Back to Spring Guide 2015

presented by the vidette

02

1.12.2015

A letter from the editors

Getting back in the swing for spring A

Jessica Smith Supplement Editor

s a senior, going into the final semester of college is very bittersweet. I’ve always loved the way spring semester progresses, from icy and miserable drudgery to sunny skies and Spring Break, as well as the excitement that comes with anticipating summer. Spring is all about starting fresh and progressing, making positive changes in your life and growing. That’s why in this guide I focused on following a linear narrative of a spring semester for the typical Illinois State Student.

In this guide, you can find out how to keep those resolutions that you made this New Year’s, learn about some unique ways to spend your spring break and read some reflections from graduating seniors on their ISU experience.

Now is the time to get organized and amped up, make some plans for the next semester and set achievable goals. Good luck this semester — the sky is the limit!

F

or the Back to Spring Guide, I wanted to take on the theme of “a fresh start.” As a designer, I am always looking for new ways to make my work stand out above all else and help push the design world forward. In fact, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to challenge myself to be more inventive in my design work.

That being said, for this year’s cover I wanted to step away from the computer and utilize other, unexpected materials. I began with assorted fabrics that spoke to the spring theme and then constructed a floral scene. Because of this, I was able to achieve more depth than I would have with the computer, giving this issue of the Back to Spring Guide a fresh look.

I hope you can all take inspiration from this guide and find ways to bring a fresh start into your own lives.

Breanna White Ad Production Manager

WALK2CLASS Kingsley Kingsley Commons Commons

907-909 907-909W. W.Market Market 11bedroom/1 bedroom/1bath bath On-site On-siteparking parking Laundry Laundryroom room on onsite site

OFFERS GREAT LOCATIONS JUST STEPS AWAY FROM CAMPUS.

Lincoln Park Townhomes

609 S. Fell & 302 W. Vernon 4 bedroom/4 bath On-site parking Laundry room in unit

BRAND STATEMENT

Franklin II

809 S. Franklin 3 bedroom/2 bath On-site parking Laundry room in unit

Franklin I

911 S. Franklin 3 bedroom/2 bath On-site parking Laundry room in unit

WALK2CLASS LOCATIONS

Lincoln Park Townhomes | Kingsley Commons Franklin I & II | The Stilts

Prices Starting at $520 Contact Us: 301 W. Beaufort St. Normal, IL 61761 Office Hours: Monday – Friday (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) allison@walk2class.com | www.walk2class.com

The Stilts

401 E. College 3 or 4 bedroom/2 bath On-site covered parking Laundry room in unit

03

BACK TO SPRING GUIDE

3 steps to ensure a better second semester Winter Break has gone by all too fast, and the first day of class has already arrived. Last semester may not have gone exactly as you planned, but there is no reason to dread this one. Take this opportunity for a fresh start and make it a great second semester.

1. Get Organized

3. Commit Yourself

One of the greatest challenges of college can be striking a balance between social and academic life; consider purchasing a planner to manage your workload.

Look through your syllabi and pencil in all your due dates to help prevent last-minute work and keep you from feeling overwhelmed. You might also download an app for your mobile device to keep track of your assignments and meetings.

2. Define Your Goals

Reflecting on last semester can help you determine what you need to do to make this semester a success. Many students decide they want to improve their grades or want get more involved on campus. These goals are too vague to include any real guidelines for meeting them. Break your overall goal into several clear, achievable goals. For example, if you want to be physically fit, explore what that might look like for you. Does it mean running every day, or achieving a certain weight? What small steps can you take throughout the semester to make it happen? Setting goals can be intimidating, especially when you want to make a big change. A Student Counseling Services professional can help you decide what you want to achieve and how best to accomplish your goal, whether it be managing your stress, choosing a career path or getting better sleep. Students can call (309) 438-3655 or stop by Room 320 of the Student Services Building to make an appointment.

Setting goals means next to nothing without ensuring you can fulfill them. It can be tough to hold yourself accountable to your plan; asking others for help is the best way to back up your goals and make sure you make them happen. Your friends and family are a great source of support, but there are also plenty of people and services available on campus to keep you headed in the right direction.

