Comming to an end

This monday will be the last day of the semester. Also, starting the first day of my finals. The first final I have on monday is for my business law class. The final consists of multiple choice and a paper. I am relieved that this semester is comming to an end, however, the workload is overwelming. Besides, the business law final this week, I have a sociology final on friday morning which is only multiple choice. The next week I have three more finals along with papers that are due with the final. I have a comparative politics final which is comprehensive and we are required to answer two essay questions and twenty multiple choice questions. Then I have a Courts and Society final which is just a test on three chapters, the catch is I have to write two papers for that class. Last but not least is my political science writing class which of course includes an essay and fixing sentences. I am just happy sjsu has that six week vacation to take a break from all these papers and tests.This semester has been very busy with taking six classes and working an average of 25 hours a week. Tuesdays and Thursdays were always my long days consistings of three classes, one of which is an aerobics class, then I get out of class at 2:45, then I had work at 4. Even though, next semester will probably be the same hours of work and school, I will still have the winter break to get some rest.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday

Thanksgiving is pretty much a routine holiday. Every year, my parents and I have my aunt, uncle, and cousin over. I wake up in the morning just in time to watch the Macy's thanksgiving day parade and some football. As family starts to arrive, we put out snacks for everyone. Although, we have plenty of food, we always get full early because of the snacks. Finally, after four hours the turkey is ready. Everyone sits down at the dinner table to say what they are thankful for. After that we just start eating until we are stuffed with food. After dinner, it was time to have dessert. We usually celebrate my sister's and my uncle's birthday on thanksgiving. For dessert, we had a birthday cake, pumpkin, and pecan pie. We have dessert and they open their presents. After a while, my family just sit around the television, relaxing after the big meal. During all this time, I have been thinking about the day after thanksgiving known as "Black Friday". It is the time of year where people stand in line at two in the morning waiting for the stores to open. I was dreding going to work because I knew the store would be crowded for a couple hours. I had to leave my house at around 5:15 in the morning to get to work by 5:30 because of all the ice outside on my windows of my car. It was very cold outside, I am not sure how those people waited in line for hours at a time. Once the store opened, the rush of people came in along with the cool air. The store was crowded for about four hours, then it died down for a while. Since I worked a full shift today, along with the rush, I am about ready to pass out.

The holidays

The holidays are my favorite time of year simply because famillies get together from their busy schedules to come spend time with one another. The two holidays that I enjoy the most are Thanksgiving and Christmas. Both holidays, most of my family comes over or we go to visit them. On Thanksgiving, for instance, its a tradition that we we usually host thanksgiving at our house. We usually have my uncles, aunts, and cousins over. We always watch football and eat snacks before dinner so we cant really enjoy the turkey, however, we always eat more than we can handle. It is hard to blame us because the turkey takes forever to be ready to eat so the snacks are necessary. Since both my uncle and my sister were born on thanksgiving, we usually celebrate their birthdays then. Besides the pumpkin and pecan pie, we always have a birthday cake that we would never finish along with the leftovers. Thanksgiving is basically a great way to get together with the family, get stuffed with food, and have leftovers for days.

Christmas, is another holiday I've always enjoyed since I was pretty born. I just love all the lights, the songs, and the tradition. Every Christmas, my family and I go to my aunts house for both Christmas eve and Christmas day. On Christmas eve, we do not have big dinner, mostly snacks, however, we open the presents from my aunt that night. Then we go back home to sleep and wake up to the presents from "Santa Claus". Even though, I am twenty years old I still believe in Santa Claus. I still leave out the milk and cookies out, however, I know it is my parents that get rid of them. The next morning, my sisters and I open our presents at our house. Then we leave to go back to my aunts house again for christmas dinner where the big dinner is. We usually have prime rib and shrimp. I cannot wait until the holidays come along. Even though work is going to be hectic, I still cannot wait to have everyone home for the holidays.

Anyone want Seconds?..not me...

So after halloween, I had my second round of midterms. I do not understand the point in having second midterms. The whole point of a midterm is having a test in the middle of the term. It doesnt mean having two tests in the middle of the semester. Luckily instead of having second midterms for all of my classes. I have a test only three classes, however, I have taken one second midterm so far. Unfortunately, they are both on the same day after my four day weekend. I have taken my business law midterm which was multiple choice and true or false. Most people would think that would be a pretty easy exam having that. Unfortunately, it was not easy as expected. I studied as much as I could and tried my best on it. I am hopeing that I passed. Next week, I have two more midterms. I was hopeing to enjoy my 4 day weekend, but that doesnt look like that will happen. I do not think I will enjoy much this semester until finals are over. I will just have to take one day at a time. This semester has been very busy with school and work, second midterms are not helping me out. I think professors who do not give midterms are even better, hopefully next semester, my professors wont give second midterms. However, that is not very likely.

