Tag: college life

Stepping Out of the Driver’s Seat

Posted on by kaytlynlaferriere
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As the school semester comes to a close and my Writing for Interactive Media class is on its last few days, today is the day I’m deciding to stop this publication about college commuters. 😦

I know… I know…

I will say it has had a good run, from explanations on why I commute to the little appreciation posts; and you can’t forget about the little parking lot rants.

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I’m sure there could be plenty more I could write on the subject as I’m still continuing my education in the fall. Plus, there are always new things happening about college education, college life, and college commuters specifically that could be talked about. However, I think it’s time to step out of the driver’s seat for awhile; a break is certainly overdue considering the fact that this blog was created during the Covid-19 pandemic. I’m exhausted! Anyone else? But who knows, maybe I’ll rise from the dead again and come back if I have any new information or experiences I want to share with you. But for now I think all of us college kids need a nap. zzz

Besides, I think what I have written about has really helped grow this little community of ours and show that we are not invisible.

At the beginning of this, I felt that college commuters were not understood; that they always got the short end of the stick, and were never appreciated; sadly, at times they still are. You tend to feel alone, I did, but I think after having this platform to show how I felt, who a commuter is, what we have issues with (I’m talking about you parking), and what we appreciate (remember those cute, little study buddies), readers (not just college commuters) are able to see a bit of what our community is and hopefully appreciate and understand it more, or maybe even help us.

Maybe a person who never wanted to hang out with that person because they were a commuter will change their mind. Or maybe after reading this publication, a commuter was able to feel less alone and found a bigger community of people just like them who are going through similar struggles and issues and are also learning to get through it.

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This is a family and even if I don’t continue to post I want you to keep supporting each other. Share your stories and continue to change the narrative about college commuters; let our voices be known. As author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said, “Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign, but stories can also be used to empower and to humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people, but stories can also repair that broken dignity.” The more stories we share, the more of who we are will truly shine and hopefully the assumptions about us will be a thing of the past.

I think this publication did just that. I told you my stories. I told you my struggles, my questions, my concerns. I told you what I loved and valued and what I hoped for for mine as well as all of our futures. More Parking Please!! I hope from what I’ve written you can get a glimpse into who I am and my life and maybe you have learned something from it. I hope this publication has broken the single story even if it’s just a start; what do you think?

I know there is so much more that can be said, but don’t worry if it’s not from me, because if you found me then I’m sure you can find many more people writing about their stories. Whether they be about their college experience in general or like me focusing on a particular aspect, I’m sure they can help you, guide you, and continue to give you that community feel of reassurance that you deserve.

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Be free my little…ducks?

If you do decide to move on and read someone else, I recommend Emily the author of My Life In College. I found it interesting, raw, and real. Her story is definitely a different take on college than what I wrote; it’s more like a daily diary, but that’s why I recommend it. By getting more stories out into the world, you need to also show different takes and hers just so happens to be a day by day story. You may find commonalities between us and yourself (especially if it pertains to college life), but you may also learn something new, and that’s all that I want for you; to grow, to learn, and to come together with others.

So please if you want to continue this journey and add to your repertoire of stories consider My Life In College. But don’t forget about me lol!

Well before I sign off, I hope you have enjoyed my posts as much as I have written them. I never thought I would’ve liked blogging as much as I did. I will say, it does take a lot of time, patience, and effort. But I think if you’re passionate enough, the words will spew out like a waterfall and people will drink it right up because it’s the real you who is speaking. That was probably the weirdest sentence I’ve ever written lol. Oh well, you get the point. 🙂

Until next time, keep supporting one another, keep working hard, keep sharing stories, and stay strong because you got this. #CollegeCommuters4Life 🙂

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So long. Farewell.

~Kaytlyn

Coming Clean…

Posted on by kaytlynlaferriere
  • HCC Excellence Awards 2018
  • WSU Transfer Day 2019

Reveal Your Past. Stop The Stigma.

I think I need to come clean with you guys…

I’m not just a college commuter, but also a transfer student.

