Berkeley blogging: more than just telling your story....

So I've been blogging for Berkeley since the beginning of my college career here, and I've really come to enjoy sharing my experiences--as well as my not-so-good moments--with you all. Well, Berkeley is searching out more students to share their classroom and other experiences, as per Mike on Twitter. And let me tell you, it is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself. It's not just typing out your thoughts on a computer for the whole word to enjoy; it's communicating with your fellow students as well as faculty members and student alumni. You also get paid to talk about the school and the different activities that go on, as well as what's going on with your classes and concepts and ideas that you found interesting that week.

If you're somewhat hesitant, think of it this way: you're already advertising Berkeley when you're wearing the jerseys or you have the Berkeley Blue Card (which, by the way, saves you lots of time with regard to refunds) and use it in stores. It could get someone to asking about Berkeley College, and you're more likely to share this information with others. The field of study you're participating in is also likely to come up, and before you know it, you'll be talking about other fields of study and majors that people are interested in that may be offered at Berkeley. So in a sense, you're already advertising Berkeley. All you would have to do in this instance is get a blog account set up and start typing. One important thing: you MUST confine your blog entries to what's going on in Berkeley College (either on your campus or other Berkeley campuses). This is your personal blog, but it must always represent Berkeley College (and in a positive light). I hope others of you will join us who are already blogging.

For online students....

Actually, this could apply to all Berkeley students, but it applies in particular to online students: ALWAYS make sure you check Blackboard at least twice a week to get information on assignments, deadlines, changes in deadlines, and course information. If you haven't noticed, this is the last week of our winter break, and come Monday, January 4, we'll not only be in a new year; we'll also be beginning our winter quarter. This means that your courses and any assignments related to them more than likely are posted to Blackboard. I just checked mine, and I'm glad I did; it cleared up a misunderstanding I had about one of my classes. So now I can breathe a little easier.

This is also important with regard to your assignments and keeping up with discussion board requirements. You don't want to fall behind unnecessarily, particularly when you'll have the syllabus posted as a guideline. The syllabus is actually very effective in helping you to keep track of your assignments on a weekly basis. The readings for the week are not always posted in the announcements section of Blackboard, so this is where your syllabus comes in handy. However, there are notes than can help you along with your readings in the event that you're still waiting for a textbook for a particular course; this way you don't fall so far behind in classes. And if you're having trouble in that regard (procuring a textbook in a timely fashion, that is), it is always good to let your professor(s) know. This way, the two of you can work something out in the meantime and your grade doesn't suffer terribly. The last thing you want is to fall behind in class because of a misunderstanding (the professor thinks you're just not doing the work, when in reality you don't have the book and are unable to do the assignments). Remember these few facts for online/distance learning and you'll have successful quarters at Berkeley College. Happy learning.

Microsoft Office software...at a "Steal"!!!!

So for those of you participating in Online/Distance Learning, you're aware that you'll spend most or all of your time on the computer. And with the Distance Learning comes some requirements, particularly with regard to the type of software you'll need for certain courses. Well, if you've been in the market for a computer lately, you're well aware that Microsoft Office software is very expensive...and even then you may not get all of the programs you'll need for certain classes. So you'll want to take advantage of the deal that Microsoft Corporation is offering to students with a valid .edu email address.

Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007 Edition is being offered by Microsoft for an amazingly low price of $59.95. And you get every single program that you need for current and/or future classes. You would simply have to make sure that the software would be compatible with your computer; for instance, older computers may not be able to process newer software. The website you'll want to go to for more information would be http://www.theultimatesteal.com. It really is a great program and will save you a lot of money and disappointment should you purchase an Office program that doesn't include all of the software you need. Most computers come with a 60-day trial period to use the software, but then you'll have to purchase the software. Well, you can get all of the programs you need at one low price. Take it from someone who's talking from experience (having purchased Microsoft Office software at a computer store, only to discover that I didn't have all the programs I needed). I wish you happy learning in this and successive quarters.

I just got my grade back from my Finance 410 class...

I also got an A in this course. As I said previously, I was a little nervous, because I'd messed up a couple of assignments that I thought would affect me adversely. But I did it; I got an A in every single course. So now all I have to do is my internship and take Finance 315 again, and then I graduate in May 2010, which is when commencement is. I feel so good about what I've accomplished, and I feel blessed and grateful--lack of outside activities aside (but I may still be able to get some fun in with my fellow students; I'd just have to check Blackboard every other day).

But reflecting on the current classes that I've just taken, I feel more confident now than I have about my career in Finance. The only thing is, though, I won't take what I've learned for granted. Just because I've passed the courses doesn't mean I'm "done" with them. It just means that I passed the courses for school, but learning is ongoing. I have to continue to apply what I've learned in my everyday life and in my professional life; this will assure that I will have success, not just "passing" the course.

But deviating from the subject: did you students know that Berkeley College offers a tuition freeze for students continuing full-time education and not taking a break between semesters? You might want to check out the details with Financial Aid, or even go to www.twitter.com/Berkeley College and get more information from Mike, Berkeley College's Twitter liaison. I wouldn't be able to benefit from it now, as this will be my last quarter and I'm less than full-time at this point; however, this doesn't mean that other students shouldn't benefit. Look into it; you'll be glad you did.

Two grades down, one to go....

I just got my grades for two of my classes, Finance 405 and Drama. And I really tried hard, what with work and family responsibilities competing for my limited time resources. And, well....I PASSED THEM BOTH!!!!! I got A's in both classes. I will admit; the finance class had me pretty nervous. I thought I would get a C+, although I'd done well on the previous assignments and pretty well on the discussion boards (minus two). It was my own miscalculation and my own misjudgment of my performance in class that caused me stress over the past few days. So this is a lesson to me (and to those of you who may be thinking like me): never second-guess yourself. Think positively and reap positive results.

So now I'm just waiting for my results for Finance 410; I'm pretty sure I passed, but I'm not sure exactly what my grade is. I hope to find out later tonight or by the end of this weekend. So now I can start to calm down and plan for next quarter, with a clearer, less stressed mind. This is why I say that if I'm able to do and complete an online course successfully, anybody can. My life is pretty more hectic than I'd imagine it would be at this stage in my life; yet I'm able to devote myself to my courses and striving for my goals. And this was a change from only a few years ago, when I found it very difficult to focus on one thing at a time. But this is important to me, which is why I've seen it through this time. I like the feeling that I'm at the finish line, even if I don't come in first. I made it across this time; I finished the race.

My final assignment for Drama....

So I just posted my final assignment to Blackboard for my Drama class. It was a pretty easy assignment, too; we had to discuss, in two paragraphs, the themes of love and essence vs. appearance for two different stories. I chose "Miss Julie" by August Strindberg for the theme of love and "Tartuffe" by Moliere for the theme of essence vs. appearance. And I just went back and re-read the stories and commented on what I felt represented the theme of each story. Hopefully I did well on the final assignment; I really want to maintain the "A" average I acquired at the beginning of the quarter.

In Finance 410 (Estate Planning) this week, we're discussing the concept of insurance. As we know, insurance is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of a loss. In other words, should something happen to you, you'll be protected financially. One of the types of insurance that an individual could find him or herself in need of is disability insurance, particularly during his or her primary earning years. That way, if something were to happen to him or her on the job, he or she could replace income that would otherwise be lost because of not having the ability to work to earn a living. This becomes even more important when we factor in retirement planning.

In Finance 405, we discussed the concept of risk management with regard to retirement assets. Simply put, there are many who do not maximize investments and savings during their working years and find themselves at a financial shortfall when retirement rolls around. An individual should plan ahead for every possible occurrence that he or she doesn't even know will occur and that will not leave him or her financially struggling and having to take on part-time work in order to make ends meet in the future.

Finals are right around the corner....

I actually have one final exam that's due by 10:00 Sunday morning, and that's my Drama exam. I have to re-read two of the stories that we've read so far this term and answer the questions related to them in essay form (two paragraph minimum for each story). This should be pretty simple, seeing as I've had time to read and ponder over the stories and the characters that made them come alive. I'm going again with "Tartuffe", particularly because of the research that I uncovered for my paper regarding how Tartuffe wasn't the only person of deception (though the other characters were not deceptive in the same way).

I also have my last two Finance finals to study for. My final cumulative exam for Finance 405 covers Weeks 7 through 11, so I'm going to have to study, study, study on Saturday. I plan to re-read each chapter and let the information sink into my brain; eat, sleep, and breathe it, as one of my old teachers used to say. I wanna know this information so well that I could take the test with my eyes closed (which I wouldn't really recommend, just in case something goes wrong with the computer).

Speaking of which, I had to contact Berkeley Help Desk yesterday; an error occurred as I was attempting to take my test, and then I was locked out as a result. Long story short, I was able to get the help I needed, but it took some doing. It paid off, though; I got a little extra study time in, and I got all the answers. :)

My completed research paper....

So as you all may know, I talked a great deal about doing my research paper on Moliere's "Tartuffe". I thought about how cut-and-dry it would be; I'd make my points and that would be that. However, what I ended up submitting got me to consider the story anew and from a different perspective. According to writer Liz Brent, Tartuffe was deceptive; however, the art of deception and deceptive appearances was a recurring motif throughout the story--not just with Tartuffe, but with some of the other characters, such as Elmire, Valere, Dorine, and Mariane.

