Tag Archives: UT

ATX / UT

What NOT To Do After Getting a Bad Midterm Grade

So, you didn’t do well on a midterm. Maybe you studied for days in advance and felt super confident in the material. Maybe you didn’t study a bit and went in cold. Regardless of what led up to this grade, unfortunately, there’s not much you can do now… about the grade itself, at least. While I completely understand the urge to switch majors or drop out of college, there are other ways to recover from a bad midterm grade.

Don’t silently wonder what you did wrong. The first thing I like to do after getting a midterm grade back is talk to the professor or TA for the class. You may not be able to change your grade, but you can certainly learn from your past mistakes so that you perform better on the next test. By going to talk to your grader, you’ll also be proving that you truly care about the course, which they’ll definitely appreciate.

Don’t waste too much time dwelling. You can totally buy yourself a pint of ice cream and put on a feel-good movie while you process. We’ve all been there. And you know what, it’s okay to do that for a little while. It’s okay to sit in your disappointment and feel all of your feelings in full. It’s just not okay to get stuck there.

Don’t do anything impulsive. I may or may not have seriously considered getting a tattoo and/or dying my hair pink after I didn’t do as well as I wanted to on my first midterm. That impulse lasted less than 24 hours, and I’m glad I didn’t act on it. As tempting as it may be, there’s definitely no need to drop the class or transfer to A&M. You will recover.

Don’t stagnate your study habits. If you didn’t do well on a midterm, there’s probably something you can change about the way you’re studying. Maybe try forming a study group or starting your review a few days earlier. College is all about learning and growing, so try out new study techniques and find out what works best for you.

Don’t give up! Failing a midterm or not meeting your expectations for a midterm grade doesn’t mean there’s no hope for getting your target overall grade in the class. It also doesn’t mean you’re doomed to fail out of college and not succeed in your future career. One bad midterm grade doesn’t define you as a student or a person. 

We’ve all been there. At one time or another, all of us have experienced failures. Accepting those failures is hard, but they can be taken as an opportunity to grow. It’s important to shift our mindset and view failures for what they are: learning moments.

ATX / UT, Community

5 Ways to have a good day with mike

Everyone loves the UT Parking Guard Mike from PTS for his uplifting personality and inspirational quotes (especially when we’re having a rough day). But I wondered how he’s so cheerful all the time — And how can the rest of us have a positive attitude like him?

I sat down with Mike to ask him what tips he has for students to have a better outlook on their day.

1. Have Longhorn Pride!

Have pride because we are here to represent what the longhorns are about — what starts here changes the world. It does if you understand what changing the world means. The change comes within the part that you can play within the University of Texas. We want to take you from where you are now to shock the world.

2. Slow down and smile!

Not everybody is smiling, so you have to figure out ways to reach people. So that was when I came up with the ‘pound,’ the ‘high five’ and ‘fist bump’. Just getting students to do some type of activity because if you watch them, they’re in their own world, their zone. Why? Because they study all night, they’re under pressure. So my thing is trying to get the students to slow down and realize where they are at that point. 

3. Life is stressful but that’s okay!

I want students to understand you are going to have a lot of tests here at UT. When you go to take a test, you always have to prepare. Poor preparation means poor production. But also in preparing, you have to realize you always have to take care of yourself. It’s not about how much you can stuff into your mind; it is about how much you can retain. There is always going to be some stress, life is full of stress, but it is how you achieve going through the stress and coming out on the other side.

4. Strive for an A!

You did not study to get a C; you studied to get an A+. So that’s your drive. Go into class with that drive. Go into class and get that A. I wanna give you that winning mentality.

5. Follow Your Heart — Your heart will be with you always.

Understand what your heart does for you. Without your heart, your body doesn’t work. So understand how much of a role your heart plays within your life. Understand that everything that comes out of your mouth and out of your mind has developed in your heart. So focus on your heart.

Whenever you need an uplifting piece of advice or just a solid fist bump — you can stop by and say hi to Mike during the school week by the parking post off 24th Street and Whitis Avenue. 

