Dr. Bart's Office

Hey! The end is in sight.....school is almost over. One week left of finals and I won't ever be a freshman again. Scary, huh? Anyways, I hope that the year is winding down (or up in many cases) nicely for everyone. Just remember to breathe when things seem mountainous.

I just want to take a bit to talk about campus visits for all you college-bound future frosh. The other day I was sitting outside by the lake and I noticed a group of high schoolers taking a campus visit with their parents. Now I know that I took my campus visits not too long ago as well, but I want to give you some advice for when you go on them:

1) Don't act like you already go to the college. (everyone can already see that you're holding a folder (etc.) of informational handouts. and we know that you're in high school, but it's not like we look down on you for it. We all had to do it, too!)

2) Don't leave your parents in the dust, walking ten feet ahead of them at all times. (at times like these, I feel bad for the parents because they just want to be a part of your experience.)

3)Talk to the other people that are on the campus tour. (i know that it's nerve-racking to be in a group of your potential future classmates, but you should try to establish a connection with them. You'll end up making yourself and your new acquaintance a lot more comfortable.)


Wanna know why I'm giving you this advice, because I know from experience. I've committed these three cardinal sins of campus visits before many times. I wish I hadn't and I don't want you to. Eh...who am I kidding? It's not really that big of a deal. But here is some real advice:

4) Have a great time and go on as many campus visits as possible. (take in everything you can about a campus [location, sights, sounds] and compare compare compare)

My campus visit ultimately became the deciding factor for me to go to Madison. I got a feel for the campus and felt like I could really make this place a home away from home. So this summer, take advantage of any free time and ask your fam to take you to a couple schools. Good luck and have fun!

This week I don't really have any major theme to dwell on. Things have been totally crazy (as I'm sure they've been for everyone) for this time of year. All I can really say is to hang on. Hang on for the last stretch of the year. Resist the urge to coast through the end of the school year. Yes, I'm burnt out. Yes, I am sick of studying. Yes, I cannot wait for summer. But!, don't let all your hard work that you've put in go to waste at the end. If you finish strong, you'll be happy you did when it's all over.

A quick update on crew....We just won Midwest Rowing Championships yesterday. Hopefully we'll get an NCAA bid to the championships in Sacramento in a month! Have a great week everyone. Later.

Hey all. I apologize for neglecting my blogging duties. I have just been incredibly bogged down. A lot has happened in the past month. Good and bad.

I have been really down lately. School, crew, friends.....you name it, it hasn't gone right. School has just seems like its becoming this overwhelming task that I cannot conquer. I didn't make the boat to come out to San Diego this weekend. In everything, I just feel like I can't catch a break.

I'm still not out of the slump, but I am on my way. I've been spending a lot of time praying, lately. I have to fight the urge to keep on asking and asking and asking God to get me out of this. I realize that I need to keep my eyes out for the good things that He gives to me. And I need to remember to thank him for it all- the good and the bad. I know that I'm being tested. How much can I actually get through? When will it all balance out?

I already know the answer to these questions. I will get whatever God gives me and run with it. I'll keep chugging along in school til I'm through. I won't quit until I've made first boat or die trying. I'll keep thanking Him for whatever comes my way.

It's time to take the big test. Will I pass or will I fail? I know that I'll pass if I rely on Him to show me the way.

Everyone knows that you need an escape now and then. I just had mine this weekend. I went home for the first time in a month. I love going home. Maybe I love it so much because I don't get to do it that often. With my busy schedule in crew, practicing 6 days a week, I don't get away too much.

This past weekend, my parents were kind enough to come get me (1 hr. and 20 min. drive) on Saturday morning after practice. I only got to spend one night in my own bed and shower without sandals on once, but it was so worth the trip. We hung out and relaxed, and for a minute, I forgot about school. Sometimes, you just need an escape.

I know that in high school, you just can't wait to get out of the house and on your own. But, believe me, once you're in college, home isn't such a bad place. You see your family (whom you realize you miss more than you want to admit), you get a home-cooked meal, and you get off campus- it's great. Trust me...you will appreciate going home. Relish your escape.

"Dancin in the moonlight...."-

As I listen to my newly burned cd of "Love Tunes", in honor of the holiday of love, I can't stop dancing. All in all, you must admit that life's pretty great. And I know this is the patented "alone on valentine's" answer to everything, but I MUST say it: "It does not matter if you have a special somebody on a day like today." THere. It's said. You most likely have many people that you love. Go tell them. Have fun with your friends. Take a study break. Take a moment to enjoy a "made by Hallmark" holiday! Much Love....

My life has changed so much in the last year. Moving from a small Lutheran high school to a gigantic public University has been overwhelming in both good and bad ways. Good and bad, but mostly just different. Like the other night, I was invited to go to a sexual awareness seminar. I didn't really want to go because I was busy, but I got suckered in anyways. (that's another thing, work on saying NO because I most often realize too late that word's importance)

So...I went. Two presenters sat us all in a circle and talked about the effects of sexual harrassment. The talk just turned into a major discussion simply concerning the effects of rape in the presence of alcohol. On college campuses, esp. places like UW madison, alcohol is a necessity of the college student (or so everyone pretends). I.E no one ever has fun without alcohol. But this seminar totally made everyone think twice about irresponsible drinking, especially at parties on campus.Some of the stories I heard were just horrible. 1 in 5 women in college is said to have been sexually assaulted before
college. Unbelievable!

