"You stayin' in or gettin' out?"

          

That question that hangs over your head when you reach the last year of your enlistment. The thought of getting out of this comfort zone is quite overwhelming. Your thoughts are filled with questions like “Where will I go?” “What will I do?” “Where will I work?”

I went through the same thought process as I approached my last year in the Marine Corps. Although, I was completely overwhelmed at the thought of taking on the civilian world by myself, eventually, I was certain that it was what I wanted to do. So by the end of 2012, I had my things packed and I was on my way to the states! I could not wait to finally be on the other side of the fence!!

I transferred to UNCW in the fall of 2013. Was I worried about getting accepted? Yes!! Was I worried about the application process? Yes!! Was I worried that I would not look good on paper because I didn’t have much previous college experience? You bet! I worried about every aspect “Who would help me?” “I don’t remember how to turn on the GI Bill!!”  “I haven’t done this in a long time!”  

I will tell you, almost all of your biggest worries will disappear.  In one way or another everything falls into place as you settle down. The Transfer Admissions Team at UNCW helped me every step of the way, with every question I may have had. You’ll be in good hands.  

- Patty Martinez, USMC
Office of Admissions VA Work Study

Spring Break is Right Around the Corner...

Have you ever heard the quote by John Hughes in the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day off? “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Well I’ve read the quote countless times but never realized it was from that movie until I looked it up recently, probably because I haven’t ever seen it before. I may not have watched Ferris Bueller’s Day Off but I do know one thing, that quote couldn’t be more true. It may be cliché but time truly does fly. I mean…We only have one more week of classes and then we’re going to be on Spring Break! It doesn’t seem like it’s possible for it to be time for Spring Break already but it is and it baffles me. I’m looking forward to it because I will be taking my FIRST Spring Break Trip EVER IN MY LIFE!

I usually spend EVERY SINGLE Spring Break just taking it easy to relax as well as spend time with friends and family but this year I decided I wanted to change things up a little bit by going somewhere and actually doing something for once so I’m going on a trip to the one and only: NEW YORK CITY!! I’ll be going with an organization here at UNCW and am so excited! I took a trip with my family to NYC back when I was in High School and really enjoyed it so I cannot wait to go back. I just love the city. The energy and atmosphere there is amazing. I’m really looking forward to spending a week there to explore the city with some really fun people I’ve become friends with here at UNCW as well as experience service opportunities while we’re there. I have a feeling I will get a chance to experience NYC in a completely different way than the last time I was there which is going to be so great. I’ve gotten to the point in my life where I want to see the world, take chances, and experience everything I can of what this world has to offer. The fact of the matter is that we are only given one life so we have to make the most of it. I sometimes can think about the past a lot or plan things way in advance but I also have to make sure that I live in the present as well. I’m trying to find the balance and make sure that I embrace each and every day of this beautiful ride called life because I do not want to miss a single thing.

A Transfer Student's Perspective on Parking

Parking can be a four-letter word when it comes to any large institution. The cost, the lack of spaces, the tickets, it all adds up to one huge headache. It will relieve you to know then, that UNCW is on top of things when it comes to parking. You’re assigned to a lot based on things like what year you are, and whether or not you’re commuting or if you live on campus. When you buy it, it lasts exactly one year (i.e. if you bought it March 1, 2014 it would last until March 1, 2015). And personally I’ve never had trouble finding a space when I drive to campus. Prices vary based on need, but it can be as inexpensive as $70. For more information head over to the Warwick building on campus or visit:

 http://uncw.edu/parking/student_parkingregistration.htm

That said, there is a solid (and cheap!) alternative to parking on campus: The Wave. The Wave is the bus system at UNCW and it goes out about 1 to 2 miles from campus. It’s on a 20-minute loop, and each route hits most of the major apartment complexes nearby. As a student who lives in that radius, I use it almost exclusively when going to class and it’s never once made me late. Most routes drop you off at the Fischer University Union, which is smack in the middle of campus. The others go to Lutze Hall nearby, and there is a route that loops campus as well. The drivers are all very friendly and will never leave you chasing after the bus. Plus it’s free as long as you show them your student ID! They even have a tracking system so you can see where your shuttle is in real time. For more information, route maps, and that handy tracking app visit: http://uncw.edu/parking/shuttle.htm

Is a college degree still worth the high cost?

You may be wondering if going to college still has benefits, considering the high cost.  What about beyond the financial?

Read what field consultants and experts have to say:

Improved Self-Esteem: "There's just something about a college grad that makes her stand a little bit straighter and a little bit taller. It likely has to do with the boost to one's self-esteem and confidence that comes with making it through a higher education program."  
College benefits

More exercise, less fat:  "Those with more education are more likely to exercise than those with less education. College-educated adults are also less likely than others to be obese or have obese children. These results hold for all age groups." 

 Top 10 Benefits of a College Degree

What's Cooking?

After eating amazing food from the holidays and winter break with my dad’s superb chef skills, I’m a little sad to see my rather empty refrigerator here at school. It might be the laziness that occurs after going from class, to yoga, homework and finally some night classes to end my day, but the fire alarm happens to go off every time I cook. To be completely honest I’m not all that concerned about this issue for myself but for my future family. I currently live off of English muffins, Greek yogurt, and bananas. I hear kids are picky eaters…

            My sister thought it would be best to send me a crock-pot! It was probably the greatest thing that’s ever happened to my cooking career. I use it frequently. I’ve made chili, chicken soup, potato soup, minestrone, and a thanksgiving dish. However, I am one person. So making this massive pot of soup, or anything really, means I will be living off of that for the week.

            I will never take a home cooked meal, prepared and served by my parents, for granted ever again, especially the variety that comes with it. Luckily, UNCW Wilmington offers a plethora of amazing food options. Gathering up a group of friends to go get some food isn’t hard! Let’s be honest - everyone loves food and some good laughs.

Check out the many dining options UNCW has to offer: Campus Dining Locations and Menus

"Snow Week" at UNCW!

A once in a decade occurrence, UNCW was shut down for 3.5 days last week due to adverse weather in the form of freezing rain, sleet, ice and snow accumulation. Low temperatures kept the wintry mix frozen for days. Transfer To Teal Guides Stephanie and Anna Joy captured some great pictures of our winter wonderland....

Stephanie and Anna Joy braving the cold....

 Improvised sledding, Dub style

The Campus Commons and Clocktower covered in a wintry mix

 Our frozen James Hall fountain

We've thawed out now and are enjoying temperatures in the 70's.