Category: Academic

At a Loss

Just before Reading Week, a couple representatives of the UBC English Honours Program came to talk to my Arts One group about applying for next year. Overall, I was intrigued, as I liked the smaller group feel it promoted, and the idea that I could explore English to such an extent. I figured it would be more difficult, as it requires a thesis in the fourth year, but I know I could handle that. The main set back was the grades they were looking for, as it was a good 10% above my current average. I figured I would get closer to it throughout this term, as my marks have only been going up, but I couldn’t really get close enough to be there. They said they were flexible when it comes to judging grades, so I still felt some hope, but mostly I was just unsure as to what I wanted to do.

I talked to my prof the next day and he didn’t know much about the program, but suggested that I look into creative writing instead. I perked up at the notion, as I have wanted to write books since I was eight years old, but quickly got over my excitement, as it is common knowledge, writers don’t make any money. Ugh, just typing that sentence upsets me. It’s partially false, as there are some writers that make lots of money (take J.K. Rowling, for instance). The catch is, it’s hard to become a published writer, let alone a successful published writer. That’s why I approached University with the idea that every writer needs a day job. I set my sights on becoming either an English Prof or a psychotherapist.

Problem is, now I am realizing that I am not as enamored with either of my favorite subjects as I was before. I don’t go to psychology class anymore (I found I can get a 75% on the test if I just read the book) and the book is pretty interesting, but I don’t know if I am willing to fully commit to a PHD in psych, which is what I would need if I were to become a psychotherapist. Even if I were, I’m not all that sure I could complete a PHD. I have a pretty good average, but not an amazing one. Same story with becoming an English Prof, except I am going to class, I am just stumbling with the material. I have to give SparkNotes a good look over before I write any of my Arts One essays, and I don’t feel like I am comprehending the material like my classmates. I love to read, especially classics, so how come I haven’t already read The Birth of Tragedy or The Republic, or even the freaking Iliad, (which I bought prior to coming to UBC and still didn’t touch until the last minute) when a fair share of my classmates have, or at least are very good at pretending they have.

This all comes back to honours. I thought, maybe if I throw myself into literature, my love for it will carry me through, but, as in the case of Arts One, that doesn’t really work. As far as wanting to be a writer, I am a bit in the opinion that in order to write books you need to have read a whole lot of them, even though this isn’t necessarily true. Nevertheless, I am still lost when it comes to whether or not I should apply to honours. I mean, if they say yes, I can always change my mind, and if they say no, they will have made up my mind for me. I just think I wouldn’t want to say no if I got in, so if I apply, that means I want to be in it and…well then we’re back to the beginning.

The final road block I have to deal with in my dreams of becoming a novelist is the fact that I have never actually written anything even close to a novel. I haven’t even attempted. The last story I wrote that was more than a page long was in grade eight and it was awful. As far as my writing goes, it’s mostly blogging (like here, and my livejournal) as well as, well, poetry. I like to write poetry. Actually, I am pretty sure that I am somewhat good at writing poetry. Great. I am good at and enjoy writing something that no one makes money with. I mean, how the hell do you become a successful poet anyway? Far as I can see, you spend your life writing poetry that no one understands, die tragically, become famous, then, from beyond the grave, watch 10th graders squirm while they try interpret what you did mean. Woo. I am just afraid that I will spend my entire life wanting to be a poet, all the while working at some large company, doing a job that murders my soul on a daily basis, until I retire, and then focus my attentions to pressuring my children to have more children themselves, until I die. That is not the life for me.

I think the whole point of this entry is to say that I have no idea what I am doing anymore.

Academic Personal ResidenceLife

The Responsibility Train

Yes, I did neglect two Saturdays and an entire week of blogging, but I have my reasons, and that is laziness. That’s right, over reading break I did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING and it was GLORIOUS. But I am ready to hop back on the train of responsibility and I know that means updating regularly, going to class, and fulfilling many other random tasks. (Such as picking up a plethora of props tomorrow for the Totem Musical)

Oh, I didn’t tell you, I’m the Props Manager for Totem Park’s production of GREASE! Honestly, I am not the biggest fan of Grease, but I am the biggest fan of props management. I love working backstage. Something about making a show happen is intensely rewarding and makes my heart happy.

