Tuesday, December 11, 2012

HCOM 230: My Final Exam

My final exam for my Environmental Creative Writing class consisted of me reading one of the pieces that I had written this semester in front of the class.

I read the poem that I wrote about an environmental injustice that was occurring. On that subject I chose to describe how the lionfish is an invasive species in South Carolina. In the poem, however, I also draw a parallel between humans and lionfish, as I believe we are both invasive species.

Thank you to my favorite human, Carolyn Scarpelli, for recording the moment and sitting through class with me even though today was her day off.

This is how it went:


So yeah, that happened. Thanks California.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Where has the Time Gone?

I realize I've done a crap job of keeping up with my blog, so hopefully some of the other NSE kids have done a better job.

It's dead week by USC standards, but all of my classes have decided to give their exams on the last day of class. This includes the following:

Tuesday:

  • Present my final two projects for my sculpture class
  • Exit Interview for Sign Language
Thursday:
  • Present a piece I wrote for Environmental Creative Writing and turn in my portfolio for the semester
Friday:
  • Turn in 6-8 page paper for History
Needless to say due to the fact that I saved most of my electives for my senior year, it's been a pretty easy ride. Stressful, yes... but difficult, no.

For any of you that are reading this and want to or are considering studying abroad on the National Student Exchange, I highly recommend that you act upon your inclinations and apply. You won't regret your decision. It's my senior year, I've missed my last season of Gamecock football, I've missed my friends, and yeah, I've missed the parties ;) BUT if I could go back, I wouldn't change a thing. If any of you are considering coming to the Monterey Bay area in California, then read on!

CSUMB is a relatively new school (I'm older than the school) and it prides itself on being different from other colleges. It is based on portfolios and presentations because they feel that these things can more accurately prepare you for the real world and measure what you've taken from the class. The classes are small so it's very easy to get face time with the professors. Although the class periods are long (an hour and fifty minutes!) the professors are usually very good at utilizing the whole class period, or just letting you out early. They're not about wasting anyone's time. 

There were plenty of events on campus to get students involved too! Over the semester I have become very close friends with one of my suite-mates and together we played in two open mic nights, two talent shows, and a multicultural event. We also helped put together the school's first St. Baldrick's event!

Even as this semester is coming to a close, I'm making plans with some of the people that I've met to visit over the summer, or sometimes soon. I truly believe that I've met a few of my soul-mates on this adventure, and I couldn't ask for anything more than that. The fact that while I was here I got to intern at one of the most amazing aquariums in the country is an extreme bonus as well. So many amazing things have happened and I'm so glad that I was brave enough to make this decision. So be brave too! Take a chance and immerse yourself in another culture! Expand your horizons!

Feel free to email me if you have any questions (although I'm sure that the lovely ladies at NSE could answer them much better than I ever could)

carnrigs@email.sc.edu

...and have no fear! This is NOT my last post.