Other Tips

Visit the Julia N. Visor Academic Center Take advantage of this free resource, which offers free group tutoring, one-on-one academic coaching, writing assistance and workshops on a variety of topics to help you get ahead in class. Visit UniversityCollege.IllinoisState.edu/About/Visor/ or call (309) 438-7100 to learn more about its services and schedule an appointment.

Utilize the Office of Health Promotion and Wellness If health is a main focus of yours this semester, you should see Health Promotion and Wellness’ website for information and resources on a number of topics including stress, fitness, nutrition and sleep. You can take a free assessment to help pinpoint the seven dimensions of wellness you could work to improve this semester.

Enroll in SEVEN SEVEN is a wellness program through the Office of Health Promotion and Wellness that helps you track your progress by logging your involvement in campus activities, including time spent at the Rec Center, with chances to earn prizes along the way. Head over to Wellness.IllinoisState.edu for health info and to enroll in SEVEN and other programs for students.

Your first semester does not have to limit the possibilities for the rest of the year; set your goals, gather your support network, and take advantage of this opportunity to end the school year on a high note. compiled by Breanna Grow / reporter vidette archive photos and tns photos

04

1.12.2015

’Bird on the Street What is your spring semester resolution?

“To study more and to put more time and effort into exams.”

Morgan VanCleave Freshman Psychology major

“To stay on top of my grades and improve them.”

Sam Karnuth Freshman Elementary education major

“Crack down and study a little harder, and get a job.”

Taylor Atchison Junior Marketing and business administration major

“I want to exercise more, entertain more and gain more experience.”

Grant Jones Junior Broadcast journalism major

“I want to be more conscious of my health by going to the gym and by not eating just pizza,” Katherine Schwenk Junior Public relations major Compiled by Andrew Marshall / Staff Writer

New Year’s resolutions (that you can actually keep) What better time than the New Year to start working towards those goals you’ve always had?

Resolutions are infamous for being short-lived, so here are some tips on how to make them successful.

Get better grades The main reason for attending college is to

get an education, so succeeding in their desired field is a huge goal for many students.

If grades in the past were not so hot, try changing up your study techniques. Much like incorporating exercise into your routine, setting aside specific time to study or work on homework each day will make it an unbreakable habit.

Most of the departments at ISU also offer tutoring for several classes, and teachers are usually more than willing to help a struggling student. Using campus resources are an easy way to raise that GPA.

Add some culture to your life

University Galleries, now located in Uptown Normal, displays student art work and frequently feature different exhibits to keep it updated. In fact, starting Jan. 15, art by 17 students in the School of Art’s Master’s of Fine Arts program will be on the walls of the gallery.

There are also many music events and concerts that happen around the Bloomington-Normal area in venues people may not know of. Castle Theatre, The Coliseum, Firehouse Pizza and other pubs often hold both local and famous bands of all sorts of genres. Braden Auditorium welcomes many faces throughout the year as well, with the Blue Man Group coming this spring.

For students with a more restricted budget, the Normal Theater is a cheap, local place to view both recent and older movies. In January, Do the Right Thing, Muppets Most Wanted, Dear White People, Groundhog Day and Hoovey will be playing in Uptown.

Stay in shape by making it a habit Gyms are always packed at

the beginning of a new year because people are motivated to create a healthier lifestyle.

However, as the months go on, recreation centers tend to filter out due to lack of time or motivation.

Making exercise a priority can be hard for college students who have several other commitments, but TJ Kuster, fitness coordinator of Campus Recreation, advises students to set aside a little bit of time each day to fit in physical activity.

“They say it takes about 28 days to create a habit, so make yourself do your planned routine for a month or two and hopefully it will become ingrained,” Kuster said.

He also suggests students attend one of the many group fitness classes at the Student Fitness Center to meet people who can motivate you.

“Find a support system, like somebody who wants to stay healthy just as bad as you do, and stick with them,” Kuster said.

Get (more) involved on campus

In order to have the full college experience, it is crucial to be involved one way or another at ISU. From Greek Life to registered student organizations to intramurals, there really is something for everyone.

“Ever since I joined the Epsilon Sigma Alpha service sorority, I have been so much busier, but in a good way,” Shelby Holsapple, a junior speech pathology major, said. “I have met so many awesome people who have gotten me involved in other things on campus, which makes me really enjoy school.”

