#katelynk

Hello Blugolds! So, recently I’ve been thinking about my Power of [AND] and how it has changed over the past couple of years while studying here at UWEC. In what ways has my [AND] changed? And it what ways has it stayed the same? When I look back at who I was when I first started college, I cannot believe how much I’ve changed. I’ve become more mature, more organized, more studious (hehe), more outgoing, and more knowledgeable, but most importantly I’ve been able to find my niche here at UWEC. I can see aclear path that will lead me to my future career, and will allow me to reach my future goals. I not only accredit this university for how it has shaped me into the person that I am today and hope to be, but I also accredit my Power of [AND] in this personal journey of discovery.

 I think that as young adults it is crucial that we realize our potentials and acknowledge the difference that each of us can truly make. Here at UWEC, I have found a family on campus full of faculty and friends, and I’ve made many memories that I wouldn’t have been able to make anywhere else, like singing in organic chemistry lab after hours, or having chair races in the Breezeway on the second floor of the library around midnight! I remember when I first came to Eau Claire, and thinking that this campus will forever be etched in my heart because of the friends I’ll make, the classes I’ll take, the experiences I’ll have, and most importantly for the person who I will become four years in the future. Now I am 3/4 of the way there to finishing my time here at UWEC, and it is quite sad for me to think about. I’ve had so many wonderful opportunities, and since I am a huge fan of trying new things (even if it’s only for a semester- HA!) I feel I’ve been able to really experience a lot and do things that I never imagined I would ever be brave enough to do. As a freshman I was encouraged to think about my Power of [AND], and as a Campus Ambassador, I was encourged to share that [AND] with other prospective students and their families. Now, as a junior I am realizing how special that Power of [AND] really was and is, and though it has changed a little for the most part it’s stayed the same. I’m still a hopeful dental applicant and lover of life, plus my music is a huge part of who I am. I wouldn’t be where I am today without UWEC or my Power of [AND], It truly has the ability to change one’s life. Really think about your Power of [AND] Blugolds, you never know where it’ll take you!

Until next time! 

Hello there Blugolds! Happy Tuesday evening :) Last Thursday I got the opportunity to go and see the Pacifica Quartet perform live right in Schofield Hall, and they were so impressive and talented! To make the night even better I got to sit in the balcony section so I could see everything that much easier!!

One of my favorite things that UWEC has is its schedule of the Series and Artists Forum events! The university does an amazing job at advertising and planning all of the amazing events throughout the year and they also always have such a great variety that appeal to all students and not only expose us students to different cultures and fine arts; but we also learn at these events as many influential, well known international and national speakers are usually guest speakers! I have had the privilege of going to many of those events and the Pacifica Quartet has thus been one of my absolute favorites!! I think that a big reason for that is because their music reminded me so much of the classical music concerts I went to while in Austria over winter break!! When I first saw the poster while walking through Phillips Hall I stopped in my tracks and listened to a YouTube video of one of their performances. I was sold after listening for only a couple of seconds and I bought a ticket that same day!! Here’s photo proof of the fine evening! Hearing them perform immediately brought me back to one of the beautiful Austrian palaces where I heard classical masterpieces such as Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi, etc..the only thing that woud’ve made it even more perfect would have been attending with my boyfriend, and then it’d be exactly like Austria! Have a great rest of the week Blugolds and enjoy the warm weather while it lasts! I’m so so happy that it is getting warmer, and even if it won’t last too long, I’ll still be able to bring out the summer dresses

Hello Blugolds! I hope you’re all having a great week and happy Wednesday! Can anyone believe that we’re already in the middle of February? I feel like this semester is just speeding by, and what makes me a little nervous about how fast time is going is the realization that in less than 2 months I will be sitting down at a computer and taking one of those long, electronically graded standardized tests that we all love. Yes friends, I will be taking the D-A-T.

 Haha, that was my first reaction too when I first learned about what this test was, how much preparation it takes, and how competitive it is to get into dental school! I’m sure that all students who plan on heading to graduate school experience this exact sense of panic at least a couple billion times during their undergraduate careers. With all the pressures of getting a high score, acing classes, logging those volunteer and observation hours, preparing for the graduate exams, AND having hobbies outside of studying in the library til closing time, I’m actually finding inner peace as hard as that may seem. I am realizing many things as I prepare for this exam:

1. It’s ok to not know everything on the exam. From the books I’ve read, it is more important to understand processes and be able to apply them to other situations.

2. Don’t focus on what you don’t know. Rather, take a moment to recognize how much you’ve learned and how far you’ve come. What may seem like small successes really do add up.

3. BREATHE

4. Take another breath. In all honesty, it is the most important and healthy thing you can do when you’re feeling really nervous or uncertain or stressed. 

5. Believe in yourself. This speaks volumes and make such a huge difference. Not only is it important to have it, but you’ve also got to flaunt it!

6. Talk to others. If you need help or just want to talk with someone about how things are going, don’t ever feel like you’re in this alone. There are many people not only on campus, but also friends and family who are there for you every step of the way. They want to help you and there’s no shame in admitting that you need help.

Best of luck to you all as you prepare for any exams you may have, whether it be in your hardest class, a graduate exam, or a project. Most importantly, treasure these moments when you’re stressed and worried. Yes, treasure them because these are all just small stepping stones that will get you to where you want to go. Everything works out in the end, you just need to believe in yourself <3 Have a great rest of the week and wish me luck for my DAT :)

Chao - Katelyn