Category Archives: OneMic!

Don’t Forget; BannerWeb Loves You

For those of us who have been a student at Middlebury long enough, we all know what a delight registering for courses on the college’s server, BannerWeb can be.

Here is how my registration morning game plan used to look like.

6:55AM – Alarm rings. Turn on my computer.
6:56AM – Frantic dash to the bathroom.
6:57AM – Sign on to Bannerweb with the handy sheet of paper that contains the CRNs by my side.
6:58AM – Complain with the roommate/hallmate/that-cute-so-and-so-from-last-night-in-your-bed about how early it is.
6:59AM – Check Facebook one last time.
6:59:59AM – Refresh BannerWeb frantically in the hopes that I will actually get through and see the magical screen with the six boxes at the bottom.

At this point a number of things could happen.

A) Your submission goes through and you get into all/some of your classes.
B) BannerWeb stalls until you get in only some or none of your classes while you scramble to register your back-up choices or add yourself to the wait list.
C) BannerWeb implodes and you and your friends share in the misery of not-taking that introductory class that you needed for your major until senior year with the other first-years who got to register with priority in person.

So in order to facilitate your registration process, The Posse at Middlebury Blog have come up with a guide based on the wisdom of those who have come before us.

So come back this Thursday to check out our “BannerWeb Survival Guide” and “Things to Consider When Choosing Your Courses.”

Social Media Updates on Sept. 11th 2011

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On Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011 there were more people that had “heard” about the earthquake on Twitter before the aftershock had even reached them. In the 10 years since Sept. 11th 2001, the world of social media has grown exponentially alongside the generation that experienced the said catastrophe first hand. Today I want to share with you some of the thoughts that other scholars have expressed back on the anniversary day.

Karen: 9/11 and Convocation. ‘Tis bittersweet.

Aya: today idk how i feel…but i’m proud to be a new yorker.

Yashika: This commercial with the little kids singing to the firefighters just gave me chills

Kelly: 10 years ago today… heard my media teacher say to our class, “This might be the most important day of your lives.”

Becca: Remembering 9/11 ten years later

Andrew: RIP to the victims, and live in peace to all the survivors.

Carlos: Can’t believe it has been 10 years….To think I was in my 11th grade AP US History class watching out the window as it happened.

Diane: Uncle Joe, ladder company 101, a hero and a loving father. We miss you and we love you. Gone but never forgotten.

Rana: My prayers go out to the heroes who lost their lives because of what happened ten years ago.

Naya: 9/11 ninth gr. Living environment class mom called me to the office-its world war 3 let’s go home!-mad scared :(

OneMic!: Pre-Middlebury Advice Part 4

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Don’t forget to check out part one, part two and part three of the series.

As any scholar can attest, the best part about being Posse, aside from the warm fuzzies and weekly/bi-weekly/BIG meetings with each other and the mentors, is having someone to go for advice. So for the month of August, 2011 we asked the scholars, “I wish I had known or someone had told me… (about Middlebury)” and this is what they had to say:

“When choosing your adviser(s), be very deliberate in your selection. They, like all of your professors are paid to serve you. Think of the process as an interview. By the end, your choice should be a professor you’ve had at least once class with and are most comfortable going to office hours for advice on classes, scheduling, internships, etc. Once you have an adviser, meet with them a lot to update them on what you’re up to and see what they are up to.
Avoid long dinner lines by going early. Proctor opens at 4pm. I prefer 5:30 dinners myself.
Study hard and play hard. It’s only healthy to release the stress of a long, arduous week by dancing for hours at your own, friends’, or commons-sponsored dance parties.
Take advantage of town. It’s nice to get off the campus and eat at the restaurants in town. I recommend Storm Cafe and Noonies for a nice sandwich. Clear your head and explore unique study spaces in town like Carol’s on Merchant Row. I personally recommend Stone Leaf Teahouse in Marble Works.For Posse Scholars- Make the most of the 1 on 1’s with your mentor! Although they end after the first two years, you can extend them if you want. “
Devon (MP10)

