All posts by Stephanie Wenger

Meet Millersville’s Circle K Club

Name of Organization

Circle K

Mission Statement (What Is Your Club / Organization About?)

Our mission is to “Provide service to the community and to campus; to provide the opportunity for leadership training through service.” We do this through off campus service events, as well as many service events during our weekly meetings. We also provide plenty of opportunities for leadership, including conferences and events designed to help your leadership skills.

Who Are the Leaders of The Organization?

President: Bryan Knight

Vice President: Jade Myers

Secretary: Sam Mackey

Treasurer: Brittany Hinderhofer

Why Should Someone Join Your Organization?

Members of Circle K get to make a difference in the world and help others in many ways. We also have a lot of fun together doing social events like group bowling, Jenga, and many others! Many benefits are provided to members including opportunities for scholarships, trips to conferences, and a great experience to add to your resume!

What Do You Do Within Your Organization?

We perform community service both on and off campus. We go out and trick or treat around Halloween and collect spare change to donate to UNICEF. We clean our section of Wabank Rd. through the Adopt a Highway program. In meeting, we make blankets and bookmarks, as well as write cards. That is just the beginning of the many service opportunities our members have!

What Do You Hope Your Members Get Out of Being Part of The Organization?

We hope to instill a love for service in all our members. We also hope that many new friendships are made, and that our members are excited to work together to help the community. After graduation, we want our members excited to find the nearest Kiwanis club to join, to continue to perform service well after their Circle K days.

Defeating Distractions While Working from Home

Distractions are all around us. Sometimes we look for them, sometimes they sneak up on us. Whatever the reason we usually find ways of distracting ourselves. This is especially true now that most of us are taking online courses and / or working from home. However, there are ways of preventing yourself from getting distracted.

Recognize what your distractions are.

We don’t always notice when we get distracted until after the fact. If you can spot what distracts you from your homework or that important task you are working on then maybe you can prevent them.

Some distractions you may face at home are your family, social media, TV, computer and cell phone. Turn off your notifications and cell phone. You won’t need them. As for your family, try asking them for an hour or two of alone time. It is important for you to focus on your school work and not them.

Put yourself in distraction free mode.

Once you can recognize what your distractions are, you will be able to get rid of them. Your phone is definitely a distraction and when doing homework you should have it turned off or at the very least put it on silence. When it comes to your computer you probably can’t turn it off, but keep social media platforms off. Try to organize your favorites or saved websites so that you aren’t tempted to let yourself get distracted.

Do the hardest (or most dreaded) task first.

It isn’t as hard to do the homework for the class or homework assignments you enjoy. Try doing the task that you do not want to do first. It will make the assignment easier and help you get done with it sooner.

Remove those bad habits that prevent you from getting things done.

The “I will do it later” or “It can wait” sayings are just some bad habits that you should rid yourself of. Instead try getting a head start on your homework or projects. Don’t put off what can be done now.

Declutter your mind.

Try to find relaxation techniques that help you. It is important to take time for yourself. If you need a starting point on finding the perfect relaxation technique for you check out the following article from the Mayo Clinic . By finding a good way of relaxing you will be able to declutter your mind.

Prepare your work place.

Clear your desk and get rid of the knick-knacks and photos on your desk. they may be cute but ultimately they will distract you from what you are doing. You also don’t want your desk to be cluttered because it can be distracting. This goes for the room you plan on working in. If the room is messy you will have a harder time focusing.

Set your time.

Do not try and get everything done at once. It will cause you stress and anxiety that you do not need in your life. Instead set a specific time frame for your projects. Between each project take a little break and relax. The breaks are when you can let yourself get distracted.

With all that is going on with COVID-19, it is important for us to find a way to limit the distractions in our lives. By getting rid of our distractions we can be more productive. This will lead to less stress and anxiety and ultimately make our lives easier. If you can find a way to get rid of your distractions then do it, it will help you in the long run.

Need a new Desk Organizer? Leave a comment below on how you are currently dealing with your distractions in order to be eligible to win a desk organizer with various school supplies (*supplies will vary from those in the photo*). A winner will be randomly selected on 4/10/2020 at 12:00 PM and will be announced. Only current Millersville University students are eligible to win. 

