"Why Aren't You Drinking?"

“Why Aren’t You Drinking?”

          This is my fourth year as a college student, and I have realized how much drinking effects students. Two years ago, I lived with a girl who worked incredibly hard during the school week. She was involved in three clubs, top in her class, worked out every day, worked at the university and was on the honor roll. How did she relax during the weekend from her busy schedule? She would drink. A lot. She barely slept, and then worked extra hard during the week to make up for the loss of sleep. She never relaxed. It came to a point that I sat down with her and told her I was worried. She may seem completely fine to others, but as her roommate and best friend, I knew she wasn’t. “You need to relax and focus on yourself” I said. She was bewildered, yet incredibly thankful I spoke with her. “It’s just what college students do, right?”

          Movies, songs and social media make it seem like it’s the norm that all college students drink. Based on the AlcoholEDU Transcript, in the past year 38% of incoming students did not drink alcohol. Students who reported drinking over the prior two weeks, male students consumed and average of 4.39 drinks and female students consumed an average of 2.88 total drinks.  Surprising right?

          It’s perfectly normal to be with your friends and say no to that beer. Some of my friends ask “why aren’t you drinking? What’s wrong?” Nothing at all, but I have work at 8:00 am and I’m poor! Or maybe I don’t have an excuse at all, and I just don’t want to drink. Either way, it’s completely fine to be sober. Or if you do want a beer or two, just make sure you know how you feel after and wait a few hours to drive, or don’t drive at all. Drinking tends to be a social event, and it’s perfectly normal to say no.

          Did you know UAF has a pub on campus to advocate safety? Many students 21 and older live on campus. Instead of driving to a pub elsewhere, students can walk within minutes to the pub and walk back to their dorm. It’s crucial to understand college is much more than wishing it was the weekend, drinking, then dreaming about the weekend again. My advice is learning what you personally feel comfortable with, and make sure your life involves more than dreaming about the weekend and relaxing by drinking.   

20 Things to Bring With You To College

1.  Bedding
2.  Power strip
3.  Shower supplies
4.  Reusable dishes
5.  Coffee maker
6.  Laundry bag and soap
7.  Winter gear
8.  Pictures of family
9.  Decorations
10.  Some type of storage containers
11.  Microwave and fridge
12.  Laptop
13.  First aid supplies
14.  School supplies
15.  Hangers or closet organizer
16.  Important papers (insurance cards, birth certificate, etc.)
17.  Small safe or lockbox
18.  Filtered water pitcher
19.  Cleaning supplies
20.  Motivation

Word on the Street

Jessica, Daniel, and I walked around campus asking UAF students "What is something you look forward to in the morning?" These are the answers we got:

What do you look forward to in the morning? Answer below! And stay tuned, more Q&A photos coming soon!

Any questions you want us to ask UAF student? Ask below.

Play-Doh -- In college!

In my Anatomy and Physiology Lab the other day we got to play with Play-Doh! I haven’t played with Play-Doh since middle school and I totally forgot how fun it was.

It is a great tool for studying if you want to go out and buy some to make models with. In my lab we had to make a model of a sarcomere found in skeletal muscle. Here is a picture of it! My lab partner and I were very proud.

The pink Play-Doh is the myosin filaments and the blue are the actin and together, along with a whole bunch of different factors, make your muscles contract!

Anyways it was super fun and only the second time I’ve done this in a college class. The first time was in a genetics lab, which was not so much fun because trying to simulate recombination of chromosomes is complicated and hard to do with Play-Doh.

Inside Out

With Inside Out coming up this Friday, I thought I would write about it. I went to Inside Out when I was a senior in high school. My sister, mother and I drove all the way to Fairbanks, a 7-hour drive, to visit the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

When you enter Fairbanks, the first thing you see is the huge satellite located on the university campus. When I saw that for the first time my stomach got butterflies! And it still gets butterflies every time I see it coming back from breaks. At first, it symbolized a new beginning, now it symbolizes my future.

