Reflecting back upon my college experience so far, I can definitely say that I’ve taken a whole lot of classes that were awesome. From learning about anatomy and physiology to the things that occur within biological systems at the microscopic level, I feel like I’ve learned and experienced so much. As I start to get well into my last semester, everything I have done in college is really starting to come together.

Looking forward, I still have a lot of decisions to make. The job search is underway, as well as aspirations to continue with my schooling. I definitely want to stay in the Buffalo area, because I’ve really started to fall in love with it. I’m not really sure where that is all going to take me right now, but I definitely feel prepared to meet whatever challenges lie ahead!

One of my favorite things about UB is how it feels like a living and breathing entity; in the past year we have seen new buildings get put on campus, new academic buildings come in and more and more engagement from the students on campus. It’s not surprising to me, then, that new initiatives would come out for students.

Coming up, new students at UB will be able to be part of the “Finish in 4″ program where students will be able to sign up and make a plan to finish their degree in four years. What is neat about it, is that if the student sticks to the plan, but finds themselves unable to graduate, the University “will provide you with the opportunity to complete the UB courses required for your degree free of any tuition and comprehensive fee charges.”

This seems like an excellent program to me; it really helps students and advisement staff to engage in a big university setting. I would have loved to be part of a program like this when I was enrolling, because I think it would have been awesome to have a plan coming into school for every course I’d take, and what I’d be looking for. I think this is a great step in a new direction, and if interested, you should check out their webpage here.

I have been pretty lucky in my college career to have mostly taken classes that I’ve enjoyed. Whether it’s been interesting topics in biology, or challenging courses like Organic Chemistry, there are very few negative experiences I’ve had in my courses. I’ve always been fascinated by the courses that are completely out of my major, and are typically considered general education requirements.

There’s something so refreshing about these courses, and the fact that they really just turn into fun. For example, I’m enrolled in a Visual Studies course to satisfy my art requirement this semester, and it has been such an amazing ride. From the romantics all the way through film, we have had the opportunity to look and see different forms of art, how they have challenged formalist norms and how it’s affected and been affected by parts of history. I always walk out of that class having had a lot of fun, and feeling like I got to see something really new.

I guess that’s what I mean when I say “out of breadth” because it’s something kind of neat and new that I’ve really never gotten to experience, and some of the material can be ‘breathtaking’ for lack of a better word, and to kind of illustrate the pun a bit more. Having said that, general education requirements can be pretty much awesome.

In other awesome news, first snow happened today!

If you’re like me, and you unfortunately missed open house this past October, you’re in luck! Upcoming on Friday November 11th UB will be hosting Discovery Day!  You’ll have the opportunity to come check out UB, meet and talk to students and take some campus tours! It’s a really great opportunity to learn more about the campus and interact with students on campus.

I really enjoy having the opportunity to be around on those days because it’s a great time. It’s very cool to meet people who are excited to come to UB, and it’s a lot of fun to share my love for the school with them. I would really encourage anyone to come out for the event, because it’s just an awesome opportunity to visit! Of course, there are other ways to visit UB, such as our Visit UB program, but I sure hope to see you at Discovery Day!