Tag Archives: Millersville University

10 Quotes Reminding You to Enjoy Life

Sometimes, we can get so caught up in the stress of our daily lives and become so distracted that we forget to slow down every now and then and enjoy our lives. College isn’t always easy and can definitely be overwhelming every now and then. That’s why it’s important to take a step back and appreciate the simpler things. Doing this will help you relax and live in the moment. After all, life should be enjoyable, not full of stress and frustration. Here are 10 quotes that we hope will remind you that life is short, so you should make sure to enjoy every minute of it:

  1. “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” – Marcus Aurelius
  2. “The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” – Dalai Lama
  3. “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
  4. “Lighten up, just enjoy life, smile more, laugh more, and don’t get so worked up about things” – Kenneth Branagh
  5. “Learn to enjoy your own company. You are the one person you can count on living with for the rest of your life.” – Ann Richards
  6. “‘Cars’ was about Lightning McQueen learning to slow down and to enjoy life. The journey is the reward.” – John Lasseter, Director of Cars
  7. “Do not squander time, for that’s the stuff life is made of.” – Benjamin Franklin
  8. “We are bombarded on all sides by a vast number of messages we don’t want or need. More information is generated in a single day than we can absorb in a lifetime. To fully enjoy life, all of us must find our own breathing space and peace of mind.” – James E. Faust
  9. “Live and work but do not forget to play, to have fun in life and really enjoy it.” – Eileen Caddy
  10. “The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters.” – Audrey Hepburn

I know that “YOLO” is outdated, but it’s true: You really do only live once, so you should try to make the most of it. Would you rather say you spent your whole life overthinking things and letting negative thoughts control you, or that you lived your life to the fullest and enjoyed all the amazing things life has to offer? These quotes helped me realize I should spend my time enjoying life and being happy, and I hope they’ve done the same for you!

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Debunking Myths About Online Classes

Since a lot of classes are being offered online rather than in-person in order to keep students, faculty, and staff as safe as possible; there are sure to be some questions about how online classes will work. Since the switch to online classes during the middle of last semester, a lot of returning students got the chance to experience remote learning and learn how to manage digital classes. For the incoming freshman who haven’t had experience with online college classes yet (or the returning students who are hesitant about online learning), here are some common myths you may have heard about online classes and the reasons that they’re just not true:

1. I won’t learn as much if classes are online: Professors top priority is to teach their students. Just because the way they are teaching has changed doesn’t mean they have stopped trying or caring about students’ education. While certain courses may look different and some of the course material may have been changed to improve online learning capabilities, you will still be able to learn just as much as you would in person. How much you learn also depends on you, not just on the course. If you’re engaging and working hard, you’ll learn a lot and do well whether the class is in person or online.

2. It’s impossible to motivate myself to get work done for an online class: While it may be difficult to motivate yourself to complete assignments sometimes, it’s definitely not impossible, even for online courses. Remind yourself that your grades are still important even though you’re not physically in the classroom. Try to plan times each week to focus on different classes for certain periods of time. For example, maybe take one hour each day to work on assignments or study for your hardest class, and take an hour every other day for another less demanding class. Setting up a schedule like this will help you stay on track and will encourage you to get work done in the time frame you set for yourself. 

3. I won’t have access to help if I need it: Millersville’s faculty and staff members are always eager to help students! You can always contact your professors, advisors, and other staff members when you need help. You can set up Zoom or Skype meetings, phone calls, or just email staff back and forth and they’ll do whatever they can to help you. Millersville’s Writing Center is offering online tutoring for the Fall 2020 semester. You can also check which departments are offering tutoring services, apply to request a tutor, and contact the Tutoring Center with any questions. The Millersville Counseling Center is also a great resource if you’re struggling and need someone to talk to. You can schedule a teletherapy appointment either through Zoom (preferred) or over the phone. Call 717-871-7821 to schedule an appointment.

4. My grades will suffer: Your grades will only suffer if you let them. Just like in-person classes, it’s up to you to keep up with your assignments, put in the work, and reach out if you need help. Professors have been working hard to structure their classes in a way that helps students learn the material and succeed while taking the course remotely. Treat the course as if it were in-person to help yourself perform well. Make time for each of your classes, eliminate distractions like phones while you’re doing work, and remind yourself that doing well in your classes will only help you in the future, so it’s worth it to try your hardest and put in the work.  

