Filed under: Rants & Ridiculousness | Tags: bitch whine and complain, bullshit, class, complaining, deadlines, frustration, honesty, Rant, review, sleep, St Augustine, Stress, stupidity
I’m not sure if I want to scream, kill something, or throw my laptop off the roof of the business school.
I spent just about my entire night awake, writing a horrific essay on St. Augustine’s view of love. It was utterly painful to write, and certainly my acute writer’s block as of late was of no help. But I managed to shit out some crap onto four pages, enough to hand in for peer reviews today.
I am so pissed I spent my night writing this crap, when all we did today was have our peers edit our paper.
The paper itself wasn’t actually due to my professor, like I had anticipated.
I only cranked out this fluffy awfulness so my peer could do a half ass read over of my shitty ass essay on St. Augustine of all things.
I stayed up all night, writhing with caffeine, frustration and exhaustion. I got up early after my 5 AM nap to continue with this wretchedness. I was really actually concerned with my grade on this one. I made sure I had my shit together so I could get to class and hand in my paper on time!
For nothing. For absolutely nothing.
So some chick in my class could bullshit an “editing” of my paper. I see not one comment in the margins. Not one. Her comments were limited to the bare minimum required by my professor on the reverse outline. Single sentences. Seriously?
Sometimes I hate myself for loving to write. When I am assigned to edit someone’s paper, or a friend asks me to read it over, I provide all kinds of insight, information and mechanical information about their essay. I try to be honest, and I try to give my all into the advice I give them. I do this, not only out of the kindness of my heart, but because I would LOVE for someone to provide me that amount of feedback on my writing.
In total, I got less than 6 “sentences” of feedback on my four and a half pages of writing.
If you saw the paper I had read, you would’ve seen the margins and spaces littered with my messy handwriting. Comments, critiques, and arrows galore. WHAT THE FUCK?
Moral of the story: Shit happens.
Filed under: College, Rants & Ridiculousness | Tags: class, college, Katelyn Geraghty, library, life, Scotland, sleep, St Andrews, work, Yahs
By my great friend, Katelyn Geraghty
8:00 AM- Alarm goes off. Fuck, it’s way too early for this- the sun’s not even up yet. Accidentally turn off alarm in half-awake state, go back to sleep
9:12 AM- Wake up. Going to be late for lecture again. Hop in the shower for 5 minutes, grab whatever clothes are nearby, put on as many articles of outerwear as possible, and prepare to freeze on the mile long trek to class.
10:05 AM- Make it to lecture. You’re wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and moderately priced, practical winter boots, and therefore do not come even close to looking like any of the “St Andrews girl” robots around you. Attempt to pay attention, and ignore the up/down/up stares of the girls around you at your choice of outfit.
11:00 AM- Walk out of the lecture hall. Fuck, it’s cold out. Go to the library between classes, and spend the whole time on Facebook/ having no choice but to listen to the annoying Yahs sitting near you, talking as loudly as possible about how drunk they were last night.
Noon- Tutorial. You’re weeks behind on the reading, and have nothing to say. The German kid and the American kid are arguing again, and even though you haven’t kept up with the material, you know more about the topic than they do combined. Still, you say nothing, fearful of the wrath of the German kid if you try to correct him.
1:00 PM- Tutorial’s finally over. You go back to the library to take a nap, but the place is packed. Manage to snag a booth.
1:50 PM- Fuck it, you’re not going to go to Econ. You haven’t been in weeks but listening to the lecturer read off the slides, taken verbatim from the textbook, is too much for you to handle. Why the fuck are you majoring in Econ anyway? It’s so boring. Go back to sleep.
3:28 PM- Wake up from your nap, surf the internet for a while.
4:52 PM- Drag yourself to your philosophy lecture. Reading the econ textbook (which is clearly not written for university students) is one thing, but attempting to read Aristotle is another. Plus, the lectures give you nifty quotes to incorporate into your essay, so you don’t actually have to read anything. Why is this class so late? It looks like it could be midnight, it’s so dark out.
6:01 PM- Walk down Market street to Starbucks, bracing yourself to cough up the £3 for a latte. It snowed a whopping 4 inches in the last few days, and turns out Starbucks is closed AGAIN because of the weather. Swear off this fucking town, and walk over to Costa. The queue is all the way to the door.
6:47 PM- Finally get your large latte. Promise yourself you are going to stop drinking coffee, because there’s no way you can afford it any more. Go to the library.
6:55 PM- The library is pretty empty, because everyone goes out on Tuesday nights. To the same 4 bars. Wow, this place has great nightlife! I love being around conceited Yahs and rich Americans! Continue to procrastinate in the library.
8:03 PM- You finished your coffee ages ago, and need another source of caffeine. The vending machines only have water, and are sold out anyway. You leave your computer, take your bag, and go to make a quick Tesco run.