Speaking of heart happiness, Max and I will have been together six months on March 1st. I won’t get to ooey gooey or anything, but I am really happy. It’s weird to think about how our friends have never known us apart, but I like to think that we function pretty well as a couple. We already have plans to spend the summer in Toronto, and then move in together next fall. Come the start of next school year, it will be a year. I never thought I would find a relationship as soon as I got to University, I actually didn’t really want that, but I am so happy I did. He is amazing, and I love him completely. Funny to think that we first met over Facebook.

Ah well, back on the responsibility train I go…toot toot.

Academic AMS Faculty

Phase Two Tour

Earlier this week I got word through Blog Squad that there was going to be a tour of the not-yet-opened phase two of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and they were looking for some students to walk through and give feedback. Upon hearing of this I excitedly replied and got a spot on the tour. That tour was this morning.

First off, I want to say that I flat-out love phase one of the IKBLC. I know that I often mention the glorious Ridington Room as it has become my own little nook on campus where I feel truly dedicated to my studies. I think that will always be my favorite room, but after seeing what phase two will hold, I can’t be positive! The space is so open and expansive, with several different vast free study spaces that each had a variety of seating, from big comfy couchy benches to elegant tall chairs. There are also countless classrooms, varying in size, from a large theatre to a small office, all with flexible seating and tables.

As we walked through the expansive new wing, not yet finished, but obviously not far from completion, I felt as though I was walking through a building that was made for me. Granted it will soon be the new home for Arts One (as well as Science One, and the Coordinated Arts Program) so it will be a place that I will be spending a lot of time, but that’s not the only reason. I feel like the student body will own this place, the hallways wrap around in almost mazes, offering endless opportunities to plop down and study. All the classrooms will be left unlocked, so they can be used as forums for clubs or just casual study spaces. There will be a booking system put in place so you can just walk in and claim a small office or do so ahead of time through the Centre. There are so many windows and sky lights and places where you can just hang out. There will be a cafe! Offering food through the opening hours of the centre, which should be something like 7am-11pm.

I think my favorite part of the tour was when we got to enter the (still being renovated) Chapman Learning Commons that is not scheduled to open until April. Being a first year student, I had never been in the famous room, with its high ceilings and almost-cathedral feel, but I was very familiar with it from the countless photos I had seen of it in promotional material. I can honestly say that it is as beautiful as those photos make it seem. I was a little disheartened at the beginning of the year when I found out they were renovating it, but we were assured today that they are returning it to it’s original beauty, just updating it to keep up with seismic regulations. I simply CANNOT WAIT until this place fully opens.

All in all, I loved the tour, but what I found the most refreshing part of the whole experience was the feedback session we had following it. In it we had several very important people like the Interim Director of the Learning Centre, Jan Wallace, and Kelly Simmons, the Manager of Classroom Services, among others, sit down and as for our opinions of the Centre. Not only were these people kind enough to guide us through the wing (which hasn’t even opened yet) but they really just wanted to know what we thought of the whole building. They jotted down notes of everything we said and gave me a real feeling of being supported here at UBC.

Their call for feedback does not stop at those who are given a tour. More than anything they want to know what you, the average student, has to think. If you think the pattern of the carpet is too distracting, the want to know, if you don’t like the lighting in one room, or you find the chalkboards too far away to read, they want to know. Seriously, they want to make this space something every student will use and enjoy, and the only way they can approach that goal is to hear from you. To make all of this feedback possible, they even made a Facebook group, you can find it here. (Also, check out the awesome pictures the Kevin from Student Development took on our tour!)

So go, join the group, reply to some of the discussion topics and LOOK FORWARD to February 25th, when phase two FINALLY opens its doors. I can assure you, you are going to love this building.

