The best way to prepare for the advisement appointment is for the student to look at their current grades to know what might be needed to be retaken in the future. It is important to look take a look at the selected degree sheet to see what is required to take to earn the chosen degree. Create a degree plan to have ready to go over with the academic advisor. I do know my advisor, Jennifer DuBois, in the Psychology department. The questions I always ask are about course descriptions and what classes pair well with others. My enrollment opens up on November 4th, 2019 for Juniors.

I found my major a few years ago when I decided to go with Psychology. When deciding what major to go with a big factor that went into my decision was how I would be able to help others in that field. Mental health is not something many like to address whether it be a family, friend, or themselves who suffer from some form of mental illness. I hope to help young adults and teens address their mental health so that as they get older they know how to handle it and know where the proper resources to get help. I bring two ears, a big heart, and the ability to understand what a person is going through. A simple conversation can go a long way and as I’ve gone through my life I have always been the one people come to with deep and personal issues that a person would not typically talk about. I hope to continue to push the ball forward in helping provide adequate mental health resources.

Students at the University of Oklahoma have the ability to use the Sarkeys Fitness Center. This center has a variety of options for students such as intramural sports, eight basketball/volleyball courts, a variety of fitness equipment, and that is just scratching the surface. Although the fitness center is there for a student’s use, it is not always easy to find the time to go. Students with full time class loads trying to balance time to study as well as taking on extra curricular activities may struggle to be able to set time aside to get into the fitness center. An amenity that OU offers are the many different sports the intramural sports offer. From flag football to volleyball and table tennis to badminton, there are many opportunities that students can get involved in. Some students may not want to get into a specific sport, but just want to work out and that is okay as Sarkeys offers plenty of opportunities to workout. This fitness center offers many electric powered fitness equipment like ellipticals, treadmills, and step climbers. They offer a variety of weight lifting equipment. If a student possibly feels overworked or muscles feel tight, Sarkeys offers massages at a price students won’t find anywhere else. The fee is built into the tuition and fees a student pays so it would be in every students best interest to use the facility as it has already been paid for.

A big part of why I am able to go to school is the fact that I receive Veteran Affairs assistance. I qualify for Dependents Education Assistance also known as Chapter 35 benefits which means I receive a monthly check from the Veteran Affairs office. As a transfer student, the Veteran Affairs office was the second office I needed to find after Admissions. Upon being accepted to the University of Oklahoma, I have to receive a letter of eligibility to provide to OU and then provide my course schedule so that the VA knows I am enrolled and full-time. Full-time is not required, but it does vary on how much money I receive. I went in and had the chance to meet a very nice employee and student named Kierra Webster who was extremely helpful in making sure I had done all the necessary steps so I could begin receiving my benefits. On top of that we were able to have a great conversation as she is also a transfer student on campus.

On Thursday, September 26th, 2019, The University of Oklahoma held a Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher dedication on the North Oval. Ms. Fisher was known for challenging racial discrimination in higher education because she herself faced discrimination. In 1946, when she applied for the University of Oklahoma School of Law she was denied based on the color of her skin After a legal battle the Supreme Court decided in 1948 that Ms. Fisher was, “entitled to secure legal education afforded by a state institution”. State leaders responded with the creation of Langston Law School for black students. Ms. Fisher wished to be at the school she chose, the University of Oklahoma and after more legal battles that came to fruition. In 1949, she was finally admitted to OU Law in which she attended class in Monnet Hall. As of the 26th of September, there is now a historical display at the entrance of Monnet Hall to remind students of the battle that was fought so that others may succeed.

On Tuesday, October 8th, 2019, a few of us from the class went over to the Bizz’ and enjoyed the Great Reading Room. This place referred to as the quietest place, not just on campus, but in Oklahoma is home to many dissertations and theses of OU graduates. For those students who just need a study area to study without distractions, this is the room for you. The room is truly beautiful from the floors to the beautiful windows.

After class on October 8th, 2019, a few of us from class decided we would go share a meal on campus corner. Campus corner is home to many different hangouts and food establishments such as Chipotle, Fuzzy’s, Diamond Dawgs, and Baked Bear. During the day many people will shop and find a good food to eat, but once the sun goes down students and locals come out to party at locations like Blackbird gastropub, Logie’s, 3rd base, and many more.

On the evening of October 8th, 2019, Many of us from class went to the OATS meeting held on campus, but I mistakenly forgot to take a picture although I did sign in. It was good to see so many transfers that go beyond our class. I am glad I went because our guest speaker was informing us about the CASH scholarship application process. I know we had already had a guest speaker speak briefly about this, but it was nice to have a message solely on this process. The very next day between classes I began my application for the CASH scholarships and still need to finish. As she told us it is important to finish because we will not be considered if we do not finish every page, but it is important to remember that simply applying does not guarantee any scholarships as many people apply every year and there just isn’t enough funds for everyone who applies.

When connecting with a professor it is important to first take a look at the course syllabus to find key information such as the professor’s email and office hours. The next step is to make a good first impression with the professor. At a 4-year institution, class sizes can exceed 100 students in a single course therefore it is important to stick out for the right reasons. Send an email or stop by the professor’s officer hours to make an introduction.

Making this connection has its benefits. By separating from the rest of the class, the professor now recognizes that face or that name of a student who made an effort outside of the classroom. If that student needs an extension or has an issue in general, that professor might be more inclined to help or give that extension because that student has shown more effort than the average student.

Now what is one to do if the interaction with the professor is negative? An important step to take, depending on the situation, is speak to the professor directly and professionally to try and work through the conflict. If the situation is not resolved or worsens the next step is to speak to another member of faculty to get advice on what the next course of action should be. The last step is reaching out to the Dean of the department to let them know the seriousness of the problem and the previous attempts to resolve the problem.

There are many benefits of attending a research institution! At a research institution the student gets access to improved courses, passionate educators, the chance to fulfill dreams and goals, further educational and career connections, and the ability to be around the best of the best. When a student gets into a specific department or field, they get access to professors and faculty that have spectacular credentials and knowledge of years of researching in that field and building their own connections that they may be willing to share with their students.

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