Caught Between Two Worlds -- The Odyssey

Caught Between Two Worlds
Where do I belong?

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/caught-between-two-worlds

College? For Certain! -- The Odyssey

College? For Certain!
University of Denver hosts its Fourth Annual Day of Action.

Check out this article I wrote about Day of Action! Thanks to all involved with the day, and special thanks to CCESL/Michael Gooch for lending me some pictures for the day.

http://theodysseyonline.com/denver/college-for-certain/452058

When in Doubt, Take A Nap -- The Odyssey

When in Doubt, Take A Nap

Arianna Huffington's #SleepRevolution College Tour Kicks Off In Denver

http://theodysseyonline.com/denver/arianna-huffington-visits-du-sleep-revolution-tour/403403

The Continuing War on Higher Education

Today, Chicago State University asked it's students and employees to begin turning in their keys to campus buildings. Due to the Illinois governor vetoing several bills funding higher ed and and the two parties not agreeing on a budget for the year, many public colleges in Illinois are suffering, with the public colleges not receiving any funding for the last 10 months, because apparently party politics is more important than the thousands of students and employees who are facing the cuts, receiving layoff notices, being asked to turn in their keys, being told that the semester is ending early.

This is so unfortunate. Politicians acting like voting with their party is more important than actually getting things done. Now 4,800 students and over 900 employees at Chicago State, and many other students and employees at other Illinois public colleges are being affected by your party politics. Hopefully you Illinois folk vote your governor out in 2018, and a ton of your state house and senate members, whose seats are up for grabs in this year's election. If you didn't think your vote matters before, it certainly does now. Think about all of the employees, the students that this affects. Many of the students who go to Chicago are students of color and students from low socioeconomic statuses. Here, we again see strong inequity in higher education.

Source: The Chronicle of Higher Education

30 Day Writing Challenge: My Morning Routine

My morning routine is basically just like that of every other college student, except for the living and studying abroad part. I wake up half an hour before I have to head down to breakfast with mi familia tica, because I am not a morning person. I shower, put on my acne cream, put on my face moisturizer, brush my hair, and get dressed. At 7:30, I head down to have breakfast with my housemates and mama tica. She usually makes us a sandwich or eggs and toast with a bowl of fruit, orange juice, and coffee. The first two months of my abroad experience, I used to leave five minutes before 8am, when my first class would start, since I only live a two minute walk from the university. Since I no longer have a Spanish class, I don't have my class on Mondays and Wednesdays until 6pm, and my class on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 3pm. I usually spend my morning relaxing, working on homework (just a bit though, since I don't have much), browsing the internet and reading emails, or running errands. On Fridays, I have no classes, so that makes my weekends longer.

30 Day Writing Challenge: My Life in 7 Years

My Life in 7 Years

When I started college, I thought I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I envisioned that I would graduate with a degree in Socio-legal Studies, go to law school, study public interest law, graduate, and become a public defender. I saw myself eventually becoming a judge and eventually a US Supreme Court justice, because naturally, that's how it happens. But now, three years in to college, I'm not so sure anymore. Over the years, I've considered so many different career paths that I just don't know anymore. I used to consider pediatrics, engineering, accountancy, teaching, journalism, social work, performing arts, school psychology, chemistry, math, Spanish, college counseling, nonprofit work, and various other careers and areas of study to match my odd combination of interests. Now, I don't even know in which direction I'm heading. The only thing I know for sure is that I want to help people. Giving back to the community is my calling, helping others is what I know I am meant to do, but I just don't know how I want to do that. 

In seven years, I will be 28. What are you even supposed to be doing at 28 years old? I don't even know what I'm supposed to be doing as a 21 year old! If I can't decide what I'm going to eat for lunch, how am I supposed to choose a direction for my life? I can't even decide if I'm going to graduate early in the fall or somehow add another minor or something to graduate next spring. I'm definitely not ready to leave college yet. One, I don't know what's out there for me after college. Two, I love learning.

As for the rest of my life in seven years, I'm pretty sure I'll be in Colorado and own a cat or two. That's all I'm sure of at this point.

I guess it's not all that bad that I don't have a set path. I am able to alter and remake the path as I go. But at the same time, having a very detailed, analytical brain, not knowing, not having a plan, stresses me out so much. I know that eventually I will end up where I need to be; I just hope that I have at least some idea. 

