice - 3 credits
Tools for Learning and Practice (formally known as Research Methods) - 3 credits
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School is starting soon! Is everyone ready?
I have a few questions for you guys.
1) How many classes are you taking in the fall? If you know what they are, feel free to include.
2) How many books are you required to purchase?
3) How much did you spend on books?
I ordered my eleven books today and spent almost $500. YIKES!
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The life-long friend can't/shouldn't write your LOR. Since you already have two professors writing on your behalf, your employer/former employer should write your third. When you get to filling out your applications, you will see that schools are very specific about who writes LORs.
I can't vouch for anything in California. Didn't apply anywhere there.
Definitely start volunteering! Volunteering is HUGE for SW school and the application process.
And as far as the personal statement goes, I suggest starting it early and having everyone read it. I re-wrote the first three paragraphs of mine several times. When I finished writing, I proof-read it several more times. Even then, I still missed a few grammar errors that were later caught by my mother's friend who is a self-proclaimed grammar Nazi and ironically, a SW herself. That being said, she was the third person reading for grammar and the two before her (both have PhDs!) missed the majority of the mistakes she caught. So, I mean it, have everyone you know with half a brain read your statement.
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uh.. I feel like 8 years is like a length of time that's way more than enough for people to decide to stay together/get married, or break up.
Hah, tell that to my ex! Clearly, he disagrees.
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I figured 8 years was long enough. Nope.
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Your resume is impressive. Especially for someone your age. I can't begin to tell you how many people I know went into graduate school with nothing more than retail or bartending experience. Definitely keep doing what you're doing. Study harder, get your GPA up.
As far as distinguishing qualities goes, different universities "specialize" in different things. MSW students generally only have two main options for their focus - macro and clinicial. You'll have to decide which you are looking to pursue, however, it seems like you're looking to go the clinical route. Some universities are stronger in macro, while others are stronger in clinical. You'll also have to decide if you're looking to pursue a certificate program on top of the MSW. For example, marriage and family counseling, disaster management (Tulane), Goldring Reentry Initiative (UPenn), geriatrics and aging, etc. Those types of specifics will help narrow down your search for you.
Money was a big deal to me. I got into UPenn (and planned on going) and struggled for two months with the pricetag. It was going to cost me in the neighborhood of $200,000, and I just couldn't take that risk, knowing that I am going into a field that is notoriously underpaid. I got scholarships to two other schools and decided to go with one of them. Out of all the schools I applied to, Tulane had the shortest program and would cost me the least amount of money. I love Louisiana/New Orleans, so the decision was a good one for me, all around, but did cause me a lot of mental anguish, lol.
I'm originally from NYC and contemplated going back, especially after being accepted to Fordham and NYU. I spoke to a few of my friends who are MSW students (they actually just graduated) in the NYC area and they couldn't tell me one positive thing about their programs. All I heard was that they didn't get the field placement they wanted, the area is overpopulated with MSW students (there are A LOT of programs in the area) which hinders their ability to "do things," they are just a number to their programs, etc. Also a downside, I think only one of them has a job thus far. The last time I counted, I believe I came up with 11 MSW programs in the greater NYC area. That means they're cranking out a lot of students every year, who, for the most part, are competing for the same jobs. That played a big part in my decision to go elsewhere where there is less competition. I am selfish. I want the best opportunities for myself, and after hearing those things from the NYC people, I didn't want to knowningly put myself in a bad position.
I could go on forever, but I need to get going. My last question for you is, why apply and defer? Why not just wait and apply next year with the rest of the 2016 applicants? Based on what I've read, grad programs are a lot less apt to hand out deferments, and a lot of times require extenuating circumstances, especially if their is funding (scholarships) involved. I wouldn't risk it, merely due to the money. I do highly suggest a gap year, though. The admissions folks like them, too.
If you have any Tulane-specific questions, or questions in general, feel free to PM me.