Academic Personal Wellness

Happiest of New Years

To start off, I must say that the year 2007 was an incredible one for me, probably my best year so far. I attribute this to many events and changes that occurred in my life, namely the following:

I graduated high school. This was the single biggest relief ever. I was not a big fan of high school.
I got into UBC, after getting my hopes dashed twice.
I made it into Blog Squad, bringing together my favorite school and favorite pass time.
I made a bazillion friends within that first week.
I got a boyfriend, my first one, and fell in love.
Through A LOT of hard work and all-nighters I managed to pass all my courses.

Those are some of my victories that lead me to have hope for 2008. All that said, I have some resolutions:

To not procrastinate so damn much. (I am already failing at that one, as I have an Arts One essay to write…)
To be the best girlfriend I can be.
To be proud of my marks.
To be more available to my friends and those I love.
To be more charitable.

Those all seem doable. I’ve never been one to make these sorts of things, but sitting here after one year of awesome hard work, and seeing what that hard work accomplished, I realize that I really should dedicate myself more to my own happiness and well-being, as well as that of others.

I am currently on the last of three winter break adventures, all of which will be recounted as soon as I return to UBC. Wish me luck!

Academic AMS Recreation ResidenceLife

Structural Secrets

I just finish writing an 8-page in class essay on Plato’s Republic. I am not all that sure how I did, but I both love and hate the feeling those sort of essays leave me with. Sort of a tired, hungry, but oh-so-productive energy. Carrying on my awesome productiveness (I cleaned my room last night, too!) I have decided to post an entry about some of the specific details of the UBC campus which lead to my decision to come here. If you haven’t visited any of those on this list, I urge you to, whether you are a current student, a prospective student, or even one of the many members of faculty and UBC work force that keep this university running. This is our home; we should know it as such. Anyway, the list:

The Nitobe Memorial Garden: First of all, it’s free for students. And those of you who aren’t (or aren’t yet!) a student, its super cheap (three to five dollars) I remember when I first came to visit UBC with my mom; we wanted to visit the garden but ran out of time. Well I made up for that within my first week here, dragging Max off to stroll through the garden with me. It really is beautiful, there are fish and flowers and a waterfall, not to mention the amazing trees. I am making it a point to wander about the garden once it snows, that will really be something.

That View, Down Main Mall, With the Canadian Flag and the Mountains: Ahh, the UBC viewbook. I memorized every page before I arrived, wondering if everything will look as vibrant and amazing in person. I remember one of the first days it rained here, I was walking to class, strolling across the lawn that lies in the middle of main mall, when I paused and looked to my right. There it was, the Canadian flag, blowing in the wind as the rain poured and I could just see the mountains fading into the mist. I was in complete awe. That view now does this to me almost every time I see it. Even today, it’s freezing outside but I can’t help the urge to sit down, in the middle of main mall, and gaze at the snow on those mountains. It’s really one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen.

The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre: When I took my first tour of the UBC campus our tour guide stopped in front of the windows on the far end of the centre, the one that faces Buchanan. She showed us the Library Robots that have access to a vast number of books, all stored in drawers along these long corridors, all viewable from outside. I was already amazed at the view; I had no idea then what a large resource and escape the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre would become. It is a library, but it is also so much more. I know you have heard me babble on and on about the Ridington Room, with it’s spiral staircase and comfy chairs, but it really is that valuable of a place for me. To be able to look at all the past Presidents of UBC in the soft lighting and silent atmosphere of that room makes me really feel like I can finish reading my mind-numbing textbook, not only that, but I can do well. If you have not yet been to this Learning Centre, visit it. Not only does it have a great many resources, but also some of the coolest views of campus.

Echo Circle: I am not entirely sure that this is the formal name of the circular monument in the middle of the intersection of Main Mall and Memorial Road, but that is basically its function. If you have never heard of this place, this is what you have to do. Go to the monument, look in the very center, see that big, gold, circle in the very middle of the cement platform in the center of the ring of seats? Stand on it. Don’t worry; this is what it was made for. Hop on up, stand tall, and say something. Make sure you speak up. Listen to your voice. The effects of the circle are pretty rad. Give it a shot!

