By Alison Blazer

Greetings Liberal Arts grads!

I can’t believe we are already at the beginning of my last Week 10 as an OSU, CLA major.  Talk of commencement, family visits, and friendly farewells are being heard all across campus! To celebrate this unique transitional time, The College of Liberal Arts hosts a Commencement Reception for graduating seniors, as well as their friends and family each year. This year’s CLA Commencement Reception will be held on Friday, June 13^th from 3:00—5:00 PM on the front lawn of Gilkey Hall.

CLA Dean Larry Rodgers, along with all of the members of the CLA Advising Staff, encourage graduating seniors to attend this reception in celebration of their achievements over the years. Personally, I’ve attended this event previously as a CLA Ambassador and have been consistently amazed by the turnout. Along with delicious food, some musical entertainment, and a few words from Dean Larry Rodgers, this event allows students to properly thank influential faculty mentors and professors within the College. Have CLA faculty members played a pivotal role in your journey towards commencement? Do you feel as though you wouldn’t be receiving your degree, or be leaving OSU with the same perspective and tools for the real world without any one faculty member? This is your chance to not only show your professors, advisors, instructors, etc. your appreciation, but also introduce them to your parents!

After several years of attending this event and seeing countless CLA graduates smile as they prepare to walk across that stage in Reser Stadium, I now get to attend the CLA Commencement Reception as a soon-to-be graduate myself, and thank all of those that have helped me along the way! So come join me– grab your friends and family, come savor some incredible catering, and mingle with your fellow CLAers at this year’s CLA Commencement Reception!

By Logan Pedersen

Hey Beaver Nation, I hope you are all ready to get your socks rocked off! DAM JAM is this weekend, Saturday May 31^st, and it’s going to be an event to remember! Last year, the Memorial Union Program Council (MUPC) hosted Hoodie Allen at the Flat Tail Music Festival, which is now called DAM JAM and this event was hands down one of the best OSU had put on all year long. This year, the opening band is The Flavr Blue, and afterwards Mike Posner will come out to put on the big show!

The whole MU quad will be filled with thousands of OSU students, and a splash of lights will shine out among the crowd to get us started as the sun goes down. Grab a friend and be sure to bring your dancing shoes because it’ll be one great night. Tickets are free to all OSU students (MU 103) and only $10 to non-students (order online for both). The gates open at 7pm and there will be no re-entry into the event. The concert starts at 8pm and goes to 11pm. This is going to be an event you won’t want to miss so be sure to get your tickets before they sell out. I’ll see you there!

By David Nauss

We can all feel it coming. The quad is filled with people, jackets are being traded out for tank tops, flip-flops are replacing boots and sunglasses are being worn. Yes summer is right around the corner and people are getting excited. Many people go home for summer, which I am sure is a great time, but as an out of state student I always spend my summers right here in Corvallis. And summer is in Corvallis is great! I will give just a few reasons in this blog why spending the summer in Corvallis may be the best summer of your life but also I encourage you to go and explore for yourself, there are plenty of hidden gems around Corvallis if you go out and find them.

The first item I want to talk about is the least fun but the most important and that is summer classes. Nobody wants to take summer classes but they are a great resource to use. The summer after my freshman year I took all of first year Spanish in a 10 weeks span and last summer a political science class called Sports and Politics and a baccalaureate core music class. Summer classes not only are allowing me to graduate on time, despite missing two terms for a family emergency, but also have allowed me to take just one class my last term of college. Wrapping up if you can take summer classes I encourage you to take them it will help you later on.

The other items on my list are more exciting than summer classes and they all revolve around being outdoors. The first is water activities. Corvallis is lucky enough to be close to many lakes, rivers and creeks so use them. There are many places to go fishing if you want or float down the river. Take advantage of your down time and relax by the water. If you are not a fan of water there are plenty of other activities to do. There are numerous hikes as well to do in Corvallis. Bald Hill and Mary’s Peak are not far outside Corvallis and give excellent views of Oregon’s countryside.

Lastly grab some friends and go play beach volleyball or soccer. The IM fields are still open over summer and unlike during the school year when it is either to cold and rainy to use them or you have class work to do, you have time and sunshine to use. So in conclusion summer in Corvallis is awesome and if you are staying in Corvallis this summer take advantage of all opportunities you have.

