Wedding Etiquette

Alex Newby, Marketing Intern

As the semester comes to an end, a new season around campus is beginning – wedding season. Look at any given refrigerator and you’re sure to find a growing collection of Save the Dates, wedding invitations, and RSVP cards. As summer wedding dates rapidly approach, many students will trade their everyday clothes for bridesmaid dresses and groomsman tuxes.

At 23, I never expected to be playing Maid of Honor for my twin sister’s wedding so early. While most students are most worried about graduating in a few weeks, I’m most worried about who’s making the cake, who’s hosting the shower, and the wedding day weather. If you’re like me, these things didn’t come naturally. I can count on one hand the amount of weddings I’ve been to and many of them were when I was much younger.  Now, instead of aunts and uncles getting married, it’s sorority sisters and chemistry partners. If you’re invited to a wedding this summer and aren’t sure how to handle it, here are some helpful tips on etiquette, wedding gifts, and how to help the bride maintain her sanity.

RSVP – Many of the expenses that come with weddings have a lot to do with the guest count. Whether it’s for a wedding shower, or the actual ceremony, make sure you send back the RSVP card so they know whether you’re attending or not. Even if you can’t make it, still send back the RSVP to let them know. 

Also, don’t assume that you’re allowed to bring a date. Unless the invitation specifically says you can, you will just have to fly solo that night. Also don’t ask the bride if you can bring a date if it’s not on the invitation. Like my sister, couples might have a strict guest count for the venue or a small budget, and asking them could make them feel awkward. 

Dress appropriately – Look at the venue and the type of couple whose wedding you’re attending. While some weddings can be casual, some can also require that you dress formally. If you aren’t sure, ask someone close to the bride or the bride herself. The invitation should also give you an idea of the dress code. As a rule of thumb, dress modestly and don’t wear white! A wedding is not the place to show off your newest, tightest dress and brides should be the only ones wearing white For boys, shorts, hats, and sneakers should be left at home. Tuck your shirts in and wear a belt, even if the wedding is casual. 

Gift Giving – Most couples are registered at a few different places around town and you can usually expect to spend anywhere from $30-$70 on a gift. Buying things off of their registry is a great way to make sure they actually want what you’re buying them. After all, they already took the time to pick it out. If you want more options, check the registry early before all of the items have been purchased by other people. If you purchase a large gift, have the present sent directly to the couple’s home so they don’t have to figure out what to do with it on the day of. Cash and gift cards are always good options if you’re looking for a last minute gift. Also, don’t feel pressured to spend large amounts of money--the couple that invited you probably knows you’re in college and working with a small budget. 

Stay for the whole thing – Don’t just show up to the reception or party after the ceremony unless you have to. Skipping the ceremony but coming later for the free food and bar is considered rude. Also, don’t leave the reception until after the cake is cut. Skipping out early could hurt the couple’s feelings. As with most important events, arrive early and be sure to turn off your cell phone. The bride doesn’t want your Lady GaGa ringtone blaring during the couple’s first dance.

Drink Responsibly – If you’re over 21 and attending a wedding with an open or cash bar, make sure to drink responsibly. No one wants to babysit guests at their own wedding. One drink per hour is usually a good rule of thumb, and if the couple has chosen to make the reception dry, respect their wishes and don’t sneak in alcohol. 

Have Fun! – Whether you are a guest or a participant, weddings are meant to be enjoyable. They can be an exciting place to catch up with friends and family. Chat with people, dance when it’s appropriate, and take the evening to relax and celebrate. Follow the golden rule and behave how you’d want your guests to behave at your wedding.

Loan Literacy

Alex Newby, Marketing Intern

As many of us are looking forward to graduation and our journey ahead, we’re also dreading paying back our student loans. The stress of figuring out how to pay back your student loans can be scary. We’ve compiled a list of common loan lingo and some resources to help get you started.

Exit Counseling - If you graduate, withdraw or drop below half-time registration status, and you have borrowed a Federal Direct, Health Professions, Perkins, or Institutional student loan, you must complete the Exit Loan Counseling requirement. This is an opportunity for your lender to remind you of your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower. In turn, you must provide your lender with certain information about your plans after you leave school (for example, your current address, your expected employer, two personal references, etc.). 

Completing the exit requirement is only one step in keeping your loans in good standing. Remember that loan indebtedness is reported to credit agencies. Until your loan is paid in full, you should continue to communicate with your lender regarding any changes in your address, school enrollment status or questions about making repayment. 

Lender - The lender is the organization or group that loaned you the money initially. The lender can be a bank, a credit union, government, or any other lending institution.

Loan Holder - The Loan Holder is the organization or entity that “owns” the loan now. Since many banks or credit unions sell loans, the current Loan Holder is who your payments are due to. Maybe give an example.

