Indiana University East

I thought about using this post to review everything that occurred during the past semester. However, that could take a while and I’m not sure I even remember everything. Looking back, it was a blur. It was both fun and stressful, and the opportunities I was presented with were beyond anything I could have imagined. That being said, there is a lot to learn from the past few months. I have decided to take my experiences to help create a list of resolutions. Yes, I have the common resolutions such as get in better shape, but I don’t want to stop there. So, without further delay, here it goes. These are not listed in any specific order. I hope you find them useful.

1. Learn to say no.

I have a tough time turning down any project. In the end, I am overwhelmed and have created unnecessary stress for myself. Also, if I tackle too many projects then I am unable to give 100% to each project. I like to think this isn’t true, but in reality, I can give 100% if I take part in, let’s say, 2 projects. However, if I am involved in five projects I may only give 85%. I don’t want to do a project if I can’t do it well.

2. There’s more to life than work.

I am currently reading “Quiet Strength” by Tony Dungy. He is a marvelous man. While working as an assistant for the Pittsburgh Steelers Tony had the opportunity to learn from head coach Chuck Knoll. Coach Knoll made it an emphasis to get off work in time to go home to family and friends. His philosophy was “Get the work done so you can enjoy the other parts of your life (p.58).” There is more to life than work, or school, even though it may not seem like it at times. Make time for the people and activities you love and enjoy.

3. Renew friendships.

So, all of my high school friends are in a different location. Reality is, though, they are not far. The sad reality is that I have not made the effort to maintain a suitable relationship. Visiting them has not always been possible due to my schedule. However, I neglect to even call them. Heck, websites like Facebook and Myspace make it easy to send a quick message. I’m not always a big fan of that because it’s not as personal as a visit or phone call, but it’s better than nothing.

4. Do something that I want to do. Try someting new.

I am frequently asked what I want to do when I graduate. Well, I don’t know where I want to work or the area I want to work in. However, I have brainstormed several activities I am interested in. I want to get back into coaching. I don’t care if it’s Little League baseball, high school baseball, or junior high basketball (those are the areas I’m interested in). It’s one of my passions and I miss it greatly. Also, a couple of new activities that interest me are learning to play the guitar and taking a judo/karate/whatever class.

5. Don’t do what others expect me to do or what others would like for me to do.

My intention is not to be a rebel. My intention is to do what I would enjoy and go where God may be leading me. I will admit that I have made decisions and taken on projects because I thought other people would approve of them and think highly of me. The reality is that those choices are not always the most appealing to me. It’s hard to complete an assignment for which I am not passionate. Also, I have made many decisions that are not appealing to God and the Christian faith. I am realizing that the things of man are not the most satisfying.

6. Don’t worry about how I appear in the public’s eyes.

Reality is, if I am always trying to appease the public then I will never be satisfied. Any satisfaction I do experience will be hollow and short-lived. I must learn to accept myself, both my strengths and my shortcomings.

7. With power comes responsibility.

I know this was said in some form in Spiderman. Fact is, it’s true. I have encoutered much more responsibility this school year than I ever anticipated. In some circles I am looked upon as a leader. I have big ideas and I talk a lot. Now it’s time to follow through. But it’s hard. It really is. I struggle constantly with complacency. It’s an ongoing journey. One that has many bumps in the road. This is the road I have chosen to take. I have been told that I have a lot of potential. Well, 10, 20, 50 years down the road I don’t want to feel as though I wasted that potential.

I have more, but at this point your eyes may be tired.  Take care.

Until next time

Derrick

I’ve been meaning to do this for a little while now, but I’m just now getting around to it. A couple of weeks ago our basketball team played a couple of D1 schools, IUPUI and IPFW. I think it’s cool that they finally had that opportunity, but I have something that I think is even cooler. I was at my parent’s house the night of the IUPUI game. I was planning on attending but I did not make it back in time from the Ohio State vs. Michigan football game. Yeah, that’s right. I was at the game. It was awesome. Anyway, that’s not what this post is about. My dad was in the living room watching TV and I heard him make the comment that they showed the IU East score on TV. I believed him, but I wanted to see it for my own eyes. So, I sat in front of the TV for a while, and my patience was rewarded. Sure enough, at the bottom of the screen on ESPN, was the IU East/IUPUI score. I had to take a picture. This has to be some kind of first for the university. The score may not have been the most desirable outcome, but the fact that the basketball team is playing against D1 schools, and the scores are on ESPN, is a huge step for the university. Congrats to the team and good luck on your upcoming games; which, by the way, includes a game at Conseco on Wednesday the 17th.

