So, let's talk about the college interview.
At first, you're scared. Nervous. Petrified. You wonder if the other guy (or girl) is going to like what you say, what you have done, basically, who you are. You spend so much time before your first "inspection" dreading the afternoon after Physics class and sitting in front of your Webassign with clammy hands (okay, so this may not apply to everyone.. :D). It seems a bit ridiculous, but I guess this is basically how I felt before my first interview. To tell the truth though, all of the worrying and sweating was for nothing.
The interview serves two purposes: 1. to see what kind of a person you are-- if you are as interesting in person as you are on paper, or in some cases more interesting in person 2. to see why you are interested in attending a certain school and also to give you more information about that school. I never really try to impress my interviewer (besides the whole dressing up thing, but that should always be a priority). At first, I was really worried about my answers. What if I say something wrong and offend my interviewer? But seriously, thinking about it and actually doing it are two different things. Most of the times, you think weird things are going to happen when it actually is quite impossible. Like, when I think too much about how to conduct. The four-four patterns just go away. Sometimes, however, you pysche yourself out by thinking too much. Like my sophomore year all state audition. I completely doubted my abilities to play a G scale, and at auditions I bombed it. So, I just stopped thinking about the interviews and started talking. I talked about almost everything: my family, my friends, music, writing, public health, Science Olympiad, being with children... everything.
This is going to sound cliche, but here goes: you cannot change who you are or what you have done in the past. Colleges look for people who will add to their communities, so you may think that you need to mold yourself into some "Ivy League" material shape. But, look at it from the other side. This is the beginning of the rest of our lives. Shouldn't we be looking for colleges that are molded into the "Emily" material shape? I know, it sounds silly. But, that's what got me through these interviews: knowing that there is nobody to impress, that my personality and background will take me to where I belong, and that having an interview is just another way of meeting people and learning about their experiences at a certain place. Like Dr. Okor always says... "That's all!"
Maybe I wrote this down for future reference (for graduate school confidence or something). Maybe I wrote this down to teach others... whoever reads stumbles upon this blog. Or maybe I even wrote this down so that later, in April, I can look back on this post and laugh at myself. (Probably the latter is the best reason. :D haha) Whatever the case, my college interview experience was overall really good. I had a lot of fun learning about the places I would like to go, and also, let's not forget about the nice food.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Scrambled Thoughts
This has never happened to me before: I walked through the halls yesterday and was absolutely sick of high school. Going through the crowd, I didn't want anything more than to get out of those cramped, suffocating hallways. It isn't the people here that get me.. of course not. I love the people. It's just the way school is structured.. and how the fact that we are the oldest there makes the whole concept of high school seem immature and old news. I never thought I would reach this point. I never wanted to leave 5th grade, nor was I dying to leave middle school (despite how awful that was), so I figured from past experiences that I would be more nostalgic than excited to graduate from high school. Yet I find myself dying to graduate.
So, as you can imagine, it's been really hard to keep my feet on the ground and focus on school. I guess this all boils down to senioritis. For me, though, it isn't just about not wanting to do the work. The weird thing is sometimes I am super lazy (especially when I get home) but sometimes I am super motivated. I guess the only thing that's keeping me grounded is all of the other stuff that is going on. For example, the leadership team is doing a school wide project to collect school supplies for students in Iraq. And, I'm looking around for original/new projects for NHS. Plus, All State will be here before I know it. There's so much to hold on to, and so much that I will miss. Why am I so eager to leave?
I can't even write anymore. My mind is so scrambled.
So, as you can imagine, it's been really hard to keep my feet on the ground and focus on school. I guess this all boils down to senioritis. For me, though, it isn't just about not wanting to do the work. The weird thing is sometimes I am super lazy (especially when I get home) but sometimes I am super motivated. I guess the only thing that's keeping me grounded is all of the other stuff that is going on. For example, the leadership team is doing a school wide project to collect school supplies for students in Iraq. And, I'm looking around for original/new projects for NHS. Plus, All State will be here before I know it. There's so much to hold on to, and so much that I will miss. Why am I so eager to leave?