She discussed the deceptive appearance of submission that the women in the household held, all the way scheming to get Orgon to see things their way and to expose Tartuffe for the liar and master manipulator that he is. She also discussed the deceptive appearances of Valere and Mariane with regard to each other; they wish to get married, but as Orgon has promised Mariane's hand in marriage to Tartuffe, they must publicly show each other indifference. So Tartuffe is not the only one who has pulled the wool over Orgon's eyes; his family has done so, as well. The only person not involved in any deception of any sort would be Cleante, who chooses to be truthful and always present an honest face. Getting this perspective really helped me to round out my term paper more.

I'm almost done with my application to be a peer to online students; I just have to figure out what I want to say about my experiences as an online student. There's so much I want to get across to the students who will be coming in and wanting help to navigate the sometimes tricky world of online learning. Perhaps in the morning, I'll be more refreshed and able to think better. But I definitely hope to be among one of the chosen.

It's drawing ever closer....

"What's that?" you may ask. Why, my commencement, of course!! I'm very excited that after this quarter, I only have one more quarter to complete. I have to finish filling out the application for my upcoming internship with my current employer; I just received an email from the Career Services department, so I plan to tend to that immediately. I also got an email from the media department, asking me if I wanted to share my experiences as an online student. ABSOLUTELY!!! I would love to share my experiences with incoming students, as well as current new students who are just wrapping up their first quarter here. I also plan to respond quickly to this email, as well. I think it would be really helpful to those students to hear another student's perspective about learning online vs. learning on campus; after all, the students are the ones who are taking the classes and getting the hands-on experience, and are in the best position to talk about the school. I would also tell them how I came to choose Berkeley College over other colleges in New Jersey. So I'd be a student liaison of sorts (kinda like with this blog, where I update students and faculty alike on what's been going on with me and my classes). I would like to, in the future, be a part of any open houses that Berkeley College may have.

This week in Finance 4o5, we're discussing the concept of wealth management and how it relates to planning for retirement. With wealth management, you are involving financial and tax planning, as well as asset and debt management (how to increase assets and cash flow while reducing debt so as to not skimp on the future). This is a very important topic, as many people only focus on the monetary aspect of retirement and wealth management. This is erroneous and dangerous thinking that could leave one severely hindered at the retirement age. So we do well to consider the various ways in which to accumulate wealth and plan for our retirement.

The Importance of Being Earnest...

We're now reading Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest", and I must say, this is another good read (and very similar to "Tartuffe", where one is not who he appears to be). The title is very ironic, because everyone seems to be hiding something and/or pretending to be something that they're not. Ernest, the title character, is not who he appears to be; he pretends to be one person in one part of the country and another person in another part of the country. He longs to shed this second personality and be free to be who he really is with the love of his life, Gwendolen Bracknell; however, he has a whole other life with another family.

Algernon is a cynical character who doesn't see good in anything or anybody and he mocks not only those of a lower social standing, but also those of his own social standing. He, too, has created an alter ego--a sickly alter ego who is constantly on the brink of death--in order to escape what he feels is a ho-hum existence. He even implies that this is what Ernest (Jack) will have to face should he enter into marriage with Gwendolen (who Algernon also happens to be related to).

I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the story next week and seeing what becomes of the characters; what epiphanies will they arrive at? I'm also looking forward to my research assignment, which is due at the end of next week. Having read "Tartuffe", I have some insights that I would like to expound upon in the research paper. Well, that's it for now. It's almost time, fellow students; the end of this quarter is yet upon us. Study hard, and do well on your final assignments.

Week 9 and a research paper due next week....

So Week 10 in our Drama class, we have a research paper due on any of the following characters that we've read about this quarter: Tartuffe, Miss Julie, or the Cherry Orchard. They are all pretty interesting characters, but I know exactly who I want to do my paper on: Tartuffe. While all of the characters that I've read about this quarter I feel I can relate to in some way, I feel that I can relate to the characters in Moliere's comedy.

The reason I enjoyed reading about Tartuffe so much is because the story just goes to show how easily duped we can be if we choose to be. The protagonist Orgon allowed himself to be fooled time and time again by someone he considered a brother and a true confidante, allowing himself to be blind to the deception that his dear "friend" (who was really untrustworthy) heaped upon him. Tartuffe hid behind the guise of being a spiritual person, when really he was unrighteous at heart. All around Orgon could see Tartuffe's deception, but Orgon chose to shut these ones out.

My feeling is that Orgon may well have known that deep down, Tartuffe was not to be trusted. However, when we don't want to admit to our mistakes, we cling to our blind faith and our belief in whatever it is that we hold dear to us. In this case, it almost cost Orgon and his family everything. He was fortunate in the end, but this is a lesson to all of us. It's a good character study, as well, which is why I'd like to do my research paper on this story.

I received a comment on my blog regarding online learning with regard to math classes. This is my answer: study, study study; the notes are posted online for you to take advantage of, and the problems are outlined for you to practice. If it's a strictly online course, you will not have to appear on campus at all; the material will be posted online from one of the instructor's files, followed by instructions on how to take the test. So keep these pointers in mind, and I wish you well in your math class.

Week 8 has come and nearly gone....

The last few weeks of this quarter are drawing ever closer. I've worked hard, and my grades have certainly reflected it. I have to say, I never thought I'd enjoy this drama class as much as I have; when I first received the book in the mail, I thought, "Oh, great; we'll have to read all of these boring stories." Well, as they say: never judge a book by its cover. And in my case, it's literal. I judged the class by the thickness of the book and all the reading I'd have to do. But in reality, the stories could certainly have been written today and still had an impact. I thoroughly enjoyed Moliere's "Tartuffe", about a con man who pulled the wool over his friend's eyes for a long time (it makes me think of Adam Chandler, who turned a blind eye to his family while he was seduced and beguiled by an attractive young woman--only to later realize that they were right).

"Tartuffe" strikes the biggest chord with me, perhaps, because I know what it feels like to defend someone whom you felt you could trust, whom you loved like family, whom you would have given almost anything--only to discover that they not only used you, but attacked your very character when your back was turned but a minute. In fact, all of the stories that we've read more or less were studies in human nature.

My finance classes are going well, also. I feel more confident in my career path than ever; I feel that I would be able to successfully help others to manage their financial futures, whether friends, family, or strangers. I'm getting plenty of experience in the financial side of things at work; and I'll be getting even more when my internship starts (I absolutely cannot WAIT!!!). And to think: a couple of years ago, I was still in flux between two jobs and hadn't yet finished school. Now I'm a quarter away from reaching my goal, and it definitely feels good. "Don't give up" is my motto and the lesson I've learned that I'm willing to impart to all of my fellow students.

Floor-offset retirement plans....

We're discussing the concept of floor-offset hybrid plans, which combines the features of a defined benefit plan with the features of a combined contribution plan. This type of plan would allow the employees/participants to direct some of their investments, while at the same time protecting said employees/participants from unfortunate market conditions and/or bad investment decisions. When you think about it, this type of retirement plan make sense, given today's unfortunate market conditions.

The reason I say this is because when you're planning for retirement, you want to be able to adequately fund your retirement without sacrificing returns on investments. Defined-benefit plans are more stable, regardless of economic upturns or downturns; however, they do not always offer the best returns. And conversely, while defined-contribution plans offer great returns in a market that is flourishing, the exact opposite is true when the market is faltering. So hybrid plans make sense (like the one I currently have).

In a hybrid plan, you get the benefit of both long-and-short-term investments, and the plan stabilizes as you get closer and closer to retirement age, with the short-term investments decreasing and the long-term investment increasing. For all of you in the workforce right now or currently taking business and finance courses at Berkeley, this knowledge will come in handy--and may save you a small fortune in the future.

The Cherry Orchard....

So we finished reading "The Cherry Orchard" this week, and we were asked to write what we felt the cherry orchard represented to Lyubov Andreevna, one of the central characters in the story. I felt that the cherry orchard itself represented home and happiness for Lyubov, with a sense of unchanging familiarity. This was all that she and her family knew, so she clings to the past and avoids the future because she knows that things are about to change--which they do, for her and her family. According to the commentary after the story, this is very symbolic of the changing aristocracy, of the old social order in Russia at the time of the revolution.

There were other things that struck me as symbolic, as well, such as the snapping of a rope in the distance; the dying of the family friend Firs; and the sound of a tree being chopped down in the distance. It symbolized, to me, a break with the old way of life and the introduction of a new way of life for all concerned. If this story were told today, it could definitely represent the society at large with the faltering economy and a changing way of life for many modern families.

I will admit that I found this story somewhat boring initially, but once I really understood the characters and what their hopes, dreams, and fears were, I realized that we all have a little bit of Lyubov in us--clinging to the past and the old way in order to avoid facing the future and the present realities of the situation we find ourselves in (even though they were high society, they were still apprehensive about the future).

Lyubov Andreevna and "The Cherry Orchard".....

This is the current story we're reading for Drama, and I'll have to admit, I'm not really enjoying this one as much as the previous stories. However, one character is of particular interest to me: Miss Lyubov Andreevna and her fascination with her family's cherry orchard. As many of us have discussed, she is childlike in her behavior and seems to have a zest for life and for living, choosing to ignore her family's impending eviction/foreclosure.

