The Vandal Experience

My name is Joanne and I'm an international student from the Isle of Man who is studying at the University of Idaho. I'm currently working as an Intern Blogger for UI's Housing Department.

[uiblogger2014]

Final goodbye

So, it's reached that time in the semester when it's time for me to say goodbye to the University of Idaho, (for now!).

I've had the most wonderful year at this school and really advocate it as a top choice for prospective students. It has everything from the teaching styles and teaching knowledge, access to resources, opportunities for volunteer involvement and extra-curricular activities - AND more. 

There are numerous options for accommodation and food catering on campus, or immediately around it in the community, (Patty's Mexican Kitchen is a MUST!).

And finally, the people. The people here are so much more than welcoming, they're happy that you are here and they're excited for what you can offer to the school, and develop in skills yourself. I've met the most incredible number of people, who I call my friends, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

So, it's adios from me. I've loved being a part of the Housing Internship. If you want to get involved, look out for the application towards the end of each semester on the University job site. It's a fantastic opportunity to work in a different environment to normal Uni. study, while having access to great resources and a fabulous support network.

I hope that my blog has helped some of you in a small way, or a big way, somehow! It's been great Idaho. 

Good luck to all who read this!

J 

<3

[uiblogger2014]

A really interesting blog post written by Brooke Shaden. She deals with our perceptions of people as a result of online media and how it perhaps shapes false impressions, (not necessarily bad ones, but 'skewed' ones).

J

[uiblogger2014]

21 things you need to start doing in your 20s

There are definitely too many of these '21 things to do before you eat that apple'.... butttttt.... they're a nice refresher to read over again.

This one is pretty neat.

J

[uiblogger2014]

Google Glass.

$1500 per first gen. pair.

Syncs via Bluetooth to your mobile.

Takes pics and video.

I had the chance to experience Google Glass for the first time earlier today in UI's Doceo Center on campus. Check it out: http://www.uidaho.edu/ed/academics/doceo-center

I think the glasses are ingenious as far as inventions go. The technology inside them is so small yet the quality of the photos and video is pretty decent.

Are they practical though? 

I found myself being very distracted by the 'holographic' Timeline that is like something straight out of a futuristic movie.

I remember a time when touchscreen mobiles were first introduced to the market and a good proportion of the market had trouble swiping. 

Therefore, I feel that Glass users would and undoubtedly will (as they become more available to the general population) simply get used to the Timeline's existence right in your vision-line. I did find myself having to consciously look down more to avoid staring into the Glass though.

Questions to ponder:

Will Glass affect people's eyesight long-term? (Eye-strain.)

From a reporting perspective, will they change the nature of the journalism game? Are they reliable? Is the quality good-enough for video?

Are they too much an invasion of privacy?

What's next after 'wearable technology'? I foresee Tattoo Parlours doing a great trade in 'skin-deep technology'. 

J

[uiblogger2014]

American flag flying to mark air crash anniversary in Isle of Man

Our histories are intertwined.

[uiblogger2014]

A brilliantly quick examination of what our lives could be like in the future. But realistically, this is what our lives are like NOW. 

What are memories any more?

What are we saving all this data for anyway?

J

[uiblogger2014]

Lana Del Rey - West Coast (Official Audio)

Lana Del Rey'mazing has done it again.

I used to be a skeptic about her music when she first came out; I think the hype surrounding her blocked my ears too much.

But last year I discovered her talents for myself and have been a fan ever since. 

I feel like West Coast is timely with my upcoming trip around the West Coast at the end of my year here too!

Enjoy.

J

[uiblogger2014]

Easter presents!!

Thanks to my wonderful Mum and lovely host Jo Ann for these yummy Easter gifts. 

I'm a very lucky girl to receive such thoughtful things. :)

Happy Easter everyone!

[uiblogger2014]

After my successful interview with General Myers. 

[uiblogger2014]

Borah Symposium

This week the University of Idaho held its annual Borah Symposium, an event that brings keynote speakers to the SUB Ballroom to discuss a particular theme and its relevance to our lives. 

The chosen theme this year has been 'The Legacy of WWI; 1914 - 2014 The Making of the Modern World' and examined the aspects of WWI that have impacted our modern day society.

One of the keynote speakers, General Richard Myers, gave his address last night at 7pm. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to interview him for Idaho Public Radio. 

General Myers is the former Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staffs who advised during the Bush administration mere weeks after the September 11 2001 attacks. 

I asked him four questions, three of which related to his feelings about how WWI has affected our society, what military action successes the U.S had after 9/11 and a final question inquiring what advice he can offer UI students who are currently making big life decisions.