8:14 PM- You get to Tesco, and remember that there’s no such thing as a quick Tesco run. Why the fuck is this place always so fucking packed? The shelves are completely picked over- you grab the last 2 Cokes (the diet is sold out, probably has been since 4 PM) and some skittles.
8:44 PM- That was actually quicker than you expected. As you power walk to the library, you pray that no one stole your laptop. You bring your caffeine source and snack up to your booth in the “silent zone” (food upstairs, what a badass). You get back to your booth and it’s just as you left it. Of course no one stole your laptop, it’s clearly at least 2 years old, and everyone here already has a brand new MacBook Pro. Taking yours isn’t even worth the effort. Continue to find ways to procrastinate.
9:27 PM- Skittles are actually really loud, you decide to go for something quieter next time.
10:42 PM- You try to find ways to justify going back to your room, but can’t think of any legitimate arguments, as you have written a single paragraph over the course of the whole day, none of which makes any sort of sense at all. You are so tired, and need to stay up to get work done, but can’t concentrate due to fatigue. You realize that your life has become a vicious cycle of lack of sleep- lack of work- lack of sleep.
11:17 PM- You want nothing more than to be curled up in the fetal position. The colour of the carpet reflects your attitude towards life: sick, sad, and burnt out.
Midnight- The library is closing. Fuck, it’s really cold out now. Brace yourself for the walk back. Avoid drunk people who are leaving the bars at the same time, because nothing is open past 12 here.
12:35 AM- Back in your room. Try to make yourself work, end up getting nothing done.
2:32 AM- Finally go to sleep.
8:00 AM- Repeat
Filed under: College, Flash Fiction | Tags: Calculus, class, college, failure, flash fiction, nonfiction, ridiculousness, stupidity, the Doctor
It was an ordinary morning for Katherine. She paced across Mendel Lawn, the sky spit rain, and her calves ached with their usual shin-splint intensity. The church tolled 9 o’clock, so she quickened her pace and entered John Barry Hall.
As she entered her classroom on the second floor, the Doctor was in, and everything seemed rather normal. Students looked pissed, the moan and groan of morning all over their face, and the Doctor looked like herself- a cross between Ms. Frizzle and Mr. Magoo. Nothing out of the ordinary to report.
Katherine didn’t even think twice when, after starting her lecture, the Doctor left the room abruptly, as if she had lost something.
It wasn’t until a few minutes after the Doctor came back and resumed class that Katherine noticed something: the Doctor was writing with a new marker. It had dark green ink. It was easy to read. But after a minute or so of being on the whiteboard, it started to fade, just slightly. That’s bizarre, she thought.
She cranned her neck to get a better view of the Doctor; she realized that the marker the Doctor was writing with was not a dry-erase marker. It was a magic marker.
The Doctor continued class, getting increasingly flustered every time she tried to erase what she had wrote. By the end of class, the magic marker had visibly stained the board, and the Doctor seemed rather perplexed as to why. As usual, she hightailed it out of the room as soon as she dismissed the students, checking her BlackBerry like a ditz, undoubtedly wondering how the hell she could gain a tenured position at the University if she couldn’t even distinguish between markers.
Filed under: College, Rants & Ridiculousness, Uncategorized | Tags: awesomeness, class, Dr. Richard Jackman, future, inspirational, katieism, life, orientation, quotes, speaker, Villanova
Since arriving on Wednesday with C&K and all my shit, what I’ve learned from the Glass Onion has certainly come into play: Everyday is a new day. And not everyone can cook.
Some days I was happy, and some days I wanted to punch someone in the nose. Most days fluctuated between both extremes. Sometimes my emotions were rational, and sometimes they weren’t. I talked to random strangers, played a lot of ice breakers, and danced a little bit to songs that were very reminiscent of camp. Orientation was exhausting, yet relaxing, and oxymoronic. I spent a lot of money. A lot of money. I am probably also going to spend a lot of money this week.
Today, I peaced out of orientation after a rousing game of Mafia. I snagged a coffee at Holy Grounds and ran back to my dorm on South Campus through the pouring rain. I had had enough. I needed to vent and sit and pee. Basically, I needed to chill the fuck out, for lack of a more eloquent saying.
I took to my laptop, caffeine-filled and angry. I began shopping online. I must’ve been a pity to look at, especially after I put on sweatpants. Oh, Lord knows, no one looks good in sweatpants.
Around 6, my Orientation Counselor (OC), Mike, texted me. “Katie, we are in the pavilion for a ceremony if you want…..I also have your nova nation shirt”
I inquired a little more and found out it was the candle ceremony, the one Mrs. Lackner told me I would love… I asked if I would regret not going and Mike, very nicely and indirectly, said yes. So, despite my shitty mood, I put on new, dry jeans, sneakers, and my Villanova T, and marched my sorry ass to the pavilion.
