Time Strategies

Hello Everybody!

I am here today to write a little about my thoughts on time management. The funny thing is earlier this week I actually attended a time management workshop for my business major and we discussed many of the topics I read about for this class. Two of my favorites were 

• The Myth of Too Busy by Tim Grahl and 
• The Psychology of Checklists by Lauren Marchese

This is my first semester taking 21 hours and while some of you may think I am crazy, I am ready to tackle this semester. After coming to OU this is my first time I actually spent money on a physical planner, but I new if I wanted to succeed in my classes I was going to have to plan out my whole semester this first week. Sure it took about four hours, but now I have a plan and a schedule to work off of. I have a feeling this semester this planner of mine is going to be my life saver. After attending the time management workshop, I realized that having a planner and writing out your full semester schedule helps you get a better understanding of your semester and lets you know if you have room for other time commitments. 

There are numerous time management strategies, but figuring out which ones work the best for you is up to you. I know it has taken me years, but I think I have a good plan for now. Time management strategies are important and when people ask me how I am able to do everything that I do, I always tell them that I have learned to manage my time and prioritize my list to ensure I am somewhat ahead, which later provides me flexibility in my schedule. 

The article titled, "The Myth of Too Busy," could not have stated the importance of prioritizing better. We have to learn to say NO to things even if we don't want to. People tend to stress themselves out more when they spread themselves too thin, life should be enjoyed not lived in constant stress. I did not realize it until college, but prioritizing helps so much and it prevents procrastination at times. 

Similar to the "Psychology of Checklists" article in the workshop we focused a lot on how important it is to set realistic goals, we should set a big goal and then set smaller goals that we think will help us reach that big goal. I completely agree with the suggestion of rewarding yourself after you have completed your checklist. Having a motivator will make the tasks seem much easier and that dread that usually accompanies a task list is not there. 

Both these articles covered topics from my workshop and conveyed the same message that prioritizing and having  a checklist with a reward are strategies to help make someone successful. I know I have always had some form of calendar to keep me on track of due dates and work deadlines. The articles really did not cover anything that I had not already heard before, but is was nice to see that many people have similar ideas on time management strategies. I know I am definitely in for a tough semester, but I know I will be able to stick through with my schedule. 

If you need some helpful time management suggestions take a look at the two articles I have linked above!

Happy Sunday!

Live on from yours truly, 

Mansi Patel

Stress overload Curtesy of WellMind

What's In? Technology!

The technology landscape will all make more sense next week as you get into a more regular work routine; for this week, please write up a quick blog post about your first impressions here. Are you already familiar with some of these technology tools? How is this online environment like/unlike what you have experienced in other classes? Are there any web skills that you really want to work on this semester?

Being as active as I was in high school, I was able to gain a lot of experience learning how to navigate around websites like Weebly, Wix, Google Drive, WordPress, and some more. I love learning the ins and outs of websites, I may not be a tech whiz, but I can figure out things! Although I have to say I am excited to create some cool graphics! I have never been the one to create memes, but now I will for this blog:)

This online environment is very different from all my other classes primarily, because of the flexibility of the assignments and the blogging. Do not consider that a bad thing, this is actually the best way I think a professor can teach students to be independent and responsible for their assignments and essentially the end grade that they get. 

One thing I am hoping to get out of this semester is become more familiar with Cheezburger, Automotivator, and a few other websites that will be useful to me in the long run. 

Happy weekend y'all! 

Reading Assignments are in the near future;)

Yay Assignments, Every Student''s Nightmare;)

Some take classes for the sole reason of satisfying their major; others take classes, because that is what interests them. I hate to admit it, but I have taken some classes just because I had to have them to satisfy major requirements and my heart was not it, but I still worked for my grades. Though when I come across a class like this one, it just makes me excited for all the various assignments that are related to the course. When I first saw there was a class that was about Indian Epics I could not wait to take it. I have grown up listening to and reading the Ramayan and Mahabharat, so I am very interested in what aspects we will cover in this class. As far as class assignments go, I am looking forward to the weekly readings the most. I just hope they are fun readings, because the last time I was able to actually enjoy reading was in high school. 