Now it’s not that I was trying to hide that I once went to another school from you guys. Believe me I talk about it a lot. It just hasn’t come up yet, but I think now is the time. We need to show a little love to our fellow transfer students.

In my opinion, college commuters are not the only ones who can get the short end of the stick; transfers do too. And in many cases transfers are also commuters, even though some opt to live on campus. Hi to all of my fellow transfers/commuters!

There are a couple of different kinds of transfers.

There are ones who went to another college originally and decided to switch because maybe they didn’t like it there anymore and decided to go somewhere else. There are also ones who originally went to community colleges and decided to transfer to get a 4-year degree. They then had to decide whether to live on campus or not. I think you know what I’ve chosen by now.

Transfer students? do you mean new prey? - College Freshman ...

Regardless of what a transfer chooses, the stereotypes still tend to follow.

Have you ever heard of a transfer not being as smart or taking the easy way out? I have. Even if you’ve never said it or thought it, I’m sure you’ve seen it; just look at the media.

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It’s saddens me because we’ve done nothing wrong. Many times colleges just don’t work out for certain students and instead of paying the $40,000 to go there, why not transfer to a place that’s more beneficial. Now that I would consider smart.

Even for community college transfers, like myself, why not save your money and get your common core classes done along with figuring out what you really want to do for only a fraction of what other colleges make you pay. For me, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do, so I didn’t want to spend thousands of dollars when I could just go to community college and try to figure it out there.

And before you say oh you took the simple way out, just keep in mind that I had to live a regular life (since I was a commuter) which included a job and being a full-time student, all while keeping a 4.0 GPA and still receiving excellence awards.

Common Concerns – Parenting College Students

In fact, when being a transfer student there is no easy way, even with tip sheets. Advisors may help some by giving students forms to make the transfer process “easier”, but you still need to be accepted. Even if the acceptance process is smooth, that doesn’t guarantee that all your hard work will get transferred over. I know when I went to WSU I had to take another math class EWWW and take a lot of intro courses for my new major because my previous major was considered more of a concentration. Has anyone else experienced this?

It’s been a long journey, but what doesn’t make it easier is not having the appreciation or acceptance for us. Sure we may not have been original Owls, Vikings, Cougars, Raptors, etc. but we are now and we should be treated as any other student ready to learn and conquer the world.

I remember seeing how my acceptance day went compared to what I saw for the freshman coming in; it was as if I went to a completely different school. For me it was all information and getting your paperwork handed in and maybe a quick tour. But for freshman, it was as if the Pope came in. They had their information sessions, but with all sorts of fun events too. I don’t know if it was because I transferred during the winter break or if the school feels that being a part of the community is not necessary. I just think a little more appreciation can go a long way if you want people to come and be apart of your school.

Sure as time goes by people may not realize that you were a transfer student. They still know you’re a commuter though, lol. But there are still issues that come up from time to time. Like having to take a weird intro class. Or being in an advanced class and having to let your teacher know that you took the intro class at another school, so the old material you should know may be different to you. Now that has happened to me a lot.

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All I’m saying is that we are all different; living different lives, going on different paths, we learn and do things differently. We should know by now to just accept that and to value everyone equally. I shouldn’t have to feel judged because I went to another school and learned different material than what is being presented at my new school, or to feel unwanted at an acceptance day. I just hope that people would be glad that they can take me under their wing and help me gain more knowledge and be a part of the school just like them.

If I can give you at least one piece of advice, it would be to not judge a book by it’s cover. Be kind to people, accept one another, don’t just assume that because someone is a transfer, a college commuter, or anything else that is not the “normal” college resident that they are less than you. And that goes for everyone too. Commuters I want you to be nice too. Instead, learn about each other and from each other. The more one understands, the more the stigma about anyone can get diminished.

And to my fellow transfers/ transfer-commuters, I may not know everything you have gone through or how you exactly feel, but I’m sure at some level we have both gone through some similar battles of either not being accepted, or having class troubles, etc.. Just know that you’re not alone; there are so many transfer students out there you just need to find them. And remember, you are doing your best, just like many others, and that’s all you need to do; keep it up!