I can't even write anymore. My mind is so scrambled.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Resolutions Review
It's been a tiring week. I wake up every morning around 7am (just 30 minutes before the late bell!) to find myself lost and knocked out and wondering where I am. I don't know why I've been so tired lately. I wonder if it's because I am trying really hard to do all of my homework and follow a strict schedule. It's second semester senior year, and I'm working my tail off. Why the heck is that?!
Let's see. There's nothing new to really talk about.
On those New Year's Resolutions...
1. Go running/exercise every weekend - already failed... but I've been busy every weekend this month with auditions and rehersals, so I think that can be excused.
2. be more responsible and on top of everything in life - kinda. still working on it.
3. read books - does reading Tess count?! it has consumed my life.
4. help with more chores in the house - more than I used to
5. be on time.. - still struggling
So, I haven't completely ditched anything yet. It looks like I'm still okay. Keeping up with everything is rather tiring though.
I think I am going to go nap. I can't keep my eyes open....
Let's see. There's nothing new to really talk about.
On those New Year's Resolutions...
1. Go running/exercise every weekend - already failed... but I've been busy every weekend this month with auditions and rehersals, so I think that can be excused.
2. be more responsible and on top of everything in life - kinda. still working on it.
3. read books - does reading Tess count?! it has consumed my life.
4. help with more chores in the house - more than I used to
5. be on time.. - still struggling
So, I haven't completely ditched anything yet. It looks like I'm still okay. Keeping up with everything is rather tiring though.
I think I am going to go nap. I can't keep my eyes open....
Monday, January 19, 2009
Home from UGA
I just came home from Janfest last night. We spent a weekend in Athens preparing pieces and playing concerts. It was really fun! Despite the fact that I did not make the top wind ensemble, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
I still believe things happen for a reason. I think there are 4 reasons why I ended up in the Symphonic Band. Number 1: I messed up on my scales -- scales! absurd, I know. We had been waiting for an audition for 4 hours, so I guess my clarinet had gotten cold by then and I had somehow psyched myself out. The only major problem with this is that audition was with the clarinet professor at UGA, and if I plan on making the music school, I have to do another audition with him -- an audition that will have to be 10 times as good as normal. (ah!) Number 2: We had the most amazing conductor! He was really passionate about music, and I loved the way he worked with everybody in rehersals. I think having a clinician like that is so much better than playing in a group with amazing musicians and not getting much from that at all... (yeah right! =P) Number 3: I had a Chemistry webassign due Sunday night after the concert and no WiFi or laptop to finish my work at the hotel. Yes, a silly reason, but honestly, getting home at 8pm as opposed to 6pm would have been tough! Number 4: The most important reason, I believe. Not being in the wind ensemble wasn't that big of a deal. But, it really inspired me to practice more. I can honestly say that the times I actually practice are before all state auditions and for festival competition (barely). This is pathetic. If I really love music and clarinet, shouldn't I be practicing every day? It's not that I am forcing myself to practice. I just suddenly found an urge to practice clarinet. Hopefully, I can follow through and play every day.
Hmm... some other things:
I got a hair cut today. It isn't really anything different, and I kind of wish I could go back and have it cut more differently. But it's okay. I had a very awkward experience paying tip... I must fix that next time. I feel awful!
Oh! And updates from last blog -- I made All state! And, I got accepted to Emory University with a semifinalist in the scholars program. =D Hooray!
Inauguration tomorrow! :) Hope everyone is having fun in DC.