What I'm learning, however, is that her perceived over-the-top happiness is a cover and a coping mechanism. She has had a lot of pain in her adult life, and retreating back to happier times--her childhood and where she grew up, for instance--is her way of dealing with the world. As I and the rest of my class read on, we'll see that something happens that may force her to confront the realities of life.

But it got me to thinking: Lyubov is not so different from any one of us. Many of us have ways to deal--or not deal--with difficult situations. We all have that "happy place" that holds some magic for us, where we forget our problems for a while. Maybe I'll come to enjoy this story more as it progresses.

I think Blackboard is down again...

I've been trying to log on for the past few minutes, and I can't get through. I'm gonna try back in another half hour, though. This does happen, online students, so don't get discouraged. Computers are sophisticated pieces of machinery, but they are NOT failproof. As long as you're not in the middle of taking a test and/or you don't have an assignment that's due immediately, you're fine. You simply have to check back and make sure the website is back up so that you can continue in your current studies.

It's Week 7 already, and I'm hoping you all have registered for classes (PARTICULARLY if you're an online student). No time like the present; stay focused on your goals. Registering for your classes ahead of time keeps you in the moment (of education, that is). In fact, just yesterday when I was grocery shopping, the bus passed by on the other side, and there was an advertisement for Berkeley College. I actually smiled when I saw the bus go by, because I'm actually part of an institution that encourages and challenges its students to be all that they can be in life--whether it be in the arts, business, or the medical field.

Can't stay long, though; gotta finish reading this story for drama and hope that Blackboard comes back up tonight. So again I encourage you to get your education and hang in there. Remember, the hardest door to get to is your own; and you've already gotten past that. So that's half the battle.

Week 6 already.....

This is the halfway point, folks. This is where your grade for the quarter is already pretty much determined; or, this is the point where you can turn things around for yourself if you feel that you aren't getting the grades desired. As for me, I'm going to keep forging ahead. My grades at present are excellent; I think I messed up on a test this week, but I have the opportunity to turn that around from this moment on so that it doesn't count against me as much.

I'm so excited, though; this quarter is almost over, and then next quarter is my very last quarter at Berkeley. As I mentioned before, it is kind of bittersweet, but I'll never forget those who helped me along my "Road to Success" (ha ha), starting with Anthony Villani, and continuing along with such wonderful students and faculty members who didn't allow me to make excuses for myself whenever I did less than my best. When your professors see/read your potential, they won't let you get away with subpar performances. And I'm grateful for that; I've even been able to challenge myself more in the workplace.

Speaking of the workplace, this is where I'll be performing my internship (I just have to await the official O.K. from Career Services). I'll get a chance to not only show what I'm made of as a Berkeley College student, but I'll also be giving my employers a chance to consider me for advancement opportunities within the organization. My last internship with Newark City Hall allowed me to utilize some of the skills I'd acquired in business school, but it didn't really prepare me for a job in my field. Now, however, I feel that even if I don't continue with the company I'm currently employed with, I'll be able to take the valuable knowledge that I acquired with me elsewhere. Who knows what the future holds, but I'll be prepared for it.

Final quarter.....

I'm actually registered for my final quarter for the Winter term, and while I feel a certain satisfaction at almost being finished with my schooling, it is truly bittersweet. I'll miss logging in to Blackboard and reading all the goings-on (hopefully I can still squeeze in a school activity before it's all said and done) and blogging about all the things I'm learning in class. I'm hoping I can still blog as a Berkeley alumnus, much the way Aleksandra and Vanessa are doing. I am really grateful to the wonderful staff and students at Berkeley College for the encouragement and kindness that they've shown to me. Again, I say: if you're looking for a school that will meet your academic needs, Berkeley is definitely a viable option. And if you can't make it onto a campus, online learning is a viable option, as well.

I also had the opportunity to interview with Media Relations about my experiences as an online student; I hope I didn't come across as a babbling idiot, is all. I guess I was nervous and excited at the same time that I was chosen to share my experiences. But I would certainly do it again if asked. I only hope that the remainder of this quarter and the final quarter will give me an opportunity to interact with my fellow students on a more personal level, as I explained in my interview. I definitely plan to be available for commencement in May, so I'll definitely be meeting my fellow students and graduates of 2010. I'll continue to follow Mike and his updates on Twitter so as not to lose touch completely with Berkeley College and Berkeley students.

"Miss Julie" is a rather sad read/Finance

I thought it would be among the more humorous lines of "Tartuffe" by Moliere, but it was definitely not. It started out somewhat humorous, but took a dramatic turn by the end of the story. The story really is about Miss Julie: her likes, her dislikes, her loves, her hates, her fears, her desires, her contradictions. She first comes across as a manipulative, selfish young lady, who tricks men into doing her bidding for her. It is discovered during the story that Miss Julie has come by her personality because of her mother, who has empowered her to not be controlled by any man. However, she has also done her daughter a disservice; Miss Julie does not know how to love the men in her life properly. She hates them, yet has a weakness for them. She also wants to be common like her mother, yet not lose her importance in society (her father is a Count). It really is a good read, at any rate.

In Finance 410 this week, we're discussing the importance of a power of appointment. A power of appointment is a necessary, important part of a will that will allow someone other than the client/estate holder to make decisions regarding his or her estate and any other properties. This is necessary to diffuse family disagreements and other potential entanglements with regard to the client's estate.

It's about that time again....

It's time to register for the winter quarter (I plan to do so tomorrow). So start thinking now about the classes you want to register for, and then hop to it (especially if you want to avoid the late fee and you're an online student). This is my last quarter, as many of you who've been following my blogs know, and I have to register for my internship, as well as the other classes that I'll need. I've already sent in my letter from my employer, which is where I'll be doing my internship (hopefully). I'll be performing duties that pertain to my field of study, which is finance. So I'll be doing cash handling and accounts receivable functions, mostly (perhaps I'll even learn how to run charges).

Speaking of finance, I'm really enjoying my finance courses this time around. Finance 405, which pertains to retirement planning, is of particular interest to me. This is something that is constantly being discussed in today's society, and I want to be prepared when the time comes for retirement. I also want to be an effective financial planner when it comes to helping people manage their finances today for a better retirement tomorrow. Being armed with the right information can make a world of difference when it comes to saving and planning for a rainy day, even with regard to education (if I'd known then what I know now, I'd have planned smarter; but it's never too late to educate yourself). Also, it's nice to know that a lot of the information pertains to real-life situations that I may have personally experienced, so I'm able to get more out of the information.

I'm also really enjoying this drama class (Humanities 310). I get to express myself and my views on the readings that we're being assigned. Even when I think I've missed the mark, the professor is very encouraging. His comments really push us to delve beyond the first impressions.

Miss Julie/deathbed gifts of property....

So for the next weeks, we're considering "Miss Julie" by August Strindberg; this, also, is a very good read. The main characters seem to be Miss Julie, Kristine (her cook), and Jean (her valet). The character analysis given Miss Julie is but one layer of a very complex individual (read: looks can be deceiving). She appears manipulative, charming, and vulnerable, all at once. It is Jean who offers the biggest surprise, who shows the audience his true self further into the reading. Or maybe I'm wrong; I've only read the first few acts. Maybe there's more complexity with Jean, as well. Kristine seems taken by Jean, yet doesn't allow herself to be manipulated by him, as she knows he also pines after Miss Julie.

So this week in Finance 410 (Estate Planning), we learned about ownership (the different types of ownership) and transfer of property. So the discussion board question was: if your client decided on his deathbed that he wanted to give his beachfront property to his pretty nurse, was this valid? Could he actually approve such a transaction? The answer, of course, was no; real property could not be disposed of or transferred in such a manner. The individual would have had to make out a will to decide who would get his or her real property, such as homes, businesses, and beachfront properties. The reason for this is because the individual would have had to be in his or her sound mind when making such a decision, so that it would be reasonably clear to all involved that the financial planner and estate executor acted in accord with his or her wishes. So just because someone was kind to you in your final days, it doesn't mean that you can simply allow him or her to have your real property.

Behavioral finance....

In Finance 405 (Retirement Planning) this week, we're discussing the concept of behavioral finance. Behavioral finance is defined as "a field of study that applies the use of scientific research techniques to understand social, cognitive, and emotional biases that affect and influence economical decision making and is concentrated on the decisions of individual and collective economic agents and study whether the decisions they make are entirely rational or seem to lack rationality.

In other words: are financial choices made rationally, or are they made out of emotion? For instance, when we choose our investments and our savings plans, do we tend to "play it safe" out of fear of current market conditions? Do we make only the minimum contributions towards our futures, reasoning that we don't want to put all of our money into investments and/or savings plans that seem risky? At first glance, this seems like smart, reasonable planning; after all, having watched the market and the economic crisis that has swept the nation (that almost rivals the Stock Market Crash of '29 and the Great Depression shortly thereafter), it would be considered foolish to put money into a risky investment or savings plan (such as a 401(K)). However, what happens in the long run is that individuals often find themselves ill-equipped at retirement and that they cannot take it easy the way they imagined they would. So it pays to do research and make the best decision based on investigating and weighing the pros and cons of any type of investment or savings plan. This way, you'll always make the decisions that are rational and provide a buffer for you at retirement.