By Alison Blazer and Kaelyn Cochrane

Overwhelmed by the very idea of applying for a summer job, or a more permanent position post-graduation? Take it from myself and fellow graduating senior, Kaelyn Cochrane—we understand the panic and the stress. Entering the world of employment, even as a student worker, can be quite the transition, and quite a time consuming process. The purpose of this blog is to share with you a few tips on how to find those jobs to apply to, and how to make your application a stellar one once you find the position that’s right for you!

Steps to applying:

1) Do wide jobs searches on job websites:

Start big, and narrow down your choices from there. In order to get a feel for how many positions in your desired field are out there, you have to really search! Browse all of your options, network and talk to individuals already involved in your field of focus, and start creating a list of the positions you’d like to apply for. Here are a few useful websites that have job listings:

-Beaverjobnet

-Indeed.com

-Glassdoor.com

-Monster.com

Be sure to talk to those around you and make sure people understand what type of job you’re interested in. You never know when networking could pay off!

2) Narrow down your choices:

Although choosing a field of interest while searching for jobs is important, you also need to develop other guidelines for your search. Know what job titles you’re looking for, what location(s) you’re limiting your search to, your desired salary, and whether or not you want/need benefits. These are all contributing factors, and can hugely assist you in narrowing down your search. Again, here are some limiting criteria to keep in mind:

-Title

-Location

-Salary

-Benefits

3) Research the Company

Once you find a position(s) that’s right for you, be sure to research the company or organization a bit more. Not only is it important to know what the company’s philosophy is to determine whether or not you want to work there, but well-done research into a company’s structure and core values can help make you a competitive applicant.

-Visit the company/organization’s website

-Find their Core Values

-Research Company Structure

-Learn about the company’s in-office environment

-Read online reviews

-Talk to people who have worked their previously/currently work there

4) Be proud of your resume!

Writing a resume is not one-time activity, but rather something that’s meant to be carefully crafted into a representation of yourself on paper and it should be something you’re proud of when it’s finalized. I’d suggest writing down all of the involvement opportunities, leadership positions, job experiences etc. that you feel have provided you with the best skills over the years. In addition, the following sections of a resume should or can be included:

-Education

-Expected Graduation

-GPA and honors (optional)

-Relevant Coursework (less than 8 classes, optional)

-Study Abroad (optional)

-Objective (highly recommended, especially when creating a position-specific resume)

-Skills section (use words from job description, optional)

-References (optional, most jobs will request them if they’d like)

I’d recommend printing a copy out (editing is often easier with a hardcopy), and have an employer, parent, advisor, or friend edit it! It can only improve!

Throughout the process of updating your resume, be sure to keep in mind the following things:

-Why would YOU be a good fit for the company

-Cater your resume to each company

-Have a distinct & focused objective

5) Conquer that cover letter!

There once was a time when we were completely daunted by the notion of having to write a cover letter, and quite honestly that time was just a few months ago. The best way to tackle a cover letter is just to start writing! It can always be cut down, edited and revamped over and over until you feel it’s perfect, but without a draft, there’s nothing to edit!

Again, I’d recommend having someone read cover your letter. Also, be sure that no matter who reads the letter it makes a case for why YOU and YOUR skills are best suited to help the company/organization etc. that you’re applying to. This is your chance to boast in more words than can be written on a resume, so take advantage!

6) Start applying!

Now you’re ready for the most important step of all– applying! Follow our steps, talk to your peers, advisors, parents etc. and jump right into the process. Be sure to keep the following things in mind throughout the application process:

-Take note of everything that is required for the application!

-Keep a notebook with all of your job applications you have submitted, including dates!

-Follow-up! (With the HR department)

Oregon State’s Career Services offers free drop-in resume workshops, mock interviews, and a huge amount of online resources (including guidelines for tackling that cover letter) on their website. Take advantage of Career Services and all that is made available to you as an OSU student!