I still believe things happen for a reason. I think there are 4 reasons why I ended up in the Symphonic Band. Number 1: I messed up on my scales -- scales! absurd, I know. We had been waiting for an audition for 4 hours, so I guess my clarinet had gotten cold by then and I had somehow psyched myself out. The only major problem with this is that audition was with the clarinet professor at UGA, and if I plan on making the music school, I have to do another audition with him -- an audition that will have to be 10 times as good as normal. (ah!) Number 2: We had the most amazing conductor! He was really passionate about music, and I loved the way he worked with everybody in rehersals. I think having a clinician like that is so much better than playing in a group with amazing musicians and not getting much from that at all... (yeah right! =P) Number 3: I had a Chemistry webassign due Sunday night after the concert and no WiFi or laptop to finish my work at the hotel. Yes, a silly reason, but honestly, getting home at 8pm as opposed to 6pm would have been tough! Number 4: The most important reason, I believe. Not being in the wind ensemble wasn't that big of a deal. But, it really inspired me to practice more. I can honestly say that the times I actually practice are before all state auditions and for festival competition (barely). This is pathetic. If I really love music and clarinet, shouldn't I be practicing every day? It's not that I am forcing myself to practice. I just suddenly found an urge to practice clarinet. Hopefully, I can follow through and play every day.
Hmm... some other things:
I got a hair cut today. It isn't really anything different, and I kind of wish I could go back and have it cut more differently. But it's okay. I had a very awkward experience paying tip... I must fix that next time. I feel awful!
Oh! And updates from last blog -- I made All state! And, I got accepted to Emory University with a semifinalist in the scholars program. =D Hooray!
Inauguration tomorrow! :) Hope everyone is having fun in DC.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Obvious
We had a luncheon at the chamber today and discussed current leadership progress and began to work on a project to help school children in Iraq. For the project, we basically get our community schools together to collect school supplies and sports equipment (balls and such) for small children in the Middle East. The idea was started and implemented by an alumni of our team.
It really amazed me how much he wanted to give back to society. Despite the fact that he graduated from high school and college years ago, he still plays an active role in shaping and helping other people. It seems to me that most people would do all of their community service and leadership in high school and college and then settle down for peaceful lives. I am sure people do not become complete hermits after university, but it just felt like with all that I knew, my parents and other parents, the goal after university was to be a good parent/spouse and lead your children towards brighter future than you had. Thinking back, that was a pretty narrow-minded thought. I hope that when I graduate from high school and college, I can still find or create opportunities to reach out to others. Maybe I can give back by just donating a few hours of my week to a local shelter or spending time volunteering in various places as opposed to coordinating a huge community-wide project to help foreign children. Whatever I end up doing with my life, professionally and personally, I hope that after school, I will still find time to do some of the service that I am actively a part of today.
I also realized today that activities mean different things to different people (well duh). For example, I am not really that big into some organizations while other people are completely devoted to them. I suppose this all has to do with the attitude you take on while you go to that activity. There's one that I have never been particularly excited about... and I wish that I had been in the past two years because I've seen people learn so much from the program. Sometimes, I like to think that we are controlled by fate. That if I make an audition or get accepted into a school, it was meant to be. That way, I feel at ease about all that I have done and am not pressured to get certain things. But, sometimes your experiences are not left to fate. They depend on your perspective and your attitude. If you go into something thinking it will be awful, chances are, you will end up being miserable. But, if you go into it thinking "man this is going to rock!", you may just surprise yourself with how much fun you have and how much you get out of the experience. I guess with all of this, I am trying to say that I wish throughout high school I had gone into more things with the positive attitude. It cannot be changed or fixed now... but, I think if I believe the positive for the next few months, it will all end happily and better that it has been. It's kind of like the challenge with science: you see what you want to see.
