Honors Forum II: November 26, 2012
Dr. Barry Morris was a great speaker to finish out the Fall 2012 semester of the Honors Forum. He taught at UNA for 35 years! That's almost twice the amount of time I've been in the world. So yeah, a pretty long time. Aside from that, he is now a City Council member.
I feel like Dr. Morris was quite possibly the most realistic speaker we've had in the Honors Forum. He was very down to Earth, and even showed us his budget plan that he shared with his own sons. He called it "How To Become A Millionaire Without Winning the Lottery." Pretty cool, if you ask me!
Another thing that I enjoyed about Dr. Morris was his passion for UNA. If you watch my Fall 2012 Recap video you will see that I considered transferring to UAH because it is a more research based institute, which is what I want to pursue with my career. However, I'm so glad that I decided to stay at UNA because I really do love it here. And Dr. Morris's love for UNA made me even happier about it. He told us that being from a small school like UNA is a great thing, because people will underestimate us, and then we can show them what we really can accomplish.
The Fall 2012 semester truly ended on a positive note for me. I've loved my experience at UNA thus far, and I can't wait to see what these next few semesters have in store!
Always, Kalee
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Dr. Tom Osborne
Honors Forum II: November 19, 2012
This guy has some really long titles: Professor of History Emeritus, and Deacon, Episcopal Church
Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend forum because I had a weird combination of the flu and strep throat, or something like that. So consider yourselves lucky that I didn't force my germs upon you!
However, I do wish that I could have attended. Dr. Osborne sounds like a pretty interesting guy.
Since I don't have a speaker to write about, I suppose I will take this time to share the interesting turn of events that took place during my volunteer hours. I mention in a few previous posts that I planned to volunteer at the Healing Place and a few other potential places. While I did attend volunteer orientation for the Healing Place, unfortunately they are currently only holding sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the time that I'm in the Honors Forum. I also have volunteered a few times at Feeding the Pride, the on-campus food pantry. I was worried about not having enough volunteer hours, but I was more worried about volunteering at a place that I enjoyed. I never expected that there would be so many opportunities for me to volunteer that were very close to home.
Ever since I can remember, I've been around nursing homes. My mom is a social worker who has a passion for working with the elderly, so I've had my fair share of experience. I never considered volunteering at Windsor House, the nursing home where my mom currently works, because that didn't really feel like volunteering to me since I visit there on a regular basis. To give a little bit of background, Windsor House is located in Huntsville and is the site of the old Crestwood Hospital. It is on the lower end of nursing homes in the Huntsville area, and I have often wondered why my mom devotes so much of her time to that place. When I started volunteering, I found out. If you have ever visited a nursing home, you know that they are often very sad places. Most residents don't receive any visitors, so they only social interaction they have is with nurses, social workers, and other residents. When I volunteered, all I really did was sit down and have a conversation with the residents, or read to them. I didn't feel like I was doing very much at all, but my mom told me that just by doing those simple things, I was making a huge difference in the residents' lives. I never expected it to be that simple.
I guess this just goes to show that there are people all around you that need help, even if you don't notice them right away. I can't think of a better way that I could have spent my time over the past few weekends. Volunteering at Windsor House has been such a blessing in my own life.
Always, Kalee
This guy has some really long titles: Professor of History Emeritus, and Deacon, Episcopal Church
Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend forum because I had a weird combination of the flu and strep throat, or something like that. So consider yourselves lucky that I didn't force my germs upon you!
However, I do wish that I could have attended. Dr. Osborne sounds like a pretty interesting guy.
Since I don't have a speaker to write about, I suppose I will take this time to share the interesting turn of events that took place during my volunteer hours. I mention in a few previous posts that I planned to volunteer at the Healing Place and a few other potential places. While I did attend volunteer orientation for the Healing Place, unfortunately they are currently only holding sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the time that I'm in the Honors Forum. I also have volunteered a few times at Feeding the Pride, the on-campus food pantry. I was worried about not having enough volunteer hours, but I was more worried about volunteering at a place that I enjoyed. I never expected that there would be so many opportunities for me to volunteer that were very close to home.
Ever since I can remember, I've been around nursing homes. My mom is a social worker who has a passion for working with the elderly, so I've had my fair share of experience. I never considered volunteering at Windsor House, the nursing home where my mom currently works, because that didn't really feel like volunteering to me since I visit there on a regular basis. To give a little bit of background, Windsor House is located in Huntsville and is the site of the old Crestwood Hospital. It is on the lower end of nursing homes in the Huntsville area, and I have often wondered why my mom devotes so much of her time to that place. When I started volunteering, I found out. If you have ever visited a nursing home, you know that they are often very sad places. Most residents don't receive any visitors, so they only social interaction they have is with nurses, social workers, and other residents. When I volunteered, all I really did was sit down and have a conversation with the residents, or read to them. I didn't feel like I was doing very much at all, but my mom told me that just by doing those simple things, I was making a huge difference in the residents' lives. I never expected it to be that simple.