The UBC Museum of Anthropology: When I first visited this museum I had never heard of the term First Nations and knew nothing of Vancouver’s native culture outside of the totem polls in Stanley Park. I left with a much greater knowledge than what I entered with. I highly recommend a tour, if you are as lost as I was. They are rather informative and interesting, and consist mainly of the tour guide telling you stories and legends and showing you how they relate to the artifacts. I was highly impressed.

The Forestry Building: (the Forest Sciences Centre) Seriously, this is one of THE MOST beautiful buildings on campus, in my opinion. It lies on the corner of Agronomy and Main Mall, super close to Totem Park for any Totemites who need a tranquil place to study, and it is worth the walk to anyone anywhere else on campus. The building itself exemplifies the Vancouver environment, with pillars made out of compressed lumber, (like tall trees in a forest) a ceiling made of glass, (so you can see the sky) a floor as solid shade of grey-blue, (the ocean) and many small motifs of mountains and forests. When I first saw the inside of this building I nearly cried. (I have a very soft spot in my heart for architecture; I get it from my mom) It is seriously one of my most favourite places to go to study or read.

I know that a campus as large as UBC can be kind of overwhelming and I assure you that every building on campus has a secret. Maybe it was in a movie or on TV, like the Buchanan Tower, which served as the FBI headquarters for the X-Files. Maybe it has a cool little feature, like the moving bookcases of the lower levels of the Koerner Library. Maybe the atmosphere just suits you, as in my case with the Ridington Room. These secrets aren’t going to just reveal themselves to you; you’ve got to find them. Don’t worry, it’s totally worth it.

Academic ResidenceLife Wellness

The Benefits of Residence

Totem has a caf!

I am sure you have heard about the unfortunate situation Totem has found itself in the past couple months. That’s right, our tent. For the first couple months of my residency I had the choice between Totem Tent food (which was lower priced, but had little selection) or taking 15 minutes to walk to Vanier to eat at their caf. Most commonly I did the latter, or ate in my room. Well now all that is over…Totem has a caf!

And the thing is, it’s already pretty damn cool. Here’s why:

1. The decor is very modern and sleek. It reminds me of Star Trek, in an awesome way.
2. We have these big screen TVs hanging over each section of the caf…they have yet to be turned on, but that right there is pretty cool.
3. Our store also opened, which means that from 5:30pm to 11:30pm we have access to our own little store…very much like Vanier, EXCEPT our grill is attached to the store, so we can get hot Cheeseburgers, Chicken Strips, Grilled Cheese, ect. any time up to 11:15pm

Granted, our commonsblock is not yet finished, but I can hear the construction workers now working to get it done for us.

Totem gets ragged on a lot for being sub-par. To be honest, when I found out I was assigned to Totem (even though it was my first choice) I was a bit concerned. I want to make myself very clear when I say this, Totem Park is, in no way, sub-par to Vanier. They are both about equal in flaws and high points. Totem is further away than Vanier from most buildings, but I honestly don’t mind a 15 minute walk to class, and my figure doesn’t seem to be minding, either! Yes, we are known for our parties, and they do exist, but I never have a hard time saying no and hanging out in my room. Totem has the option for a larger single room, which I took, and I am grateful for the space. We are under construction now, but that is all set to be finished, hopefully, by 2008. Then our commonsblock will be just as nice as Vanier’s. Totem just seems to be a bit more laid-back than Vanier, and both have their high points. My point is, when choosing between residences, keep in mind that you create your own experiences.

And a note on res itself, I was actually rather terrified of living in res. For anybody coming in, trying to make that choice, or just thinking about it for later, I am SO HAPPY I chose to live on campus. You make friends so easily, you don’t have to worry about commuting to get to class, UBC becomes not only the place you study, but your home. I can not even begin to explain how rewarding this is. You get used to wearing flip-flops in the showers, to sticking to the quiet hours, and to the occasional fire alarm. Overall, in these past few months, living on campus has changed my perception of University life for the better, and I could not be happier.

…on a personal note, I have a midterm in an hour and woke up with a sore throat. I think the sick season is upon us.

Academic AMS International Personal ResidenceLife Wellness

Appreciating Adulthood.

So, it’s official. Sam is now an adult.