I’m glad I am not as stubborn as I used to be. The ceremony was, by far, the best part of orientation. Better than any freebie, improv show, or trip to the bookstore.
I made it to the pavilion about halfway through mass. They finished the second reading as I arrived. Fast forward through the gospel, eucharist, singing, peace, the whole shoot and match. Fast forward to closing speakers. Bring out Dr. Richard Jackman, stage left.
The old man ambled up the stairs of the stage, and despite his feeble appearance, he spoke with a commanding presence, clarity, and as if he was a longtime friend. After introducing himself and welcoming us, he began “There are two types of people in the world. Those who go to Villanova, and those who wish they did.”
He continued with some advice.
“Be yourself. Because no one else wants the job.”
He has a valid point.
With all this opportunity for new beginnings, when meeting new people and showing myself off (I feel like that’s what you have to do when you become friends with people, just to make sure they actually want you, like making sure the car you’re going to buy has enough features, aside from the sex appeal of the sleek, new model) I am going to stress the following:
- I am nice. I am compassionate, caring, and if you’re my friend, I will pretty much drop everything to cater to you and make you happy.
- I am a little crazy, but I am also really fun. I need to constantly be doing SOMETHING. I love sporting events. I love beer. I love talking. I can be the life of the party, if I so choose.
- I love the job of being me.
- I don’t want to trade.
Dr. Jackman also brought up “Three pieces of Collegiate Advice.”
“If you want something really badly, give it away.” In other words, if you want someone to applaud you, applaud someone else. You get what you give. Give love to fall in love. Another smart idea. I never quite thought about it that way, but the man is so right.
“Never get into a fight with ugly people. They have nothing to lose.” Looking back at all the fights I’ve been in, the ugly people are a bit more ruthless. They take you down that extra notch… I am going to try my best to, instead of instigate the fights, do my best to keep peace. I know how to handle my anger, and hopefully I will be able to walk away from others who are angry, or can avoid problems when they turn.. red.
“Whatever it is that hits the fan will NOT be equally distributed.” Life isn’t fair. And, time and again, shit will hit the fan. Or mayonnaise. Or vomit. Whatever grosses you out most. Count your blessings when it misses you. Next time you won’t be so lucky. That is good advice, no matter if you are in college or not. It’s hard to accept, sometimes, but certainly worth remembering. Insert two cents about karma, etc here.
Dr. Jackman continued, with many more pieces of advice.
“It’s what you do between now and potato salad that counts.” Dr. Jackman told about funerals, how our friends say nice things, things they should’ve said when we were alive, at our funerals, and then go eat potato salad. We want to hear the best things we can about our lives, existence, whatever. In order to sound less than mediocre, it’s up to us to make something of ourselves, he said. Dr. Jackman implored that we take advantage of our time at Villanova.
“Don’t knock the rich, you’ll never be hired by anybody poor.” Especially after reading Googled , it’s clear that our way up is by networking with, and kissing the asses of, the rich. Things are a lot easier when you have friends in high places than when you have friends that visit high places. Dr. Jackman brought up how fortunate we are that Villanova is in one of the classiest, wealthiest neighborhoods in the nation: the Main Line. “The Main Line unemployment office has valet parking,” he said with a chuckle. The community can provide anyone with plenty of opportunity, regardless of Villanova. Put the two together, and big things are bound to happen. Or so he says.
“If you’re going to take up cross country skiing, start in a small country.” I’m not sure what I want to make of my time at Villanova. It’s too early to decide. I have some goals, but not necessarily a detailed game plan. Today is preseason, not March Madness. But this token of advice is a great one to keep in my palm: I have gotten in over my head before. My ambition has brought me down. I’m fragile, and I’m volatile, so maybe it would be best for me to wait out any grandiose plans. Starting small is still a start.
“Let’s not look at our limitations, but pursue our opportunities.” I think this advice is a great way to keep one’s outlook positive: don’t say, well, I can’t do this. See what is out there, and try it. Think less, do more. It’s easy for people, myself included, to dismiss something. Too expensive, I can’t, no time, blah blah blah. Dr. Jackman closed, noting that is important that we use these opportunities to further our “commitment to help others and the courage to persevere.” Don’t be afraid to say “I will try again tomorrow.”
Orientation had it’s ups and downs. Today, there was a time when I wanted to hurt something. But at least I know that I can say this: I will try again tomorrow. Hopefully the first day of classes will be better.
Wish me luck!
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: accomplishment, class, friends, graduation, high school, life, Westfordia, Woods Hole
I can’t believe I can finally say this: I am done with high school.
It’s done. It’s over. I made it.
Incredible.
