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I know all of you have asked this question before..."Can you tell me an easy class to take?"  That is one of my favorite questions and since it's priority registration for spring 2010, advisors get that question a lot.  If you have ever met with me, I typically throw that question back to you..."What is easy for you?"  I do that because what each of us finds "easy" may not be "easy" for others.  Really what we all mean by easy is "what is fun and interesting to learn about?"  Well, for me, that was psychology and education.  Many students have taken these subjects and found them difficult.   I didn't because I truly enjoyed what I was learning.  I can tell you that many students find math to be a breeze and enjoy how logical it is.....not me!  I successfully completed my math requirements and went on my way.   Students probably wouldn't be too happy with me if all I recommended were Psychology classes.
 
In addition, last spring I stepped back in the classroom for the "Food and Wine Pairing" class through TCEM.  This is not an easy class by any means, it is a complicated subject that covers geography, terminology, the wine making process, and how to correctly taste wine & pair it with food.  I didn't know much about this subject but I had a great interest in wine so I did well in the class.  I found the readings and classes very intriguing so I was motivated each week to complete the requirements of the course.  It really helped me when I traveled to France in May!   Of course we had the opportunity to try different wines with a variety of food each week, which isn't so bad if you like wine.
 
What I'm trying to say is that all students have general education and electives to take.  Look at all of your options and think about what you enjoy.  Of course, make sure it meets Kelley requirements, too.  You'll probably be happy with your grade and possibly pursue a minor if you take classes that you like, opposed to just "getting them out of the way".

Oh yeah...don't forget to register for spring 2010 classes.  Meet with your Kelley advisor to make sure you've developed an academic plan for timely graduation!

 As I was gathering all of the fun stuff for the IUPUI Study Abroad Fair, I realized that I never posted pictures from the Kelley trip to France!  Enjoy! 

If you are interested in learning more about our trip in Summer I 2010...stop by the Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday, September 2nd from 11 am - 2 pm in the Taylor Courtyard or contact Jaime Clougher at jcloughe@iupui.edu.

 

 

The Cathedral!  We climbed to the top!

 

 

 

  

Artwork on the Cathedral.

 

Kelley students at the Council of Europe.

 

Inside the Council of Europe.

 

Delicious food!  Hosted by the University of Strasbourg.

 

 

Smart Car!

 

 

Outside of the European Parliament

 

On to Paris!!

 

Top of the Eiffel Tower!  It was windy! :)

 

Seine River

 

Pont Neuf

 

The Louvre

 

Final Dinner...til next time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week continues to fly by!  Yesterday jump-started with a trip to Germany visiting Mercedes Benz.  In my entire life until this past week I have been to only one other country...Canada...and now in just a few days I have tripled that! 

The Mercedes Benz plant was really interesting.  At this particular factory they make two models of cars - A Class and B Class.  I've been on a few plant tours and this was the most facinating of all of them as the entire manufacturing process is automated using robots.  While there are quite a few workers, I've never seen so many robots used in a factory.  It was clear that the quality is improved by the use of the robots which increases the value of these cars.  And because of that high quality and value, I will not be able to afford one! 

After a quick lunch back in Strasbourg at the Euro Cafe (quiche, salad, and Coca Cola light - otherwise known as Diet Coke - all so tasty!) we headed over to the Kronenbourg Brewery, which was founded in 1664.  The tour of the brewery was very entertaining as we had an excellent tour guide!  What I found to be the most interesting were the "galleries" that were used keep the beer cold before modern refrigeration was invented.  Deep below the brewery in the cellars there is a large room with many hallways connected to it.  They would bring ice from the nearby mountains and dump it in the large room.  The galleries would then fill with cold air to keep the beer fresh.  I'm convinced they could still be used as it was nice and chilly in the cellar! 

When we arrived back in the city, David, Nathan, and I headed straight for the Cathedral!  After finally finding the stairs, we climbed to the very top!  I'm so thankful that we did and it really didn't take more than 15-20 minutes with stopping to take pictures throughout the ascent.  The view from the top was breathtaking.  Despite a cloudy day, we could see for miles!  The church bells rang while we were up there and startled us...and the pigeons...which was pretty amusing if you can imagine me running away from them as they fluttered above my head.:)  The descent was followed by a delicious dinner of spaghetti...I admit that I needed a taste of home this evening.

