End of Semester!

Welcome back Mustangs!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break filled with lots and lots of food. Now that we are all adjusting back into doing our homework and going to classes, I just want to let everyone know that we only have three weeks left in the semester! It’s crazy how fast November flew by. These last three weeks can be extremely stressful, especially with finals week coming up. I have yet to experience the “horror” of finals week, but I have received great advice from upper classmen on how to survive it.

These last two weeks before finals week are very important. The due dates for final projects are quickly approaching, the stress of studying for multiple exams is beginning to build, and the excitement to go home for a month is forming like a raging fire. Then there is finals week. The advice I have been given is to not cram all of your studying into one day. Spread out the studying based on which finals are first and which ones are last. Another piece of advice I was given is to not stay in your dorm room all day every day. Yes you need to study, but your brain needs a break at some point. Don’t mentally drain yourself. It’s okay to go out for an hour or two in the day and have some fun. And the most important piece of advice I got is to not skip your finals. I know that it seems like common sense, but people still skip the finals.

Enjoy these last three weeks of the semester and make going home your motivation to finish on a strong note. Remember, don’t get too stressed out and take time to give yourself a break from studying.

Good luck on the rest of the semester!

Bri Whitaker

SMSU Clubs & Organizations!

Hello Mustangs! 

I hope this week is going well for everyone! My name is Ivan Carrillo and I am a freshman this year; I'm originally from California, but I moved to Minneapolis, MN when I was 5 years old. I am planning on pursuing a major in psychology and a minor in sociology. I also work for the Admission Office and am a Student Ambassador. I am involved in several different clubs and organizations on campus, including: the Latino club, Enactus, Hmong Student Organization, and RHA. Clubs and student organizations are a great way to meet new people and get involved!

For the Latino club and Hmong Student Organization, we learn about their culture, as well as go on trips to other colleges or to the Twin Cities. Enactus is a club where we help small businesses grow. Also, if we ever have an idea for something we want to start, Enactus will help us get the resources we need. Resident Hall Association (RHA) is an organization for students who live on campus. This organization is set to help with issues that happen in the dorms and to provide a better experience for students who live on campus.Check out this link: https://southwestmsu.collegiatelink.net/ for more info about all the great clubs and organizations on campus!

My first two months on campus have been great! I’ve met a variety of students, staff, and faculty members. Class has been easy, but I know it’ll get much more challenging from here on out. 

Have a great rest of the week! 

Ivan Carrillo 

Thanksgiving Break!

Hi Everyone!

I hope everyone is ready for Thanksgiving break coming up! I know I’m ready for a home cooked meal and a lot of gravy. I’m sure some people won’t be going home on Thanksgiving, but I hope you can find some friends or people in Marshall to celebrate with. Even if you won’t be spending time with family over the break, be sure to relax and catch up on sleep. 

The end of the semester and finals are coming up faster than ever, so now is the time to prepare for all the tests and papers that will be due soon. Just a friendly reminder when you’re preparing for finals week to be sure to use the Writing Center and Speech Center in the library on the 5^th floor to help with any papers or presentations. You can go in to the library and make an appointment or make an appointment online under the library tab on the SMSU homepage. I recommend making an appointment sooner rather than later. That’s just my advice!

May the finals odds be ever in your favor!

Erin Nelson 

Stay in the Zone!

We are over half-way through the semester!! It’s hard to believe that we have been in school so many weeks! With that said, don’t start falling off the grid now; stay in the zone and finish the semester with a bang! That doesn’t mean to just stay indoors and study day and night. Although it is important, it is also important to have a social life and to take a break and relax! Winter sports are in session and a great way to take a break is to go to a sporting event. Check out Wheelchair Basketball, Wrestling and/or Men and Women's Basketball!

A quick tip for all new students who are in their first semester:

 **Don’t wait to do all of the end of semester projects within the last week of school. Get ahead now, that way finals week isn’t as stressful as some students can make it! 

I wish you all the best of luck in the remaining weeks of the semester!

Written to you by your very own,

Nick VonRuden