Earthquake!

On a normal tuesday night at work, the store had just closed. My co-workers and I were cleaning up the store for the next day. As I was counting the money in the register, I saw the windows starting to shake and items in the store started falling from the shelves. I must say I was hesitant of what to do or where to go because I was not expecting an earthquake to happen. My manager ran to the front and told us to run to the doorway. The earthquake lasted for at least thirty seconds. After all the shaking was over, my manager, co-workers and I were afraid another earthquake would happen again. Unfortantely, my manager made us stay to finish cleaning up. We were all very shooken up after the quake. I was hopeing there wouldnt be any strong after shocks. However, I was thankful that there werent any customers in the store or else there would have been a complete craziness.

In an article written by the mercury news confirmed that the earthquake had a magnitude of 5.6 and lasted thirty seconds. The earthquake was caused from the calaveras fault and hit the alum rock area the most. This has been the most powerful earthquake since the Loma Prieta quake in 1989 which was from the San Andreas Fault line. We have many fault lines running through California and we can never tell when another earthquake will hit like it did on tuesday again.


http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_7325191?nclick_check=1

Business Classes

As this semester goes by I find myself in a weekly routine. My daily routine has been going to school and work. Last week, I finished the first round of midterms. Based on those exams, Ive been doing pretty well except for my business law class. Being that this is my first business class ever taken, it is very difficult for me. The word usage in my text book is very hard to understand. When I read the chapter, I have to re-read a paragraph two or three times before I am able to understand what the writer was trying to say. There is a study guide used for that class and I dont know what I would do without it. The language used in the study guide is still the same, but its more of a summary. In the back of each chapter in the study guide, it has true/false and multiple choice questions. I seem to do pretty well on those. However, I still need help understanding the material. Sitting in lecture is not going to help me, so I went to the tutoring center but they do not have any tutors for that class.

I emailed my teacher about the problems I've been having. She did give me some suggestions, however, her office hours are very limited because she is an Attorney. So far I am not having any luck finding help for that class. My professor told me that intensive studying is required to appriciate the material. How am I supposed to appriciate the material if I do not understand it. My last resort if probably to find someone in the class who understands the information better than I do. I find my business law class very interesting because all the information is new to me,however, I just do not comprehend the material in the textbook. If anyone knows what I should do, please let me know.

Small Claims

Not to long ago on April 1st, 2007, I got into my first car accident. My mom, my sisters, and I were visiting family up in San Mateo. My mom took my grandmother to the store to buy a couple things before my grandmother went back home. As we were trying to leave the parking lot, we notice something come up behind us. Unfortunately, it had to be a wide truck. The parking spaces are very compact for most cars to get through. Our car was turned on but still in the parking gear. Suddenly, we felt the car move from side to side. I got out of my car after the guy in the truck stopped. On the drivers side, both the quarter panel and bumper had a dent. Since toyotas are not made very well, both parts were crushed like soda cans. I was so mad to see my car in the bad shape. The guy who hit my car was very sincere and promised to pay for the damages, but people do not always do what they say. We exchanged information such as insurance policy numbers. Dealing with the insurance was a different story.

When we got a hold of the insurance, it took a couple weeks to get a response to see what they would do. Unfortantely, they informed my parents and I that they wouldnt pay for the accident and that they couldnt tell us why. I thought it was very unfair because that guy hit my car and he should pay for what he did. Since the insurance wouldnt pay, I would have to take it to the next level which would be to sue him. I really did not want to go through the trouble of going into court when I have school and work. What made matters worse was that I had to file in San Mateo county because thats where the accident occurred. So I filed the papers online and payed the fees. I am only asking for the estimate of the damages, nothing more. I do not want anything else, I just want my car to be fixed. Anywho, so the small claims court sent me an email saying I should call in to verify my court day beforehand. So a couple days ago I called in and they told me that the defended was not notified of the charges. Being this is the first time I am suing someone, I had no idea I had to get a process server. No one told me that.

Therefore, I had to take the day off from work to drive all the way to San Mateo to reset my court date because I did not get a process server. Small claims changed my court date and hopefully this time things will run smoothly.

Recent school shootings

Besides complaining about my life, I think it would be time well spent if I wrote about serious problems going on in the world. For instance, school shootings have been going on for as long as I can remember. It is a shame that these sort of things are still going on. Even though gun control laws have been changed and have became stricter. More shootings still have been occuring. Unfortunately, the typical school shootings are done by students who are troubled or have been abused. In Cleveland, Ohio, a student shot five students and himself. This tragedy occurred on wednesday, just a few days ago. The students of SuccessTech knew the shooter was troubled and had threatened the school before. In addition, the shooter had been suspended from school before the shooting. I believe that he probably thought that he would be getting revenge at the school for suspending him.

