Don't worry. You're not alone. Even though the second wave of midterms is over, finals are looming just around the corner. Just perfect. On top of that, everyone probably has a paper due sometime in the next few weeks.

I have a paper due in about a week. Whenever I write papers, I always feel like I'm trying to complete a jigsaw puzzle. First, I write random paragraphs, or parts of paragraphs, to just get down all my ideas. Then I have to fit all the pieces together and smooth it all out. Papers take such a long time for me to write. I've always been envious of those people who can crank out an A paper the night before it's due. No wonder I'm a science major.

Besides the paper, I keep getting this feeling that I really should start studying for my Chemistry 3A final. Chemistry 3A is the first part of Organic Chemistry. A few days ago, I read over the notes I took since the last midterm and my head literally hurt after an hour.

Continue reading "Stressed?!" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 6:35 PM | Permalink

Everyone's starting to look for apartments and it's getting really competitive. My potential roommates and I walked all over Berkeley today to look at apartments. We did that last weekend, too.

Advice Check out Craigslist for Apartment showings! The website lists the number of bedrooms, rent, and other features included with the apartment.

Even if it looks good on the website, you really need to go see the apartment itself. My friends and I saw this one on craigslist and it seemed pretty good...

Continue reading "Apartment Hunting" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 10:15 PM | Permalink

Isn't home the best? Even though some people tell me that I'm going to start loving Berkeley more than SoCal because I'm going to Cal, I find that highly unlikely. Right now, the sun's streaming in through the windows and it just makes you want to jump right out of bed at sunrise, or a bit after. Back in Berkeley, my alarm rings, and I hit the Snooze button...three times...it's just so grey outside that I want to stay under the covers for as long as possible.

Besides the weather, Socal is just home. I love being with my family and some of my friends from high school. Even though people at Berkeley are awesome,

Continue reading "Home Sweet Home" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 9:00 AM | Permalink

Telebears Phase I begins in mid-April!!! The online schedule of classes for the fall semester is already up, so start planning your schedule! Remember, during Phase I, sign up for classes that fill up quickly, like organic chemistry and the other general science classes. The labs for these classes fill up really fast. You should schedule your other classes to fit around these lower division science requirements since their labs take up so much time.

I've already started planning my schedule and so far, I know I'm definitely going to Chemistry 3B/3BL (this is the second part of organic chemistry) and Biology 1B. Most students take Biology 1B before they take Biology 1A

Continue reading "Fall 08 Semester Planning!!!" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 1:44 PM | Permalink

For Berkeley students, Spring Break isn't much of a break. While the other UCs have their spring breaks right after 3rd quarter, Berkeley's spring break is smack in the middle of semester, right before round two of midterms. I can just imagine my spring break...studying for organic chemistry and toxicology. However, even with all the studying I have to do, I'm still going to spend some quality time at home in SoCal. Hopefully it's sunny there over spring break. By the way, it's going to start raining in Berkeley sometime soon and rain for the whole of next week. Just perfect. Berkeley has such odd weather.

Continue reading "Spring Break..." »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 5:12 PM | Permalink

Interested in all organic? Organic foods have limited amounts and types of pesticide residues. Although they're priced higher than non-organic foods, organic foods can be quite appealing to some people. Whole Foods Market sells mostly organic foods and it's only a short bus ride away. Simply take the 1R that goes along Telegraph and you'll go straight to Whole Foods Market. Another appealing aspect of Whole Foods Market is that they always have plenty of samples. They also have a large selection of granola, cheese, and breads. So, if you're interested in organic foods or if you're hungry, you should go visit Whole Foods sometime! :)

Posted by Victoria Eng at 5:01 PM | Permalink

Have you guys noticed that mini laptops are becoming quite popular? Just the other day, I saw this woman with this adorable white mini laptop and I really wanted to ask her for the model number, but she went inside the library and I didn't want to seem like a stalker. Later, I found out that the mini laptop was none other than the Asus Eee PC. Ranging from about $300-$500, the Asus Eee PCs weigh around 2 pounds with a 7" display screen. These mini laptops run on Linux operating systems but are Windows XP compatible. I read in some articles that they're used in some schools since the small keyboards are a perfect fit for little hands. To learn more about the Asus Eee PCs:

http://eeepc.asus.com/global/

Continue reading "Mini Laptops" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 4:42 PM | Permalink

...come again another day....and it sure has...

It rained for about two weeks straight after Winter Break. Then, we had about a week of wonderful sunshine. I was so surprised! I've been asking some NorCal people and they all say that it gets warm around here in April. So I was extremely happy about the warm weather. I'm from SoCal, so I absolutely love the sun and warmth. I was actually in shorts that week. Alas...it was not to last...

The rain came back and it's as gloomy as ever in Berkeley. Doesn't rain just make you want to crawl back into bed with a cup of hot chocolate and watch tv or read all day? That's what I want to do instead of sloshing through puddles to get to class everyday.