“-Come in with an open mind. You choose a lot of what you want your Midd experience to be.
-Though it may not look like it because we are from New York, Midd has a lot to offer.
-It might be hard and it may take a while to get into the groove of things but make Middlebury your campus. Put Posse’s tuition money into use.
-Take advantage of the Midd environment. Go hiking/ biking/ swimming/ skiing.
-Your hall mates/ roommate do not need to be your best friends.
-It’s okay to sit by yourself in the dining hall.
-Buy a lamp.
-Talk to your professors outside of the classroom.
-Middrides exists on campus. You can call Middrides to get from one place to another for free at night. Realistically, walking is faster but it’s cold at Midd.
-Take a day to explore Midd. At the library, there are cameras, voice recorders, lazy boy chairs, microphones, VHS, microfilms, and a fax machine. There is space in the Johnson building to get artsy. Go to the organic garden to see the sunset.
– Try to get your work done as soon as possible so you don’t feel behind.
– Have a lot of socks.
– Rugs make your room feel homier.”
Syeda (MP11)

“The Teahouse at Marbleworks: great place for delish tea and homework-doing. Use the second floor. It is too cute and comfy.
Language learners–use language tutors! I used one all of my first year, one on one, an hour a week…the best way to study, review, and really understand. Don’t settle with just any tutor, just like with a pair of jeans/a boy/a girl, keep shopping until you find the perfect match.
Eat and work out. The Grille is going to kill your wallet but make your tummy really happy on sucky days. And even if you’ve never worked out before, you’ll realize that the gym might be the only place where your mind and body are both too busy not falling off the treadmill to think about course work.”
Shipnia (MP10)

“I wish I knew about the free/ really cheap bikes you could get at the beginning of the school year from the bike shop.
Take time to walk around town as much as possible too. Carol’s Hungry Mind Cafe is a cool hide-out/ study spot when you want to get away from campus;-)
Do whatever major you love, not necessarily for a career. Nowadays Art majors can work in investment banks after college. So forget about what your parents have to say about your major choice. Do what’s fun for you. At the end of the day…all that matters is that Middlebury Degree. Love you all! Enjoy! So jealous you have 4 more years at midd!”
Meli (MP9)

That’s it for our August, 2011 OneMic! series! We hope you have enjoyed reading all the advice that these scholars have to share as much as we did. Come back next month for the very special, 9/11 10th Anniversary Project where we will be presenting stories from not just scholars but anyone and everyone who have been affected by this event in our generation’s history.

OneMic!: Pre-Middlebury Advice Part 3

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Don’t forget to check out part one and part two of the series.

As any scholar can attest, the best part about being Posse, aside from the warm fuzzies and weekly/bi-weekly/BIG meetings with each other and the mentors, is having someone to go for advice. So for the month of August, 2011 we asked the scholars, “I wish I had known or someone had told me… (about Middlebury)” and this is what they had to say:

“I wish I had known about my classes before I actually signed up for them. I should have just asked around a lot to get as much information as possible. Also, to answer some of the questions above, there are no parties to avoid, as long as the work that needs to be done is completed. Best place to play hide and seek is Battell or Ross. I personally prefer Battell but if you asked Jon Castro, I am sure he will say Ross. The fitness center is a great place to be. It is however very crowded in the afternoons especially after 3pm because all the athletes will be in there. The best time to be in there is in the morning before classes or very late at night in the Sweatshop.“

Biniyam (MP12)

