Hi! My name is Mandy Seremet and I am a sophomore Computer Information Technology major from the small town of Kennedale, TX. Living in a small town is great - everyone knows your name - but it definitely has its disadvantages. There isn't a lot to do in Kennedale unless you enjoy going to the dirt racetrack a few times a week, so for almost anything we would go to more commonly-known towns like Mansfield, Arlington, and Fort Worth. Living in the middle of such cities led to my love of going to see movies, shopping, and the local music scene. I would have to say that my favorite movies are Disney/Pixar movies. Finding Nemo is at the top of my list with Cars and Toy Story tied at a close second. As far as shopping goes, I am a huge bargain shopper. I love to dig through clearance racks to find the best deals and styles. To me, I would rather get ten great pieces of clothing on the sale rack then get one regularly-priced item only to see it on the sale rack a week later (it seems to always work like that, doesn’t it?). As I mentioned, I’m also big into the local music scene around the DFW Metroplex. My best friend, Nathan, is in a locally touring band, and I try to make it to see most of his shows. Since being at TCU, I’ve tried to get involved in things that I’m interested in. This year I’m on the Gymnastics Team and I participate in the Leadership and Strengths Living Learning Community (LLC). I am also leading a youth group at a church in Grand Prairie this year, which should keep me pretty busy (as if school doesn’t keep me busy enough), but it will all be worth it!

What brought me to TCU? Well when I became a junior in high school I decided that I wanted to start touring schools to see which one(s) I would apply to. After visiting TCU, I decided, without a doubt in my mind, that it was where I wanted to attend. TCU ended up being the only school I applied to because I felt no school matched in comparison. If I were made chancellor of TCU, I would first change the food at the BLUU. I would add more choices of vegetables and fruits, as well as a wider variety of food. Also, I would do all that I could to lower the cost of the meal plan and residence hall rates to make it easier for students (and parents) to afford. When it comes to teachers, I feel like ones that are passionate about their subject do the best job. It always seems that if a professor is passionate about what they are teaching, then the student can become more passionate about what they are learning.

If I could have dinner with any three people, I would choose Oprah (because of how powerful and self confident she is), my grandfather on my dad’s side (because he passed away before I was born), and Walt Disney (because of his imagination). Three things people should know about me is that I am a Christian, I love to be goofy and make the best out of every situation, and I’m a good listener. I would love to know what everyone’s pet peeves are, what kind of music they listen to, and what super power they would like to have.

I chose to take this course because it seemed like a very interesting and fun way to get my literary traditions credit. I enjoy reading American literature and discussing different themes and views in the story. I also, of course, read textbooks from different classes. For personal pleasure, I enjoy reading my Bible, and other spiritually-based books. My favorite book that I have read so far is The Shack. It has such a compelling story that opens your eyes and tests your own faith in God. When it comes to writing, I often journal or write my thoughts and ideas as poetry. For my major, I end up in a lot of classes in which I have to write code in Java. My personal writing is just for me, so it usually makes me feel good to release whatever is going on in my mind. Computer programming, however, is writing I don’t feel as great about. With such complex structures and orders, it is very difficult and does not come easy to me. This frustration makes it uncomfortable to write in Java code.

For my blog, I chose bright colors that reflect my personality. I try to stay bright and positive in any situation. I also introduced myself in a friendly way. I strive to have love for all people, because that is what I believe leads to happiness and fulfillment. In relation to the course, I plan to stay positive and compassionate during class discussions, as well as listen intently to what others have to say even if their opinions do not match mine. Finally, as I conclude this entry, I would like it to be known that I have read, understood, and agree to the terms of the course syllabus for this class.