Petrone's Performance (academically)

I believe in the power that if one writes down their goals, and views them each day, that they are to be achieved. Coming into college as the youngest in my family, I knew I had big shoes to fill. My brother graduated from SUNY Oneonta with honors, and got to speak on behalf of his graduating class, because of his achievements. My sister just recently graduated from Southern Connecticut and the highly competitive Nursing program here. Both my siblings knew what exactly they wanted for themselves, and accomplished the goals they set. I want to do the same, so in the beginning of the semester, right on my desk where I get ready every morning, I wrote on my white board that I wanted to maintain a G.P.A. of a 3.5 or better. Most every college kid is weary of the work load they'd be receiving, and is apprehensive about keeping up with it. I was/am one of those college kids, so I know that I not only want, but need to work my hardest. Midterms were this week, and I felt as if I studied my life away. But it paid off! I did well on all my midterms, and finally got to see how I'm currently doing. I am beyond happy to say my lowest grade is a B+, and that all the rest of my grades are A's. I feel that because I'm motivated to be successful in college, that I am achieving my own personal goals. However, I also feel that because I wrote down one of my main goals for college, that I am finding success. For the remainder of the semester, and college for this matter, I want to keep on maintaining a G.P.A. of a 3.5+, and keep up on my work load. I feel proud of myself, and highly recommend that everyone should write down their goals, because I believe that by doing so, you, too, will achieve whatever it is that you want!

Stick To Your Roots

"To thine own self be true."

So this weeks blog assignment was to do something out of your comfort zone and blog about it...I would say I'm a pretty spontaneous person, and am always up to doing and trying new things, thus I was somewhat lost as to figuring out what exactly to do. And, then out of no where it sort of just happened for me...I finally held my own ground. What I mean is that I was put in situation (again, unfortunately) where I felt that because I'm easy going, and kind hearted, that I was being taken advantage of. So, being out of my comfort zone for me, was holding my own ground and not being passive with a situation. I'm not one for drama, and truly cannot stand it, therefore I avoid it at all costs, and this can sometimes lead me to just except something that I necessarily don't approve of, and/or doesn't appease  me. I'm very non-confrontational, and at times this can conclude me to be too passive aggressive. However, I finally had enough this week. It came down to me feeling frustrated and upset....but mostly frustrated. I do not understand why people think it's okay to use others. I don't understand the concept of someone only befriending another so that if they need something, they can get it from them, and keep them stringing along in a friendship where the person is only useful to them when convenient. This bothers me more than you know, and I believe it is because I've been put in situations where I've felt exactly that. But, this week I had enough and made a vow to myself that I would not just settle, that I would not keep subjecting myself to people and situations where I'm not happy. I believe that if you, too, are enduring something along the lines of what I had, then you need to reevaluate yourself, and always stay true to who you are, because in the end, life is too short to be miserable and unhappy. It is only your own self that can make the right decisions for you, and a good portion of your own happiness stems from within yourself.



My brother and I always say to each other "stick to your roots."
I'm doing exactly that; I'm staying true to myself and happiness.

Narcissism.

"In order to love someone, you must first  be able to love yourself."

     Should one be characterized as narcissistic if they love them self? I believe this question is like a double edged sword; if one we're to say "Yes, I love myself," would another take that as the person being conceited? Or, if one we're to say "No, I don't," would that lead another to believe that that person has low self esteem? I was taught that one has to love them self in order to love another, but I was also taught to never be full of yourself. Nothing is uglier than one who believe the sunrises, and sets on them self. But, I ask you again, should one be characterized as narcissistic if they love them self? I don't believe that they should. If someone is genuinely kind-hearted, goes out of their way for other people, cares for others, and isn't selfish, then why shouldn't they love them self? A person who has a good character should be able to reflect upon them self with pride and love for who they are. However, that goes said to a certain degree. They shouldn't let that love inflate their ego. If one does not love them self, than they simply are not narcissistic? I think everyone should be able to reflect upon them self with love for who they are, because everyone is unique and special in their own ways. Therefore, I believe just because you love yourself, you should not be characterized as narcissistic.

Petrone's Project

Midterm Project

My midterm project....ahh thank god it's done! I enjoyed discovering what a variety of different people had to say for two of the same question. It's interesting to learn about different perspectives. I also enjoyed that our midterm wasn't a test, but this project. It's somewhat less stressful. However, technology and I don't mix well, so it took some learning on my behalf. I eventually figured out IMovie and found success. Thus, my video above. I hope you enjoy it, and feel free to leave a comment or two on what you believe the most important aspect of college is, and how you'd define it.