This blog is to not only bring college commuters together, but to also bring every type of college student together; transfer, resident, whatever. This is a place for stories to be shared and for understanding and acceptance to happen. If no one speaks up, then nothing will happen. So I encourage you to tell your stories; who are you; what are you going through; who do you want to be; tell us!

If that’s not enough, go to your counselors and tell them how you feel. Better yet, talk to your admissions office to let them know your concerns and what ways they can help improve students’ experiences. Maybe that transfer acceptance day will get better!

I’m proud to be a college transfer and a college commuter because it has shaped me into the person I am today and I should be happy about that, regardless of what people, schools, media or stereotypes say. Who are you proud to be? Come clean!

My Study Buddy

Posted on by kaytlynlaferriere
Denver, my Study Buddy.

I feel like I am due for another appreciation post. This one concerning my little study buddy, my dog.

One thing I’ve noticed when doing school work before the pandemic and now more than ever, is that I’ve always had a little support system every step of the way. Countless times I’ve gotten up from doing my homework and have almost stepped on my dog because he’s always by my side. Don’t worry I’ve never stepped on him.

However, it can get annoying at times being constantly crowded. But I think I’ve learned to love it because he’s just there to love me.

It’s great especially when I’m getting stressed out over having to work on a paper, a project, watching 10 videos, and reading 3 chapters, etc. etc. (anyone feel me on that :/) and then I can just look down and see that my dog is there wagging his tail ready to be pet. He’s not a certified support animal, but he sure is one to me.

8 Things You Didn-t Know About Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)

I feel like animals can be great ways of helping you relieve stress. And I think we need them now more than ever.

I’m certainly lucky to be able to live at home and have my pet with me at all times as I know it can be challenging for residents who cannot have their pets with them. I call that a commuter perk 🙂 even though no one is currently commuting.

But as for people who don’t own any animals, regardless if you are a commuter or not, you are not getting that stress relieving support that could be very beneficial to you. And we should all know by now that college students, at one time or another, have stress; if not, what’s your secret!?

That is why I always appreciated when my college would have what they called Pet Therapy days.

Those are the days when WSU’s Counseling Center would bring in dog owners twice a month and let the students come for a couple hours and pet and play with the dogs. It is always a big event, so much so that articles have been written about it and even the local news has come. This program is 13 years strong, and hopefully when this pandemic is over, they will keep the tradition alive.

I find this program to be very helpful in relieving your stress or helping your mental health in general, even if it is for just a moment. Whether it be a paper due tomorrow or your car is parked in a faculty spot and you saw cops patrolling (by the way, please don’t do that), being with those dogs just makes you forget about your worries.

I get it you may be skeptical. Like how could a dog just take all the stress away when people pay tons of money for therapy? But I’m telling you, it helps! It took me a few times of going, but I learned that it does help. Petting animals can relieve stress. There have been many studies to back it up, which I highly recommend looking into if you don’t believe me; they certainly educated me on the topic. But remember I’m not a medical professional, so please ask them if you do have issues or concerns about stress or your mental health.

Now I’m not saying therapy isn’t beneficial. Everyone has there own ways of dealing with any issue they have. I’m just saying, don’t knock pet therapy until you try it! And please, let me know in the comments if you have any other ways of relieving stress; any tips could certainly benefit us all. But in the mean time, how could you feel upset looking at this cute face.

A picture from WSU’s Pet Therapy (Courtesy of WSU’s Instagram)

Now you might be wondering, “Does my college have pet therapy?” If the answer is yes, then I highly recommend giving it a try, even if you don’t think it could help with stress. Just going could be a good activity for you to take some time away from studying. But if you are someone who does not have it, I would highly recommend bringing it up to your counseling center. Use your voice and let them know. They are there to help you, so why not take advantage of that and get some furry cuddles out of it.

