Monday April 30th, 2012
Good morning and Happy Monday everyone! This week is the last official week for classes and next week is finals week. I'm super excited because it will be ending my first year here on campus! It's been a great year with lots of memorable moments. I'm super excited for the summer to come so I can do some traveling and lots of summer clothes shopping. However, I must focus on my finals and studying hard before I can think about the excitement of being home and getting to travel and see my baby sister.
My plans for this summer start with ending school and getting unpacked at home. On the following Tuesday after school is over, I will be taking my road test to obtain my driver's license. I'm super excited yet super nervous so hopefully I pass! Then that weekend, I will be going college visiting with my younger sister. She is only a junior in high school but already wanting to plan early. During Memorial weekend, I will be having a road trip with some of my friends to Oshkosh, WI for the Memorial Day Wisconsin Hmong Festival. Then we're going to go do some sightseeing and explore Green Bay and Appleton. There are lots of fun activities that I can't wait to see and do.
Other than the traveling and sightseeing, I will be home with my family and working hard to earn that "mullah." I will also be spending a lot of time with my baby sister and spoiling her like crazy. Making cookies and eating popsicles this summer under the hot sun. I'm thinking about getting her a small little kiddie pool so she can play in it during the summer. She is currently 1 and will be 2 years old in November. She's very naughty and wants to touch everything and eat everything and walk everywhere and climb everything. I'm super excited to dress her up too! I can't wait! I love school but as you can tell, I'm super excited to go home and just spend my quality time with my family.
Monday April 23rd, 2012
Good morning and happy Monday!!! There's only a few weeks left until the last day of the semester, ending my first year of college. I'm super excited for school to end and summer to start so I can do some traveling. But school hasn't ended yet, so there's still so much left to do, and assignments to turn in and work to be done. That means no sleep if I don't prioritize right now! However, I did have a great weekend to add to my many already college moments! This past weekend I went camping for my first time.
This past weekend, after rushing from one job to another and completing my tours I ran to my room and packed up to be on my way. I accompanied Asian American Student Organization on their trip to St. Croix State Park. It was an awesome experience, being that it was my first time. There was lodging and there was tenting available. Majority of the girls were lodging so I had no choice but to lodge. Next time I will camp out in the wilderness and actually experience the camping life. This camping trip was not only a fun getaway but it was a leadership retreat. This trip tested everyone's skills and patience along with team work.
Each student was assigned with a group job; there was cooking, cleaning, prepping and activity working. Every morning the officers came around and woke up the cookers for breakfast so that by 9:00 am, there would be breakfast on the table. However, there were many helpers that helped even though the jobs were assigned. Meals consisted of barbeque, rice, pepper, steak, sausage links, fruits, eggs, hamburger helpers and many more. They were all very delicious by the way.
The games and activities that went on were relay races, card games, clapping games, and capture the flag. For the relay race, it was called "Over and under," there are three teams and they race to pass five water balloons over their head and under their legs to the person behind them. Once the balloon reached the back of the line then the last person must bring the balloon forward. The first night, the game played was "Cross the Mekong River," it was a game that replicated the long harsh travels of the Hmong Ancestors that fought for their survival during the Vietnam War. The goal was to not get tagged by the beam of light that belonged to the soldiers that were looking for Hmong. It was very intense and a great way to show culture.
Overall, it was a great experience and really opened my eyes to the upperclassman and really bonded many of us together. Some of the campers were not Asian and they had a great time interacting with the organization and trying out new activities. It was a successful trip!
Monday April 16th, 2012
Good Morning & Happy Monday everyone! Only four more weeks until the school year is done. WOOT! WOOT! Today is not a very shinning bright morning. I woke up to the sound of the fire alarm this morning at 6 am. It was a false alarm but there were many grumpy residents that wished they were still in bed. Surprisingly, the alarm was not the only thing I woke up to, I woke up to snow falling from the sky. We're almost at the end of April and we have snow mixed with rain. The weather this year has been the strangest weather we've ever had.
First we had a hardly snowy winter which devastated me because I've never had a Christmas without snow. I prayed real hard for snow during Christmas and luckily we got a little bit of snow that completed a wonderful wintery Christmas. Other than that it was a warm and no snow winter but we received a few rain showers in January. Sometimes I feel like because of this not so snowy winter, we're going to have a wintery summer. But let's cross our fingers and hope I don't jinx the weather.
But because of the beautiful weather we've been having, students on campus have had the chance to do some fun outdoor activities. Many students have been biking, walking and playing football outside. On nice days, it's a great way to go check out the falls here in River Falls. The falls is a beautiful place with shallow water and magnificent scenery. You can get really close to the waterfall and climb the rocks and follow the Kinnickinnic River upstream.