I learned a lot about rohy's, alcohol poisoning, the many different manners of consent vs. rejection, etc. Mostly I learned to use my best judgement- to stay away from sketchy situations. Whatever your age, don't compromise yourself by being in these types of situations. Some important things to remember:

1. don't ever go to a party/ person's house alone
2. don' t drink (if you even have water, never set your cup down)
3. learn how to say NO

Maybe you've already experienced this stuff, but I guarantee you'll get it in college. Educate yourself, stay safe, take responsibility for everything you do. Ok, sorry, the sermon is now over. Later.

With the first week back at school under my belt, I should be feeling on top of the world, right? Wrong! I have this sick feeling in my stomach. So many assignments, upcoming quizzes, and exams in the not-so-distant future..... I know that we all can feel like this at any given moment. Whether you have a job, are in college, or are in high school, life is hard sometimes.

That's when I call my Dad and get the old 'kick in the but' speech. He always tells me to work hard at the beginning. Don't make excuses, just get the job done.

So....I'm going to stop procrastinating right now and get back to the books. If you're feeling this way too, give my dad a call and I guarantee that he'll somehow get you working. Haha. So get to whatever it is that you need to get to. You'll feel better when it's done.

Oh, and Karen, you're amazing.

Hey hey how was everyone's vaca? Mine was fabulous. An Eastern Caribbean cruise with the family and a week in Florida with my team....what more could a girl ask for? After such a wonderful intermission you'd think that I'd be dreading getting back to reality, right? But actually I'm not. I'm pretty psyched to be going back to school. To see all the people, settle into my new classes, and resume the dorm life will be alright.

I guess the only thing I really have to say in this blog is to be thankful. Remember to say thanks for the little things people do for you. Say thanks for the great Christmas presents we all got from our friends and family. And say thanks to God for the wonderful experiences, events, gifts, and blessings he gives us all. As I have already told you, I have much to be thankful for and I'm sure you all do, too. So say it!

Talk to you all later. Have a great rest of the long weekend.

A good evening to everyone I hope. There's a different mood on campus this week. So close to finals and a week away from a month off, there is a sense of closure, an ending to a long but seemingly short semester. But at the same time, I'm almost a little sad. I will never again be a first semester freshman. I'm moving out of my dorm to be closer to crew. Even though dorms are certainly not HOME, mine was starting to feel home-like. Everything will just be different next semester. When I start feeling like this, I think to myself "shut up, jess. You're almost done with all the tests and you know next semester's gonna be great". So true!

In a completely different arena from academia. I have mostly tried to be open with my faith with all the people that I meet here in Madison. But last week I got a great opportunity to go even further. Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel is holding Wednesday Advent services and they asked me to canvass and recruit some students to come. So I said yes and I got to talk to a lot of people all over the dorm, people that I'd never said hi to before. At the end of it all, three people from my dorm and three girls on my team came to advent service. It was great and they all said that they'd be back for this week's service, too. It made my week. Doing something like that is awfully scary at first, but once you do it, it just seems like you've been inviting people for years! So go out, find someone you know doesn't go to church, and invite them for the Christmas season!

Hey everybody. I'm sorry that it has been such a long time...tons going on! I've been having a great time. Thanksgiving was great...going home definitely has its benefits. I mean you always hear, "well since I've moved out, I can't stand going home anymore..." . I don't think so. Going home and spending time with the family is even more special, now that I'm not with them everyday. Appreciate your families! It's great to be on your own and semi-independent, but it's also wonderful to go home and be taken care of.

The cadaver tour was amazing! oK so it was really gross...but I still loved it. 15 girls from my dorm went and we saw four bodies. I could write a short novel on all the little details of the smells (ickk), the sights, and the facts. It was a lot to take in.

Some interesting facts that I didn't know....
1. The average age of a cadaver is 80 yrs.
2. Average dissecting age of a cadaver at UW is over 1 yr.
3. Bodies are stored in large "metal coffins", soaking in an ethanol solution for preservation.

We were given an hour-long anatomical demonstration. It was so interesting. A lot of people have been asking me, "so do you still want to be a doctor?" My answer is an even more adament YES. Trust me...if I still want to be a doctor after seeing the cadavers, anyone can.

Hey Y'all. Life is good; I cannot complain. These past few weeks I have really struggled to keep going with all my work. School is so hard and I always have a ton of things on my to-do list. But the Lord always knows when you need a little nudge, and He gave me one this past week.