Continue reading "Rain Rain Go Away..." »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 8:21 PM | Permalink

Did you know that CNR is selecting a new dean? There are four candidates this time and you can eat lunch with them! Three of the luncheons have already passed, but there's still one more! This Wednesday is the last luncheon with the last CNR dean candidate. Not only will you get free pizza and soda, but you get to voice your questions and concerns to the candidate. What are his or her goals for CNR as Dean? How will he or she increase student enrollment in CNR? Can he or she make sure classes stop getting canceled at the last minute? Ask the candidate anything that concerns you about CNR!

Continue reading "Have lunch with CNR Dean Candidates!" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 8:12 PM | Permalink

I know it's a bit early to worry about my plans for this summer, but I just can't seem to decide what to do this summer. I've created two options for myself:

(1) Stay at Berkeley and take a summer course (maybe Chem 3B/L, Physics 8A, Bio 1A/L, or Bio 1B/L...any suggestions?), continue working at Moffitt Library, and maybe find a clinical positon...

OR

(2) Go home to SoCal, take Spanish somewhere, and find a clinical or volunteer position

Continue reading "Summer Plans?!" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 10:00 AM | Permalink

About a week ago, my friend told me about housing co-ops. They're an unique living option for Berkeley students. The cost is pretty inexpensive, averaging a little above $3000 for a semester. The cost includes food, internet, and utilities. Another appealing factor about the co-ops is that the laundry is really cheap! The reason why co-ops are so inexpensive is because each person does his or her fair share of chores each week. By contributing to the overall maintance of the co-op, people get an affordable living option and a unique living experience in return.
I've started looking at housing co-ops online, but I'm going to go visit them in person sometime soon. There's an application you have to fill out. I've heard they're some party co-ops, but in general, I think the atmosphere is close to that of a dorm. Right now, I'm considering

Continue reading "Housing Co-ops" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 10:08 AM | Permalink

Hey! I hope everyone isn't drowning in studying for finals and finishing papers! As for me...I still need to revise...more like, rewrite...my research paper for english. I always get so stressed writing papers. LOL. Ever wonder why I'm a science major? I'm only taking english to fulfill pre-med requirements...but after this semester, I'm going to take a break before taking another english couse. The professor was really good, but writing papers just stresses me out too much.

Anyways, still wondering about the title? Well, I live right across from Tolman Hall, so I can get the Airbears wireless internet connection...until now...On Monday, my internet just died and I haven't been able to use the internet at my studio ever since. I know I sound like such a modern college student, ever so dependent on internet...

Continue reading "Crashing Down..." »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 2:58 PM | Permalink

Only two and half weeks til Thanksgiving Break!!! Or...about 15 days...whichever one sounds shorter! So, anyone have plans, yet? I know I do! I can't wait to go back home to SoCal! I mean, Berkeley's awesome and everything, but I do miss my family. So...here are my plans:

I'm gonna fly back to SoCal on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, yes...cuz I didn't know that I wouldn't have some classes on Wednesday...but I actually end classes on Wednesday at noon...I guess I'll just try and get some work done and just hang out with friends. Anyways, by the time I get home, it'll be mid-afternoon...and I plan on eating a lot, watching a few movies,

Continue reading "Can't wait 'til Thanksgiving!!!" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 10:33 AM | Permalink

Hey! I feel like I haven't posted for quite a while. Anyways, everyone up for another round of midterms? I have a Math 1A midterm this thursday and a Chemistry 1A midterm on the Tuesday after Veteran's day. Thank heavens we have a day off!! Has anyone else noticed how rare days off are at Berkeley? I also have a paper due for english and a research paper to write for the class, too. Then, there's also the chemistry research project. I feel like everything's

Continue reading "Midterms! Eek!!!" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 10:24 AM | Permalink

Hey!

So, this is an extension on the Scheduling Nightmare entries, but I didn't want to title it Scheduling Nightmare III since the nightmare has long past...

Anyways, I've been trying to plan out my future semesters at Berkeley. I went in to see Marjorie (the awesome Microbial Biology advisor) yesterday, and she helped me plan part of my schedule...which classes to take...when to take those classes...

Continue reading "Planning your Future..." »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 3:02 PM | Permalink

Don't worry. It's not another scheduling nightmare. I'm just responding to Chai's comment about the first 'Scheduling Nightmare.' So, here goes:

My spring semester...yes, Telebears scheduling for spring semester is just on the horizon. I think it's around late October. I'm most likely going to take Math 1B, just to continue with the series. I'm not sure if I can get credit for Math 16B if I take it after Math 1A and besides, wouldn't it kinda look bad on your transcipt? I'm probably going to take organic chemistry, 3B/3A...I haven't decided, yet. I also want to get my American Cultures requirement fulfilled

Continue reading "Scheduling Nightmare II" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 5:20 PM | Permalink

Hey! I know everyone's probably pretty busy around this time...midterm time! So far I've had a Chemistry 1A midterm and a Math 1A midterm. The Math 1A midterm was today. Have you ever put down an answer, think about it, change it, and it turns out that your first answer was right? I always do that. I know I've missed a problem on my math midterm already. :( Yes, I just needed to rant about it, so bear with me. *sigh* It was such an easy problem and I was going to put the correct answer! Then, I counter-guessed myself and put down a wrong answer. Oh, well. There's still one more midterm and a final, so hopefully I'll still be able to get a good grade in the class overall. I really really hope so! Good luck to the rest of you on your midterms!!!

