Elita's CSU Stan Class of 2015 Psychology Major 

HEY everyone!
To be honest: me and my friends were so hyped up from Warrior Day that the next day we wanted to do something (procrastination on studying at it’s finest) instead of our regular library date. SO, one thing I had never done but heard about the previous week before is that we live 45mins. away from a drive in movie theater. Of course, me being a girl that drives 2 hours to get home to the Bay Area and can willingly make that drive with NO PROBLEM (plus, remember I just came from a 5hr drive to Rialto, CA) hearing that it was just 45 minutes away made it just that much easier. With that said, I gathered up 3 of my friends and we made a random trip to Madera, CA in my PT. We actually ended up getting there early  because I left early just in case for traffic or anything so decided to make a stop to grab some Panda Express to eat while we watch the movie. Unfortunately  we found out that mayyyybe coming 30 minutes early wasn’t as early as we thought because that place was PACKED. Luckily, I have a tiny car so I found a way to squeeze on up to the front. Me and my friend Juan sat out on the ground in front of the car on our blankets while my other two friends sat in my car (I didn’t account for the fact that my headrest would be in the way from the back seat haha). Anyways, It ended up being only $7  and we got to see Iron Man 3; which by the way was a good movie. The one thing I thought it kind of stunk though is that we just so happened to come on a day that it was a motorcycle event near by and you could hear all the Harley’s racing and riding by throughout the scenes. Either way, despite those darn Harley’s, it was a nice experience! Here’s a few pic.s from our drive in movie:

I’D LIKE TO HEAR: have you ever been to a drive in movie theater? what was your experience like?

HELLO EVERYONE!

It’s that time of year again

Here at Stanislaus we have 2 events we (and our surrounding cities) look forward to: Stan Fest and Warrior Day. These are the two days out the year that CSU Stanislaus is KNOWN to show it’s school pride by not only putting on a great show for it’s students but also for it’s community. Warrior day, however, is that one day/event at the end of the year RIGHT before finals that is truly just a break from the stressors of school to just LET GO and HAVE FUN! With that said, let’s just say, I had some fun. Rock climbing, water sliding, air swinging, rope walking, mechanical bull riding, all day dance partying fun. (with a bonus of free food and concerts). Here’s my pics. from my day at Warrior day and you can judge for yourself! =)

I’D LIKE TO HEAR: how did you enjoy Warrior Day 2013? 

Hey everyone!

SO, JUST AS AN UPDATE:

remember how I previously posted a blog about how I applied for the Summer RA and the NSO Leader  position and how I was waiting to hear back? WELL GUESS WHAT?! I CALLED FOR INTERVIEWS. I’m currently in Phase 2 and if everything goes right (which it should) then I should be walking away with 2 jobs on campus this summer. I CAN’T WAIT.!

WISH ME LUCK!

MY GOODNESS, Hello Everyone!

 I am incredibly EXXXXXXXXCITED! The reason why: I’VE FINALLY FINISHED ALL OF THE REST OF MY HOMEWORK FOR THE REST OF THE SEMESTER! I must admit, although it was nice, being away from school for an entire month PUT ME REALLLLLLLLY BEHIND. I had so much backed up/make up work to do along with a TON of studying because I came back SMACK DAB in the middle of Mid-Terms. Let’s just say: I’ve most definitely learned my lesson in regards to missing large chunks of school. SO, while I’ve been stuck in my room cramming, studying, typing, reading, writing, and etc. I never got the chance to give you guys the details on my trip! =)

 SO, during my stay in Ohio I go to visit my cousin’s college: Toledo University and I stopped to eat at SEVERAL different places through the different cities. I thought it was so interesting that they have “tornado safe waiting areas” in their schools simply because in California we never worry about stuff like that. It was cool waking up, walking to the snow packed car, and walking through the snow to classes BUTTTTT only for the 2 days that I was there. I commend people who do it all the time, just living in the snow for the time period I stayed there was too much for me! Also, it was so funny because everything was really “old fashioned”. I guess living in California really raised my standards in living lifestyles and etc. *cue Katy Perry – California Girls*

