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Preparation for Future Snowpocalypses

When it comes to Washington, you would automatically assume that every day is a rainy day, no matter what the season is. However, planning for any snow is less likely to happen…until it actually happens. This is important to note and get ready for, especially in the wintertime, because different situations can occur. This includes food shortages, cold sleepless nights, and vehicle cautions.

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Before the eye of the (snow)storm

  • Look at weekly forecasts
  • Stock up on batteries
  • Invest in candles, flashlights, or emergency lanterns
  • Organize a first aid kit or even a survival kit for you and your family
    • For more information about what to put into your kit(s), Red Cross provides a list of various supplies that can be found at home or be easily purchased in your local store
  • Purchase enough non-perishable items for at least 2-3 days
    • This includes drinking water, snacks (i.e. chips, pretzels, granola bars), or canned foods (i.e. beans, soups)
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  • Charge your phones, electronics, and power banks or portables
  • Keep shovels and ice melt (alternatives can be kitty litter or sand) in hand for any major snowfall on the ground
  • In case of an emergency that is far away, make sure that you have a full gas tank as well as a supply kit for your vehicle

Let it snow, let it snow

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  • Keep an eye on any school alerts
  • Do not attempt in driving on the road; stay at home!
    • If your professors do have class during a time of snow, communicate with them and be up to date with their lectures or updates
    • If you have a job and the snow is preventing you from going, communicate with your supervisors or follow any work procedure to call out as soon as possible
    • In the case that you are driving somewhere, let someone know what your destination and your estimated time arrival
  • Check in on your family members and friends to see if they are safe
    • Although keeping yourself safe and warm should be a priority, it is also important to make sure that your loved ones are protected as well
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  • Bundle up with loose fitting layers and blankets!
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Post-Apocalypse

  • Make sure it is safe for you to go out (whether it be driving or walking)
  • Try to avoid driving until it is safe enough to drive
    • If you have a vehicle, make sure to clear all slush, ice, and snow from your windows and exterior surfaces before attempting to drive
  • Be on the lookout for any sudden class updates!
    • Even if it does stop snowing, campus might remain close for better weather and road conditions

For more information about campus procedures, here are some resources below:

Charlie Brown Snow GIF by Peanuts
GIF found here
Posted on by vuukat

Stress, Self-Care, and Balance in College

When in college, you may find it a challenge to take a break for yourself. Some students find it difficult to have an outlet because of the constant urge to work or complete important tasks. Balancing out responsibilities should not be a constant hassle for students; by planning ahead and being efficient with your time can make things easier to handle.

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My Personal Experience

In Freshman Year of college, I knew this was the perfect time to find out what I am passionate about; I was not stressed about time management, my work and class schedules were perfectly balanced, and I was able to rest during my long weekends. Everything went well, until I transitioned into Sophomore Year. I would never have imagined how much of a challenge time management would become for me.

Sophomore Year became a personal struggle, considering I had full class schedules, weekly work shifts, and an officer position in Vietnamese Student Association (VSA). I truly thought I was someone who was capable to balance everything on a plate. Turns out I was the opposite; I became exhausted after days of work and no break. Because it was difficult for me to balance everything on my shoulders, I gave up my personal time just to get my tasks completed, including time in my sleep schedule and in my social life. Different things in my agenda would stack up and I was unable to take some time to even sit down and rest.

By accepting the reality of having a difficult time balancing my schedule, I was able to learn and grow from this experience and test out different methods of stress relieving and schedule planning. One hobby that I found fun and helpful was bullet journaling. I like to think of it as a DIY planner where you get to decide what format or design to have. The reason why I enjoy bullet journaling is because it allows me to make use of my passion in drawing while prioritizing my schedule every week. For more information,  here is a helpful guide on how to start your own bullet journal! By incorporating your passions with schedule organization, you are able to not only enjoy what you do but also have fun with planning out your days!

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Tips!

Here are some things to consider or to try when you are stressed or when you think you are unable to find time for yourself:

  1. Do not think that you have no time to rest. Your mind might tell you that, but your body might say otherwise so remember to listen to your body
  2. Set aside time for free time with your friends, your family, or even yourself. Don’t let your responsibilities be the only things you’d be doing every week.
  3. Make time for the things you enjoy doing, whether it be hobbies or passions!
  4. Seek out opportunities that enable yourself to go outside and enjoy the fresh air. Staying inside can create a lack of motivation or even increase your levels of fatigue, so having some time just to go outside can help reduce stress and wake you up!
  5. Use a planner or schedule organizer! I find it easier to balance my time out by writing out what priorities must be completed within the week.
  6. If your schedule restrain you from resting, try to rearrange your agenda or even communicate with your team or your supervisors in request for time off.
  7. If you are on campus, there are always different events and activities that can help you de-stress and enjoy so keep an eye out on promotions (especially towards the end of the quarter!)
    • An example of an activity you can do during Finals Week is de-stressing with coloring in the library!
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Don’t force yourself to constantly go on a workflow. Although some people may seem to think that they can handle the amount of work given, everyone deserves a break at some point. I learned that despite my motivation to continuously stand up and do something, it isn’t bad to stop and find time to rest. Of course, everyone does have different experiences with stress or time management so make sure to test out what methods are helpful for you and take time for your well-being!