If students do not have any outdoor gears, they have access to the Kinni Outdoor Adventures Rental Center. Here, students can rent out rock climbing equipment, sleeping bags, tents, rollerblades, helmet protections, cooking ware, fishing equipment and many more. The best thing is that if you're a UWRF student, rental is free! All you need to bring is your student ID and you can check out any of the equipment they have for free. It's a great way to have a lot of fun for less. So check it out!
-MV
Monday March 26th, 2012
Good morning! Today is a gloomy cold Monday morning compared to all the beautiful Mondays we've been having. Last week was absolutely amazing outside but this week, the temperatures will be going down. Make sure everyone stays warm and bundled up because it's going to be chilly!
Here at the University of Wisconsin River Falls, during your first two years here on campus, you're required to live on campus. On campus, there are dormitories on the east end of campus and on the west end of campus. On the west end we have May Hall (closest to cascade), Johnson Hall (acing Main Street), Prucha Hall (middle) and Stratton Hall (facing student parking lot). On the east end we have McMillan Hall, Grimm Hall, Parker Hall, and Crabtree Hall. Also on the east end, we have George R. Field South Fork Suites and this upcoming 2012-2013 we will have the Jesse H. Ames Suites.
Life in the Residence Halls is absolutely a great experience. You room with one other person sharing a living space. In each building, the building levels and gender will vary. Some will have all girls on one floor, some will have all boys in one floor and others will have co-ed floors. In each hall, there is a Residence Assistance who will supervise the hall and make sure everyone is living in a safe clean environment. Included in each room is two desks, two chairs, two garbage bins (recycle & regular garbage), two dressers, two closets, one Micro-Fridge (microwave & fridge), and of course two beds with lofts. Things like futons, carpet, TV, lounge chairs or sofas are not required but you may bring to make your room more comfortable.
The George R. Field South Fork Suites located on the other end, the setup is different. In the George R. Field South Fork Suites, you live with 3 other roommates everyone with their own private bedroom sharing one living room space and one kitchen. However, in order to live in the George R. Field South Fork Suites, there are a few requirements. You to have had completed four semesters of full time college course-work by move-in date, earned 60 credits by move-in date, must be 21 years of age or older by move-in date or a Veteran (2-years active duty). The whole building is air conditioned with large kitchen areas, conferences rooms, a lobby, and a recreation/fitness room.
For the Jesse H. Ames Suites, you must be a sophomore standing by move-in date. It is a four level co-ed building and is connected to the George R. Field Suites on the first floor. It's the same set up as a regular dorm but in a newer condition. The construction on the building is not yet completed but will be finished and open by Fall of 2012-2013.
-MV
Monday March 19th, 2012
Happy Monday! Today is the first day back on campus from spring break. It was a wonderful spring break with lots of good weather and plenty of sunshine. Many people were out walking, flying kites, barbecuing, and biking. No one wanted to waste the wonderful weather, especially since it came early this year with the strange weather we've been having. One day it could be snowing and raining the next.
With the weather getting warmer, the students on campus are all out and about having fun on the lawns of the campus. Yesterday back on campus, there were many activities going on such as Frisbee, football, jogging and just lying on the grass. There are many things you can do on campus including football, Frisbee, volleyball, walking, going hiking on the trails, going down to the water fall and many more. Most of the equipment for the sport-related activities can be checked out from the desk in the lobby of all the dorms. No need to buy your own, but do feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
Other than playing sports, you can always go down Main Street and do some shopping and look at all the beautifully decorated windows. There are many stores down Main Street with a lot of neat stuff and there's even a secret hidden candy shop. The candy shop has lots of candy and most of them are old-fashioned candies that were around when I was younger and you don't see a lot anymore today.
-MV
Monday March 5th, 2012
Good morning, it's another sunny Monday morning here at the University. We've had a strange winter this year; we didn't really get snow until January of this year. The months have been warm and sunny then cold and cloudy. We've had rain during January too, reminding us of the warm April days. tomorrow is supposed to reach the upper 50's so everyone is excited about that.
Last Friday was the first college Visit day of this year. it was a busy Friday with many wonderful families and students visiting the campus. There were over 200 families that visited the campus. The morning consisted of presentations, tours, activities with snacks and refreshments available. The admission volunteers had an awesome time interacting with the families.
Along with the college Visit Day, during the afternoon was the Falcon Scholar interviews. Falcon scholars is a four-year renewable scholarship opportunity that upon admission to the university, students are selected to receive the award. This opportunity supplies a total of $4,000 ($1,000 per year) and a $2,00 stipend for study abroad or undergraduate research. It was very fun meeting with potential students and their families on Friday!