Sometimes little inspirations come when we are least expecting it. Anyone who read my last blog knows that I have been a “little” stressed lately. Well, I had clinical today, which means we have to research own patient the night before. It’s not unusual to be up in the wee hours of the morning, only to be back up at 5am. Anyway, my classmate and I went to Waffle House at about 11pm last night because we had yet to eat dinner. I ordered biscuits and gravy, which was fantastic. I was almost done with my meal when the waitress said, “Keep working. You’re almost there.” My classmate and I just looked at each other and smiled. She may have been referring to the meal, but little did she know how relevant that was to our lives. I don’t know what her name is, and I wish I could thank her. I’m still smiling about it now. Anyway, I thought I would share that story with you. Have a great night, or day, depending on when you read this.

Until next time

Derrick

This is going to be a quick one, as I will be going to bed soon. These past few days, and the next two, have been the worst week in recent memory. Normally stress from school is more than enough, but so many outside things have been going on that it’s been very frustrating. I’ve been asked several times if something is wrong because I haven’t been my usual smiling and “peppy” self, as one so described me. I usually respond by saying that I am just really tired, which I am, but it’s not the full truth. I feel as though everyone else has enough to worry about, so I keep it to myself. Sometimes I wonder how I am going to make it through. It’s a struggle at times to say positive. I feel so worn down and beaten, and I haven’t done a very good job taking care of my body. A big problem, though, is holding in my feelings. You know, men aren’t supposed to show emotion, and I, too, am guilty of that. In reality, that is very difficult and it probably makes life a little tougher. Men need emotional outlets, too. Now, I don’t necessarily mean talking things out. Men may not be as energized by talking as females are. My outlets typically come in the form of music, athletics, humor, and social events. That’s how I deal with stress. When I do talk it’s usually with my fiance or with one particular classmate.

I am making it through, though, and I will succeed. I just keep plugging away, little by little. I try to take small amounts of time to do something for myself, whether it be basketball, music, whatever. Yesterday I went to a family event and ate way too much food. It was great:) As a college student I don’t eat good home cooking like that very often. Out of curiosity, I wonder what all of you do to get through the stressful times. What is your motivation?

My advice for today would be to find humor in every day, and try to worry about only what you can control. Ok, I’ll admit it. I need to follow my own advice, but we can all work on it together.

Take care, and I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

Until next time

Derrick

Yeah, it’s about one in the morning, but I’m not ready to go to bed yet. So, I thought I would write a quick note about the past week. As many of you know it was Homecoming week and it concluded with the IU East Homecoming basketball tournament. First of all, I was chosen as the first ever IU East Homecoming King. The queen is a fellow senior nursing student, Carrie Pyle. The other members of the court include: Jessica Smith, Jennifer Holland, Marcus Wright, and Jerry Richwine. I hope I spelled those all correctly. Each one of them is deserving and they are all really cool people. It was definitely an honor to be nominated and selected. Anytime I am awarded something I am thankful and humbled. Perhaps the best part of the experience is the opportunity to meet students and faculty that I may not have meet before. I couldn’t begin to count the number of new people I have meet just this week. Even random people have come up to introduce themselves and congratulate me. There are so many interesting people, personalities, and stories, and I love meeting every one of them. The basketball team brought home the hardwood this weekend by defeating OSU-Lima on Friday and IU Northwest on Saturday. Nate Fraley, or “Big Country,” as he called by some of the fans, was the MVP, and  deservedly so. He had two great games. Perhaps the biggest winner, though, was IU East itself. Let me say that never before have I felt more like a college student than I did this past weekend, particularly on Saturday. The day kicked off with an intense volleyball match vs. Asbury. This match determined the conference champion, and while the Lady Red Wolves dropped the match, there was an energy and enthusiasm that I had yet to experience while at IU East. If you want to watch something exciting then watch a volleyball match. There were some amazing rallies, and they wore me out just watching them. Good luck in the tournament ladies. Following the volleyball game was the tailgating, and you can bet that I took advantage of the free food. I made several trips to the table. It’s unfortunate that it wasn’t any warmer outside. The day concluded with two basketball games, the last being the game between IU East and IU Northwest. IU East won by a score of 100-85, and it was a great game to be a part of. Our basketball team is fun to watch, and not only because of dunks and three-pointers. I think any fan can appreciate the effort and intensity that this team brings to the floor. Throw in the fact that IU Northwest features three former IU East players, add in a good crowd and some students who aren’t afraid to make a little noise, and you have the makings of an exciting game. The game also featured the unveiling of the new mascot, which looks great if you ask me. As the last few seconds the ticked off the clock the crowd rose to its feet to create a lot of noise and give a well-deserved ovation to the team. It was a cool atmosphere and it brought an excitement seldom seen at the university. The best part is that the basketball season is just getting started, and I hope that the crowd and enthusiasm continues to grow. Alright, I’m kind of tired now. So, enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Whatever you decide to do today, do it with a smile and enthusiasm.

