Extracurricular activities or fear of committment 101

So last week I mentioned that I probably could have done better had I devoted more time to studying and school, etc

So what takes up so much time? Co-Ed Yell Leading. For the last 3 years I have been a member of the Baylor Co-Ed Yell Leaders. And just how much time does it take up? 10-12 hours a week, at least.

2- 1 hour workouts
2- 3 hour practices
And games

Not to mention that during the fall I'm out of town every other weekend at away football games. Now don't think that I am complaining, because I'm not. While not every moment has been great, in fact that have been some really bad moments, overall it has been one of the best things about my time here at Baylor. Other than the travel, going to all the games, getting the perks of college Athletes, I love meeting Baylor fans and talking to them, which we do a lot of. My one big claim to fame? Having dinner with Coach and Mrs. Teaff, quite the star in Baylor circles.

I have done other stuff as well, Freshman year I worked 12 hours a week at the rock wall, and this past spring (as well as all of this coming year) I worked for Athletic Marketing.

So this brings me to my point. Learn your limits. In high school I was 5000 different places. NHS President, Thespian president, I was in a TON of plays, I did PALS (Peer Assistance Leadership), I was also a cheerleader escort, and did many many other things. And it drove me nuts, I loved everything I did, but it was just too much.

I decided when I came to Baylor that instead of doing an OK job at a lot of things, I wanted to be great at a few. With Yell Leaders and school I quickly found that working too was too much, which is why I didn't work as a Sophomore, and why I also didn't join a fraternity. I only picked up work when I was able to decrease my number of class hours and have a good handle on my number of hours worked.

As I stated before, if I had done nothing but school, I would be a much better student, but have not near as much fun, but more on that later.

So as you look to committ to things make sure you're not stretching yourself to thin. A lot of people have trouble committing, but others committ to WAY to much, find the balance for yourself, and it will make life much easier

The end of the weekend

So the GMAT went well on Saturday. Really well actually. True I didn't pull a 750 or anything, but I did well enough that I'm not worried about getting into any of the schools I'm looking at. On top of that the scores are good for 5 years, so if I decide to put off Grad school for a few years, I don't have to worry about retaking it.

That's all for today, I know it is short, but I'm tired. Be looking this week for a few good posts, now that the GMAT is behind me I have a lot more free time to blog.

GMAT-tastic

This Saturday I will be taking the GMAT. I've spent the past month and a half preparing for it (especially the last two weeks). Despite all that I'm still a bit nervous.

Although I feel as if I'm only nervous out of obligation. I want to do well, but I don't really even know if Graduate school is the next step for me. While I do want to eventually get an MBA, the idea of more school after I graduate is not the greatest. And I feel like I'd get a TON more out of it if I go work for 3-4 years and am better able to relate to a lot of what I would be learning.


But on the other hand, let's be honest, there aren't a plethora of jobs out there right now, and it would be much easier to keep in school mode, and for lack of a better term, get it over with.

So you see my dilemma.

But regardless I will be getting up bright and early Saturday to make my way to the testing center. To sit at a computer for 4 hours answering questions that somebody feels is a big deciding factor on what school I go to. Maybe I'm being pessimistic.

Any thoughts/suggestions? MBA now or later?

A look back

So what has lead up to this year? Quite a bit I'm afraid, while I could go on and on about High School, SAT scores and that sort of stuff, I don't want to bore you. So let's just hit the highlights shall we?

I'm the youngest of 3, 2 older sisters. Education was always important in the family, my parents read to me a lot, encourage me to learn, and always made sure I did my school work. As I grew older they gave me more independence, mainly because I proved I was capable of being responsible.

I did well in High School, graduating in the Top 10% of my class, and taking many AP courses. At the time I had no idea I'd end up at Baylor, but that is another post for another day.

Since being at Baylor I have done well in classes, my GPA hovering around 3.3(hopefully that will come up after my senior year). While I could have done much better than that, I have stayed quite busy, again that's for another post (probably in the next few days).

So why do I mention this? All to say that I am happy with my past performance, I feel that I have done well throughout my education. Now, I would be lying if I told you I don't wish I had studied harder for certain tests, or taken better notes in class, or asked more questions at certain times, but overall I am happy.

And I think that it is that happiness and feeling of achievement that makes me confident about my future. While I certainly believe that your future is whatever you want it to be, being able to look back and say, "you know, I didn't do half bad" is a huge help.

So I leave you tonight with this thought, are you happy/proud with what you have done thus far?

Good night,

Stephen

The Final Lap

The last lap. After the 3 glorious years here at Baylor, I'm starting the final lap. True, class doesn't start for another month, but I'm already in final lap mode. But before I start on the joy of starting my last year, I'm going to devote the next few posts to everything that has led up to this point.

Let me be clear in stating that I have every intention of finishing the race. I have good grades, I'm a hard worker, and I know that I will walk the stage next May. The truly daunting task is figuring out what I will do after the college race is over, but more on that later.

So check back every few days. As you will soon discover I am quite busy, so posts can come as often as daily, but may be as long as a week in between. As I go along I'll offer advice and wisdom that I have picked up, and feel free to ask questions you may have, either in comment fashion or by e-mail at collegesenior10@gmail.com

That's all for now, hope you all enjoy your Sunday and are looking forward to a great week ahead!

Stephen