30 Day Writing Challenge: My Commute

My Commute

My homestay

My commute from my homestay in San José, Costa Rica, to my study abroad university, Universidad Veritas is easy and fast. I live right around the block from the school. It's easily a two-three minute walk. I head downstairs, unlock the double lock with my key, head out the door, and then turn around to double lock the door once again with my key. The amount of security and locks at my homestay is interesting, but I definitely feel safe I take a left at the stop sign, and I'm basically on campus. I usually leave my homestay at 7:58am, even though class starts at 8am. One, because it is part of the culture for Ticos to run late due to conversations and other priorities, my profe is never there on time. Also, since I live two minutes away, I can make it to class right on time. Today, this morning it was nice and cool out. It felt great. I also saw a couple of stray cats. Seeing stray animals is very normal here. It's sad, but normal. I always make sure to give them some love. Side note, the animals here are much smaller than in the U.S., especially the cats. I still haven't figured out why. 

Stray kitty!

I almost always head back to my homestay when my morning class lets out at noon, since I don't have class until 3pm or 6pm depending on the day of the week. Buying groceries and making my own lunch at my homestay is a lot cheaper than eating lunch at the nearby restaurants every day. Every once in a while, I'll definitely go with some friends. Once again, I have to open the double lock and then double lock it behind me.

view from my university

When I leave for my afternoon class, I usually grab my umbrella because it typically starts to rain about 3 or 4 o'clock. Sometimes it also rains at like 8pm, so an umbrella is great for after my 6 o'clock class. Once again, I open the double lock and double lock it behind me. Today, I left early for my 3pm class. I felt that after my difficult Spanish final this morning, I deserved a treat. I got some skittles and a coke from the on-campus deli and headed to class. Soon after I arrived in class, the rain started pouring. If you've ever been to Costa Rica, you know the rain is no joke. The picture below was from the other day when I forgot my umbrella. In my two-three minute walk home, I was drenched. Today, I just missed the downpour. As it often is, it was hard to hear my profe because the sound of the rain overpowered her voice. Nevertheless, I'll take the rainy commute over the snow going on back at home right now. 

The rain here is no joke

30 Day Writing Challenge

I came across this 30 day writing challenge one day on Facebook and though to myself, "Hey. This my be a good way for me to get back into blogging and actually stick with it." I decided to save the picture of the challenge and start it this month November 2015. I've always enjoyed writing. At one point, I wanted to be a journalist, but as my passion for social justice issues grew larger, I started looking toward a more practical career path in law. There's nothing wrong with being a journalist. In looking toward the future, I'm still not sure if I'm on the right career path. Maybe this challenge, which is sort of a reflection on life, will help me figure it all out. I just got an email the other day to apply for graduation at my college, since I have enough credits to be a senior, and I about had a heart attack. I don't know what I want to do with my life. Maybe this challenge can be a start to figuring that all out.

If you'd like to join the challenge yourself, or just want to see what it's all about, here is the challenge.

Happy writing, friends!

30 Day Challenges

I never thought I would be the person to embark on 30 day challenges. I would ask people, "30 days? What could you possibly change about your life in a month? If you only do it for 30 days, how are you going to stick with it afterwards?" I was a skeptic of the idea of a 30 day challenge. That is until I embarked on a very important one during my freshman year of college. 

We watched videos about these challenges in my leadership class, and I sat there, a skeptic, thinking about how dumb the people in the videos were. I personally believed that 30 days was not enough to form a new habit. When I was assigned to undertake a challenge of my own, I was not happy to say the least. I figured, however, that if I was going to try to do one, I would at least do one that was meaningful and had the potential to change me for the better, rather than mimicking those I saw having to do with eating at Starbucks for 30 days or stuff like that.