Until next time,

Derrick

P.S. In case you were wondering, Chicken Fried has nothing to do with the post. It just happens to be the title of my favorite country song. Check it out sometime. It’s by the Zac Brown Band.

Hello, hello, everyone. I hope you’re all having a great day. I’m trying to remember everything that has gone on since my last post, and I’m not sure I can. The second Java Jams was held on the 15th. I was able to go to part of it, and I tried working on homework while listening, but it didn’t go so well. I get distracted easily. Very easily. I’ve had numerous meetings the past couple of weeks. Sometimes I wonder how I keep everything straight. Upcoming events include the IU vs. Purdue blood drive this Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 2p-6p in the gym, and the Fall Family Festival this Friday, Oct. 24, from 6p-8p in the Graf. If you want to donate blood contact Campus Life. For the festival, flyers are given to every elementary student in the Richmond and Centerville school districts. I’ve been told that on average 300-400 kids attend the event. There will be games, a coloring contest, a costume contest, and lots of candy. Some of the campus organizations will set up tables and have games and giveaways. The October Association of Nursing Students (ANS) meeting was recently held. We discussed a few of the healthcare views of the presidential candidates. The sophmore nursing students had a project due that day that required them to create a political commercial. Some of the commercials were shown during the ANS meeting, and I will say that I was quite impressed. We discussed events that we want to pursue in the future. On November 1st we are planning on getting a group together to attend the first home basketball game. Following the game we are going to have a bonfire on one of the student’s property. We also discussed our Christmas project, but I will provide details for that as the time draws nearer. One big event that I must talk about is Homecoming week. It is November 3-8. The theme is Van Halen’s “Right Now.” Tuesday through Thursday will be decade days. Tuesday will be the 70s, Wednesday the 80s, and Thursday the 90s. From 12-2 in the Graf there will be games, music, food, decorations, and a movie from that particular decade. Movies will be shown throughout the entire day, so if you are unavailable from 12-2 you can still catch a movie. Also, from 7p-9p on Thursday there will be a bonfire and a band. There is a chili cook-off on one of the days, but I can’t remember which one. You may have noticed on the IU East main page that there was a link for Homecoming Court nominations. Nominations are no longer being accepted, but I believe that you may soon be able to vote to determine which of the nominees will be on the court. On Monday, Nov. 3, the Homecoming Court will be announced. It will consist of 3 males and 3 females. The King and Queen will be announced at the bonfire on Thursday, Nov. 6. There won’t be a Homecoming basketball game. Instead, there will be a Homecoming tournament. That’s right, two exciting nights of basketball at the Tiernan Center. The tournament will be held on Fri., Nov. 7 and Sat., Nov. 8. There is also a volleyball game at 1pm on the 8th at the Tiernan Center. I must mention that the volleyball game will be against the #1 team in the conference, Asbury college. So, we all need to show up to cheer on the volleyball team that day. Then you can stay around for some basketball. Oh, I must also mention that there will be tailgating on the 8th as well. Just thought you might like to know that. I think I hit all the main details. If not, I’m sure someone will tell me and I will pass the information on. I have more to talk about, much more, but I need content for the next time. Work hard. Have fun. Take care everyone.

Hello everyone! Feels as though it has been a while since I last wrote. My life has been pretty hectic lately, but in my opinion it is better to be busy than have nothing to do. Since my last post I have had my first clinical in ICU at Good Sam. It was pretty cool, and I enjoyed the experience. There was always something to do, which thrilled me. I anticipated feeling nervous and overwhelmed, but in reality I was just a little nervous, and sleep-deprived. But, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t used to sleep-deprivation. One of my personal nursing diagnoses would be sleep deprivation related to too much to do and too little time. ha-ha. Ok, so all of you nursing students know what I’m talking about and you future nursing students will soon know what I mean. Also, just in case a faculty member reads this, I would change my “related to” clause, if you were wondering. I’ve always wanted to put together a care plan for nursing students. Maybe I’ll do that in my free time. Last week I attended the first Java Jams. I ordered a mango smoothie and played some pool, albeit by myself. So, if you ever see me by myself, don’t be afraid to come up and say hi. If you want to play, go right ahead and join me. I’m not that good. I enjoyed the atmosphere, though. It was reminiscent of a coffee shop. By the way, I really like the addition of Bear Creek coffee to the Graf Center. I like the mango and strawberry-banana smoothies, and don’t forget the whip cream on top. Oh, I have to mention the giant cookies. They might be a meal by themselves. The next Java Jams is Wednesday, October 15th at noon in the Graf Center. Be sure to stop by, even if you’re just walking through. It’s a nice break in the middle of day. I have more to say, but it’s 12:30am and sleep-deprivation is staring me the face again. Have a great week. I promise I won’t wait so long to write again.

