Day 21

Day 21

Mon. Sept. 30, 2013

Monday's off! Woke up early to do some laundry and timed the dryer time for a campus bookstore shop for ENGL100A. The books were costly! I popped by the Student Pharmacy and get some medicine that were according to my symptoms. I bought them and popped a few, so far feeling good…

On my way to the Pharmacy, I met a vendor who was selling flags. I bought an Australian flag and a Canadian flag. Why Australia? That's my dream place to go to. I'm going to hang it up on my wall as a reminder of my dream.

Time to dream on...

Day 20

Day 20

Sun. Sept. 29, 2013

Went directly to the local grocery shop to resupply on food and get some medicine for my condition. I stockpiled a sufficient amount of resources that will be good for a week or two. The medicine I took only slowed down the signs, but it didn't have really that much effect. I will look at getting meds from the Waterloo Campus Pharmacy to find a drug to combat my infection.

Today was good, I finished off my ARBUS200 written assignment and I will go to the Bookstore tomorrow to buy reading material for ENGL100A. I'm looking to buy the books that I didn't need the intial round. It's going to be a hefty amount for sure.

On a side note, writing this makes me feel like I'm writing a journal where no one really reads it. Something like a zombie apocalypse log, that I'm just writing on what happened today. Maybe too much imagination or maybe I'm not thinking straight because I'm sick...

Day 19

Day 19

Sat. Sept. 28, 2013

I woke up the morning feeling tired. Perhaps it was because I'm sick? Anyways, my girlfriend actually woke me up with text messages calling for the break to be over. Thank goodness, what a relief. Turns out that she feels empty without me and I'm glad this break was quick and over. Gosh I love her.

Well then, back to getting some school work done. Let's see, I have ARBUS200 E-Portfolio assignment to get started on first. According to priorities, so I went to get that worked on. I'm thinking to choose the theme of film as the basis for my assignment.

Time to get some work done!

Day 18

Day 18

Fri. Sept. 27, 2013

I got a little bit behind on the blogging for today. I almost didn't wake up on time today for the Stratford due to my sickness. Well, I made it anyways and I'm happy I did. Stratford courses are always filled with fun and learnings especially GBDA103. That class is by far the most interactive class you can be. We got a group assembled and we have to find a problem and later on see if we can come up with a solution. I must admit, I feel there is a difference in group dynamics. Some members were not as enthusiastic as I was in this class. They were more quiet and distracted with their online world…

Anyways, GBDA101 focused on Adobe Illustrator and oh my....that program is so different compared to Photoshop that I use. The class went to the computer lab, but there wasn't enough computers for all of us. I found that to be very upsetting as some of use like me did not get the hands-on experience that I wanted.

The night came and I was talking to my girlfriend...something was up and I knew it from the tone. She wanted to go for a break... What have I done? Did I screw up along the way? No, she wanted a break from the whole relationship deal. Pretty upsetting to hear from her, but I gave her the break as much as it hurt because I loved her. We'll see how it goes tomorrow...

Day 17

Day 17

Thur. Sept. 26, 2013

I woke up today with some renewed strength, but I knew that I had not fully recovered just yet. I took some meds that I had packed along and it seemed to be keeping my body in state from being worse.

Then I headed on for ENGL100A and we discussed about parallelism in novels and characters. I wonder what I got on my essay...anyways, we had to split into groups of four and present a piece of novel for the class. I chose Alan Quatermain because one of my friend from residence chose that so I went with it. I'm still sick and I don't have anything to write in detail.

Stratford Campus tomorrow, better get as much sleep before waking up early...real early.

Day 16

Day 16

Wed. Sept. 25, 2013

ARBUS200 today went well with some interactive activities until I started feeling cold in class. I was dressed moderately and had been getting plenty of nutrition, but I know I had the symptoms of a cold... Oh dear, my roommate had been sick since the past week and I think I caught the cold.

I know that I needed to read short stories and finish my essay by tonight, but I'm so out of it. I was trying to stay alive by taking as much water and rest I could when I could. I finished my essay and completed my readings, but I'm so tired and wreary. I think I'm calling it an early night today.

One of the downsides living by yourself is that you have to really take care of oneself. So, it's my call to sleep early and recuperate my strength.

