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[amara-anderson]

The Final Stretch: Starting my Last Year at Georgia Tech

It’s been a week since the Spring 2019 semester has started, and I’m already slightly overwhelmed. Trying to balance taking upper-level Literature, Media and Communication courses with a part-time job at the Office of Undergraduate Education isn’t an easy task. I was sitting in my room, trying to figure out the best and cheapest way to buy my course textbooks (Slugbooks is a lifesaver, by the way), when I realized that graduation was coming a lot sooner than I expected. I plan to graduate next December, which leaves me with a full year before #igotout. Wow. 

I realize that I have to start getting my life together before graduation day, and this would have to start as soon as possible. So in order to share my year-long journey to graduation (and to keep myself accountable), here’s a list of the most important things I need to accomplish within the next 12 months:

1) Learn to Balance Senior Courses with Work

I have been working part time while taking classes full time since my second semester of freshman year, but this is the first time where I feel a little overwhelmed. The increase in courseload difficulty along with more responsibilites at work leads to a plan for disaster if I’m not on top of my work and organized. My goal this semester is to keep to a strict schedule and keep the procrastination to a minimum. This penultimate semester won’t get the best of me!

2) Become More Involved in Campus Clubs and Organizations

I want to spend my last couple of semesters at Tech as involved on campus as possible. I’ve been in a few clubs in the past, but I either forget to attend meetings or stop participating in general. I would to get more involved in the clubs that interest me, including Pride Alliance and GT Salsa. I’ve also wanted to start a GT Book Club for years now, but we’ll see if I get around to it. 

3) Find Time for Personal Hobbies

As if classes, work, and clubs weren’t enough, I want to find time to invest in my hobbies this next year, especially during the summer. I love to read, crochet, and play (read as: struggle to play) the bass guitar, but I haven’t had the time to improve since starting college. This will be the year where I get back to what I love!

4) Apply for a Summer Internship

Since I will be focusing spring and fall semesters on my academic studies, I want to spend this upcoming summer sharpening my practical skills within the industries I want to pursue after graduation: marketing, web design, and communications. I am still debating on whether to get a summer internship within metro Atlanta or to the work with the summer first-years on the iGniTe program, so this goal is still not set in stone. 

5) Graduate in December with Highest Honors!

The ultimate of goals! To graduate with highest honors, I will need to have a 3.55 GPA or higher; this is a huge goal, especially at Georgia Tech, but I’m on track to succeeding it. I just have a few months left to go before I’m on my way to the big stage. Including my (hopefully) highest honor cords, I will also be receiving a stole for completing the International Plan!

All of this is happening so soon, it’s exciting but also a little terrifying. Hopefully, as the months progress, I will get the opportunity to share every step of the way with the Liberal Arts community and the rest of Georgia Tech!

[amara-anderson]

Sussex Exchange Program: UK vs. US?

Today marks my the beginning of my last week here on the Sussex Exchange Program. This study abroad excursion is only three months long, so it feels like time has really flown. Just last week it felt like I had just moved into my accomodation next to the Brighton coastline. While over the months I have grown accustomed to the way of life in the United Kingdom, the first few weeks here were rough in a variety of ways, many of which I never expected. Today I’m writing this post not only to educate others on the cultural and systematic differences between the UK and the US for anyone who wants to go on this program (and other programs within the UK), but also for my own memories.

1. Driving on the Left Side of the Road

There are so many systematic and legal differences between the US and UK, but the biggest and most shocking change in the fact that the British drive on the left side of the road. This is something that tends to be well known, but it’s more confusing than you’d think i’d be. I couldn’t tell you how many times I would miss a bus because I was waiting at the wrong bus stop, watching the bus I wanted passing in the opposite direction. I also may or may not have nearly been hit by a car once or twice because I was looking left first as I crossed the street instead of right towards oncoming traffic. It’s something you really can’t prepare for until you get there. 

2. University Course Set-up and Expectations

There are so many differences between the university system in the UK, from the term dates, Fresher’s Week, to even the structure of class periods and exams. For one, universities in the UK start much later than at Georgia Tech, ranging from late-September to late-October. They usually combat these short terms by pushing finals until January and February, meaning you’ll have to study DURING winter break (it’s terrifying, I know). Thankfully, since I am an exchange student, I received alternative assessments in place of exams, so I don’t have to worry about studying or working over my precious few weeks of down time.

3. Weather

Another aspect I’m thankful for with this specific program is the location! The UK is known for its cold and constantly rainy weather from September to April. However since the Sussex Exchange Program is in Brighton on the southern coast of England, it has only been slightly cold and slightly rainy. Not to mention, my accomodation is right near the water; you can see the English Channel from my room’s window! Don’t forget to bring a good winter jacket and rain boots nonetheless.

