{"content":{"sharePage":{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"32225452","dateCreated":"1294153889","smartDate":"Jan 4, 2011","userCreated":{"username":"kelsofly","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/kelsofly","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1294171964\/kelsofly-lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/ourfreshmanenglishfamily.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/32225452"},"dateDigested":1532252883,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Hi Denisse!","description":"I'm so glad to meet you! My name is Kelsey and I just graduated from George Washington University in May 2010. I studied English and History, so I did a lot of writing. You can study pretty much anything you want to- it's a big school. Right now, I'm living in Greece for a year, teaching English to children here. It's really fun because I love traveling. I'm from Massachusetts originally, a town called Bolton right near where Ms. D is from. I hope to move to Boston when I come back from Greece this summer and get a job where I can write. I also really enjoy taking pictures, watching movies, shopping, and hanging out with my friends.
\n
\nI'm so excited to share with you anything that you want to know about my life at George Washington! It was so an amazing place, and I have so many good memories from college. In fact, I wish I could have stayed longer! Washington D.C. is a really exciting city, with so much to do (great food, museums, shopping, clubs... everything you could think of).
\n
\nLet me know all the questions you have, and I'll be happy to answer! I can tell you about social life as well as academics and Washington D.C. itself. Ms. D is one of my favorite people in the world and I am so glad you get to have her as a teacher!
\n
\nTalk to you soon,
\nKelsey","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"32508120","body":"Hey,
\nKelesy so Ms.D asked me to tell you some information about me ,but to be honest with you i think im pretty boring unlike you lol. What are something that you would like to know about me? Well, to start off My Denisse im Dominican American, I was born in lowell,ma raised in lawrence,ma. I love English and I love reading and writing, I love fashion My favorite movie is salt and twilight sagas ; and im always thinking about my future . FYI just incase your wondering anything about me im willing to answer.
\n
\nWith all the sugar & spice in me ,
\nDenisse:)","dateCreated":"1294704376","smartDate":"Jan 10, 2011","userCreated":{"username":"DenissePimentel.","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/DenissePimentel.","imageUrl":"https:\/\/ssl.wikicdn.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}},{"id":"32524348","body":"Any kind of job experience is always good to have because you can think of it as something to add to your resume. Employers like to see that people are dedicated to working, so a job at the mall or a restaurant will show that you can show up on time and hold a serious position. Many people have jobs like this when they start college because they are easier to find. Also, you can have a job like this and apply to internships at the same time. If you don't end up getting the internship, then you will still have a job to fall back on. You can also have both at the same time if it works with your schedule. This is often a good idea, because many internships are unpaid. You can earn the income from your other job, while getting experience at the internship.
\n
\nInternships are ideal, because they usually deal directly with what you are studying. They look better on a resume because they are more closely related to the field you want to work in when you graduate. Internships are usually harder to get than a regular job, because there is a lot of competition with other students applying for the same position. It's a good idea to apply to multiple internships whenever they come up, because you are more likely to end up getting one. Colleges will keep lists of new internships looking for applicants, so it is a good idea to check the school's website regularly. Some internships may be every day, while others are only a couple days a week. They are extremely valuable because you gain real-world experience that you won't in your classes. Once you graduate, potential employers will see that you have been able to hold a job in a professional environment, and this will look very good.
\n
\nSo, you can start out with a job pretty much anywhere (like the mall), but it is a very good idea to try and get internships that relate to your area of study when they come up. Some people start working at internships in their first year, while others also wait until their second year, depending on their schedules and preferences. It is a good idea to at least take the first semester to get adjusted to your schedule and classes before you start applying to an internships.
\n
\nAny job experience is good experience to have, and if you can work it into your schedule to have a paying job as well as an internship, that is also an option.","dateCreated":"1294750702","smartDate":"Jan 11, 2011","userCreated":{"username":"kelsofly","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/kelsofly","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1294171964\/kelsofly-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"32524676","body":"I just saw your second message. I don't think you sound boring at all! Most of the interesting things I have done have been in college and since I graduated because there are so many opportunities. That's why college is so great! When I was your age, I didn't do anything exciting except hang out with my friends and go to the movies, etc.
\n
\nI also am a fan of Twilight. Have you read the books? I really enjoyed them. I also really like horror movies. What kind of things do you like to read\/write? Do you have any favorite books? I also love to read and write (of course, since I was an English major haha). It's hard to find English books in Greece, but I have managed to find some.