I got to visit my aunt more times, meet SO many family members  get home cooked meals every day and TRUST ME, I felt like a queen (and i’m pretty sure I gained some weight). In the end, it was a really awesome experience! But, unfortunately, it all to come to an end BACKKKKKKKKK TO REALITY! =)

THEN, when I got back, my roommate needed someone to help her move her stuff back home to Rialto. It was a LONGGGGGGGGGGG road trip and it took ALL DAY getting there, moving her in, and driving back (I had to come back the next day to go do volunteer work) . It was a really awesome experience though because I’ve never driven anything pass 2 hrs away but i handled it like a CHAMP. With all the wrong exits and food detours I took I think I totaled 700 miles in one day! When I finally arrived home, I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to be back in Turlock and see CSU Stan. =D

When I got  back, I CRAMMMMMMMMMMMMMED on homework and studying so much that I missed out on SO MANY events.

1. Warriors Up At Night

2. The Undie Run

3. THIS AWESOME WEATHER

4. The Baseball Senior Game

5. Early tickets for Warrior Day

 BUT TODAY, I FINALLLLLLLY  finished it all. I got A’s on all my tests I studied for and I went to the Art Museum for extra credit.  SO, in celebration, I went to go donate blood, hung out with my friends, did my HAIR, cleaned my room, did laundry, went grocery shopping, and made a homemade facial mask made of:

Oatmeal, Oil, Lemon Juice, Tomatoes, Milk, Brown Sugar, and Eggs

AND MY FACE FELT GREAT AFTERWARDS.

 It felt great to finally relax and take care of my other responsibilities (They were LONG over due). Also, I apologize  for the LONG post everyone I’m just so happy to finally get to blog and relax.

THANKS FOR VIEWING.! =D

Hello everyone!

This summer I’ve applied to be a Summer Residential Adviser, New Student Orientation Leader, and to join the Summer leadership program. I’m really hoping I get the jobs because I’d LOVE to experience these job opportunities. I’ll keep you guys posted on what happens.

WISH ME LUCK!

Hey!

SO, I figured that I’d take this blog and share a few pics. of me and my mother during the 1st few times we got to go and spend with my aunt Jackie. She was able to recognize us so she started to cry as soon as the nurse pushed her down the hallway which of course made me and my mom cry because the last time we saw her she was up and moving around. She was actually called my mother’s Partner In Crime because they  were so inseparable.  Although, she currently cannot speak my mother kept bringing up stories from their past and my aunt was laughing like crazy! It was so funny because even before my mom could finish some stories she’d start laughing. For example, there was a time where Jackie came to live in California with my mom and during this time she wanted to become a beautician. My mother let Jackie cut her hair and she cut it off so much that her and my mother laughed so hard and said at the same time that she looked like my older brother! When my mom was telling this story, she got to the part where she said beautician and Jackie started laughing so hard my mom couldn’t even finish because she knew how funny that moment was. I have a few pic.s below where she’s in the middle of laughing because my mom cracked a joke or told a funny story. My mother also got to wash her hair and we got to spend time with her in between in therapy hours and etc. Although it was hard seeing her like that, I’m SO grateful my teachers were understanding and I got a chance to go out and see my aunt. It really meant a lot to me.

Also, it would mean everything in the world if you all would just take a second out of your day to pray for her to get well. My entire family would love to see her brain to get completely back functioning!

I LOVE YOU JACKIE!

It’s truly a wake up call how much you can’t take life for granted. My aunt partied, danced, traveled, and was healthy until one thing went wrong. Really embrace your life and your loved ones because tomorrow is never promised..

Thank you!

Hey Everyone!

I’d like to apologize for my absence and my random EXPLOSION of generalized posts. I’ve been missing out on school events and my blog lately because I needed to go to Ohio for a family emergency. I left school in a hurry in order to go see my aunt who recently had thyroid surgery that, unfortunately, went wrong. With that said, I had to stop school. No school = No work. Thankfully, I not only participate in my classes and talk to my teachers but I also got a chance to inform them of everything that was going on. So graciously they gave me the time off and they all allowed me to turn in my work late or via e-mail. It really pays off not only having really great and understanding teachers but also having a relationship with them!

