June 27, 2014

Things I Had to Learn in College: Grocery Shopping

June 27, 2014/ Katie Dwyer

One of the weird things about leaving home to go to college is that there’s an awful lot you have to learn and acclimatize to all at once. Not only do you have to adapt to a new style of teaching and learning, but you also are thrown into being in charge of maintaining your own life. I grew up doing chores, but my folks did a lot of looking after me. So I arrived at college knowing how to vacuum and wash dishes, but not how to do a myriad of other “grown up” things. I had to learn on the fly… and with varying degrees of success.

February 26, 2014

The 5 Books All Students Should Read BEFORE Freshman Year of College

February 26, 2014/ Katie Dwyer

Worried about being prepared for college? I was. In fact, I wrote an email to a professor during the summer before my freshman year, requesting a list of books to be read before I showed up for the first day of class.

This is my list of suggested readings for incoming college students, regardless of their major or interests. This represents a well-rounded and ambitious list...

January 31, 2014

Chore avoidance technique No. 37

January 31, 2014/ Katie Dwyer

Student life is taken up with a series of exciting opportunities and new ideas. It’s all about the classes, homework, networking, writing, researching, friendships, relationships, events on campus, and all the clubs and sports and opportunities you can cram into your days. You’ve got four years for all the fun and personal development you can possibly cram into that time.

And, of course, there’s all the time-demanding stuff that’s way less fun as well—the stuff that comes with being a grown-up person in the world.

January 17, 2014

Be careful what you write...

January 17, 2014/ Katie Dwyer

Once you’ve “put something in writing,” it becomes a powerful tool that can be interpreted and misinterpreted in all kinds of ways you might not intend at the time. I’m not talking about rude YouTube comments or other semi-anonymous online places (although I wish people would act more reasonably in those communities as well). Specifically, I’m talking about what you write as a student in your emails, texts, and facebook messages to the other people in your life.

December 13, 2013

Emergency Preparedness

December 13, 2013/ Katie Dwyer

It’s best to be prepared. Have contingency plans. Take a few steps to make sure that if anything bad comes up, you’re ready. Sometimes it’s hard to think about this stuff, as though refusing to acknowledge risks will somehow keep you safe.

November 22, 2013

Writing things down

November 22, 2013/ Katie Dwyer

You will want to remember your college years. Good, bad, complicated, inspiring, whatever. You will someday want to remember who you were hanging out with sophomore year and how it happened that the whole gang ended up at a hot springs in the middle of the night that one time. The good and the bad, both.

November 17, 2013

Sunday Dinners: Chicken and Zucchini by Aunt Mish

November 17, 2013/ Katie Dwyer

Today's comfort food is brought to you again by my Aunt Mish, and her desire to send the family off to college with some delicious basics. Meals don't get much easier than this one!

November 10, 2013

Sunday Dinners: Pork and potatoes by Aunt Mish

November 10, 2013/ Katie Dwyer

I learned to feed myself in college. Previously, my parents had supplied the meals. I could make pasta and sandwiches but that was about it. Those early attempts at cooking, combined with the ambition to share Sunday meals with friends, has led to the idea for this weekly blog post: the Sunday Dinners Comfort Food. Each week I’ll be sharing one recipe from a friend or family member. Best of luck, and enjoy!