Featured Image by Katie Shanina

Entertainment

The UT Colleges as Adele songs

The season of Fall is synonymous with perfectly winged eyeliner, classic black silhouettes, and ballads that make you want to pour your heart out; that’s right, it’s Adele season. In preparation for this period of heartbreak and deep interpersonal questioning, soothe your troubled soul and enjoy this light take on the UT colleges as Adele songs based on the majors within them.

Moody College of Communication- Hello

Moody School of Communication; Picture by Nicholas Muniz

Hello is possibly one of the most well-known Adele songs of all time. The exhilarating song focuses on the failure of communication between two lovers. Moody intends on changing the world by rectifying miscommunication and enhancing current communication. The song embodies what Moody is trying to rectify in the world– miscommunication.

School of Architecture- Skyfall

School of Architecture; Picture by Nicholas Muniz

The uplifting tune, the drama, and the intrigue of mystery that surround Bond movies; these elements all paint a picture of artistry depicted in the tallest skyscrapers you can imagine. Bringing creativity to life and building the impossible are two traits that the School of Architecture and this Adele song have in common.

College of Liberal Arts – Chasing Pavements

Robert L. Patton Building; Picture by Nicholas Muniz

From governance to psychology, the College of Liberal Arts focuses on the pursuit of excellence through taking risks emphasized by its competitive majors. Chasing Pavements is a song about a woman taking a risk by confessing her feelings despite knowing how unlikely her chances for happiness are within that relationship. CoLA encourages its majors to hope and take risks within the humanities to discover the one true truth about what it is to be human within society at large.

College of Fine Arts- Sweetest Devotion

In order to have a successful career in the arts, one must be dedicated to the point where they are devoted to their craft. This Adele song harps on the triumphs and failures of giving all of your heart and soul in the form of purest devotion, something that is personified by the College of Fine Arts.

College of Natural Sciences- Set Fire to the Rain

College of Natural Sciences; Picture by Nicholas Muniz

Only the College of Natural Sciences could set fire to the rain with their intellect and ingenuity. Students within the college are able to achieve the impossible and indeed give meaning to a mad genius and in that making, this metaphor come true.

College of Education- First Love

First love ,with its idyllic and nursery rhyme elements, reminds one of happier days on the school playground. The cheerful tune is similar to the genuine and kind nature that is a hallmark of the College of Education.

McCombs School of Business- Send my Love to your New Lover

McCombs School of Business; Picture by Nicholas Muniz

It’s common knowledge that McCombs’ students enjoy the thrill of the chase and rarely pursue stability. It’s that attitude which ensures success in business. As a result, they harbor no ill intent to those they have woed in the past and are more than willing to send their love to your new lover after they have ended things with you.

Steve Hicks School of Social Work- Make you feel my love

Showcasing your loving nature and social work go hand in hand and so does this college and Adele song.

Cockrell School of Engineering- Easy on Me

Cockerell School of Engineering; Picture by Nicholas Muniz

It’s not easy being a Cockrell major, as they will let you know, and I can say with utmost confidence they would greatly appreciate it if their professors and the world at large took it easy on them. This new song by Adele not only allows them to drown their misery, but also fulfills their pleas with artistry and grace.

School of Information- Rumour has it

Rumors are the basis of all human interaction and this school looks to facilitate and enhance that interaction. They focus on user experience and design which rumor has it will be the most useful tool in the future of technology.

College of Pharmacy- Remedy

College of Pharmacy; Picture by Nicholas Muniz

Remedy is a song about healing and overcoming difficulties, something which we all accomplish with the help of our friends at the School of Pharmacy.

School of Nursing- Tired

Both the majors in this school and Adele find their true state in this song as they like to remind us after excessive all-nighters that they are, indeed, tired.

Jackson School of Geosciences- Rolling in the Deep

Jackson School of Geosciences; Picture by Nicholas Muniz

Rolling in  the deep is a song that not only references the hard work that students of this school have to put in, but also vaguely reminds you of a boulder rolling down a hill. Something which is not only poetic about the song but is similar to the plight of many of the majors in this school.

Featured image by Nicholas Muniz

Wellness & Fitness

6 Places to walk around UT Campus

With midterm season in full swing, life can get pretty stressful, but it’s important to take some time to prioritize yourself and your well-being. Taking a walk is a great way to boost your energy and improve your mood when you need a break from classes and endless studying. Lucky for us, the UT campus is full of peaceful environments where students can walk around and explore new parts of the 40 Acres. Here’s a list of some places around campus to walk around and take a break from the stresses of being a college student.   

