Keeping the Main Goal, the Main

Hola! Summer as we know it is near completion. For some we are getting ready to return to Point all while others are preparing for their first semester here at UWSP. A couple of suggestions to those who are entering UWSP for the first time, get ready, get ready and get excited.

Starting at the University is a big step for some. Some of you may be trying to figure out "what classes to take," "what should I wear" and "where are the parties?" But I encourage you today to figure out what will be your capacity on getting and staying involved on the UWSP campus. The benefits of involvement will prepare you for life after UWSP. Being involved will allow you to meet many cool people from diverse backgrounds. Students here at UWSP find a variety of opportunities to stay involved. Just to mention a few, there is Greek life (for those who are considering pledging a fraternity or sorority). There’s academic clubs which service students who are pursing one of many majors here at UWSP. Multicultural groups who teach others about their heritage. For those who love athletics there is also intramurals.

What I like about being involved on campus is the networking that comes along with it. Networking is very important because students here are smart and if you need an answer you can always dial a friend for help. Another reason is the rich culture we possess and the willingness to share that experience. However, there can be a downfall. Often those who get too involved forget about the main thing, the grades. Parties, campus and student involvement all must be balanced to keep the main goal, the main. Many of my peers including myself had to learn the hard way.

Student involvement on campus is about balance. Know your course syllabus. Stay on top of class deadlines and try to stay ahead of your homework and readings for class, because if you don’t, you may fall behind and find yourself cramming the night before. Until we meet again think about this…What are your interest? How can you shape your University experience? What levels of involvement are you willing to commit to? Until next time ... peace!

Chamario

So lately I didn’t realize I was in the midst of a full schedule here at UWSP and it’s the start of summer. Being involved on our campus takes a level of commitment most students stray away from. Currently I’m taking summer classes to broaden my perspective on Latin America and the Spanish language. Some would say "Oh Spanish get out of here – it’s easy." Well this summer class is nowhere near as easy as I would like it to be. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining because I know the courses I have completed has prepared me well, but 6 exams in 4 weeks for an 4 credit class involves a lot of reading and speaking Spanish. On the other hand I have been really busy helping UWSP transition to a self operative food service program.

University Dining Service is our new student operated food service program here at UWSP. After long meetings and much time spent protesting against the prior food service, the students here at UWSP is given the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of great food. At the moment I’m a Student Manager. My job includes being a leader. Lately I had to redefine what it means to be a leader. Foodservice management among my peers is not easy. Whenever you place Pointers in the same room representing a wide range of majors, WOW, I mean WOW. The talent here is phenomenal.

Greetings to all!

My name is Chamario McMichael and I’m a non-traditional student, dual majoring in Public Administration /Policy Analysis and Political Science here at UWSP. Today I’m excited to blog about my student involvement here at UWSP. Before I write about all the great things here, I would like to share how I chose UWSP as my school of higher learning.

Lane Tech College Prep is one of the most diverse schools in the city of Chicago. Not only are Lane Tech rich in culture, but they lead the state and city in academic, athletic and student involvement achievements. Like many other high school seniors, I was faced with the task of applying to colleges and universities. “It would be nice to journey off with friends” I thought and then I thought about what it is I was looking for in a school. On so many occasions I came to UWSP to visit. Each time I was won over by the environment which created an atmosphere of learning and leadership. However, after being accepted to many schools, I was stuck with choosing the right school for me.

When I entered the freshmen class of 1998 it was at a small private school in Illinois. The environment presented at the college visit did not reflect the actual campus environment. So after the first year I decided to transfer to UWSP. Once I transferred I immediately begin to get involved with campus organizations. My clubs of choice is Student Government, Multi-culture student groups and Sigma Tau Gamma (my fraternity). With the rich leadership experience I gained in high school the decision to transfer to UWSP was one of the best decisions of my life.

UWSP is good for me because the student involvement and employment opportunity has helped me obtain some real world leadership opportunities and skills. Students here at UWSP would all agree that the involvement opportunities here incorporated with our great academic curriculum has shaped many to do extremely well. For me, well in the fall I will graduate with a bachelors of science and will pursue law school. So in my blogs I will share with you how I balance my school work, employment, student leadership and involvement leading up to graduation.

Chamario