“I can’t believe this year’s already over!” we all say to ourselves in disbelief. In just over a month (even sooner for some people) we’ll be done with exams and will be free for four months. Now I know many…
Asking Questions
A few weeks ago, I suggested that students try applying to conferences. A question I’ve heard since then is: “But how can I participate in conferences outside of presenting a paper or poster?” “Good question”, I respond, spinning them into…
Overcoming my Fear of Professors
Up until last Thursday, I don’t think I had ever actually seen a professor up close. I mean, sure, I’ve sat front row in lecture or passed them while walking to class, but I am really bad at actually talking…
Spring Thaw
Spring is coming very quickly this year! Spring is like a sunrise in the East and it feels like a new beginning. Spring is also a time for revitalizing, rejuvenating and getting back to basics. It is a time for…
Having fun with learning
It sounds like an oxymoron, I know, but I think it’s really important to have fun with your studies. There are a few reasons for this. On the one hand, you’ll have an easier time studying and learning if you…
History Course Drop-Out
*while reading this post, please feel free to play the song “Beauty School Dropout” from the Grease soundtrack If you had asked me 12 months ago, I could never have predicted that I would have dropped two courses and credit-no-credited…
Let’s Sing it!: Reviewing course Materials Through Song
In elementary school, learning through music is pretty typical. We start singing the alphabet, maybe even the days of the week. I still remember some of the many songs about verb conjugations I learned in French class. And many will…
Getting in and Getting Connected
Wow, this semester has flown by! I turned around twice and *poof*, February is almost over. University years are the fastest and wildest, after all. What university students do is not easy. We have all taken some blows to make…
Getting involved with conferences
My reading week was split into two tasks: (a) grading midterms for the class I TA, and (b) presenting at an conference in Michigan. I've been at UofT for five years, but this is my first year applying to conferences. Upon…
Making Group Work Work
"Teamwork makes the dream work", or so I've been told. Some people might be inclined to respond that "Group work makes the nightmare work". It's a scary form of assessment which universities seem to be falling increasingly in love with. From an…