Archive for the ‘School’ Category

Depression and Dysthymia

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

I knew something was wrong with me but I didn’t know what it was.  While everyone was going along enjoying life and getting things done, I sat at home not loving life.  I was endlessly tired.  I didn’t feel like I was worth anything to anyone.  I experienced self-deprecating thoughts.  I found myself to be very apathetic.  I could not focus or concentrate.  Any little thing irritated me.

I visited the doctor to rule out any physical problems, and he didn’t find anything.  My mom and I decided that I find seek counseling.  After a few sessions, it was diagnosed to be dysthymia (also called dysthymic disorder), a chronic and mild form of depression.

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A Summary of My 2009 Plans and Goals

Saturday, January 3rd, 2009

At Matthew’s request, here’s a quick summary of my major goals and mini goals for 2009,  I will also list my mini-goals for January.

School: Transfer to UIC by Fall 2009

  • Take 17 credit hours at Harper College in the Spring semester and earn at least a 3.5GPA.
  • Attend UIC Summer sessions and take 12 credit hours.
  • Transfer to UIC in the Fall and take 15 credit hours IF I’m not doing an internship.  (12 credit hours with an internship.)

Health: Be Physically Healthy

  • Shed 25lbs by the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle 8k (29 March 2009).
  • Reach 180lbs, <120/80mm Hg, and have a 34in waist by the Chicago Marathon (11 October 2009).
  • Run the Chicago Marathon under four hours.
  • Grow an organic garden.

Financial Freedom: One Step Closer to Independence

  • Eliminate $8,000.00 bad debt in August.
  • Develop a better organization system.
  • Simplify finances so it is easier to manage.

Travel: Live and Experience Life!

  • Southern Illinois -Trad Climbing (April).
  • Wisconsin- Milwaukee Day Trip for beer, bikes, music, and MAM.
  • Michigan- Camping and Hiking on North Manitou Island.
  • New Hampshire, Vermont, and NYC- Basic Ice Climbing, skiing, visiting a friend, and celebrate New Years on Times Square.

January Goals

  • Attend all classes and read all material before class.
  • Fill out the FAFSA application for the 2009-2010 school year.
  • Apply for a student loans for school expenses.
  • Find a solution for managing personal finances.
  • Start saving for travel and other future expenses.
  • Continue training for the Shamrock Shuffle
  • Eliminate 10 pounds by January 31st.

UIC or Bust: 2009 Academic Goal

Thursday, January 1st, 2009

My long term goal is graduating with a finance degree at UIC by Spring 2011.  My focus this year is to take the next step in my journey and transfer to UIC for the Fall 2009 semester.  School has been a broken road with starts and stops.  I’ve finally got a handle on school last semester and I’m confident that I can make some serious ground this year.

I learned a lot last year.  My Psychology 106 class at Harper College has taught me the study skills I need to finally succeed in school.  I’ve never been confident in school, especially with math.  This class has given me the confidence I need to do extrememely well.     I learned never to register for a class that starts before 9a and have EVERYTHING ready before shcool starts.  I created pockets of down time between classes so I’ll force myself to study every day.  When I had back to back classes, I went home or work whitout studying.  My books and notes just sat there collecting dust.

School has become my number one priority this year. I will not be dropping any classes this semester to focus on staying on top of my other classes. I really need to graduate so I can move one with my life.  I will have more doors open to me and generate more money for my other endeavors.  I tried to seek balance in life but I ended up burning too much energy.  Instead, I’m lightening my load elsewhere and focusing on this important goal.

According to my planning guide at home, I will be taking 17 credit hours this spring semester, 12 in the summer at UIC, and either 15 credit hours at Harper or 18 at UIC in the Fall.  It’s a lot of work but it can be done!

Happy New Year!

Thursday, January 1st, 2009

Happy 2009!  How was everyone’s New Year’s celebration?  I decided to have a low key introduction to the new year.  I greeted 2009 by getting ready for a productive and fulfilling year new year.  I firmly believe that your year will become what you were doing New Years Eve and New Years Day.  You’re building momentum and energy to see you through.

I finished registering for one of my major races for this year, the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle 8K, a few minutes after midnight.  The race is a goal to aim for while training for the Chicago Marathon.  Each race gives me motivation to continue training and break the big goal into smaller achievable goals.  I’ll be registering for each race as soon as registration opens.  I won’t second guess my decision that way.

While waiting for registration to open, I started preparing my room for the next semester. I started washing clothes and cleaning my room.  There’s still a lot to do but it’s way too late to continue.  I want this room to be in good order by Sunday.  I don’t want any hiccups or excuses when school comes around.

I finally received the money for some of the secret shops that I did in November.  I transferred them into my bank accounts and will be paying off more of my bad debt.  I’m excited to see how much I’ll improve my net worth this year.

Later today, I plan on running one mile, attend church, and head to work.  This is going to be a great year.  I can feel it.

Goodbye McDonald’s Large Value Meal

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

I’ve been dining at McDonald’s for the past few weeks.  It’s time to say goodbye to large meals at McDonald’s.  Surprisingly, I didn’t gain weight.  It kind of tells you about my diet at home.  Tuesday was the last day to eat a full meal there.  I’m not totally abandoning the place.  I just need to cut the calories and price down to a healthier level.

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Summer School is Over and Lessons Learned

Thursday, August 7th, 2008

Summer school is finally over.  I learned a lot in class and about myself.  It’s going to make me a better person.

I messed up my finance final. I felt confident and prepared the day of the final.  Life had other plans.  I thought I’ll earn a low grade on my marketing final because I didn’t get to study as well as I wanted to but I was standing tall when I was done.  Funny how life is.

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