How to Be Successful While Taking Online Classes

Welcome back from your two week spring break Marauders! I hope you are adjusting to remote learning and that things are starting to calm down for you. I know it has been a stressful time for both students and faculty. Going remote with class can be hard, especially for those who have never taken or taught classes online. There are a few tips you can try to make this time a little easier for you.

Treat it like a face to face course.

It can be harder to get classwork done when it is online. You need to have the discipline to sit down and get the work done instead of putting it off till later. Remember that you are still paying for the course and that the class will help you later on. You want to treat this class as you would a job, show up (even if it is a Zoom meeting) and get the work done.

Hold yourself accountable.

If you do not have a planner, now is a really good time to get one. When you take a face-to-face course you get verbal or visual reminders of assignments and exams. Now that we are going online it will become harder to keep track of everything that needs to be done. By having a planner you will be able to keep track of your assignments and hold yourself accountable.

Practice time management.

Managing your time has never been as important as it is now. With all the stress of figuring things out it is hard to keep a strict schedule. It may take a week or two, but try to form a schedule that works best for you.

Create a regular study space and stay organized.

Find a place in your home where you won’t be disturbed. Whether it’s your room or somewhere else, you need to find a place where you can focus on your work. You should keep that space clean and organized. This will help you focus as well.

Figure out how you learn best.

After you find your perfect work space, you should think about when and how you learn best. Some people work better in the mornings. So, when they wake up they should set some time aside to get their work done. For those who work better in the evenings set aside some time after dinner to get your work done.

Actively participate.

Many professors are using D2L’s discussion section and Zoom meetings. It is important to try and participate in these discussions because it is how you are going to get the most out of your class. These learning forums are where you can get the most information from.

Not everyone likes taking online courses, but we need to make the most of it. It is important to keep up with your work and try to fulfill your semester goals. If you follow the tips above you may find that you like having your classes online.

The Advantages of Living in the Residence Halls

One of the first thoughts that come to mind when thinking about college is the residence halls: What type of room do I want? Who will my roommates be? Why should I live on campus? These are common questions students ask when room selection comes around. There are many advantages to living in the residence halls.

One reason to live on campus is that it is convenient.

By choosing to live in the residence halls, you are within walking distance of your classes, the dining facilities, the fitness center, the library, and your professors. If you forgot something for your class, you have the ability to quickly pick it up from your room. (Trust me, this comes in handy!)

Another advantage to living on campus is the independence.

The college experience is about learning and growing as a person. You are away from home now and are able to set your own routine. It certainly can be nice to have some space that you can call your own. However, flexibility and freedom also comes with responsibility. Your success in college is determined by your own motivation so going to class, studying, and balancing extracurricular activities will be crucial.

You are able to be more involved on campus.

This is especially important for the freshmen and sophomores. When you live in the residence halls you are able to more easily participate in the multitude of activities and programs on campus, club and organizations meetings, guest lectures, athletic events, student government, and cultural and diversity events to just name a few. The residence halls give you a greater chance to be more involved on campus, which will create a more enriching college experience. Additionally, students who live on campus are more satisfied with their college experience and persist at higher rates than those who live elsewhere.

You get a built-in social life by living in the residence halls.

Not only do you have at least one roommate, but you also have a full building of people to get to know. Each residence hall has different activities and events that they host for the students in your building. This is a great way to get to know other students and make new friends.

There are many dining facilities to choose from.

When you live in the residence halls you never have to worry about food. You have a meal plan and a variety of different dining facilities to choose from. You have more time on your hands to utilize for studying and campus activities if you do not have to worry about grocery shopping and having to cook your own meals.

An important part of college life is being involved on campus and taking advantage of every opportunity that Millersville University has to offer. Living on campus easily affords you this experience. We are proud of our residence halls and the community that is created by our amazing students and staff that live here.

Meet Millersville American Sign Language Learners’ Club

Name of Organization

American Sign Language Learners’ Club

Mission Statement (What Is Your Club / Organization About?)

In order to spread awareness and inclusion of the deaf community, this group of Millersville students will learn basic conversational ASL, proper etiquette, and everyday phrases. The goal will be to learn and be able to have interactions and conversations in ASL with deaf or hard-of-hearing people. Through collaborative instruction during weekly sessions, the students of the club will learn how to sign.

Who Are the Leaders of The Organization?