Love doesn't hurt!!!!

Let me say this again, Berkeley students: love doesn't hurt. As I posted earlier, this month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (also Breast Cancer Awareness Month), and we at the Healthy Cafe online club are discussing domestic violence of all sorts: violence against men, against, women, and against children. We are also discussing ways in which the victim can get help, as well as how the abuser can get help.

There's an ongoing poll on Blackboard right now with regard to domestic violence, and the poll results are showing that a little more than half of those attending our campuses right now have been the victims of domestic violence at some point. This is completely unacceptable and inexcusable. We need to arm ourselves with the necessary information so that we are able to protect ourselves and our loved ones, including pets. I mention pets because during other research on domestic violence, it has been shown that the victims of domestic violence can include our pets. Think about it: if a man (or woman) can hurt you without blinking an eye or showing any remorse, what about a voiceless animal who oftentimes cannot defend itself against violent blows--from either an abusive owner or an owner's abusive significant other?

Also, with regard to children: if we notice that a child is behaving aggressively toward other children, we want to watch for signs that an adult may be abusing the child. Perhaps if the child is mimicking behaviors during playtime that are indicative of what is happening to him at home, a trusted adult could be notified, and the situation given the proper attention. While this may not necessarily be true of all children (some children may mimic what is shown to them on television), it is worthy of concern.

It's week 4 already?!?!

What happened here? I guess that's what happens when you're busy keeping up with your school assignments and notes and preparing for tests. I have to finalize my internship details and get registered for the next and final quarter of my school career here at Berkeley. It's been an amazing journey, I must say. It's not been without its challenges, but I am not a quitter, and I think I proved that to myself and others close to me.

I just took my first test for Finance 410, and I got an 85 out of 100. I probably would've gotten a higher grade if I'd put it just a bit more study, but overall, I was satisfied with my performance. And considering I was sick over the last couple of days, I think I did pretty well. It was about estate planning, the legal procedures that have to be followed, and really who should be considered candidates for estate planning. It also covered how to avoid unauthorized practices of law, as well as malpractice suits. Sometimes a financial planner, with the best of intentions, can overstep his or her balance in his or her zeal to help a client, and this could backfire and have disastrous results. This could result in a lawsuit and tarnished image not only for the financial planner, but for the firm he or she represents. This information will certainly help me in my career as a financial advisor on how to handle a client who wants a service that I may or may not be qualified to perform; I will avoid costly mistakes by performing only those services for which I am qualified and/or licensed.

Tartuffe the RAT.....

So I finished reading "Tartuffe" by Moliere for drama class, and all I can say is: What a SNAKE!!!! What could've occurred because of misleading foolish, blind Orgon is stopped in its tracks by the end of the story, but Tartuffe is an example of those "friends" who can't be trusted. He had turned Orgon against his entire family and gotten him to sign over his estate to him, as well as promise him the hand of his lovely daughter Mariane (who balks at the suggestion that she should marry Tartuffe, for she is in love with Valere and hopes to marry him instead). When Tartuffe makes a pass at Elmire, Orgon's wife, their son Damis angrily confronts Tartuffe and tells Orgon what has taken place. True to form, however, Orgon refuses to believe that his good friend--indeed, his spiritual brother--could do such a thing, and Damis is disinherited and dismissed.

Elmire talks with Orgon and tells him that Damis was telling the truth, and she gets Orgon to witness Tartuffe's treachery and deception firsthand. When Orgon angrily confronts Tartuffe, Tartuffe turns on him and tells him that there's really nothing that he can do about it, since he's just about signed his life away to him. Orgon, overcome with guilt and, no doubt, hurt, wonders how he could've been so easily duped by a character like Tartuffe. So what happens to Tartuffe in the end? Well, you'll just have to read the story, won't you? I can't give it ALL away, but let's just say that everyone gets what they deserve. ;)

Updating my profile/Tartuffe.....

Hey there, fellow Berkeley College classmates and bloggers!!!! You'll notice I've updated my profile and added a new picture. If you want to know why I look so serious, it's because I was actually studying something on my computer. But I wanted the readers to know who they were talking to; besides, the picture that accompanies my bio is a few years old, and I wanted something new. Ironically, I have on the same shirt that I had in the other picture.

So we're reading "Tartuffe" by Moliere in Drama class, and I must say, it's a funny read (I recommend it highly if you haven't already read it). It's about a man named Orgon who allows himself to be duped by a man named Tartuffe, who puts on airs of piety and righteousness--which everyone else seems to see. Orgon counters that those who are saying bad things about Tartuffe are themselves the ones who are wicked and in need of spirituality and religion, that Tartuffe is a fine man. It really is quite amusing to read the expressions of derision, sarcasm, and outright dismay that the others seem to hold for Tartuffe. I look forward to the continued reading of Tartuffe just to see what happens to him (is his scheming uncovered? Does Orgon open his eyes?).

Defined benefit vs. defined contribution plans....

This is the topic we're discussing this week in Finance 405 (Retirement Planning). The surface question is: What is the difference between the two? The more interwoven question is, Which one is right for the employee? Well, as we've discovered and discussed, the defined benefit plan is a retirement plan where the employer sets up contributions for the employee and takes so much out of a paycheck. This account cannot be touched until the employee either retires or is terminated. Also, the employer assumes the entire risk for the account.

The defined contribution plan is a retirement plan where the employee can opt to have so much taken out of his or her pay and put into a 401(k) plan, and the employer usually matches it up to a certain percent; however, the risk falls ENTIRELY on the employee and there can be great gains made or great losses suffered as a result of investment choices.

Now we come to the question: Which one does the employee choose? The defined benefit plan is a more stable plan, and it is based on length of service and employees who choose to stay with the employer may opt for this plan vs. a 401(k) plan. The defined contribution plan is more suitable for employees who are probably not as likely to retire with the company and want the ease of rolling over their investments into an IRA or other retirement plan. It is based on age at the time of entry and level of income.

So when you do your retirement planning, get all the information you need about what retirement plans most likely fit your needs. And it always helps to provide a buffer; we know that social security and your retirement plan alone may not be enough to satisfy retirement needs. An additional savings account may be necessary to help bridge some of the financial gaps you may face.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month....

So this morning, I logged onto Blackboard and checked out the announcements for trips and other special events going on for the upcoming quarter. One announcement in particular was regarding domestic violence and how this month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. There were discussions about it on the Healthy Cafe discussion boards. One of the topics was entitled "Love Doesn't Hurt!!!"

The question was also asked: Does the victim "deserve" what he or she gets when someone who claims to love him or her lashes out in an abusive way--either verbally or physically? Referring to the Chris Brown/Rihanna situation, did she "push" his buttons--or did he have control over his actions? And more importantly, if he suffered abuse by watching his mother being physically abused as a child, will it turn up in destructive ways if it is not dealt with by talking to a therapist or other trusted adult?

This question, maddening as it may seem (to me, too), is important, because some in society feel that if only the victim wouldn't "do" certain things to make the abuser angry, then he or she wouldn't do it. This assigns blame to the victim, rather than encouraging both the victim and the abuser to seek help (the victim in a support group; the abuser in a therapy or other session) and more often than not encourages a cycle of violence to continue. The abuse has to be confronted in order for the cycle to start to be broken.

So far, so good....

I really am enjoying my classes this quarter and really enjoying the discussions that we've been having, particularly in my finance classes. I'm also seeing some of the same names associated with the finance classes that I'm currently taking and the classes that I've taken in the past. It was like one big class reunion, reading some the postings on the discussion board. And I really connected not just with the students that I've taken classes with in the past, but this time with the instructors; and I think it's reciprocal. Can't believe that Week 1 is done already. I've already submitted two assignments for grading; I hope I did well, as I tried my best. The one assignment that I submitted had to do with the ten common mistakes in estate planning.

Now I know that I've been mentioning what I've learned in estate planning quite a lot, but I cannot stress this enough: it is SO important to be prepared should you become incapacitated and need someone to handle your affairs. So many people either do not realize the importance of a will or legal document, or they assume that everyone will know how they want their property/assets split up upon their death. This is not the case; if there is no legal document stating how you want your affairs handled, the executor of your estate will handle affairs as he or she sees fit. And there really isn't any excuse; there are documents on the website that can help you in this regard. I'm excited to learn about these procedures, for I feel that they will help me not only in my professional field as a financial advisor/planner, but also in my own personal financial endeavors.

Same thing with retirement plans and social security; I'm sure that many understand that in this day and age, social security will NOT be enough to get you through your retirement years. So it is necessary to put aside monies in a savings account, but also to have a suitable retirement plan that meets your retirement needs. And there's no time like the present for planning. Even if you're past the prime of your youth, so to speak, you can still plan ahead for the future. "Better late than never" is certainly applicable in this instance; you don't want to not plan ahead because you feel it's too late.

Think of discouragement as a roadblock....

In my conversations with people, I've come to realize that as well-intentioned as their comments are about me going back to school, they can become roadblocks. When I decided to go back to school and I enrolled in Berkeley College, I was met with well wishes and congratulations. However, some people have made kind, but somewhat discouraging remarks, such as, "I don't see how you do it all" or "I know I couldn't do it". It's that type of thinking that makes me wish that they wouldn't say anything at all.

