I am what is affectionately called a resimuter here at Drexel, as I live close enough to actually walk to school, but not in a school building. I live a mile or so away, at the edge of where Drexel Safety goes. I know there are several other students living in my building, and more up and down my block, mixed in with other residents of the neighborhood. I notice, though, that we hardly ever talk to each other, let alone to the other neighborhood residents. We are all in such a busy hurry scurry to get to class that we rarely stop for a second to give a smile and a friendly hello. With spring now here and the weather a bit nicer, we are all spending more time outside and come in contact with everyone more frequently. The other day I walked past a gentleman who was out taking care of a garden that I always admire on my walk. I made it a point to take out my headphones for a second to say how much I loved walking past his beautiful flowers. He smiled in response and said "Thanks, that's what it's there for!" Then I continued to hurry to class, but found I was now smiling too. So these last couple weeks of spring quarter, I am going tomake it a point to say hi to more people, as I walk to class, instead of putting in my headphones and tuning out the world. I encourage you to do the same, as maybe you'll meet someone who will brighten your day as well.
~Cory
Train of Thought
The official home for all musings about life as a commuter at Drexel University. Sponsored by the Commuter & Transfer Student Engagement Office.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Tip-time: Mid-Term Success
This is something I'm sure many of you are already aware of, but just to help you out, here once again are my mid-term test tips.
Most of you are waking up to a Monday morning that is Week 5 of Winter Quarter here at Drexel. Yet that lovely time again for mid-terms! So here for your information are a few mid-term taking tips:
1) GET SOME SLEEP! That partying you might normally do during the week can wait for a moment til the weekend comes.
2) EAT WELL! There is nothing worse than trying to take a test while your stomach is playing kettle drum rhythms.
3) You might think that cramming the night before is good but actually you're going against your best interests. For strong test taking you want to begin a few days in advance of the test, work through your units/chapters in sections (about one week per day) similar to how they were taught during class. Cramming everything from four weeks into one night will cause so much stress to your body and brain that you will actually not retain or refresh information as well as you think you are.
4) Look over the whole test before you start taking it. I can tell you from personal experience there will be parts of tests you can realize will take you longer than other parts. It may be in your best interests then to maximize time by completing those sections first before continuing through completing the rest of the exam. After you've finished the test, look back over it again to make sure that all your answers correspond correctly to the related question.
5) And last but not least, RELAX! Yes, mid-terms are important but don't stress over it like it's the end of the world if you do a bit less that you expected. Positive outlook always allows the ability to rebound before the final. Keep your head up and you shall prevail.
BEST WISHES MY FRIENDS ... This "Train of Thought" is pulling out of the station, we'll arrive again next Monday with a new thought!
-MJ
Most of you are waking up to a Monday morning that is Week 5 of Winter Quarter here at Drexel. Yet that lovely time again for mid-terms! So here for your information are a few mid-term taking tips:
1) GET SOME SLEEP! That partying you might normally do during the week can wait for a moment til the weekend comes.
2) EAT WELL! There is nothing worse than trying to take a test while your stomach is playing kettle drum rhythms.
3) You might think that cramming the night before is good but actually you're going against your best interests. For strong test taking you want to begin a few days in advance of the test, work through your units/chapters in sections (about one week per day) similar to how they were taught during class. Cramming everything from four weeks into one night will cause so much stress to your body and brain that you will actually not retain or refresh information as well as you think you are.
4) Look over the whole test before you start taking it. I can tell you from personal experience there will be parts of tests you can realize will take you longer than other parts. It may be in your best interests then to maximize time by completing those sections first before continuing through completing the rest of the exam. After you've finished the test, look back over it again to make sure that all your answers correspond correctly to the related question.
5) And last but not least, RELAX! Yes, mid-terms are important but don't stress over it like it's the end of the world if you do a bit less that you expected. Positive outlook always allows the ability to rebound before the final. Keep your head up and you shall prevail.
BEST WISHES MY FRIENDS ... This "Train of Thought" is pulling out of the station, we'll arrive again next Monday with a new thought!
-MJ
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
A moment of pause - By: Matthew Jolles
As we go through our normal days of progress here at Drexel we at times may become blinded and shell ourselves from the progressions of society and the outside world. However, when major events occur it quickly opens our eyes, changes the thoughts in our minds and in our hearts as well.
Yesterday's events in Boston are no different. The tragedy that struck during the wrapping moments of the Boston Marathon shocked not just everyone in Boston, but all of us on campus and the society of the world.
President Obama called it a "gruesome act of terrorism" and vowed to work the fullest extent of the government's abilities in finding the responsible person or party and bringing them to justice.
All we must do now however as citizens of the United States and/or fellow citizens of the world is to provide our thoughts and love for the victims of this tragic event and love for the City of Boston as they recover.
#loveforboston
Our regularly related Train of Thought's will return next week.
Yesterday's events in Boston are no different. The tragedy that struck during the wrapping moments of the Boston Marathon shocked not just everyone in Boston, but all of us on campus and the society of the world.
President Obama called it a "gruesome act of terrorism" and vowed to work the fullest extent of the government's abilities in finding the responsible person or party and bringing them to justice.
All we must do now however as citizens of the United States and/or fellow citizens of the world is to provide our thoughts and love for the victims of this tragic event and love for the City of Boston as they recover.
#loveforboston
Our regularly related Train of Thought's will return next week.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Pulling into the station...