Inside Out was exciting and very informative. My family and I got answers to our questions about financial aid, classes and professors, housing and campus life. I got to attend a mock class and see the viewing room in Moore Hall, one of the campus first-year student dorms.

I think the best part was when we got to apply for admission on the spot. My sister and I waited as our transcripts, SAT scores and other credentials were evaluated and then we got the answer right then and there. It was so convenient and I was so thankful that UAF offered that.  In the picture below I’m on the right and my sister is on the left!

Looking back inside out was a huge factor in my decision to come to this university. I learned new things, had a great experience and made new friends. I recommend this event to any high school student who wants to learn more about perusing a high-quality education at a wonderful college that cares for its students.  

My Two Dietary Staples

Of all the food and dining options on campus, there are only two things that truly have my heart. Grilled cheese from the Alaska Grill and sludge cups from Arctic Java. When I forget my wallet, I know that all I need is 19 quarters from my laundry fund and I'll have the $2.50 for the coffee and $2.25 for the "g. chz" (as they write on the order slip). I've found these to be the cheapest/tastiest option available on campus, allowing me the needed energy for my day without requiring a trip off campus. You could say I'm a regular.

This morning started no different than any other day; I'm greeted by name by the friendly barista and I tell her I'll have my usual 12-ounce sludge. What totally caught me off guard is that for the first time ever, she asks if I'd like to put coffee in the cup before she adds the shots. My eyes widen with excitement as I realize they not only recognize me, but also know that I'm particular about my coffee! They know that espresso  begins oxidizing once exposed to air and it only takes a number of seconds before the crema dissipates and the shots turn bitter. By pouring the shots over coffee, it's mixed in and the shots are saved! I always do this when making espresso at my coffee shop job, but don't always find it when ordering.

The other moment of serendipity today occurred as I was getting my grilled and cheesy lunch. I ordered as normal and while I typically wait patiently within earshot, I noticed a woman standing next to a sign that read "What would you like to see at the Alaska Grill?" I proceeded to talk with her about my grilled cheese experience and I pointed out a small glitch on their app's ordering process. I talked up my love for pepper jack cheese and bemoaned its absence. Last year you could choose the type of cheese used, and I found pepper jack to be my favorite. I also pitched the idea of adding tomato soup as an optional side so you can dip your cheesy triangles right into that rich, red goodness. 

There are definitely other factors included, but frequently the quality of my coffee sets the mood for the start of the day and I have to admit, today was pretty great. I potentially improved one of the cheapest quick-snack options on campus and also reached a new level of loyalty with the lovely baristas of Arctic Java. Not all battles are big, but the small victories are just as important to celebrate. 

The Joys of a Pet Parakeet

Almost all animals are fantastic little creatures; full of energy, creativity, and the happiness that they bring to our lives. Did you know that almost 95% of pet owners (PR Newswire) also consider their pets to be part of the family? And of those pet owners, 45% of those say they have bought birthday presents for their pets. How marvelous!

Dogs and cats are great companions, but today I’m going to focus on the joy that parakeets bring to my life (and potentially could bring to yours as well!)

       Parakeets can talk. That’s right! (Can your dog or cat do that? Didn’t think so!) Parakeets are very intelligent animals and can learn to speak what you teach them, mimicking words and phrases quite well. It is only male parakeets that can learn to talk; but even a female parakeet can tweet in your ear.

    Parakeets are great fun. They are social butterflies, and quite friendly little creatures. Adorning their cages with toys and bells will provide great entertainment for them. They especially like bells, carrots, explore hollow things, and chew on all jewelry if they can get their little beaks around them. They can even learn to do somersaults in your hand, dunk balls in a hoop and put rings on a peg among many other neat tricks.

       Parakeets are great companions. These little birds will ride around on your shoulder and accompany you in everything: tweeting birdie secrets in your ear, chewing on your hair, accompanying you to Netflix movies, homework sessions and kitchen chores (as long as they don’t fly onto the griddle).