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But in the mean time, you could be like me and enjoy your own little furry friend at home (sorry again to the non-pet owners). I’ve come to learn and appreciate that by having him near me he calms me and helps me get through the day. I know that when I’m feeling stressed, he’s there for me and makes me feel like everything is going to be okay; just keep wagging that tail.

So I say to you, take a deep breath, go to your pet, give them a bunch of scratches, remember to feel appreciative of all the good things in your life, and just keep wagging that tail.

Trying to Survive Online

Posted on by kaytlynlaferriere
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As being college students, whether it be residential, commuter or one that has recently become the biggest of all (an online student), we have all had to learn many different things. That’s literally our job; to learn things. In fact you don’t even have to be a college student to learn things, but I think you already knew that.

As commuters, we had to learn how to get to our school; to park at our school; to do our school work, whether it be in the library or our kitchen table; to balance school work and our job. Some may even have had to learn how to take classes on campus as well as online. And because of the world we are currently living in, that has become my hardest challenge yet.

I do feel that many college commuters also take online classes since it can be more beneficial for them to stay home instead of having to drive in everyday, or taking an online class so they can go to work or tend to their children more. Needless to say, I’ve never been one of those commuters. I’ve never taken an online class until now.

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WHAT! I know. It sounds crazy!

I just never thought I would enjoy it, I found it to be a lot more work, and frankly I was scared of it. I don’t know if there are any of you like me out there, but if so, leave it in the comments below and let me know as to why you’ve never taken an online class.

But the time had come. A time I was dreading and was never expecting. Due to the pandemic, all my classes were forced to go online and for the first time ever I had to learn how to take online classes. Dun Dun Dunnnnn…

Lets just start off by saying this, it hasn’t been easy and I’m still working it. It’s not like I can go from one day only having face-to-face classes and then magically transitioning perfectly into online classes. This is a process that I have to deal with day by day and continue to keep practicing at. And you do too since we are all currently in this together.

Queue The High School Musical Ending in 3,…2,…1…

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Anyways, each day I’ve had to learn how to access the work along with learning how to submit it. I’ve also learned that every teacher is different. So learning how each one runs their course has been a challenge. I’ve also had to learn what Zoom is as I’m sure most of you have too. I’m not sure about you guys, but the only thing that came to my mind when hearing about Zoom was the kid TV show lol.

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Wow I’m old.

I think one of the biggest struggles has been the change from having a specific schedule to now having class anytime you want and teachers sending work and announcements left and right. Have you gotten ones at 1am because I have. It’s ridiculous!

Like I’ve said it’s been quite challenging and very stressful. Everyday I’ve been trying to create a system of my own to keep everything structured as much as I can to make sure I get the work done, yet still have enough time to relax. It’s been working for me so far, but remember time management is key. If you need a starting point may I suggest a to-do list or even blocking out times to do specific things.

That is actually something I learned from a couple of tip sheets that I read. I highly recommend that if you’re stuck transitioning from face-to-face to now online during this time to look through some tip sheets on how to take online classes. Or even if you’re someone who is considering online classes in the future. They are certainly helpful to know and in fact you may already know some that you have applied in your regular classes.

I will say though that this is not a regular semester nor how regular online classes go. This is a weird time for all of us so we need to be patient and try not to beat ourselves up about not doing things the way we hope. This is a learning curve we all need to deal with, even our teachers. If you’re reading this now (during the Covid-19 pandemic) and are struggling with the transition from face-to-face to online I highly recommend this tip sheet for how to deal with taking online classes now.

All I can say is that we’re all going through it right now, some having it harder than others, but we can get through this. Before you know it the semester will be over and summer will be here. YAY!! All we can do now is try our best and be kind to one another. This is not a normal situation for any of us so we need to give each other some slack. Even if you think you are the only one struggling during this time and having a hard time navigating through this new territory called online classes, just know I’m right there with you struggling and learning every step of the way.

“May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor”

Posted on by kaytlynlaferriere
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“May the odds be ever in your favor”-Hunger Games

With it now being the second half of my college semester that can mean only one thing… it’s class registration time!!

