Exam tip number 2
Get some rest!
Getting your 8 hours of sleep in a night is a must! More sleep leads to better concentration so you can ace that Bio exam!

Exam tip number 3
Eat healthy
Eating healthy boosts your brain activity. You’ll be able to concentrate and think more clearly. You’ll also feel positive because eating good, healthy food such as fruits and veggies boosts serotonin, your body’s natural “feel-good” hormone.

Remember that the Office of Academic Support will be hosting a Final Exam Study Tip Session on Thursday, December 8 and Monday, December 12 from 3:30-4:40 p.m. at Hart Hall on the Russell Sage College campus.
Photo credit:http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/images/bookcolr.gif

Since I am graduating in May, this will mark my last first semester at RSC. This led me to reflect on my time here at Sage and also about the future and what I hope it will bring me.

The first thing that ran through my head is where did the time go? I remember my first day at Sage like it were yesterday. I walked into my first class ever-Psychology 101 scared, nervous, and sweaty palms. I asked myself, Where do I sit? Do I still have to take notes? These were some serious questions that I needed to find out and find out quickly! I wasn’t even sure how to use a syllabus! Looking back, the time I have spent at Sage has been very valuable to me. I took a work-study job at the Office of Communications my freshman year and was able to make contacts that will last a lifetime. I also was able to learn the ins-and-outs of how the higher education system works. This was all while earning money! In the summer before my final year at Sage, I learned how Sage handles large groups that want to use our campus for events. I learned this through Christine Cowieson, the director of the Office of Conferencing and Events. Both jobs at Sage have taught me valuable life experiences that I will take with me the rest of my life. My life has also been touched by certain professors. After taking Sociology 101 in my sophomore year, I enjoyed the material and the teacher so much, that I decided to declare a minor in Sociology. Now, I will be graduating in May with a degree in Communications and a minor in Sociology.
I can not thank my professors and the staff I have worked with enough. I am happy to have had the opportunities and experiences at Sage. I’d like to leave some thoughts and advice for the new class. My advice would be that when you’re a new student, take advantage of the opportunities around you. Sage has a lot to offer, but you can’t just let them pick you, you have to go out and find them yourself. People are always here to help you at Sage; you’ll never be alone!

Photo credit:http://images.pictureshunt.com/pics/g/graduation_cap_and_diploma-2091.jpg

I Placed my order with a woman at the front counter. She was very friendly and worked hard to make sure I was served and in a timely manner. I ended up picking up a pumpkin muffin and a small hot chocolate. I had never eaten a pumpkin muffin previous to my trip to Illium. When I took my first bite, it was love! Pumpkin and spice danced on my tongue and filled my palate with joy. This muffin was fresh and I could definitely tell it was made from scratch. This is one of the reasons I love eating at local restaurants instead of chains-the food is always fresh and made-to-order! Next, I took a small sip of my hot chocolate. This hot chocolate was a taste I had never experienced before. The Illlium has their own secret recipe and I could tell because the taste was something you can not find in a box or on a shelf. The hot chocolate tasted rich and had a hint of cinnamon along with some kind of other spice which I could not quite figure out.

My experience at the Illium Cafe was definitely one to remember. I’m definitely stopping by again, soon.

Photo credit:http://us.cdn2.123rf.com/168nwm/skoney/skoney1104/skoney110400003/9436540-creamy-cup-of-coffe-with-fresh-muffin-focus-on-coffee.jpg

Rule # 1:
Time management
One thing you don’t want to do when there’s snow on the ground is drive fast because you overslept or you’re leaving at your usual time. Make sure that the night before, your alarm is set and it is set at an hour to an hour and a half more than your regular time you get up. This ensures enough time for you to get ready and allow enough time to navigate those snowy roads we all love to hate!

Rule # 2:
Stock up
If you know there’s a storm headed your way or you know that your neighborhood does a really bad job at plowing the streets, make sure that you have a shovel, some ice melt and a brush to brush off the snow on your car.

Rule # 3:
Check your e-mail
Sage has a great system that you can sign up for that tells you that school’s closed.Sage will send you a text message- Sign up for it! If you don’t want to, check your e-mail. Even if school’s not closed, check your e-mail anyway because there may be a slight chance that your professor couldn’t get out of his or her driveway.

Rule # 4:
If all else fails, take the bus
I know, you probably don’t want to take public transportation but I do and it is one of the best ways to save on gas and ensure safety so you don’t have to worry about that slight chance of wrecking your car in the snow. It’s also free! Just bring your Sage ID and swipe it through the swipe bar on the ID box. It’s simple. Go to CDTA.org for bus routes and see if there’s one by your house.