At the same time, though, it makes me more determined than ever to finish school and get a career in financial planning. And if some young person was carrying a courseload and working two jobs while caring for a dependent, I would encourage them to continue right on (and to go to Berkeley, of course). I also want to say to those who may have dropped out of college due to self-discouragement or discouragement from others, now is the time to get back into school and change your circumstances. This is precisely what I'm doing at Berkeley College. In going to my niece's back-t0-school night last night, what I learned is that the teachers love teaching, which means their students love learning. I even learned that one of my niece's teachers is currently in college right now, and I thought to myself, If it's important for this man to be back in school to round out his teaching curriculum, then I should be motivated to do my best in school, as well.

With that said, I hope to take advantage of the Academic Learning Program should I ever need to. It could've improved my Algebra grade tremendously, but you live and learn. So my message to you today is to remove all mental roadblocks--friends who criticize you for continuing on to college, family members who may not have finished their own college education, well-intentioned people who unintentionally make remarks that could dissuade you--and focus on learning.

Reflecting on my short, but sweet, journey at Berkeley College....

It's already the Fall quarter of 2009 at Berkeley College, and I remember starting classes like it was just yesterday (actually, it was just yesterday that THIS quarter started). I remember getting in touch with Anthony Villani about what I wanted to do as far as my education, and I remember that while he didn't pressure me to start school right away (which is what I faced at other institutions), he did imply that there was no time like the present. And he worked with me to get me into school by the fall quarter.

I also remember Jenny White, who was assigned to me as someone to help me navigate the waters of Berkeley College. I also remember us having class together and her assistance in making sure I didn't fall behind in class assignments whenever my computer was down and I didn't get the assignment right away. I remember reading the Blackboard polls and participating in them (and I still do), as well as joining the Finance and Accounting Club and the Healthy Cafe Online Club.

I also remember reading the "bloggers wanted" advertisement and getting to know Carol Covino--not just as my supervisor, but also a fellow student. She and I took a computer class together, and we both learned a lot and helped each other out to the degree possible (except for reinforcements; those were actually exams, and you couldn't expect your teachers or fellow students to help you out then).

It's really hard to believe that two years have passed since I enrolled in Berkeley College, and I can hardly believe that it's almost over. I would certainly recommend this institution to anyone. I remember someone in a public library trying hard to discourage me from continuing my education here and encourage me to withdraw my enrollment. Thank goodness I didn't listen to her or any other dissenting voice--including my own.

So, no syllabus yet for Retirement Planning...

However, I do have the chapters that I'm supposed to read, so I'll get started on reading them once I get my book. This will make it easier to do the assignments in a timely fashion so that I don't fall behind. The professor for Estate Planning has posted right up front that he expects almost daily attendance in class, and that late homework assignments will NOT be accepted. So anything short of death will not be considered a valid excuse for not having done the work for the week (okay, I exaggerate, but this is a real incentive to stay on top of the schedule set out in the syllabus).

When you think about estate planning, though, it makes sense to stay on top of things. Estate planning has to occur LONG before a person dies or is near death; it can't just be assumed that whoever is in charge of your finances (or you if you don't have a financial advisor) will acquiesce to your wishes with regard to how you want your assets split up and/or donated. This should all be done in writing and should be legally binding. For instance, if you are a single person and want to leave your family members money and/or other property upon your death, then you need to make that unmistakably clear. This will help you and your family members to avoid the disastrous consequences that often come with not drawing up a will and testament or some other document that names specific parties as heirs to certain properties and assets that you currently hold.

I haven't yet read the Drama book, but I plan to browse through it this evening when I get home. I have a feeling that this will be like the Fiction course; I'll quite possibly discover some wonderful stories that I've never read before. I wish all of the incoming students and graduating students much success this coming quarter.

This Sunday is the official start of classes for me....

I've already started reading the course material for one of my classes, as previously mentioned. Oddly enough, my professor for Finance 405 hasn't posted his syllabus to Blackboard, which makes it a little difficult to follow along and prepare for class for the first week. It's just as well; I haven't received the book for this course yet, either. I'm hoping to get it at least over the weekend or Monday, when classes actually start. In the meantime, I'll just print the notes for the lecture and the readings off of the computer; this way, I'll at least be familiar with the chapter information when I actually get the book.

Yesterday, if you tried to log on to view class information, you may have noticed that Blackboard was down (no, it wasn't your computer). This happens periodically when Blackboard is due for a system upgrade. It may cause you some inconvenience for a while, but it really is to update and refresh information that is posted to Blackboard (the same way the systems analyst updates information at my job for upcoming registration). And if you haven't registered yet, please get on it. I'm very serious here; the only thing worse than registering late for classes is to not register at all. Even if you have to make payment arrangements with Student Accounts, don't let funding prevent you from going to school this quarter.

Less than a week away!!!

The new quarter's starting, and I feel like a little kid on her way to Disneyland. But that's how learning should be; you should always be excited to learn something new. This quarter, I'll be learning about drama and estate planning, among other things. I've actually already started reading ahead in my textbook for estate planning, and it's very interesting and detailed; you have to be VERY particular about how you want your assets divided up when you die. If not, it can be disastrous for all involved, including family members. I haven't yet received the textbook for retirement planning, but it should be here shortly.

Speaking of textbooks, this drama book is a lot bigger and heavier than I thought it would be. I thought it would be about the size of the fiction textbook that I needed for summer quarter. It's about the size of a phone book!!! I can only gather that we'll be doing plenty of reading of various plays and/or short stories. I may even see some old favorites in this book. I plan to get started a week early on this reading assignment, too. I don't want to take the chance of falling behind with my busy schedule. Without going into too much detail, I've accepted another responsibility, so I have to be extremely careful about how I use my study time. That means no languishing, no matter how tired I am. I'm going to make myself do the assignments, thoroughly and on time. Now that I'm pinpointed my problem from the past few quarters, this quarter will be even more different.

A new quarter awaits...

This quarter, I'll be taking Finance 405--Retirement Planning; Finance 41o--Estate Planning; and Humanities 310--Drama. I already ordered my books for the upcoming quarter, as well, so that I don't have to try and play catch-up with the work the first and second weeks. My thought is this: if you fall behind even one iota, you'll miss something substantial and have to work that much harder to play catch up. So ordering the books ahead of time so that they'll be ready when class starts is a smart idea.

And if you want to know exactly which books you'll be needing for classes, you can always go to the online bookstore at my.berkeleycollege.edu, click the link for the online bookstore, click the arrow for "buy textbooks"; then, in the pull-down menu, click the campus you'll be attending (if online, simply click online), the course and sections you'll be taking, and it will give you the title of the book you'll be needing for that class in that particular term, and on that particular campus. This method is not one hundred percent accurate, though, so you may want to check back when your newer classes are posted to Blackboard and verify that you are purchasing the correct textbooks. There is nothing worse than having to re0rder a book and waste precious time.

And speaking of which, do not waste any more time registering for classes if you haven't done so already (although I can't imagine why you haven't; life gets in the way, sure, but take it from me and don't let it get in the way of your education). Financial assistance is certainly available if you need it; all you need do is get in contact with Advisement and let them know which courses you're interested in. They'll help you from there. And I must mention the late fee that you're going to incur, but take it as a lesson learned for next time; and also, think of it as a small investment in your future.

One-week break before the fall quarter....

I'm just going to take this time to reflect on what I've accomplished thus far on my educational journey. I'm a senior, and I'll be graduating after two more quarters--this upcoming fall quarter and the winter quarter. To think two years ago, I was just applying to Berkeley College as an adult transfer student. How time flies when you're having fun and keeping really busy. My family, co-workers, friends, and my Berkeley College family have all been there to support me; without support and continued encouragement, I don't think I would've made it this far. I think about my niece and the example that I set for her when I do my homework and not let unimportant things get in my way.

I also am reflecting on the Business Placement Seminar that I took this summer, and I got an A. So that means that I'm really ready to market myself with regard to the workplace. In the current economy, however, does that mean I'll have to look for opportunities within the organization that I'm currently with? Not that I'm saying that this is a bad thing; in this day and age, one is lucky to have a job. I'm just wondering if I'll be able to apply what I've learned and push for more responsibilities within the organization. I guess that remains to be seen after I've completed my internship during the winter quarter.

Crunch time!!!!

So this week is the final week for all assignments, and I've just handed in two of the major assignments for two of my classes. I think my overall performance this quarter was good, considering the summer quarters aren't usually the best for me; I'm usually wanting to relax and take it easy, due to the nice weather and various outdoor activities to partake in. But I really pushed through this quarter, determined to step it up if I did start to fall behind in some of my assignments (which, embarrassingly enough, I did, because I didn't consult the syllabus each week like I have in the past; but we'll work on that so that it doesn't happen again). I have to keep reminding myself that I chose to re-enroll in school and that I had a purpose for doing so and to not slack off. Yes, sometimes it can get to you; you feel like a petulant child in elementary school, whining, "I don't WANNA do homework!!!" But again, you remind yourself of why you ARE doing the work, give yourself a mental slap, get it together, and forge ahead. It'll all be worth it in the end.