Petrone says"hmm?"

   What to write, what to write? This weeks blog entries are free choice. I love free choice...except when I find myself not knowing what to write about. All week I have been pondering about what the subject of my blog should be. I've gotten a few sparks of inspiration here and there, but nothing I've felt worth writing about, because I've either A) written about it previously, or  B) wouldn't know how to elaborate on the subject fully. I've Googled searched subjects, and have come up empty handed. I've looked to Facebook for inspiration, but find that I am more so distracted than inspired. Usually music is my fallback subject to write about, but I think that if I keep writing about it, that everything will seem redundant. So here I am, at work, still  uninspired. Still at a lost of what to write about. Still utterly confused. Again, I really do enjoy free choice, but I feel that writer's block is having the best of me. I sit here and wonder if anyone else is having the same trouble that I am having, and what outlets of ideas they have turned to. Maybe eating will help get the juices a-flowin', but I highly doubt that, due to the fact that I'm Italian, and every Italian eats every hour  on the hour. What to write, what to write? If anyone has any ideas for me, please feel free to help. It’s greatly appreciated. And, if the idea is especially good, I’ll be sure to reward you in treats.

Petrone and a P.M.

"Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction."- John Crosby 

   Different ideas and thoughts float around when one enters college.  No one really can guess, nor expect, what their college experience will be like. Anxiety and worry can make its way to the surface, and the what is one to do? Hopefully, one should take the steps to confide in someone who is older and has experience in the realm of what they are enduring. Luckily, I was able to seek answers in my peer mentor, Kaitlyn. She is currently attending Southern Connecticut, and has sustained a successful freshman year. I find that she has been a great help to my INQ class. We've met with her before on a one-on-one level, and she has washed all my worries away. Kaitlyn has given advice to us when needed, and I find that because she is around our age, that it is easier to talk to her. One thing Kaitlyn recommends to myself, and class, is that we get involved here on campus. She is always keeping us updated with upcoming events and programs, and for this I am appreciative. Being a freshmen, life can get pretty crazy and stressful, however, being kept posted on these happenings, I find that I am managing my time so that I am an active student in the campus community. By Kaitlyn being apart of our INQ class, I find that she adds a more relatable aspect and quality to the class itself. She has taught me to always get involved, and no problem goes without a solution, and if we are weary, we could always go to her for help. A mentor is someone who possess attributes of knowledge, skill, and an overall good heart; they listen, and are there for one to confide in. Kaitlyn is all of this, and more.

Petrone Will Be Singing As If She'll Never Sing Again

"And scream, shred your lungs, I need to hear you louder now. And sing, as if you'll never sing again. And when the morning comes, and your throat is sore, you'll face the day like you did before, with a smile on in the end."- Ronnie Day

I would like to start my blog with a request to the reader: please take the time to listen to this song, thus you'll understand my perspective on music. Written At A Reststop- Ronnie Day

Singing. Where to begin? It's my passion. It's what I've wanted to do with my life since I was in 3rd grade. I use to tell my mother "One day, Mom, you'll see, I'll be on that television singing." And since then, it has not changed. I have a theory that if one were to believe in something so fully and truly, that it is bound to happen, therefore, I must keep telling myself, and believing that I will be singing for the world some day. When I'm on stage, everything is natural; I feel at home doing what I love. When I'm singing, I know I'm not only doing something that I know I'm meant to do, but also, something I know is right. Thus, I came to Southern Connecticut as a Music major. I am thinking about double majoring, or minoring in Communications, or Music Business. I am enrolled in a variety of music classes, and am learning more about music than I could have ever imagined. Music is such a huge part of my life. Though one might not know, nor believe, that at 19 I've been through hell and back, but I have, and music has aided me. It is my outlet, along with singing. Whenever I am feeling a certain way, I always turn to a song to listen and/or sing to as my release. Music has helped me overcome so many obstacles in my life, and my true dream is to create music that will help others in the way that music has done for me. Have you ever had to endure something in your life where you've felt at your lowest of lowest, and with just one particular song, whatever that might be, you've felt entirely better? I know I have. That's why I must make music; I need to be singing. I need to be giving back to music, and in a way, sing thank you to it, for all that it has done for me. One day I know I will be on stage singing. I long to create music, write lyrics, and have it be sung back to me from my audience. In high school, one of my teachers use to preach to me, as well as my classmates, to do something with our lives that we love doing. Life is too short to be doing something that not only you do not like, but also something that makes you miserable. I plan on singing in my life, and I will not stop. I will not allow anyone or anything to come between me and my dream. No matter where I end up on this journey we call College, I know that I will be singing each and every step of the way.

