It's difficult to find the influence to make a difference. In our group, there are probably people with more diverse experiences than you, more scholarly knowledge than you, even more accomplishments than you. The same is true about those in your academic college.

But there's one place where you can make your mark: Your attitude.

You can bring more generosity of spirit, more enthusiasm, more kindness, more resilience, more positive energy, more bravery and more of the right stuff to the room than anyone else, at least right now. Because you choose to.

That can be what you stand for.
​
These aren't soft skills. They're real.
 

by Heather Medley

​It can be such an awkward dilemma to know how to address someone on campus. Dr.? Professor? Instructor? First name or both names?  I hired a student assistant once, who had been my student when I taught high school English and journalism.  She couldn’t bring herself to call me “Heather”, but she knew that the others in the office would give her a hard time if she continued to call me, “Mrs. Medley,” the name she knew me by when we first met. For YEARS she just called me “Boss.” I didn’t feel like a boss. I hoped we were a team. Most of the time she didn’t call me anything and would just launch into her story or question…

New Names
I’ve had a few names throughout the years. Changing my name after getting married was tough for me. I actually made my maiden name legally my middle name. I guess we get used to our names or being named by a particular aspect of ourselves. “Oh, you’re the Terry Lady!” is one that I hear frequently these days, in addition to the “Girl Scout leader” or my kids’ mom... you get the picture.

 On Being a Mom
Being a mom is a role I’m extremely proud of and it’s a huge part of my identity. I have quite a few children and I’m very active in their lives and – as you can imagine, in the lives of their friends.
 
It first begins when you're pregnant, the doctor and staff start referring to you as mom. So at first it's disorienting. Someone has put you in a role you don't have experience in, and is talking to you like you're in charge. And that's because you are.
 
Then of course the baby is born, and everyone in the universe starts calling you mom. At this point it's a Fact, and you're exhausted, and it's overwhelming, but there are things to do now. It's like Day 1 of your new job, that lasts the rest of your life and no one has trained you properly for, and you're supposed to just ask if you have questions.
 
The first time they smile at you and thereafter, every time their face lights up when they see you, it's exactly the same as them calling you mom. The next major milestone is when the baby is old enough to actually call you mom. It evokes a sense of awe and responsibility and frankly giggly joy -- emotions are contagious, and a happy baby just POURS happiness all over everyone nearby.

Apparently, there are lists of reasons people call you mom and all the cool kids are calling their favorite celebs, “Mom” these days according to BuzzFeed. 
 
I could write a long creed on this and wax poetic, but really, I just want to say it feels good. It feels really, really good.

Playing Mom
In a bizarre time in a student’s life, I’m happy to play a role as the Terry Mom, to help when it’s needed. In the document, “The Terry Foundation University Responsibilities,” the first section on the 3 page list is Family Environment and Student Organization with the first item charging the campus coordinator to “Foster a family environment for Terry Scholars on campus” and is followed by a bullet point list of ways to execute this charge.  

​I probably take the “Terry Family” thing to an extreme.  I keep tissues in my office for the big things. I have a strict no crying by yourself policy. I’m always ready to rejoice with students over the seemingly small things too. I get protective and offended, proud as a peacock, and mad-sad for them and with them.  ​