OSU Career Services Main Webpage: http://oregonstate.edu/career/

OSU Career Services Handouts (including resume and cover letter templates): http://oregonstate.edu/career/handouts

OSU Career Services Job Search Preparation: http://oregonstate.edu/career/job-search-preparation

 

By Morgan Willer

My day starts at 4:45 am with a lot of coffee and a long drive. My days are often filled with laughter, sarcasm, and frustration. Nights are spent grading papers, enjoying new perspectives, and planning what I will say to my students the next morning. I am a teacher, or more accurately, a student-teacher.

Currently I’m completing the last part of my Education Degree which is experience in a classroom. I teach social studies to high school students at a Salem High School, and I LOVE every minute (most days). A typical day for me is getting to the school at 6:45 am. I’m usually hyped up on coffee so I have energy to start off first period. My students are smart, funny, and most of the time, focused. Some days they will not stop talking and I cannot figure out how to make them listen, but most days I love their energy!

If I’m not teaching, I’m observing other teachers, or taking the time to plan lessons. What most people don’t realize is that teachers put a lot of time into figuring out what they will be teaching their students each day. There are standards, and objectives, and assessments (all that confusing education lingo). What I’m trying to say is that I put a lot of passion into what I’m planning so my students will enjoy it. That could mean interpreting WWII motivations through 1940’s Captain America comics, or watching a documentary about the conflict in the Middle East from a child’s perspective. If you will be student-teaching my advice to you is to PLAN everything out ahead of time. The more prepared you are, the better your lesson will be.

Students know when you put effort into what you do. This includes building relationships. If you’re student-teaching get to know your students. Talk to them before or after class, ask them about their interests, go to school sporting events, or even chaperone a dance. My teaching experience has become so much more fun as I’ve gotten to know my students, and I know it will be hard to leave when it comes time.

One of the hardest things about being a student-teacher is worrying you won’t do something quite right, you’ll say the wrong thing, or your students won’t succeed. All I can tell you is to keep going. Keep trying, keep showing up with your best in the classroom, and keep encouraging your students to try harder. Believe it or not they look up to you and they will see how hard you try. By 2:20 when school ends I’m exhausted, but I still take the time to stay and talk to students or help with late work. This is a part of the whole experience.

My days typically end late at night because of the grading, the planning, and the thinking. The thinking about your students and how you can help them has to be my favorite part of the teaching experience. Every day I can’t wait to get back in the classroom, to talk with them, and to help them learn something or improve a skill (even if it’s the tiniest thing). There’s no way that your students will remember every battle in the Civil War, or the process of a cell in Biology class, but they will remember big ideas and the work you put in. If I can get them to be passionate about something, then I’m doing my job right.

If you have any questions about what it’s like to be a student-teacher, please feel free to email me at willerm@onid.orst.edu

By Katy Krieger

For those of you in the Honors College or even in the International Degree program you all know the term thesis. But for those of you who are in the dark here is a brief intro; a thesis is a larger, self-directed project that can either be traditionally academic or creative and is a culminating or capstone project.

As I wrap up work on my thesis (and by wrap I mean lose sleep and drink copious amounts of Starbucks), I sit and wonder about the things I did right and wrong during the whole process. I will give myself credit for the vast amount of time it takes in psychology to go through data and “clean it” for use or the two terms I spent reading previous literature to uphold my argument. However, there are a few things I would go back and change so that I am not as stressed as I am.

First off, taking the thesis class really kick started my project and got me thinking of a mentor and question I wanted to explore. The assignments seemed like a hassle at the time but reading other theses and talking to potential mentors was a great use of my time and streamlined the whole process. I heed everyone who has taken/will take the thesis focused courses to really utilize your time and capitalize on the assignments you have to do. Also, taking thesis credits gave me the time I needed to explore the literature that my mentor wanted me to read through as well as gave me some elective credit in psychology. It’s all about maximizing your opportunities and anytime you can get credit and knockout some of your thesis GO FOR IT! Overall, my timeline for my thesis has been much longer than originally anticipated but the finished product (or the drafts I have of it right now) are really an accomplishment and say something about the work I put into the project. I will also give myself a pat on the back for choosing the project that I did and working with my wonderful mentor Dr. Frank Bernieri. My project constantly keeps me interested and Dr. Bernieri has been an incredible mentor helping me with everything from brainstorming to the data analysis process.