To incoming students, I say welcome aboard--whether you're a freshman or a transfer student. Berkeley offers a wide range of studies and courses to choose from. And the professors will challenge you, but in a way that will help you to develop thinking ability and independence that will help you in the job market. To returning students, I say welcome back and good luck in your studies. And to those graduating and leaving us, I bid you a fond farewell and wish you nothing but the best in future endeavors. You've proven what you're made, and Berkeley College has helped you in this regard. Your friends and professors will miss you, but they are definitely proud of you and the work that you've done, and your family and friends are proud of you--including your extended Berkeley College family.

The new quarter is almost here!!!

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and at the same time getting ready for school. Have you gotten your schedules, books, room assignments, and all that? And for seniors, do you know where you'll be doing your internships (if you plan on doing them this quarter)? And to our new students, I welcome you with open arms--virtually, anyway, since I'm an online student--to Berkeley College. You will be challenged in ways that will enhance your learning experience and prepare you for the real world when you graduate. And if you're a returning student, stick with it and stay with it. There will be times when you're ready to throw in the towel or second guess your decision and ask yourself, "Is any of this worth it?" Believe me, it is definitely worth it to plan for your future and those of your loved ones.

Speaking of sticking with it and staying with it, I must confess it hasn't been easy for me this summer. There's just been a lot that I've been dealing with on the home and work fronts, and sometimes school has fallen by the wayside. But then I remember why I got back into school in the first place, and that strengthens my resolve to stick with it and to challenge myself for the next quarter. So I'm saying that while it may not always be easy to do, you have to focus and do your absolute best. Now having pinpointed a few of the issues that have distracted me from time to time in my scholastic endeavors, I'm just going to work harder to get through school and my studies successfully.

I love the Berkeley Blue Card!!!

This is a great way to get your refund without worrying about a check getting lost in the mail; the money is right there in your HigherOne OneAccount, and you can use it for school-related expenses, like schoolbooks and/or technical equipment needed for online or other courses. For instance, you can use Berkeley Blue card the same way you use a regular MasterCard for online purchases; you would be able to just purchase your schoolbooks from the Online Book Store, as well as other education essentials. So if you've been sent a Berkeley Blue card, I urge you to consider having your refund sent directly to your card; the money's right there when you need it.

However, having touted the benefits of having everything done electronically, my next persuasive speech for Oral Communication will deal with how to curtail excessive use of the Internet and other electronic gadgets. As a society, we've come far in the advancements we've made, but somewhere along the line, we've gotten away from personal human contact. So my speech will deal with ways to help us to get back to personal human contact while still utilitizing these items--but not becoming slaves to these gadgets.

Again, I just want to say, if you haven't registered, GET ON IT!!! Some of you may have to pay the late registration fee, but do it and get registered and take it as a lesson learned (believe me, I speak from experience with regard to late registration). Don't miss out on registering for classes and lose your motivation and excitement for school.

Recommendation letters....

So this week in Business, we're discussing how to write letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are very useful when an individual is searching for a job; they tell of that individual's work ethic and overall character when it comes to working for an employer. An excellent letter of recommendation can make a difference as to whether a person gets a job. The tricky part this week is that we have to write our OWN letters of recommendation. That means I have to use some serious marketing skills and recall all of the tasks and duties performed at each job as it pertains to the position I'm seeking. It's not extremely difficult, but it will be an interesting undertaking.

So how would you market yourself, Berkeley students (particularly those interested in a career in Marketing)? What strengths would you play up? What skills could you take into the workplace? It may seem a bit early to be thinking of these things right now, but time moves fast, and graduation will be upon you before you know it. So take everything seriously and start thinking ahead; don't be caught unprepared in the current marketplace.

Mike is an excellent liaison for Berkeley students....

He is constantly on the Twitter board, updating us on different events coming up at Berkeley and reminding us that fall registration is going on right now. I've "tweeted" back a few times regarding activities going on at Berkeley, but he is really Berkeley's spokesperson and cheerleader all in one. Berkeley is very fortunate to have someone like him. I mean, we bloggers comment on what's going on in the classroom and about class trips and activities that we've personally been involved in and that may pertain to our particular campus; but Mike talks about all the goings-on at different campuses and makes mention of people who have been spotlighted in the paper for academic excellence and excellence post-graduation.

Getting back to the topic of illegal interview questions, one of my classmates stated that she was asked what she felt was an inappropriate question based on her appearance, and she turned it back around on the individual. Illegal questions are designed to "weed out" job applicants, but what happens is that the person is not chosen for the job position for reasons that have nothing to do with qualifications (or lack thereof) for the job applied for. So, Berkeley students, when you're out in the working world, you must be careful that you're not baited by an interviewer looking to gain more personal information by posing seemingly innocent questions. One such question could be, "How often do you go to church?" or "What is your religion?" If your religion is not one that the employer agrees with, he or she could use this information and make his or her decision based on the given information.

My informative speech this week...

So this week, we have to prepare informative speeches for Oral Communications. I chose to discuss credit and how it works; the information I hope to share is how credit--and how we choose to use it--can affect every aspect of our lives. I don't want to tell my classmates what they should be doing; I would rather let my findings speak for themselves, which is essentially what an informative speech should do. So I'm gonna gather up the information, practice it in front of the camera a few times, then submit my video. Hopefully I do well and don't get as nervous this time; I've gotten better, though.

This week in Business Placement, we're discussing illegal interview questions. Illegal interview questions are questions that have nothing to do with the position the candidate has applied for, but is designed to help the employer with the screening process; if the employer doesn't like the answer that the candidate provides, he or she could use that as a basis for not employing said individual. This, of course, is not legal, and candidates can either choose not to answer the question or skillfully learn how to answer the question without directly answering it. A candidate can also answer an illegal question with a question of his or her own, such as: Does any of this pertain to my ability to perform the job that is being asked of me? The interview is supposed to determine how you will fit in with what the company needs, not as an interrogation.

I believe my internship issue may be resolved....

So I recently got a call from Berkeley College regarding my upcoming internship, and the young woman who left the message on the answering machine wanted me to get a letter from my supervisor, stating my duties as they related to the field of study I'm in. So I'm guessing that I'm going to be at my current job, doing my internship. This would be ideal; I wouldn't necessarily have to break up my current work schedule, which works well while I attend school and tend to other areas of my life. I would simply have to figure out when I would be available to help out where they need me to (or perhaps, I could even add on duties during my shift, learning new accounting functions, processing cash receipts, etc.). I just have to do it.

Meanwhile, we're continuing our discussion of the thank-you letter. We all agree that employers are impressed with a candidate who takes the time out to express appreciation for being seen and considered for employment, particularly when the employer is busy looking through and screening other applications and resumes. As my one classmate put it, a thank-you letter can leave an employer with more of a positive impression of an applicant and potential employee than can your standard, run-of-the-mill interview, complete with references and thorough knowledge of the company. I know I certainly intend to start sending thank-you letters to firms that I interview with in the future.

Saying "thank you" is more than good manners....

It could ultimately mean the difference between continuing your job search and/or obtaining the desired position. In business, employers often see many applicants and plow through many resumes and cover letters. The fact that yours stands out enough for them to even consider you for employment deserves a thank-you note. Surprisingly, though, not many applicants take the time out to write a thank-you note to prospective employers. And it could be a little disheartening if you think an interview went well and another candidate is chosen. You may even think to yourself, "Write a thank-you note for what? I didn't get the job."

Even if you don't get the job, keep in mind that a thank-you note can help an employer keep you in mind for a position with the company in the future. When you take the time out to write down your appreciation for what was discussed during the interview, it shows that you have great attention to detail, which is something employers value highly. This could also make you stand out among other interviewees; the employer will be impressed that you thought enough about him or her to write a letter of appreciation.

This is just one of the many things I'm learning from my Business Placement Seminar class.

Could "The Metamorphosis" occur with us?

So this week for Hum 332 (Fiction), we read a story called "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka. The transformation was of that of a young man named Gregor who turned into an insect. Before then, he was stuck in a thankless--from his point of view--job, with a boss who he felt didn't know anything. He wakes up, not being able to move, at first feeling that he is stuck in a bad dream. He oversleeps, which is another departure from the norm (the boss and the boss' assistant can usually can on him always being there and always being on time); ultimately, he claims his rebel status, although reluctantly at first.

So, Berkeley students, could this happen to us? Could we be so caught up in the day-to-day that we don't even recognize ourselves anymore when we're finally forced to sit down and take stock of ourselves and our lives and what we have to show for them? Could we be like the protagonist Gregor, who, although afraid of the unfamiliar at first and what could possibly happen in the end, accept the fact that maybe it is time for a change and stop playing it safe--maybe in our careers or even in our course of study? This is a very good read, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.

Doing well in my business placement seminar....

I think my Oral Communication class in also helping in this regard; in business, we'll more than likely have to give presentations before higher-ups, and so we'll have to consider the job interview in this same way. On a smaller scale, a job interview is an oral presentation of one's skills and expertise in relation to the position that they seek with their prospective employer. If we don't know how to market ourselves or communicate well with our prospective employer, we'll never be able to convince him or her to seriously consider us for the position. The same is true of our presentations; if we're not convinced of the material that we present to our listening audience, we won't convince our audience, either.