I guess this just goes to show that there are people all around you that need help, even if you don't notice them right away. I can't think of a better way that I could have spent my time over the past few weekends. Volunteering at Windsor House has been such a blessing in my own life.
Always, Kalee
John Rusevlyan - Florence Rotary Club
Honors Forum II: November 12, 2012
I'm beginning to notice a recurring pattern between myself and the speakers in forum. I only remember things they say that are completely unrelated to civic engagement. Oops.
Nevertheless, Mr. Rusevlyan was no exception to this pattern. At some point during forum he said something that was a little unnerving to me. He said, "After you graduate, don't expect to find a job within your major." *GASP* This is where my heart attack commenced. Fortunately, he followed that up with, "..unless you're planning on going to medical school or something." Phew! That was a close one. Guess I'm in the clear!
It's funny to think of how many different majors and careers I have considered since I started college. It's even funnier that I'm only a first semester sophomore. But the one career I always come back to (and have for as long as I can remember) is Medicine. I have always wanted to be a doctor deep down, but the level of difficulty and cost of tuition were planted in the back of my mind. I know that if I choose to pursue another career, I'll always wonder if I could have been a great doctor who changed, or even saved lives. So as of right now, I'm making it a mission to find out.
Always, Kalee
I'm beginning to notice a recurring pattern between myself and the speakers in forum. I only remember things they say that are completely unrelated to civic engagement. Oops.
Nevertheless, Mr. Rusevlyan was no exception to this pattern. At some point during forum he said something that was a little unnerving to me. He said, "After you graduate, don't expect to find a job within your major." *GASP* This is where my heart attack commenced. Fortunately, he followed that up with, "..unless you're planning on going to medical school or something." Phew! That was a close one. Guess I'm in the clear!
It's funny to think of how many different majors and careers I have considered since I started college. It's even funnier that I'm only a first semester sophomore. But the one career I always come back to (and have for as long as I can remember) is Medicine. I have always wanted to be a doctor deep down, but the level of difficulty and cost of tuition were planted in the back of my mind. I know that if I choose to pursue another career, I'll always wonder if I could have been a great doctor who changed, or even saved lives. So as of right now, I'm making it a mission to find out.
Always, Kalee
Lack of a Speaker
Honors Forum II: November 5, 2012
I'll be the first person to admit that I absolutely suck at blogging. I honestly don't know how some people do this for a living.
Our scheduled speaker was Ms. Elizabeth Moore, CEO of the Red Cross of Northwest Alabama; however, Ms. Moore was unable to join us in forum because the Red Cross was busy helping with relief efforts on the East coast after Hurricane Sandy. I believe that's quite a good reason to miss forum, but still, thanks a lot Sandy.
Anyway, I believe the reason Ms. Moore missed forum is a perfect example of what the Red Cross does, but I had no idea that the Red Cross offers service in so many areas aside from disaster relief. A few examples of services provides by the Red Cross are CPR certification classes, babysitting classes, blood donations, and so many more. Talk about multitasking!
I've always had a lot of respect for the Red Cross as a whole, but it's great to see the organization from a totally different perspective.
Always, Kalee
I'll be the first person to admit that I absolutely suck at blogging. I honestly don't know how some people do this for a living.
Our scheduled speaker was Ms. Elizabeth Moore, CEO of the Red Cross of Northwest Alabama; however, Ms. Moore was unable to join us in forum because the Red Cross was busy helping with relief efforts on the East coast after Hurricane Sandy. I believe that's quite a good reason to miss forum, but still, thanks a lot Sandy.
Anyway, I believe the reason Ms. Moore missed forum is a perfect example of what the Red Cross does, but I had no idea that the Red Cross offers service in so many areas aside from disaster relief. A few examples of services provides by the Red Cross are CPR certification classes, babysitting classes, blood donations, and so many more. Talk about multitasking!
I've always had a lot of respect for the Red Cross as a whole, but it's great to see the organization from a totally different perspective.
Always, Kalee
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Bradley Dean - Creative Director, Billy Reid Inc.
Honors Forum II: October 29, 2012
My last few blog posts have been fairly cynical. Needless to say, I was expecting to have the same reaction to this week's speaker, but in walks Bradley Cooper.. I mean, Bradley Dean. I don't remember exactly what he talked about, but he sure was nice to look at. Not that looks have anything to do with civic engagement. I can see past looks if there is initially something about the person that strikes me as weird.
First of all, the guy started off by saying that he graduated from UNA with a degree in art and a minor in entrepreneurship but that his degree didn't help him very much with his job. Way to promote UNA, Mr. Dean. Keep in mind you are speaking to a group of honors students that are currently attending the university to which you so lovingly referred.
