Natalie's Journey as a Deciding Major

When I first came to UNI as a freshman, I was incredibly unsure of what I felt I was supposed to be doing, and even unsure of what I wanted to be doing. These unanswered questions weighed on me so heavily that on the day of my summer orientation, I switched from the group of students who had declared as English majors and instead, joined the group of deciding majors. At the time, I didn’t have a strong reason for choosing to be a deciding major, however, now when I look back on the choice to not declare a major as an incoming freshman, I realize that it was one of the best choices I could have made. I would recommend it to any freshman student.

Being a deciding major, especially in my freshman year, allowed me to experience so many things that I might not have otherwise had the opportunity to.  I lived in Bender Hall last year, a building composed primarily of freshmen and deciding students, so it was a perfect fit for me even before I knew it. In Bender, I was able to become a part of the Exploring Living Learning Community, or the ELLC, a program that encourages students to explore different options for careers, majors, and minors.

Being in this group gave me confidence to continue in my search for the perfect major, a major that would challenge me, one that I enjoyed and one that I could see myself carrying out in my future. In combination with this group to help me find and decide on a major was the advisor I was assigned after switching to a deciding major, Heather Asmus. It was with her help that I was able to take my time exploring my options, but also keep English as a part of my schedule and a part of my life.  

In my first year as a student at UNI, with the few English classes that I took, I felt a renewed sense of confidence in my pursuit of an English degree. After deliberating over the summer whether or not to declare, I came back, and in the second week of my sophomore year, finally declared my major. It was still a nerve wracking process, but afterwards, the excitement and relief I felt was more than enough to assure me that I had made the correct choice.

I can say now that English is my dream major- it offers me the classes I always enjoy the most from the semester, the ones that I feel resonate with me on a deeper level, and also the ones that continue to challenge me in exciting ways. I hope that all of you students, whether deciding or not, have or will find your dream major, and will allow the resources here on campus and your passion help you along the way.

Staying Healthy on Campus -- Mentally and Physically

Students! Did you know that you already pay for a Health fee in your tuition. This health fee gives you amazing opportunities to use facilities, like the WRC, Health Beat in the Union, and the Counseling Center above the Health Clinic, free of cost. Staying mentally and physically healthy is important for you to succeed academically. If you are too stressed or depressed, you may not want to go to class or you may be unable to sleep. If you are feeling sluggish and weak, going for a swim, jog, or climb in the WRC can add some dopamine to your brain.


WRC
The WRC has an array of services offered to you as a student. From racquetball, basketball, weight lifting, running, rowing, biking and swimming, they have it all. Just remember to bring your ID in and you get in for free! Click on the WRC to go to the website for more information.


Fit Class Pass $50
The WRC also has classes that you can sign up for or you can pay a one time fee of $50 to attend any of the classes. The classes range from yoga, biking, cardio, cycle and core, kickboxing, jazzercise, zumba, sculpting, pilates, and water classes. Click on the Fit Class Pass link to look at all the classes and times. Grab a friend to have as an accountability buddy and get fit!


Health Beat
Don't have a consistent schedule and the WRC is out of your way, look no further than the Health Beat located in the tunnel between the Union and Lang Hall. The convenient gym has some weights, bikes, elliptical, treadmills, and stair masters for your quick and easy work out. You get in for free just by showing your student ID at the front desk. Click the Health Beat link for hours and more details.


College Hill Farmers Market
Not all of you have access to a car to get to the store. Fortunately, ever Thursday on the Hill is the College Hill Farmers Market. Buy some local treats and food while also going on a fun adventure. Just a walk away and there is no fee to go look around.


UNI Food Information
Most students who live on campus have a meal plan through the dinning centers. Have you ever wondered what is in the food that you are eating? Click on the UNI Food Information link to see the menu, ingredients, and nutritional information. Better plan what you are going to eat and what portions are appropriate for what you are eating!


Counseling Center
Our bodies need to be more than just physically healthy, but also mentally healthy. Whether you are feeling anxiety, depression, or emotional confusion, the counseling center can help. Once you have had an initial consultation meeting, you would be placed with a counselor and decide how often you should have appointments. Remember you can always talk to an RA, professor, or walk into the counseling center to see someone if you are having an emotional emergency. Health goes beyond the physical body.


So make goals to keep yourself mentally and physically healthy this semester and have fun!

Getting Involved Was Never So Easy

Congratulations! We are three weeks into the school year and things are going well!
Now that you have settled into your schedule and found your favorite study spot, we can now get involved on campus. A very important event is happening next week at UNI... The Student Involvement Fair!!


On Thursday, September 15th from 11a.m. to 1p.m. there will 90 of the Student Organizations from UNI gathering outside of Maucker Union to showcase their different clubs and organizations that you can join! They all vary from nonprofit, social, political, major, financial, religious, or recreational/sports groups. It's great to join now because there will be other people joining at the same time.


Reason to get involved:
Students who join a Student Organization are more likely to...
1. ... Have better grades.
2. ... Hold a position of responsibility.
3. ...Graduate college.
4. ...Get a job after college.
5. Students who join a Student Organization are less likely to suffer from homesickness.


Now you're thinking, but I don't know what I would even join. Lucky for you, it cost nothing but your time to just walk around the involvement fair and you are under no obligation to join. Sometimes booths are even handing out free knick knacks or food.


So mark your calendar for some fun and get involved. For more information click on the link below to look into more of the organizations here at UNI. See you next Thursday!


Student Involvement Website!