What I realized about both courses is that practice, practice, practice is the key; we practice our presentations the same way we practice writing resumes, cover letters, and thank-you letters. And you can always use your present employer as practice; even if you're not the one in marketing, you can certainly do an oral presentation when you talk about the products and services your company or organization offers. This is marketing, whether we realize it or not. And everyone plays a part.

So one of our bloggers was featured in the Star Ledger...

That's awesome!!!! I got the news via Twitter; her name is Lyndsay Wright, and she was featured in an article entitled "In Their Own Words". That's right--in OUR own words, the words of us, the students who attend Berkeley College. And a few of us did not mince words over the cutting of the TAG for Berkeley College. This is an unfortunate decision that the governor of New Jersey has chosen to make; many students cannot afford to attend college without some type of financial assistance. Berkeley students are no different; many of us work in addition to receiving aid, and we're raising families, as well. Hopefully, the state will reconsider this action.

But getting back to Ms. Wright and our very own Carol Allen-Covino, this deserves mention, because as was pointed out in the article, we help to recruit students, in a way. We're their commercial of sorts, talking about all of the different classes and activities to get involved in (such as the student polls on Blackboard and online student clubs and class trips to various locations throughout the NY/NJ area). We express our concerns over grades and trouble areas in certain classes, but not in a way that may put a prospective student off; we will always find a way to talk about a problem without berating the person(s) involved.

So I just wanted to take this time out to say congratulations to Ms. Wright for her write-up in The Star-Ledger; she has done us here at Berkeley College proud.

I got an A on my how-to presentation!!!!

So I was a little nervous about my presentation on "how to create your own website"; I kept having to restart and restart, because I was a little nervous, and then I didn't end it exactly the way I wanted. But when I checked the grade book today, I saw a 90 out of 100!!! It feels so good to know that when you've worked hard and practiced and practiced, it pays off. I feel that I will definitely be a confident public speaker in the future in my professional career (I also get plenty of practice at my place of worship).

The Berkeley College Help Desk is also very helpful; if it hadn't been for them, I would've flunked my essay test. I attempted to take my test on Saturday and was doing fine, except for one thing...I couldn't submit it afterward. Turns out the timer for the test was blocking the "Submit" button. So the gentleman who helped me figured out that it was because I was usually Internet Explorer 8, which caused the timer to block the Submit button. Once I downloaded Foxfire, as he suggested, it worked out fine. I was able to submit the test with no problems (and more importantly, no penalty, as I had already emailed the professor, who agreed to give me an extension). This is important to note, because I have a test to take for Finance this week, and I wouldn't want to run into the same problems.

All set for fall....

I have the classes I need for the fall quarter, and as it turns out, I'll be doing my internship in the winter quarter, after which I'll be graduating from Berkeley--officially. And for once, I'm not feeling a sense of anxiety about my internship, as I have a few ideas about what I want to do in this regard and who I want to work for. I'll have to discuss it with Professor Berman in Career Services, but I'm sure something can be worked out where I complete my internship successfully and not completely disrupt my work schedule (I'll have to make some adjustments, to be sure, but not to the total disruption of my work schedule).

Last week, we had to submit our research project on applying for a job; we had to research a company, look for a position with requirements that matched our current skills (they had to be skills we possessed either through school or work experience), and learn how to apply. I had to redo mine, because my first choice was through a temporary agency, and there wasn't much information provided, like where the company was actually located and who I would be reporting to. So I changed industries completely and put down Investors Savings Bank as my second choice. I did much better this time, missing the mark by only three points. I'm actually doing really well in this Business Placement class, possibly because I've been working for so long and have some experience with job interviews and the application and interviewing processes.

Prepare for your interview....

In our business placement seminar, we are learning how to prepare for the interview, and many of us have researched and given suggestions on how to prepare well for the job interview (some of us used past experiences, as well, which usually makes more of an impression and drives the point home more fully than just posting from various websites).

One thing I think we all agreed on was that your appearance at a job interview is EVERYTHING; employers usually assess how you look with how you will work. You may think that this is unfair, that the employer could be judging you unfavorably based on your hair, jewelry, and attire...and you may be right, particularly if you're interviewing for a position where you're in constant view of the public, such as a receptionist, cashier, or bank teller. Some interviewees don't feel that they should have to "dress up" when going for a job interview; after all, they may assume, they'll dress up when they get the job. But you have to look the part before you're even allowed in the door.

Confidence in yourself and your abilities is also key, as is doing a little background check on not only the company you'd like to work for, but also the person you'd be reporting to. If you don't know something about the company before you get to the interview, you can look up the company on the Internet and do the research or in libraries where they have old microfiche machines. This lets your prospective employer know that you cared enough to take the time and learn about the company. This is good information for my fellow Berkeley students who will be graduating soon and can help you successfully land a job in your career of choice.

It's not too late....

So I just found out that one of the classes that I wanted to take for the fall quarter is not being offered. What this means is that I'll have to choose another course that is being offered and that falls in line with my degree progression. But it's not too late; at least I'm not scrambling around at the last minute, trying to find classes. I plan to go online tomorrow and make another selection. Hopefully this one will work out. I also look forward to my internship in the near future. I still have to figure out my work schedule, but I'm feeling more confident and less anxious these days that things will work out.

This week in Finance, we're discussing the tax benefits of making payments on behalf of someone else vs. giving them the money as a gift and they make their own payments. If one were to make payments for someone else and they are not legally obligated to do so, no one gains a tax benefit. The reason being is, if one is not legally obligated to financially care for someone else's debt, then a deduction cannot be claimed for that purpose; and the individual that did not care for his or her own debt cannot claim a deduction, either. However, if a gift is made to the individual and he or she cares for his or her financial responsibility, while the person making the gift cannot claim a deduction, he or she will not incur a gift tax provided the gift amount falls within the tax amount allowed. And the person who makes the payments with the money he or she is given can then claim the amount on his or her own tax return. It makes sense when you think about it; why should either party get a tax break for something that was established between them, with no legal obligation to the payor?

Am I quick, or what?

Guess who just submitted requests for class enrollment for the fall? You guessed it....ME!!! And WELL ahead of schedule, I might add. If it hadn't been for the "tweet" that I got from Twitter, I would've forgotten about it for that time, and registration would've crept up on me like it has in past quarters (I've gotten better, though; I got my books just in time for classes to start this time). See, Twitter's not just good for following celebrities and "tweeting" between friends. You can obtain important information from Berkeley College.

Well, classes seem to be going smoothly this term for me. I don't know what it is about this summer quarter vs. last year's summer quarter, but I'm not falling behind like I was last year. Maybe the fact that I have my own personal laptop this time vs. having to share with people/take trips to the library/take trips to the school that's helping; and maybe continuing to study the information ahead of time is playing a factor. But I feel confident in saying that I'll pass all of my courses with no less than a B (I'm aiming for all A's, but no less than a B). I also feel confident in saying that I may be able to take advantage of one of the many events that Berkeley sponsors for its students. This is shaping up to be a great quarter.

This week's assignments...

This week in Oral Communication, we read two chapters regarding how to give an effective presentation, using vocal variety, pitch, and other techniques. One type of speech that was mentioned was impromptu speech and extemporaneous speech, which are sometimes used interchangeably, but are different. Impromptu speech is little or no use of notes or an outline, while extemporaneous speech involves preparing a speech so that it comes across as spontaneous and natural. The assignment that we had to complete with regard to this week's assignment was that of a crossword "quiz"; that is, we had to enter the answers in crossword form. I tried copying and pasting the quiz, but it didn't work; so I typed out the answers and submitted them through Assignment Manager that way.

This week in Fiction, we had to read and comment on the story "Greasy Lake", which describes the setting in which the characters find themselves. It was really eerie how the story seemed to mirror their lives and how they almost didn't get a chance to make things better for themselves. A dead body is discovered in the lake, which leads the narrator to want to do better.

Berkeley College is on Twitter!!!

That's right, Berkeley students; if you have a Twitter page, you can follow and be followed. Berkeley College is now on Twitter, which gives you yet another way to keep up with the events going on at Berkeley College regarding online clubs, student trips and events, and job fairs sponsored by Career Services. I really am impressed with the way that Berkeley uses every avenue available to keep in touch with its students. They even have polls regarding students' use of such messageboards as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. I was against it at first, but as long as one is careful, these can be useful avenues--particularly with regard to career advancement.

So if you're not following Berkeley College--or Berkeley College isn't following you--what are you waiting for? All you have to do is click on the "Follow" button to start receiving Berkeley's updates (particularly if you aren't an online student; and realistically, most students don't check their emails on a daily basis, due to busy work/school schedules). You can also receive updates on how former students are doing in their careers, as well (I saw a former fellow blogger on Twitter), which is great. You get to see how Berkeley College helped them prepare for their careers in their current fields and how you can benefit, as well.

Cathedrals by Raymond Carver....

This week, we had to write a short essay based on our reading and understanding of the narrator of the story "Cathedrals" by Raymond Carver. I found the individual somewhat high-minded and insulting in the beginning, but came to understand him as misguided and ignorant as the story progressed. The story begins as his wife invites a blind gentleman named Robert to stay with them for a while. The wife and Robert have history together, because she used to care for him. The husband resents this seeming intrusion in his life, and has already made up in his mind what this gentleman will not only look like (cane, dark sunglasses, and no humor), but how he will sound (old, mournful, pitiful).