“So I wish someone told me how different Middlebury Vermont would be from everything that I had been used to for 18 years. In many ways, though, they did. I was told that many people there would be skiiers, private school graduates, that they’d love the cold and that they’d be used to seeing the stars at night. That they’d be different.
But what I wasn’t told was how to react to all that. It’s easy to do everything with your Posse, to sit by the people you know the best, you’ve known for the longest, with people that come from the same place as you do with many of the same past experiences. And that’s not a bad thing. By all means, some of your fellow Posse scholars may become your best friends — for life.
But Middlebury, as a learning environment, really is so much bigger than your immediate group of 10 or 12, or the Posse family of 40-50. Take what you know, what NY has taught you, and pass it on to those who may think that the subway is the most scary place in the world. And take what they have to offer as well. Play tennis, go snowshoeing, learn about someone’s childhood life on a farm in Iowa.
Yes, we as Posse scholars are all smart. (And yes, NYC is the best place on earth). But there is SO MUCH MORE. Spread your NY knowledge, but be open to taking some back. Understand that for some people, Middlebury is the most diverse environment they’ve ever been exposed to. And though it may not seem that way, it may be for you too. Just ask the people on your freshman hall where they’re from, what they love to do, how many languages they speak or what they did last summer. You’ll see that everybody has their own story, regardless of what we may assume.
I guess what I’m trying to say, in a much more condense way, it to be open-minded. Don’t just tell yourself that you’re willing to be open-minded… work at it each and everyday. Middlebury is an unbelievable place, and I’m jealous of the four years you have lying ahead.”
Ariel Ritchin (MP9)

“Don’t compare how you did in high school to how you should be doing in Middlebury. Midd is a completely different ball game, if you stress yourself out saying that you used to be the top of your class and now you aren’t you’ll be stressed out everyday. Yes, you should aim to do well but it should be the best you can do while being happy, healthy and safe. Don’t compare yourself to anyone in your class, posse or back home; be happy with yourself and remember that this education is priceless!”
Luis (MP10)

Come back every Thursday during the month of August for the rest of the advice. And if you would still like to contribute, click here.

OneMic!: Pre-Middlebury Advice Part 2

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For part one of the series, click here.

“Don’t wear the lanyard thing they give you with your ID, it’ll mark you as a first year. Axinn is a great place to study and they’ve got a bunch of rooms where you can watch movies on a projector (Although a lot of buildings have that). Long johns aren’t necessary but I wear mine when its gets extremely cold and they’re freaking comfy. You need a good pair of boots for the snow, preferably ones that will be good in the rain/mud too. A lot of people have bikes on campus. I like having mine around but as you know everything is pretty walkable. You’ve got your posse to hang with and for support, but don’t forget to hang out with other people too!”
Matt (MP10)

“Give everything a try! Classes that sound interesting, clubs you’re thinking of trying, lectures, trips, events, everything. Even food in the dining hall you’ve never had before. These are the years to experience as much as possible.
Parties to avoid: try all parties freshman year, avoid all those parties later on. Hide and seek: Big trees outside mccullough student center. Another big rush problem; dining halls, esp lunch and dinner. Ex: 12:25pm, lunch lines can be out the door, go early from your room, or leave class the second it gets out at 12:15.
MIDDLEBURY POSSE SCHOLARS** have a special posse donor to help us out if we need. Use it! That is how I paid for my flight to Australia my sophomore J-term.
Oh yeah, really consider going abroad. It doesn’t have to be for everyone, but college is a GREAT chance to travel. Even during J-term! That’s what I did.
Go skiing! I only went once, borrowed snow pants from a friend, rent equipment from the snow bowl. Give it a try.
I hope you live in Battell. Ugly rooms that feel like prison, can hear through the walls, loud neighbors, great time.
Classes/profs: dont be afraid to go to your professors and ask for help. Most of them would be delighted to help. Don’t be shy about asking other students to be study partners, I was always embarrassed about looking dumb. Chances are most students feel lost.”
Becca (MP8)

“Be yourself. Never be ashamed of where you came from. Never feel the need to divide based on where you came from. Find a balance. Be cool and confident. Be calm. Have a strong sense of inter-personal awareness. Do what makes you happy. Have a strong sense of self. If you don’t because you’re young and the world doesn’t make sense yet (it might never) DO NOT BE AFRAID TO TRY NEW THINGS, TALK TO NEW PEOPLE, and GO TO NEW PLACES.
You can’t FIND yourself unless you expose yourself to different things but be careful not to LOSE yourself along the way…”
Sabrina (MP9)

Come back every Thursday during the month of August for the rest of the advice. And if you would still like to contribute, click here.