Advice: Go with your first instinct! It's usually right! Don't change it unless you're absolutely certain that your first answer is wrong.

Posted by Victoria Eng at 9:29 PM | Permalink

This past tuesday (September 18th), was the second annual Biology Majors Fair! It was held in the Pauley Ballroom in the ASUC building. The fair itself was relatively small, but it was still a success! There were tables there from EAP, the Career Center, and most of the biology-related majors. The fair was from 11 am to 2 pm, but I got there around 9 am to help setup. After the fair started, I basically asked people to fill out a quick evaluation of the fair. You get entered into a drawing to win $25 from Jamba Juice or Yogurt Park!!!

Take a look at these cute little beings!!!

Continue reading "Biology Majors Fair!" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 10:52 PM | Permalink

When I first came to Berkeley, I hiked (yes, hiked) through campus to go everywhere. As I walked uphill to my friends' dorm in Foothill, I was literally huffing and puffing. Side note: Has anyone ever wondered why Foothill is called Foothill? Because, honestly, it's not at the foot of a hill. It's on top of a hill. How devious of the people who named that dorm. Anyways, I was totally sure that Freshman 15 would be a total myth to me....

Three weeks later....the myth might have a chance of becoming reality.

Continue reading "Freshman 15?!" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 12:33 PM | Permalink

When I first came to Berkeley, I hiked (yes, hiked) through campus to go everywhere. As I walked uphill to my friends' dorm in Foothill, I was literally huffing and puffing. Side note: Has anyone ever wondered why Foothill is called Foothill? Because, honestly, it's not at the foot of a hill. It's on top of a hill. How devious of the people who named that dorm. Anyways, I was totally sure that Freshman 15 would be a total myth to me....

Three weeks later....the myth might have a chance of becoming reality.

Continue reading "Freshman 15?!" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 12:33 PM | Permalink

Among the many awesome things at Cal, it's near San Francisco!!! A mere 30 minute ride of the BART for $3.65 (I think) and you're in one of the largest cities in our nation! Also, you can take the F bus there, but I heard that it makes frequent stops, so it takes up to an hour to get there.

Popular places to visit in San Francisco:

1. Fisherman's Wharf
-lots of interesting stores and clothes at really good prices

2. Pier 39 (there are other Piers, but this one is the most popular)
-Aquarium of the Bay
-Sea Lions K-Dock
-a lot of seafood restaurants. Look at these sourdoughs!

Alligator!!!

Continue reading "San Francisco" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 11:18 PM | Permalink

Among the many awesome things at Cal, it's near San Francisco!!! A mere 30 minute ride of the BART for $3.65 (I think) and you're in one of the largest cities in our nation! Also, you can take the F bus there, but I heard that it makes frequent stops, so it takes up to an hour to get there.

Popular places to visit in San Francisco:

1. Fisherman's Wharf
-lots of interesting stores and clothes at really good prices

2. Pier 39 (there are other Piers, but this one is the most popular)
-Aquarium of the Bay
-Sea Lions K-Dock
-a lot of seafood restaurants. Look at these sourdoughs!

Alligator!!!

Continue reading "San Francisco" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 11:18 PM | Permalink

I've always heard that scheduling was a nightmare, but my schedule seemed to work out perfectly. All my classes were evenly distributed throughout the week, averaging about 3 lectures/discussions per day. Sweet, no?

Since I'm premed (forgot to mention this in my first post...), I have to take a year of math. So, of course, I opted for the easier calculus course: Math 16. Then...

The Nightmare:

On the second day of school, I freaked out because my friend told me that premeds are supposed to take Math 1, not Math 16. So....I sent an email to the Plant and Microbial Biology advisor Marjorie Ensor, asking if Math 16 fulfilled the math requirement for premeds...but,

Continue reading "Scheduling Nightmare" »

Posted by Victoria Eng at 10:30 PM | Permalink

Like everyone else, here's the customary first blog....

I'm Victoria and I'm a freshman at CNR (the best college ever!) with an intended Microbial Biology major. I'm from Southern California, but I'm quickly adjusting to Northern California's weather. It's a bit more chilly up here during the early mornings and evenings, but are those afternoons hot sometimes! Seriously, I'm starting to believe that the "Freshmen 15" is a myth. It's going to be pretty hard to gain 15 pounds while hiking up those hills to class, sweating under that California sun.

Posted by Victoria Eng at 10:21 PM | Permalink