It is during a program on cathedrals that the narrator recognizes that he is the blind one as his perception of his visually impaired visitor is challenged and he realizes that he is spiritually ignorant. So the blind man comes to help him to find his spirituality within himself. He metaphorically closes his eyes to take it all in, to allow the realization of his own mental blindness to cause him to change.

I really enjoyed reading this story, because it showed that what we thought we knew about certain things can be challenged, and we may have to come to a new understanding.

Ethnocentrism=a no-no in public speaking....

This week's Oral Communication chapter focuses on the art of public speaking, and how we can practice and become effective public speakers. For instance, the chapter lists ways in which we can use nervousness to our advantage, rather than our disadvantage. It also talked about ways that we can trim a lengthy presentation and still get the message across that we want conveyed. There was other important information, such as how to let our verbal cues and non-verbal cues mirror each other; tailoring our message to fit our audience; and acting as a sounding board for others to practice their speeches (and inviting them to do the same).

On the other hand, we're taught how to avoid ethnocentrism (or holding one's own cultural values as superior to those of other cultures) in public speaking. For instance, we would do well to be familiar with local customs and what certain gestures mean to certain cultures. In many parts of Europe, a rapping of the knuckles on a desk would signal that a presentation was well-received. However, other gestures that we perceive as harmless in the U.S. would be considered offensive or confusing in line with the message being given. So it is necessary to be effective in communication of any kind.

Resumes and dating...

This week in Business 220 (Business Placement Seminar), we're discussing how to create a resume that will get employers interested in talking to you and possibly hiring you. The professor suggested that the resume is a lot like dating in terms of preparation and how you appear to others. Some of the pointers I mentioned were (as brought out in the eHow.com article):

• Make your resume aesthetically pleasing (as you would yourself on a date)
• Bold and underline headings sparingly (as you would makeup on a date)
• Use bullets when listing skills and certifications (as you would point out to prospective mates what you have in common)
• Exclude information that doesn't pertain to the job you are applying for

These are just a few of the pointers that I picked up from this article, and they would certainly be very helpful in applying for--and obtaining--a position that you are interested in.

In Hum 332 (Fiction) this week, we're learning about character development in stories. The first week, we talked about short stories and morals. This week, we're discussing the characters more in detail, how the writers can either "flesh out" the characters or just point out a few characteristics about the character, depending on their relevance and importance to the story.

The right--or wrong--camera makes a difference....

I have to take English 111 (Oral Communication) this quarter, and I had to make a little trip to the mall today, because the camera I purchased just wasn't compatible with my notebook computer. So I went to Radio Shack and got a Logitech QuickCam that I needed for class. When it came time to download the software, the only problem I really had was that the anti-virus software kept labelling it as "high restricted". So I had to disable it and install the software. After I did that, it was smooth sailing. I created my introductory video, following the instructions to the letter, and sent it to the teacher. I do hope that she likes my video--or at least can tell me what I need to improve on. Talking into a camera is not as easy as others make it seem, but this will soon replace being present for conferences in business.

Next week, we'll have to go over a chapter in the book and base our Week 2 video on the notes we have online and based on the chapter reading(s). I'm looking forward to it now, whereas before, all I felt was dread.

I'm also loving my fiction class; this week, we're discussing fables, parables, and morals. One of the stories we had to read was about a foolish camel who chose the wrong set of friends and suffered grave consequences (I won't tell you what happens, though, just in case you want to check it out for yourself).

New quarter started....

So I'm going over information for Finance 400, and there are so many different types of taxes that are involved in so many different transactions. So far, I've learned about excise taxes, income taxes, use taxes, gift taxes, and the like. Gift taxes are taxes that are paid on the transfer of a gift to another party during the owner's life; whereas a death tax is a tax paid on the transfer of a gift to another party after the owner's death. This is important if one is considering leaving his or her loved ones an inheritance. The closer one is to a relative, the lower the tax levy will be.

In Business 220, we had to fill out forms pertaining to our first internship. Again, I'm excited and nervous to see how this will go. I typed out the application and stated that I would need assistance in job placement as far as my internship. I would hope to be able to do my internship at my own place of employment; however, it is a not-for-profit organization, and my field of study is in Finance. The only way I could see doing my internship at work would be to work under the accountant in her office; I may suggest this and see what happens. Either way, I will work to face the challenges ahead of me. Graduation is well on the way, and I don't want to do anything to ruin it for myself.

So I lucked out this quarter....

I ordered my books for the summer quarter at Berkeley, and I paid less than one hundred dollars for my books. I lucked out, because I already had one of the books from last quarter, and my Business Placement Seminar class doesn't require a textbook. So I only had to order two used books from amazon.com. I verified the texts to make sure they were the right ones, and then I placed my order. I've already received one of the books, so tomorrow I'm gonna study the chapter for the first week and get started on the assignment(s) that are associated with it.

My Business Placement Seminar class should also be pretty interesting, what with learning how to market oneself in the job market. I've already mentioned some of the tasks we'll be completing, so I'm just going to print out copies of the documents posted to the Course Documents section so that I'll be able to complete the assignments in a manner satisfactory to both the professor and myself. Turns out I have the same professor for this course that I had for Business Math. I look forward to conversing again with my fellow Berkeley students and getting their perspectives on certain readings, and with the Oral Communications class, I look forward to getting to know my classmates via video and the discussion board.

I'm also going to frequent Career Services now more than ever as a result of taking the Business Placement course, just to see how I can apply what I've learned and will learn. I saw some of the same documents in our Course Documents folder, and I feel a little more confident that I'll be successful in the job market and subsequently, the workplace.

New quarter starts next week!!!!

I just got my new text book for Finance 400 this afternoon, and I'm going to try and start on some of the assignment this week; that way, I won't have quite as much to do next week. I'm also taking Business 220--Business Placement Seminar. This course is going to teach us how to search for a job in today's market. We're going to learn how to put together resumes, cover letters, and thank you letters. We're also going to learn how to have a successful interview and about blunders that can keep us from landing the job of our dreams.

This all brings me back to my initial concern: How am I going to do my internship while I'm still working? Will I have to take a leave of absence for school purposes or not? Will I find an internship that will allow me to work around my current schedule? Well, I'll have twelve weeks to figure it out; in the meantime, I'm going to enjoy learning how to be successful in the business world and learning how to market myself. I am also signed up for English 111--Oral Communication. I am going to find out how to download the camera software to my computer so that I can record and post my videos to the discussion board (this is how our discussions will be performed). I have a few days to figure that out, as well. Well, here's to a new and successful quarter, Berkeley students.

Final discussions and next quarter...

So our final discussion in feminism was regarding feminism in film. I cited three films where I felt that women were portrayed as real, having feelings that many of us in the real world have. I talked about such films as "The Accused", "Waiting to Exhale", and "Juno". I think a lot of my classmates could totally relate to the title character portrayed by Ellen Page, because she didn't represent some cookie-cutter image of young teen girls that are often seen in teen movies regularly. In my experience, the only way that the girl gets noticed--or receives any type of respect--in these movies is not because of her intelligence or what she brings to the table in terms of personality, but it's usually her looks. Interestingly, Page's character is pretty, but not in a conventional way. It's her personality and smarts that attract her suitor to her initially as her best friend; their relationship dynamic changes when she learns that a one-time "encounter" has resulted in a pregnancy. The film also touched on the issue of choice: should Juno abort or carry the baby to term? What I liked about this film--and I shared this with my classmates--is that the choice was totally Juno's; once she'd made up in her mind that she was going to carry the baby to term and give it up for adoption, she was supported by her family. We were all able to come up with a movie or two that we felt related to feminism in one way or another and showed a woman either on equal footing with a male counterpart or being supported by a male figure in her life to achieve what society tells her that she cannot.

I also was able to share what I learned and took away from my finance class; I was able to realize that financial management is important in all that we do, whether it's simply to manage our personal finances or it's to run a business. We cannot do either without first learning where to start. This course was a good one; I only wished I'd done better on the last GHA. I got a decent grade, nonetheless.

I also learned a lot from my CIS 203 class dealing with advanced databases. I learned that if I should ever go into business for myself, I'll know how to keep an organized record of customers/clients and how to get rid of any records that have no use.

War-gasms and nature rape...

So this is the topic being discussed this week in Feminism, and the reading gave us an interesting perspective. The parallel noted that those who engaged in war compared the conquering of countries and leaving them virtually lifeless to that of a sexual act. What I picked up on right away was the suggestion of force to achieve these means. Unfortunately, this is what men have done to nature; they have torn apart every vestige of nature until it no longer can sufficiently provide what we need. Much the way a rape victim cannot fully recover from being raped, this earth cannot recover from repeated abuses by men who seek to conquer the earth, rather than understand it.

What we also discussed with regard to the earth is how this topic is related to feminism, in that men oftentimes are forceful in their methods to gain success and/or access to something, instead of seeking other means to acquire what is desired. My suggestion was that men should seek to not only bridge the gap between male and female, but between humans and the earth by extension.