They live a long time. Parakeets can live 10 to 15 years with the right love and care. Therefore; they can be loving companions for many years of one’s life. A pint sized travel buddy; happy to accompany you wherever you go.

 

Also: they are adorable, it is easier to legitimately feel like a pirate, they actually tweet (no social media savviness there), and last but not least,
they are man’s (real) best friend.

 I will be sure to post a couple photos of my parakeet Rosie so you can all cheer here on!

Need Motivation!

Sometimes when we get super busy we often forget to stop a moment and take care of ourselves. Part of my personal plan to take care of myself is to READ! In my daily routine I try to add in at least 30 minutes of reading a good book.  Here's an article that explains the benefits of reading everyday!

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-reading-why-you-should-read-everyday.html

Here are some of the books I am reading currently:

The Motivation Manifesto: Brendan Burchard

The Seven Habits of Highly Effect People: Stephen Covey

Boundaries: Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend


Another thing that we forget to add to our daily routines is exercise, adding 30 minutes of exercise to your day may sound daunting but it's only 2% of your day! 30 minutes of exercise five days a week is what I'm aiming for this semester.  If you are need a little bit more motivation UAF DRAW offers a program where you can have a personal trainer get you back on track.  Don't be ashamed to ask for help in the gym, or ask questions about wellness!

https://uaf.edu/draw/src/personal-training-1/

Alpha Phi Omega changed my life!

Alpha Phi Omega is an inclusive group, open to all nationalities, backgrounds and genders, and we welcome you to become part of our amazing organization so that together we can pursue a common goal: leading through service to others.

Alpha Phi Omega is a national coeducational service organization founded on the principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service. It provides its members the opportunity to develop leadership skills as they volunteer on their campus, in their community, to the nation, and to the organization. With more than 400,000 members on over 375 campuses, Alpha Phi Omega continues to provide more service on more campuses than any other collegiate service organization.

The brothers here at UAF have participated in many projects and events around campus and the Fairbanks community including Habitat for Humanity, Food Bank of Alaska, The Fairbanks Rescue Mission, UAF All-Hall-o-ween Carnival, Club Wood, Freshman Orientation, Starvation Gulch, campus clean-up, Spring Fest Service and so much more!

It is the VISION of Alpha Phi Omega to be recognized as the premier service-based leadership development organization.
It is the MISSION of Alpha Phi Omega to prepare campus and community leaders through service.
The VALUES of Alpha Phi Omega are to develop leadership, promote friendship and provide service.
The OBJECTIVES of Alpha Phi Omega are Share, Grow, Improve and Invest.

Learn more on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1825495697730564/

If you want to know how Alpha Phi Omega has impacted my life and helped me expand who I am as a person, feel free to email me personally at jgilchrest@alaska.edu.

Happy (early) Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Well… Happy early Halloween everyone!

I AM SO EXCITED for this wonderful holiday of trick-or-treating, candy, and costumes. Therefore, today I will dedicate my entire blog post to this spooky tradition. Let me start by suggesting some good Halloween costumes. 

#1. Do not be Harley Quinn or the Joker if you don’t want to see 5 other people in the same room as you at all times wearing the same outfit (I do not even know who Harley Quinn is but I can assure you I have heard her name enough to know it will be mega-popular this year).

#2. I say bring the witch costumes back! I know it may not be the most original idea but I say, let’s bring an old tradition back. It will be so in this year! Suggested items: a broom, a witches hat, dark lipstick, a black cat, and a witchy attitude. 

No pun intended.

#3. Lady Gaga’s meat dress. (disclaimer: not intended for vegetarians/vegans). Suggested items: Tie dyed white fabric with red bacon-colored dye), wrap shoes in meat-colored fabric as well, extravagant blonde wig, and nonchalant attitude.)

