I attneded the 47th Paul L. Errington Memorial Lecture that invited Dr. Jonathan Foley to speak on October 20, 2011. It was a great lecture, and jam packed with interesting information about the very serious issue of our growing population and being able to feed the world within the next twenty and even fifty years. Jonathan Foley was a very personable person I thought and I really enjoyed listen to him talk. The topic he addressed really kept my attention which surprised me because I was kind of thinking the lecture wouldn't appeal to me as much as it did.
I got a chance to sit by Dr. Jim Colbert at this lecture, as well, which was a great time to get to know him and also have him learn a little bit more about me rather than just a face in his class. he asked to about my major, future plans, and he even got to know a bit about my family and a little of our history. I was very surprised at how easy he was to talk to, and he had a great sense of humor.
During Dr. Foley's lecture, many surprising and quite shocking facts stood out to me about our future as a planet. His main focus of studies is agriculture. I was so surprised to find out how much agriculture really has to do with everyday life throughout the world. There are 1 billion people out of the 7 billion on this plant that are hungry. In 40-50 years, it is estimated that our global population will grow to 9-10 billion. There is a great chance that the amount of food we are producing now will no where near be able to provide food for all of those people, so Dr. Foley and his research team are trying to find a way to produce more food, and not damage too much land this earth has because right now agriculture takes of 40% of global land. His five step approach to this problem allowed for the balance between sustaining the planet and feeding the world. I hope it goes into affect because this is an issue we cannot get around.
Attending a diversity event was a great experience to not only hear about events happening in our world today. I also had a great conversation with one of my professors. I enjoyed listening to someone very passionate about the issue Dr. Jonathan Foley was speaking about, and it made me aware of this inevitable crisis.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
How I've Grown
Looking back on my experience of receiving the Hixson scholarship, attending the seminar, and being a part of the program I couldn't be more greatful for this opportunity. I have really enjoyed the time spent with those who care so much about the Hixson program, and the tremendous contribution Christina Hixson puts toward each recipients education. I feel as though I have grown a great deal since the begining of this semester. I look back at how stressed, nervous, intimidated I was at the thought of college, but I have become so much more confident in my success here at iowa State and I have the Hixson program to thank for that.
Attending lecture at 6:15 on a Tuesday night, I'm going to be honest, didn't sound like a lot of fun to me. But, to my surprise I actually really appreciated the topics covered in class and they are pretty entertaining with Silas being weird and all. Haha. All kidding aside though, the materials covered through this course were mainly topics I probably never would have learned on my own, or if I would have I wouldn't have learned them at the begining of my freshman year here. Through this program my knowledge of the system here like career services, study abroad, and the actual history of this school has grown, and I'm a source for many because of that.
My passion to do well has always been high. That is just my persinality, but being in the Hixson program helped to bump that up even a little higher. I feel like I have a whole group of people who care about how I do here rather than just being a number in a lecture hall like a lot of students may go through their time here at Iowa State being. The staff at Hixson want us to succeed, and I have taken the responsibility to do just that. So, this opportunity has made me grow up a little. It gave me a taste of what it's like for someone to expect something from you that had really no association with you beforehand. There's a standard there to live up to what that person expects.
I have always struggled with time management. It never really effected me in high school though. I got good grades, but never had to scheduale so well to succeed. Here I have really learned the benefits of mapping out a scheduale of your day. Sometimes I felt as though I never had enough time to get things done because i've never had to stay on top of so many subjects like here at Iowa State. I learned how to study for 8-12 hours straight! Never has that happened in my life before, but that's what Chemistry will do for you. I feel so much more in tune with my day to day scheduale. I have learned to prioritize better this way. I know this will benefit me in the future because, honestly, it's all you here upperclassmen talk about. I now know that! I've cut down my amount of procrastination by an amazing amount, which is incredible in a good way.
Overall, my first semester here at college was successful. I had a great time meeting people, learning how to cope with real life, learning you have to work hard for what will pay off in the long run. I feel like now, I don't have to be nervous about making it in this world because, I'm already transitioning so well into my college career. I am most thankful for the opportunity to be submerged into this environment because it only strengthened my relationship with the Lord. He has shown me how undeniably dependent he is always in my walk through this world, and that is the most important personal growth I have seen within myself.
