Student Blog: The Best of MMYou
Welcome to Mount Mary!
Get your near-campus caffeine fix!
August 10, 2021
Author: Erin Broderick '22
Need a place to unwind and perk up? Explore our list of student-friendly coffee shops that provide the right environment to get your creative juices flowing!
About the authors
Margaret Dishaw '21 graduated from Mount Mary this past May with a bachelor's degree in food science. While at Mount Mary, Margaret shared her campus pride as a student ambassador and resident assistant and was actively involved in the Dance Association and Music Instrumental Association.
Erin Broderick '22 is a current senior at Mount Mary, majoring in public relations and writing for new media. She currently serves as a student worker in the university's marketing department.
Nellie Suto '20 graduated in December 2020 with a pre-medicine bachelor's degree in biology - health sciences. During her time at Mount Mary she stayed busy as a Caroline Scholar, student ambassador, honors program member, TriBeta blood drive coordinator, and cross country runner.
Previous blog entries
Top 5 Study Tips
August 4, 2021
Author: Nellie Suto '20
Shifting from high school to college can be a significant transition. The study tactics that helped you excel in high school might not be as effective as an undergrad. Below are some useful study tips that are guaranteed to help you succeed!
- A PLANNER or CALENDAR is a MUST! Buy a planner and record everything! Extracurricular activities, assignment due dates, work/volunteering, and even study dates with friends. Your weekly schedule will fill up fast and it’s important to know your availability.
- Find a study setting that works best for you - I’ve found that coffee shops are ideal for me because the background noise helps me focus on my tasks. When planning study dates with friends, it’s best to keep the group small to avoid distractions. If you have a big exam approaching, I recommend intense study time on your own or studying with a group who is preparing for the same exam. Try various methods and environments during your first semester to determine what study space works best for you.
- To write notes or not to write notes? - Not all course content is best absorbed through note-taking. You might find some classes are better understood just by listening and being present. As a biology major, I found it most beneficial to take notes for my major courses that required thorough memorization. For my core classes, however, I found it best to listen intently to the lectures. Most Mount Mary classes are discussion-based. You might find it helpful to engage in group discussion to aid your brain in fully understanding the main ideas of the class.
- How to write notes - During your first weeks of classes, I advise you to play around with handwriting vs. typing notes. In psychological science, taking handwritten notes has been correlated with improved memorization and recall. Not everyone, including myself, is a speedy hand writer, so I use a laptop to type notes. Many professors will upload their PowerPoint presentations to Canvas, your student portal, prior to class. I encourage you to use this to your advantage! You can download the file and take notes on your laptop or you can print off the PowerPoint for handwritten note-taking.
And most importantly... - BE KIND TO YOUR BODY! - As a college student, you may find yourself so busy at times that your health gets pushed to the backburner. Do your best to retain a healthy diet and exercise routine (remember, the fitness center is included with tuition!). Make sleep a priority. Being adequately rested will assist with memory retention and recall, and help you feel more optimistic throughout your day. Taking care of yourself will also improve your immune function so you’re less likely to fall ill. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Connect with friends and family regularly (virtually and in person), participate in activities that relax you, and remember that it’s okay to take study breaks! You’ll be a better student if you’re well-rested and healthy!
Discover MKE: My favorite spots around the city
July 29, 2021
Author: Erin Broderick '22
Milwaukee has grown so much since I moved here in 2002. Music, art, and all kinds of fun activities are now right at your fingertips. Here are some of my favorite places to explore around the city. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Summerfest – The world’s largest music festival will take place over three consecutive weekends this year (Thursday-Saturday) Noon to Midnight, September 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18, 2021. For ticket prices, lineup and other event info, visit www.summerfest.com
Milwaukee Art Museum – Where architecture meets art. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee Art Museum boasts beauty both inside and out. Stand outside at noon to see this impressive structure flap its “wings.” Various admission discounts and free days make this Milwaukee landmark accessible to all.
5 Favorite MMU Traditions
July 26, 2021
Author: Nellie Suto '20
Mount Mary is well-known for its warm and tight-knit campus community. This community aspect has led to many campus traditions that are carried down year after year. As a recent graduate, I’d like to share some of my favorite MMU traditions with you!