Interest - Interest is the charges accrued for using borrowed money. Different loans have different interest rates depending on the date of disbursement and the type of loan. To find out more about interest and how it’s calculated, you can visit http://studentaid.ed.gov/types/loans/interest-rates.

Grace Period – The six -month period after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment, during which you are not yet required to make payments. Most people suggest using the Grace Period as a preparation time. Getting a stable job, creating a budget, and organizing your finances are all good ideas. Once the grace period ends, you’ll start receiving statements and having to make payments. However, you do not have to use your grace period. If you are able to, you can start making payments right away to avoid any additional interest (see below).

Subsidized Loans - Subsidized loans are loans that don’t accrue interest while you’re in school, during the grace period, or during deferment (see below) periods. These loans typically come from the federal government.

Unsubsidized Loans - Unsubsidized loans are loans that build interest from the date that you first receive it. If you took out a loan freshman year, you’ll be required to pay the interest that the loan has acquired since then, plus the original loan amount.  These loans typically come from private lenders.

PLUS Loans - PLUS Loans are offered to parents of students enrolled at least half time in eligible programs at participating institutions.

Repayment Plan - A Repayment Plan is a plan that you select to help you pay back your loans, dictating the amount you pay towards your loan each month. The repayment plan you choose can be one that best fits your situation or financial needs. According to the Department of Education, you generally will have 10 to 25 years to pay back your student loans, depending on which plan you choose, and you are always able to switch plans if your financial situation changes.

Repayment Incentive - Some loan programs also offer incentives for students or borrowers that pay back their loans on time or according to certain guidelines. Check with your lender for these options.

Deferment - A period of time in which repayment of the principal balance of your loan is temporarily postponed if you meet certain requirements. These requirements can be found here: http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/deferment-forbearance. You are not charged interest on subsidized loans during deferment. Interest will continue to be charged on your unsubsidized loans and PLUS loans.

Forbearance - Like deferment, forbearance is an option given to borrowers who are temporarily unable to meet the requirements of their monthly payment. Forbearance allows you to lower your monthly payment or temporarily postpone the payments for a specific amount of time. There is also a list of criteria for borrowers interested in forbearance options. Interest will continue to be charged on your subsidized, unsubsidized and PLUS loans.

Default - Default is the failure to repay your loan according to the terms of the promissory note that you signed when you first received your loan. A loan will default after 270 days of non-payment. Your lender is required to report the default to at least one national credit bureau.

Although student loans can be a scary part of the college journey, there are millions of students every year that start the process of paying off their education. The thing to remember is that paying back your student loans is not avoidable. While you may not always receive a statement or bill notice, you are still responsible for keeping up with your loan and your payments, Ignoring payments or paying late could get you into financial trouble and affect your credit score.  Even if you were to file for bankruptcy you wouldn’t be exempt from paying back your student loans, so do yourself a favor and keep up with them from the beginning. 

For more information, students can call the UK Financial Aid Office at (859) 257-3172. For loan specific questions, contact your lender or loan holder.  

Diaries of EPE 174

Arielle Parker, Marketing Intern  

Right now I’m taking EPE 174: Theories of College Student Success as an elective. This course is based on different theories of understanding how students can succeed in college. Contrary to much belief, this isn’t a study skills course. This type of course is similar to a seminar class or graduate class. Instead of taking exams and quizzes we have to partake and engage in class discussions. In this class we are assigned to complete various reading assignments, such as journal articles that cover student’s experiences in college, campus issues, and ways to succeed in college. During the class we discuss these readings and relate them with our own experiences. For instance, we had to read about dorm life and how students spend there down time in the dorms. We also had to read about what self-efficacy is and how it can affect a student’s performance and ultimately their grade.  

            

Not only were the readings insightful but also the discussions we had were eye-openers for myself and other students. We discussed how diversity can play a large role at UK and how some students were not prepared after high school for a diverse university. Our class also discussed what it means to have a college degree and how a degree can provide many opportunities for life after college. This class was not like any class I have taken before. It really puts into perspective what a college degree actually means and represents.

            

By taking this course I learned how important higher education is and how students should value their education. Completing almost four years of college, I understand how difficult classes can be and how sometimes it’s hard to find that motivation to complete homework assignments and above all, go to class. If you attend every class and participate then this class will be relatively easy. Just make sure to complete the class projects on time, and read the articles before class so you can discuss them later. This course taught me the skills and attitude I must have in order to achieve my goals as a college student. For more information about EPE 174 and to review a sample syllabus, visit www.uky.edu/AE. 

Behind the Pen

Arielle Parker, Marketing Intern

Ever wonder why your handwriting is different from your friends, your family members, or even your professors? A person’s handwriting differs from other individuals’ for many reasons, including the way they hold their pen, the type of writing utensil they use, and even their personality.