Aside from that, he told us that he got involved with the Florence Historical Board only because he wanted a plaque that stated his house was a historical city landmark. It seems as if this guy doesn't know what it truly means to volunteer. Civic engagement is not defined as getting involved in an organization for your own selfish reasons. And whoever said that burning a small forest just so a model can stand in front of it for a photo shoot was a good idea?!
Though I have much more to say, I'll stop there.
Always, Kalee
My last few blog posts have been fairly cynical. Needless to say, I was expecting to have the same reaction to this week's speaker, but in walks Bradley Cooper.. I mean, Bradley Dean. I don't remember exactly what he talked about, but he sure was nice to look at. Not that looks have anything to do with civic engagement. I can see past looks if there is initially something about the person that strikes me as weird.
First of all, the guy started off by saying that he graduated from UNA with a degree in art and a minor in entrepreneurship but that his degree didn't help him very much with his job. Way to promote UNA, Mr. Dean. Keep in mind you are speaking to a group of honors students that are currently attending the university to which you so lovingly referred.
Aside from that, he told us that he got involved with the Florence Historical Board only because he wanted a plaque that stated his house was a historical city landmark. It seems as if this guy doesn't know what it truly means to volunteer. Civic engagement is not defined as getting involved in an organization for your own selfish reasons. And whoever said that burning a small forest just so a model can stand in front of it for a photo shoot was a good idea?!
Though I have much more to say, I'll stop there.
Always, Kalee
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Leslie Tomlinson - Junior League of the Shoals
Honors Forum II: October 23, 2012
I'm sure my last few blog posts are going to make me sound like someone who doesn't like anyone or anything. But I promise that's not true! It must be a coincidence that there were speakers that I didn't agree with two weeks in a row. Or maybe I just have really high standards for our speakers in the Honors Forum.
DISCLAIMER: Before Ms. Tomlinson began to speak to us, I had no idea what a Junior League was. But as she began to explain what it is, and what most people think it is, I came to the conclusion that I fell in line with the "what people think it is." To me, it sounds like a sorority for grown women. Not that there is anything wrong with sororities. I just feel that Junior Leagues should be honest and embrace what they truly are.
Ms. Tomlinson proceeded to tell us that Junior Leagues are based on the principle of volunteering and bettering the community. She also told us that there are three different types of membership based on how many volunteer hours you complete over a number of years. Now this is where my problem comes in. Volunteering is something you should do because you want to make a difference, not something that you feel obligated to do in order to receive a reward or a fancy title within an organization.
Aside from that, none of the people in the Honors Forum are eligible to become members of the Shoals Junior League because we aren't of age. You have to be 24 in order to become a member in most college towns in order to prevent girls from joining the Junior League to gain volunteer hours for another organization. I really don't understand that. They don't want you to gain volunteer hours for another organization through the Junior League, but they require you to complete a certain number of volunteer hours over 6 to 8 years to receive a higher level of membership. That's just crazy.
If nothing else, listening to speakers that I disagree with helps shape my own view of Civic Engagement and how it applies to me.
Always try to find something positive in a negative situation.
Always, Kalee
I'm sure my last few blog posts are going to make me sound like someone who doesn't like anyone or anything. But I promise that's not true! It must be a coincidence that there were speakers that I didn't agree with two weeks in a row. Or maybe I just have really high standards for our speakers in the Honors Forum.
DISCLAIMER: Before Ms. Tomlinson began to speak to us, I had no idea what a Junior League was. But as she began to explain what it is, and what most people think it is, I came to the conclusion that I fell in line with the "what people think it is." To me, it sounds like a sorority for grown women. Not that there is anything wrong with sororities. I just feel that Junior Leagues should be honest and embrace what they truly are.
Ms. Tomlinson proceeded to tell us that Junior Leagues are based on the principle of volunteering and bettering the community. She also told us that there are three different types of membership based on how many volunteer hours you complete over a number of years. Now this is where my problem comes in. Volunteering is something you should do because you want to make a difference, not something that you feel obligated to do in order to receive a reward or a fancy title within an organization.
Aside from that, none of the people in the Honors Forum are eligible to become members of the Shoals Junior League because we aren't of age. You have to be 24 in order to become a member in most college towns in order to prevent girls from joining the Junior League to gain volunteer hours for another organization. I really don't understand that. They don't want you to gain volunteer hours for another organization through the Junior League, but they require you to complete a certain number of volunteer hours over 6 to 8 years to receive a higher level of membership. That's just crazy.
If nothing else, listening to speakers that I disagree with helps shape my own view of Civic Engagement and how it applies to me.
Always try to find something positive in a negative situation.
Always, Kalee
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