\n
\nHave you ever traveled at all? What about to the Dominican Republic? Do you have family there that you have ever visited? College is also a great opportunity to travel if you haven't done much yet. I really enjoy just traveling close to home too. Massachusetts has so many fun places to go, like I have been to Cape Cod with Ms. D a couple times and to Canada and Vermont a lot. Where is your favorite place that you've been?","dateCreated":"1294751380","smartDate":"Jan 11, 2011","userCreated":{"username":"kelsofly","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/kelsofly","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1294171964\/kelsofly-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"32555120","body":"Hey Kelsey! thats really interesting that about the jobs .
\nOn a different not Yes! I have read all of the twilight books I read each individual book in 1 day except for breaking dawn it took me 2 days I must admit that it was addicting! I like reading books about romance& about world leaders like roll models and stuff Im actually not to picky with books even though at the moment Im reading a Memoir called "Smile for the camera" I also want to read "the scarlet letter" and "the pursuit of happiness" im really into those types of books what books do you like? I like writing about anything except for poems because Im not that good at rhyme . Indeed I have been traveling to the (DR) since I was in diapers Its defiantly one of the most coolest places ever it just depends what part of the island you go to like it has its poor spots but they still have there little on special thing to offer. In General in the Domincan Rep. people are very friendly and generous and they love food its like they want to kill you with food! and they love their alcohol and celebrations esp. their rum. Iv'e been to The DR how I said before and to maine,nyc,Puerto Rico & florida. I really want to go to Europe one day its my fav continent HOPEFULLY when I get to go I want to explore all its little cities and islands.
\n
\nI want to visit Canada so Bad I have some family over there That i haven't met because they moved when I was like 2 they live in vancouver.
\n
\nHow is life over in greece?Is it always warm with the ocean looking all cute and stuff like in the movies? Is the language difficult and is ther a diverse population?","dateCreated":"1294782900","smartDate":"Jan 11, 2011","userCreated":{"username":"DenissePimentel.","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/DenissePimentel.","imageUrl":"https:\/\/ssl.wikicdn.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}},{"id":"32555260","body":"Woah now that I read over What I wrote Im sorry for all those spelling errors :(","dateCreated":"1294783054","smartDate":"Jan 11, 2011","userCreated":{"username":"DenissePimentel.","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/DenissePimentel.","imageUrl":"https:\/\/ssl.wikicdn.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}},{"id":"32715870","body":"The Scarlet Letter is a great book! I read it in high school. I really like books set in past centuries, like Jane Austen's books. Pride & Prejudice is one of my favorites, as well as Emma. I also love the Lord of the Rings series, and non-fiction crime novels too, like Helter Skelter. I like reading about life in other countries too.
\n
\nI don't write many poems either, lol. I love writing about traveling and about things that I care about in the world. I've been to Costa Rica and Belize, but I've never been to the DR. I'd love to go at some point. The food sounds amazing. They have the BEST food here in Greece.
\n
\nLife here is great, but a lot of people don't have jobs. It is much worse than in America. I am living in a city called Thessaloniki in the northern part of Greece (it is the second biggest city besides Athens). It has more people than Boston, but feels smaller because the buildings aren't so big. We actually get snow here and it is pretty cold in the winter. There are big mountains nearby where you can go skiing. I studied for a month on Crete (one of the islands off the south of Greece) to get my teaching certification. There, it is pretty warm all year and people still swim in December! Everything there looks like it does in the movies.
\n
\nThe population isn't really that diverse, but there are a lot of tourists from all over. The language is very hard because the alphabet is entirely different. I have learned to say some basic things, but it is hard to learn Greek when I am getting paid to teach English. I am visiting Prague in the Czech Republic next weekend, and Budapest in Hungary next month. It is pretty cheap to fly from one European city to another, so it is a good time to travel while I am here.
\n
\nDo you have any more questions about college, me, or life in general? I'm willing to answer anything. =)","dateCreated":"1295040262","smartDate":"Jan 14, 2011","userCreated":{"username":"kelsofly","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/kelsofly","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1294171964\/kelsofly-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"32716134","body":"Also, do you have a facebook? You should add me!","dateCreated":"1295040576","smartDate":"Jan 14, 2011","userCreated":{"username":"kelsofly","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/kelsofly","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1294171964\/kelsofly-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"32716140","body":"(Kelsey Fly)","dateCreated":"1295040592","smartDate":"Jan 14, 2011","userCreated":{"username":"kelsofly","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/kelsofly","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1294171964\/kelsofly-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"32828498","body":"Hey Kelsey!