If you are not sure where you fit or what you want to join, simply go online to check out all ISU has to offer.

Compiled by Holly Petrovich / News Editor TNS Graphics

05

BACK TO SPRING GUIDE

LEASE STARTS

LEASE STARTS

Follow us

06

1.12.2015

Upcoming Men’s Basketball Home Games 1/17 - ISU vs. Bradley at 4 p.m.

1/25 - ISU vs. Northern Iowa at 1 p.m. or 3 p.m.

1/28 - ISU vs. Missouri State at 7 p.m.

2/3 - ISU vs. Evansville at 7 p.m.

2/14 - ISU vs. Wichita State at 5 p.m.

2/21 - ISU vs. Loyola at 7 p.m.

2/25 - ISU vs. Southern Illinois at 7 p.m.

Archive Photo

Sky is limit for injury-plagued ’Birds Zack Carpenter Reporter

Heading into the 2014-15 season, the Illinois State men’s basketball team was hit with some high expectations. As of yet, the Redbirds have not met all their goals. Injuries, inconsistent play and three home court losses have brought the squad to a 9-6 record and 1-2 start to conference play.

Some of the high expectations have come in-house, with head coach Dan Muller choosing his Redbird squad first in the Preseason MVC poll, despite the 2013-14 champion Wichita State Shockers returning three starters from a team that went 34-0 during the regular season a year ago.

“I thought if we could progress like I thought we would, and stay healthy, which that has been an issue to this point, that we would have a great chance to win the conference,” Muller said. “We have the team and talent to do it if we can continue to get better and stay healthy.”

Staying healthy could be the crucial factor to determine this team’s success going forward.

Second-leading scorer DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (14.5 PPG) broke his right hand in a mid-December win against DePaul and it is unknown when he will return to action.

Freshman forward Deontae Hawkins, ISU’s top recruit this season, is suffering from a stress reaction in his foot, which Muller describes as a “precursor to a stress fracture.” Hawkins has been forced to miss several games as a precautionary measure so the injury does not become more severe.

Reggie Lynch, considered by many college basketball experts around the country to be the best rim protector in the conference, has already accumulated 36 blocked shots this season. But Lynch has not looked quite the same while dealing with back pain.

Despite the injuries and adversity the Redbirds have faced this year, hopes are still high that they can right the ship.

“With the talent we have, the sky is the limit for this team,” Muller said. “You see moments and flashes with this team of how good we could be; we just have to be more consistent.”

Senior guard Bobby Hunter looks to help lead this squad to a better finish in 2015 than how it ended a season ago, with a first-round conference tournament loss to Missouri State.

See Basketball Page 12

(309) 829 - 6841 810 E. Grove Street • Bloomington, IL 61701

Monday-Saturday:

11:00am - 11:00pm

Sunday:

11:00pm - 8:00pm

“Coldest Beer Around”

King Tenderloin • Gebby’s Beer Batter Chicken Authentic Buffalo Wings • Homemade Soup • Catfish

For the latest information regarding campus parking, follow the Office of Parking and Transportation on Twitter. @RedbirdParking

07

BACK TO SPRING GUIDE

Spring sports teams blossoming Ryann Hoffenberg Sports Editor

As Redbird football ends a triumphant season, sports fans will be in need of new teams to cheer for. Luckily for them, spring at Illinois State is packed with tons of competition to keep school spirit high through the second semester.

ISU baseball will begin its season on Feb. 13 with a game against Arkansas State in State University, Ark. The team will continue to battle through a tough schedule on its way to the Missouri Valley Championship, NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals in the hopes of competing in the College World Series.

the Louisville Red and Black Classic before resuming non-tournament play.

While some sports are getting their seasons started in 2015, others have already begun their spring season. Basketball, golf, tennis and swimming and diving all continue their seasons into 2015.

ISU Basketball has already played two games this month against Wichita State and Drake. Men’s golf plays for the Tinervin Cup on Jan. 24.

Women’s golf enters the Illinois Challenge on Feb. 1. Men’s tennis travels to Tulsa on Thursday while women’s tennis remains in state to take on University of Illinois on Jan. 25. The swimming and diving team traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico on Jan. 4 where it won the Copa Coqui Invitational. The Redbirds will return to action when they travel to Washington-St. Louis on Friday.

