There’s no better phrase, in the English language, than a three-day weekend, other than "snow day". This past weekend consisted of relaxation and little to no work being accomplished. After the last few weeks, this break was much needed. The last two weeks were full of studying, writing lab reports, and more studying. This gift of a three day weekend was exactly what I needed to recharge before the last nine days of classes leading up to spring break. After this weekend, the rest of the semester is sure to fly by with many important events and tasks ahead of me. The first major event is this Saturday, which is Early Action Day for accepted students into the Bouvé College of Health Sciences.

The 23rd is an exciting day for many in-coming Northeastern Students. It is a chance for accepted students to learn more about the school, and the campus, in addition to meeting their future professors and advisors. This day will be important to me also, because I will be standing in front of hundreds of parents and students with anxious questions they want answered. I feel that being a part of this type of event really gives me an opportunity to show my true feelings about Northeastern and the great education I am to receiving here. A mere two years ago I was just one kid in a crowd of hundreds of students interested in attending NU. I had many questions (How hard are the classes? How much homework do you get? How fun is it living in Boston? ...etc.) and I was grateful to those students who were willing to give me honest answers. The student opinion, in my mind, was the biggest factor behind my decision to apply to NU. What better resource than a current student living the life that I may want to live. I feel this event will give me a chance to give back and hopefully give these students some answers they will enjoy. The nervous excitement of going to college can be overwhelming for most students, but having a current college student answer questions is definitely a good relaxing agent. There was no better day in my life, than when I opened my acceptance letter to Northeastern. I knew that single piece of paper with the school’s emblem on it would change my life. I was definitely correct. As you can see, I am excited to talk to these students and help them with any questions they might have. I was certainly grateful to have my questions answered a few years ago, so hopefully I will be able to return the favor. In addition to this event, I am in the process of applying and interviewing with hospitals in Boston for my first co-op.

The co-op experience is definitely going to influence my life greater than my educational experience. I have absolutely nothing against my educational experiences here at NU, but nothing beats real world experience and real world situations for my field. Hands on learning and having the opportunity to learn from a pharmacist, one on one, is very exciting. With all of this said, I still have two full months until co-op, so until then I will continue to study and to work hard to learn as much as I can before my real world experience starts. At this time, I am very much looking forward to spring break! The purpose of this blog is to help answer questions and help the decision process for colleges, and next weekend’s early action day will give me "in person" contact with potential future students.

Posted by Neil Labak at 8:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Hello everyone, I thought that I would mix it up and discuss something that doesn't involve exams or labs. Throughout these blogs I have been blabbing about my classes and my exams and such; but I thought it was time to tell you about my work study job and the Bouve College of Health Sciences.

I work in the Office of Student Services in the Bouve College of Health Sciences department. The O.S.S is located in 120 Behrakis (the visitor's center building and also where most of the Health Science classrooms are located). Once you step foot inside of 120 BK you are always warmly welcomed by our great staff. In this small, cozy office, you will find five dedicated advisors to help you with any kind of problem or question that might arise. Whether it's changing majors, or just a simple "bad day" conversation, these advisors are always willing and happy to provide students with assistance. These advisors are going to become your best friends by the time you are seniors, because of the enormous amount of work they put into their jobs. Everyone has a specific advisor depending on your major, but any of them can help you with your questions. All these great adivsors are headed by the assistant dean of the O.S.S for the Bouve College of Health Sciences who is also always willing to be of any help. I love working here because I get to known all the advisors on a personal level and get to better understand the procedures of Bouve. The extremely friendly, and welcoming environment also makes it a fun work place. Another reason why I chose this job was because of the small college-like atmosphere it has within the larger University setting. Bouve is the home to the health science majors and gives students a warmer relationship with their professors and classmates. Now I am going to tell you a little about what goes on in Bouve.

The Bouve College of H.S offers many great programs and events for its students that help them. This college really helps its students acclimate to college life as soon as they arrive on campus. Whether it is a ballgame at Fenway Park to get to know your fellow classmates, or a sit down dinner at Bertucci's to enjoy an evening with your mentors, Bouve is always producing activities to keep the Health Science students close knit. There are numerous programs that involve academic speakers and also many different diversity events that help students of different backgrounds become closer. Bouve is a great environment for both academics and also for your social growth into the real world of Boston. I know first hand how much it has influenced my life for the better. With all of this said, there's no better place to get help, meet new people, or excel in your academic careers than within the walls of the Behrakis Health Science Center located on 30 Leon Street.

Have a great day!

Posted by Neil Labak at 7:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)