Be Bold. Be Beautiful.Be Empowered.

In becoming a College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Ambassador, I did not know what to expect nor did I understand what I was in to at the time. All I knew was that I was applying for something great and maybe I would be selected.

When I received the phone call that I,Kenya ,had been selected to be apart of the 2013-2014-ambassador team I could not believe it. Not because I was unsure of myself but because I had accomplished something great. I challenged myself and conquered, I put myself out there and achieved.

Now that I am an ambassador, my experience has been great nonetheless. I am surrounded by great people each time we get together; people that I would not know or hold a conversation with if it was not for being an ambassador. Not because I would not want to but because the opportunity would not be there. I am also placed in positions that challenge my nerves and the fear of speaking in front of people on demand. I now understand that I can speak publicly in a group or in a crowd and there is nothing to be afraid of. I am geared with the knowledge of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment that I would not have had if it were not for this experience. As I continue to go through my college career, I would not trade being an ambassador for anything, as it is helping to empower me to do great things and inspiring me to help others challenge themselves.

Representing this fine college in all that it is and all that is shall be has been nothing but an honor and privilege.

I want to wish the best of luck to all of my fellow Wildcat classmates as they have finals next week. 

Be Bold. Be Beautiful. Be Empowered.

You will do fine!

 Kenya is a Family Science junior from Louisville, Kentucky.

Don't Obsess with the Stress

The end of the spring semester seems to creep up on us every year. As students, we suddenly find ourselves stressing out over deadlines, grades, finding internships and jobs, and shopping for the perfect Kentucky Derby dress. Many of us, however, dread one thing more than anything else- exams! In order to help out my fellow students and provide a little stress relief, I have come up with a list of tips and tricks to help get through this time of the year.

1.  Make sure to utilize Willy T. as place of study, not a hang out.  The best hours to study at the main library are really late at night or in the early hours of the morning, when it’s quiet and calm! Also, check out some of the other libraries found around campus to find a quiet workspace!
2. There are 4 Starbucks located on campus. They’re located at Commons, Ovid’s Cafe, the student center, and the Kentucky Clinic.  No flex dollars left? Maybe try trading meal swipes for a tall mocha.
3. If you have any concerns or questions, take advantage of The Study located on south campus. Gathering in small groups with others who take the class can also be a helpful technique.

4. Remember to relax! Try listening to soft music while you study, taking frequent breaks, or maybe watch some meditation videos on YouTube to distress.  Try this one for starters.

5.  Make sure you stop by your professor’s office hours if you have any questions before the final!

6.  Check and double-check your syllabus for exam date, location and time, and if you tend to be a heavy sleeper, it may be a good idea to set two alarms.

7.  Make sure to get outdoors finals week, even if it means taking the books outside! A little fresh air goes a long way!

8.  To-do lists are a great way to accomplish tasks and plan the week ahead!

9.  Unless you’re using your phone or tablet for studying, keep them away for as much time as you can! If you just can’t be away from it, make it a reward for the time studying (i.e. 1.5 hours studying = 10 minutes of phone time).

10.  Most importantly, get a good nights rest, and eat a healthy breakfast the day of your exam. If you stay up all night cramming for a test, it will be hard to function and concentrate!

 A big good luck to everyone on your finals! If you have any more tips to add, feel free to comment below! You never know whose week you might make less stressful!

Best of luck!

Hillary

Hillary is a Landscape Architecture student from Cincinnati, Ohio.