One of the first things that was told to me when going to WSU was to wake up early because that’s the only way you will get the classes you want. That terrified me!!

It’s like:

Hi welcome to WSU. You are now going to fight to the death for a chance to land a spot in Communication Law. There’s only two time slots with 20 seats open each. Good luck and “may the odds be ever in your favor”.

And if you’re wondering, YES I did just quote the Hunger Games!!

This quote definitely stands out to me when I think of registering for classes because for me it almost feels like I’m going into battle. If you want to be the victor, you better come prepared. I also just really like the Hunger Games book/movie series all together so any way to use it in my daily life I’ll take it.

Now to others I may be over exaggerating, but as a commuter I find it can be quite challenging in getting the exact schedule you want. For starters I want to not have to come in everyday because that’s not only a waste of time for me, but also a waste of gas. If I could also get my classes as close together as possible that would also be a dream because who wants a 5 hour block between two classes. Sure you could go home, but what about those 1 hour commuters? It’s not like we can walk to our dorm rooms and take a nap.

It doesn’t help either that the classes I do want tend to only be available at one time which may or may not work with my few times a week or close in proximity desires. And don’t even get me started on needing certain classes and they’re not even available.

Needless to say, this can be a very stressful time for everyone, but I think commuters have a little bit more to think about when they are deciding what to take. For example, does it ever cross your mind that someone has to make a schedule that works around their work schedule, or making sure they’re home in time to pick up their kids from school? That’s why I think more options for different class times and days, along with more of the same classes would be very beneficial because picking you classes wouldn’t be such a bloodbath.

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If you’ve ever gone black Friday shopping or waited for a drop on a famous online store, then picking classes will seem very similar. So suit up, drink some coffee, have your classes ready, and type as fast as your fingers will let you.

And to reiterate…

May the odds be ever in your favor!

Commuting to My Kitchen

Posted on by kaytlynlaferriere
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Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing well and staying safe.

Since I last posted many changes have happened in our world that have surely affected us all in one way or another. With everyone trying to lessen the curve with the COVID-19 outbreak, many things have been cancelled, shut down, or have limited hours. I don’t think anyone had expected this or thought it would get this intense. Many schools have even closed down and switched to online-based classes.

For myself, my college has been closed down for over a week and I am now having to do remote learning. I will say the transition hasn’t been easy, but not as bad as others at my school. Since I’m a commuter, I already lived at my house so there was no need to go and pack up all my belongings in a dorm room. I also don’t have to waste time driving to school everyday; I now just walk 30 feet to my kitchen table and boom I’m at school.

However I am not the only one in my house doing school work. My brother is also home with me since his school has also been closed for the mean time. My mother works at a school too and she too is home and working remotely. My father however can still go to work because he is essential to his company. I don’t know how long that will last, but if he is sent home I hope he can work because his income is very important in helping sustain my family. And well for my dog, he’s seen no change. Luckily everyone is doing well and staying healthy. We just hope it can stay that way.

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Nothing has changed a whole lot in my household; we are still doing our daily routine. I still wake up, get ready, eat, and do a bunch of homework. It’s sort of like a really long spring break except I can’t go anywhere fun like restaurants or stores, or see anybody. Lets just say Face Time has become the new norm along with the home phone ringing every 30 minutes. Also try celebrating your birthday in quarantine; you really have to get creative.

What I don’t like however is the amount of work I am getting. I understand that school needs to continue and now with no more class time teachers need to add different things to their curriculum; but, they do not need to over compensate! The constant emails and notifications; the added assignments and various readings or videos is ridiculous. I feel like I’m more stressed about what new assignment I’m going to get everyday than if I’ve washed my hands or have come into contact with someone with the virus. It’s crazy! All I ask is to keep it simple. That’s it. The more stress someone has the more their immune system will weaken and we don’t need that.

I’m trying to keep sane as much as possible, but I will say it has been difficult with staying in all the time and having to learn this new way of taking online classes. But this is new for everyone and we just need to calm down, think positive, and get through it one day at a time. I find if I make a to do list everyday, even if it’s a dumb one, it will help keep my mind focus and for me to stay on track with everything I have to get done; it sort of gives me a purpose everyday. I highly recommend it! Plus keeping in contact with friends and family is good too; you don’t want to become a complete shut in.

