Busier and Busier as the End Nears

Hello Everyone!
There are so many things to share with you all! Last Monday I attended one of the first training sessions for my PA job. They gave an overview of where the different positions "fit" in the University and shared the mission and value statement of Housing and Residential Life (from here forward referred to as HRL). Also, as we said goodbye to winter it was in the 60's. Tuesday was a wonderful first day of spring. On Wednesday I had a spanish exam, my WAM and USG meetings, and more staff training for the PA job. On Thursday there was the Budget Hearing appeals, where student organizations could come in an appeal WAM's decision on their budget for next year. On Friday I attended a fundraising event called Standathon. The premise is that everyone stands from 7pm-7am Sat. morning. There was a donation at the door and then all night there were activities and games to do to keep you from seating! (See the pics) On Saturday there were many students on campus for Preview Day, a day tailored to prospective students to see the campus. I will mention that this event marks one year from when I decided to attend Michigan Tech myself! It's hard to believe how much as occurred in the past year (HS graduation, college, upcoming summer job, job for next year...the list goes on!).

From Tuesday to Friday of last week I did a different job when I went to work. I normally enter data of the moose, but last week we were taking bone measurements and photo documenting all the bones in the lab. I got touch, look, examine, and take photos of the bones. See the pics!
This week as been pretty busy too. On Tuesday I registered for my classes for next fall. I will be taking Forest Ecology (w/ Lab), Soil Science (w/ Lab), Compositions, Spanish Lev. III, and Statistical Methods.

On Wednesday I submitted a few pieces of photography to an art show here on campus. They had only a few entrees so all those who submitted work received gift cards! The art is currently displayed in the dining hall for everyone to see.

Yesterday was the Forestry symposium. I went and listened to a woman speak on climate change and how to adapt our forest management techniques to adjust for the change. Last night was Overstory, which is the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences' end-of-the-year banquet. We honor the seniors, outstanding students and faculty of the year, and yes, give out some gag awards too (best beard, best laugh, etc.). There was absolutely delicious food and great music. The event was held in Atlantic Mine, a tiny town about 5 minutes south of Houghton. Look for some pics!
So, a few general things. Over the last two weeks I have been working on renewing my passport and applying for a passport card. After much delay and a few hiccups, I finally got all the paperwork and documents I needed to submit my renewal application earlier this week. Hopefully that will all go smoothly so I can go to Canada!

I have also been dealing with the government in other capacities lately. I filed my taxes and received both my state and federal refunds..hooray! Every little bit I can get back helps! Northern Tier, as my future employer, has been working on my behalf to obtain my work permit to work in Canada. And, in addition to all those things, I registered to vote!

Weather: Well, spring came in awfully nice (70's and sunny). This week as been a bit cooler (40's) and now just this morning we all woke up to a nice coating of snow. You can see some photos I took out my window during the past few weeks. It is amazing what one week can do. One week = snow storm where you can't see out the window and the next it is sunny and 80 degrees.

Be sure to take a look at the photos I have added in both the "Feb/March" link and the "March-Present" link. New white board messages are up too. Look for pictures of a map showing where I will be in Canada this summer!

Well, that's what I've got! The coming weeks will be stressful as only three weeks of instruction remain and then finals. I have a spanish speaking exam, a calculus exam, some more staff training, a group presentation, a chemistry exam, and lots of other things next week...not to mention it is Holy Week and the Triduum. Hard to believe that Easter is just around the corner.

As this is a busy time for most people, I hope you are all staying healthy and keeping up with this fast-pace world we live in. Have a fantastic weekend!