Maybe... if we wished to see good in the world, we would find happiness and peace in the poor economy and the war. (I don't want to end on a bad note here, so just go with this hopeful, unrealistic ending! :D)
It really amazed me how much he wanted to give back to society. Despite the fact that he graduated from high school and college years ago, he still plays an active role in shaping and helping other people. It seems to me that most people would do all of their community service and leadership in high school and college and then settle down for peaceful lives. I am sure people do not become complete hermits after university, but it just felt like with all that I knew, my parents and other parents, the goal after university was to be a good parent/spouse and lead your children towards brighter future than you had. Thinking back, that was a pretty narrow-minded thought. I hope that when I graduate from high school and college, I can still find or create opportunities to reach out to others. Maybe I can give back by just donating a few hours of my week to a local shelter or spending time volunteering in various places as opposed to coordinating a huge community-wide project to help foreign children. Whatever I end up doing with my life, professionally and personally, I hope that after school, I will still find time to do some of the service that I am actively a part of today.
I also realized today that activities mean different things to different people (well duh). For example, I am not really that big into some organizations while other people are completely devoted to them. I suppose this all has to do with the attitude you take on while you go to that activity. There's one that I have never been particularly excited about... and I wish that I had been in the past two years because I've seen people learn so much from the program. Sometimes, I like to think that we are controlled by fate. That if I make an audition or get accepted into a school, it was meant to be. That way, I feel at ease about all that I have done and am not pressured to get certain things. But, sometimes your experiences are not left to fate. They depend on your perspective and your attitude. If you go into something thinking it will be awful, chances are, you will end up being miserable. But, if you go into it thinking "man this is going to rock!", you may just surprise yourself with how much fun you have and how much you get out of the experience. I guess with all of this, I am trying to say that I wish throughout high school I had gone into more things with the positive attitude. It cannot be changed or fixed now... but, I think if I believe the positive for the next few months, it will all end happily and better that it has been. It's kind of like the challenge with science: you see what you want to see.
Maybe... if we wished to see good in the world, we would find happiness and peace in the poor economy and the war. (I don't want to end on a bad note here, so just go with this hopeful, unrealistic ending! :D)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Some Ranting and a Realization
Sorry to make the title of this post sound so much like a Tale of Two Cities chapter title. =P
I picked up the mail after school today, and guess what showed up in the pile? A small envelop to me from the DeKalb County Fire Department. So, I'm thinking what the heck. I never called the fire department, and why would I even bother the DeKalb people if I did? I opened it up and out poped a bill for $50.00. I mean... what?!?! They want $50.00 for nothing??? Then I remembered that when I passed out at CDC, the fire department was there... I think. (This makes no sense. Why would a fire department come to help a passed out girl? There wasn't a fire or anything...) But anyways, these people at the fire department took my blood pressure and pricked my finger, and now they are asking for $50.00?!?!?! I can go to the hospital, get the same check up and pay less than half that price. I suppose the fact that they had to drive there as if there was an emergency would have upped the price. Ridiculous. But, it isn't that I am not thankful for them for coming (even if they didn't do anything), it's just that... paying $50.00 for that little thing is so ridiculous. I guess pretty much everyone is financially struggling these days, even the fire department.
On a happier, more enlightening note, today I went to clarinet lessons and just talked with my teacher. I have been freaking out about the second all state audition (my final all state audition ever!) for some really odd reason. The first audition was a mental breeze; I went in with a whatever-happens-will-be-okay attitude, and it all turned out great. Today has been really weird though. During advisement, I couldn't play the measures and I started panicking about Saturday... honestly, why?! Anyways, at lessons, my teacher made me realize that beating yourself up and practicing until you get bruises and start bleeding (not really) at the mouth is just wrong. Music isn't about forcing yourself to do something like a robot. It is about feeling and heart and playing with all that you've got. I guess I really lost that vision this week. It's just, I want to make it so bad--to convince my band director to take us and to be surrounded with my friends in Savannah and to play with some of the most amazing music with some of the best people in the state. Honestly, it isn't about that. All state isn't just about working hard to get something that you've always wanted. It is about playing with your heart and becoming a better musician. Being in the heart of Savannah and relaxing with friends while playing great music is just a coincidental benefit. Not that the memories aren't important. It's just that the number one focus is to believe in myself, play the music with confidence and love, and leave it all in that audition room.