I found General Myers to be an extremely approachable person who was very at ease in an interview situation, (of course he is well practised!). He spoke clearly, concisely and had very informative answers to offer me. Even when asked my final, more general question, he offered really insightful advice, stating that 'taking risks' is very important for anyone who wants to succeed.

Overall, the experience was invaluable and gave me a real look into reporting as a career. It also proved to me that even if you're nervous about something, it's worth taking the personal risk to do it because you will feel an awesome sense of achievement afterwards.

J

[uiblogger2014]

Turtle Derby

The past couple of days have been dedicated to Mom's Weekend here at UI. For those who aren't aware, the University hosts a weekend dedicated to all the student Mom's and puts on events over the weekend to celebrate them. 

Along with my boyfriend, his Mom and sister, I joined in with Mom's weekend by attending the annual Phi Delta Theta Turtle Derby. The 56th Derby to be precise!

This event is hosted by the fraternity and involves racing small turtles (I believe brought over to Idaho from Florida!) outside the house. An auction takes place too and parents and students alike are encouraged to watch and join in with the cheering, or bidding.

As an outsider, I found it quite strange to watch everyone show so much enthusiasm for racing turtles, but as per, I got into the spirit of it anyway!

For new students coming to UI, look out for Mom's weekend next April and remember to invite your Mom to Moscow. :) It's not purely a Greek event. If you live in Residence Halls you can get involved with activities on campus and when you're Mom comes up, be sure to show her around your dorm.

J

[uiblogger2014]

Casa Familiar

Our final three days in San Diego were primarily focused on doing service within the community. We worked with Casa Familiar, a "family" organisation which provides people in the San Ysidro area with cheaper housing rent, equipped recreation centres, community spaces for exercise classes and an art gallery, (the gallery focuses on promoting female work).

We helped in their 'Rec II' with 'First Book' box inventories and storage. This meant that we had to make notes on book collections and put them into age group order, (there were a lot of books!!). Then we helped in their gym center, essentially removing the old equipment and re-arranging the new equipment, then cleaning and servicing them.

Overall, our general reflections as a group were that Casa Familiar are an extremely pro-active group of people, all of whom are there to not only provide problem-solving, but to provide care and on-going support for community members. Their business side seems very innovative as the houses they rent are designed by their in-house architect and are painted in bright colours to echo the Mexican vibe.

J

[uiblogger2014]

On our second day we were able to hang out with Border Patrol and see immigration from a more official standpoint. What was interesting about the officers that drove us between federal lines was how human they were. The media often portrays officers of any nature as having no emotions, but the guys we were with were very down to earth and as forthcoming as they could be, given the nature of their positions.

They took us between federal lines and we saw the poverty of Tijuana on one side, compared with what looked like paradise on the American side.

Overall, they gave us a lot of statistics and showed us what it's like to patrol the border. I'm still feeling a little conflicted about their perspective on immigration though. I guess every story has two sides.

J

[uiblogger2014]

Vandal Friday!

Tomorrow is Vandal Friday!! Look out for the Housing table tomorrow in the Kibbie Dome. I'll also be milling around talking to people about my internship and taking photographs. :D

[uiblogger2014]

Border Angels

On our first service day, a week ago on Monday, Team Van Diegos met with Enrique Morones, founder of the Border Angels organisation.

Initially the organisation started out as a project to put gallon bottles of water in the North Canyon desert part of San Diego. Many people cross the Mexican border in these barren parts illegally - most of whom are coming with dreams of a better life, better jobs and better access to education and healthcare. Sadly, many of these people perish in the hot desert land because they have no food or water to sustain their long journey.

Border Angels provides water and aid to people in these situations. They also offer help and advice for those in need through their extensive networking opportunities and are trying to change the face of immigration via discussions with President Obama and films like 'Detained in the Desert' (adapted from a play by Josefina Lopez).

We helped to put water in the desert, visited the section of the 'wall' in which the old part meets the new, (the old section is made up of Vietnam helicopter landing mat metal).

What is evident though is that Border Angels, although it has a lot of community support and volunteer involvement, is really a 'one man show' with Enrique fronting all of their events and help.

Altogether, spending the day with Border Angels was a very unique and interesting experience.

J

[uiblogger2014]

Our almost complete team a week or so before we left for California! We named ourselves Team Van Diego! This is before any of us knew each other.

[uiblogger2014]

Reflections on Spring Break in San Diego!

For the next few days I’m going to give you all an insight into Alternative Service Break. It’s a program set up by UI which allows groups of students to visit a place, either regionally, nationally or internationally and partake in community service.

I applied and was chosen to go to San Diego to examine immigration issues on the Mexican border.

Keep watching for my daily update reflections from what I’ll always consider to be one of the greatest trips of my life.

J