Final Exam Studying Tips

    
     As final exams are fastly approaching, many students are having trouble staying focused and preparing for upcoming tests. Here are a couple of tips and studying habits that should ease test anxiety and ensure that students are confident and prepared for exams.

Tip #1: Never wait until the night before to study for an exam! Preparation takes time, and in order to adequately study for an exam, allot a certain amout of time a day for studying a couple of days prior to taking the test.

Tip #2: Limit distractions while studying! Listenting to music, watching t.v., chatting with friends, and browsing facebook may help to pass time, but often times can affect how much information a student retains. Studying in a quiet environment will help with retention of information.

Tip #3: Study in small groups. Studying in groups can be helpful. Members can bounce ideas and concepts off of each other and help to test one another. The key to studying in groups is to come prepared to the study session and to limit conversation outside of test material.

Tip #4: Highlight/outline important information. Studying a plethora of pages can be overwhelming. Highlighting important information will help to condense topics, synthesize reading, and will allow students to focus on specific information.

Tip #5: Do not study later than the time you would usually go to sleep. This may cause you to fall asleep while studying or may tempt you to rush studying in order to finish.

Tip #6: Get a good night's sleep before the exam and eat a hearty breakfast the day of. This will help fully charge your body and will help you feel at ease during the test.

Tip #7: Slow down on tests. Anxiety makes you skip over parts of questions. Read every word carefully

For a look at the Fall 2011 Final Exam Schedule, please follow the link below:
http://www.hamptonu.edu/studentservices/registrar/docs/fall2011_final_combined_exam_schedule.pdf

Winter Fashion Trends

Here is a list I put together of the top essentials for the winter season this year at HU...


1. Boots
Whether combat boots, polo boots, knee high boots, or furry boots... boots are a must for your closet this year!



2. Patterned Scarves

Scarves are a must to accentuate your winter ensembles.

3. Beanies

Beanies are a must if you want to stay warm, and have an edgy look.

4. Peacoats
Peacoats are a must to keep you looking stylish, while helping you stay warm.

5. Trendy Glasses (patterned frames)

Trendy glasses are a must to accentuate your winter ensemble.



6. Drop Crotch Pants

Drop crotch pants are back and more trendy than ever!

7. Short cuts for women, longer hair for men

"How I Learned to Drive" Expected to be a Moving Performance

Robin Boisseau, director of How I Learned to Drive and theater professor, fell in love with the play years ago and knew that one day she would want to put on its production. That notion was put into action in early September when auditions first began for the play. Boisseau credits the play’s controversial issues and theme of overcoming obstacles as reasoning for her wanting to direct the production, and commented on what she expected the audience to take back with them after viewing the performance.

“What I want the audience to get out this performance is that no obstacle or issue is too big to overcome and to be inspired by the characters’ drive and determination to conquer their problems.”

How I Learned to Drive was written by Paula Vogel and tackles subject matter that occurs in families, but goes unnoticed and unreported. Learning to drive is a metaphor used in the play to represent Lil’ Bit, one of the main characters, overcoming obstacles of rape and molestation within her family.

The message that the show conveys intrigued the actors and actresses, and sparked their views on the topics covered in the play. Ashley Saunders, a member of the female group chorus in the production, commented on her overall experience in the show.

“I’ve enjoyed participating in the play. As a society, we keep uncomfortable family matters hidden that need to be brought to the light. This play shows the complexity of child molestation.”

Dana Flowers, casted as Lil’ Bit in the play, also commented on her experiences with the production.

“It was very hard playing a character that was molested and it was even more difficult getting into character.  The play is about my character taking control, and hopefully the audience is moved by our performance.”

HU's theater department has had previous successes with its productions, including Dreamgirls, and is known for putting on dynamic and moving performances. Anticipation is high among students, faculty members, and Hampton-Roads residents, and actors and actresses are working hard to put on a good show.

The show runs Dec. 2-3 at Armstrong Hall Little Theater at 8 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on Dec. 4 at 3 p.m.  Admission is $10 general, $8 senior citizens, and $8 non-HU students.