Day 15

Day 15

Tues. Sept. 24, 2013

What can I say? The whole day was literally jam packed. ENGL100A had a lot of indepth analysis of various readings. At some parts, I did not quite get the concept at first, but over time you start to see things differently. Maybe...just maybe, I might pass this course.

Next was VCULT100 where we discussed about the film that we watched yesterday called Outside the Law. We talked about the narrative form and made comparisons to the Russian Ark. It also seems to me that most of the films we watch are non-English thus coining the course "World Cinema". I think there should be at least a film in English so that I won't have to be so busy reading subtitles…

The night ended off well with RezCouncil discussion and then spending the rest of the night with my girlfriend on Skype. Long distance was hard for the both of us, but we'll make through it. We know we will. 

Day 14

Day 14

Mon. Sept. 23, 2013

Monday morning and it's crunch time. Even though I have the full day off school, I still need to make time for laundry and watch a film for VCULT100. Basically, those two things can take up the majority of my day.

It's really time to get started on my short essay for ENGL100A despite the difficulty in putting it aside. I had to prioritize what I can do and what I can't do in a short time frame. Get the ones done that are closer to due dates followed by the ones that are easier.

Tomorrow will be a long day followed by Residence Council and I'm thinking I'm going to lose the time I need to complete my essay…

Fingers crossed for time management.

Day 13

Day 13

Sun. Sept. 22, 2013

It appears that I seem to have fallen behind on my daily blogging due to unforeseeable circumstances such as failures to login in and post my blog. The other factor was the school work that it's been piling up.

Today was a typical Sunday with a day filled with leisure and fun as my roomate cooked steak for all of us and I provided a bottle of red wine to compliment the taste. We also did housework cleaning to ensure our residence was clean and tidy as possible without putting too much stress on ourselves as well.

Tomorrow is laundry day again, better get cracking.

Day 12

Day 12

Sat. Sept. 21, 2013

A good day for a Saturday as I wake up late and work on assignments. The majority of the day was focused on finishing my e-portfolio assignment for ARBUS200. At first it was hard to complete, then I sort of got the hang of it through trial and error.

In the afternoon, I decided to relax and enjoy myself by watching The Walking Dead series and catching up on the things I missed. Later, I began to write my short essay for ENGL100A. I must admit, writing that first paragraph was hard as I got stuck on the writer's block.

It was a moderately easy day and I'll get some work done tomorrow.

Day 11

Day 11

Fri. Sept. 20, 2013

Another fun day at the Stratford Campus! Got to design our own unique logos in GDBA103 followed by some photoshoots with high-end equipment in GBDA101 made class so much fun when I got the hands-on activities for each course.

Thank goodness I didn't go out tonight...it was pouring rain and lightning all around. For a second, there was also a power outage at our residence and I was like...oh no. Luckily, I come prepared and I had flashlights just in case. I don't want to be lighting candles anytime soon.

Let's get some work done this weekend!

Day 10

Day 10

Thur. Sept. 19, 2013

It's a Thursday which means it's ENGL100A! Whoot! Notice the sarcasm...just kidding. Today, we discussed about writing an essay that's required for a good portion of the grade. From the looks of it, I think I might be able to write something after all.

Later tonight, our residence had a BBQ and I had lots of great food and drinks before we headed over to the Don's residence to watch a movie and eat popcorn and just chat about everything in the life at university.

Tomorrow is Stratford day so...off to sleep so I can get up early.

Day 9

Day 9

Wed. Sept. 18, 2013

ARBUS200 today and the class was interesting as usual. Well, the seats were usual as well and it was very uncomfortable. They say that you can learn as long as what your butt can endure...and the seat was not at all comfy.

Anyways...we talked about E-Portfolios and taking a look at building our own portfolios online and then transitioned ourselves into defining what is an entrepreneur? Had some good discussion and then the day ended...finally...I can find a good seat or something.

Later, I went home and did some reading material for ENGL100A tomorrow and I must say the two works that I read were utterly uninteresting and lacking my taste. I decided that I call my girlfriend up and see how she was doing. Gosh, the long distance is reallying pushing us to our limits of trust and loyalty. But we keep our open communications and I still love her. That's my speech for today.