Thanks to everyone who rode the Train of Thought with us through the Winter Quarter, we hope it was a smooth and enjoyable ride for you. We're pulling into the station for a brief layover but we'll be back on track after the break. Enjoy your time off and do something fun! See you all on April Fools Day when we start the Spring Quarter.
And please, show up for class on the first day, that is NOT an April Fools Joke your professor will laugh at.
And please, show up for class on the first day, that is NOT an April Fools Joke your professor will laugh at.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Jumping the tracks - by: Matthew Jolles
I'm going to jump off the rails this week and take you on to the road for a moment. The road specifically that is the racetrack of Daytona International Speedway.
Saturday was a scary moment for not just NASCAR but sport as a whole, and life in general.
Coming out of Turn 4 into the home-stretch on the final lap of the Nationwide series race a horrific crash occurred that launched driver Kyle Larson's car up from the track and into the catch-fence that surrounds the track and separates it from the grandstands. The impact was so severe and destructive that it disintegrated the entire front section of the car, launching pieces of metal, car parts (including the engine and tires) into the stands and causing injuries to 28 people (14 minor, 14 hospitalized).
It's moments like this occurrence that cause us to step back for a second and appreciate the fragility of life, and how lucky we are each and every day to have our health and the opportunity to pursue exploits that we desire.
Now I'm sure as you read this you probably asked yourself, how does this apply to Drexel?
So here is my obligated Drexel tie-in. We are all here because of a desire to ascribe to more in our lives. We are all here pursuing a dream. However, that dream is as fragile as the cars that speed at 180+ MPH around the tracks 36 weekends a year. When you come to class, take a test, write a paper the strategy you put into it, the tact you take during the time spent, and the quality you put out is similar to how NASCAR teams approach a race. So what I'm saying is, make sure you put your car out front, drive the best race, and stay out of the clutter in the middle of the pack. Be the best, and appreciate the opportunity you have to compete here!
Saturday was a scary moment for not just NASCAR but sport as a whole, and life in general.
Coming out of Turn 4 into the home-stretch on the final lap of the Nationwide series race a horrific crash occurred that launched driver Kyle Larson's car up from the track and into the catch-fence that surrounds the track and separates it from the grandstands. The impact was so severe and destructive that it disintegrated the entire front section of the car, launching pieces of metal, car parts (including the engine and tires) into the stands and causing injuries to 28 people (14 minor, 14 hospitalized).
It's moments like this occurrence that cause us to step back for a second and appreciate the fragility of life, and how lucky we are each and every day to have our health and the opportunity to pursue exploits that we desire.
Now I'm sure as you read this you probably asked yourself, how does this apply to Drexel?
So here is my obligated Drexel tie-in. We are all here because of a desire to ascribe to more in our lives. We are all here pursuing a dream. However, that dream is as fragile as the cars that speed at 180+ MPH around the tracks 36 weekends a year. When you come to class, take a test, write a paper the strategy you put into it, the tact you take during the time spent, and the quality you put out is similar to how NASCAR teams approach a race. So what I'm saying is, make sure you put your car out front, drive the best race, and stay out of the clutter in the middle of the pack. Be the best, and appreciate the opportunity you have to compete here!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Raising money and seeking balance - by Matthew Jolles
The Main Rail Line:
Yesterday, I had the honor of participating in the Philadelphia 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament to benefit Heart of our World Foundation. While my team may have lost both games, we could not be more proud of our part in the efforts that helped raise $2500 for impoverished children in Africa as we help to build stronger education and athletic opportunities for them. The tournament, which was created and hosted by Drexel Women's Basketball player Abby Redick (yes, she's J.J. Redick's sister) was the result of a class project as she drives for her degree in Communications.
On the other train line today:
Does any one else feel like you struggle more during the winter quarter than Fall, Spring or Summer? It could be the weather, more activities stretching your focus, harder courses, etc. We want to know what you think! We'll select the best responses and give you advice on how to balance your Drexel experience to its fullest.
See you at the next station!
- MJ
Yesterday, I had the honor of participating in the Philadelphia 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament to benefit Heart of our World Foundation. While my team may have lost both games, we could not be more proud of our part in the efforts that helped raise $2500 for impoverished children in Africa as we help to build stronger education and athletic opportunities for them. The tournament, which was created and hosted by Drexel Women's Basketball player Abby Redick (yes, she's J.J. Redick's sister) was the result of a class project as she drives for her degree in Communications.
On the other train line today:
Does any one else feel like you struggle more during the winter quarter than Fall, Spring or Summer? It could be the weather, more activities stretching your focus, harder courses, etc. We want to know what you think! We'll select the best responses and give you advice on how to balance your Drexel experience to its fullest.
See you at the next station!
- MJ
Monday, February 11, 2013
Reaching out - by: Matthew Jolles
HAPPY MONDAY FELLOW TRAIN PASSENGERS!
Over the past week I've been hearing a lot of interesting stories from fellow Dragons (some commuters and some not). I wanted to get some stories from those of you who partake in reading the blog as a line of generation for future blog posts. So drop us a line and let us know what we can write about for you. A Question, comment, rant & rave, or just something you need advice on. We'll set the Train of Thought on that track and bring you to your destination.
Go forward my fellow Dragons!
-MJ
Over the past week I've been hearing a lot of interesting stories from fellow Dragons (some commuters and some not). I wanted to get some stories from those of you who partake in reading the blog as a line of generation for future blog posts. So drop us a line and let us know what we can write about for you. A Question, comment, rant & rave, or just something you need advice on. We'll set the Train of Thought on that track and bring you to your destination.
Go forward my fellow Dragons!
-MJ
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