If I do get a chance to actually relax and not do homework my hobbies tend to include cleaning out every cabinet in my house, working on puzzles that everyone usually has from a few Christmases ago that were in your closet, and watching TV (does anyone have good recommendations because I need something to binge).

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With all that being said, I am managing, but it has been hard. I’m trying to stay positive, stay as safe as I can, and taking it one day at a time. Hopefully you are too! And remember, wash your hands, stay 6 feet apart, and DON’T GO OUT unless you absolutely need to!!! To End this it starts with YOU!

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.

I Feel Like A Hawk

Posted on by kaytlynlaferriere

Imagine this:

You just left your house to go to school. Backpack, check, phone, check, keys, check. You turn on your music and start jamming away as you drive your many miles to get to school. You’re in a decent headspace knowing you’ve finished your test that was due today and your paper is all set and printed, until you pull into the school realizing you’re about to head into a major war zone.

“Please! Please let there be a space. I can’t risk being late again.”

All you see are cars upon cars filling up the entire commuter parking lot with tons more circling around in hopes to maybe find one empty one. I swear it’s like a bunch of hawks just circling its prey. You drive slow and keep your eyes pealed as the rest of the hawks do the same.

Image result for you know what really grinds my gears college

Your anxiety increases as you see nothing opening up or being available. You circle once more. With luck a spot just opened up. You start to speed up a bit in hopes to get it. All of a sudden, a car coming from the opposite direction spots it too and somehow manages to get there just before you.

AHHHHHHHH!!! NOW WHAT?

This just seems to happen to you no matter what day or time; it’s always a blood bath.

I don’t know about you, but this tends to happen to me almost everyday I go to school. I can hardly ever find parking, and when I do it’s a godsend. But let me tell you, it really grinds my gears.

I shouldn’t have to fight for a spot everyday just to go to school; there should be space for everyone and then more space on top of that space.

At my school faculty and staff say that there’s enough space for all of us. They start by saying that we have 8 parking areas; which of course the biggest one being the dumping grounds for all of the residents’ cars. So even if you did want to park there, you would be parking in the far back. Have fun walking a mile 🙂

They also say to us to get to school early that way most spaces will be available (maybe don’t tell that to everyone next time).

Story of my life.

There just never seems to be enough space to hold all of us and it’s really frustrating, especially when our parking lots are also used for other cars that decide to not park in their designated parking lots. I don’t know how many times I have seen student stickers and faculty stickers on parked cars in the commuter lot; which by the way, can receive tickets for. But then again, just this week I counted at least 5 cop cars in potentially good parking spaces for all of us commuters too.

I just don’t get it. There are so many other lots they could take, why ours? We barely have enough space as it is.

Like I’ve said in past posts, we just don’t get the recognition we deserve. I think people just assume that we won’t mind that our spots are taken for their convenience when that is really the biggest thing a commuter can ask for; a parking space.

All I ask is for more space and to actually care about your commuters. It sucks when a major commuter parking lot is covered in snow because that was the only lot the school let any faculty or staff park in so the rest of the lovely lots could be plowed to perfection. Couldn’t they just keep one of the million faculty lots open for them? Did they really have to use our lot, because now after driving in the elements and risking our lives to get to school we now can find no places to park because they’re all filled with snow drifts and the school just didn’t have time to plow it; whoops, sorry. It’s not like we can park in the faculty/staff or resident parking lots either, even though it should be when you can’t find a space.

The grass patch of fury.

Everyday I see empty faculty lots staring me in the face along with a big open field just waiting in my opinion to become a parking lot. I get it nature is important, but getting to the class I paid for is too. Sometimes I wish we could do something about that, because an extended parking lot in my opinion would be very helpful.

Well… maybe there is something we can do about it.