Hi, me again! In this post, I am going to talk about a not so fun topic: stress. I would really like to tell you that college isn’t stressful, but I can’t do that. College is a fairly large life change, and while this change is very good, it can result in feelings of being utterly overwhelmed. The good news, however, is that I am going to give you some ideas on how to relieve this feeling!
My first tip would be to take care of your body physically. This means exercising in some fashion. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous. Take a walk, go swimming, do some yoga, something of that nature. You cannot forget to eat well throughout the day (do NOT skip meals like I tend to do). Also, please, please be getting enough sleep. I promise you that while pulling an all-nighter trying to cram for an exam might seem like a good idea, it will not be beneficial to you.
Next, make a plan and write it down. Between assignments, papers, exams, student organizations, and having a social life, your days can get busy! Get a planner (you’ll get one from the Terry Foundation) and actually use it! At the beginning of each semester, I look at each syllabus and write every assignment and test date that’s available. I like to color code each of my things to keep it more organized. Before each week, I try to come up with a game plan on what I need to work on each day, and divide the workload out throughout the week so I’m not so stressed at the end. I don’t always get this weekly plan written, but I can guarantee that the weeks I do have one, I’m not as overwhelmed.
Make time for yourself, and do things you enjoy. For me, it was painting (and taking lots of trips to Sonic with my roommates). Maybe for you it would be working out, or hanging out with your friends, or reading a book, or even just taking a nap. Remember that it is okay to take a break from your school work, and life in general, to decompress. It’s not a bad thing to focus on yourself for a little bit.
One of the most important things in my opinion is to take care of yourself emotionally and mentally. Stress can take a big toll on you, and please just know that you are not alone. Do not be hesitant to reach out to your family, your friends, and your fellow Terry’s. These are people who genuinely care about you and your well-being, so talk to these people if you’re struggling! You will be living in a hallway full of Terry’s that are probably struggling just as much, so help each other! Venting can do a whole lot of good. In turn, if you see another Terry (or anyone for that matter) struggling, do not be afraid to check on them and make sure they’re okay.
People come to college to get a quality education to later on become successful in a career. But, college isn’t just all about that part. College is a new and challenging experience. You learn things about life and about yourself. It’s fun and exciting, and it really will be some of the best times you’ve had. Stress makes it hard to learn and experience and enjoy those things though. So, having said that, my final words of advice are this: Remember that your grades don’t define you as a person; Remember to never be afraid to say “help;” Remember to take good, loving care of yourself because you are worth it.


Wreck ‘em!


Rebekah Lackey



​

Hey y’all! 
Okay, so let’s talk about Study Abroad. Every single one of you should seize the opportunity to study abroad. You may not realize it now but when it is all said and done it will have been one of the greatest experiences and biggest learning experiences of your life. My experience helped me to grow as a person and discover a new found independence. Being able to go to Europe made me fall in love with traveling that much more. 
In June 2016 I studied abroad in Sevilla, Espana (Seville, Spain) at the TTU Center. I was able to take pretty easy elective so I had a lot of free time (so take one of those “GPA booster” classes if you’re able, it’ll make your time abroad that much more enjoyable). Before going abroad I had never traveled outside of the United States, and when I did travel I did not get to explore much because I was always spending all my time in school activities. 
Preparing to go abroad can seem so stressful but if you plan and do things ahead of time you will be just fine. Buy your plane ticket early and use websites like studentunivers.com. I bought my ticket on that site and saved $700 compared to some of my peers. (P.S. Flying out on Wednesdays is cheaper ;) ) 
The day before I left Lubbock I remember being overcome with nervousness at what would lie ahead. I had never been out of the country and I had never flown by myself. I soon learned that traveling alone for the first time can be stressful, especially when you’re traveling to another country..BUT, it is all so worth it. I flew from Lubbock to London, England. Keep in mind that every country’s airports will have regulations that differ from the U.S. With that being said, I went through security THREE TIMES in London just walking to my departing gate to Spain. Then security in Madrid was a BREEZE. 
When I arrived in Spain I was relieved and so excited. The weather in late May and the beginning of June is great. It is warm but not dry Texas heat. I never stayed in a hostel in Europe so I cannot speak for those but my first hotel in Spain, and pretty much every hotel I stayed in during my time in Europe, were great. Nice hotels are cheap compared to what you pay for a nice hotel in the U.S. After spending a day in Madrid I flew to Seville where my adventure truly started. 
Once I arrived in Seville I took my first taxi. Let me tell ya, if you have not been in a taxi before, then your experience of being in a taxi in Spain will be terrifying but exhilarating. I hopped in my taxi and felt like I was on a roller coaster. Taxi drivers are so friendly but they waste no time and will get you to your destination faster than you could imagine. Once I arrived at my hotel in Seville I met some other Tech students and went exploring through the old part of Seville. I had my first meal in a little café and it was great (spoiler: splitting tabs is not a big thing in Europe so be sure to carry plenty of cash to pitch in for your bill when eating with friends). 
The next day I met my amazing host mom and headed to my apartment. I would encourage anyone who has the option to live with a host family to do so. It is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture that much more. Most host families are older men and women who just want to have someone to care for and keep them company. My host mom cooked 3 meals a day, did my laundry twice a week, and cleaned my room (literally a college kids dream)! I loved getting to have conversations with her at lunch and dinner where she would tell me about her life and about places to see in Spain. 
While in Spain if I didn’t go to a local bar or dancing with friends, I would always go out and explore the town. Whether it was walking through Corte Ingles (basically a Spanish Dillard’s), 
walking the Metropol Parasol, or walking the streets that seemed to have Cruz Campo signs on ever block, I always found something to do. 
When you’re not eating at home do not, I repeat DO NOT go eat at a restaurant that is in America! Go and eat at local places and experience all that you can. The ice cream is AMAZING. If you want some coffee or tea, my recommendation would be to visit Costa Coffee, it is like a European Starbucks. 
There are also so many churches and museums to see along with beautiful castles and palaces. Anytime you are able to go on an adventure… GO, even if you are by yourself. Go to local attractions and celebrations that are taking place while you are there. Traveling in Europe is also very affordable, don’t be afraid to take day trips on the train to small cities or to take a cheap RyanAir flight to another country over the weekend. In Seville there is an organization called “We Love Spain” that organizes trips for visiting students. If they have a trip that is appealing to you take advantage of it because you get a lot of fun experiences for the small amount of money that you pay in. 
Wherever you go, don’t be afraid to speak to locals. The only countries I visited were Portugal and Spain, but I can speak from experience and tell you they are some of the friendliest people. They love to answer your questions while also asking you what it is like to be from America and more specifically Texas. One of my favorite things while abroad was talking to local artists who sold handmade paintings and artwork on the streets of Spain. Use some of your money and invest in some artwork that you can keep forever. 
My last pieces of advice are: 
-Don’t be afraid to branch out, you are in another country and who knows when or if you will ever be back, HAVE FUN. 
-Take risks but don’t be senseless 
-Don’t stay glued to your phone, immerse yourself in your surroundings as much as you can. 
-BACK UP YOUR PICTURES TO YOUR COMPUTER WEEKLY (I lost over 1,000 of my pictures) 
-If you are in Spain, eat all of the Croquetas and Paella that you can, I promise you will miss it. Oh and don’t forget to try LEMON wine while you are there (who knew you could make wine from lemons?) 
Signed from an old Terry Scholar who wishes you a great time in your time abroad! 
-Vincent Shoup


