Topic of the Week: Looking Back - A Reflection of the Fall 2011 Semester

As the semester comes to a close, it is important for us to reflect on both our achievements and what we would like to improve upon as students. For our final discussion, we invite you to share some of your academic and professional accomplishments as well as what you hope to work on next semester. 

What was your biggest achievement this semester? What did you learn about yourself? How did you learn best? What could you have done differently? 

We are especially interested in hearing about the experiences of our student teachers. Tell us all about it!

The S.T.A.R. Coordinators would like to thank all mentors and buddies for their active participation and enthusiam this past semester. We you had an exciting, productive semester and formed lasting friendships that will continue to grow in the Spring. We look forward to seeing you next year.

Holiday Cards for Troops

On December 7th, in the Sullivan Hall Cafe, S.T.A.R. hosted its first annual "Holiday Cards for Troops" event.  It proved to be an exciting afternoon as mentors, buddies, and other students from the School of Education took the time to create wonderfully decorated holiday cards to send to the brave men and women of our nation, many of whom cannot spend the holiday season with their families this year. Over 50 cards were created, each one containing a unique, personalized message expressing appreciation for the sacrifices members of the U.S. Armed Forces make to protect our freedom. The S.T.A.R. Coordinators mailed the cards to the American Red Cross, who, working with Pitney Bowes, a mail stream technology company, will collect and distribute them to American service members and their families throughout the world. Thank you to all who sent a "touch of home" to our troops.

For more photos from the event, click here.

Last Chance to RSVP!

Make sure EVERYONE RSVP's to our S.T.A.R. event.

We promise holiday fun, baked goods, and a good time for everyone!

Topic of the Week: Study Strategies

It's that time of year again! With final exams only a week away, we want to know how you've been preparing. For this week's discussion, let's talk study strategies.  

What study habits work for you? How do you prepare for a big exam? For upperclassmen, any words of advice for freshmen about to take their first round of finals at St. John's? 

The Study Guides and Strategies website, http://www.studygs.net/ is an excellent resource for all your studying needs. Here you'll find a variety of study tips and tricks, along with techniques to better manage your time and prepare for exams. 

For a list of quiet study hours and locations on campus, click here.

Finally, we encourage all S.T.A.R. participants to take the time to meet with their mentor or buddy one last time before the close of the semester. Tomorrow's event, Holiday Cards for Troops at 1:50pm in the Sullivan Hall Cafe, will be a great opportunity to do so.

Good luck!