#4. Jackie Kennedy costume. Intended especially for history lovers/ if you’re favorite color is pink. Suggested items: Pink buttoned formal dress with good texture, pink bonnet hat, pink lipstick, blush, white Michael Jackson-ish gloves, high heels, short brown wig, smirk on face.

#5. Pumpkin. Suggested items: The color orange. Lots of it. Suggested ways to channel your inner pumpkin: Spray tan (no offense if you do this, I do this myself and I get the occasional pumpkin comment and take it with pride), orange paint, literal pumpkins carved in the middle so one can fit limbs inside, etc.

#6. Oscar the Angry Trash Monster from Elmo. Suggested items: A metal trash can with no bottom (so you can fit inside), lots of green fur, bushy brown eyebrows, bulging eyes, green face paint, a sign that says “No trick or treaters”, and a playful but sour attitude.

#7. Wilson the volleyball and Tom Hanks from Castaway movie. Suggested items: Everything in this picture. (I promise if you do this one you will be the stars of the show!)

#8. Elvis. This would make a fantastic costume! Suggested items: Lots of hair gel with black wig, a microphone or mini guitar, side burns, bedazzled white jumpsuit, etc.

      

These are just some starting ideas! There are hundreds more! The Beatles, Snow White and the 7 Dwarves, etc etc! Get out there and be creative. And last but not least…

Trick or Treat! 

Fairbanks in Fairbanks?

Fairbanks in Fairbanks?

Alina Fairbanks

Many people ask me if I moved up to Fairbanks because my last name is Fairbanks. They think it’s funny so I laugh and smile every time. “I get that a lot” I say. I moved up here because I wanted to move out of my home town. I am from Bellingham, WA where many people shopped at Co-op and thrift stores way before Macklemore made it cool. I’m 21, and I still see myself as a child who's just starting to live. Personally, I think you grow up the moment you move out of your home town. It’s easy to be too comfortable and live in your bubble.

My bubble consisted of the same group of friends from elementary school, and they still think it’s crazy that I moved up here. Some of them moved to Portland, San Diego, Seattle, Texas and other areas. They imagine I live in an igloo and have a pet polar bear. Little do they know Fairbanks is a lot more city like then they think. They were surprised to hear we have an REI, Fred Meyer, Old Navy and other popular stores. No igloos anywhere to be found.

I was a little nervous moving away, especially out of state. I was interested in UAF as a student at Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. UAF's Fisheries Department caught my attention, although I contemplated if I could endure the intense winters. Little did I know I would absolutely love it here! Fairbanks has a unique sense of community because we are all living in interior Alaska with harsh weather. If you ever have car trouble or need help in any way, somewhere will be there to help in an instant.

Speaking of help, earlier this week I was driving to work at the university. A wandering dog walked across the busy road on Chena Ridge. It was 7:45 in the morning, and I assumed people were on their way to work. Instantly, seven cars pulled over and hopped outside their car trying to catch the dog. It blew my mind! These are the types of people who act in the moment to help someone else. It’s relieving to live in a city where people are incredibly kind. I was in complete awe because I am not use to this humbleness. I believe anyone who visits Fairbanks will easily see the beauty it holds.  

Did I ever imagine I would live in this city? Absolutely Not. Life can be funny that way. Maybe it was meant to be; Fairbanks living in Fairbanks. Although I’m forever grateful I moved up here to explore being on my own and living life outside my bubble.    

The "Me" Millennials

The “Me” Millennials

Alina Fairbanks 

            Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest, YouTube; there are so many social media websites. My Dad likes to combine some and call it “snap gram!” Bless his soul. I understand his confusion though. If you didn’t grow up in this generation, how can you keep up with this technology? “Did you see what (insert name) posted on Twitter? I can’t believe he/she said that.” Next time you’re on Instagram or Facebook, count how many selfies you see. Why do we need self-validation? Why do we receive a thrill from someone liking our photos?