 

Posted on by vuukat

Morning Struggles: We’ve All Been There

We tend to encounter different problems when running out of the house for work or for class. This includes oversleeping, skipping breakfast, or even forgetting your wallet. Sometimes, we’re unsure or unable to figure out how to resolve these problems. But not to worry, because the following problems will include my personal ideas or suggestions that may help you!

  1.  Oversleeping
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GIF Credit: Giphy
  • Put multiple alarms in the span of every 10 minutes
  • Put your phone or your clock on the opposite side of your bedroom, away from your bed. This way, when your alarm goes off, you would have to get up, walk to your alarm, and turn it off
  • Try to set a consistent wake-up time
  • If you don’t work with alarms well, train your body to wake up without an alarm. As surprising as it sounds, your body is able to wake up during a specific time span if you sleep at a set time

2. Lack of sleep

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GIF Credit: Giphy

How to avoid staying up at night

  • Avoid consuming any caffeinated drinks in the evening
  • Plan in advance! Prior to the following day, think of all of the tasks that you must finish before you go to sleep, and estimate how long each task takes for you to complete
    • Create a to-do list using a note pad or a planner
  • Think of what kind of setting you would want to sleep in. Consider factors such as temperature, noise, or lighting

How to strive forward throughout the day

  • In the morning, do not overdo the caffeine. It makes your energy levels above and beyond high or it can shut you down
  • Try not to eat large meals during the day; you will most likely encounter possible energy dips or food comas afterwards
  • Move around instead of sitting in one spot for a long time; consider walking outside and enjoy the fresh air

3. Skipping breakfast OR rushing to make breakfast

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  • If time is a problem, wake up 15 minutes earlier than when you usually wake up
  • Consider creating a meal plan schedule for every morning of the week
  • If preparing a meal is too much for you, put out any utensils, bowls, or plates on the table the night before for simple breakfast meals, such as cereal and milk
  • Make or prep your food ahead of time if possible
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  • Take your food out the door with you! Eat on the go by grabbing a ziplock bag or a disposable bowl/plate with your food
    • Napkins are an essential if you plan to eat on the go

4. Not packing anything for lunch

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  • Meal prepping is a good way to grab your food and go
    • At the beginning of every week, you prep and plan what meals to eat. During the process, you gather all food material and either portion and store them into containers, or you prepare and portion them into containers.
    • After the preparation process, you are able to grab it in the fridge the next morning and eat it how it is or simply microwave it
  • Pack non-perishable packaged snacks in your bag or in your car beforehand
  • Keep some spare change in case you find a vending machine

5. Forgetting something important at home

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  • Give yourself 10 minutes before leaving your home to store everything in your car or in your backpack
  • Make a list of things that you need the day before
  • Repeat or replay what you need in your memory and visualize them. This is a method where you remember them in a matter of time

6. Not knowing what to wear and end up wearing the first clothing items you see in your closet

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  • Plan your outfit the night before
  • Find simple outfits that “fit the season”. For example, if it is summer, it is assumed that it will be hot so a pair of shorts and a t-shirt should be considered.
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  • Check the weather in advance to see what you could wear on that particular day
  • If you think weather issues might occur (such as random rainstorms or heavy wind) throughout the day, bring a small bag of “emergency clothes” and either put it in your backpack or in your car
Posted on by vuukat

What I Learned throughout my First Year in College

College, where students strive to discover a major, find a job, and develop new experiences and skills to keep. Last year, I came into the University of Washington Bothell as a first year student and believe me, I was not prepared to face the reality of college. Throughout that whole year, I learned so many things that I never expected to hold onto, whether if it was academically or personally. And I decided to share with you some of the main things that I have held onto ever since!

Disclaimer: Everyone has a different experience with their first year in college. These may not apply to your personal experiences but can be useful to keep in mind for the future.

 

  • Time really does go by fast

Although Freshman Year was as long as any other school year, it personally felt like three whole months to me. And it sounds crazy to say that college can go by so quickly. If Freshman Year felt like three months, I can’t imagine what the rest of my college journey would feel like time wise. Depending on the person, some people would think a year of college is more like a century while others think it is more as a few months. So do remember to make the most out of your time in college!

  • Adjusting to college schedules takes time

When comparing high school schedules to college schedules, the number of differences are endless. If you were a full time student or did not do Running Start in high school, then it can take a week or so to get used to your college schedules. Unless your classes are a part of a series, it is difficult to “reset” your mind for new schedules. What I suggest is to have an idea of where all of your classes are before the quarter starts by going to the area(s) where each class will be held in.