I had recently read an article about a woman who went one year without mirrors in order to increase her self-esteem and improve her image about herself and her body. It was an incredible story. She didn't use a mirror for anything. I couldn't imagine not using a mirror for makeup. That's when it clicked for me. I had spent many years of my life with low self-esteem and hating how I looked. I would spend so much time comparing myself to others and to the unrealistic beauty standards portrayed by the media. I was in a dark place through middle and high school, and spent so much time worry about what others though of me that it broke me. In a new area with people I'd never met before, starting college away from home gave me a new start. But soon, the feelings began to reappear, as my cystic acne began popping up again and the lack of time I had for proper self care began to increase. I knew my cystic acne would be a lifelong battle; that's the struggle of the skin problem. But when people started to point it out, asking me if I was washing my face less, or suggesting that I try an acne product they used in the past that worked for them, I began to fall into a dark place. What they didn't understand was that their seemingly innocent comments actually served to feed my lack of self-esteem even more. I always washed my face. I had tried everything on the market which ultimately led me to get the diagnosis of cystic acne and start on a remedy of birth control and clindamycin/benzol peroxide gel. Knowing the comments would never end, I decided to embark on a challenge with 30 days without mirrors to build up my self-esteem and self-image. 

I filled my dorm mirror with sticky notes with positive quotes to make sure I didn't use it. (:

30 days without mirrors changed my life for the better, and ultimately saved my life. It allowed me to see myself as worthy and to see that the only judgment that mattered about my image was mine. It was hard, as I also included reflections as well, since mirrors or reflective surfaces appeared to be everywhere. I was determined to make it work though, since I knew that I would spend hours analyzing myself and becoming less and less content with just being me. I would pick out the flaws and watch as they appeared more imminent, worrying that others could see them. The challenge became easier with time, and I even got to the point where I could put makeup on without a mirror. Those skills are surprisingly mostly muscle memory. I didn't include makeup as a no-no in my challenge because I've been able to see how makeup can be a confidence booster, not by changing your self image, but just the creativity of it and the feeling of doing something for oneself. By the end of the 30 days, I had a new appreciation for myself, and started to see myself as a beautiful soul. I no longer spent hours analyzing my looks in the mirror or comparing myself to others. It's still work to keep that positive self image going, even two years later, but it's gotten easier over time. That challenge was one of the best things I've ever done in my life.

I haven't taken on a challenge since then, but upon seeing all of the positive changes I could make, I decided to start them up again. Stay tuned for my future challenges.

How to Get Your Textbooks... For Free or Really Cheap Online!

It's that time of the year again. Your television floods with advertisements for back to school gear, telling you everything you need to buy to make your school year rock. Those summer days are slipping away and you can't help but think about heading back to college. It will be fantastic! Back to your friends away from home, those fabulous late night study sessions, and that college life. Classes start soon and you can't help but dread buying all of those heavy, expensive textbooks. Fear not! After some research and sifting through articles galore, I have your hookup for the online sites where you can score free pdf versions and/or super cheap paper or ebook copies of the learning materials you need to succeed.


FREE BOOKS

I came across an article on my Facebook feed about the best sites to find free textbooks earlier this summer. Halfway through college already, I was skeptical at best. However, my twin brother heads back to school in a couple of weeks, while I start my adventure abroad in a month in a half, so we tested these websites on his textbooks.

1. Library Genesis               http://gen.lib.rus.ec
My brother found 3 of his 7 textbooks for free as PDF and mobi downloads on this site, ones that would have cost over $100 each. I'd highly recommend checking out this site first.

2. Bookfi.org               http://en.bookfi.org
Library Genesis often rerouted us to this site, so I'd highly suggest looking on this site as well.

3. Project Gutenberg               http://gutenberg.org
I knew about this site previously. I used to use it to download ebooks for my kindle when I had one. I highly recommend this site for free books, particularly ones that are more chapter books than textbooks. For example, books for English or Literature classes would be easy to find.

4. Ebookee           http://ebookee.org
I didn't get to explore this website very much, but it seems safe and reliable according to internet reviews. Be cautious though, as it is a file sharing site.

5. Many Books               http://www.manybooks.net
I didn't get to explore this website very much, but it seems safe and reliable according to internet reviews.

6. Online Library of Liberty            
http://oll.libertyfund.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=380
This site is very focused on books pertaining to individual liberty and free markets. Would only recommend for books in that subject area.

7. One Big Torrent               http://onebigtorrent.org
This site is deemed safe by many internet reviews. It's a file sharing site as well, so be cautious. I didn't find any of my brother's textbooks on there, but I found a lot of links for documentaries, television episodes, and other media with educational content.


CHEAP RENTALS/PURCHASES/EBOOKS

The following sites are all ones that I have personally used to rent, purchase, or download my textbooks from. I found them mostly through searches for textbook rental sites, and these sites are my favorite, as they are cheap, user friendly, and reliable.