Alyssa Matchett, Emily Dunn, Jacob Coopersmith, and Taylor Michael

Why Should Someone Join Your Organization?

Anyone who would like to learn sign language may join! Sign language is a pathway into a much wider community of people. It is an amazing skill and tool for any job. No experience needed at all to start up with us!

What Do You Do Within Your Organization?

Each Thursday evening, we come together in McComsey 132 at 7:30pm. During our meetings, we discuss any news that has been happening in the deaf community and then go onto our curriculum guided by ASL Rochelle, a wonderful YouTuber who has great free resources for anyone who is unable to make it to the club!

What Do You Hope Your Members Get Out of Being Part of The Organization?

We hope that whoever comes to join our club gains knowledge about the deaf community & culture. We also hope that they can use the skills they learn in sign language in their everyday lives!

Any Upcoming Events?

A Quiet Place Part II showing at Manor Regal movie theater in Millersville – Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 7:30pm.

Meet Millersville’s English Club

Name of Organization

English Club

Mission Statement (What Is Your Club / Organization About?)

English Club’s purpose is to bring together like-minded individuals who appreciate literature and the arts.

Who Are the Leaders of The Organization?

Stephanie Wenger, Kevin Nix, Kayla Gold and Natalie Flory

Why Should Someone Join Your Organization?

We offer a place for creative people to congregate and provide a deeper understanding and appreciation for various aspects of the English discipline.

What Do You Do Within Your Organization?

We take trips to plays on-campus and off campus, we have game nights (including a Dungeons and Dragons night), trips to Renaissance Faire during the fall, the Escape Room, and we read short stories, discuss our views on it, and then we have a creative activity to go with it.

What Do You Hope Your Members Get Out of Being Part of The Organization?

We hope for them to gain a sense of community, enjoy their time in the club, and that they gain insight on matters relating to English as a whole.

Any Upcoming Events?

We have the Escape Room, our Dungeons and Dragons session, and the short story discussion and creative activity.

 

Fighting Procrastination

Procrastination is a word that professors dread hearing. It causes people stress and anxiety which can ruin a person’s day. This may sound dramatic, but if you read up on the effects of procrastination it shows that it can effect your health, finances, your performance in school or work, and cause feelings of anxiety. Interested in learning more? Then check out:

Procrastination

Procrastination is the tendency to avoid unpleasant or stressful tasks that are often very important and replace them with less important, less stressful tasks. A person who avoids calling a debt collector or who posts on social networking sites instead of writing a paper is engaging in procrastination.

It is important to find ways to get yourself to manage your work and homework so that you don’t procrastinate.

One way is to set simple, achievable goals.

By setting simple and achievable goals you don’t get overwhelmed just thinking about your projects. Focus on one project at a time and then your list won’t seem as long and tiresome.

Create a detailed timeline with specific deadlines.

Organize your projects from needs to get done now to can wait till later. Then set a specific time frame for each project. For example:

This is loosely based of my schedule. Find a planner or calendar that you dedicate to planning your homework and projects out.

Try using incentives.

It is okay to bribe yourself into doing your work. Promise yourself that if you finish that paper due next week on Friday, then you can go to the movies on Saturday. Give yourself something to work towards and it will make the project easier to do.

Get the hard stuff done first.

It is typical for people to start with the easy projects and put off the harder ones, but try reversing them. Start with the harder projects because then they won’t cause you stress later. Putting off the harder projects is worse for your anxiety then if you were to put off reading a chapter.

Change your environment.

Sometimes studying or working on a project is easier when you get a change of scenery. Personally, I work in my room, but when I feel like I am stuck I will go to the library. If it is a nice day try to find a quiet place outside.

Stop over-complicating things.

Students tend to be their own worst nightmare because they over think their projects. When you over think a project it can be more intimidating then it really is. When I write a paper or work on a big project, I try to just get it done and worry about if it is right after I finish. Then I revise and edit. It doesn’t seem so hard when you do a project this way.

Ask yourself, what’s the worst thing that could happen if I did this today?

The fact is that by working on that project that isn’t due till next week today, can save yourself from anxiety and second-rate work. Nothing bad will happen if you get an early start.

Finally, imagine how you’ll feel once you do whatever it is you’ve been postponing.

It always feels amazing when the project is done and you don’t have to worry about it. Try to remember that feeling when you prepare to start something.