4. Language and Slang

Don’t fret, they do speak English in the UK (though sometimes some accents from rural areas can be difficult to decipher). However a lot of phrases and names for certain things are a bit different. French fries are chips, chips are crisps, vacuum cleaners are called hoovers, the list goes on. I’ve even caught myself saying “Hiya” instead of “Hello” and “Cheers” instead of “Thank you”. It does take some getting used to, but after a few weeks you’ll be used to the new terminology.

5. Food

British food is stereotypically “brown and boring”, but I found it’s been really good! Everything is very hearty and comforting, like having a home cooked meal when you’re back home for the holidays. Some things, like mashy peas, baked beans for breakfast, and bangers & mash, may seen odd at first, but don’t knock anything until you’ve tried it. One thing i have noticed is the fact that most things tend to not be as well-seasoned as I’m used to; I think it’s due to the larger focus on reducing salt and sugar intakes in the UK. If that’s something that may be off-putting, most seasonings and condiments can be asked for at restaurants and other food places. 

6. Social Life and Activities

Lastly, the things that people do for fun in the UK are a tad different. Everybody still goes to the movies, goes to the mall, but the most popular social event is something that’s not as common with younger people in America: drinking. Yes alcohol consumption is mildly popular in the US, but the lower age restrictions in the UK mean that most university students will constantly spend time at pubs. I’m not a huge drinker, so I don’t really partake is these activities, but no one has peer pressured me into doing so. There are still a lot of other things you can do with friends to hang out!

With my adventure here in the UK coming to a close, I’m so thankful I’ve been able to experience so many new and excitng things. If studying abroad or even traveling the UK has any interest to you, please look into it!

[amara-anderson]

LMC Alumni Bash

The LMC Bash, held on Monday, December 4th, was well attended and the atmosphere was great!  DramaTech was the perfect place to hold this kind of event, an excellent representation of the liberal arts at Tech and the School of Literature, Media, and Communication. 

Alumnae and alumni shared anecdotes and stories on how the faculty and advisors had made such an important contribution to their careers and personal development.  These testimonies of both former and current students tells a much bigger story, one we always appreciate hearing.

Thanks to all who attended… Until next time!

[amara-anderson]

The 5 Important Things NOT Included on your Study Abroad Packing Guide

Today was the first week of classes on the Sussex Exchange Program (a whole month after the fall semester at Georgia Tech begins), and after having done the SLS in Spain faculty-led program earlier this year, I would say that I’m a GT study abroad connoisseur. I’ve had two separate experiences packing and planning to go abroad to two countries with completely different climates and cultures. Over the past year I’ve learned so much about this pre-travel process, and I want to share with you all the little tips and tricks that most likely won’t be provided on a typical packing list.

1. Motion Sickness Medicine

Also known as Your Best Friend. When studying abroad, you’ll be doing a lot of traveling, rather that be by plane, boat, car, or other vehicle. If you’re prone to motion sickness, some kind of medicine is crucial to your wellbeing in this constant state of motion. This is important especially if you’re going to Europe, as a majority of cars there are manual shift and tend to be more jerky when accelerating or turning. After being on a bus through the Sierra Nevada and taking ferries to and from Morrocco from southern Spain without it, I learned my lesson really quickly. 

2. Using Metal Hooks to Secure Your Bags

You know those small metal hooks that people usually use on their lanyards or to make keychains? Those are absolutely perfect for secure your backpack against theft in crowded, tourist-y areas known for pickpocketing. Not to mention they’re a few dollars at almost any store, a good replacement for those expensive backpack locks.

3. Travel Pillows

If motion sickness pills are Your Best Friend, a travel pillow is The Love of Your Life. You’ll be out and about doing everything you can in your months overseas, so try to get in as much sleep as you can, wherever you can.

4. Emergency Contact Information

The Office of International Education reminds you before you leave to either grab one of these emergency contact cards from their office or print it yourself, but this is not all you need! It’s also crucial you carry the phone numbers for the closest hospitals and police while you’re abroad, as well as the information for your friends and family back home. It’s a good idea to write down the international numbers for your cell phone company and bank as well, but this can be kept at your accomodation instead of carrying it around in your wallet, purse or bag.

5. Google Maps Offline

Want to travel around an area without a paper map but scared about dodgy internet connection? Google Maps gives you the option to download maps of towns, cities, even entire countries for future use offline, which is a real life saver if you can’t find wi-fi in a foreign place.

And that’s it! I can guarantee that most if not all of these tips aren’t normally included in study abroad guides. They’ve helped me prepare to study abroad (twice!), and hopefully they can help you. Until later!