There were so many days when I thought I would never make it. It is so strange to think that this is all the state will give me in public education. That after thirteen years of classes and schooling, I have learned enough to function as an adult in our society. I have learned enough to get by, balance a check book, get a job, and sign a lease to an apartment. I was amazed when they told me I was capable enough to drive a car, but now that they are telling me I am capable enough to get the hell out of the system… It is such a strange sensation.
I don’t think I have had any significant academic success stories during the past four years. In eighth grade, I would say it was mastering algebra. But other than that, nothing in my recent memory. In high school I have had academic failures. Like the blog project presentation for Mahoney’s class. What a disaster. I never thought we would have to make up a presentation because it was so bad the first time. We worked so damn hard on that project, and to watch it burn was just like watching your house blaze.
In high school I have had social failures. I have screwed up a few friendships. I have removed myself from a group I used to belong to, even though it was both a good idea and bad idea. I have suffered emotional failures, like running amock with depression during junior year. Or maybe that anger from my dindah cotillion date.
But despite the shittiness that was prevalent many days, I have some great memories from the past four years.
- Donuts in parking lots and sledding at LA. That was this winter, but what a fun, random ass night. I enjoyed every minute of it. I was with a group of people who would never actually all hang out together, in the middle of a giant snowstorm, on a school night, shmucking around and making a ruckus. It was a blast. You really had to be there. I wish I could relive that night one last time.
- Skipping school on my seventeenth birthday with Sal and Allan. Even if things never worked out with Allan, I truly had a great time that day. Eating lunch at Pour House. Going to the top of the Pru. Pretending we were the Ferris Bueller gang. Although cruising in a much less flashy car. And not running into our dean of students.
- Working at Kimball farm. Eating so much ice cream it became my diet. Getting a ripped arm. Meeting some new people. Learning what NOT to do with boys.
- Throwing parties in my parents beach house. Maybe not one of my wiser ideas, but certainly an excellent time. They were all a blast, even when shit went south. I learned how to stay focused while drinking, how to politely kick someone out of your house, and most importantly, how to clean.
- Devil’s Foot and Woods Hole Stock.
- Trampoline talks. Just laying on that massive nylon plate with friends, talking about whatever life has thrown at us, enjoying the warm weather, spending time with others. I kind of forgot about those. But what an excellent part of my first two years at WA.
- Making it to Nationals for DECA. It was such a unique experience. And I am sure it could never happen again. But it got me out of a dark spot, and it taught me a lot about myself, and it gave me an experience that I never thought possible. I got to bond with a teacher who ultimately helped me get into college. I had a great time. And I finally got to go to California. Sweetness.
God that sounds so sentimental and reminiscent. But good comes with the bad, and I suppose I am thankful for the good.
I think I did well on that last exam. I had studied hard for my AP test. Now I can move on from it all. I don’t quite know what’s in store, but hopefully things go over well.
Cheers to reading what I want to read, and doing it on my own schedule.
Katie
Filed under: Senioritis | Tags: "Senior Stroll", class, computer, excuses, hallways, school, senioritis, slacking, Westfordia
Doing everything and anything to get out of some class time.
I both accept and love that I will do just about anything to get out of class. One of the best parts of any given day is coming up with a new reason to get out of class. I’m exhilarated when I have one more excuse.
(While yes, my grades may have dropped due to my lack of attendance, but I contribute that more to the fact that I have stopped doing homework and/or general malaise when it comes to doing most school related activities.)
Here are my favorite ways to get out of class:
- Most obviously, going to breakfast for first period and coming in late.
- Going on senior strolls for ten to fifteen minute chunks of time
- Visiting the library to use the computers, blog, or generally amble around
- Copying papers for teachers
- Visiting guidance and chatting it up with either Wendy or Mrs. Samaha
- Forcing myself to find a question to ask Wendy so I don’t seem like such a slacker
- Selling cupcakes for the Liv Marchand Scholarship Fund
- Blood drives
- Helping the school social worker on Wednesdays (I love those “Get out of Jail FREE” slips)
- Pulling senior pranks in stairwells, etc
- Sitting in Mr. Cruikshank’s freshman history classes
- Faking the need to pee
- Pretending to be tired/faint/dizzy and visiting the nurse (even if only to sleep for the period)
- Walking slowly
- Getting ginger ales for substitute teachers from the teacher’s lounge (that was only once, but it was a nice little field trip)
- Field Trips of all kinds
- Skipping school for any reason, including Ferris Bueller moments, doctors appointments, illness (real or imagined), and vacations.
- “I need to get something from my car.”
- “I need to get something from my locker.”
- “I need to get something from my last period class.”
- “I need to get something from my guidance counselor.”
-
Chances are good you'll find me here.
Administration gives extra points for creativity, you know.
Cheers,
Katie