5. I won’t know when things are due: Due dates and things like exam days will be on your syllabus for each of your classes. Once you have access to a syllabus for all of your classes, I strongly recommend you put important dates somewhere that you’ll be able to see them regularly. You can use the calendar in Outlook to keep track of when things are due, when you have exams, and so on. It’s quick and easy to add events onto the calendar. If you have an event involving multiple people, like a Zoom study session, you can invite people to join the event and create a Zoom link to go with the invitation. You can also use Microsoft Teams for video calls, and any scheduled calls are saved in your Teams Calendar. Click here to learn more about how you can utilize Microsoft Teams. If you have something like a project that will be due at the end of the semester and you’re not sure when to start it, contact your professor for some advice! In fact, having a digital syllabus is almost easier than having just a physical one, because you don’t have to worry about losing it. 

Your college experience is what you make it. Whether classes are in-person or online for the time being, you’ll still be able to learn and do well if that’s what you want. This semester will give you a great opportunity to learn more about yourself and how you can handle different types of courses, so make the most of it! Try your best and if you’re having trouble, reach out to people. You’re not alone – every Marauder is trying to figure things out just like you! 

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Fall 2020 Move-In: What to Bring

What should you bring with you when you move into the residence halls? We’ve compiled a list of essentials that you should bring with you on move-in day to help you answer that question. Feel free to print out this list and check off items as you get them to keep track of what you have/don’t have.

Due to the uncertainty surrounding the current COVID-19 situation, we ask that you do not pack everything you own, and that you stick to bringing the absolute essentials. Examples are listed below. This will also expedite the move-out process in the case that we need to fully close the residence halls due to the changing COVID-19 environment. Additionally, on-campus housing will be closed for the remainder of the semester on November 21, 2020 at 5:00pm. We stress that you pack lightly in order to simplify the move-out process.

Please note that we will NOT provide hand carts/trucks/dollies, so students should prepare accordingly to bring their own. We apologize for the inconvenience, and thank you for your continued cooperation as we navigate this challenging situation.

Essentials for your room:

  • Bedding (sheets, comforter, pillowcases)
  • Pillows
  • Plastic storage bins
  • Clothing (weather appropriate – short sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts, shorts, pants, shoes, socks and underwear)
  • Laundry basket (Tip: bring one that folds up for easy packing and moving)
  • Laundry detergent
  • Hangers
  • Small trash can
  • Dustpan and brush
  • Computer/laptop
  • Cell phone
  • Medication(s)
  • Desk supplies (pens, pencils, scissors, stapler, etc)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Masks
  • A personal thermometer for daily self-screening
  • Mini-refrigerator (The University contracts a third party for leasing refrigerator and microwave units which are leased on a yearly basis and will be delivered to your room. For more information, visit the MicroFridge website.)

Essentials for your bathroom:

  • Towels
  • Hand soap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, etc.
  • Razor
  • Trash bags and small trash can
  • Toilet plunger
  • Toilet brush
  • Toilet paper (You must provide your own toilet paper)
  • Cleaning supplies, including toilet bowl cleaner, disinfectant cleaning spray, paper towels

Click here to learn more about what to bring and what not to bring with you. Keep packing hassle-free and eliminate the stress of move-in day by following our guide of what you should bring with you when you move into your residence hall. Remember: Students living on-campus for the Fall 2020 semester are strongly encouraged to pack lightly and focus on bringing essential items. Let us know if you have any questions about what you should/should not bring with you to move-in day in the comments!

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Housing Zoom Open Forums

HARP Open Forums Flyer Updated

Housing and Residential Programs staff understands that students and parents have questions regarding Fall 2020 housing. We highly encourage students and parents to join us for our open forums we will be holding via Zoom to address their concerns. Before attending a forum, please check that your question has not already been answered in our FAQ post.

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What Does It Mean to Be A Marauder?

When you enroll as a student at Millersville University, you become more than just a student; you become a member of a family. I say we’re a family because we help each other out by supporting each other, bringing out the best in each other, and growing together as a community. So, what does it really mean to be a part of this family? In other words, what does it mean to be a Marauder? Who better to ask than Marauders themselves! Here’s what some MU students had to say about what being a Marauder means to them:

Lindsey Edwards, an Early Childhood Education and Special Education dual major and member of the class of 2024 says: 

  • Being a Marauder means taking the next step into adulthood with new friends and learning how to succeed in the future!!”