Now to the things I would have changed (GULP). I wish I would have stuck harder to my personal deadlines and not let other distractions or work overtake this project. Lately I have felt bogged down by putting all the pieces I have together and I know my original plan of attack was much for focused than this. I also think I would have spread out my thesis credits over a few terms instead of during one spring quarter; having allotted time each term would have been beneficial especially since I meet with my mentor so often. Procrastination has also been a downfall of mine and using the mantra “I still have plenty of time” has clearly made me push my work to the time limit.

To those working on a thesis I wish you all the luck in the world and you will totally come through this strong and totally rock your defense! To anyone interested in getting some other insight and tips into writing a thesis make sure you come to the Valley Library on May 16^th to check out the UHC thesis far.

By David Nauss

One of the greatest but most underutilized tools of college is a professor’s office hours. Visiting with your professors outside of class is a great way to make meaningful connections with your professors and get help in a class when needed.

The first important thing to know about office hours is that professors want to see you in there. Many times professors simply sit in their office waiting for someone to stop in and no one ever comes to their office. They are ready and happy to answer any questions but no one comes to them with any questions.  Office hours are not just a time to ask for help though they can also be very useful before you need help.  If you have a paper due in class soon do not be afraid to ask for suggestions on what to write about or if the professor would review a first draft of your paper. Or if you have a midterm and want a part of what to clarify your understanding of the concepts you are studying, you can ask professors to briefly go over the material you were confused about.

Another part of office hours that rarely gets used or talked about is going to office hours to simply connect with professors. Office hours are great times to ask professors for advice on internships, jobs, grad schools or research opportunities. Just this term I was looking to do some extra research because of a simple class schedule. I went to a few of my favorite professors to ask them if they wanted any assistance with research they were doing. Dr. Solberg, a political science professor, said that she did. She is writing a chapter in an encyclopedia on the media and the court system. I am helping her by reviewing political science journal articles on how the media covers the court system. By using office hours to talk to Dr. Solberg about any possibilities she has, I now have this great opportunity to do research.

In conclusion don’t be afraid to use office hours. If you are unsure of what to write in a paper, or confused on certain material, go and ask for clarification. Lastly do not be afraid to use office hours to get to know your professors. If you are looking to do research or are applying to grad schools ask your professors for advice, they will love to share with you all of their wisdom.

By Breanna Balleby

Hopefully this bright sunny weather has you excited for more fun times to come, especially this weekend for Moms & Family Weekend! This annual weekend celebration is full of great ways to get in a visit with your mom and family members. After finishing up Week 5 and likely a few midterms, I’m sure a break will be much appreciated. So check out some of the ways you can celebrate Moms Weekend!

The Memorial Union Program Council (MUPC) has created a Moms Weekend schedule with more opportunities than you can imagine when it comes to ways to enjoy your weekend with your family. I encourage you to check out the fully detailed schedule, as well as pass it along to your parents so you can determine which events you’d like to attend! Keep in mind that some events, like the Fashion Show and the Comedy Show are ticketed you might want to plan ahead and buy those tickets online. Other activities are free of charge, like the Art Festival and the 5k Fun Run/Walk, but it is still good to see which ones you plan on going to since many of these events (especially on Saturday) are overlapping.

I love Moms Weekend because it gives me a chance to share some of my campus life with my mom. I think it’s safe to say our favorite part of Moms Weekend is the Art Festival. My mom and I love to wander the different booths and we almost never come out of there without some new kind of locally made lotion, candle, or decorative craft! A few of our other favorites include watching the various OSU performances in the MU Quad. Last year we plopped down on the grass and enjoyed a fantastic performance by OSU’s ballroom dance group “Cool Shoes.” Finally, one of the best ways I was able to share Moms Weekend with my mom was by having her join me in my Friday classes last year. There’s no better way to show your family what your professors, classrooms, peers, and courses are like, than to have them join you!

This weekend, I look forward to another great weekend with my mom and I hope you all are too! Get out there and enjoy some quality family time this Moms Weekend!