  • Making connections on campus is more exciting than you think

It is not initially easy to get used to a college environment so what I highly recommend is to make connections, big or small, around your campus and see what opportunities there are for you to look at! Because I work in the library as a Circulation Student Assistant, it is easy for me to make connections with the library staff as well as the patrons who often check in and out items. Outside of work and class, I am a member of the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA). I feel like when you join a club, you get a lot out of it; you are able to make new friends, bring dedication or commitment, and experience what it’s like to be in a group with similar interests!

  • It’s okay to not know what you really want to do when you are in college

People expect college students have a plan set for a specific major that they’d want to fulfill, even before you set foot in your college journey. Having this expectation in your head can result in a lot of pressure and anxiety, if you ask me. I have seen a lot of my friends second guessing themselves or worrying that they have made the wrong decision towards a major. Sometimes, it’s hard to try to fulfill one major and follow through with it until the end of your college career. No matter what, it is 100% okay to re-think your plan and revise it in a way that will make you happy!

  • Always. Have. A. Planner.

Keeping track of ALL important academic dates is a HUGE priority to keep in mind. So for me, I like to keep my planner and a few pens in my bag in case something comes up in my schedule. For some people, it’s hard to find time to organize what you’re going to do every single week. So what I like to do is find some time at the beginning of every week and write down any upcoming assignment due dates or event dates that I know and then list out what things I need to prioritize first during that week.

  • Stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary

Although I consider myself as a social butterfly around people, I was once someone who was so shy that I couldn’t even make eye contact with anyone. Becoming more out in the open is not a trait that you can obtain immediately; it takes small steps to really develop an open mind towards making new friends. I find it simple to make new friends by initiating small talk (a “how are you” or a “how’s your day?” can make an impact towards someone!) and find common ideas or ask questions to make a conversation!

  • Take advantage of your free time

In college, you’d think that you don’t have to worry about anything and you would have plenty of time to do things. Well, those expectations are false. As a matter of fact, it’s even hard to find time to settle down and study, especially if you’re up on your feet going to your classes or have an active job. So when you have some free time, make use out of it! Cherish that amount of time by doing something you don’t normally do, such as catching up on your TV shows, or reading a book. It’s okay to take a break because overworking yourself can cause a lot of stress on your shoulders.

  • Make as many memories as you can!

I learned that once you get out of school, it’s hard to find time to spend with your friends and family, especially since you might have a job or continue your education somewhere else. So when you do get a chance, go out and make some fun plans (i.e. admire some aesthetic outdoor views or have a movie night at someone’s house) with those who you love! Not only does it help you relax from all that college stress, but it also makes you realize that it become harder to find time to be with people close to you. Be sure to find a way to capture the moment by taking photos or writing about it in your notebook!

 

To all upcoming first year students, my personal advice to you is that college will not be as easy as you may think. But don’t let that restrain you from living your life! There is always a way to find balance between your life in college and outside of college, and not many people realize it. Everyone has to discover that balance on their own since we are different from one another. The various things that you learn in college can help in your career, such as expressing your communication skills, or using your leadership skills in a team. College is a great place to practice any professional skills, while keeping that balance of social skills and fun when exposed to a variety of people with different backgrounds, ideas, and values. So remember to have fun exploring and learning new things throughout your college journey!

Posted on by vuukat

Backup Dreams in College

Before wanting to become an elementary teacher, I’ve wanted to become a singer. Throughout my entire life, music has always been a huge part of my life. I personally love to sing, whether if it’s during a session of carpool karaoke, in talents shows, or even when I’m home alone. However, my parents did not like the idea of me having a singing career as I transitioned into high school; they believed that I could find a better career (preferably in the medical field). So during my high school journey, I decided to major in Educational Studies and become an elementary teacher. I discovered my passion for helping children out when I started volunteering as a teacher’s assistant at my old elementary school in junior year up until the end of my senior year. Of course, it wasn’t what exactly my parents wanted me to do but eventually they accepted my choice in teaching children.

Looking back in the past, I realized that I shouldn’t have let my parents suddenly change my future path. I was always obedient to my parents and would follow what they wanted; I was never the person that followed their own instincts or go with what their heart desired in life. Personally, it was because I was scared of the outcome or the consequence. I always depended or trusted the decisions of everyone else because I would assume that the result would be good if I followed them. I learned that my fear of personal outcomes overpowered my levels of self-confidence and independence. As I grew up, I had to accept the fact that I have to stick with my own choices, whether I’m alone or not, and face any outcome there is to come. Because I didn’t do any of those, I would not only be pleased, but I would not learn from those outcomes.

My personal advice for those that have not decided on a major or career to fulfill, or are having second thoughts, is to remember to have faith with the choices that you personally make and take some time to organize what goals you have for the future, what you would want to achieve, and how you are going to achieve it. It is no one else’s choice to choose what you should fulfill and achieve in life, only yours.

Within this blog post, you will find more stories from UW Students about their (intended) majors, careers, back up plans, as well as personal advice to college students who have not decided on a major or a future career, or have second thoughts on their initial choice. Thank you to those who have shared their stories!

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