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​

Earlier this week I pulled up interview photos of freshmen who had just taken their last final of the year. Looking at the faces of their younger selves reminded them of how much they had changed. Working in and studying Student Affairs, you learn about Arthur Chickering's Seven Vectors that theorize the "tasks" that students must go through while developing their identity. While I know that the students were taken aback by seeing their younger faces and remembering the day of the interview, I'm sure they did not think about third of Chickereing's vectors, movement through autonomy toward interdependence.

For traditional students, and even some non-traditional, college is as a sequence of developmental tasks and stages when biology and psychology  converge. It qualitatively changes thinking, feeling, behaving, valuing, and relating  to others and oneself (http://students.berkeley.edu/committees/bc/SAStudentDev.doc). ​

First Vector: Developing Competence.  
The three types of competence that college students develop:

• including intellectual, the ability to understand, analyze, and synthesize. 

• manual skills,  the ability to physically accomplish tasks

• interpersonal competences, working and establishing relationships with other

So let's talk about the first competency of the first vector...
​

If you're in college, moving through these vectors, wanting to develop and grow intellectually, you want to know:

What do the smart kids do?
​
Some think they are smart because of something deep inside of them called "intelligence" or "IQ" but people do not have "intelligence" stuffed somewhere inside their head making it easy for them to learn things. For most people, the difference between excelling and failing is almost entirely determined by what world you live in, and how you act in that world.

Most smart kids are smart because they live in a world where being smart works and being dumb doesn't. If you want to be smart too, you should spend as much time as possible in that sort of world. Be surrounded by the right kind of people and avoid the wrong kind of distractions, and you will start to reflect the world you are part of.

4) They talk to their friends and family about what they are learning in school.
If you do not want to spend some of your free time talking about school, you are doing something wrong. How is it that smart kids get in so many hours of studying? Some lock themselves in their room, true. But many just have friends who like to talk about school. In college you have new-found freedom to learn about things you want. Join a club that has to do with your major. Approach professors after class. Find ways to talk about the stuff you are learning in class with other people who are trying to learn the same thing. 
​

5) They understand that different courses require different types of studying. 
Smart kids know every course isn't the same. In college, you will need to adjust to many different professors who have different ways of running their class and different ways of evaluating your accomplishment. This is just like in real life! (Except substitute "boss" for "professor.") You should try to determine how class is run, and how you will be graded, and plan your studying accordingly. Ask other Terry Scholars. Learn about faculty before you can sign up for classes.