I love the way this class is structured for the fact that I put my full effort and I do not have to worry as much about how the teacher is going to read my assignment and the grade I will get. The freedom that comes with this class is great, I can actually freely write, which makes me so ecstatic. My whole life I have always submitted my best work to teachers, but you know the way that one teacher thinks is very different from the other, so you never know what is right or wrong, which is very frustrating. What I want out of this course is to learn and also get feedback that will help me improve my writing skills. Professor Gibbs is sure to spoil us with the structure of this class; earlier this week I even told a friend that I wish more of my classes were like this one. 

I am also looking forward to some of the extra credit options like Growth Mindset, HEART, and extra commenting! 

Thanks for continuing to read y'all! I am probably sounding really boring right now, but I promise to start spicing things up starting next week!

It's Saturday and I just had a cookie so why not 

Growth Mindset

Before today I had never came across any of Carol Dweck's TED talks and I have to say she is great. I enjoy listening to the different perspectives that come about through this TED Talks and what Carol has to say I could not agree more. I was surprised at how much our thoughts matched about modern education. I see myself as a person very close to the center of the growth-fixed mindset in my school work leaning a little more towards the fixed mindset primarily due to the how high the stakes are for me if I want to get into Dental school. Especially now that the admission stardards and rising grades are becoming increasingly important to pursue a health profession. Outside of academics I am almost to the growth side, because I enjoy life and love having challenges that I can overcome and be stronger afterwards. We live to learn and as Gandhi said, "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."

Ever since starting OU, the ride has been very enlightening to me of my personal attributes and school in general. My first semester at OU I realized that if I wanted to hang out with friends, go out to family dinners, while maintaining my grades I would have to work hard and could not leave room for procrastination. I figured out that the Biz was more distracting for me than studying at home or another place on campus. Finding a good place to study without being easily distracted was a challenge for me, but luckily I discovered the basement of Dale Hall, which has been my study spot since my second week at OU. Needless to say I enjoy challenges, hence my interest in Biology. 

I am actually very excited to learn about the growth mindset this semester! I have always believed that a person can never stop learning and as a school nerd new information is like candy to me. With this topic so relevant to today's education it make this even better and I Professor Gibbs has some more interesting information relating to growth mindset!

It is actually pretty scary that I am feeling like I can conquer anything at the moment. Even with 19 hours this semester with genetics and accounting in the mix I feel like a whole new person this semester and I have a feeling that is, because my trip to India. I mean who doesn't agree with me when I say a good vacation can make you feel like you brand new person. If I had to pick a class that I was most worried about this semester then it would probably be genetics, but otherwise I am ready for my semester.

Hope you all have a great day and don't forget...

(Cheezburger)

Introduction to a Future Dentist or CEO, Who Knows?

Me, mom, dad, and the not so little brother

Hey all! I hope everyone is loving the first week back to classes, I know I am loving every minute! Well let me tell you some of my quirks and just about myself. 

I am very academically driven and always give my 110% on anything I do. My belief is that work while you work, study while you study, and always put your heart into what you are doing, if your heart is not in the task then it really is not worth anything. I am a social bee and love every minute of my time spent interacting with others. I grew up in a household where we have always valued the feelings of people above all else and believed that community service should always being on the calendar. Servitude is near and dear to my heart and any free time I have I can be found in the soup kitchen, food pantry, or tutoring in schools. 

Okay, so let's get to what you all are probably really wanting to know, what is this girl majoring in if she is still deciding between become a CEO or a dentist. Well, I added accounting and finance in addition to my biology major. So in about two and a half years I'll be coming fresh out of OU with three degrees and hopefully have decided if the DAT was the way to go or the MBA route. Wondering by accounting and finance of all things, well you could say that business runs in my blood. I love the thrill that I get while crunching numbers and when things balance out and when I sign checks. Biology is a challenge and I enjoy the fact that I have to work hard to get my grades in my science classes. I am biased and tend to like my business majors a tad bit more just because there are so many more opportunities to be involved in the Price College of Business.

My best class I took last semester was my accounting class, because it was my easiest class. With all the ups and downs of last semester my biggest accomplishment is that I survived evolution and made the grades that I wanted. What better way to end a tough semester than a trip to the place that makes you happy, for me that is India. For me it was a much needed trip that let me clear my head from school stress and feel like I could take in fresh air. I've gone to India about 17 times now and it never get old. Some of my most favorite places are in India as you probably saw in my earlier post this week!