Of the many methods used to determine our personality traits, an overlooked method is to look at our own handwriting.  According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, graphology is the study of handwriting. Some of the criteria graphologists analyze are the formation of letters, the alignment of spaces between word and lines, and the general style of a person’s writing. By understanding some of these handwriting characteristics, you can potentially have a better understanding on how you interact with people, how you feel about yourself, what motivates you, and more.

Pen Pressure

Heavy Pressure

Writers who write with a heavy pressure are said to have strong vitality, are enthusiastic, and can be domineering. They are also said to have a difficult time forgetting the past and they tend to hold grudges.

Medium Pressure

A medium pressured writer is said to have good memory and be conservative as well as very perceptive. This type of writer is at harmony and at ease in their life and also has drive and determination.

Light Pressure

Writing without much pressure on the page can signify a writer who has an intellectual approach to life. A writer who applies light pressure tends to avoid confrontation, forgives easily, and displays an easygoing nature.

Word Spacing

Small Spaces

Writers who have little spaces between words tend to interact well with people and crave social contact.  They are said to be extroverts who are talkative and spontaneous whose biggest downfall is their insecurity.

Large Spaces

This writer is said to be an introvert that is cautious upon making decisions. This type of writer also tends to have trouble relating to others and prefers working solo on a project. 

Line Levels

Straight

A writer who writes in a straight line is said to have perfectionist tendencies and can be overly disciplined. This type of writer tends to need control in their life to feel comfortable and to succeed.

Ascending (baseline slopes upward)

This writer is said to have a positive outlook on life and is generally enthusiastic and determined. This also may indicate that the writer has faith in the future, is often excited, and feels loved by others.

Descending (baseline slopes downward)

Writers who write with a downward slant are said to be depressed, sluggish, and moody. This type of writer is said to be discouraged, pessimistic, and unenthusiastic. 

Slant Writing

Straight
A writer with a straight slant tends to be self-reliat, independent, guided by logic more than emotions and works well alone. On the other hand, this writer often lacks spontaneity.

Slant to the Right

A writer with a moderate slant to the right is said to be compliant, outgoing, confident, and kind. This type of writer tends to follow their heart and usually is more empathetic, and caring.

Slant to the Left

When a writer’s handwriting slants to the left, they are said to be reserved, self-contained, withdrawn, and likely choosy about possessions and friends. This writer often comes off as indifferent and withdrawn from others around them.

Size of Writing

Large Script

A writer with large handwriting likes to be noticed and likes to stand out from the crowd. It is said that this sociable writer demands attention and has a large personality. However, this writer tends to have trouble focusing on one thing for too long.

Small Script

With high concentration levels, this writer tends to pay close attention to detail. This type of writer is said to be very analytical, modest, reserved, and intelligent.

After reading many articles and doing much research on how our personality is reflected in our handwriting, I decided to analyze my own handwriting. I read through most of my class lecture notes, an old grocery list, and even some of my late night diary entries.  I have found that I use a heavy amount of pressure when I write and I like to write using big letters. Upon other discoveries, I realized that I keep my word spacing at a minimal and sometimes my writing tends to slant towards the right. I have never been the shy type and I have always enjoyed being the center of attention, especially when I am around my group of friends. I also do find it challenging to focus on my homework for a long period of time, which is accurately reflected in my large script.

Ever wonder what your handwriting might say about your personality? Use the descriptions above to find out what your handwriting says about your personality.

For more information on what your handwriting can say about your personality, click on the links below.

http://www.handwritinginsights.com/terms.html

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2009/09/14/what-your-handwriting-says-about-you/

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/what-does-your-handwriting-say-about-your-personality.html

http://onlinecounsellingcollege.tumblr.com/post/24814861774/what-your-handwriting-says-about-your-personality

Student Spotlight

Nicole Brown, Marketing Intern Coordinator

Name: Emilia Witt

Major: Mathematics

Occupation: Study Program Coordinator, Academic Enhancement

What is a Student Program Coordinator (SPC)?

The Student Program Coordinators are the direct supervisor of the Peer Tutors of the Peer Tutoring Program. There are five of us this year and each of us has our own team of about 15-20 tutors. Along with overseeing tutoring, we each have our own additional responsibilities, tailored to providing the best support to our tutors and the PTP.

Hometown: Mandeville, LA (just north of New Orleans)

Clubs and Extra-Curricular Activities: Kappa Delta Sorority, Math Club

Hobbies: I love to bake! It relieves my stress and my friends and I get to reap the rewards.

Favorite Food: I have so many favorites! I think my go-to comfort food would have to be peanut M&M’s. I just can’t say no to those.

Favorite Music: I listen to all sorts of music, but my favorite would be country music.

Favorite Movie: My favorite movie really depends on my mood. It can range from Matilda, to any of the Ocean’s movies, to Good Will Hunting.