I should listen to myself when I say that if you work hard for something, love what you are doing, and really want it, there is no way it isn't going to happen. I like to think of it as a miracle (like in Chemistry! :D), but honestly, it's more like the result of dilligence and passion.
I picked up the mail after school today, and guess what showed up in the pile? A small envelop to me from the DeKalb County Fire Department. So, I'm thinking what the heck. I never called the fire department, and why would I even bother the DeKalb people if I did? I opened it up and out poped a bill for $50.00. I mean... what?!?! They want $50.00 for nothing??? Then I remembered that when I passed out at CDC, the fire department was there... I think. (This makes no sense. Why would a fire department come to help a passed out girl? There wasn't a fire or anything...) But anyways, these people at the fire department took my blood pressure and pricked my finger, and now they are asking for $50.00?!?!?! I can go to the hospital, get the same check up and pay less than half that price. I suppose the fact that they had to drive there as if there was an emergency would have upped the price. Ridiculous. But, it isn't that I am not thankful for them for coming (even if they didn't do anything), it's just that... paying $50.00 for that little thing is so ridiculous. I guess pretty much everyone is financially struggling these days, even the fire department.
On a happier, more enlightening note, today I went to clarinet lessons and just talked with my teacher. I have been freaking out about the second all state audition (my final all state audition ever!) for some really odd reason. The first audition was a mental breeze; I went in with a whatever-happens-will-be-okay attitude, and it all turned out great. Today has been really weird though. During advisement, I couldn't play the measures and I started panicking about Saturday... honestly, why?! Anyways, at lessons, my teacher made me realize that beating yourself up and practicing until you get bruises and start bleeding (not really) at the mouth is just wrong. Music isn't about forcing yourself to do something like a robot. It is about feeling and heart and playing with all that you've got. I guess I really lost that vision this week. It's just, I want to make it so bad--to convince my band director to take us and to be surrounded with my friends in Savannah and to play with some of the most amazing music with some of the best people in the state. Honestly, it isn't about that. All state isn't just about working hard to get something that you've always wanted. It is about playing with your heart and becoming a better musician. Being in the heart of Savannah and relaxing with friends while playing great music is just a coincidental benefit. Not that the memories aren't important. It's just that the number one focus is to believe in myself, play the music with confidence and love, and leave it all in that audition room.
I should listen to myself when I say that if you work hard for something, love what you are doing, and really want it, there is no way it isn't going to happen. I like to think of it as a miracle (like in Chemistry! :D), but honestly, it's more like the result of dilligence and passion.
Friday, January 2, 2009
A Resolution Edit
You know, I've been thinking. Resolutions are so hard to make happen. But there's one resolution I really want to work on this year, and that is doing stuff.
There are a load of talkers in the world. They just talk all day about going places, reading books, making things happen. But when it comes down to it, nothing ever gets done... because that's the thing--they are just talkers.
I don't want to be a talker. I want to plan things out, and follow through. Be proactive and stop wasting time. Life is short.
Instead of telling my mom that I will do the dishes in 10 minutes, I shall just get up after dinner to clean up and put everything away. Instead of telling my friends we should do something, we will actually do something (this has gotten better since people have started driving though). And instead of saying I'm going to practice clarinet or finish a book, I will do both without hesitation. Also, I will do my Calculus homework as opposed to thinking/talking about doing it eventually.
So let's say that my number one priority this year is to do more and talk less and lessen the procrastination.
Pfft. We'll see how long this lasts.
There are a load of talkers in the world. They just talk all day about going places, reading books, making things happen. But when it comes down to it, nothing ever gets done... because that's the thing--they are just talkers.
I don't want to be a talker. I want to plan things out, and follow through. Be proactive and stop wasting time. Life is short.