\nSorry I took so long to reply my internet was down ,so I couldn't answer. Any who I requested you! To be honest I think your like one of the coolest people I know! That is so cool that your doing some traveling and I dint know that it snowed in Greece thanks for telling me that.
\n
\nA question that im curious to know is how where you able to make your choice for your bachelors or majors (im sorry im not sure which one did you get).? Whats your opinion on associates ? Do you think there worth it?
\nLove Always Denisse,
\n
\nP.S- Hope you have a Safe & fun trip :)","dateCreated":"1295383686","smartDate":"Jan 18, 2011","userCreated":{"username":"DenissePimentel.","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/DenissePimentel.","imageUrl":"https:\/\/ssl.wikicdn.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}},{"id":"32836742","body":"I am SO impressed with this communication!!! Thank you, Kelsey, for being such a good role model. And thank you, Denisse, for being such an awesome student!!
\nMs. D","dateCreated":"1295393179","smartDate":"Jan 18, 2011","userCreated":{"username":"jdanowitz","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/jdanowitz","imageUrl":"https:\/\/ssl.wikicdn.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}},{"id":"32905052","body":"I'm glad we're friends on Facebook now! You should look at some of my pictures from Greece (there are tons)!
\n
\nA major is just the subject that you get your bachelor's degree in. So you could say "I majored in English" or "I got my bachelor's in English." It means the same thing, but the "major" isn't a degree, it's just the subject you study. The bachelor's is the actual degree you receive when you graduate. You can also have "minors" in addition to your major, like smaller areas of focus. I took about six courses in History, so I have a History minor too.
\n
\nWhen I first got to college, I had no idea what I wanted to major in, so I took a lot of different courses to decide what my interests were. Most popular universities are liberal arts schools, which means that they have a wide selection of courses and potential majors. If you're unsure about what you want to study, it is best to choose a college with a wide range of options. For my first year and a half, I took different courses and realized that I liked writing and reading the most. I decided to major in English because of that. You have a lot of time to choose, and you can even change your major if you don't end up liking the one you pick (although you may have to stay at school a little longer to complete the requirements). Most schools don't require you to officially choose a major ("declare") until the end of your sophomore year.
\n
\nI don't know a lot about associate's degrees, but I'll tell you what I know. They normally take only two years to complete, so they are less time-consuming and also much cheaper. They are generally offered by community colleges and technical schools. I believe that some major universities also allow you to get your associate's, but I'm not sure. Most students attending colleges like BU or George Washington are completing their bachelor's. Associate's can be a good idea if you want to save money in your first two years, and then move on to a larger school for your bachelor's. I know a lot of people who did this. They studied at a community college for two years, and with good grades, they were able to get in to a really good university for their next two years. In today's competitive job market, a bachelor's is probably better, but an associate's is definitely a good step. It all depends on exactly what you want to do and what job you are interested in getting. The criminal justice field is very competitive, so a bachelor's degree will definitely get you further. However, an associate's is much better than having no college experience at all, so it is definitely worth it.
\n
\nI also just discovered that you can get some degrees online through George Washington, so I'm sending you the link just for your information: http:\/\/www.earnmydegree.com\/online-education\/online-college\/the-george-washington-university.html<\/a>","dateCreated":"1295525348","smartDate":"Jan 20, 2011","userCreated":{"username":"kelsofly","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/kelsofly","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1294171964\/kelsofly-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"33109672","body":"OMG kelsey you don't understand how thankful I am for reading all this. This really has helped me tremendously. To be honest I brag about you & how awesome of a mentor you are.Thinking about it I think that when I start collage I think im just going to start off with my bachelors even know it'll take more time I think it'll be a wiser choice. I also asked my sister because she had gotten her associates and then transferred to Umass but she told me that even though she graduated with high honors some of her credits Umass dint want to take so she had to fight for them to be approved. Luckily, she got her bachelors last spring she graduated with some weird honors name.lol. Do you know if there are any abroad programs for GU?
\nThanks Kelesy your the best mentor ever! god bless
\nLove Denisse,","dateCreated":"1295912930","smartDate":"Jan 24, 2011","userCreated":{"username":"DenissePimentel.","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/DenissePimentel.","imageUrl":"https:\/\/ssl.wikicdn.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}}],"more":9}]}],"more":false},"comments":[]},"http":{"code":200,"status":"OK"},"redirectUrl":null,"javascript":null,"notices":{"warning":[],"error":[],"info":[],"success":[]}}