Pet: I grew up with about 20 pets at any given time, but since we moved, I only have one cat, Josie.

Favorite Restaurant: We don’t have any of these in Lexington, but Copeland’s of New Orleans is my favorite.

Favorite Color: UK blue, of course!

Favorite Holiday: Christmas; my entire family is together and that’s so rare for us.

Best Place Traveled to: There is this little town in the south of France where the water is so clear and crystal blue that you can see the floor of the Mediterranean Sea. I’ve only been there once, but I’d go back in a heartbeat.

What Would You Do if You Had $1 Million: Honestly, if I had the opportunity, I’d stay in school forever just to learn. If I had to be selfish with the $1 million, I’d use it to finance that for as long as possible.

Why UK: I may have grown up in Louisiana, but I was raised a wildcat! My mom got her Ph.D. at UK in the 80’s and has raised all three of her children to bleed blue.

Favorite Class at UK: Last semester I took MA 341: Topics in Geometry. My professor reminded me why I wanted to study math in the first place and renewed my interest in the subject.

Favorite Place to Study: This is going to sound cliché, but I always study in The Study. I’ve just found that it’s the perfect atmosphere to be productive and social at the same time.

Favorite Teacher at UK:  Dr. Carl Lee was my professor for geometry last semester, the professor that did an amazing job making sure every one of his students fully comprehended the material before continuing.

Advice to Others at UK:  Find a major that you love! I started off as pre-med to make my family happy, but I realized that I needed to do something for me. Don’t get me wrong, you can be pre-med/pre-dental/pre-law and love it, I was just doing it for the wrong reasons. I truly love math and I want my future career to involve math. I would suggest that everyone take advantage of the Career Center and take time to figure out what they want to do.

Life After College: I’ll be attending DePaul University in Chicago for the next two years to get my Master’s in applied mathematics with a concentration in actuarial science. My goal is to be an actuary for an insurance company.

Describe Being an SPC in 3 words: Challenging but rewarding!

Favorite Quote:  “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Car Maintenance

Alex Newby, Marketing Intern

During your first few years away from home, life can be challenging. Placed in a new environment, most students are learning how to live away from their parents for the first time.

One of the toughest lessons that I had to learn after moving out was how to take care of my car. After years of having my parents keep up with the maintenance, learning to take care of it myself was a big task. A few flat tires and an overheated engine later-- I’d like to think I’ve come a long way. Here are some of the basics I’ve learned for keeping up with your car in college!
  
Change your oil - Most places will give you a windshield sticker to remind you when to come in next, but if not, the standard rule is to have your oil changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months. Older cars might require an oil change more frequently. While there, have them check your other fluids as well. Forgetting to do either can cause your engine to overheat or start breaking down. If you’re planning a road trip home or long trip, check your

Keep a spare - Locking yourself out of your car while running late to work is not something you want to experience. Keep a spare key to your car in your apartment or with a friend so there will always be a way to get in!

Check headlights and brake lights - While most oil companies will check these type of thins for you, it won’t hurt to periodically check your headlights and brake lights yourself. Having either one out can get you pulled over and a ticket!

Keep an Emergency Kit - Even if you’re driving a newer car, you never know when something could go wrong! Keep an emergency kit in your car with jumper cables, an ice scraper, blankets, water, a first aid kit, and different car fluids. Learn how to use the jumper cables before your actual emergency! Placing the cable on the wrong ends can damage your car and be dangerous!

Check your tires - While they can be expensive, keeping good tires on your car is important for helping your car run the way it should. Inspect your tires often for signs of wear and tear and holes and get them rotated whenever you change your oil. Keep a tire gage in your glove box so you’ll know how much air you need if you every need to top them off. To find the proper air pressure, look in your owner’s manual or on the sticker on the driver’s side door. Keeping a spare tire in your trunk can also be a good idea! Driving on a flat tire for even just a few miles can damage your car. Learning how to change a tire is also important! While your parents might still be on speed dial, they may not live close enough to come help you if you have a flat!

Change your windshield wipers - Having bad wipers on your car can do more harm than good. Changing your wipers every 6-12 months is a good idea to help keep them working properly. Wipers are easy to change out and pretty cheap at most auto parts stores. If you don’t mind paying more, most auto care places will offer to change them for you.

Don’t ignore problems- During sophomore year, I drove around with an emergency light on for three weeks before finally realizing it meant “Emergency Brake Failure” and was a warning that my brakes were going out. If your car starts making weird noises, shaking, or doing something that it doesn’t normally do, take it to the shop. Some car issues could get worse if you just ignore them.

Invest in Roadside Assistance - Investing in AAA or other roadside assistance programs is a great idea for students who don’t have family in the area! Some places even offer discounts for students!


More Resources:
Goodyear
http://www.driverside.com
http://ohiovalley.aaa.com