Yes, my 18th birthday was 134 days ago, so technically I was an official adult then, but I never really felt like one until this past week. Why? A few reasons…

First off, Max and I went down to Orange County this last weekend, and I was in charge of the travel plans. I made sure we caught our buses and planes so we got in on time. I’ve been flying alone for nearly 13 years now, but never once have I been in charge of getting myself to the bus stop, to the station, across the border, to the plane. Really, it came natural, I didn’t realize the gravity of my independence until we were on the plane, flying to Sacramento to make our connection to LAX. I looked to my left and saw Max, absorbed in an episode of South Park we were watching on my lap top, and I realized that I was 18, I was in University, and I was taking my university boyfriend to meet some of the most important people in my life. Everything felt so real, all of a sudden.

Second of all, yesterday was my rather productive day. I finally mailed in my form for MSP. (If you are an international student and you haven’t already DO IT NOW!) It’s extremely important, especially with flu season coming up. I also paid my (overdue!) phone bills at the bank, and deposited a check that had been burning a hole in my wallet for awhile now. Max and I went to dinner at Suga Sushi (we eat there so often that we are now becoming regulars) and I felt so happy and in charge that I realized…I am now an adult.

When I first got to UBC everything was to new and exciting, I was making so many friends and doing so many things that the most important things (like MSP and studying) almost fell at the wayside. Now that I have finally gotten into the groove of my week, all those important things are fitting into the fun things. I am studying harder, cleaning more often, but still taking time to watch movies with friends.

Take this afternoon. As soon as I finish this entry I am going to meet up with Max and a friend and we are going to go to the SUB to mail some things to our parents, then we are going to go comic book shopping, have dinner, and head to the Improv show. (GO SEE UBC IMPROV!) I am working on mixing in the responsibility with the fun, and I think I almost have the balance down.

So yes, Sam is now officially an adult, and I am rather enjoying it! :D

(oh and things in Orange County, with Max meeting my Mom and best friends, went smashingly :) )

Academic International ResidenceLife

Hectic Rhetoric

Oh blog.

Life has been rather hectic in a non-hectic way this week. I turned in my second Arts One paper (I got a 69%, 1% better than last time!) I had a psychology “midterm” today. (Why do they call it a midterm? It’s just one of six tests we will receive this year, there wasn’t anything different about it.) Actually, I was the first person in my rather large class to finish, which was a little awkward because I looked up as I handed in my test and EVERYBODY was staring. I always go so fast on exams. I have started reading the Mahabharata which is this really cool, really old, Indian text I am reading for Arts One, so all in all, school is in check.

With that said, UPS is currently stalking me. Seriously. I was gone for two hours this afternoon and they left me five messages. It seems my mom did not pay the customs fees for a package so they are demanding I somehow pull a $45 cashier’s check out of my knickers (cause, you know, I have the time and the resources to do that). Also I have 4 or 5 boxes that got stopped at customs so I now have to make a copy of my passport and student visa, as well as come up with a list of everything in those boxes and fax it to UPS. They seem to be under the impression that I have ESP. I have a feeling this is going to become a much bigger headache than it already is.

Other than that, and the large number of dishes and trash I have piling up beside my door, my life is sort of working itself out. Canadian Thankgiving is this weekend, which I plan to spend sleeping, reading, and maybe volunteering at a soup kitchen. I’ve been feeling a bit blue lately and I think volunteering is just the sort of thing to bring me out of that. So here’s to things getting easier.

PS. Max and I got a fish. He is a beta and his full name is Archduke Malificus Franz Ferdinand the Magnificent. But we just refer to him as Ferdinand.

Here is a haiku I wrote about him, just now:

Oh my Ferdinand
please don’t hover at the top
no upside-down fish.

I really need to change his water…

Academic AMS International Recreation ResidenceLife

It’s Raining Men (whee hee!)

Post author By Samantha Horton
Post date September 21, 2007
1 Comment on It’s Raining Men (whee hee!)

Ah the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, place where I spend most of my study time on the computers or sitting in the amazing Ridington Room. It seems this is the second entry I’ve written here. I just find the atmosphere so…blog-worthy.