Favorites?  That's always tough, but what can I say I have always been a Harry Potter fan from day 1. Would you all believe me if I told I actually listen more to Hindi songs and watch more Hindi movies than English ones? My all time favorite movie is Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham and love listening to Yeh Ladka Hai Allah. Just because my career dreams are all over the place I am still living it up like a college student, eating anything and everything and not being able to pick a favorite. I love food and all things related. My passion for cooking food stems from my parents who are the stars of our kitchen at home. When we cook we love to dance and sing and make sure we laugh a lot and make some very tasty food items. My mom makes about 99% of her dishes from scratch so when the time comes to make something from a box my brother and I know to put in a little effort and make a better tasting dish from scratch. 

With school, volunteering, and work, my gym is my place to decompress from the long day. I started Cross Fit about two years ago and have loved every day of it. In addition whenever some time free time comes I love to cook, dance with my little cousins, and watch movies. 

Thanks for reading! I know that was a lot, but in a nutshell I am a busybody and enjoy working in whatever form it may be. I love life and enjoy every moment of it!

Flashback to Bedtime Stories...Storybook Favorites!

Remember those days where Mom or Dad would tuck you into bed, but you wouldn't let them leave without a good bedtime story? That is what I was reminded of when reading some short narrations this evening. I was transported back to the time when I my parents were telling me their versions of the tale of Ganga, Ram, and Rakshas.

Some of my favorite Storybooks I came across tonight included, "The Ganges: From Head to Mouth," "gossip girl Ayodhya," and "Indian Horror."

The Ganges: From Head to Mouth - This is a very familiar topic with me, since I was a child. My first trip to India back in 2000 included going to the River Ganges and numerous times again in my later trips. The presentation of the story was incredible, I loved how the introduction hooked you and kept you wanting to know what happened after she got onto the boat. The simple layout of this page keeps the reader focused on the content, which for me personally was a bonus. I love reading and hearing the different perspectives that people have in portraying the story of Ganga. I have to say I will be sharing this with some of my family who also appreciate these stories. Another bonus was the accuracy of the narration, it followed very closely with the actual story found in the Hindu Scriptures. Another thing that made me attached to this story was also the fact that the first picture shown in the introduction is a place where I have actually been!

                                              The Banks of the River Ganges at Bithoor

gossip girl Ayodhya - Let me start of by saying I was perusing and the title immediately caught my eye! I am a Gossip Girl fan from day 1 and this had me laughing from the start. I loved the modern day take on the story of Ram and Lakshman. With the simple graphics and the different sections colored differently it made the readings seem really short and quick. This was one of the Storybooks that I truly wish had more to it, primarily because of how well it is written and its ability to maintain the reader's attention. All else aside, who could not be besotted by Ram and his charm?

Indian Horror - Ah, this is one of those stories that always used to fascinate me as a child. Growing up in an Indian household we have a lot of old sayings some of which stem from the ideas of Rakshas. Similar to how we say you do not want to be the devil, Indian families say don't take on the manners of a Rakshas. When I first say only the date at the top I thought this Storybook would be like a diary, but it turned out to be a great read! Few key ideas embedded within this story like the one of not making the same mistake twice had me enjoying this narration even more.

Oklahoma City, Ayodhya, and Mumbai...My Favorite Places

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Growing up in Norman with Oklahoma City just 30 minutes away never made me want to move to a bigger city like Dallas. My one stop shop for everything and anything from shopping to food to entertainment, OKC has it all!

(Downtown OKC, News OK Photo by Cooper Ross)

Ayodhya, Utter Pradesh. The birthplace of Ram, an Indian God, is city of peace and serenity with   cold temperatures year round and an army of monkeys. Ayodhya is an important religious site in the Hindu religion and one of the most beautiful cities at night. 

(Banks of the River Saryu, India Times)

Mumbai, Maharashtra. One of the most populated cities of India, it is the tourist destination. Some of its best features are the Gandhi Museum, Supreme Court of India, and Bandra-Worli Sea Link. 

(Versova/Juhu Beach in South Mumbai)