By Logan Pedersen

Now that midterms are upon us, you might find it useful to try and de-stress every once in awhile by taking a break and venturing outside now that the weather has taking a turn for the better! This week, the orange and black city is scheduled hit high temps upward of 80 degrees!!! The countryside around Corvallis is perfect for exploring and enjoying nature, and there are numerous hiking trails and places to sight see in and around Corvallis that are relaxing, close by, and FREE!

One place fellow Beavers enjoy escaping away to is Mary’s Peak. This hike lets you truly experience all of the beauty Corvallis has to offer. At an elevation of 4,097 feet, your view can sometimes extend all the way from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade Range and down through the Willamette Valley. You’ll want to allot about a half a day for the trip, as the hike is approximately six miles long and of moderate difficulty. With summer rapidly approaching, wildflowers will also be starting to pop up in the meadows, and you can truly escape midterms (for a few hours at least) on this peaceful and remote trail! (Approx. 6 miles, half day)

If you’re looking for a quicker, yet equally tranquil hike, then I’d recommend checking out Bald Hill. This hike is less challenging then Mary’s Peak, but it still provides a nice view of Corvallis and the surrounding area. It’s a very friendly hike, and when I’ve hiked it in the past, I’ve come across many families and children on this hike. (Approx. 9 miles, 1-3 hours)

The Covered Bridge offers another appealing excursion for members of Beaver Nation, and it is conveniently located just a few miles from campus! If you hop on Campus Way and bike for about 20 minutes, before you know it you’ll find yourself under a piece of local history, a country-style old fashioned covered bridge perfect for an afternoon outing or a sunset with that special someone. This bridge is only open to foot traffic and bicyclers so get a group together and peddle out to see this fantastic part of the city. (Approx 2.3 miles, 1-3 hours)

This time of year can certainly be stressful, but I cannot encourage you enough to take a break every once in awhile and get off campus to explore the world around you. You’ll be amazed at how much a change of scenery can improve your outlook. Reconnect with what matters, and if you want, bring along your books and study materials and setup shop on a stump somewhere with a view!

By Kaelyn Cochrane

As a fifth year student I have had the opportunity to battle the Senior Slump twice. Do not fear, it IS doable! There will be several times throughout your college career when you lose motivation, become ill, run into family issues and the list goes on; now I am here to tell you a few things that have pushed me passed such hardships throughout my time here at OSU. The first thing one should always do in a time of stress in a college environment is to research and/or utilize the resources available to you. If you are feeling down, exhausted, depressed or lack motivation, Oregon State has resources on campus to help you work through times such as these. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) on campus is available to all students and they are a great outlet for situations in which you feel under qualified to deal with.

On a more personal level there are a few simple steps to keeping yourself engaged in class and on top of your studies while battling the impacts of the Senior Slump. Step 1-Try not to let the time of year impact your studies: There are certain stigmas associated with each term and it is very easy to defy them, especially if you are aware of them. For instance, springtime is seen as a season to spend in the sun and have a lot of fun outside of school with your friends. Along with this you must continue to go to class and allot a number of hours per week to study. A great way to do this is to link up with a friend or two on these sunny days and study outdoors!

Most everyone around you has homework and studying to do, so a new study buddy is not too far away! Step 2-Stay Active. I find that it is much easier to stay focused when you are staying active and taking care of your body. From going on a walk with a friend to making a pit stop during your day at Dixon, finding some way to get your blood flowing will help your mind to stay clear of unwanted distractions and provide you with some endorphins in the process!

Step 3-Trust your routine! Everyone has a certain study habit or routine that works for them, keep to such habits and you will find yourself continuing to succeed throughout the year. Spring term can become very difficult with the daydreams of summer and the exhaustion of fall and winter term hovering over your head. This is, in my opinion, the most important time of year to trust your study habits and know what to do to stay successful. If you love studying in the afternoon, continue to do so because you know that works. If you prefer to go to Dixon before or after class, continue to do so to keep yourself on track.

You are at Oregon State to learn and prepare for your future. It is through simple steps such as these that will keep you moving forward with your degree, while also getting to enjoy the lovely OSU & Corvallis communities that surround us. Instead of letting the Senior Slump control what time you have left at Oregon State, take control of this slump and enjoy your Oregon State experience to the fullest!