University degree by distance: tips

I have started this week a university course by distance education. Now, looking on the internet, I have yet to find anything written on what you should have to study a course by distant education.

So, I thought I would give it a go.

• A study area- a desk, a corner of the house etc
• A storage place for text books: I have having a container to put all text books is easiest
• A folder for study notes/ books for each subject= clearly labelled. I work best with a folder, with paper and plastic sleeves. Easiest to re-arrange, especially with extra pages needing to be added and removed.
• Plenty of pens, highlights, pencils, rulers, erasers. I find having quite a few of each is best, that way you never run out and have them readily available.
• If working out of home like I am:
• Pencil Case for pens etc
• Bag big enough to fit all folders/ textbooks etc in.
• Organisational tools: 
• I find I always have a Diary. People think I am crazy but they work wonders, being able to jot down things, quickly and able to have in handbag etc, is really handy.
• Know your dates for assignments, AND put them into calendar!  Seems easily but really isnt! 
• Print out a timetable Even if you arent going physically, doesnt mean you cant organise certain times/ days to study.
• Wall planner is always a good idea also, but some people dont like them
• Extra folders, plastic sleeves, paper, storage folders…
• Motivation and Passion for what you are doing. You have to be dedicated and WANTING to do the course!

It may not be very useful, but sometimes having another person give you a list can help.

St Vincent De Paul Volunteer Work: Progress Report

This year I wanted to make a difference. To “do some good,” or however you want to put it. I decided to do some volunteer work, and looked in to different ways to volunteer. In my research I came across St Vincent De Paul’s website. (SVDP)

Under volunteer opportunities was “Brekkie Program Assistant.” Looking into the description, I felt it was something I could easily see myself doing. The brekkie program is a program that serves breakfast to kids/ students in certain schools that cannot afford it at home. (A lot of teachers come along too) It is really a good cause!

The description:

http://www.vinnies.org.au/files/NSW/Volunteers/School%20Brekkie%20Assistant%20-%20Warilla%20High.pdf

After putting in my resume, and after a wait for reply/ arranging time to see the co-cordinator- I finally went for an interview/ meet and greet with a lovely lady that runs the program. After a little bit of conversation, she said I should do the brekkie program, but would be great for the mentoring program also. I was shocked!

I filled in all the paperwork, and organised everything to start in a local school. (Wont say which though…)

I have gone each week, one day a week, for the past month. I have enjoyed it so much, and already have learnt countless things. The students are all lovely, and respectful (most of the time.) The stories I have heard from the other ladies, and the teachers about what some of the kids have gone through/ are going through are so disheartening. Some of the students are so young, and have had to live through horrible things.

The feeling I get every time I leave, the feeling I am actually doing something, trying at least to make some sort of difference is wonderful. Even if it is just reminding the students that there are people there, that want to help I think is enough sometimes. But I really hope I can do more then just that.

Anyway. If you are looking at doing some volunteer work, please consider SVDP, because they really are wonderful. Even if you dont believe in all the values of SCDP- think of the cause rather than the organisation.

 

 

 

Conferences, seminars, workshops

Throughout this year I have tried to attend as many seminars and conferences as I can, through university of wollongong, or through my own research. Many people have been asking me why I have been going to them. A lot of the questions have been, “is it for your degree… for work…so, why?” And sometimes I ask myself why too. Who is it really benefiting? Well, the answer to that one is kind of easy… me! Selfish i know. But in all honesty sometimes its needed, and education is beautiful. With every seminar or conference i have been to i have widen my knowledge and education of the world, of cultures, of events in the world that i had no idea about. I have been made of aware of so many things that most people dont get the opportunity to hear about.

Now, the reason for this post is to quickly sum up the conferences i have attended in the past few months. I think I have already wrote about a few so there wont be much need to go in depth with them all.

Firstly, the Catholic Care seminar with Dr. Michael Carr- Gregg at St Mary’s in Wollongong. This seminar was a great opportunity, and I came across it when looking for conferences in the area. Michael Carr-Gregg is an amazing speaker and I loved hearing what he had to say. The one night, near the end of June, consisted of 3 sections and talked about mental health in children, psychology and statistics, along with resources to help in providing awareness and getting help with mental illness. The information gathered in the three sections has been wonderful, and I think it will be wonderful to use in further life. My boss, Pene Mortimer, also attended the conference and found it as wonderful as well (or so she had me believe.)

Secondly, I attended the Networking at 5 event through University of Wollongong. This event, in August, really helped with gaining confidence in interviewing skills, more than anything else. The event, along with 2 workshops (one of which i could not attend) focused on how to “network” and provide connections with businesses in the local area. The event was wonderful in providing the information in techniques of introducing yourself, speaking and feedback to business people, and learning how to make an elevator pitch. The event was wonderful and I really enjoyed speaking to business people and those involved in areas at the University.

Thirdly, was the Student for Student Leadership Conference at the University of Wollongong. This conference was amazing, with amazing keynote speakers. The theme of the conference was THE POWER OF PASSION, and focused on social activism and creating change in the world. The speakers (keynote and workshop that i heard) consisted of:

• Loki Ball
• Neil Preston
• chantelle baxter
• Rev Maio you
• luke geary
• dr. patty rose
• ehon chan
• sophie coles

There were a list of other speakers, which i unfortunately could not get to hear. But the speakers that i did hear were wonderful. Each speaker talked of leadership, empowerment, creativity, and responsibility which were the sub themes of the conference. The conference team were wonderful and made the event so enjoyable. I have written a report/ recount of the conference so if you are interested in reading it please let me know

Lastly, the two conferences I am attending, this week and next are with iConnect with University of Wollongong. The first seminar this week was with Jade Kennedy speaking of indigenous culture around the local area and what country means. His beautiful talk about his culture and the local area was amazing and I really enjoyed listening, but also learning about the culture. Next week’s seminar is with Dr. Pam Aboula talking about her experiences in Kenya which I am really looking forward to.

Though these few conferences and Seminars dont seem much, they have taken up a few days/ weeks of my year in amongst university and work.

This year I have had the great opportunity to be involved in AIME: Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experimence. The goal of AIME is have university students mentoring indigenous high school students in gaining confidence in their culture/ Identity to finish school and gain success in life. The experience has been wonderful. It runs once a week through school term and has a structure of activities each week that incorporate all the themes of AIME.

I have also been involved in the 40 hour famine, in which i raised $435.00 for World Vision. The 40 hours over a weekend in August, fell very nicely on my daughters 2nd birthday, ending very conveniently in the middle of her birthday.

Through all these events and organisations I have made this year a very full on and educational year for myself. All these conferences and seminars have made my mind boggle and has lit a motivational fire in me to do something with my life. To make a difference. To create a change and do something good. I want to make a legacy and be remembered. In the S4S conference it was asked “what will you do?” and if I died tomorrow would I be happy with what I have done with my life. And the answer… is a big no. I have not done everything I want to do. I have so much more to do with my life that I havent had the chance (or the motivation?) to do yet.

The challenge i set you now is…

What are you going to do with your life to make a change? What steps are you taking to better yourself? I know my steps, what are yours?

 

 

National hoodie day

Today is national hoodie day with AIME and I am glad to be involved in their efforts to help young indigenous kids achieve success and finish school or achieve their dreams. I think its the most wonderful cause.

My daughter rocking out the hoodie

The aim of NHD is to raise awareness of the organisation and help raise funds to get AIME across australia.

If you are wanting to grab yourself one of the most wonderful jumpers you should head to http://aimementoring.com and take a picture of yourself in the jumper and send it to AIME

all good in the hood

40 Hour Famine review

Ok, so the 40 hour famine was over 2 weeks ago, but I thought I should really write this up. Never late then never as they say.

When I decided to participate in the 40 hour famine I only expected to raise a few dollars towards it, I never thought I would raise the amount that I did. I was thinking about how good the cause was, and how it would be good to have that personal satisfaction in knowing I had helped in something so beneficial.

It started at 8pm Friday 17th August, and I was a little worried I wouldnt get to eat something before the start because I ran late at work. Quickly eating my dinner and some cheesecake (my last supper) it started the countdown. I had everything ready a few days before: Bottles of water, Barley sugars, a journal to write my thoughts in and a positive attitude. I knew I could do it and I was determined to see it through. At 8pm on the friday I had raised $300 and I was absolutely stoked, a great motivator to achieve the goal= no food or coffee for 40 hours.

The hardest part about the whole experience was that on the saturday afternoon, after lasting for so long without food or coffee my body decided it too much on it and I got a massive headache that made me feel so sick for most of saturday afternoon/ night. Sleep was so difficult, sleeping on an empty stomach is definitely a hard thing!

For most of the time I spent knitting, and trying to distract myself from thinking about food. The biggest challenge of Saturday was my family sitting for dinner in the same room as me while I just had to try not to smell the delicious roast dinner…

The saturday went quite fast, and it wasn’t until that night did I really feel it. my stomach kept grumbling and I was desperately wanting to just open the fridge and pig out. But I powered on through and it was sunday Morning before I knew it (also my daughters 2nd birthday!)

Most of Sunday morning was taken up by the preperations of the day, and I was counting down the minutes even to when I could get that first bite of food. It was definitely a challenge with all the party food!!

I had the best feeling on the sunday morning as I checked my donations. It was getting bigger and bigger, and I just stood in disbelief. I was almost crying as I realised my boss had put in a donation, and a few of my friends had too. My nan and pop even put in money and I was just astonished at the amount. I hit the $400 mark on the sunday and I just was shocked!

My first bite of food was a lolly 5 minutes after the time was up at 12pm noon on sunday 19th August! 40 hours achieved!!!

My sister took this as 12 noon hit

I was so proud of myself for achieving my goal, and I did not once cheat. I have great support of friends and family, and everyone who donated made the achievement even more rewarding!

I have now raised $435.00 for World Vision, and donations are still able to be put in by 30th September.

If you would like to check out my achievements or to even donate the link is below and all you have to do is click the donate button and put in your details, its real easy

http://40hf.com/Smithmonkey89

I will be handing a thankyou note to every person who helped me make the wonderful experience all that more motivating, and rewarding.

Cannot wait for next 40 hour famine!! such a great cause.

if you want to check out more of World Visions work head to their website, http://www.worldvision.com.au/Home.aspx theyre a great organisation, and I would highly recommend you have a look

Networking after 5: part one- workshop

This afternoon i started the journey of participating in the networking after 5 event with University.

The event is about gaining and developing skills in networking. If you were anything like me and don’t have a very good idea of what networking is all about, Ill try give a rough idea of what they are talking about.

Basic idea of Networking:

• Opportunities to broaden experience,
• Connecting with others
• Relationships in business world,
• how to make a good impression,
• How to develop an elevator pitch,
• demonstrating confidence and
• expressing yourself in short amount of time so that the person will want to hire you.

These are the basic things that the event is going to help. The event next week is going to have a variety of businesses in order to help students “network,” and get contacts in order to give opportunities to help in their career. because as they say its:

Not what you know its who you know!

There isnt going to be anyone specifically for my desired career, but the skills I am hoping will help in my confidence in interviewing. Also, I am going to need the networking skills to get my name out to schools to start teaching…

I am very nervous about this event, but I am trying to have an open mind about it, and go in with a positive look.

Anyway, Ill give you all an update after the event.

The help of my parents= my sanity

Sometimes I stop and think about things, and realise how grateful I am for people in my life. Especially my parents. Being a single mum I sometimes have to rely on those around me more then i would normally. My parents are the two people in my life I could not live without. They have kept my sanity well and truly.
When having a daughter prone to skin irrations from shampoo/ soap etc, having a shower even is difficult. My parents will come get Olivia from me in the shower so I can wash my hair, or even look after her so i can enjoy a shower by myself. For most single mums that just doesn’t happen.
I have also been saved a huge amount of money by my mum looking after olivia while i am at uni. We have had so much trouble of other people for it, but when looking at the big picture… i really do not care.

Anyway I just thought id quickly say thank you to my parents for what they do for me xx