1. Mass of the Holy Spirit - During the second week of each academic year, the ‘Mass of the Holy Spirit’ is held in Our Lady Chapel, located in Notre Dame Hall. This mass is offered to wish good blessings upon MMU students and is a very positive way to kick off the semester; all religious affiliations are welcome.
2. Halloween Dance - Every October, the Blue Angel Housing Association hosts the annual Halloween-themed campus dance in the Alumnae Dining Room in Bergstrom Hall. Attendees enjoy an evening of costumes, dancing, spooky treats, raffle prizes, and a photo booth, while connecting with other MMU friends. Guests of MMU students are also welcome to attend this event.
3. Light of Learning Ceremony - Prior to May commencement, the ‘Light of Learning’ ceremony is held in the Alumnae Dining Room. This ceremony celebrates the connections graduates have made over the course of their college journey, and the promise to continue to inspire education among young women. Graduating students who participate pass down a candle lantern to a fellow student, faculty member, or loved one, thanking them for inspiring their educational journey.
4. Therapy Animals - Every midterm and finals week, Campus Ministry hosts therapy animals on campus. Mount Mary students get to pet and play with these furry service animals to take a break from studying - talk about a stress reliever!
5. BINGO - Every month, Student Engagement hosts BINGO in the North Dining Room. Prizes include grocery gift cards, school supplies, swag, dorm decorations, etc. This is a friendly, competitive, and supportive environment, perfect for any student looking to unwind and win!
Miss Molly's Cafe
Miss Molly’s Café (near campus)
With a thoughtful menu of soups, salads and sandwiches, even the pickiest eater will find a favorite here. Be sure to save room for one of her delicious cookies!
Rocket Baby Bakery (near campus)
This charming café boasts traditional French breads and pastries along with an array of breakfast and lunch staples. Order ahead or walk right up to the service window.
North Avenue Grill (near campus)
From milkshakes and wraps to burritos and benedicts, you’ll find all your diner favorites at this hopping food spot, just southeast of campus.
Zócalo Food Truck Park
A purposeful space built around community and good food. Enjoy one (or all) of the many featured food truck’s cuisines in the heart of Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood.
Zocalo Food Truck Park
Leon's
Leon’s Frozen Custard
Cool off with a sweet treat at this classic custard stand that’s been in business since 1942.
Sobelman’s
Tucked away in the Menomonee River Valley, this unassuming burger bar has something for everyone. Order the namesake burger, you won’t be disappointed.
Happy exploring and eating in MKE!!
Advice for incoming college freshmen
July 12, 2021
Author: Margaret Dishaw '21
Four years ago I was that nervous and excited freshman; worried about my classes, if my professors would be nice, and if I would make any friends. I was both glad and nervous that I was the only person from my high school that was attending Mount Mary University in the fall. For me, it was a chance to start over, to be myself and truly grow as a person. If I could have given my first-year self any advice, it would be to take in every moment.
Starting your journey
When you start your journey as a college student, don’t stress the small things. Advisors, professors and the Mount Mary community want you to succeed! Don’t be afraid to speak up and talk to your professor, advisor, or other campus support staff if you have questions or concerns.
Get involved and reach out!
College is a perfect opportunity to start over. It’s great to stay connected with high school friends, but now is your opportunity to meet a variety of other students from different backgrounds. Your first year will go by so fast and you will learn so much.
I would encourage all students, but first-year students especially, to get involved! Being active on campus is the perfect opportunity to connect with others. Join a club, or create one on campus!
Do not be afraid to be your true self, stand out, and be spontaneous. College is all about self-discovery, determining what your true passions are, and truly developing yourself as a whole.
Appreciate your support system
Lastly, when your parent(s) or guardian(s) want to help make your bed or set up your room, let them. If they want to clean every inch of your room to make sure it is perfect, let them. I know the feeling of wanting to get settled and establish your independence in college. You WILL get that opportunity, but let them do this one thing for you.
And finally, take in every second, minute and moment. College is a wonderful adventure, and it’ll be over before you know it!
Explore the MMU Neighborhood
July 3, 2021
Author: Erin Broderick '22
Hi there! My name is Erin Broderick and I’m a senior at Mount Mary University. Summer and fall are great seasons to explore Milwaukee. Since your start at MMU is just around the corner, I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite things to do near campus.
Check out the Menomonee River Parkway
Visit Mayfair Mall
Explore the Urban Ecology Center
Hop on a Bublr Bike
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