Day 8

Day 8

Tues. Sept. 17, 2013

Second week of university and I'm still alive to make it to round two for each classes. I started the day off with ENGL100A and noticed a few more had dropped out of the class, but it didn't scare me. I was going to be different and hold my ground. At the end of the day, new reading assignments were issued and I knew it was going to be another tough week…

Next, VCULT100 started and we went on discussing about the Russian Ark film I watched yesterday on campus. Then it occured to me that these two classes I had today made me think so deeply about what I read and what I see. Like there is something more than just fine print or images.

Later tonight, I went to RezCouncil which was a residence meeting to discuss how we can improve our residence stay at Waterloo and it went on pretty late. I didn't have time to get started on the homework so I decide I'll wake up early to get a start on it tomorrow. With a sigh, I'm signing off for the night.

Day 7

Day 7

Mon. Sept. 16, 2013

Oh my gosh, it's been one week since I began writing this blog! What a wonder eh? Usually people stop writing after two or three days, but here I am.

Today was my day off, but I still needed to head to campus to see a film and finish and an assignment for VCULT100. I started off the morning with some chores by cleaning my room and then doing the laundry. Next, I finished the remainder of any readings that I needed to do and then head over for the film.

The movie I watched was the Russian Ark and I must say that movie was weird. Weird because it was hard to interpret the film as it was completely in Russian and that the story was confusing. Anyways, the first person shoot made it disorienting for me and I could barely have a straight head. In the end, I finished the film and completed my assignment and was thankful the movie was over before I got dizzy.

Day 6

Day 6

Sun. Sept. 15, 2013

Sunday really was a day that I slept in till noon. Decided that getting as much rest as I can will be of use for my health and quality sleep that I longed for. I surfed the web a lot today and then went on to do some reading. My roommate and I ordered pizza online and had it delievered to the suite. I'm amazed by this online ordering and specializing of your pizza combined with a quick delivery.

Anyways, tomorrow is Monday and I get a full day off school. Going to do laundry since it was my plan and later going to a school theatre to watch a film assignment for VCULT100 later in the afternoon.

It's been a long day so I'm heading off.

Day 5

Day 5

Sat. Sept. 14, 2013

First Saturday and it's a clear blue sky. I decided to stay indoors to read and study the majority of the day. Did a lot of reading and finished one book for ENGL100A then switched over to VCULT100 reading. After a couple of hours of just reading books, I decided to go and get to know my roomates more.

One of my roomate who was a good cook asked me if I wanted to eat steak. I agreed and then began to help him cook which we later make enough servings for a full dinner for the four of us in residence. Next, we sat down and discussed about our Townhouse contract on the terms for a good residence.

I'd say today was a good day as I managed to do some homework and get to know my roommates a little better.

Day 4

Day 4

Fri. Sept. 13, 2013

Unlucky 13th or lucky 13th? I found today's class at the Stratford Campus to be really unique and exciting. Why? The instructors I had were amazing compared to my other instructors. You know what they say about saving the best for the last eh? That's true.

At first when classes started, everyone was confused which classes and sections they were supposed to attend. After a ten minute of sorting, I started my day with GBDA103. The instructor reminded me of an instructor I had at BCIT whom was very friendly and wanted to get to know each and every student despite a large class. The fact that large classes were common in university, it's good to know that there are still good instructors that make you feel important as an individual for their class. That's definitely a plus because I look forward to attending the next class.

In the afternoon, GBDA101 began and the class felt slightly longer than it really was at first. Probably because we had to go through the course outline and read over a lot of policies. Well, then the fun began when we talked about photography, but then time was running out which eventually led to a sped-up class where everyone was scrambling to take notes. Not a pleasant on the rush because there were some really good details that I think we may have skipped just for the sake of time.

All in all, it was a pleasant day to end the first week in university with a positive experience despite the heavy load of homework assignments and readings I had to complete for the next class. I'm thinking of taking some time to relax...clear my mind and then begin some intensive studying in course materials.

