Crunch Time for Finals - Tips From Students

The end of the semester is near and final exams are fast approaching. It's crunch time. Preparing for final exams can be a nightmare for students, especially when the rest of the world goes on as normal. In addition to final exams, there are other major stressors, such as  final projects and papers to add to your to-do list. We asked some students for their study tips and advice for managing time during finals week.

James Davis reviews over his notes for Philosophy.

When studying do you wait until two days before, cramming all subjects in such a small time frame? Or do you prepare weeks before, reading over notes and quizzes and joining study groups?

James Davis, a sophomore here at Vol State, relies on organization and note taking to prepare himself for exams.

"I would definitely recommend that you utilize all of your resources, get into study groups, communicate with your instructors, and take notes," said Davis. "Not every student is going to take the same notes in a lecture, so get into study groups and find out what the key points your peers heard."

Stephanie Seng relies on color coordinating her notes.

Vol State student Stephanie Seng reviews her notes that she has collected throughout the semester.

"I am a highlighter, even though I have been told not to. I color coordinate the color of my ink pen with my highlighter, and use that for each chapter, so referring to certain material is easier for me,"said Seng.

"While I am studying I chew gum and when I take the test I chew the same piece of gum. I know that it seems weird, but it helps me remember my material," said Stephanie while laughing.

So whether you use candy or gum for a memorization tactic or  use visual aids, just remember that if it works for you stick to it. Not all tips and study habits work for everyone the same.

I usually prepare a timetable of what I have to cover, taking breaks in between. With the schedule that I have outside of school, cramming seems like the only option, but I know that will only result in stress and disorganized learning. Throughout the semester I keep a binder of notes,handouts, etc. that my professor has provided me. When crunch time approaches, I take those notes out and review them.


I wish everyone luck on their exams and hope that everyone can have a great winter break.

Christmas Concert Hopes to Bring Back Favorite Memories Friday and Saturday

"Frosty the Snowman..." I can hear this song playing in the background of home videos while opening Christmas gifts as a child. Christmas songs seem to never get old. Those melodies can take you back to a special memory of the holiday season.

Vol State's Music Department is giving everyone the opportunity to walk down memory lane this weekend. Students will be performing shows on December 6 and 7, each beginning at 7:30 p.m. The concerts will be held in the Wemyss Auditorium at Caudill Hall. I met with students recently as they rehearsed for the show.

There will be a variety of music styles, including gospel, rock, country, pop, and jazz. Several Vol State performance ensembles will be showcased during the concert.

"We have a so much talent in the group this year. I am excited for everyone to see what we can do," said Phillip McCoy, who sings in the Vol State Show Stoppers. "From the stage, the lighting effects, and of course, the music, it will be awesome to see the end result."

James Story, who is the Department Chair for Visual and Performing Arts, said that he hopes the performances bring back fond memories of Christmas.

"I encourage everyone to come out on Friday or Saturday night to experience the different sounds that each ensemble has to offer. They've each taken twists and turns for each arrangement, making it their own," he said.

"It's all about performing and giving new life to songs that people have loved for years,"said Jacob Young. "I hope that this year we are able to paint a picture with each song that takes people back to their favorite Christmas memories."

There will be a CD for sale that features songs performed by Vol State students.Sale proceeds from the CD on Friday will go to help fund the development of the new Humanities building.

The show is $5 for the public and $10 with a CD. It's free with a Vol State ID. For more information please contact the Office of Humanities at 615-230-3202.

Major League Baseball All-Star Returns to Vol State

When six foot four Steve Delabar walks down a hallway it’s hard not to notice, even in the Pickel Field House, where athletes come and go all day long. The Major League Baseball All-Star pitcher is back at Vol State.

“It feels like I never left, walking the halls,” Delabar said. “A lot of the staff is the same. It feels like only yesterday since I was here.”

Yesterday was actually 11 years ago, the last time Delabar pitched for the Vol State baseball team. In that time, the Toronto Blue Jays player has been in and out of surgery and in and out of the majors. His latest stint, though, is going quite well. He pitched in the seventh inning of the 2013 All-Star Game in New York.

“It was kind of a blur going there,” Delabar said. “You try to soak it up all you can and enjoy it.”

When asked what it felt like when he walked out on the field to pitch, he said it was all business.

“It felt like my job. I didn’t know who I was facing. I got in there and threw my warm up pitches.”

Delabar secured a strike out. He then went on to pitch an immaculate inning, the first in Blue Jays history, a few weeks later. An immaculate inning is nine pitches for three strike outs.

He returned to Vol State recently to speak to the young Pioneer pitchers.

“I’m just going to talk to them,” he said. “I’m sure they have a lot of questions. When it comes down to it they have their own path they need to create.

Much of the talk focused on strength, repetition and velocity. Baseball trainers look for conditioning ideas from all sorts of sports. For pitchers, that means considering what tennis players do to build strength.

And when asked about playing community college baseball, compared to big university programs Delabar says the path depends on you.

“The Vol State program was really good when I was here and there were a lot of scouts watching us.  If you play well enough here you can get picked up by a major league team.”