For instance, the shootings at Virginia Tech, a professor knew there was something wrong with the shooter. However, the staff never did anything to prevent or help the shooter. It is terrible how he was ignored and how he never recieved any help. If anyone knows about troubled students, they should recieve treatment.

I can not imagine going to a school where there is a shooting on campus. People watch and hear about these shootings on the news. However, they never believe that anything like that could happen to them. Until it does, it really has a big impact on their lives. My sister is a freshmen in high school and it could happen at any place at anytime. Honestly, its mostly the teenagers that might get abused by their parents and are confused about what they want out of life. So the saying goes "guns don't kill, people do". So I think controling the gun laws are not going to prevent teenagers from obtaining a gun. The parents should talk to their children about their lives. Instead of the abuse that causes these shootings because innnocent lives are at stake.



http://www.kget.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=8329dc77-1f9a-49cf-8ce5-06f0b186e4ba&rss=91

Family

Some of my friends often ask me why I never want to get married or have kids. Well often enough it is because I see the way my parents act towards one another. I don't want to have to go through some of the experiences that my parents have. In some of the justice studies classes that I have taken, I have heard quite a few cases about abuse in marriages. Whether the abuse be verbal or physical, it happens in many homes. The husband feels he has control over the women and he is able to do whatever he wants. However the women has to have consent from her husband. While I was growing up, I noticed that my mom had to ask my dad if she could go somewhere or if she could use the car. One reason for this is my dad felt he owned everything since he made the money. It is not fair that women especially my mom have to live this way. Not being able to depend on myself is something i dont want to have to go through. I find myself very lucky to be in college and working to make my own money.


For a couple years now, I havent had that much of a good relationship with my dad. Basically, for the reason how he treats my mom. Do not get me wrong, I do love my parents. They are good parents to my sisters and I. However, they are not good to each other. They married young and didnt know what to expect. I believe any woman can get out of a relationship such as this, but sometimes it is complicated when you have children. I really want to see my mom happy and have no regrets in her lifetime. So when I am asked why I do not want to get married or have children, not because im being selfish, but to have a life where I can whatever I want.

Recent Pet Peeves at Work

Working at Staples can be pretty hectic and stressful at times. Some might think that "oh its just staples, how hard could it be?". Well it can be very difficult to deal with. More recently, its the really anal customers that will fight with you for three dollars. Sometimes im about ready to hand them the money out of my own pocket. For instance, I was ringing up some items for a customer who bought a folder that came up on the register as one dollar and seventy-nine cents. She insisted that it was nintey-nine cents. That example is just a mild anal person. Last week, there was another lady, who was purchasing some item that came up to 39.99. Her first reaction was "uhhh no!" Apparently the sign had said something different, who knows if it really did or not. I told her politely that the sign is wrong and she said "well you have got about five of those over there that are wrong". I wanted to tell her something back. I just hate when customers talk down to people who are just trying to do their job. As associates, my co-workers and I cannot disrespect the customers or else they will complain to a manager. The customers just need to learn some respect. One day, I want to find out where they work and treat them the same way they treat us.


I was told that in the Indian culture, the people were taught to talk down to workers in the stores. So when they come over here to America they bring their condescending attitudes with him. That is exactly what happens at Staples. We get the cheap people always trying to get a deal when they know our prices are expensive. It is really annoying how some customers can act in the store. All we ask is for some respect and we will treat you the same way.

Graduate School

After I graduate from San Jose State and receive my bachelors degree in Political Science. I plan on going to go on to Law school. This past week, recruiters from many different graduate schools came to the SJSU campus. I checked out two graduate schools: University of California Hastings in San Francisco and Santa Clara University. However, most law schools enrollment are very competitive. For example, UC Hastings has an enrollment of only 1200 students . In addition, their requirements for admission cost an arm and a leg. One requirement for acceptance is taking the LSAT. I havent even thought about when I am going to take the exam. I am afraid that I wont pass the first time and I might have to lose a semester or year because I did not pass a test. Another requirement is two letters of recommendation. So now I have to focus on getting two people who are qualified to do so. The last requirement is the Grade point average. Different law schools have different requirements and averages for their GPA's. For example, Santa Clara has an average of 3.57. Whereas, UC Hastings is 2.4-3.5.

I want to get accepted to a really good law school. There is also the financial issue with attending Law school. For instance, attending Santa Clara averages about 35,000 dollars per year. UC Hastings averages 25,000 per year. I know I wont be able to afford it without any scholarships and grants which I should be thinking about soon. However, I still have to focus on the classes that I am taking this semester and the semesters to come. Although it was very helpful getting information on the two graduate schools. I still have to consider my options on different law schools to see which i am most comfortable with. There is so much to do before I graduate. Hopefully, all the stress will be relieved once I get everything done. However, I have a feeling different stress will come about.