Attending lecture at 6:15 on a Tuesday night, I'm going to be honest, didn't sound like a lot of fun to me. But, to my surprise I actually really appreciated the topics covered in class and they are pretty entertaining with Silas being weird and all. Haha. All kidding aside though, the materials covered through this course were mainly topics I probably never would have learned on my own, or if I would have I wouldn't have learned them at the begining of my freshman year here. Through this program my knowledge of the system here like career services, study abroad, and the actual history of this school has grown, and I'm a source for many because of that.
My passion to do well has always been high. That is just my persinality, but being in the Hixson program helped to bump that up even a little higher. I feel like I have a whole group of people who care about how I do here rather than just being a number in a lecture hall like a lot of students may go through their time here at Iowa State being. The staff at Hixson want us to succeed, and I have taken the responsibility to do just that. So, this opportunity has made me grow up a little. It gave me a taste of what it's like for someone to expect something from you that had really no association with you beforehand. There's a standard there to live up to what that person expects.
I have always struggled with time management. It never really effected me in high school though. I got good grades, but never had to scheduale so well to succeed. Here I have really learned the benefits of mapping out a scheduale of your day. Sometimes I felt as though I never had enough time to get things done because i've never had to stay on top of so many subjects like here at Iowa State. I learned how to study for 8-12 hours straight! Never has that happened in my life before, but that's what Chemistry will do for you. I feel so much more in tune with my day to day scheduale. I have learned to prioritize better this way. I know this will benefit me in the future because, honestly, it's all you here upperclassmen talk about. I now know that! I've cut down my amount of procrastination by an amazing amount, which is incredible in a good way.
Overall, my first semester here at college was successful. I had a great time meeting people, learning how to cope with real life, learning you have to work hard for what will pay off in the long run. I feel like now, I don't have to be nervous about making it in this world because, I'm already transitioning so well into my college career. I am most thankful for the opportunity to be submerged into this environment because it only strengthened my relationship with the Lord. He has shown me how undeniably dependent he is always in my walk through this world, and that is the most important personal growth I have seen within myself.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
What The Hixson Scholarship Means to Me
I think the best possible way to explain how amazing it was to receive such a gracious scholarship would be to paint the picture of my reaction upon first hearing the news that I had been a recipient. It was on a Friday, and I was at my boyfriend's house actually discussing the scholarship at the time when I got a phone call from my mom. At first, it was a typical conversation going on about daily things. Well, if you knew anything about my mom she forgets a million things when she calls you, so one phone call is followed by at least three more. I answered her third call a little aggravated this time, jokingly of course, but the news I got was like winning the lottery. As soon as she told me I got the Hixson Scholarship, I started screaming and jumping up and down. I was so excited that we raced over to my house to celebrate with my family.
When arriving, my mom hugged me and was already on the phone calling my aunt. I thought to myself I had to call my art teacher, who was gracious enough to be my reference for this scholarship. When I told her she was just as excited as I was. I knew how much of a blessing this scholarship truly was. Words couldn't even describe how thankful, relieved, or just honestly shocked I was that I had gotten such a great gift. I couldn't thank the Lord enough for opening this door up for me to have an amazing opportunity like this. But, I was soon to learn what a benefcial and rewarding experience this scholarship would be once arriving at Iowa State in the fall.
The Hixson scholarship is really the tool of my success here at Iowa State University. I suppose that's why I cherish and appreciate it so much, because I know that I may not have been able to attend school here without it. It has opened the doors to all the steps I will go through in achieving a career, my goals, and my college education. This scholarship is more than just half of my tuition, it is building character in me, it is instilling responsibility in me for something that requires a large amount of effort to obtain. Overall, my experience with the Hixson scholarship is molding me through my years here at Iowa State to the person I want to become.
I especially consider the Hixson as a resource guiding me through the process of getting use to college life, as well as, setting me up for a journey through the "real world". I am so thankful for the staff that works within the Hixson program because they do a tremendous job at steering the lucky recipients in the successful path. I view this award as support center. The amount of access I have from this award, like the computer lab, allows me to have a place to go and study or print freely:). The most important aspect of this award though is those backing me up within the office. They truly care, and I feel as though I have a special push behind me because Debra, Allie, and Silas all want us to do our best, and represent the program as well as possible.
Christina Hixson has really blessed my life and experience here at Iowa State University. I am so thankful that someone can be as incredibly giving as she is. The Hixson award was a pivital moment in my life because I feel as though I really achieved something by receiving it. It was the first kind of real life boost of hey the world has some really great things to give you. I just hope through this opportunity more and more will come my way, creating a bright and successful furture for me.
