Student Blog

It's Official!

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:39:00 -0400

Well, hello there again! By my lack of recent posts, it is assumed that I have been quite busy so I apologize to my readers for the delay.

Oh, I'm not really sure what is official, I just liked that as a title for some reason.

However, my time has been quite eventful. I've officially declared a second major in chemistry and a minor in religious studies. For future and current students, I highly recommend picking up a second degree or minor. I believe they make a person more appealing to future employers because it can show that you are versatile. With regard to medical schools, they are not looking for students that are simply science nerds. As a physician, you must not only have the information in order to treat patients but also the ability to converse and deal with human beings. Smarts certainly are necessary in the medical business, but you have to be a person, too.

The grant proposal has been submitted, now begins the waiting period where I anxiously bite my nails as April 19 approaches, which is when I will hear back on whether I will receive funding or not. I’m still conducting my own research (it has hit some bumps though), and I will continue to do so during the school year even if the funding doesn't come in. I just won’t be able to during the summer without asking the university for funding. So keep your fingers crossed for me.

Soccer has started back up! This year, we are participating in the spring league for our division and I cannot wait! My feet have been twitching since the end of the fall season. During the offseason, I usually do not lift with my legs, I only run, and I’m beginning to see that as something to change, considering the first time I went through a leg workout, I was extremely sore and whined like a child. Note to self: lift with legs.

I want to formally welcome my older brother, Brett, back into the United States! I hadn't seen him in years but I was able to spend the week hanging out with him over spring break. Seeing my family is always refreshing. My mother is still a precious angel. John is still the quiet little brother. David is weird. Adam is cranky until he gets his coffee. Rachel is still smiling as wide as ever. And Aaron is still in Arizona taking care of my two nephews. I wouldn't change it for the world.

‘til next time folks.

“Take the hurdles in stride” – Unknown

AUTOBOTSSSS ROLL OUTTT!

James Lioi

Baby I'm Back

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 01:52:55 -0500

Howdy, everyone! We’re back and ready to go. Although I, for one, could have used a few more days of rest and relaxation at home, others may disagree.

While I’m at it, I wish I still had some Christmas cookies to munch on. One month is just not enough time to eat all of the delicious baked goods my mom provides. My personal favorites are buckeyes, which, for those of you who aren't familiar with Ohio delicacies, are peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate with a little peanut butter exposed. They look like the buckeye nut from the trees. They are SO GOOD - unless you are allergic to peanut butter! Even then, they are still delicious but they would have a nasty side effect, unfortunately.

Without a doubt, these first few weeks have not been easy and, in some way, I wish they were, so I could gradually get back in the groove. Instead I was thrust headfirst into freezing cold water. I cannot complain - I love what I do. I enjoy being busy and challenging myself is a personal test to improve my capabilities as a student and person.

On the bright side, to all of you out there reading this, I am applying for a research funding grant from the American Society of Microbiology. I think one of the most beneficial aspects of a small school setting is the ability to participate in one-on-one projects with professors that can lead to perks such as a research grant. If I get the funding and they accept the abstract I send them at the end of the summer, I may be asked to present it at the next national conference. MIND BLOWN! The thought of presenting at such a high level gives me the goose bumps.

One final note… the new integrated science building that is being built is beautiful. I took a tour of it over this past weekend and, let me tell you, I have never fallen in love with a building until that one. I’m more excited than ever to move into it next year.

‘til next time!

“Academic chairs are many, but wise and noble teachers are few; lecture rooms are numerous and large, but the number of young people who genuinely thirst after truth and justice is small.” – Albert Einstein

AUTOOOBOTSSS…. ROLLL OUTTTT!

James Lioi

Another Semester Down

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 22:28:33 -0500

Hello, everyone! I hope everyone is doing well during this holiday season. To those of you in college, my thoughts go to you during finals. Speaking of which, that is currently what I am working on, but I needed to take a break so I figured I’d blog.

Life is crazy right now, like it is at the end of every semester. I’m spending more time studying in the library than sleeping in my bed.

On a high note, I will get to see my lovely family here in a few days! I’ll be eating lots of Christmas cookies and other delicious foods. Almost just as important, I’ll be resting!

