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!
Monday, February 25, 2013
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
Monday, February 4, 2013
The Day After - by Matthew Jolles
Well thankfully we all survived Super Bowl Sunday and that lovely 35 minute blackout that occurred during the middle of the 3rd quarter.
Though like me, 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
Though like me, 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
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