Instead of telling my mom that I will do the dishes in 10 minutes, I shall just get up after dinner to clean up and put everything away. Instead of telling my friends we should do something, we will actually do something (this has gotten better since people have started driving though). And instead of saying I'm going to practice clarinet or finish a book, I will do both without hesitation. Also, I will do my Calculus homework as opposed to thinking/talking about doing it eventually.
So let's say that my number one priority this year is to do more and talk less and lessen the procrastination.
Pfft. We'll see how long this lasts.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
First Post
Happy 2oo9!
I remember graduating from elementary school and getting a shirt from the school that said "Class of..." on the front with orange paws and 09 on the back. It seems so long ago, and 2009 seemed so far away. Now... we're finally here. It feels kind of strange, like everything flew by so fast. And yet, you live life day by day... until they pile together and 7 years have gone by.
In 2008...
In 2008, I made All State for the first time. I'm actually a bit nervous about making it again. I have been slacking off and not doing 2 hours every day, and I didn't practice the first week of winter break.
No picture for this, but I got my first job. (ahem which kind of sucked, but that's ok.)
I went to prom with someone sweet. =) Yeah, you know.
I went to my first concert: Manchester Orchestra. I didn't really know their songs, but almost wet my pants when they played "Wolves at Night." =)
We finally had a drum major bowl! Hooray Norcross/Peachtree Ridge/Parkview! I can't believe we won't be together again this summer. Time goes so fast.
I had (and still have) amazing girlfriends. What else can I say? I love these girls. <3
I conducted a band (right!)... :D The best 2 years of my life. Honestly, there were times when things were crazy, and I felt like it would all fall apart. But, in the end... being drum major was the best thing that has ever happened to me. Oh, memories!
I applied to 10 colleges. Ugh! I know! I don't really have any pictures for this... That would be weird.
My aunt had a little baby boy named Austin. He's sooo adorable and quiet. Nice baby. =)
Sumi and I placed 1st in Forensics. =D
... and I made an A in AP Chemistry.
~*~
Everything that has happened this past year has been amazing, both the good and the bad. I think through the bad times, we become stronger. If everything is happy and nice all of the time, life gets boring, and it all seems so fake. There really does seem to be good and evil in the world...
5 more months. =)
<33emily
I remember graduating from elementary school and getting a shirt from the school that said "Class of..." on the front with orange paws and 09 on the back. It seems so long ago, and 2009 seemed so far away. Now... we're finally here. It feels kind of strange, like everything flew by so fast. And yet, you live life day by day... until they pile together and 7 years have gone by.
In 2008...
In 2008, I made All State for the first time. I'm actually a bit nervous about making it again. I have been slacking off and not doing 2 hours every day, and I didn't practice the first week of winter break.
No picture for this, but I got my first job. (ahem which kind of sucked, but that's ok.)
I went to prom with someone sweet. =) Yeah, you know.
I went to my first concert: Manchester Orchestra. I didn't really know their songs, but almost wet my pants when they played "Wolves at Night." =)
We finally had a drum major bowl! Hooray Norcross/Peachtree Ridge/Parkview! I can't believe we won't be together again this summer. Time goes so fast.
I had (and still have) amazing girlfriends. What else can I say? I love these girls. <3
I conducted a band (right!)... :D The best 2 years of my life. Honestly, there were times when things were crazy, and I felt like it would all fall apart. But, in the end... being drum major was the best thing that has ever happened to me. Oh, memories!
I applied to 10 colleges. Ugh! I know! I don't really have any pictures for this... That would be weird.
My aunt had a little baby boy named Austin. He's sooo adorable and quiet. Nice baby. =)
Sumi and I placed 1st in Forensics. =D
... and I made an A in AP Chemistry.
~*~
Everything that has happened this past year has been amazing, both the good and the bad. I think through the bad times, we become stronger. If everything is happy and nice all of the time, life gets boring, and it all seems so fake. There really does seem to be good and evil in the world...
5 more months. =)
<33emily
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