Archive Photo Never fear, sports fanatics, there ISU baseball will debut its spring season on Feb. 13 with a game against Arkansas State in State University, Ark. are plenty of sports to keep your

Conference, we will need to be sharp in order to compete at a high level,” head coach Bo Durkac said. “And taking on the defending national champions in Vanderbilt will be both a huge test for us and a great experience.”

Illinois State track and field comes off of its Early Bird Invite EIU to start the season on Friday at the Terre Haute Double Dual in Terre Haute, Ind. ISU will host the MVC Outdoor Championships in May and Archive Photo the team will strive to move on to the Andrea Orris is the new gymnastics assistant coach.

NCAA Preliminary Round in Austin, Texas, and the NCAA Championships “With our first three weekends against qualin Eugene, Ore. ity opponents from the Sun Belt Conference, Gymnastics officially began Sunday when the Ohio Valley Conference and the Southeast the team faced Southeast Missouri State in

Cape Girardeau, Mo. The ISU Gymnastics team welcomes former Redbird Andrea Orris as an additional assistant coach this season.

“We are very excited to have Andrea come back home to ISU and join our staff,” head coach Bob Conkling said.

“I feel she will be a great addition with her background in dance, along with her college gymnastics experience. She will help us take the team to the next level.”

Archive Photo In February, the ISU softball team Track and field looks ahead to its outdoor season. kicks off 2015 with the USF Wilson DeMarini Tournament in Tampa Bay, Fla. The heart pumping and your ISU spirit showing team goes on to compete in the Arizona State this semester. Be sure to support all of your Littlewood Classic, the University of Florida Redbird teams and “spread the red.”

Tournament, the Texas A&M Tournament and

08

1.12.2015

09

BACK TO SPRING GUIDE

Make friends and give back this spring If you have no plans for your week off besides staking out a spot on the couch with a box of ho-hos and binging on TLC reality shows, it might be time to look into these affordable and potentially life-changing trips Julia Moreno Reporter

Students Today, Leaders Forever

something unique to offer and we aren’t afraid to be expressive about that.”

The ISU chapter of Students Today, Looking for an alternative way Kyle Houlihan, STLF core leader, said Leaders Forever has four buses. Two to spend your spring break? his organization welcomes all students are going to Charleston, S.C., and two to regardless of religious affiliation, sexual Dallas, Texas. Each bus holds up to 45 There are two campus programs orientation or cultural background. people. There is a down payment of $125, for Illinois State University “We are an organization that holds signif- which reserves a spot on the bus. The total students who want something icant value in the individual and the power cost is $470, financial aid is available for young people have in creating change,” students who contact STLF via email (isu@ different over the week long he said. “We believe that each person has stlf.net). vacation.

There are two differAlternative Spring ent kinds of trips offered to students, according to HouBreak lihan. One is called Classic According to Ann Weaver, Senior and one is called Mystery.

Specialist of Leadership and ComClassic means the student munity Connections and Alternative knows all of the cities along Breaks program staff advisor, her the route. Mystery means the organization plans and executes serstudent only knows the desvice trips around the country and the tination city. world.

During spring break the “These trips are immersive expeSTLF offers the Pay-It-Forriences in a community to do strong ward tour. The students are direct service and ref lect on social taken to seven cities in nine issues that affect them,” she said. days. Every city the group Alternative Spring Break has serstops in, they complete a vice trips specific to social issues, service project. There is also such as hunger, homelessness, envitime for the group to do tourronmental conservation, and youth ist activities in that city. development. This year, some of the “The cool thing about issues being tackled include housdoing service in so many ing, at-risk youth and homelessness. different cities across the Groups are working with Habitat for United States is that our Humanity, soup kitchens and local participants are exposed activist groups to make a difference to a large variety of social in communities around the country. issues that are affecting our There are five buses with 46 people Submitted Photo country right now,” Houlito a bus, the service trips go within Senior organizational and leadership communication major Kyle Houlihan and senior broadcast journalism major han said.

Emma Rimsa take a break from giving back during an STLF trip to take in the scenery and have some fun. a 16-hour radius of campus. The trip cost is $205.

The only requirement to go on this trip is to be a full-time undergraduate student.