You grow up the day you have your first good laugh, at yourself.                Ethel Berrymore

Until next time

Derrick

I know that Noah mentioned the volleyball team in his recent blog, so now I want to take my turn to give a shout out for the volleyball team. I just got back from the game and saw the Lady Red Wolves collect their first victory of the season. So, first of all I say congrats to the team. I’m sure that there are many more wins to come. Second, I want to say that a pretty good crowd was present, which was great to see. I hope the crowd continues to grow. I encourage everyone to check them out, as the team was fun to watch.

Today was orientation at Reid Hospital. Prior to today the only part I had seen was outpatient surgery. We were able to see the auditorium and ICU. Let me say that everything is beautiful and impressive. I also checked out the cafeteria, as I have to know where the food is:) I haven’t tried any of the food yet. The whole experience is really exciting. That’s all I have for now. Have a great week Be sure to do something for someone else each and every day.

I am sure that many of you are aware that today was the big day for Reid Hospital. You may not know that senior nursing students from IU East and Ivy Tech assisted with the move. Most of us were at the old Reid helping prepare patients for the move, while some were at the new Reid. Even though we did not get to go to the new Reid it was still cool to take part in such a momentous occasion. I am very thankful for the opportunity. I was able to witness the last patient being moved. Once the final patient was on his way I took a second to look around at the empty rooms. It was an odd feeling. For so many years the old Reid provided services to thousands and had served as the primary clinical setting for nursing students. The hustle and bustle was primarily gone, and there it sits, leaving me to wonder what will become of it. The time has come to close one chapter and begin another. As I look down the hallway at the empty rooms I feel a sense of sadness, pride, and excitement. I smile because I know that I am lucky. I am very fortunate to be a part of the transition, and I can’t wait to get into the new hospital. The students have orientation there Tuesday, and some of us will begin our clinicals there, while others, including me, will begin at Good Sam in Dayton before finishing at Reid. This may be the only time in our nursing careers that the other students and I are able to participate in a move of this magnitude. I will savor the moment, and it will be forever embedded in my memory.

As you may have guessed from the title, this week was a roller coaster ride. First of all, I want to say thank you to everyone who attended the Welcome Back party, and thank you to those who helped set it up. I was there because the Association of Nursing Students (ANS) had a table set up. It was the first year that I was able to attend, and for the short time I was there I had a lot of fun.  The food was good and the games were cool, but the best part was seeing all of the people on campus that day. It seems to me that there are more people on campus than ever before, and there is an energy/excitement that I don’t ever recall feeling prior to this year. I see a transformation taking place, and I’m thankful to be a part of the experience. That was one of the highs. Now for the lows. Sorry. As part of nursing orientation we were required to take a math test and a clinical check-off. The math wasn’t so much a problem, but the check-off was another story. Let me say, in all fairness, that the other students and I always convince ourselves that the check-off will be worse than it really is. Maybe it’s because we don’t exactly know what to expect. Maybe it’s due to a lack of confidence (guilty). Needless to say, the days leading up to the “fun day,” as we decided to call it for reasons unbeknown to me, were quite stressful. I went in the first group so I could get it over with and reduce the time I had to think about it. Once I entered the room and began the check-off I realized that it wasn’t really that bad, and I really had a good idea of what I was doing. I just have to relax and trust myself. Basically, the anticipation was worse than the experience. Let me tell you, though, that when you are done and you know that you have done your best and you feel confident in what you have done, there isn’t a better feeling. Yes, there is a lot of information to know, and yes, there are hours of preparation, but it’s worth it. It is worth it. The most rewarding moments are the ones you have worked hard for. So, now I sit here wondering about everything I have to do this weekend, and yes, there is a lot. But I smile because I know that I can do it, I will do it, and when I am done I will look back and be thankful for the experience. Have a good weekend everyone. Be active. Be passionate. Work hard.

Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. That is where the fruit is.

Derrick