In high school, I used the library maybe once a week. Here at Leo, I’m in there at least once a day. The Library has become an invaluable resource, whether it’s just to get away from a roommate, or if it’s to concentrate or do research. The sports teams have study hours in the library every week, so there’s always someone there to talk to if you need a social life while you pass the hours in the books. There are a few reference librarians that are there most of the day and into the evening, and they’re always willing to help with any issues, from printers not working to helping you find the right book for the project. The library here has three floors. The top floor is a floor of books and tables for studying that overlooks the lake and the Abbey orange groves. On the main floor is the center of the library life, with some computers, journals, a laptop area, and a coffee station set up for students to help them stay awake when pulling an all nighter (which I don’t recommend!). The lower level is full of computer labs in separate rooms, so when you work on a presentation with a group, there’s a place to talk and to work together.

Don’t pull an all nighter if you don’t absolutely have to. I’ve done it three times already this semester, and it’s not worth it. If you’re going to do it, here’s a few tips I’ve learned.

1. Never stay up all night before a test. Get at least three hours of sleep. If you don’t know it by 5am, you won’t know it when the test is in front of you and you’re too tired to focus.

2. Take energy drinks earlier rather than later. You’re more productive earlier in the evening, so take one early enough . It’s not going to wake you up enough to help when you’re falling asleep on your keyboard.

3. Learn how to manage your time when you’re up all night. Set goals for you to finish every half hour or so. Tell yourself, “I’m going to write these three journal entries by 11:15.” Then do it.

If you can help it, don’t stay up all night. We’ve all done it, and I say this, but I’m sure I’ll be doing it again. It’s not healthy, and it brings your immune system down.

There’s a ton of germs here at Saint Leo, but that’s no different than anywhere you’d go to school. If you took any 300 people and put them in one building to sleep and study, they’d pass around germs too. Keep hydrated and get enough sleep so that if you do get sick, you can help yourself get better!

Saint Leo's Cannon Memorial Library

Posted by Saint Leo University at 4:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Being in the Honors Program at Saint Leo is great – most of the time. Today was Community Service Day, and I went to the Florida National Cemetery and stained a bridge. It was fun, but not exactly my idea of spending Veterans’ Day. Back in high school, we had the day off, and I would normally spend the day doing absolutely nothing. I’m glad that Saint Leo has a policy that all freshmen in SLU100 are required to participate in community service. If it weren’t for this policy, I would’ve spent the day doing something that probably didn’t benefit my community, but thanks to this policy, I spent a day in a new place that I may never have been to otherwise.

The Honors Program is great though. I’m in HON150 with Professor Anderson, and it’s a great class. The main thing is keeping up with the reading, and writing about what you read. You can’t summarize, so it really makes you think about what you’re reading. The Peer Teaching grade is a huge part of the class; it’s based on how often you contribute to the discussion in class. If you keep up with the reading, the class can be really fun. Many days we spent the first half of the class discussing current events, like the elections this year. It’s definitely worth the extra effort you put in. If you’re wondering about becoming a part of the Honors Program, try it.

Florida National Cemetery

Posted by Saint Leo University at 6:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)