The Spring Break trip is a six-day trek. The other times during the school year that ASB trips are offered include Winter Break (10-14 days), Summer Break (14-21 days) and 3-day weekend trips as well.

“You really get to see the impact that you are having on a community when you do this work,” Weaver said.

BAR & GRILL

BAR & GRILL

BAR & GRILL

Specials 5-9 • M-F & All DAY SUN 12-6

$2.50 Frosty Mugs EVERYDAY Red Bull Used w/ ALL BOMBS

$2.00 Burger Basket Combo $3.50 DBL Basket Combo Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

$1.50

$2.00

$1.00

$1.00

$1.50

$1.75

$2.00

$2.50

$2.00

$2.00

$1.50

$2.50

$2.00

$2.00

$3.00

$2.00

$3.00

$2.50

$4.00

$2.50

$2.50

$2.00

$2.50

$2.50

Domestic Btls

Fireball

Whiskey Monday

Import/Micro Botl

Well & UV flavors

All Drafts

$2.00

Burger/Fry/Pop

Domestic Btls

Fireball

Well & UV Flavors

Domestic Btls

Bud Family Pitcher Red Bull & Vodka & All Bombs

20oz Bud Family Draft Fireball

BudFamily Pitcher

All Cider Btl/Draft

MillerFamily Coors Lt Btl Well & UV Flavors

20oz Bud Family Draft Vegas Bombs

Bloody Mary’s

Rum Sunday

20oz Bud Family Draft Vagas Bomb

10

01.12.2015

Enjoy break without breaking the bank Looking to stretch your dollar without sacrificing fun this Spring Break? Here are some ways to make the most of your money, no matter where your week takes you Compiled by Brigid Ackerman

Destination Spring Break If you desperately need to get away from the dreary Illinois weather, give hostels a try. Booking a stay in Florida or Mexico through Hostels.com can cost you as little as $10 night. Also, before you start soaking up the rays, do not forget another very important purchase: SPF 30 sunscreen is just $11 at CVS.

Your hometown There is no shame in spending the week back home with your parents. After all, for juniors or seniors, it might be one of the last long periods of time that you spend there before you move out on your own.

Save money on meals and entertainment: eat your mom’s home cooking while watching Netflix on your dad’s new flat-screen.

Plus, you will have the chance to catch up with old friends — that is, if you feel like getting off the couch. Let’s face it, sometimes you just need a break from human interaction.

Bloomington-Normal Stuck on campus? Enjoy your staycation by exploring Bloomington! Miller Park Zoo downtown offers an exciting day for just $6.95 admission.

Starting at $10, you can cheer on the Thunder hockey team at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Or you could catch a movie at Normal Theater or attend a concert at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, Castle Theatre or Six Strings.

Since the dining centers are closed, you will have plenty of opportunities to try all of the great restaurants on Main Street.

Wisconsin Dells Chicago Dreading a boring week back home in the suburbs? Hop on the Metra and head to Chicago! The Art Institute offers free admission every Thursday from 5-8 PM. Spend the afternoon at North Avenue Beach — it’s free!

If you bring your own snacks, you will only have to pay for your train ticket, and if you go on the weekend, you can get a pass for just $7, which is good for unlimited rides on the Metra on Saturday and Sunday.

Like Us on Facebook The Ultimate Tan IL

Catch a wave while staying close to home by visiting the waterpark capital of the world! The town has tons of accommodation options, from camping to bed and breakfasts to lodges and motels.

The Dells also offers numerous opportunities for a memorable spring break: amusement parks, gokarts, duck boat tours, casinos, horseback riding, museums, theaters and more.

Make it a road trip with a couple close friends and split the cost of gas, camp out or stay at a cheap hotel, and splurge on a couple entertainment options.

For free fun, take a hike at Devil’s Lake State Park.

3 Months

FOR A CHANCE TO

of Tanning

OF FREE

NO Membership Needed

Unlimited Tanning for $4.72/week* WIN A MONTH on the Ultimate Monthly Membership. Includes

ONLY $67

TANNING!

Additional Fees/Taxes May Apply

Expires 4/30/2015

Expires 4/30/2015

Expires 4/30/2015

11

BACK TO SPRING GUIDE

Looking back: senior reflections We asked our senior followers to submit their favorite memories of ISU and thoughts about graduating. Here’s what they said via social media:

Danny Burner @DannyB04 @The_Vidette You don’t wanna know.