It is hard to get started on the big projects, but once you do you will feel a whole lot better. Not only will your anxiety lessen, but also your work will be better. Procrastination isn’t worth the stress and bad grades that are sure to follow it.

Meet Millersville’s Dance Team

Name of Organization
Millersville University Dance Team

Mission Statement (What Is Your Club / Organization About?)
The Dance Team’s purpose is to further interest and development in dance by performing throughout the school year. Students will have an opportunity to learn and perfect various skills involved in jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop dance. We strive to include technical,
creative and social aspects of dance while encouraging individual participation.

Who Are the Leaders of The Organization?
The President of the MU Dance Team is Olivia D’Aprile. The Vice President is Julia Kepple. The Treasurer is Renee Crossan and the Secretary is Janelle Sentiwany. The fundraising chair is
Bethany Miller, the philanthropy/community service chair is Alyssa Gantz, and the public relations chair is Christa Benshoff. All members of the MU Dance Team are heavily involved in
all fundraisers and philanthropy events.

Why Should Someone Join Your Organization?
We are consistently supporting and pushing each other to grow to become the best dancers we can be. We are more than just dancers, we are a family! At the end of the day it’s more than just dance for us. MU Dance Team members are friends inside and outside of the dance studio. We all share a common passion for dance, which bonds even stronger friendships within the team.

What Do You Do Within Your Organization?
The Dance Team participates in the annual Millersville Homecoming Parade, various fundraisers and charity events within the community, and Relay for Life. Dance Team also performs at all home basketball and football games and competes nationally every year in the Dance Team Union College Classic Competition!

What Do You Hope Your Members Get Out of Being Part of The Organization?
We hope that members find a positive environment where they can share their passion and love for dance. We hope members form friendships with people who have a similar love for dance on the team. MU Dance Team hopes members positively grow in their technique and skills while learning new choreography each week.

Any Upcoming Events?
MU Dance Team will be holding a bake sale fundraiser outside of the university store February 26th and 27th from 11:00am-1:00pm. The team will also be performing at the men’s and women’s basketball games on February 29th, Panera fundraiser March 8th and MOD Pizza March 11th. MU Dance Team will be competing in DTU’s College Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada April 3rd. Follow our Instagram and Facebook pages to constantly stay updated on our events! Keep an eye out for our end of the year showcase and 2020-2021 tryout dates!

How to Prepare for an Interview

It can be nerve wracking getting ready for an interview, especially if you are not ready. If you are not prepared for the interview it most likely won’t go well. There are a few tips that can help you get ready for what you need to do before the interview as well as what is needed during an interview.

Examine the Job Description

The very first thing you need to do before your interview is to very carefully look over the job description. It is important to understand what the position is and what your responsibilities will be before you meet with the employer. This will give the impression that you are serious about this job as well as that you are professional.

Know Your Audience

The position you are interviewing for is not the only research you will need to conduct. You will also want to research the company / business. It is important to know about the company / business because it will help you get a better understanding of the position you are interviewing for as well as if it will be a good fit for you.

Consider Your Answers to Common Interview Questions

You will not be able to predict all the questions that will be asked, but there are common questions that most employers will want answers too. Some of these questions may be “why do you want to work for this company?” or “what are your greatest strengths?” These may not sound like hard questions to answer, but if you are unprepared they could mess up the rest of your interview.

Prepare Several Thoughtful Questions for the Interviewer(s)

As with most professional meetings, there are do’s and don’ts when it comes to questions you should ask during the  interview. You want to sound professional and intelligent but you do not want to sound pushy or not interested. Check out the following two posts to learn the questions you should ask vs. the questions that should never be asked during an interview.

These Are the Questions You Should Never Ask During a Job Interview

Towards the end of an interview, almost every employer will ask, ” Do you have any questions for me?” Job applicants should put just as much thought into asking questions as they do answering questions. Whether you intend it or not, each question you ask has the potential to reflect your knowledge of the company, your interest in the position, and your work ethic.

 

10 Impressive Questions to Ask in a Job Interview

Get Ask a Boss delivered every week As someone who has interviewed probably thousands of job applicants throughout my career, I’m always surprised by how some candidates handle the part of the interview where it’s their turn to ask questions.