Speedway

We may not be in the Land of Oz, but we can still take a walk down the yellow brick road at UT. If you’re looking for a convenient place to walk on campus, Speedway is the way to go. Located in what seems like the middle of campus, Speedway is great for when you need to regroup between classes and don’t want to venture far from your next class. My only advice? Watch out for cyclists.  

The Drag

If you’re in the mood for some window shopping while you walk, the Drag is perfect for you. The Drag is a portion of Guadalupe Street across the street from the UT campus with stores, restaurants and other places to check out. While you may have to resist the urge to spend money at Chipotle or Urban Outfitters, the Drag is a great place to walk and take in Austin life.  

Pease Park

Located near the UT campus, Pease Park is a great place to walk and admire nature. Exploring a park can help you take your mind off school because being surrounded by school-related buildings 24/7 is not ideal — I know from experience. Put on your walking shoes and take a trip to Pease Park, where you can forget about Canvas and immerse yourself in nature for a few hours. 

Clark Field

Take a trip to the Caven Lacrosse and Sports Center at Clark Field, which has a recreational jogging track where you can run or walk. Clark Field is located near many residence halls, such as Jester East and West and San Jacinto Hall, making it a convenient place for students to walk after a long day of classes. Plus, while you walk, you can show your support for the Texas lacrosse teams! 

Waller Creek

Waller Creek is a stream and ecosystem that bisects UT and makes for a peaceful walk. The creek extends through different parts of campus, passing by interesting places to explore along the way. From the School of Nursing to the edge of UT’s main campus, walking along Waller Creek will help you destress and familiarize yourself with the campus. Check out this self-guided walking tour of Waller Creek!

South Mall

Depending on the direction, walking up the South Mall can be tiring. The uphill is not ideal, but the view makes up for the burning calves. Who wouldn’t want to look up and see overarching trees and a glimpse of the UT Tower on their walk? If you get tired on the walk — like I usually do — there are benches located along the path, or you could sit on the South Mall Lawn, which is always relaxing. 

The UT campus is full of great places to take a walk and unwind, regardless of the time of day. While school is important, our health is too, so I encourage everyone to put on their walking shoes and go outside!

ATX / UT, Wellness & Fitness

Mid-semester Madness: A Personal Reflection

Tired and overwhelmed — the two perfect words to describe how I’ve been feeling lately. 

There’s a certain sensation that buzzes around in the October air that looms around for quite a while, almost pulling and tugging at you as you try to live out your day: Midterm season.

It seems like just yesterday you were opening your syllabus for the first (and hopefully not last) time. Then, all of the sudden, we’re mid-semester. While it’s nice to be able to say that you’re halfway through your semester, it’s also scary to think about how much more there is to come. 

Midterm exams, projects, deadlines, registration and literally everything else makes the never-ending to-do list even longer.

While I’m now in my junior year of college, it somehow feels like the hardest one I have experienced thus far. Having spent my first semester completely in-person pre-COVID and my second fall semester completely online, it seems like this weird hybrid semester has been so much worse.

Whether it’s because of the difficulty of my classes as an upperclassman or just having to get used to actually attending my classes in person and not from the comfort of my bed, this semester has been a different beast altogether.

To be frank, I started this semester with such high expectations considering the fact that I registered for five classes, became involved in three organizations, added a second major and even got a job. While I was somehow able to juggle all of that only a few months ago in my spring semester, this became a struggle this school year. 

I’m not too sure if maybe it’s just me feeling this way or if others can relate at all but it hasn’t been very fun. 

On the other hand, there could be much worse things happening. While I’m struggling this semester, there’s still a tomorrow. 

While my professors and peers may not be too thrilled about my performance this semester, there is still in fact more ahead of this. 

Everyone has a hard time at some point in their college career and it just so happens that this is my struggle semester. So, it’s absolutely okay if this is your struggle semester, too. 

We will all get through this weird, difficult period together.

Featured image by Lucero Lopez