When arriving, my mom hugged me and was already on the phone calling my aunt. I thought to myself I had to call my art teacher, who was gracious enough to be my reference for this scholarship. When I told her she was just as excited as I was. I knew how much of a blessing this scholarship truly was. Words couldn't even describe how thankful, relieved, or just honestly shocked I was that I had gotten such a great gift. I couldn't thank the Lord enough for opening this door up for me to have an amazing opportunity like this. But, I was soon to learn what a benefcial and rewarding experience this scholarship would be once arriving at Iowa State in the fall.
The Hixson scholarship is really the tool of my success here at Iowa State University. I suppose that's why I cherish and appreciate it so much, because I know that I may not have been able to attend school here without it. It has opened the doors to all the steps I will go through in achieving a career, my goals, and my college education. This scholarship is more than just half of my tuition, it is building character in me, it is instilling responsibility in me for something that requires a large amount of effort to obtain. Overall, my experience with the Hixson scholarship is molding me through my years here at Iowa State to the person I want to become.
I especially consider the Hixson as a resource guiding me through the process of getting use to college life, as well as, setting me up for a journey through the "real world". I am so thankful for the staff that works within the Hixson program because they do a tremendous job at steering the lucky recipients in the successful path. I view this award as support center. The amount of access I have from this award, like the computer lab, allows me to have a place to go and study or print freely:). The most important aspect of this award though is those backing me up within the office. They truly care, and I feel as though I have a special push behind me because Debra, Allie, and Silas all want us to do our best, and represent the program as well as possible.
Christina Hixson has really blessed my life and experience here at Iowa State University. I am so thankful that someone can be as incredibly giving as she is. The Hixson award was a pivital moment in my life because I feel as though I really achieved something by receiving it. It was the first kind of real life boost of hey the world has some really great things to give you. I just hope through this opportunity more and more will come my way, creating a bright and successful furture for me.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Social Media
Social media has become one of the greatest human fascinations in the history of our existance. It has transformed the entire way many communicate between friends, within the workplace, or important world news. During my week of experiencing social media at a slightly professional standpoint, I found Twitter to be a very effective tool in striking interest within different fields of work, as well as, learning fascinating information about topics I was possibly pursuing a career in someday.
I chose Twitter as my focus of media to take part in because I already had an account, and was quite familiar with the way the system worked. I comfortably used Twitter through my week tweeting organizations and programs related to my biology major. I found that being associated with these organizations, and keeping tabs on them by following them I could be updating on certain important issues within the field of biology. I learned a lot about recent discoveries taking place in the plant world, and also tragic realities involving marine animals. Genetics was another focus I watch carefully, and scientist were making great progress everyday in that aspect. Oceana was a primary source of information for me within this assignment, and I could see how getting to know these organizations could allow one to become involved, make connections, and open up opportunities for a future career.
Social media, through Twitter or any other type of medium, doesn't just have the impact of networking, it can also bring people closer together, boost a mood, build relationships, or be a wonderful newfeed connection to the world. A variety of examples of all of these characteristics of social media can be found in the articles assigned for this blog. One imparticular talks about the happiness Twitter brings to ones life. I totally believe this because I know I have gotten the random tweet that brings a smile to your face from a quirky friend or loved one. On a global level, Twitter and other social media is being used between large coorporations, employers, and other people in a position of authority to communicate. This communication isn't just minimized to that company or workers, but to potential clients around the world. Social media has even been created as a toold for helping law enforcement. The ways in which these media sites are being contructed and carried out have expanded relationships from one hemisphere to the next.
Not all social media has been considered a great thing. Many situations have been documented where social media sites have contributed to unfortunate accounts. Relationships have been lost, job opportunities are refused, and in extreme but often cases people lose their lives due to cyber bullying. One case in the article "How Facebook Can Ruin Your Friendships" a person's relationships with friends/family were damaged because they payed more attention to their Facebook status than the friend in a coma from a car accident and sending their concerns. These are examples in which social media can be detrimental to personal, or professional means of one's life.
I definitely feel I have a better sense of how to go about my use of social media from doing this activity and reading the articles. There are so many ways in which Twitter or Facebook can help boost your status in this world. It can bring people closer together or help one to meet friends in school or at college. The articles opened my eyes to exactly how many people are using these websites, and how crucial it is to keep up with changing technology. There are certain aspects I have to monitor in my use with social media because future employers do look into these sort of sites. Harmful situations can arise from these mediums, and from these articles I am aware and can carry on in my social media journey in a successful and professional manner.
