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Gerry Heij - 6th Floor - Science and Green
LLC
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Year
: Senior
Major
: Geology
Interests and Hobbies
: Cricket, Beach, Traveling and Political Science
Clubs or Organizations
: Freshman Learning Community Liaison
Favorite Memory at FAU
: Junior field camp in the Appalachians in 09 |
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A great semester comes to an end
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I think it goes without saying that this
semester has been a rollercoaster ride for the residents
of the Science and Green living learning community. I
have witnessed my residents grow from strength to
strength in every respect. There were a few setbacks
during the semester but, fortunately the strength and
resolve of the community allowed them to overcome the
many challenges of the semester. I trust that exams went
well for everyone. On a personal note, I am traveling
back to South Africa to enjoy Christmas with my family. I
look forward to seeing everyone when I return.
I would like to extend my compliments of the season
to the entire HPT community. I am confident that
residents will return next semester with a renewed vigor
and desire to strive towards academic excellence. |
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Stay positive
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The last couple of weeks have been rough
to say the least. My classes have proved to be the most
challenging classes of my college career. Fortunately, l
can breathe a sigh of relief after completing my first
round of exams for the semester. I am planning to put
some of my newly acquired free time to good use. I am
looking forward to spending some time developing a few
social and educational programs for the LLC. The HPT
community can look forward to some fun and informative
programs in the near future!
I have seen a couple of gloomy faces on the floor
after the first round of major exams.
A word of advice to my residents would be to remain
positive in the face of adversity (which takes the form
of exams and assignments). All too often, we find
ourselves in a rut of negativity, which is completely
understandable if you take all the pressures that face
modern college students into consideration. Being
positive starts with self-belief and simply reminding
oneself to be positive every day. If I were to look back
at my own experience, I can really vouch for the power of
staying positive. 5 years ago, the thought of studying in
the US would be vaguely ludicrous and completely
unattainable. A little determination and positive
thinking allowed me to find a company to fund my studies
and the rest is history.
So keep your chins up guys!
PS New doors decks are on the way .
Cheers
Gerry |
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This week the LLC participated in the
Amazing Race challenge during their common hour. The
program was extremely well received and residents had a
fantastic time. My residents and I also took it upon
ourselves to redecorate the floor. We spent most of the
weekend making Disney characters and thinking of some
good bulletin board ideas. We eventually settled on doing
a board on Electronic music. I chose to do the other
bulletin board on a book I recently read The Web Of Life
by
Fritjof Carpra. This book provided me
some insight into the true meaning of sustainability and
it introduced a number of interesting concepts. One
concept in particular really stood out ecoaffluence . In
short, ecoaffluence is a system of living whereby we as
humans maintain our quality of living without depleting
our non-renewable resources. Skeptics feel that this is
abstract and completely unattainable, but achieving eco
affluence begins with a simple change of mind and a
little human ingenuity. Many of the concepts introduced
by Capra are truly groundbreaking and I feel that this
should be a prescribed reading for all Science and Green
students.
Many residents are beginning to recognize the value
of adding a little more structure and planning to their
lives. A couple of residents have found themselves in a
spot of bother with their first couple of exams and major
assignments. I have encouraged them to keep their
procrastination to a minimum and strive towards a more
structured lifestyle. I am hoping to see an improvement
during the course of the semester. Besides a few hiccups,
all my residents maintain a very positive outlook on
their studies and their collegiate experience. Keep it up
guys!!!
Cheers for now
Gerry |
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Off to a good start
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I think it goes without saying that the
last couple of weeks have been an exciting ride for my
residents and I. Adjusting to college life and living
away from home can be both scary and exhilarating.
Fortunately, the LLC has already begun to equip residents
with the necessary tools to be successful whilst
providing them an opportunity to establish a support
group for each other. Many residents have already begun
to exhibit good study habits and they recognize the value
of networking with other students. Our entire floor is on
a first name basis and I never expected the community to
flourish as quickly as it has. The floor is brimming with
energy. This energy has inspired me to get involved on
campus and focus on leaving a legacy at this wonderful
institution. Even after such a short time with my
residents, I can say without any reservations that their
potential seems limitless.
This week Science and Green students went to the
Gumbo Limbo marine facility. I received a lot of positive
feedback from everyone who attended. I feel like hands on
activities such as the Gumbo Limbo trip helps students
either reaffirm their choice of major or show them that
perhaps they are not cut out for their chosen major. The
Learning Community Experience (LCE) hour has also proved
to be an invaluable time for students to expand upon
their knowledge related to their major and become well
acquainted with their respective faculty members.
This week I have reflected upon my college career
and feel quite envious of the opportunity that my
residents have. I wish that I had enrolled in an LLC as a
freshman. I have no doubt that being affiliated with an
LLC plays a significant role towards making your college
career a successful one. I have yet to see a thriving
community develop as quickly as this one has. The Science
and Green community has established common goals
including academic excellence and making the most out of
their collegiate experience. I feel privileged to be
entrusted to oversee the Science and Green LLC and I look
forward to a fantastic semester.
Cheers,
Gerry |
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