I attended a medical school panel's informational seminar on Tuesday night. I was the only freshman there so it was a little intimidating. But it was actually really cool to be next to Juniors and Seniors who are presently applying to med school. I found out some interesting information about entry into the UW med school. Basic requirements (averages) include:
1) average of 3.8 gpa
2) average of 30 (out of 45) on Mcat scores
3) a GREAT personal statement

I knew that I would have to maintain good grades and obtain a good mcat score, but I was surprised by the emphasis on the personal statement. The board explained that the statement is one of the only aspects they can use to weed out the people who just look good on paper. They try to find students who are "just above average" who are caring, hard-working individuals who they think will make great doctors. THey advised for applicants to not hold anything back in their applications, but to show their passion for the profession. I hope I fit into that category!!

A quick note... Last night I talked with some med professors and we talked about my plans for med school and beyond. Develop relationships with professors quickly and maintain them. THey may be a huge factor in your entrance into professional school. OH and...because of the meeting, I got invited to go see a cadaver on Dec. 2!! It will be my first one, and I'm so psyched.

Have a great weekend. Keep the Faith.

Hip Hip Hooray! I'm so excited. There's only 4 more weeks of classes left! (plus exams) It is just a good feeling to know that the end is in sight. This semester has flown by so quickly. Looking back, I really don't know where it went. Both a good and bad thing I guess.

Even though I won't start 2nd semester until the end of January, I have already had to start scheduling my classes. I spent a couple hours tonight reorganizing and rearranging the schedule. I have to meet with my advisor tomorrow morning to discuss my performance this semester and to prepare me for spring.

It is really important to know what your plan is before you get to college. So much money is wasted because people don't have any clue what their classes fulfill in terms of pre-reqs. I know that I cannot afford to be a fifth year senior, so I'm doing my best to plan wisely. I have to be out of here in 4! THis doesn't mean that being an undeclared major is a bad thing. You don't even really need to know what you want to do until spring semester of your sophmore year. So don't feel bad if you fit that group. Just make sure to stay on track (no matter what) by taking breadth or "gen ed" classes. That way, you're well on your way to graduating, yet you still have time to think about junior/senior year.

I hope you're all having a great week. I'll talk to you soon. Keep the Faith!

Academic life is wonderful. For all of you that just caught my unbelievably overt attempt at sarcasm, you know that it is most always a drag. It is really important to come to the realization that you are in college for one overall goal-your studies. When there are so many interesting, fun activities and events around you, it is most always hard to stay focused. Maintaining discipline is the only way that one can be successful in college.

Once again, my two writing-intensive professors have coincided their evil plot against me, assigning two 6 and 8 pg. assignments both due early next week. (once again, excuse the sarcasm cuz it's not really that bad) This means that I have less than a week to turn in two great papers. Unlike high school, I don't have a good month for a big assignment.

A good tip for those of you preparing for college, is to tackle an assignment right when you get it. Practice turning out good work in a little amount of time. Then, when you're finished, use the rest of the time until you have to turn it in, slowly revising and improving your work. Don't let anything go til the last minute-something will almost always go wrong.

I hope everyone is having a great week. Keep the Faith!

Last blog entry I talked about religious tolerance and all that goes with it here in Madison. Now let me talk about tolerance within the setting of your own room. If you have never shared a room with a brother or sister (like myself), you are in for a shocker when you get to college. I am not going to tell you any horror stories in an attempt to try not to scare you away from dorm-life. But if for some odd reason you are still curious, email me and your curiousity surely will be satisfied. (I have a warehouse full of interesting tidbits).

Tip!-- Don't let your roommate walk all over you. That doesn't mean that you need to be mean all the time or the one in charge. Just make sure that you stand up for yourself in the nicest possible way. If something bothers/upsets you, say something. I sometimes have trouble with that, but I'm working on it.

Little update... My team and I went to Iowa this weekend. My 4 and 8 boats placed 2nd in both of our races. It was a good day for Wisconsin racing!

Have a great rest of the week. Talk to you all soon. Keep the Faith!!

Crew is awesome! I am having a great time. We just had our first regatta (race) on Sunday in Rockford IL. We raced Iowa, Notre Dame, and a whole bunch of other schools. My boats finished 4th and 5th. It stinks not winning but we took some big steps on Sunday. My parents drove down to see the race so that was cool.

School is alright. I ended up doing pretty well on my exams! I have another chem exam in 13 days though. The cycle continues. Tonight I'm going to attend a discussion forum on Christianity. It's totally non-school related. It's entitled Chritianity: Fact or Fantasy? I already know what's going to happen. The guy running the show will attack Christianity, saying that there are so many other ways to achieve peace with yourself. ON such a liberal campus like UW, there are so many different groups of people(religion, race, etc.) A message that UW tries to project is acceptance of everyone's beliefs and walks of life. THe only problem is, most of the time Christianity is not included in that "accepted" category. For example, many people here can accept a person's belief on pro-homosexuality, but they cannot accept another person's belief against homosexuality. Thus, the intent of tolerance is left unrealized.

I will still go to the presentation tonight even though I know what will happen. It's important that I understand the viewpoints of those people who are opposed to Christianity. That way I can defend my own faith and be better prepared to share it openly with others. Sometimes it's hard being at a public university, but there are so many benefits including innumerable witness opportunities.

Stay strong in the faith. Have a great weekend.