1. Abebooks
My favorite website for textbook purchases. I can often find books that cost way less to buy than to rent with small shipping costs. They ship your books quickly and always keep in contact to make sure your books are delivered to you. They have a wide selection of textbooks and almost always have the books I need in stock. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.

2. Barnes and Noble
I'm sure you've heard of this site. It's a popular, trustworthy chain that also does textbooks. They have rental, purchase, and ebook options, and often times, I find my textbooks pretty cheap on this site. I've never had any problems with Barnes and Noble. They also have a marketplace option, with other sellers you can buy from. I really enjoy that because I sometimes find cheaper options than buying or renting directly form B&N. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.

3. Better World Books
I haven't ordered any textbooks from them yet, but their website is user friendly and makes me feel happy every time I search on it. They have a huge mission to impact the world for a better, and stick to it in all of their transactions. They donate books, raise funds for libraries and literacy programs, and reuse and recycle books as well. They seem like an amazing company and I hope to do business with them soon. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.

4. Biblio
This is also a great site that I haven't ordered anything from yet. However, their site is very user friendly and easy to navigate.

5. Bookbyte
I really like bookbyte for its marketplace option. I've found great deals from many of the sellers they do business with. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.

6. Bookrenter
Bookrenter is my absolute favorite online site for book rentals. Free shipping both ways, cheap rental terms, and their site is so easy to use! I always get my textbooks from Bookrenter first and have done business with them many times. They are my go-to rental site. They have a wide selection of textbooks and almost always have the books I need in stock.

7. Campus Book Rentals
Probably my second favorite rental site. The prices are a bit higher than Bookrenter usually, but they also have free shipping both ways and don't care if you highlight or make marks in the books. They are also super flexible with rentals -- they let you choose a rental term or you can even choose your own return date!

8. Chegg
Chegg is a pretty well known company in the college world. It offers rental, purchasing, and ebook options. Chegg is bigger than just a textbook provider though. You can get study guides and tutoring services as well. I've rented from them as well as rented an ebook from them and I have nothing bad to say about my experience. It was great! Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.

9. Coursemart
Coursemart is an easy ebook option. You can rent or buy an ebook. They don't offer hard copies, but their ebooks are easy to use. Their selection of textbooks is kind of limited though, so don't assume that coursemart will have the book you need.

10. ECampus
ECampus is a great, always reliable option for rentals and purchases. Their site is also very user friendly. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.

11. First Class Books
Pretty easy site to use, but the selection is not as varied as some of the other sites. I haven't ordered from them yet, but I'm sure they are great. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.

12. Knetbooks
I really like Knetbooks! It's so easy to use, free shipping both ways, and so reliable. The website is cute and user friendly. They are a rental site, so no purchases. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.

13. Powells'
Powells' is like a lesser known version of Barnes and Noble with a more limited stock. They don't always have my textbooks, so it's not a go-to site for me, but definitely one to keep in mind. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.

14. Skyo

Skyo is great and user friendly. They offer rental, purchase, and ebook options. Also, free shipping! They are so easy to use and fast at shipping books out.

15. Textbook Rush

Textbook rush is easy to use, fast, affordable, and offer both purchase and rental options. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option. You can also sell technology, games, and more.

16. Textbooks.com

Textbooks.com offers all of the options: purchasing, renting, ebooks, and textbook buyback. The site is easy to use and I've never had any problems with my orders.

17. Valore Books

Valore is probably my third most used website, only after Abebooks and Bookrenter. They have purchase and rental options, as well as marketplace sellers. They are reliable and cheap, and their site also offers opportunities to sell different types of technology. Also, if you're looking to get some cash for your old textbooks, they have a buyback option.

Happy Textbook shopping!

Introduction to This Blog

I attempted to start this blog my first year of college, but I couldn't keep up with it. I would forget to post and get mad at myself for not keeping up with it. I decided to try it again. I'm about to start my third year at a 4-year private university. I love writing and I love learning, and this blog gets to combine these two passions. I want to share my ups and downs, highlights and struggles as not only a college student from a low socio-economic status, but also as a first generation college student, meaning that I am the first person in my family to go to college, and a Daniels Fund Scholar. Some of the posts will follow my academic and educational endeavors; others will follow life struggles; still others will provide advice and tips and information I wish I knew. I hope y'all enjoy, and feedback is always welcome! (: