Thanksgiving Break

So every once in a while, a college student needs a break. After this past week, I would like to speak on behalf of the students at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and say that Thanksgiving break is much deserved. This past week I had three tests given right before the break, in Chemistry, Biology and Music Appreciation. The only test that was going to be a take home test was in Music Appreciation, which thankfully is on the computer. College tends to do that to you by throwing all the tests at you at once. Over break, I still will have to write two papers, in addition to complete my Chemistry Lab, however I do enjoy a little bit of quite time to myself. I left my dorm yesterday at around 4:00 because they were in the process of being shut down for the break. Next week, the highlight of my life will be attempting to take my Physical fitness test for ROTC again. Its guarenteed to be a fun time, or my money back :) Just a little bit of humor in there. Well I would have to say that that is all that I have for you guys right now, and I will talk to you next week!

Music Appreciation

So I was sitting in Music Appreciation class today, and I know what you guys are thinking...Music Appreciation...why would you be taking that?! Well this is a class that is a general education credit that I had the opportunity to take to count for my graduation. Today in this class we got to listen to the Korean Percussion ensemble, which is a group of student and faculty musicians who perform for fun as a 1 credit class. In Music Appreciation. we often get the opportunity to listen to various types of music, and in turn we write reports on what we hear. If you ever want to have a fun general education class...this is definitely one that all of you should choose if you are thinking about going into Music, or if you just like listening to all types of Music, including music through the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary eras. When you begin to take general education credits, sign up for some classes you know will interest you, and also some classes that you know absolutely nothing about. It's part of the unique general education experience!

Biology Class

So on Wednesday I was sitting in General Biology I, and the topic that we are currently talking about is Mitosis and Meiosis. Now if anybody out there is a Biology lover, you will know that these two topics are absolutely fascinating, and you will spend a lot of time on them. One of the most important things in college is to get a good professor to teach you these topics. This benefits you in two ways. One you are less likely to fall asleep in a lecture class. Two, you will do much better on tests because you will know what the teacher is talking about. My professor, Dr. Redman is absolutely amazing because she interacts with the class, and gives excellent visual examples to help the students understand what is going on. During this talk about Mitosis, Professor Redman talked about how the Chromosomes separate in Anaphase by bringing two students up to the front of the classroom, and pretending that they are chromosomes. It helped the class understand immensely! I was througholy impressed by this simple thing that she did for the class to make them understand. I realize that you can't pick your teachers Freshman year, but you can all the rest of the time. I encourage you to find out a little bit about your professors on www.ratemyprofessor.com, when you find out who your professor will be. I will talk to you guys next week!

Army ROTC and Concert Choir

So now that you all have gotten to know me a little bit, lets talk about some of the things that I am involved with on Campus. When I first decided to come to UW-L I had no idea how I was going to pay for college. I wondered if I did go here how could I ever afford tuition. One of the first scholarship programs that I found out about was the Army ROTC program. If you are physically qualified, this program can help pay for your tuition and book fees at the University. This is now small cost, because tuition alone costs over 2,200 dollars! By enrolling in Army ROTC I have taken care of the pricey costs of tuition, while guaranteeing that I will have a job after college in the military. My requirement while I am in the program is that I have to take ROTC courses in college and I have to attend Physical Training on Tuesday and Thursday Mornings in Mitchel hall. (6:00 AM to 7:00 AM). This seems like it may be early, however I can assure you that it really is not that big of a deal after you get up and get dressed. My other thing that I am required to do while I am on this scholarship is that I have to attend a military science lab on Thursday nights from 5:00 to 7:00. This is generally a "mandatory fun time" because we do activities like Raiding Bunkers or Land Navigation work with a compass. I have gained skills through this program, that I otherwise would probably never have without the Army ROTC. And this helps keep my college life more interesting. I still have not physically qualified for the scholarship yet and I have to pass a test based on Push ups, sit ups and running, however once I do that I will be good to go. Generally my extracurricular activities, along with my academic classes take enough time out of my week. College classes take a lot more time and preparation than high school classes too. I will keep all of you posted on future, fun ROTC endeavors that I go on throughout this year!

Introduction to College life

Hi! My name is Jim Bichler and I am a freshman here at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. I am majoring in Biochemistry and Pre-Medicine, am involved in the Concert Choir, and am active in the Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps). Overall so far college has been a fun and rewarding experience, and I am taking the following classes:

CHM 103 General Chemistry I
BIO 105 General Biology I
CST 110 Public Oral Communication
MUS 105 Music Appreciation
UWL 100 Freshman Seminar
M-S 101 Introduction to Army Professions
MUS 153 University of Wisconsin- La Crosse Concert Choir

This past week was particularly stressful, because it was exam week again at the University. I had a test in Chemistry and a test in Biology. I did fairly well on the Chemistry test, and somehow managed to get an A on what was said to be the hardest Biology exam of the semester. (Cellular Respiration and Cell Function). Besides my tough schedule, I have been sick and trying to get better. I went to the Student Health Center on Monday and they prescribed an Antibiotic, after trying for 4 times and being unsuccessful at getting any help. Needless to say I was very happy. Other than that this has been a stressful week, and I will explain more of that next week!