Photo credit: http://newmarketns.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/stuck-in-snow-clipart.gif

When I am stressed from life, I turn to my animals at home. They help me appreciate the little things in life as well as a sense of appreciation. Aside from that, animals are known to help lower blood pressure and provide companionship. They are loyal and will always remain a part of the family for years to come.
The great thing about finals week here at RSC is that student activities brings in dogs from Therapy Dogs International for a couple of hours. I’ve never heard of Therapy Dogs International until I came to Sage. I love the fact that students can interact with both owners and dogs. It definitely makes me feel better after the stress of finals. I remember my first time playing with the dogs was last semester in the spring. I played with a dog named Piggly Wiggly (yes, like the grocery store down South!). Piggly Wiggly had a party hat on with sunglasses. He was extremely energetic and of course, loved to be petted. I’m very excited to see the dogs return because I could use some de-stressing and I always turn to my pets for comfort when I’m stressed.
What: Therapy Dogs International
Where: Kellas Quad
When: 12-1:30 p.m.
Contact for more info: Diane Angrisano at angrid@sage.edu
Photo credit:examiner.com

All children are encouraged to come and sit on Santa’s lap. If you bring a camera you can take pictures with Santa and tell him what is on your wish list this Christmas. There will also be lots of things to see, including decorated Christmas trees, snowmen, all kinds of treats, and even decorations in store windows. Winter Wonderland will be open during the following hours:

Friday, November 25 from 5:00 – 8:00p.m.
Sunday, December 4, from 11am – 5pm
Saturdays, December 3, 10, and 17 from 11:00am – 3:00 pm
Pick a day and join in on the Holiday festivities!

Andor Skotnes, chair of the Department of History and Society, has received a Fulbright Teaching Award in American Studies. From mid-September 2011 to January 2012 he will be in residence, teaching at Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Slovak Republic.

Additionally, Skotnes recently co-edited a special volume of Radical History Review entitled, “Historicizing 9/11.” The publication explores the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Andor Skotnes
Professor, History & Society
skotna@sage.edu

As finals quickly approach, college students in all different schools are becoming worried. With the pressure to do well in school constantly lingering above their heads, students are pushed to strive for their best. Some students’ GPAs are in the spotlight depending what job they wish to take. The stress of finals and the pressure to get good grades in school are pressuring some to contemplate suicide or even withdraw from social scenes and sit in isolation. Unfortunately, some do commit suicide or become withdrawn but what students should know is that help is right at their fingertips.
Every school houses a mental health office along with its wellness center. Aside from mental health counselors, schools often also have spirituality centers or even churches where students can receive spiritual advice or attend church services. Unfortunately, sometimes word of these outlets does not get to the student fast enough or the student wishes to not partake in these services their school has to offer. One should always try to keep an open mind and utilize these services. Here at Russell Sage College, we have both! Here is a quick guide on who you can get in touch with for help. Students should always remember that help is always available.
Russell Sage College Mental Health Office:
Director: Michael Wasco
Number: 518-244-6858
E-mail: washcm@sage.edu
Location: Kellas Hall, Wellness Center
Russell Sage College Spirituality Center:
Director: Beth Illingworth
Number: 518-244-4746
E-mail: illinb@sage.edu
Location: Gale House Basement, RSC campus
Photo credit: therumpus.net

You’ve studied for hours-upon-hours, wrote huge papers for your professors and haven’t been able to catch up on sleep in days. Finals week is just two weeks away and you’ve just about had it with school and are thinking of even dropping out! Don’t fear and please… don’t drop out! Instead, reward yourself with some of the fun activities offered and get in the holiday spirit at the same time with this handy little calendar I’ve created just for you!

12/3/11-The Sage Colleges Present: A Winter Wonderland. 11-5.
Enjoy looking at our school’s window display designed specifically for the Victorian Stroll event at 279 River Street. Bring your little brother or sister too because there will be story readings by your education major friends and a craft table. Storefront will be open 11-5.
12/4/11-Victorian Stroll. 11-5
Hang out in Downtown Troy and enjoy the 29th annual Victorian Stroll. Dozens of stores will be decorated for your viewing pleasures. Some even offer refreshments-yum! There will be plenty of entertainment such as musicians, dancers, performers and of course, shopping!
12/8/11- Kwanzaa Celebration. 6-9 p.m.
Join The Sage Colleges for a special celebration of Kwanzaa. This event will take place at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. and will be hosted at the Opalka Gallery at Sage College of Albany. Contact Miaad Osman at osmanm@sage.edu for more information.

It’s time again! Submissions for Vernacular, Sage’s Literature, Art, and Design pieces from students of Sage College of Albany are being welcomed up until January 20th, 2012. Vernacular is a literary, art and design publication entirely organized, edited, designed, and published by Sage College of Albany students. This annual publication is one of the oldest traditions at SCA and has been a highlight on campus for over 40 years. The 43rd edition will be released in April 2012.
All majors and class years from SCA are encouraged to submit their best or even favorite works to the magazine this year. For the art and design category, the editors suggest submitting your best painting, sculpture, graphic design, animation, interactive, illustration, drawing, printmaking, and photography. As for the Literary category, they suggest submitting your best poem, essay, short story, song lyrics, or graphic short stories. All work must be original.
All submissions should be 300 ppi and flattened PDF or TIF. For literature, all submissions should be digital in format, Word doc or PDF. A hard copy is also required and can be dropped off to Rathbone Hall room 205.

Photo credit: ikea.com