Monday February 27th, 2012
Hello and Happy Monday! Two more weeks until spring break! The excitement of returning home and reuniting with family is bubbling up with the students who want to stay. But while classes are still in session, students are busy with their studies and staying involved on campus.
On campus, there are over 150 clubs and organizations varying from chess club, to Equine Club, to Art Club, and more. The possibilities of clubs are endless, if you see a club that you want but isn't offered, you can always create it. It's very easy to create; you just need a faculty member to back you and a place where you'll be holding your meetings. The time and day you host your meetings are totally up to you.
Currently right now I am involved in the Asian American Student Organization (AASA), and last semester I was involved in The Latehomecomer book club. For AASA, meetings are held on Tuesdays from 6-7 pm in the St. Croix Room on the third level of the University Center. It is open to anyone and everyone. During the meetings, the officers update everyone about upcoming events, and then ends the meeting with a game. It's a great way to meet new faces that attend the university but you never meet. For the book club, there was a meeting every other week, the days of the meetings were flexible and were offered three times a week so that students could attend on the days they were available. A section of the book was assigned for reading and then discussed later at the meetings. Once the book was finished, we got a chance to have a "meet and greet" with the author of the book Kao Kalia Yang. She was very inspirational and motivated us to reach for our goals and keep our options open. Through her beautiful stories, she touched many people in the audience; her stories brought tears and laughter. It was a great experience to get to know someone else story and their struggles.
I encourage everyone to get involved with clubs and organizations on campus, it's a great way to keep you busy and make new friends. Who knows, these friends could start an everlasting friendship.
Tuesday February 7th, 2012
Good Morning! The sun is shining and the sky is blue, it's a wonderful way to start off on this Monday morning. This week begins the third week of the Spring Semester here at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
On campus, at the University Center, there are many activities going on. It's a great way to stay alert and be involved on campus. Whether its games, presentations, dances, competitions, or free snacks, it's great to participate. Sometimes there's a celebration happening each week. This week is National School Counseling Week; this week is designated to honor all the hard work that school counselors do across the country. If you know a school counselor, take a brief moment and thank them for all the hard work they do for the schools.
The 2012 Wellness Challenge also beings this week. The 2012 Wellness Challenge promotes staying fit and eating right, to ensure that your body is growing healthy. Not only that, but it's a great opportunity for you to improve your wellness in activity, nutrition, mental, relationships, and health categories. There's a pre-registration for participants in this activity, but every week participants are competing against each other by completing activities to earn points. The team or individual with the most points after this 4-week challenge wins a grand prize!
Most of the activities, you don't have to participate but you can always go and watch what's going on and enjoy the entertainment. It's also a great way to meet new people and make new friends with people who have the same interest as you here on campus. Not only that, but it's a great way to stay involved, and meet faculty or staff members that you can share stories with. Next time, you see something going on, go check it out, and you never know you may have a good time.
-MV
Wednesday February 1st, 2012
Howdy! My name is Maidoua Vue and I am currently a freshman here at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls starting my spring semester. I am currently undecided on my major right now but have thoughts about going into TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages) and maybe minoring in French. Coming here to River Falls has definitely been a great experience so far! I can truly say River Falls is my "home away from home."
Here at River falls, we have many wonderful programs and majors such as Psychology, International Studies, Social work, Pre-vet and many more. Two of our biggest majors are Psychology and Business administration. We have a student to professor ratio of 23:1 and class sizes ranges from 25-35 students. However, during your first years while taking generals, your class sizes are going to be bigger because everyone is required to take them. Because of our size, about 6900 students, it's a great way to really connect with other students and faculty members. Everyone is always willing to help with open arms and a friendly smile.
If you're a new student coming into a college and undecided, it's fine! Most people would recommend coming to college undecided. That way you can explore all the opportunities and possibilities there are on campus. I know coming to college, I was frustrated with not knowing what my major was because it seemed like everyone knew what they wanted to do. But then I met lots of great people during Weeks of Welcome (WOW) with the same concern as me and it really lifted a lot of weight off my shoulders. Even if you don't know what you want to major in, it's okay, here at River Falls; we have a Pre-Major program with great counseling staff at the Academic Success center that will guide you until you find the major you're interested in. There are also career assessments that you can take to help narrow down what your interests are and make it easier for you to decide.
However, if new students come in with a decided major, that's great too! And if you don't like your major later on, you can always change your major into something else that you're interested in. Whichever way you decide on, there's no need to worry because when you're here at UWRF you're a FALCON and no matter what, we FALCONS will SOAR and we will SOAR high.
-MV
Hometown: Brooklyn Center, MN
Major: Undecided
Year: Freshman