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Take things one day at a time. If you start freaking out about the job hunt now, surely you will make yourself crazy by the end of your program. As said above, network. Make yourself some business cards, give them to everyone you meet. Talk to everyone, and be polite as hell, even if it's someone you think has no connection to the field. You never know whos mother, brother, uncle, dog walker, etc, is in the field and can be your winning connection. You can volunteer, join a networking group, attend conferences. write a paper for publishing. The list goes on and on. Never miss an opportunity to market yourself. And make sure that when you're doing so, you're doing it positively.
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Parking at/around Tulane seems to be a pretty big biatch. I've been to the uptown campus a few times now (I moved way too early) and parking has been near impossible each time. However, I heard there's a commuter lot on campus. So, if you can score a parking tag for the commuter lot and don't mind paying for it (no clue how much it is), then it probably wouldn't be terrible as the traffic here really isn't that bad. I really like the uptown neighborhood and wanted to live there myself, but the timing just didn't work out right for me to do so. I live much closer to the downtown campus, which is where my program is, so I probably did myself a favor in the end. Where is your plan B location?
I should probably update my last post for the sake of comparison for anyone else who's looking for housing. I ended up having to change apartments, so I didn't rent the $1600 one. I'm in a smaller 1bedroom with no balcony, no garage, for $1250. I've been here about three weeks now and I like the neighborhood, it's super convenient to the interstate, and the gym is wonderful.
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Don't ever, even partially, base your educational decision on a man. No matter how long you've been with them. It's not a good idea. I'm super happy to be here, in this city, and to be going to this particular school, but I'm still annoyed at myself for letting him play a part in my decision making process. He's such a douche. Even thinking about him makes me mad.
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Just sayin', friend. I've moved 8 times since 2006. Half of those were distance moves over 700 miles, with the longest being 1500, and of course, I did that one with the smallest car I've ever owned and no trailer. As mentioned, pack in duffles. No plastic/cardboard boxes. I bought hockey duffles from a sporting good store and they fit a TON of stuff. I can fit my entire wardrobe and some of my linens into two of them. If you have access to a vacuum seal bag contraption, you'll be in good shape. I may even suggest you buy one for the occasion if you have a lot of clothes/linens.
Fold your back seats down if they fold 90-100% of the way down. If they're the 75% fold kinds, don't bother, you'll just be wasting space.
Beyond that, you seem to have answered your own question.
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I went the Uhaul trailer route and spent $380 with insurance for a 5 day/1000 mile rental with the biggest enclosed trailer they have. Not really that expensive, all things considered.
Let me just say that I threw out and sold SO much stuff before I left, and I just barely was able to fit everything in. You will be surprised how quickly every square inch of space will be gone in your very small car. You'll basically be restricted to clothes, shoes, basic toiletry items, and maybe some personal effects. Linens, towels, books, etc, will have to get shipped or left behind. Replacing that stuff will cost hundreds in itself. I sincerely hope you're a minimalist.
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I purchased a lot of stuff from Overstock.com a couple years back. I got about a year-two years use out of what I bought since it was all assemble-yourself furniture and pretty cheap. I think the only thing I still have (meaning, it's still in one piece) is a ladder shelf. So, if you're looking for throw-away furniture, Overstock.com may be a good option. The quality is going to be the same as Walmart, Target, and probably Ikea. If you have a few more dollars to spend and would prefer a little better quality of a product, check out Big Lots or their website.
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Do you realize how rude your emails are? Be glad they even responded to your first one! As stated above, you paid for them to process your application, not to give you an answer. Sure, it sucks not getting a response and I don't think it's good practice myself, but damn dude, your attitude is deplorable! Would you act like that if you were standing in front of them in the admissions office? Hissy fits will get you nowhere.
How do you keep track of things?
in The Lobby
Posted
A) Handwritten planner
C) White/chalk board
D) I write on my hand
E) Neither
Just trying to decide if I want to order new 2014/2015 inserts for my filofax or if I should download a special app. Thoughts please.