December and January Vol State Events

Through- Dec. 13	Yvonne Petkus and Matt Tullis Art Exhibit, Thigpen Gallery, 7am-9pm Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday
4	Festival of Lights, Cafeteria, 12:30pm-1:30pm, Everyone invited for food, music and fellowship
4	Matt Tullis Art Exhibit Gallery Talk, Rochelle Center, 1pm
6 and 7	Christmas Memories music concert and CD release, Wemyss Auditorium, Caudill Hall, 7:30pm, Suggested $5 donation for music scholarships, free with Vol State ID
7	Astronomy Department Star Watching Party, Science Field Station, Sunset to 11pm
12	Music Students perform at the Whippoorwill on the Square in Gallatin, 6pm, No cover charge
December 23- Jan. 1	Campus closed to the public for holidays
January 9	Professional Development, Campus closed
January 16 January 20	Spring classes begin MLK, Jr. holiday, Campus closed

Vol State Music Night at The Whippoorwill

Vol State student songwriters and music ensembles performed a great set this week at The Whippoorwill restaurant and music venue in Gallatin. Each songwriter is enrolled in Lynn Peterson's songwriting class. The students learn what it takes to put a song together. Once a student is given the steps to write a song, Lynn says they will write 10 to 12 songs a week!

"The songwriting class allows us to open up about how we feel or what is going on in our lives at that moment. We can express ourselves through music," said Andrew Spooner, who is enrolled in Peterson's songwriting course.

The show also featured students from Vol State's Bluegrass ensemble called "Bluegrass Ablaze". They performed classics by Loretta Lynn and The Carter Family.

The Vol State Jazz Ensemble played a few songs and there were performances by students in the Commercial Music Ensemble.

"We perform a mixture of rock, pop,and country. It allows us to sing different styles of music to a wide variety of people on nights like this," said Kyle Cothron, a member of Vol State's Commercial Music Ensemble.

The Whippoorwill has a lovely atmosphere for enjoying music and hearing young, talented musicians. You too can check out Vol State music off-campus at places like the Whippoorwill. Stay tuned to the Vol State Facebook page for info about upcoming performances.

Vol State Students Help Make Christmas a Little Brighter

Students pose with Santa Claus at a previous Christmas for the Kids Event.

The holiday season reminds us to be giving, selfless, and fortunate for what we have. Many of us look for ways to reach out to those who are less fortunate than us or who are simply going through a hard time financially.

The SGA (Student Government Association) along with other student organizations at Vol State will be hosting Christmas For the Kids. It's an annual event. Christmas for the Kids (CFTK) allows Vol State students, faculty and staff to make Christmas a little brighter for the children of students here on campus.

Jacob Young, SGA vice-president and CFTK chairman.

During the past few weeks, students were able to fill out applications to have their child's name placed on a Christmas tree. Those children will have gifts bought for them.

On Saturday, December 7 from 2-4 p.m. in the Cafeteria, there will be a party held for the children. The party will include crafts, games, gifts, food, and most importantly Santa Claus.

Jacob Young, Christmas For The Kids Committee Chairman, was pleased with the participation this year.

"Monday was the deadline to turn in applications. Our goal was 75 kids. We were thrilled that we exceeded our goal with 78 kids to help this year," said Jacob.

Beginning Monday November 25, you can pick an ornament off of the Christmas tree in the Cafeteria. Once you choose a name, you can sign-up in Wood 215 at the Office of Student Life and Diversity Initiatives.

"We wanted it to be ready by Monday, so that if anyone was wanting to shop Black Friday they could. Possibly finding some great deals on items," said Young.

This event is only for Vol State students. There are other charities similar to this in the Sumner County area, such as Toys For Tots. This is an event that gives Vol State an opportunity to give back to our campus community.

If you have questions, contact Lori Miller in the Student Life and Diversity Initiatives office at 615-230-3461.

Celebrate Other Cultures During International Week

When I meet someone that is from a different part of the world or has a different culture than me, I am immediately interested. I love learning about different parts of the world and understanding their way of life: food, marriage, music, and even religion.

This is International Education Week here at Vol State. Throughout the week there will be events tailored around an international theme.

In the cafeteria today, I participated by trying three different international beverages, including a very interesting and strong ginger drink from Africa. I also received recipe cards so that I could make the drinks myself at home.

Jacob Young samples the international beverages.

Anne-Marie Ruttenbur, who is the coordinator of International Education at Vol State, went into great detail about the upcoming events this week.

"I think that each day will give everyone a chance to look into different cultures and learn something new," said Ruttenbur.

Anne-Marie Ruttenbur provided different beverages to sample.

"Tomorrow we will have international weddings in the Ramer Great Hall. We will have countries represented such as India,China, Ireland, and the United States.""We'll also be doing Mehendi art, which is a part of Indian culture in weddings."

During the international weddings event anyone can stop by and receive Mehendi art. Also known as henna, it's an intricate design of patterns drawn onto your hands and feet, symbolizing the deepening of bonds with your future husband.


On Wednesday, the topic is "Around the World in a Day". Everyone can stop by and see the many different countries that students and faculty have traveled to. This will be held in the Nichols Dining Room from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, with lunch available at 12:30pm.

On Thursday, you can hear from international scholars visiting the United States as part of the Humphrey's Fellows Program at Vanderbilt. There will be speakers from countries such as Mauritania, Pakistan, and Russia from 6:00-8:00 p.m. You can also enjoy international food samples.

The grand finale of International Week will be Friday with an International Celebration in the Cafeteria.There will be different genres of music and an array of appetizers from different countries.

International Education Week could open your mind to a world more varied than you could imagine.