There were classes where I never read the book and classes where I always read before class - and I was an English major! The type of studying that lets you have a meaningful in class discussion and write a good essay is different than the type of studying that lets you fill out a factual multiple choice test. And by the way, if you are in a class that grades with essays... don't expect to do well if you were not keeping up with the discussions.
 
Your Part of the Deal
Don't be another student who expects class time to be wasted doing what you should be doing outside of class. It is your responsibility to become part of the wider campus community. It is your responsibility to be actively present in class. It is your responsibility to arrange your life so you can get out-of-class work done. It is your responsibility to bounce ideas and thoughts off of those around you. It is your responsibility to study and show up to class prepared, whatever that is in each class.

References
Psychology Today

Never before filmed, senior speeches are a right of passage for Terry Scholars

Guess how many people announce engagements? 
Name the number of folks who teared up. 
​Who will get the award this year for moving the farthest away? It's not Jordan Shelton anymore.

​At -44.00 Marshal Head calls Mr. Terry, "Howard."
-5.08 for Macey Siegert to compares Heather Phillips Medley to Jesus.

​Watch and enjoy....

In ones life, the most effective way to begin with the end in mind is to develop a mission statement one that focuses what you want to be in terms of character and what you want to do in reference to contribution of achievements.

In order to write good mission statements, we must first begin at the very center of our Circle of influence, that center comprised of our most basic paradigms, the lens through which we see the world. Whatever is at the center of our life will be the source of our security, guidance, wisdom, and power.

Your mission statement becomes your constitution, the solid expression of your vision and values. It becomes the criterion by which you measure everything else in your life.

Some suggestions in creating a mission statement may be:

1. Write down your roles as you now see them. Are you satisfied with the mirror image of your life?
2. Start a collection of notes, quotes, and ideas you may want to use as resource material in writing your personal mission statement.
3. Identify a project you will be facing in the near future and apply the principle of mental creation. Write down the results you desire and what steps will lead you to those results.

We each have many different roles in our lives: student, sibling, employee, child, and many more.

Beginning with the end in mind is all about focusing on the important activities that exist in our different roles. But which roles are most important? Each role should have goals, but make sure that you don’t have too many roles. Stephen Covey states that you shouldn’t have more than seven roles, and having only three to five is preferable. Taking the time to understand each role and determining the goals to accomplish in each area better equips you to fulfill each role effectively. 

Fulfilling your role as an employee begins by asking yourself, “What is the most critical part of my role to the company?” If you’re in customer service, what activities produce long-term results for the company? If you’re an engineering intern, what activities produce the best quality, best cost, and easiest-to-produce unit designs? If you’re in manufacturing, what activities enhance your ability to do your job, and what functions of your job are critical to the company’s success?

Filter the vitally important priorities from distractions.​
Each role ties into your long-term goals. Each role has weekly/daily activities that you can perform to get you closer to the long-term goals.” Determine the major roles you have in your life – this helps you to sharpen your goals. 

By sorting the tasks and responsibilities into the appropriate grid you will be able to quickly identify activities that need your immediate attention. Assign a value to all of the items on your to-do list. 

by Gabby Garcia, 16 Transfer

Hello!
Welcome to Tech! We are excited to meet y’all. With all the excitement of finishing school, you are probably not even thinking about starting school in August. Which is fine, I don’t blame you, we all deserve a break! However, it doesn’t hurt to have the following information in the back of your mind for when the time is right.  

 I’m here to give y’all some tips about buying textbooks. Yes, the books that could break your bank account. But, this doesn’t have to be the case!  Follow these tips and save some money, money that could be better spent on something more important, like food.

Tip #1: Buy Text books early!
This means start looking for your class’s syllabus early! Some professors are nice and they will email you the syllabus. The course’s text book will be listed under required materials.  If it’s the beginning of August and you haven’t received an email about your class then take initiative. Go to the TTU website and search for your class’s syllabus. However, if you don’t find one, don’t stress! This is normal because all professors are completely different (some you don’t hear from them until the day of class). If this is the case most professors give students about a week to get their textbook once classes start so don’t feel like the world will end if you don’t have your book on the first day of class.

Tip #2: Figure out if you want to rent or buy
This has to do with figuring out what books you will need to buy or rent. I would advise to buy the books that will be beneficial to you in the future even if they cost a little more.  These will probably be the books relating to you major. I say this because it’s good to keep you own little library of useful books. There have been many times where I have had to reference a text book from a previous semester. On the other hand, you might want to consider renting textbooks from your elective courses. This will save you some money!