Like I’ve said in a past post, Commuter Services is a great place to talk about your concerns about anything commuter-related. So if there really is a problem at your school about parking, like mine, bring it up because maybe a change will happen. Maybe you could get another parking lot or having a better way of handling the wrong groups of people that park in your parking lot.

If we continue to complain about parking and do nothing about it then nothing will change because to everyone else nothing seems to be wrong. Take action.

To all of you parking lot survivors out there, I understand your pain and I wish you luck at your next battle. As to all you residents, faculty, staff, and random visitors out there, GET OUT OF OUR PARKING LOT!! Thank you 🙂

Are You Giving Us Your 100%?

Posted on by kaytlynlaferriere

I couldn’t believe my eyes. There are colleges that have approximately 85-100% of students who are college commuters!

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Now I know what you could be thinking. Yeah there are tons of colleges out there that have students who are 100% college commuters; they’re called community colleges.

That’s true…

But I have never heard of a college where it’s not a community college and it still has over 85% or more of the students being commuters.

It sounds crazy right? Especially with the amount of regard college commuters seem to get.

91% students at the University of Massachusetts at Boston are college commuters. Along with 96% at Berkeley College in New York, New York. The list goes on and on….

To me these are some pretty big schools with even bigger commuter numbers than I ever expected. Maybe it’s because of college costs these days. Room and board can get pretty expensive on top of tuition, books, and everything else that sort of sneaks it’s way into our bills; I’m talking about YOU gym fee! So maybe more students are opting for a commuter option. Welcome to the dark side haha.

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So with more colleges having a bigger number of students who are commuters, where is the recognition we deserve? Where are the changes to help accommodate us?

Where is the love am I right?

Of course I can’t speak for every colleges’ stance on their commuters. I’m sure there are some schools who really do take the time to accommodate and try to do what’s best for their commuters. Hopefully UMASS Boston and Berkeley College are some of them. But for the majority of what I’ve seen and heard, commuters tend to be overlooked most of the time. Which is why I ask, “If we’re giving you an approximately 100% commuter student body, then where’s your 100% dedication to us commuters?”

Even if the student body was under 50% as commuters (like my school where the commuter population is 40%) we still should be taken into account, more than we already are or even if we are. We are a part of the school just like everyone else.

The focus should not just be about student parking or finding the best ways to get to the school, but finding ways to have commuters connect more with their fellow college-goers, getting them involved, helping them with their mental heath, etc etc.

So I want to know… Do you think your college gives you and your fellow commuters their 100% because if not I don’t think you’re getting your money’s worth or what you deserve.

There’s No Place Like Home

Posted on by kaytlynlaferriere

Learning to be grateful instead of regretful.

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I find at times I can be a bit negative about my college situation. You know with being a commuter and all. Or just college in general.

I get mad that I have to drive in everyday. Not finding parking- literally THE WORST!!! Receiving a bunch of homework. Not getting enough sleeeeeepppfahheghrug …. The list goes on and on.

People keep telling me that I just need to be more positive. Take it day by day. Don’t worry so much and enjoy the little things in life. Easier said then done, am I right?

But with this constant push of positivity thrown in my face, I feel I should at least try to change my mindset.

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This is when I started to think about gratitude. What could I say about my life that I am grateful for. Well a lot of things. The one I’m thinking about and the one I want to touch upon is my home.

I’m grateful that I have a place to drive to every night after school. A place that I can call my sanctuary. A safe place. A place I can go to hopefully leave those stressors of school behind, even though they tend to follow me.

What I’m trying to say is that I’m sort of happy I don’t live on campus because I can kind of distinguish the places of school/work and home/relaxation separately in my life. I feel when you’re a resident you can’t really get away from school. Yes there’s parties and no you don’t live right in your psychology classroom, but you walk 5 minutes and your dorm room is right there. It’s sort of a blessing and a curse, in my opinion.

Sure for me I have to drive 30 minutes to get home, but it allows me to decompress from my day and sort of get into this different mode where I’m like, “Yes I’m home now, I can relax and feel 100% me”. I think I just like being able to leave the space. It’s kind of like a 9 to 5 job… except I still need to do a bunch of work at home, “bosses” are emailing me left and right, and where’s my paycheck!?