I chose Twitter as my focus of media to take part in because I already had an account, and was quite familiar with the way the system worked. I comfortably used Twitter through my week tweeting organizations and programs related to my biology major. I found that being associated with these organizations, and keeping tabs on them by following them I could be updating on certain important issues within the field of biology. I learned a lot about recent discoveries taking place in the plant world, and also tragic realities involving marine animals. Genetics was another focus I watch carefully, and scientist were making great progress everyday in that aspect. Oceana was a primary source of information for me within this assignment, and I could see how getting to know these organizations could allow one to become involved, make connections, and open up opportunities for a future career.
Social media, through Twitter or any other type of medium, doesn't just have the impact of networking, it can also bring people closer together, boost a mood, build relationships, or be a wonderful newfeed connection to the world. A variety of examples of all of these characteristics of social media can be found in the articles assigned for this blog. One imparticular talks about the happiness Twitter brings to ones life. I totally believe this because I know I have gotten the random tweet that brings a smile to your face from a quirky friend or loved one. On a global level, Twitter and other social media is being used between large coorporations, employers, and other people in a position of authority to communicate. This communication isn't just minimized to that company or workers, but to potential clients around the world. Social media has even been created as a toold for helping law enforcement. The ways in which these media sites are being contructed and carried out have expanded relationships from one hemisphere to the next.
Not all social media has been considered a great thing. Many situations have been documented where social media sites have contributed to unfortunate accounts. Relationships have been lost, job opportunities are refused, and in extreme but often cases people lose their lives due to cyber bullying. One case in the article "How Facebook Can Ruin Your Friendships" a person's relationships with friends/family were damaged because they payed more attention to their Facebook status than the friend in a coma from a car accident and sending their concerns. These are examples in which social media can be detrimental to personal, or professional means of one's life.
I definitely feel I have a better sense of how to go about my use of social media from doing this activity and reading the articles. There are so many ways in which Twitter or Facebook can help boost your status in this world. It can bring people closer together or help one to meet friends in school or at college. The articles opened my eyes to exactly how many people are using these websites, and how crucial it is to keep up with changing technology. There are certain aspects I have to monitor in my use with social media because future employers do look into these sort of sites. Harmful situations can arise from these mediums, and from these articles I am aware and can carry on in my social media journey in a successful and professional manner.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
MBTI Scores
In lecture, when I filled out the sheet of my MBTI scores, I was very surprised to have matched directly with the scores I had received in the summer before coming to school. I enjoyed the activity, and it really reinforced my personality, how I study, and how I live mye life. After reviewing the descriptiong of the type of MBTI profile I was, I found that it was a true fit to how I perceive myself and also how others perceive my attitudes. I was categorized as ENFP which stands for extraversion, intuition, feeling, and perceiving.
My ENFP snapshot described me as curious, creative, and imaginative. I believe those are some of my best and strongest qualities. I discussed these characteristics with my cousins and they agreed that my profile fit me perfectly. I think that's so cool how it really can match someone's personailty so well just by how I answered a few questions. I found that I was very strong in my extraversion category and had a PCI result of 30 in the area. The other categories, intuition, feeling, and perceiving, weren't quite as strong but were still apparent in my tendency of handling situations.
After further looking into my results from the MBTI scores, I found that the paragraph and bullet points of adjectives of one in the ENFP group was exactly how I would explain myself to someone else. I think these characteristics correlate to the goals I have set for myself here at Iowa State as well as throughout the rest of my life. I feel like since the type of studying I do that comes along with this type of MBTI is what makes me successful in my academics. I make my work light and playful. I do crack down when I need to, but for the most part I am optimistic. My positive outlook and enthusiasm I believe is crucial to how I will be successful in my life and carryout the accomplishments I hope to achieve in life such as being a mentor and having great relationships with those I love.
Most importantly, through this exercise I have seen things about myself I didn't really notice before. I have seen emphasis on characteristics that I hadn't paid much attention or given much credit to myself. In the last couple weeks, the loads of homework and juggling a million other things I've seen my belief of overcoming obstacles, helping others stay positive, and being a free, flexible human being. I think these are traits others see in me, but some that I never really labeled myself as. I am really appreciative of this exercise for that reason.