 Tip #3: Avoid the school’s Barnes and Noble place
I know that all the advertisements say to use your school’s book store, but don’t. Most of the books are overpriced and you will usually get better deals looking elsewhere.
 
Tip #4: Use your resources!
Use your Terry family! We have a Google Docs spreadsheet on Facebook titled, “Terry Textbook Sale” where scholars sell their old books. Use it! If you don’t see the book you need there, write a post to the group mentioning the book you need. There’s a high possibility that a Terry might have a friend who has the book. It’s all about networking!

​There’s also a TTU Textbook Group on Facebook where other Tech sale their books. These are great places to find books at a great price!

​

Tip #5: Look for books In person and online
While you are looking for books make sure to take the time to compare prices. Local bookstores that have decent textbook prices are Varsity Book Store and Double T Bookstore. On both their websites you can go and search you text book by course so that’s a nice feature. Another great place to buy textbooks is online. Here are some of the websites I use:

• Amazon
• Ebay
• Chegg
• Cheapest Textbooks.com
• Slug Books. Com
• Textbook Underground
• ValoreBooks.com

 
Tip#5: Breathe!
I assure you all college kids go through the same stress when it comes to buying textbooks. You’re not alone! 


-Gabby Garcia

by Heather Medley

​We've survived our last day of class for the semester and we celebrate for a second. Just before we remember, finals.

It's okay to ask for help.

This is a really hard one for many to come to terms with. The student who didn't want to look stupid so they avoided letting anyone, especially the professor, know that they were struggling with the material, waited and struggled in silence. BIG mistake. Once students get honest and make tutoring appointments or have an older student help or actually go to office hours,  what they didn't understand disappears. Most report back that, "It was so beneficial and not at all awkward." By swallowing some pride and admitting that they didn't know, they were able to get the help and attention needed to succeed.

We all need help and I don't know a Terry out there who wouldn't be willing to offer some.

Hi y’all! My name is Carson Faith Wienecke, and I’m a freshman Traditional Terry Scholar from Lometa, Texas. I’m majoring in Natural Resources Management: Conservation Science, with a minor in Agricultural Communications. I served as the freshman representative for my Terry class the past two semesters, and it was a fantastic experience!
In high school, I was involved in everything from UIL Speech and Debate to One Act Play to the FFA. I sought out leadership in those organizations, as well as National Honor Society and Student Council. I was the girl who made leadership a habit. It was much a part of my personality as my sense of humor or my work ethic. What didn’t occur to me was that after graduation, I no longer had an organization to funnel this part of myself into. I was going to have to fill my leadership void with new organizations in a new community. The thought of this scared me.
It wasn’t until they sent out the applications for Terry Freshman Representative that a lightbulb went off. Finally, I had found a type of leadership I could pursue in college. I filled out the application with nervous excitement, and submitted it. A few days later, I was tagged in a post and found out that I had gotten the position. I celebrated like any typical college student: I made a trip to Sonic.
As a high school student I thought I was as involved as a student could possibly be, but this past year has taught me what the true meaning of a balancing act. The first semester my Terry group went out together as much as possible. We planned events and activities for us to do as a group and put together a fundraiser, in order to have the money to do what we had planned.  All in all, the first semester was a walk in the park. My grades were good, my fellow Terrys and I had been allowed ample opportunity to socialize, bond and support one another, and I learned that Raiderland was meant for me.
This second semester has proven to be more difficult. With everyone taking more work-intensive classes, we were spread thin and opportunities for activities have been few and far between.  I am thankful we had that first semester to strengthen our relationships, because this semester when we needed one another most, we were there for one another. The students in my Terry class have never failed to be in the study lounge at all hours of the day. After getting out of class, you can always stick your head in and say hello, knowing that there will always be a Terry smiling back at you. 
Being a Freshman Representative is for someone who lives, breathes, and loves leadership and responsibility. If you don’t fit those qualities, this position might be a bit hectic for you. My suggestion: If you want to apply, apply for it. The worst that can happen is you get to lead your Terry class and fall in love with Texas Tech University.
I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. I can’t wait to meet the new Freshman Representative next semester. You’ll get to lead your Terry class, plan events, and make some of your closest friends. This position has been the best experience of college so far, and I can’t wait to serve as Vice President for our organization next year. As always, keep calm and Terry On!


Carson Faith Wienecke