This semester.....

Many of my friends, family, co-workers, and aquintances have asked me "how do you like your classes"? or "how is this semester going for you"? Even though I have only been in school for three weeks now, I reply with the same answer "ehh its alright". However, if it was only alright I wouldnt be as exhausted as I have been these past couple weeks. I am taking sixteen units and working an average of 20-25 hours which translates into five classes, physical education class, and a headache. I am going to be honest here; I am not the most athletic person in the world. Therefore, when I'm working out for fifty minutes, two days a week, I tend to feel that burn. Especially, comming from a relaxing summer, not having any aerobic-oriented activity was hard. I have to say tuesdays and thursdays are my most challenging days. For instance, I have to be up by 7 am and I am not a morning person. Then I have to leave my house a couple minutes before 8 to try to make the 8:05 lightrail. However, im not always fortunate when it comes to getting on time to the train. So i get on the other train, it takes thirty minutes to get to school. Of course, I cant read or do homework because I get motion sickness very easily. Anyway, after that long, monotonous ride is over to campus. I have to three classes. Not one..not two..but three! All very important classes I must admit. However, I was not thinking when i gave my availability for work on those two days. I am scheduled at four for work, yet i dont get out of school until 2:45. So, of course I am back on the fun train ride back home for a wonderful thirty minutes. Keep in mind this fun train ride is after three classes, one being the aerobics. Back to it being after school, so I just want to go home. The lightrail takes forever to get to my stop. I usually dont get home until 3:30. Then i have work at four until nine. I do not want to come off the wrong way by complaining about how my life is exhausting. However, the next time anyone asks me about this semester they will kow its not just alright.

So far at SJSU...

I first attended San Jose State University in the fall of 2005. After being in the comfort of high school for four years, I knew it was going to be big transition. I have to admit Orientation was sort of nerve recking. For instance, the thought of starting college was overwelming because I did not know what to expect. There were many activites, so we were broken down into groups which made it easier to meet new people. I was also accepted into the ASPIRE program here on campus which is located in the student services center. They are basically advisors who help first generation college students with their four year plan. Every summer this organization holds a five day orientation for incomming freshmen. I remember the night before, I was having second thoughts before going because I didnt know anyone who was going to be there. Fortunately, I made friends instantly on the first day. It was easy talking to the people there because a lot of them were in the same situation as I was. After those five days, I had made great friendships with good people.

My freshman year began, going from 5,000 to 30,000 people was definitly a huge difference. Especially trying to get from one place to another without fifty other people walking in front of you was a challenge. Another example would have to be the long lines into the business building, that was ridiculous having a long line (out to the walkway) just to get to class. As the semester went along, I began getting used to the campus, meeting new people, and using the facillities that were offered which my tuition was paying for anyway. A couple months and classes later, my second year began. My second year was a lot better than my freshman year. For instance, i knew what I was doing, I had finally picked my major, and was used to the campus. As a third year junior, I am already ready to graduate. However, I am only half way done. I am hopeing by the end of my San Jose State experience, that I would be able to say in the four years (knock on wood) that I have spent at state that it was memorable.

back to school at staples

For the last ten months, I have been working at Staples the Office supply store. The hours are flexible with my school schedule and the location is close by to where I live. However, these past two weeks at staples have been "Back to School". Meaning that another big sale has come up again. Also that means our store hours have been changed to where we open later. During the Back to school sale, we have sales from pencils to lap-tops. We also have a teacher appriciation day, where we hand out free supplies to teachers which is probably the most craziest day of the year. Those supplies went quick. Anyway the Back-to-school sale at staples is pretty much insane. We have pencils starting at a penny to twenty cent binders. So you can imagine how the customers will be taking advantage of the sale and how much of a mess the store is after we close.

For instance, staples has a limit on how much a customer can purchase an item. Do not buy like thirty pencils and expect any of the cashier to split up the transactions especially when there is twenty more people in line. Thats another thing that bothers me about the back to school sale is when there is a long line of customers, they will still go in line and just stare the cashier down as if that were going to make the line go any faster. We get some pretty interesting customers all year round, however i think back to school is most entertaining. Everyone is at most chaos because they need to get all the items on the list their child's teacher gives them. Oh yeah! I notice at least five people are asking for rain checks when we are out of stock and its fun to tell them no we do not give out rain checks. We are not Albertons or Nob Hill foods. After the customers leave, it is time to clean after their mess. It is ridiculous how you will find pencils where the notebooks are or where the crayons where the laptops are. Did i mention we have a binder wall that plays that has the domino effect. When someone takes out a binder, all the binders somehow just fall down. I would have to say its the binders that always take up the most time to be put back.

The back to school sale at staples is certainly an experience. Fortunately there is only one more week left of this craziness.