Trust me.

Twitter Nick Bretwisch @sticks022 @The_Vidette I feel I’ve wasted a few thousand dollars to become “wellrounded.”

Jason @ItsNOSAJ @The_Vidette It’s literally the dumbest thing ever. The real world sucks.

Sammi Oleson @sammijolikewoah My favorite memory was stepping out of my comfort zone and going on a Pay It Forward Tour with STLF! @The_Vidette Jennifer Noelle @jennifernoellol @The_Vidette I feel horrible

Facebook Sean Lisitza Long dinners in Watterson dining center with friends.

Ally Palhegyi The thought of leaving ISU in May is just so depressing.

Hannah Einfeldt Festival ISU because of all the free stuff, the cool clubs and all the wonderful people!

Alison De Ruiter I’m both excited and scared. Part of me is SO ready to be done with college, but part of me isn’t quite ready to be thrown into the real world yet. There’s a lot of nervous anticipation, and a lot to do!

REDBIRD ALERT: THE AVANTI’S® GONDOLA® IS EVERYWHERE.

Students at ISU report the Avanti’s® Gondola® is taking over campus and, if treated well, will actually go to classes for you and raise your grade point average. We believe this phenomenon was brought about by our NEW online ordering system.

If you have seen the Gondola® in action, please document this on Facebook or at #GOGONDOLA.

Order your Gondola ® online (the most convenient way to satisfy your hunger)

WWW.AVANTISNORMAL.COM

12

1.12.2015

Gearing up for the post-college life Brigid Ackerman Staff Writer

Come May, thousands of new Illinois State grads will enter the workforce, but it is important to start looking for jobs before you get your cap and gown.

The Career Center offers plenty of services to help Redbirds transition from the classroom to employment. Students can use Hire-A-Redbird, an online database that connects ISU job hunters with alumni and job recruiters. This is a great tool to showcase your success with people who are familiar with your specific program. The database includes both full-time careers and internships, so it is a good tool for students

at any stage of their education.

There are also many Career Center workshops throughout the semester that can students can attend. Feb. 9 and March 18, future grads can test their skills at the Employer Résumé Critique and Mock Interview Day at the Bone. For those considering graduate school, there are student panels, information on finances and introductory meetings about the GRE. In addition, there is a series of career fairs to fit the career goals of every senior.

Feb. 10 brings the Internship Fair, followed by the Construction Management Fair on Feb. 12, and the Education Fair on March 5. The Spring Career Fair is scheduled for March 19.

Visit the career center to print your résumé on professional résumé paper or to

print business cards in preparation for the career fairs, and make sure you have a nice suit or dressy outfit to wear.

The career center also suggests that students do some research on the employers attending the fair and come up with questions or comments specific to the companies they find interesting.

Each major is also assigned a Career Advisor who can provide further help on an individual basis. More information about all of the career Archive Photo services can be found on the Career Center page on the Students are encouraged to take advantage of the free employment resources provided by the Career Center. school website.

One last go around at ISU MY VIEW Kellie Flaherty Editor-in-Chief

Alright seniors, it’s officially spring semester and we know what that means: applying for graduation, focusing on getting a job and yep, our college years are almost over. A chapter is ending — and it’s been a pretty awesome one.

Unless you’re among the lucky few with a job already lined up after graduation, this is the first time in 20-plus years that we have absolutely no clue where we’ll be a year from now. The uncertainty that comes along with graduation is what scares me the most.

I don’t know what path my career will take. I don’t know if and when I’ll go to grad school. Honestly, I don’t know any more about

my future than I did as a freshman in college. However, these realizations are just as riveting as they are frightening. Yes, I have to go back to being roommates with my parents, but I will no longer (hopefully) be a broke college student whose “fancy” meal entails mac ‘n’ cheese and frozen pizza.

One aspect of life during senior year is certain — this is the last time we’re able to behave in ways that are no longer socially acceptable post-graduation. There’s no need to let the uncertainty of your future throw off your senior year game. So get it all out of your system now, because this is it. Go to Pub Wednesday when you have an early morning class the next day. Order Insomnia Cookies at 2 a.m. after the Pub even if you just ordered them yesterday. Walk home from downtown Bloomington when the weather is nicer.