At Millersville University, student success both during and after college is a priority for professors and staff members. However, a big part of success comes from having a support system of fellow students encouraging you to do well, which is exactly what Marauders do!

Marina MacGregor, who plans on graduating in Fall 2020 and is a Social Work major with a minor in Phsychology, says:

  • “Being a Marauder means working toward acceptance and love for others who are from completely different walks of life.”

Diversity is a huge part of what makes Millersville so special, and true Marauders embrace it. Anyone and everyone is welcome and accepted here!

Abigail Azizkhan, another Early Childhood Education and Special Education dual major and member of the class of 2024 agrees:

  • “Being a Marauder means being able to be myself and feeling loved!”

Being a Marauder also means having school spirit. There’s nothing better than going to a school that you can be proud of and that you really love.

Taylor Olszewski, a Music Education Major who will graduate in 2022 says: 

  • “Being a Marauder means having pride in our campus and campus community as well as holding ourselves to the highest standards!”

Member of the class of 2021 Kaitlyn Hopple, an Early Childhood Education  and Special Education dual major with a minor in Psychology, says:

  • “Being a Marauder means being there for others, standing up for what you believe in, and being proud of your campus community and the differences it showcases.”

Pride in the Millersville community and the desire to help others are two traits Marauders embody. Here’s what else Millersville students are saying about what being a Marauder means to them:

Alyx Matchett, a Secondary English Education and Psychology dual major and member of the class of 2021 says:

  • “Being a Marauder means being part of an amazing community of people who are always willing to learn and experience new things together!!!”

Rhys Wallace, a Secondary Education Social Studies major who is also a member of the class of 2021 says: 

  • “Being a Marauder means challenging myself to grow with my peers.”

Francesca Polito-Wroten, a member of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program who intends to graduate from the program in 2022, says: 

  • “Being a Marauder means being a part of something bigger than myself. It means reaching my goals with friends along the way that are on the same journey as me.”

Cara Haley, who will graduate in May 2022 and is an Early Childhood Education and Special Education dual major with a minor in Integrative STEM Methods says:

  • “Being a Marauder means being part of a great community that provides you with resources to help you grow! They provide opportunities and events to help us grow as learners inside and outside of the classroom.”

There are lots of things that make Marauders great. Whether you’re a current student, an incoming student, or an alumni, you’ll always be a part of the Marauder family. What does being a Marauder mean to you? Let us know in the comments! Go ‘Ville!

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Housing & Residential Programs Staff Spotlight: Hannah Stoner

Millersville’s Housing and Residential Programs is proud to showcase our staff and all of the incredible work they do to make the residence halls at Millersville safe and a great environment for students to live and learn in. This week’s staff spotlight pick is graduate assistant Hannah Stoner. Continue reading to learn more about Hannah, her tips for managing schoolwork, and what led her to become a graduate assistant!

What made you want to become a Graduate Assistant (GA)?

Hannah: I wanted to become a GA because I love working with students and want to do anything I can to allow them to feel at home here at Millersville!

What has been the most rewarding part of being a GA?

Hannah: The most rewarding part of being a GA has been building a close-knit family with my Desk Attendant and Resident Assistant staff.

How have you been handling everything caused by COVID-19?

Hannah: This is a chaotic and difficult time in the world, but I am hanging in there and doing what I can to stay safe during COVID-19. I have been spending my time cooking, playing Animal Crossing on my Nintendo Switch, and hiking during quarantine!

Do you have any tips for succeeding academically given the various changes?

Hannah: I know that it can be hard to focus on schoolwork when there is so much uncertainty in our country right now. I would recommend putting aside time to study and do homework away from distractions. Make sure that you are taking breaks and spending time outside or being active!

Do you have any advice for residents regarding how to keep themselves and others safe from COVID-19 this fall?

Hannah: Remember to wear your mask and continue to social distance in order to keep yourself and others safe!