Day 3

Day 3

Thurs. Sept. 12, 2013

Ahh, today comes the second ENGL100A class of the week. I've done my readings required for the class today and a little bit more because the novel was interesting. So as I was walking to the classroom getting ready for class, I noticed the lack of people standing outside the room. When the class started, I noticed that half of the class was missing. I'm guessing that they dropped out because of the challenges and the intensity. In the back of my mind, I felt a sense of pride. Pride because I was still standing...well, not literally, but in confidence in me facing my inner demons.

Class started and we talked about analyzing the interpretations of the text and then it really got me thinking. I was officially thinking deeper and outside of the box which suddenly gave me an idea. What was the idea? If I could incorporate these deep thinkings and blend it well within my works of writing, I would have a better story to write next time.

Well, that's that for today. We have a dinner arranged by our residence Don to hang out. Maybe relieve some of that stress and just enjoy life while I can.

On a side note, I'm thinking of becoming a Floor Rep for my residence to help voice concerns and represent my fellow roomates in Residence Council. I just have a feeling to get involved and help out my community. That's it.

Day 2

Day 2

Wed. Sept. 11, 2013

Another hot day at Waterloo with ARBUS200 starting today and I know it was going to be in a big lecture hall. This is was a fairly big room, but in an older section of the school. The chairs were small and the table attached could barely allow me to have an open folder. Well, that's not the point.

Although the class was long and the seat was uncomfortable, the professor was interesting. Interesting enough to crack jokes, make relations to our everyday lives, and most importantly, he told us his story. His successes...his failures in life. That was what struck me deeply because I was able to relate to him and see him not only as a professor, but one of us. He had developed a good rapport with me and has my complete respect for the person he is.

On top of that, I think this class is fairly challenging as well, but the good thing is...no exams! That's brilliant because that's one stress factor removed. In regards to stress, I went to the bookstore today and bought some of the novels I had to read for ENGL100A and I must say...those books were thick with words.

Anyways, time to get cracking on the readings material before I fall behind. Technically, I'm already behind with the meltdown I had yesterday. Still recovering, but motivated. Life in university was not quite exactly I had expected, but I'll find ways to compensate my expectations.

Day 1

Day 1

Tues. Sept. 10th, 2013

First day of classes at Waterloo University starting on a Tuesday unlike other people. Since I have a full Monday off, I'm thinking of doing all the shopping, laundry, and study time there. The walk to school was really hot in the afternoon as I tredged down the road in the scorching sun and humid air.

So ENGL100A and VCULT100 starts today.

To be honest, ENGL100A was not what I had originally intended to be. It wasn't the same old high school english class anymore. There were more readings and essays due. Yes, I said essays. It isn't a 2-3 page essay anymore...it now was a 4-6 minimum up to 8-paged essay. Oh lord, I think I'm stressing out already. When I looked at the syllabus and saw that I would have to read so many novels and write about it, I was concerned for my grade standing in this class. I can write and read novels for sure, but I can't write a good academic paper. This comes to the debate of using my left brain vs. the right. I'm thinking of dropping this course before it takes the life out of me.

VCULT100 was in a theatre packed with people. Typical lecture room you would see in a movie. I wonder what they say about PSYC101...that place is massive. Anyways, this class lasted longer than ENGL100A, but somehow I was able to pick up the interest even though there were some challenging assignments.

After both classes were over, I decided that I was literally stressed over my ENGL100A and the fact I needed to buy course readings. Mainly ENGL100A because I have a feeling it was going to take a toll in me for the rest of the semester.

So I had a massive discussion with my parents talking about options for dropping and replacing. If I drop, I can relieve that stress, but I needed to take another course to get my credits. Upon realization if I picked up a course, I would be one class behind and it would substantially make a difference in my attendance and learnings. I was frustrated, depressed...you name it. I talked to some of my distant friends for ideas, but I got nothing. I was stuck and I needed some sort of guidance. Academic Advisors can't talk to you at night and it was a matter of urgency. At last, I called up my girlfriend and we video chatted about the issue. Then it dawned on me when she told me what she would do. Despite all the negative emotions telling me to quit...to drop, I found a sense of determination and strength. A determination that I was going to face my challenges in ENGL100A and give it all I've got. I shouldn't quit because of a challenge and difficulty...I needed to face it...to confront it.

I know that my mark won't be the best for ENGL100A, but I will know that I didn't give up without a fight. So the fight begins...