I’m not saying a dorm can’t be your little oasis from school because it totally can be, and you should be grateful for that. A home is what you make of it. But for us commuters I’m trying to say, don’t regret not living on campus because you don’t have a 5 minute walk to your bedroom or that you’re missing out on all the action. Instead I encourage you to be grateful for the things you do have. Like your OWN bedroom with a bed that hasn’t been used by 20 other people over the last who knows how long. It’s probably been the same since the college was founded.

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I know it can be hard to not think negatively or think about the things you don’t have; I know, I’m still learning and it’s not going to change overnight either. But what I’m asking of you is to maybe think of one thing that you are grateful each day. It could be not getting homework in a class or finding a parking space. HALLELUJAH!! Whatever it is, hopefully it will put you in a better mindset and be happy of who you are and what you have.

Today I am happy that I have a place I can call home. My home lol 🙂 And that it’s far enough away from campus where I can feel like I can decompress and compartmentalize that this is home and that’s school. I don’t know about you, but I think for once I was actually being positive!

Can You Hear Me?

Posted on by kaytlynlaferriere
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Being a commuter can pose many different challenges. Two of them is being seen and heard. Sometimes when you are not a part of the majority it can be hard to feel like you are getting the recognition you deserve or an outlet to express your feelings.

“Can I get an Amen up in here!”-RuPaul

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For example, even if there are plenty of activities and clubs for everyone to participate in, it can be hard for some commuters to feel like they belong. In my personal experience, I find most activities to be late at night. By then I’m already home and don’t feel the need to go back out, drive to school, and hope I know someone there that I can hang out with at that given event. It’s just not worth it to me which can be frustrating. When do they ever consider the commuters, besides the fact that these events are open to all?

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are plenty of concerns that we as commuters want to speak about because changes or things that happen on campus can affect us too. But how can we? Where do we go to express our concerns, feelings, or maybe a new club idea?

Many campuses have what is called Commuter Services. Luckily for me my campus has one. This is where commuters are the priority; where questions and concerns about commuting, commuter life or just college in general are heard and taken into account.

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Happy Dance!

This is the group of people that try to put our best interests first. They are the ones that want to make our college experience great! They realize commuting can be a struggle not only in the social aspect for example, but getting our voices heard too.

At my school, Commuter Services tends to do a lot of activities such a free meals or fun little events. Just last week, there was a Valentine’s Day Candy event and today we could get a free meal where we could socialize with other commuters. There are even workshops to help us thrive in college, such as meal prepping or eating on a budget. All of these events are also great opportunities to express your concerns or questions.

Another great tool that I recently saw implemented was the use of a commuter survey. This allowed commuters to not only get a chance to win some school cash (HOLD UP! Cash! SIGN ME UP!) but also have their voices heard. No one can really help you unless you speak up. And as being a minority group in a school setting, this is a great way to make changes that we need. This is our stage to finally voice our opinions. This is where you can hear me!

So to all of you who feel like no one cares about us, that no one has our best interest, that no one wants to hear what we have to say, maybe look into your school directory and find Commuter Services. Talk to them, get to know them, and express your concerns. This may be a great opportunity to tell them ideas for making a college commuter experience worth wile. And if you’re not sure what needs to be done, but feel like you need some changes, maybe ask them about creating a survey. Get the help from your fellow commuters to voice their opinions and concerns. There are plenty of surveys out there that can help hone down what should be taken care of to make a college commuter experience the best it can be. And if there isn’t a survey that fits your school best, you can always create one. Surveymonkey.com is a great place to create a survey that fits your needs.

I know feeling left out or not being heard can be a struggle, but maybe you’re not as alone as you think you are. Maybe all you need to do is a bit of searching and you will find the community and platform that you were meant to be a part of all this time. Don’t be shy, go out there and get what you deserve.

On a lighter note please enjoy this #relatable #me #collegelife post! 🙂

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No time for games

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