These memories are the ones you’ll remember, so make this final go around count.

While you should participate in all of these and more senior year activities, you seriously need to be a boss at time management now more than ever. You’ve had your entire college career to master this necessary skill, and your last semester is the time for it to really shine. Yes, you’re graduating soon, but for now you’re

still a full-time student with more responsibility than you’ve ever had.

Completing course work, finding a full-time job and trying to live up your final 16 weeks as a college student is quite the balance. Construct a game plan to maintain a determined attitude so you’re (kind of) prepared to leave this magical place that is ISU in May. Instead of lying on the couch all day on Saturdays and Sundays, carve out a solid amount of time each weekend to apply for post-grad jobs. Finding time to be proactive in your last semester is vital — and you’ll be glad you did. Connect with prior internship supervisors, professors and advisers to amp up your reference list.

Learn how to write a great cover letter to ensure you stand out from other candidates.

Ideally, ISU has prepared you to take on the “real world.” Show your Redbird points of pride by representing yourself well while applying for jobs.

Today marks the first of lasts for us, seniors. We’ve made it through the first three-and-a-half years of college, and we can now almost see the finish line. I hope your last semester at ISU is filled with memories and full-time job leads. Now excuse me while I savor my final months as a college student.

Check it off: senior year bucket list There are just some activities that every ISU student needs to do before leaving here. Time’s ticking, so get started.

1. Climb the rock wall at the Rec Center.

2. Go to ALL the restaurants in Uptown Normal.

3. Make a random road trip. St. Louis, perhaps?

4. Go to multiple ISU sporting games.

5. Nap in several locations on campus.

6. Take a selfie with one of your professors. It could be useful one day!

7. See a movie at Starplex on a Wednesday to take advantage of the free popcorn.

8. Go to the top floor of Watterson. You won’t be disappointed by the view.

9. Take a photo by the “To Those Who Fell in Love” bench. Pose with a significant other or even friends.

10. Hang out on the Quad for hours just because.

11. Go to Merry Ann’s even though it tastes like it does.

12. Go on a downtown Bloomington bar crawl.

Pre-Grad Checklist Check in with your adviser early in the semester to make sure you are on track to graduate.

Apply for May graduation by January 16 for graduate students and February 6 for undergraduate students.

Order your cap and gown online through Jostens, Inc. beginning in early January.

Tell your friends and family — there is no limit on how many guests each graduate can bring to commencement.

Thank your parents for their help getting you through school. And mean it.

Get contact info for your references.

This will be helpful for potential post-grad jobs.

Rock those last few classes and go out with a bang! basketball

Continued from page 6

This year, an MVC tournament title has been put on the pedestal.

“Our goal is to win the conference tournament, but we have to take it one game at a time,” Hunter said. “We want to come out and play every game like it’s our last.”

“As a team we have the potential to be great,” Hunter said.

“Right now I would say we’re average because we get in a groove, win a game or two, and then we fall back. So we just need to keep moving forward and stop having minor setbacks.”

Leading scorer Daishon Knight (15.6 PPG) has been around the bend before and knows that the hard grind of the season is just beginning.

“The intensity picks up more in conference play, and the games really, really matter,” Knight said. “Everybody’s going to war and playing real hard. We want to prepare and practice and take each game one by one.”

With 15 games left and not

much time to prove themselves, the rest of this team’s success could be predicated on two key points: taking care of the ball and shoring up their second half defense. ISU has committed 206 turnovers through 15 games and given up 151 more points in the second half than the first.

Despite playing well on the road against No. 15 Wichita State, the Redbirds still suffered its second defeat to start the MVC schedule.

The Shockers’ head coach Gregg Marshall has told reporters that he believes this ISU team might have the most talented players in the conference. But now it is time to go out and prove it.

Fans are urged to come out and support this ISU team the rest of the season.

“It’s crucial to protect your home court,” Knight said. “And it’s very, very important to have fans. They can pick up that intensity and energy you need. They can push you to another level.”

The next Redbird home game will be the rivalry matchup against the Bradley Braves at 4 p.m. on Saturday.