I know I sound like our grandparents who say “back in my day” and “kids these days are so into themselves.” Every time I hear my grandparents say this about me and my generation, I think “but what did you do to piss of your grandparents?” Are millennials narcissistic because it’s a way to express ourselves in a rebellious approach? Every generation has something to complain about the current generation. The roaring 20’s for instance; they knocked on bookcases in hidden libraries to enter a secret bar during the probation. Textbooks, documentaries and class lectures have called flapper girls “rebellious” and “self-absorbed.” Jennifer A. Williamson wrote “The Sentimental Mode: Essays in Literature, Film and Television” and discussed the roaring 20’s and flapper girls. She describes them as “fiercely intensive” and “flapper’s self-absorbed pursuits.” Society thrives off rebellious pursuits: sex sells right?

            Time’s magazine wrote an article titled “The Me Me Me Generation” in 2013. Studies show from the National Institute of Health state that 58% more college students scored higher on the narcissistic scale in 2009 than in 1982. I personally blame all the parents who gave children an award for just participating, even though I was a kid who was always picked last for dodgeball and was beat by everyone in sports. Hey, it’s character building! I look back and wish I didn’t receive a blue ribbon for “Congratulations! You tried!” Every time I did, I would run to my parents and say “look Mom and Dad, I won a blue ribbon!” Oh crap, no wonder this generation thinks we are the best. Our life has consisted of blue ribbons for anything we do.

Maybe the self-absorbed characteristic isn’t always negative? There are many positive attributes about social media and our society today. Small businesses are easier to start. For example, an artist can post his or her art on social media and get recognition. What’s so bad about that? Maybe there are two types of social media users: those that promote themselves or those that promote their passions. Maybe those who promote themselves have always been here; maybe social media is just an easier tactic to show this characteristic. 

Has self-esteem evolved into narcissism? Has narcissism evolved into a rabbit hole that intrigues young men and women to dive into? That rush of many people liking a selfie makes you feel powerful, important and in the spot light. That’s great, but don’t let it get to your head. There is a real world out there, and I personally believe putting a lot of effort and energy into narcissistic social media will become a burden. I’m not hating on those who take selfies, I just want to express that it can be an addiction, almost like a drug. Do you feel antsy when you haven’t posted a picture on Instagram or updated your Facebook status? It’s okay to admit it! Hi, my name is Alina and I am obsessed with Instagram. You are not alone.   

The Favorite Aunt

My favorite picture of  me and my nephew

There are so many reasons why being the youngest child is great, there are several reasons why it is not so great; but one of my new favorite reasons for the being the youngest as I have aged alongside my siblings (one brother and one sister) is becoming an aunt. Not just an aunt, but the favorite aunt... by default... for now.
My sister, Nicole, and her husband had their first child in March of 2014. I loved that kid even before he was born. It was a weird kind of love, not one I had experienced before, probably because I love my family before I could remember but I had lived 18 years of my life not considering that an inherent and automatic love could just one day manifest in me. I think I can pinpoint the moment that I fell in love with this kid to when I first felt him kick my sister's very pregnant stomach, that's when it became real for me. Now he is nearing two years old and is the most handsome kid I know (I'm 100% biased) and is hilarious, with the most adorable laugh. I've loved watching how his personality and autonomy have developed in the year and a half of his existence. It is so bizarre how quickly babies and toddlers grow. And now here he is, practicing for the terrible twos, throwing temper tantrums and whining like there is no tomorrow, and thus I am able to escape as I am, after all, just the aunt. Even when he's throwing a tantrum when I won't let him play with light switches or won't let him toss things across the room, I still love him endlessly. My heart swells when he toddles, with more an more coordination as the weeks and months go by up to me, and throws his hands up in the air expectedly. "Do you want up?" I always ask, trying to encourage speaking. "Yessssssss." he replies matter-of-factly. "Can you say please?" "Yesssss." For him, yes and please are one and the same. He makes me so happy, I can't wait to see the person he turns into and I'm comforted to know that I will always be Aunt Shay... or "Aunt-E" as he likes to call me.