Conduct Mock Interviews

Ask a friend or family member to help you prepare by going through a mock interview. Have them be the interviewer and try to make it as realistic as possible. This will help you with answering questions as well as get some feedback on how you conducted yourself. It could also help boost your confidence when going in for your real interview.

*Remember to be open to their criticism and try to implement their recommendations.

Print Copies of Your Resume

Always bring a hard copy of your resume when going to an interview, even if you already submitted a digital copy. This gives the employer the impression that you are ready for anything and it refreshes their memory of who you are.

State of Mind

It is okay to be nervous before going into an interview, but it is important you find a way to keep your head in the right place. If you are scattered and unfocused it will show during your interview. Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before and try some calming techniques.

Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief

For many of us, relaxation means flopping on the couch and zoning out in front of the TV at the end of a stressful day. But this does little to reduce the damaging effects of stress.

Dress Accordingly

You should dress professionally when attending an interview. This gives the employer a good first impression and shows that you are serious about working for them. It will also boost your confidence.

Get Ready to Follow Up After the Interview

It is extremely important to follow up after an interview. By following up you show your interest in the position and will make you stand out with the employer. Now the question is how long do you wait before contacting them? A good rule of thumb is waiting 4 – 5 business days, unless you were already given the next steps in the process.

Experiential Learning and Career Management (ELCM) is a great place to visit at Millersville University. They help with resume critiques, cover letters, job and internship searches, etc. For more information on them check out their page.

Experiential Learning And Career Management (ELCM)

Experiential Learning And Career Management (ELCM)

Staying Healthy for the Semester

It is that time of the year. The time where germs are passed and the flu is common. Hopefully everyone got their flu shot for the season, but if you didn’t then you need to be conscientious about taking care of yourself. Here are some reminders on how to prevent sickness:

Get plenty of sleep

It is important for your health to get enough sleep. This means going to bed earlier so that when you wake up in the morning you feel refreshed and ready to go. When you aren’t getting enough sleep you are more susceptible to germs and getting sick. So get plenty of rest.

Exercise & Keep Active

It is important to make time to exercise. It is important to not sit around all the time. This time of the year is hard because the weather tends to be colder, but do not forget that we have a gym right here on campus.

Eat Healthy

Eating healthy can also help prevent you from getting sick. Find foods that are better for your body. It is okay to eat burgers and other junk food once in a while, but it is important to only eat these kinds of food once in awhile.

Stay Hydrated

Keep the liquids coming. It is important to drink water throughout your day. If you are unsure of the health benefits or how much water to drink during the day, then I encourage you to check out

Water: How much should you drink every day?

Water is essential to good health, yet needs vary by individual. These guidelines can help ensure you drink enough fluids. By Mayo Clinic Staff How much water should you drink each day? It’s a simple question with no easy answer. Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years.

Clean Your Living Space Often

This one isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about staying healthy. It is important though to keep your living space clean though. This will help prevent germs from spreading and make you feel better.

Listen to Your Body

Don’t forget to always pay attention to what you are feeling. If you don’t feel well then take some time to rest and recuperate. You shouldn’t push yourself when you are not feeling well or when you are overly tired.

Wash your hands

This one goes without saying; wash your hands throughout the day. You should keep hand sanitizer in your backpack or purse so that when you can’t get to a sink you at least have some way of keeping your hands clean.

Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks

This one has been mentioned in other posts, but it is extremely important. Try to stick to water during the day. If you can’t give up caffeine completely then limit yourself to one cup per day.

Relax

Find time to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of college life. I recommended finding at least one day per week to just relax. This may not be possible for everyone’s schedule. If not then take a few hours one day to not worry and just relax.

Skipping Meals?

There have been studies conducted that show eating three square meals a day is not as important as we were told growing up. It is more important to focus on what you are eating and the amount you are eating.

Is 3 Meals a Day the Only Way?

The number of meals you eat may not be so important. How you eat those meals is what matters most when it comes to decreasing the risk of heart disease and other health problems that come along with being overweight.

Do not forget that Millersville University has the Health Services. If you are not feeling well then go and see them. Here is a link to their page:

Health Services

Millersville University Health Services is dedicated to ensuring a healthy living and studying environment at Millersville University. Academic success and personal growth can only be enhanced through a healthy campus community. Health Services is committed to promote healthy lifestyle choices, preventative medicine, and health education.

It is crucial that you take care of yourself.