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How to Handle Stress

Stress is totally normal – and it totally stinks. Whether your stressed about a job, schoolwork, personal relationships, or pretty much anything else, it can be hard to cope with. Fortunately, there are some ways that you can manage your stress and stop it from controlling your life. Keep reading to find out what they are and how you can use them to start feeling better:

1. Talk to someone

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Reaching out to people who care is one of the best things you can do when you’re feeling overwhelmed. You’re not alone – stress affects everyone in some way, and it really helps to get things off your chest. If you feel like there’s no one you can reach out to, Millersville’s Counseling Center is open for the summer and you can schedule a teletheraphy appointment either through Zoom (preferred) or over the phone. Call 717-871-7821 to schedule an appointment.

2. Look at the positives

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Is the glass half full or half empty? That depends on how you look at it! If you send all of your time focusing on the negatives, you’ll never be happy and it’ll be much more challenging to de-stress. When you’re faced with something that stresses you out, try to think: “What are the positives of this situation?” “Are the negatives really as bad as I’m making them out to be?” You may not be able to make the situation better, but you can improve how you respond to it.

3. Practice relaxation techniques

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Close your eyes, imagine yourself in a calm environment, relax your muscles, and take a few deep breaths. Try to clear your mind by focusing on your breathing rather than whatever is stressing you out. You may feel like just closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths won’t help anything, but it really does!

4. Take time to yourself away from stressors

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What are some things that help you relax? For me, I love cooking/baking and watching my favorite shows on Netflix. Whatever it is you like to spend time doing, take a bit of time out of your day when you’re feeling overwhelmed to enjoy that activity. Whether it’s for ten minutes or two hours, take however long you need to regroup and relax your mind.

5. Accept that there are things you can’t control

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As much as we’d like to be able to control all aspects of our lives, we can’t. There are things like the COVID-19 pandemic that happen and there’s nothing we can do to stop it. Stressing out about the things you can’t control won’t help anything. There’s nothing you can do to change the situation, so it’s important to recognize that, realize it’s okay, and do what you can to make the things you can control better for yourself.

6. Take care of your health

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Making sure you’re physically healthy can help improve your mental health. Eating healthy and exercising can help you relax and manage stress. I like going on walks after a long day to unwind and decompress, and I think it really helps me feel better after I’ve had a stressful day!

Stress is extremely common, but manageable. Don’t let it control your life.  Practice the techniques above or let us know what techniques you use to cope with stress in the comments! Remember, tough times don’t last forever, and you’re not alone!

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10 Quotes to Help You Get Out of Bed

Some days, it can be tough to get the motivation to get out of bed and start the day. Those days, the blankets feel way too soft and your head is just glued to the pillow. We’ve all had them, and at some point, we’ve all had to get out of bed – whether we really wanted to or not. Here are 10 quotes to hopefully make those days a little easier for you, and to inspire you to get up and get moving!

  1. “No masterpiece was ever created by a lazy artist.” – Anonymous
  2. “Don’t overthink it. Just begin.” – Rich Roll
  3. “Some want it to happen, some would like it to happen, and others make it happen.” – Michael Jordan
  4. “If you cannot fly then run, if you cannot run then walk, if you cannot walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
  5. “Either you run the day, or the day runs you.” – Jim Rohn
  6. “Getting out of bed is a good way to leave your troubles behind.” – Nancy E. Turner
  7. “Life is short. Don’t be lazy.” – Sophia Amoruso
  8. “The older you get, the more fragile you understand life to be. I think that’s good motivation for getting out of bed joyfully each day.” – Julia Roberts
  9. “Wake up early everyday so that while others are still dreaming, you can make your dreams come true.” – Hal Elrod
  10. “You will never have this day again, so make it count.” – Unknown

These quotes won’t make your bed any less comfy, but they definitely motivate me not to waste time laying down and help me start getting things done! What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning? Let us know in the comments!

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Housing & Residential Programs Staff Spotlight: Will Halko

Millersville’s Housing and Residential Programs is proud to showcase our staff and all of the incredible work they do to make the residence halls at Millersville safe and a great environment for students to live and learn in. This week’s staff spotlight pick is graduate assistant Will Halko. Continue reading to learn more about Will, what he loves about being a graduate assistant of west village, and his advice for students.

What made you want to become a Graduate Assistant (GA)?