Petrone & Posts

"The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.  "- Anaïs Nin

   If one were to start writing a blog, what would they need to make their blog not only stand out, but memorable? A successful blog needs to first catch ones eye; one could go about this by adding a quote, a picture, or colorful theme, much like seen in Michelle's blog. Another aspect of a blog that make it's better from others is the language used. If a blog flows well, and the language is not only creative, but eloquent, it leads the reader to not only enjoy the blog more, but also allows for the reader to understand the blog, and can leave them to have the desire to revisit that particular blog. I personally enjoy the language of Oscar's blog. I feel that he writes not only well, but in a style that I find entertaining. When writing a blog, a blog must be comprehendible. It cannot be a jumble of thoughts, which jump from one matter to another. This will leave a reader not only confused, but not wanting to return to that blog. A good blog must include a formal introduction, body, and conclusion. I feel that a all of the blogs that I have read, and enjoyed, have had this format, see ksullivan's blog. In my own opinion, the blogs I like best are blogs that emote a particular feeling, emotion, and/or expression. Writing is an outlet for some, and like I have said in a previous blog, is something that is truly freeing. A truly good blog, is a blog that leaves the reader thinker; thinking about either the subject, or an experience, or whatever may have you. A memorable blog, is a successful blog.

College; col·lege (n.)

  “There are no such things as limits to growth, because there are no limits to the human capacity for intelligence, imagination, and wonder” - Ronald Reagan 

    What is College? What is the most important aspect of College? So many people define college as different things, some say it's a milestone in most everyone's life where they figure out what, or who they want to be, while others just simply look upon college as more schooling. While the technical definition of college, defined by Merriam-Webster, is a self-governing constituent body of a university offering living quarters and sometimes instruction but not granting degree, I personally believe college is something greater than that. College, in my opinion, is a vital time in one's life where they discover who they truly are. One is out on their own learning, growing, achieving whatever it is they set out to achieve for themselves. I feel that college is a time for one to grow in a variety of ways; one can grow in their field of choice, for example, I'm growing in music, due to my desire in being a musician. One can grow in interacting with new people, grow in interacting with a new environment. This growth, I believe, is critical. College allows for one to discover so much about themselves. However, this is just my opinion and perspective on college. I am curious to find out what others have to say. What they believe the most important aspect of college is, and how they define it. The outlooks are endless....I want to discover what those outlooks are.

Petrone, Pride, and some Football in between

   The roaring of the crowd, the bright lights of beaming onto the field, the brisk chill in the air, coupled with a looming excitement projected from the Southern fans, my first ever college football game. Arriving to the tailgate with my friends was bittersweet. I love football, and use to go to my high school's games all the time. We were huge on spirit, and so is Southern Connecticut, but I couldn't shed the feeling of wishing I was at a game back in my hometown, where I knew the players out on the field, where I got to see my friends are all stacked in the stands, and where I saw that good old maroon and gold pride illuminating off every inch of the town. It takes some getting use to being at a new school, and not having all the same pride that you once had for your high school, to now have for your college. But, regardless, I painted my face in blue and white, and got prepared to enjoy some Southern Connecticut football.
    My friends and I all went to the tailgate, because we knew we'd be getting some free food, and honestly, what college kid would turn down anything free, especially food. We ate well, and then started preparing ourselves for the game. Like mention previously, we all decided to get our faces painted. We put on our Southern Connecticut wear, and we were ready to cheer on our football team, my new football team. We pumped ourselves up with a new feeling of pride, because this game was special. This game would be televised! The stands were packed; of course it seemed like everyone was there, and as we made our way through the crowd and found our spots in the stands, I thought to myself, "This is it Lex, for the next four years, this is your team, this is your pride." I cheered, I yelled, I was focused in on that game. Southern Connecticut took the win, and I couldn't have been happier. The game was a blast, and it's gotten me now excited for upcoming games. I can't wait to be in the stands cheering on my Southern football players.