In case you’re not like me, and you haven’t been crossing the days off your calendar, the end of the semester is quickly approaching. For seniors, like myself, it means the end of our time at WT. But before I fade off into the sunset singing, “Friends Forever” with my WT ALUMNI bumper sticker, I decided to take a look back at all the programs and events I took advantage of, or should have, in my time here.
Yes this is the number one program I should have taken advantage of but didn’t. WT has a processing lab that sells steaks and other delicious meats. They are normally cheaper than the grocery store and, I would guess, fresher too. There are even special events where they try out new tenderizing methods, and they do experimental “taste tests” where they will give you two free steaks to participate with. You take steak A and B and cook them the same and simply correspond through a questionnaire. FREE FOOD – I’m not sure if there’s anything better for the college student.
This used to be a class if I’m not mistaken, but now it is its own organization. Outdoor Pursuits offers trips for the students of WT to go on. Skiing, mountain biking and rock climbing are just a couple of the trips/activities they get together. I love the outdoors, and this would be a great way to get out and do the things I’ve always wanted to for a cheaper price than it would normally cost me to plan it and go alone.
Yes, I realize this sounds totally lame, but I wish I had taken advantage of the guest speakers WT paid to bring in. After days of listening to teachers lecture and teach, the last thing any student wants to do is listen to someone talk. But these are usually quite interesting, and it’s a great opportunity to hear from professionals and know what is out in the world. College is all about expanding your knowledge and broadening your horizons, and this is a great way to do it.
Another way to broaden your horizons is by traveling to new countries. But for those of us who can’t, WT’s Diversity Program helps bring countries to us. They have events like the one coming up called, “Taste of Turkey” where there is free food and music from the country. This is a series, and different countries have been represented. It’s in the JBK and has grown in popularity through Facebook. It’s another way to experience things that are not always accessible.
This may not be an organization but the event is actually pretty cool. Yes, it’s just a University Prom, but it’s fun for those who like to get dressed up or need a cheap date night. For fifteen dollars you get a full meal and access to good entertainment and dancing. That’s as cheap as Midnight Rodeo, but with a little sophistication. I went last year, expecting the worst, and was pleasantly surprised.
It’s located in the student success center, and the people are great. I have used this service to find an internship, and they are currently targeting jobs for my field in the city I want to work in. These people are great and have their finger on the pulse of the Amarillo job market. It’s better than Monster.com or any other job finding site; they weed out the thousands of “work from home” jobs (I wish I could make $100,000 sitting on my couch). It’s a good place for seniors who are scared of being jobless to go and get some help. They also hold resume workshops and hold practice interviews so you are ready to land the six-figure paycheck everyone dreams about.
For those who care to actually go to another country, study abroad is available. This may be the biggest regret of my scholastic career. It costs some money, but I think the experience would be amazing. Trips are offered to almost any country, and you gain the credits you need while going. I have had friends that went to Australia and Costa Rica, places I have always admired, and they loved it. It’s a way to take a trip in the middle of your school year and still stay on track with your degree plan. If I had the money, I would have loved to have gone, and for those who do, don’t pass on such a great opportunity.
This started over the past year, and is helpful to those who have to complete a Spanish class or two. The great thing about it is that it can help those who have a general interest in learning the language. I know that sounds nerdy, and that’s probably why I haven’t gone very often, but it’s a great program and a great way to learn conversational Spanish. It’s a laid back atmosphere where you don’t have the pressure of a teacher beaming at you, or a class full of people laughing when you mess up. There are plenty of native speakers who attend, and it’s easier to learn from a peer than out of a textbook.
Now these were just a few of the great things that WT has to offer; don’t get offended if I didn’t talk about the one you belong to. I have finite space here, so I just talked about the programs I’m aware of and wanted to be a part of.
The most important thing to take from this, underclassmen, is to take advantage of what the school provides. You’re paying for it, so get your money’s worth. Don’t just go to class and go home if you can help it; get out there and network – it may be quite rewarding.