Besides, you never know, you might need them for reference letters at a later day!

This is me and my mother at the Oakland Airport on our way to Ohio. Me, being a person who is scary cat that has mini panic attacks just by being in the car, was DEATHLY afraid of going on the plane. It was my first time as a young adult so I took pictures of EVERYTHING! Took pictures with the pilots in the cockpit, video recorded our take off, took pictures of their expensive food, and just about everything else. Here’s some photos of my day leaving Oakland on a 7 hour flight to Ohio!

 I’d like to hear: have you ever flown to anywhere? how long was your flight? did you like it?

JUST ANOTHER PERK OF BEING A WARRIOR

“The Warrior Discount is designed to benefit both students and the Turlock community. Students can use their Warrior Cards around the community for discounts on purchases. Large posters are displayed in the businesses that participate in the Turlock discount program.” –USU/ASI Webpage

Personally, I loveeeeeeeeeeeeee it. It especially comes in handy on those HOTTT summer days and you want to go get some frozen yogurt (10% off)! PLUSSSSSSSS, I loveeeeeeeeeeee Pizza (various deals). You can ask ANY of my close friends or family members—they all know I’m a pizza-head (I’m not sure if I just coined a phrase right there or not but IT WORKS). So, anyways, as you’re at the register all you have to do is show your Warrior ID Card and they’ll give you a discount. At 1^st I didn’t know it existed but now, honestly, I wish it was offered at more places.

I’d like to hear: CSU STAN STUDENTS, Do you use your discounts? If so, where?

I recently received this email: JUST THOUGHT I’D SHARE!

“CSU Stanislaus is concerned about the health, safety and welfare of its students, staff and faculty. The Campus Violence Prevention Team (CVP) exists to identify, monitor and provide  resources to individuals who may display behaviors that cause concern for the welfare of the individual or university community. The CVP focuses primarily on students who may be exhibiting signs of pending problems; however, the group monitors issues relating to faculty, staff and campus visitors as well.

The CVP is an interdisciplinary committee of university officials that meets to discuss incidents or behaviors that are of concern to ensure a coordinated university response.

The team typically meets once a month to review reports of incidents or referrals from the University Police Department and the campus community. The CVP will work closely with the university’s Safety and Risk Management Team in high risk situations involving individual(s) who pose a potential risk of harm to persons or property in the University Community or are a substantial disruption to the educational process.

If a member of our campus community is interested in promoting awareness of bystander intervention and responding to students in distress, please feel free to contact Dennis Shimek at (209) 667-3351 or dshimek@csustan.edu”

TALK ABOUT TAKING ACTION!

Thank you Stanislaus..

I’d like to hear: what do you think about this new group?

Important Emergency Contact Numbers:

CSU Stanislaus Police Emergency:

9-1-1  or  209-667-3911

CSU Stanislaus Police NON-Emergency

209-667-3114

Emergency Alert Phone Number Handy For Updates:
1-877-STAN-411 (1-877-782-6411)

Hello Everyone: IT’S TIME TO GET SERIOUS

Naturally, I’m a very scary person, I hate going out at night alone, and I fear the possibility of things happening at all times so I’m always VERY conscious of my surroundings, people, and the decisions I make. HOWEVER, lately there has been a few robbery’s around/near campus and I thought it would be good to post a blog with a few tips (you’ve probably already heard but sometimes ignore) in regards to Campus Safety. SO, HERE WE GO!

IN GENERAL:

• Be aware! Recognize your vulnerability. Rapists and Robbers look for easy, vulnerable targets.
• Report all suspicious persons, vehicles and activities to the University Safety Department immediately, by using any campus blue light phone.
• CSU Stan offers a Student Safety Card that you can keep in your wallet that has safety information and important emergency contact numbers. PICK ONE UP!
• I know you’ve heard it MANY TIMES BEFORE but Use the “buddy system”! I know there’s times where you just can’t help it BUT even when I’m walking alone I talk on the phone or pretend to talk on the phone (with 911 ready to be pressed) and when I see someone weird I describe them to my friend JUST IN CASE.
• Remember the locations of emergency phones in academic buildings and around campus.
• Be careful with trusting people you’ve just met or don’t really know. Did you know that around 73% of all rapes and 90% of rapes on college campuses are committed by someone the victim knows? BE CAREFUL WHO YOU TRUST!

