Monday, May 8, 2017

Campus Resource Blog

A few weeks ago I made the decision one day when I got home somewhat earlier from work that I would go to school even earlier than I usually do to sit down with one of the campus guidance counselors to discuss my timeline to graduation in my degree. My current degree is one in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). Suffice to say, I do not like this trade and I do not desire to work at it for the rest of my life. For me, this is just something I have to do first before I can take the next step to achieving my goals and dreams.

It turns out that when I went to the student resources center, that counselors were having walk-in counseling all day. I lucked out because I had to get to class by 6:00 and it was already around 3:30 - 4:00. After stumbling around through the main building to find where all of the counselors were holding these walk-in hours, I was sent to meet a counselor whom I believe was named Tom (if he wasn't, we'll still refer to him as Tom).

Tom was incredibly helpful in helping me plot out and discover how and when I would be able to graduate and, as well, set out the entire class schedule for my whole next year of college until my graduation at the beginning of 2019.

That being said, I found myself telling Tom about how I disliked my degree and my job intensely, but that I still wanted to finish the degree to have something under my belt; something that I had finished for once. He was impressed and, I don't try to brag, but also astounded. I told him of my intentions to return to school immediately after finishing my first degree to begin working on my creative endeavors. He was fascinated that I had the patience to set up a fallback plan before chasing after my true desires with full force.

Tom gave me some advice on where I could start taking extra classes to begin dabbling in other fields that I would like, particularly in the animation and arts. He also told me of a few classes and other things I could do that would help bring me some notoriety with my writing as well.

All in all, I'm quite pleased and satisfied with the counselors of Northampton Community College. They understand that unlike full-time students, most of us are working hard to try and survive. Because of this, I find they try that little extra bit harder to help any student get an opportunity to pursue their dreams in-between the work they have to do to despite not wanting to.


Field Journal

Field Journal

Date/Time: 5/8/17 @ 13:25

Location: Morgan Hill Condominium Complex, Top of Hill. Specifically, right outside my front door sitting on the front step.

Weather: 53 degrees Fahrenheit, sunny with some overcasting clouds.

Observers: Only me

Habitat: High altitude mountain with small forestry on high, but sprawling trees down low. Far seeing view of immediate town of Easton as well as towns further out in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Mountain ranges of the Cat Scales and Poconos visible before obscuring one another. Lush grass and greenery, well maintained and tended living space stationed beside and within natural forestry.

Remarks: It's really nice out. I really don't want to have to do all of this stuff I have to do, I'd much rather sit here and read. Wow it's already 1:30, I gotta get going soon. But somehow I don't feel rushed like I would if I were at work or inside. This is actually really, really nice.

Comments: I feel not just inspired but capable of handling the stress and weight of the things I have to do in my life that I don't want to, like work and the day-to-day taxing endeavors so that I can achieve my hopes and dreams to struggle and fight for the position I want to find myself in. I want to be able to enjoy days like this to their fullest instead of having to leave them so soon.

Personal Account:

"It's brisk, but not quite cold or even very cool at all. The sun shines brightly, hurting my eyes and I can hear the loud whisper of the wind moving the trees and flowers around me. The air is crisp and clear on the top of a mountain where I can gaze off across sprawling cities and towns before watching them melt into the natural wildlands and forests of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I hear the sweet, simple, and slightly mysterious song of my neighbor's windchimes. I really like windchimes, they're one of the few instruments that aren't played by a person, but by nature itself. I also hear a few songbirds speaking to one another, I imagine they're commenting on how nice it is today. I feel at peace.

Despite needing to finish what is left of my classwork, this is enjoyable and nice. It makes me feel content and comfortable to know that no matter how busy my life gets, I can always take a moment to enjoy the simple pleasures of the world and nature.