Overall, this activity was successful, in my opinion. I thought it taught me a lot about who I am and how I function on a day to day basis. I also liked how accurate it was on not only myself but on others I had participate in the MBTI assessment.
My ENFP snapshot described me as curious, creative, and imaginative. I believe those are some of my best and strongest qualities. I discussed these characteristics with my cousins and they agreed that my profile fit me perfectly. I think that's so cool how it really can match someone's personailty so well just by how I answered a few questions. I found that I was very strong in my extraversion category and had a PCI result of 30 in the area. The other categories, intuition, feeling, and perceiving, weren't quite as strong but were still apparent in my tendency of handling situations.
After further looking into my results from the MBTI scores, I found that the paragraph and bullet points of adjectives of one in the ENFP group was exactly how I would explain myself to someone else. I think these characteristics correlate to the goals I have set for myself here at Iowa State as well as throughout the rest of my life. I feel like since the type of studying I do that comes along with this type of MBTI is what makes me successful in my academics. I make my work light and playful. I do crack down when I need to, but for the most part I am optimistic. My positive outlook and enthusiasm I believe is crucial to how I will be successful in my life and carryout the accomplishments I hope to achieve in life such as being a mentor and having great relationships with those I love.
Most importantly, through this exercise I have seen things about myself I didn't really notice before. I have seen emphasis on characteristics that I hadn't paid much attention or given much credit to myself. In the last couple weeks, the loads of homework and juggling a million other things I've seen my belief of overcoming obstacles, helping others stay positive, and being a free, flexible human being. I think these are traits others see in me, but some that I never really labeled myself as. I am really appreciative of this exercise for that reason.
Overall, this activity was successful, in my opinion. I thought it taught me a lot about who I am and how I function on a day to day basis. I also liked how accurate it was on not only myself but on others I had participate in the MBTI assessment.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Christina Hixson
College is an experience that many may say are some of the best times of their lives. It’s a chance to meet new people, discover freedom, and grow as an individual. With the help of one outstandingly charitable woman, Christina Hixson, freshman from all over the state were blessed with the opportunity to attend Iowa State University. These selected scholars were personally chosen by Ms. Hixson herself in order to give a student the college experience they desired, but did not have the sufficient funds to attend. As a result of the amazing donations, the Christina Hixson Opportunity Awards program has caught the eye of people within this state as well as across the country, and has been transforming young students since 1995.
As a recipient of the Christina Hixson scholarship, it is very interesting to understand the history behind such a generous donation towards financially disadvantaged students. The story is compelling and began in 1995 when the first awards were given to freshman in each of the 99 counties throughout the state of Iowa. Ms. Hixson was an Iowa native who grew up on a farm in the town of Clarinda. She, as well as her scholars, did not have the funds to attend college, but began working for a Buick dealer in Omaha, Nebraska. The business sooned transformed into a Las Vegas real estate developer, and Chrisitna was there during the whole process at her bosses side, Ernst Lied. His multi-million dollar estate was left to Ms. Hixson when he died in 1980.
Once coming into her fortune, Christina Hixson chose to reach out to those who were most like her as a young adult with the desire to go to college, but seemed unlikely as an option to them because of hardships challenging that opportunity. It was announced that the total land-grant from the Lied Foundation Trust was $5 million dollars, and reportedly one of the largest cash donation given to any public university within the state of Iowa. Ms. Hixson put a great amount faith within this program to see the students succeed that truly understand what a privilege it is to be able to attend a school such as Iowa State University. Over the course of the years this scholarship has been awarded, she has seen just that.From the responses of the recipients, it is clear just how much of a blessing this amazing amount of funding is to a student enrolling at Iowa State. In my experience, I felt as though I had won the lottery, and by the testimonies heard around the state, many shared my exact excitement. What Christina Hixson set out to do was to change lives and open doors. She states that the students she looks to help are not the “best” students or have the highest GPA, but the ones she knows and believes will succeed. This is exactly what has been occurring over the past fourteen years, and will continue into the future.
“I don’t really give gifts, but I do offer opportunities”. This quote from Christina Hixson truly exemplifies the reward she places in the palms of her recipients. She provides them with chances to succeed, to be the person they want to be, pursue the career they desire, and experience college just the same as those who can afford it. She is changing the world through her scholars because; they are the ones who will appreciate the opportunity to make the most of themselves. Christina Hixson continues to bless the state of Iowa every year, and has created outstanding opportunities to hundreds by her gracious and chartible nature.
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