Anywho, it’s raining. Hard. I don’t think I could begin to describe how much I love the rain. I love it so much that I walked about in it this afternoon without a raincoat, umbrella, or hat. I look like a drowned rat. Seriously, you should see me in all my sopping glory, you’d laugh. I wish more people shared my love of the rain. Live in California for a year and you’ll miss it. It rarely rains there. Here it’s so refreshing.

I don’t know if you’ve heard, through the channels of Blog Squad or all that hot campus gossip (I sincerely doubt the latter) but I now have a boyfriend. His name is Max. Yes, it’s true that Blog Squad has somehow managed to not only bring a group of ten amazingly articulate and interesting students together, but it has also made a couple of two of its members. Everyone seems to find this to be rather cute. I, well we, beg to differ. I don’t know what we are, but it’s not cute. Anyway, yes. Sam and Max. In a relationship.

So I am currently taking all of two classes. This is because I am in Arts One. I don’t know how familiar you are with Arts One, but basically we read a book, discuss it at great lengths, then go off and write an essay about said book. That essay is then handed out amongst our professor and three of our peers so we can go into a tutorial session and have our work critiqued. I went through that dance last Tuesday, when I sat staring straight ahead as my essay on Genesis was picked apart by those around me, admitting to my faults and answering tough questions on my thesis and writing style until my time was up and I was handed back my essay with a grade, 68%. (Looking into the UBC numerical grading system this is a B-, and who am I to complain about a B-, but it was still a shock.) The whole thing sounds a whole lot scarier than it was. There were some low blows, but nothing I can’t improve upon. Although it still makes me nervous about my next essay.

Besides that I am taking PSYCH 100, which is interesting, but nothing to really write home about.

What else? Clubs Week! I am now a proud member of the UBC Improv Club and the UBC Food Society, though I am a bit concerned about the latter, seeing as I tend to be a bit of a picky eater, oh well, what a way to bring me out of my shell.

Oh! Longboat! Me and 8 of my closest friends, including Max and Cory (both from Blog Squad) are all going to be participating in Day of the Longboat, under the team name The Wicked Wavers! I get to be the navigator, as I have a rather loud voice and like to yell at people. We have training tomorrow, and I am super psyched. I am also going to see Across the Universe on Sunday, so there is a lot to look forward to this weekend.

Part of me hopes the rain keeps up just for the sounds, smells, and sights. But I know I am almost alone in that opinion so, for the sake of everyone else, I hope it dries up!

Academic International Recreation ResidenceLife

Lost and Found

I am sitting on the grass, beneath the trees outside of the SUB. I have the sneaking suspicion that there is something crawling up my leg, but I am going to ignore that for the sake of my own sanity. I sat down here with full intention to do some reading, as I am already behind in both my classes (Arts One and Psych 100) but instead my mind wandered to my blog…this little window into my life that I keep forgetting to prop open.

It’s hard to imagine that I’ve only been in class a week, as it feels like so much more. Already I’ve had more meals in the Vanier cafeteria than I can count. (The Totem cafeteria is currently a tent with food that isn’t awful, but isn’t all that great, either). I’ve walked all over campus to the point that it actually seems to be shrinking in size. I’ve done laundry twice, dishes once, and cleaned my room, just to have it filthy the next day. I’ve made friends with countless (well, according to Facebook, 55) people. I’ve procrastinated, I’ve wandered about Vancouver, I’ve listened to Canadian friends talk about Canadian (as well as American) politics, I’ve laughed for no reason and danced into the night on the grass (all thanks to Laughter Yoga). To say the least, I’ve experienced more in this past week than I had this past summer.

I am still lost when it comes to how I am supposed to read all this before my essay is due, on how, exactly, Canadian politics work, or the proper drying time for my clothes so I don’t walk around smelling like mildew, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am at UBC for an education, not just one in philosophy and history, but one in life. If I wasn’t so lost now, how could I be any help to those who will be lost tomorrow?

I have learned to approach every experience as one to learn from, and as corny as that sounds, I know I’ll be better for it.