This semester really has been crazy and I’m proud to say that I’m surviving it fairly well. I plan on next semester being just as busy, if not even busier than this one, so we’ll see how that goes.

A high note to this semester was going to the Kissmas Bash - again! Ed Sheeran and Boys Like Girls were unbelievable! After the concert, I got on iTunes and bought the new CD by Boys Like Girls.

It was great to be able to go have a night out with some friends amongst the stress of the semester. I think the funniest part of the night was when we went out to eat beforehand and my friend, Brandon, couldn't get out from the table without scooting his chair to the side. It’s amazing what spending time with friends can do to your mood.

Well, break time is over! I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

“Ladies and gentlemen, Boys Like Girls are back!” Martin Johnson

Autobots… ROLLLLL OUTTTT!

James Lioi

Gobble Gobble Gobble

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:27:29 -0500

Well hello again! It’s been a while; things have been a little hectic around here so I apologize to those who consider themselves avid blog readers of mine (if there are any, ha).

Anyhoo, like I said, things have been crazy around here lately. With the end of the semester on the horizon, that means all of the major projects are being crammed in with tests and other normal assignments. Needless to say, I’m a little surprised I’m still sane after this semester.

If you recall, I work under Dr. Gallo on his “research team” (not sure what to call us) and that work has paid off since I was able to present at the Rochester Academy of Science Paper Session (the picture is of the presenters from NU). Even though it isn’t that major of an accomplishment, I felt an overwhelming pride as I stood by my poster and answered questions asked by professors, students and others who attended the session. This was hopefully the first step I needed to really get my scientific extracurricular activities going. o when I’m not studying or taking a break, I am in the lab continuing my work.

I took my first religion class this semester and, as a part of the course, we had to read three books: Deep River, Monks of Tibhirine, and Acts of Faith. All three impacted me by the characters beliefs to dedicate themselves to helping others, something I value greatly and so I decided to pick up a minor in religious studies now. I think it is vital not only as a prospective medical professional to know different ethnic backgrounds, but also as a human being – even though I don’t practice any religion myself – to try and bridge our differences to leave a better tomorrow. So that’s that, hope I don't scare anyone away with these serious thoughts!

It’s almost Thanksgiving! That time of the year of where you sit down with your family, catch up, laugh, hug and stuff your face! I look forward to being home since the end of August. I’ll be catching up with all of my family and friends, having a grand ol’ time.

Then working Black Friday again! If you read my blog last year at this time, then you know that I’m going to say take it easy on us employees! That day is a madhouse and if you yell at us, we are more inclined to not help you even more than we might not want to already… so be gentle, please!

Be safe everyone, and enjoy the time spent with loved ones.

“Because the most important thing you can learn is how to turn an Idea into Reality.” – Jeff Pinzino

Autobotss… ROLLLL OUTTTT!

James Lioi

What's Life Without Midterms?

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 22:41:05 -0400

‘Ello there, I’m British today! Not really, but some days I do wonder what I may sound like to someone of a different language or dialect.

Life has been busy, to say the least this semester. One of the things I enjoy most about blogging is how it lets me sit down and reflect on my recent past. There really isn’t too much new going on at this point, everyone has found their groove for their daily activities. I wake up at around the same time every day, go to classes, sit at the same spot in Clet with the same group of friends, go back to classes or, if I don’t have any, I tutor, eat dinner at the same spot with the same group of friends, work in the lab/do homework, watch Netflix, maybe socialize with people, sleep and start again.

Obviously, this is my schedule simplified but the point gets across to you: Everyone has their rhythm. I personally hate being stuck doing the same thing day in and day out so I like to spice things up a bit. Now there isn't too much I can do to change things but something as little as eating at a different time or studying in a different spot really does change things around at times. I know, it seems sort of pathetic, but it’s true! Ha ha.

Midterm week is over! The two most stressful times of your college semester are midterm and final weeks. Fortunately, I was lucky to have mine spaced out well enough that I didn't have too much stress but my roommate was not so lucky. I think he spent more time in the library than he did in our room after classes.

In a way, it was sort of karma coming back to bite him in the butt for all the times he didn’t have anything to do last year while I was scrambling to keep up with my course load. The funniest part is that I am doing so much more this semester than I was last year and yet I have time for so much more outside of class.