Will: Honestly, the fact that it seemed so out of my realm! My whole life I had worked with children, behavior, and psychology – after a few years of doing that I realized I wanted a complete change-up, so I applied to work in housing. My goal in any job is to make people’s lives a little better in any way I can, and it makes me happy that I get to do that in the residence halls. If the people around me feel supported, then I’m doing my job.

What has been the most rewarding part of being a GA?

Will: That’s a tough question because there really is a lot. Overall, I’d say my favorite part of the experience is getting to learn and grow alongside my co-workers. I’ve learned so much from the great people that I work with and I think we have a really great network of support for each other. I love when my coworkers and I can guide each other through new or difficult situations. Everyone is so eager to lend a hand and it’s really refreshing!

How have you been handling everything caused by COVID-19?

Will: Day by day. A lot of things nowadays seem pretty far out of our hands, which can be overwhelming. Right now I’m staying grounded by leaning into things that I have control over and showing gratitude whenever it’s possible. My two friends and I have been watching horror movies outside on Friday nights or taking morning hikes on weekends. So staying social when it’s possible has been super important to me, I just usually have to improvise.

Do you have any tips for succeeding academically given the various changes?

Will: I think staying confident and motivated are the most challenging but useful things you can do right now. Confidence and motivation go hand in hand sometimes. Like, if you think that your effort isn’t going to pay off, it’s way more tempting to accept defeat. Be forgiving to yourself, but know that you are smart and capable – pandemic or no pandemic.

Do you have any advice for residents regarding how to keep themselves and others safe from COVID-19 this Fall?

Will: Do the easy stuff right: wash your hands, cover your mouth, you know! Are you going to stop every cause of COVID-19 by doing these things? Probably not! But if you keep a person or two from getting sick, missing school, or generally stressing out – then wasn’t the small effort worth it? Also, mental health care is always important, but especially right now. Show yourself and your neighbors a little extra love during these times, we all can use it.

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What I Wish I Knew My Freshman Year

Heading into your freshman year of college is both exciting and nerve wracking. You’re going to a new place filled with new people and experiences. While everyone’s freshman year experience is unique, there are some general words of wisdom from upperclassmen that every freshman should hear before they go to college. Here’s what I, a senior at Millersville, wish I knew my freshman year of college:

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1. Make relationships with your professors

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Professors are there to help you however they can, along with your advisor. Reach out to your professors with questions you have about their course(s), or just general questions you might have about applying for jobs, getting on track for graduation, which classes to take, how to succeed in school, and so on. Making connections with professors will be beneficial to you during and after college, so start reaching out to them!

2. Give yourself time to adjust

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How you study in college will most likely be different from how you studied in high school. There’s more independent work in college, so you’ll be responsible to do more individual work outside of class. Your first semester may not go as you planned, and that’s totally okay! Each semester you’ll learn more about how you study and get work done. You’ll get better at managing your coursework over time, so don’t panic if it takes you a bit of time to get used to college courses.

3. Create a budget for yourself

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I definitely spent more money than I thought I would my freshman year of college. From going out to local restaurants to buying Millersville merch, my bank account looked pretty depressing when summer came around. I’d highly recommend making a budget for yourself and only spending a certain amount of money each week on things that aren’t necessities. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go out and treat yourself every now and then, just spend your money wisely.

4. Being an undecided major is totally fine – so is changing your major

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When I went to college, I felt pressured to pick a major and stick with it. I didn’t want to go into college without a plan. Once I got there, I realized that it’s perfectly normal to major undecided or feel uncertain about your major once you take some courses. If you’re not sure what you want to do with your life, it’s okay! Your time in college is meant to be used to find out more about yourself, what you enjoy, and what you want your future to look like. Take advantage of this time and set yourself on the path you want to be on.

5. Enjoy every moment, because time flies

Source: https://tvgag.com/gag/i-wish-there-was-a-way-to-know-youre-in-the-good-old-days/

Don’t take your freshman year of college for granted. Make the most of your time on campus and create memories that will last you a lifetime. Take advantage of everything you can, because it won’t be long before you’re in a cap and gown. Get involved on campus and in the Millersville community while you can. Spend time with people and go out to different stores and restaurants in Lancaster city – or just have a night in and watch Netflix, pop some popcorn, and enjoy yourself! Just try to make every moment meaningful and take advantage of every opportunity that the ‘Ville has to offer.

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