CAR SAFETY:

• “Need a jump, locked yourself out of your car, need an escort to your car? USE A BLUE LIGHT! The blue lights, located throughout the campus, alert University Police with the push of a button…notifying the dispatcher of your location.” –Student Safety Card
• Before entering your vehicle, always check the interior, paying particular attention to the floor and rear seat. Also, already have your car keys out and ready (especially at night) when approaching your vehicle so you can enter quickly
• Lock your doors and keep windows rolled up whenever possible and even though it gets hot in Turlock only leave your windows slightly cracked (test to see if you can put your hand inside, if so, IT’S TOO LOW).
• If you drive to school, when parking at night, choose well-lit areas and when getting out of the car ALWAYS take a look around first.
• Don’t place store bags, purses, or valuable items in clear view that might tempt someone to break in your car

COMING TO AND FROM LATE CLASSES:

• “Taking a night class? Look for UPD Safety Shuttles Monday-Thursday, 6PM-11PM. Ride the interior of campus or to your car” –Student Safety Card
• Avoid walking alone, find people who travel like you. If they drive: park in the same parking lot. If they live in the dorms: walk back together. If you can’t find anyone, call for an escort. Don’t feel embarrassed to be safety conscious! As they say, “It’s better safe than sorry”.
• If you are walking alone don’t lag and walk slowly. Get to your destination.
• At night, Stanislaus can get pretty dark and scary in some areas. AVOID those dark and vacant areas by walking along the well-lit routes. I know I always took those dark routes because they’re typically short cuts around the back of buildings but BE CAREFUL picking pathways such as these.
• Be alert of your surroundings: Avoid wearing headphones when walking. If you suspect you are being followed: Run in a different direction, go to the other side of the street and yell for help, or move quickly to a lighted area, a group of people, or a blue light emergency phone.

ON/OFF CAMPUS LIVING:

• If you are returning home late: have your keys ready when entering your gate, dorm, apartment, or house. Keep your personal or valuable items concealed and close to your body.
• I know you’ve seen the signs but DO NOT hold open the gates for people you do not know. I know we’re all awesome and want to be polite but people who live in the dorms HAVE A KEY just like you do. Ensure the safety of our community by closing the gate behind you.

If you find yourself confronted by an assailant…

“you must remember that while screaming and struggling may in some instances frighten off the assailant, in other instances you may further antagonize the assailant and bring forth a more violent reaction. Above all you must keep your head and assess the situation before choosing your course of action. Whether or not the assailant is armed or has made threats against your life should be a determining factor in your decision. The key word in this type of situation is survival.” Also, after you’ve been attacked (no matter if you want to go further in the investigation or not) MAKE SURE YOU INFORM THE POLICE AND/OR UNIVERSITY POLICE.

A free assailant=possibility of another victim.

Just in case you didn’t know: Stanislaus offers campus security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, student patrols, 24-hour emergency and non-emergency telephones.

USE THE BLUE LIGHTS!!!!!!!!!

If you still don’t feel protected: you can always buy pepper spray. Diluted versions are sold in various stores like Walmart. However, ONLY carry defensive items only if you know how to use them. Remember, any “weapon” that could hurt a potential attacker can be used against you if you are not well trained and comfortable with it.

Important Contact Numbers:

CSU Stanislaus Police Emergency:

9-1-1  or  209-667-3911

CSU Stanislaus Police NON-Emergency

209-667-3114

Emergency Alert Phone Number Handy For Updates:
1-877-STAN-411 (1-877-782-6411)

JUST THOUGHT I’D SHARE!

I’d like to hear: do you have any other safety tips? What do you do in order to stay aware?