Halloween is fast approaching! I love dressing up and having a good time for this day. This year’s costumes will definitely be the center of attention and I cannot wait! I have about three different costumes set up, one for just me and two that are group costumes. Needless to say, it’s going to be a good time!

"Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind." –Albert Einstein

Autobots…ROLLLL OUTTT!

James Lioi

Just Keep Rolling

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 13:52:29 -0400

Howdy, everyone!

Fall is finally here! The leaves are turning, I have more options to choose from when I get dressed in the morning, orange juice is the number one drink on campus, and I sleep cozily underneath my comforter. I, for one, love autumn even though I don’t drink hot chocolate, cider, or any other sort of hot drink. People call me crazy for it but I’m an H₂O type of guy.

My schedule has kept me occupied at this point in time. I usually like to have a theme for my blog but I couldn't really come up with anything. So, today I think I’m just going to "talk."

For those of you with friends or family that attend school away from home, I highly recommend visiting them. I had the pleasure of giving my brother and his wife a tour of my campus for the first time and the one-and-only Niagara Falls. It was a wonderful morning and afternoon spent catching up on activities, events, people and just being able to enjoy the time given. The funny thing about his visit was that he is an avid Browns fan and that weekend, of course, they were playing the Bills. When he showed up wearing a Browns hoodie, he jokingly remarked if he should be worried about wearing it and I honestly told him he probably should! If there is one thing I have learned about this area, it is that Bills fans are crazy (my roommate included!).

Eighteen credits of classes is no joke! I’m finally starting to feel the effects, with multiple assignments due in classes on top of preparation for tests and continuing my own research. The first thing my friends say to me after greeting is that they never see me anymore and, unfortunately, that is quite true at times. I have no complaints, I love what I do and I’m determined to press on. I do wish that there were eight days in a week instead of seven, or more than 24 hours in a day. Oh well, it’s the struggles that help create who you are.

Like I said, there's not too much to say today. I love being back here on campus. I love my classes and knowing that I am building my career foundation right now. I love the nights where I just sit and talk with friends. I love being incredibly busy. I’m just in love with life right now. I hope you are too and, if you aren’t, I’ll do my best to help you get there.

‘til next time! Stay classy.

Autobotss! ROLLLL OUTTT!

James Lioi

Baby I'm back!

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 15:13:00 -0400

Hey, everyone, I’m back! I guess my boss liked me last year so they invited me back to blog again during this lovely 2012-2013 school year.

First things first, hello again! I hope you all enjoyed these as much as I did! I also hope your summer was absolutely amazing and fun filled! As you can tell by all of my exclamation points, I’m a wee bit excited, but that’s a good thing, right? To get things started, I’m going to say a little about my summer and how this semester is looking so far.

I would like to congratulate my oldest brother and his beautiful wife on their second child who was born this July! I was fortunate enough to fly out to Arizona to spend a couple days with them and my two adorable nephews. During this trip, it was established that I was indeed the favorite uncle of both children (sorry, David, maybe next time?), which isn't surprising considering how cool I am (ha ha, just kidding!). It really was amazing to see family and especially play some kickball (as you can see in the photo)! We were no match for my nephew and, pretty soon, I’ll have him training for the Olympics and World Cup for soccer.

Two words: Summer Orientation! Niagara University has three separate sessions for incoming freshmen during the summer to come learn more about our campus as they prepare to join us in the fall. They get to stay the night, have some fun, and get their schedules worked out for their first semester. Needless to say, it was an awesome experience for me and I’m so glad I was a part of it. I made friends, whether it was administrators or fellow orientation leaders, helped students get situated with their classes, and just had a blast overall. The thing that I enjoyed most about Summer Orientation was being able to help out. I would get the biggest smile when I could see my actions and advice being so helpful.

Being home in general was stress relieving and wonderful in and of itself. I missed my momma’s home cooking badly and I swear she was trying to fatten me up with cookies. Of course, I missed my mom more than her cooking, duh! Seeing friends and family and being able to reminisce and just hang out was incredible, too.

I say I’m really high maintenance, which in some cases is true, but I’m also a very chill kind of guy. I don’t need to do something fancy every day; I could go for a jog with my friend for an hour and love it or just sit and talk about whatever came to our minds.