First photo of my niece

Along with my lovely, little nephew our family is growing. My brother, Jake, and his girlfriend are expecting a little girl... in March. They're be making their way to AK once again in a little under a month. On top of the excitement of having my favorite (and only) brother and his awesome girlfriend within walking distance (literally, just down the hall) I also get to be there for the birth of their first child and my first niece. I can't wait to see my bearded brother holding his baby girl, and my parents holding her for the first time. I can't wait to see what it'll be like for my sister to be an aunt for the first time and have a sort of joking competition of who is the favorite aunt (by the way, it'll totally be me). And more than that I'm excited to see how my nephew and niece will grow up together. Being a military child, I spent the majority of my life away from my aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins. I'm excited to see them grow up together and surrounded by the love of their parents, grandparents, uncle, Aunt Nicole, and of course their favorite: Aunt Shay.

10 College tips for the successful soul

1. Get a planner, use your planner
1. You know that little book that you never use that could be really helpful? It's time to whip it out. Contrary to millennial belief, planners can contain a lot of useful information. The majority of planners also come equipped with a contact and notes section as well so you can always have a hard copy of important numbers (for your resumes sake).
2. Set a definite alarm for sleeping and waking up on the weekdays, no exceptions
1. 

   We pride ourselves on being night owls as if it is a serious accomplishment but cramming late at night before an exam is not worth the lack of sleep or the amount of stress that you will experience the following morning. Let's put becoming a grouch beside us and invest ourselves in some good sleeping patterns. If you seriously need time to tweak your course work set your morning alarm a few hours earlier so that you can power through the finishing touches or review bright and early.
3. Turn your phone off an hour to thirty minutes before bed
1. The light emitted from our favorite technological tools actually suppress the production of melatonin which is the hormone responsible for the regulation of our sleep and wake cycle. I know it seems like the college thing to do, however staying up super late actually hurts you more in the long run. Make sure to say your nightly goodbyes early because sleep is precious, you will thank yourself later.
4. Collect business cards
1. When you come across an important person let's say your supervisor or maybe a potential future letter of recommendation, snag a card and store in your wallet. It’s really helpful to have that information at your fingertips instead of having to ask your boss what their job title is because you should probably know.
5. DO NOT study with friends
1. Your pals are great of course, but it's crucial to set aside and distinguish between social hours and study sessions.
6. Space out your coursework
1. Even if you have a deadline that is a ways away, working little by little will help you retain the information better and lighten your load when the deadline is actually near by. Less stress before due dates is the best way to keep your cool.
7. Exercise
1. 

   A little bit of recreation goes a long way when it comes to your stress levels. Moving more, more often is more beneficial than cranking it out at the gym a few times a week. Try to get some sort of physical activity everyday, whether it's light jogging or a quick yoga session every little step is still a step towards a larger goal.
8. Update your resume regularly
1. It is easier to jot down entries in your resume when they are fresh in your mind just so that you won't have to log months later and you cannot exactly recollect the exact information that you need. Your resume is your bestfriend in the adult world. Familiarize yourself with taking pride in it's appearance and upkeep, you can ask your supervisor to review it for you for accuracy.
9. Print out your schedule (or make one)
1. Keeping a hard copy of the places you are supposed to be helps when each new semester starts. Keep one in whatever folder you carry during the week and a copy posted in your living space just so that you always know where you need to go and anyone important that may live with you will know your schedule as well.
10. Don’t forget to have fun!
1. 

   Getting grade grades and stay organized are important but don't forget to have fun and enjoy yourself also. Make sure to take brain breaks from homework and stretch your legs, do a social session to catch up with friends, go out to eat, find new things about yourself to love and explore as much as possible. This is the biggest growth spurt of your life so don’t take yourself too seriously, just be serious enough to find a balance between work and play everyday.