I hope to post some pictures in the future!  Stay posted!

Au revoir!

  

 

What seemed like a trip that was so far off has finally arrived and we are already 2 days in! After a long flight from Indy, our group checked into our hotel in Strasbourg, France Sunday afternoon.  Strasbourg is about a 4 hour drive, east of Paris, in the Alsace region.  It borders Germany and you can definitely see both countries' influences in the architecture and food!  I hope to post some pictures soon.  

Since yesterday it has been a complete whirlwind of activity!  An hour after checking in, we went on a walking tour of the city seeing La Cathedrale, Gutenberg's monument, the Chamber of Commerce, and numerous unique shops & restaurants.  La Cathedral took centuries to build and is beautiful!  It's one of the tallest buildings in the city and  the only way to reach the top is to climb the stairs.  David, Professor Bonser-Neal and I plan to embark on that adventure tomorrow as you can see for miles at the top of the highest tower!  After our walking tour we went on a relaxing boat ride that also provided a tour of the city and some interesting history along the way.  Afterward for dinner we tried some Alsatian cuisine...I had a "traditionale tarte" which is kind of like a flat bread pizza without the tomato sauce.  Delicious!

Today we hit the pavement and mass transit to the various European government organizations that are centered in Strasbourg.  Both the Council of Europe and European Parliament are positioned in this city.  The Kelley students attending the trip had a plethora of knowledge regarding these organizations because they are currently taking POLS Y350 - Politics of the European Union,  I'm pretty confident that the guides  and speakers were impressed with their questions!  As a newcomer to this, I definitely learned  so much about how the Council and Parliament interact and the role that each plays.  The Parliament focuses more on the European economy while the Council focuses on human rights.  Of course, there is MUCH more, but that's the basics.

While touring today, there was another group of business students from Boston College.  We noticed them because they were speaking American English.  It's funny how quickly you can distinguish your language when 99% of the people around you are not.  Makes me really appreciate our international students at IUPUI even more.  Being immersed in a culture where you know bits and pieces of a language can be a struggle.  Patience is key and I appreciate everyone here in France that has been patient with me as I try to communicate with them. :) 

Ok...after a fabulous dinner with our University of Strasbourg colleagues...it's time to turn in.  Another eventful day at Mercedes Benz and Kronenbourg Brewery awaits for tomorrow!  Oh yeah...and that hike up to the top of the Cathedral!

Au revoir! 

In the midst of a financial crisis, it's nice to be on the side of offering students the opportunity to get some cash.  This time of year is when Kelley, IUPUI, and the Federal Government can help you afford next year's classes. :)  All you need to do is APPLY.

One of my roles in Kelley is coordinating the scholarship process for new and continuing students.  It's absolutely amazing the number of scholarships that are given to just Kelley students each year.  You can see what was given out in 2007:  Kelley Scholarships   At the same time, I'm always surprised at the percentage of students that don't apply.  It's free money!!  I know that if I was eligible, I'd apply! :)  Last week, current Kelley students that are eligible for 2009-2010 scholarships were invited to apply and their applications are due this Friday, February 13th.  If you received this letter...submit your application.   

IUPUI also has an Office of Student Scholarships that is a great resource for continuing students.  There is ONE application for all of the scholarships...that's pretty nice. The deadlines can vary, so just make sure you check out the Continuing Student Scholarship Application. 

Lastly, make sure you file the FAFSA.  What's that, you say?  Well...it's the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  It's how you can find out if you are eligible for federal grants and/loans.  If you are eligible, then you decide what you want to accept.  In regard to loans...never accept more than you need.  You have to pay it back after you graduate. :)  This is one application that applying early definitely helps.  The priority deadline is March 1, 2009 so complete the FAFSA soon!   

Unfortunately money doesn't grow on trees.  I googled it...trust me...I'm paying back my student loans. :)  Take the time to apply for some extra cash for school and maybe they'll show you the money!