To everyone I saw, talked with, or even thought about, thank you for a great summer.

Now school has started and I’m busier than ever between classes, soccer, research and an attempt at a social life (I’ll keep you updated on how that goes). I was recently introduced to this dominant thought force idea. I don’t know the whole gist of it but I’m going to give it a whirl and see how this semester turns out.

Well, that’s enough from me today, time to go train and bury my head back into my books.

Autobots…ROLLLL OUT! (I've legit missed writing that, ha ha!)

James Lioi

Freshman Reflections

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:42:50 -0400

Hey, all! Well this is the last you will hear from me for the 2011-2012 school year.

It’s a little bittersweet to be honest. On one hand, I can’t wait to go back to Ohio and see family, friends, and make some money (“broke college student” is not an exaggerated stereotype!), but then again I love it up here with all of the new friends I’ve made, and I feel like I'm even doing something productive with my life. Yes, yes, call me a nerd or a geek, it doesn't bother me but the bottom line is that I go to college for a reason. I enjoy learning and I’m excited to move on past this stage and into the “big boy” world so that I can make a positive impact on it.

As my last entry, I figured I would reflect a bit on this past year, so here we go…

First off, being in the Niagara University commercial was SICK! It was an amazing way to kick off the year by becoming a little celebrity around campus and even Western New York. “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take” is a famous quote from Wayne Gretzky (I believe), and I took a shot and made a huge goal. Lesson learned: Don’t be afraid to try something new.
The first semester was rough in terms of how much sleep I would get each night and how I went about prioritizing my everyday and even weekend activities. I am a people pleaser so I would always be helping a person out before myself, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but, when it cuts into school and my personal health, things needed to change. Lesson learned: Sometimes you need to say no.
The “freshmen 15” IS REAL! As much as I hate to admit it, I jumped 15 pounds my first semester - while I was playing soccer! Thankfully, I have lost it but I am definitely more mindful of what I eat and more conscious of the need to stay in shape. By the way, that picture is me sticking my gut out! (Just want to clarify that so my friends don't call me fat for the rest of my life, ha ha). Lesson learned: Take care of your body.
Relax! Life happens. Sometimes it can really kick you hard where it hurts and sometimes it can really be an amazing thing. I’m sure my friend from home, Richie Harper, was sick of me complaining to him at some points of the year. Yeah, I had my ups and downs like everyone else in the world, but I’m still here, alive and kicking. Lesson learned: Just breathe.
I feel like everything happened first semester so here is probably the biggest thing that’s happened second semester to me: I have started independent research working with MRSA, a type of bacteria. And even though I’m still doing the basics, it really is awesome. It’s kind of creepy how my relationship is with these little guys. I call them my babies and I will argue with them if they are doing something I don’t agree with. I haven’t lost an argument yet and, if I do, then I really will be worried about my mental state (ha ha). Lesson learned: Bacteria really smell.
Last thing! I came to Niagara University with my mind set on cardiovascular surgery and, after my first year, I am not sure if I want to get my MD, my Ph.D, or both! Science has so many different opportunities and I am considering them all. I suggest you consider them all in your field of interest; you never know what might happen with another path. Lesson learned: Keep your mind open to possibilities.

For all of you current high school seniors (if any of you read this, that is…), I hope my last entry helped you out at all and I wish you good luck! For those I will see at Niagara University, welcome to the family and, if you live in Seton, I will see you around! Hopefully, you will enjoy it here as much as I do!

Everyone, have a great summer! Take a breather, go to the beach, sunbathe, work, laugh, play, take a jog, but just make sure to have some fun! Life is too short not to have fun.

I devote my final “roll out” to Laura Brownlie.

Autobotsss… ROLLLL OUTTTT!

James Lioi

Some Friendly Advice

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:27:16 -0400

Hey, all, hope you enjoyed or are currently enjoying your spring break! Mine was a huge success. I didn't do anything whatsoever and that is exactly how I wanted it - a boring break.

For the kids that live far away and have a great family back home, it is amazing how you start to miss everyone just a little more whenever you leave again, but I think that just makes the time you have with those you love all the more special and exciting so don’t be afraid to go far for college!

Classes are going well. I’m a little overwhelmed at times but, for the most part, I have a handle on things. One thing some people might find odd about me is I love to learn, just to know everything, and it’s evident in my reactions. I’m the guy who gets all hyped up when my results are close to the parameters that the lab manual says they should be. Then with science, I love knowing how our bodies work, why we feel the way we do or the composition of different bacteria and viruses. Find something you have a passion for and pursue it, whether as a hobby or a career.

Not really sure who reads this (ha), but I’m going to take some time to give some advice for prospective students since it is getting to be that time of the year. These tips aren't geared toward getting you to come to Niagara, just to help you decide.

When going to college and you don’t know what you want to major in, don’t sweat it. My brother changed majors twice during his freshman year and I've seen a lot of people switch their majors this year. Most have been the kids that switched out of science majors *cough sissies cough cough.*

I came into college knowing exactly what I wanted and I’ve even opened myself to different career possibilities that I would like to take. I don’t know about other schools and what kind of help they offer, but I know here at NU we have AEP (Academic Exploration Program) that helps you out and I know a lot of friends that were in this and it helped out.

To dorm or not to dorm? DORM! If you can financially afford to dorm for at least one year, do it! It’s an experience of a lifetime and it will test how responsible you are on your own, which you will need since we are going off to the Big Boy and Big Girl World here in a couple years. I currently live in Seton on the 5^th floor (rockkk onn!) and even though they can be loud sometimes, I love these guys and I’ve made a lot of friends because of it. SO DORM!

Small school or big school? Well you know my answer to that question since I go to a small university. What’s so cool about a small school? Well, for one, you don’t have a billion kids in each of your classes and that allows you to build a relationship with your professors more easily. When you have to apply for graduate school, medical school, jobs, or whatever else, you'll have someone who can write those letters of recommendation and even help you get that position.

The only thing I can see that a larger school might have over smaller schools are the more specific majors that some students want to pursue. Go to a college or university that has your major! Don’t settle for something you don’t have a passion for because your friends went to another school and you want to go there to be with them - not worth it. My best friend back home is always trying to get me to transfer to his university near our hometown and I say "no," not because I don't love him, but Niagara is the fit for me. The moral of the story: go where it fits you because it is your life, not anyone else's!

This is all I can really think of right now but I am always open to answering questions if you have them. I’m on Facebook or you can follow me on Twitter. Hope this helped out!

Autobots… ROLLL OUTTT!

To The Future

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:18:27 -0500

Hey. all, I’m back again!

The soccer tryout is over and, unfortunately, I didn't make the squad. I was invited to come back in the fall after I work on my very lacking technical abilities. Regardless of the outcome, the journey was self-fulfilling in itself. I was pushed to new limits and now I have the tools to refine my skills. Overall, a great experience!

Yesterday was Discovery Day here at Niagara University and even though I didn't really participate in anything except being the guy listening to people complain about Clet Dining Hall being crowded, it was a very interesting day.

In my biology lecture, we are continuing to learn about the mechanisms of the human muscles and, more specifically, how striated muscles contract. This is very neat stuff in my own mind but I am a science geek so maybe you wouldn't enjoy it so much...who knows.

Chemistry is just a huge headache right now! We are covering kinetics, which basically is the speed of reactions and a whole bunch of stuff like it. Whenever I think I got it to click, my professor throws a curveball and completely blows my mind away. Wish me luck on the midterms! I’ll need it for the chemistry test for sure!

Now that I have a lot of extra time on my hands, I think I’m going to get a job for the weekends back at the good ol’ Hollister Co. as a model. I’m fast becoming a broke college student and I don’t really like it. I’m also thinking about being a tour guide here at NU. I think it would be fun to give tours to all the high school students and their parents. Who knows what will happen. These next few weeks, I’m going to really just sit down again and figure out what I want to do and really focus on my studies for once.

The best part of my week happened on my walk to the library to print out my lab report. I was enjoying the scenery for once and was trying to clear my mind of everything when I realized that today was my one year anniversary of visiting Niagara University. It was an actual winter day with snow and all that jazz on Presidents Day of 2011. That day reinforced my desire to come here and I still do not regret that decision. So cheers to a little history and cheers to the future.

Enjoy the rest of February!

Autobots…rollll out!

James