John Logan
jlogan3@bryant.edu
Heyo. My name is John Logan and I'm from Hanover, Massachusetts. For those who don't know me (which is probably the majority of you reading this), I love to run, edit videos and music, and perform magic. Speaking of magic, I recently just wrote and published a book which will be available to the public Fall 2012. For more information, you can check out my website: www.johndukelogan.com
How to Study for Finals
May 1st, 2013
So it's the end of the year, it's beautiful outside, you're looking forward to summer….but wait: FINALS. Yes, yes people dread them as they ruin our pre-summer feeling, but nonetheless, if you do well on them, it can dramatically improve your self-esteem and the summer can be much more enjoyable. So how can you do this?
1. Take advantage of free time:
As the year ends, teachers will most likely lessen the homework load and probably have big assignments due at the end of the semester. For instance, there probably won't be any homework due overnight, but instead of practicing magic tricks in your free time, go over class notes! Just because you don't have any assignments, doesn't mean you shouldn't study!
2. Make your own study guides
Teachers will most likely tell you what is on your final exam. But don't just skim those chapters in the textbook. Open up a Microsoft Word document and start typing away! Or if you're more of a hand written person, create your own study guide. Don't just use the notes your teacher gave you. Those were THEIR notes. The more you write something down, the more you will remember it.
3. BE CREATIVE:
Like in the previous tip, create your own study guides, but BE CREATIVE with them! Color code. Create charts. Make a song. Think of a ridiculous story that has to do with the content. Do whatever you can to understand the material.
4. Focus on your weaknesses:
Everyone procrastinates. Simple as that. However, sometimes we procrastinate studying by studying the content we already know rather than focusing on our weaknesses. We like to think that we're being proactive, but in reality we should focus our attention on the subjects that are bringing us down.
5. Take a break every once in a while:
Studying can kill people sometimes. For instance, if you break up the word "studying" it's: "stud" "dying" (corny joke of the week). But in all seriousness, don't study for 6 hours straight with no break. Study for an hour, take a 10 minute break, and then go back. Letting your brain relax is actually a good thing- trust me.
No matter who you are, where you are from, or why you are reading this:
Good luck.
Best regards,
John Logan
Bryant University Class of 2016
www.johndukelogan.com
Why Bryant?
April 24th, 2013
Do you find it hard remembering the Bryant University statistics? I know I do sometimes. There are so many fantastic traits Bryant possess that sometimes I lose track! Well fear no more! Below you will find a link that explains all of Bryant's statistics in a unique way- with playing cards.
After producing my Taylor Swift "Love Story" video (you can visit my website to watch it), I wrote and performed a routine at the Mr. Bryant competition (another blog I wrote about). The routine I performed at the competition tells my story at Bryant and the statistics using playing cards…while blindfolded.
One of the video production teachers, Professor Dooley, was in the audience and approached me afterwards asking if I wanted to produce a video for Admissions and prospective students. After speaking with Admissions, Nolan Thompson (a video production student), Professor Dooley, and myself gathered some of the most important statistics Bryant has. After numerous meetings, we brainstormed ideas, put a final script together, and created a vision for what the production would finally look like.
Using the new high definition cameras, we headed to the Koffler studio room around 9:00 pm. After setting up the correct lights, the audio level, and camera angles, we ended up filming until midnight. The post production team included Nolan and Professor Dooley with the help of Brianne Brinkmann, Ryan Fitch, and Michelle Villa. I personally believe they did an excellent job and they deserve more credit than me. Although many people don't realize it, the editing it takes to make a production like this takes HOURS, sometimes DAYS. I can't express how much I appreciate their hard work and dedication since they had it ready just in time for the Open House (you can learn more about video production if you join the Media Production Club!).
It was an amazing experience and I had a blast performing. It just goes to show you that when Bryant students have a vision, they take their time to correctly plan everything out and finally execute it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfDVkqR6_44
No matter who you are, where you are from, or why you are reading this:
Good luck.
Best regards,
John Logan
Bryant University Class of 2016
www.johndukelogan.com
Supporting Boston
April 17th, 2013
I'm sure most of you heard about the horrific news that happened a few days ago: the two explosions at the Boston Marathon. It's really a disappointment that one of the largest events in the world can be ruined by one simple act.
However, we wanted to support the families and friends who were injured during this event. The day the event happened, freshman Ashley Cardona wanted to do something immediately. She approached a few people and within a few hours, the campus received an email from President Machtley in regards to Ashley's innovative idea: the Bryant community would run 1 mile around campus exactly 24 hours from when the event occurred in memory for the runners, spectators, and families that were impacted.
It was incredible to see faculty, staff, students, and of course, Tupper, come together as one and run in memory. From what I've heard, no one specifically from Bryant was hurt during the event, but as a community we wanted to honor those in need. Below is a video that was put together for the race:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi2pdqK7K24
It's incredible how a nation (or in this case, a community) can come together and support each other in times of need. From looking at the pictures and videos from people at the race, I was glad to see that MORE people were running TOWARDS the explosions rather than away- it really shows how much Boston cares for others.
No matter who you are, where you are from, or why you are reading this:
Good luck.
Best regards,
John Logan
Bryant University Class of 2016
www.johndukelogan.com
Are Humans Data Making Machines?
April 10th, 2013
I personally feel Bryant does an excellent job bringing in guest speakers. For instance, a few weeks ago Dr. Hardin came to visit Bryant with his thoughts on analyzing data, which is extremely important today in the business world.
Dr. Hardin is a professor at University of Alabama for the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration. Not only does he have a degree in statistics, but philosophy as well, while also being the dissertation advisor for Dr. Billie Anderson, a statistics professor here at Bryant University. Dr. Hardin first discussed how important analytics and statistics are nowadays in businesses. Dr. Hardin then proceeded to discuss the book, Good to Great by James Collins. Collins believes that in order for a business to become "great", they must not only think innovate, but correctly analyze past data using data mining. Businesses today need to look at the information, but also use this information to find the underlying structure, while at the same time understanding the difference between hope and reality (even if reality is negative).
Not many people realize it, but whenever you send a text message, take a picture with your phone, or visit a website (this list could go on forever), you are using data. If you think about the situation in that perspective, there is SO much data PER SECOND going around in the world. Here at Bryant, you understand how to simplify the data you need and realize what information is important for your business to succeed.
Another popular example on how people use data is through the famous social media site, Twitter. Here is a link on truly how much data is in the world JUST through Twitter. It's pretty scary how much technology has improved over the years: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI61JjXdo_I
No matter who you are, where you are from, or why you are reading this:
Good luck.
Best regards,
John Logan
Bryant Universtiy Class of 2016
www.johndukelogan.com
Honors Program Fire and Ice Event
April 3rd, 2013
For those who haven't gone to Fire and Ice, please go! It is unbelievably cool. I had the great opportunity to be asked by the Honors Program to head over there a few weeks ago and they would pay for everything! Free food, why not?As part of the Honors Program, they asked us if we wanted to head to Fire and Ice one night so we can interact with other people in the Honors Program and have some food. Two of my best friends and myself decided to go and it was fantastic! For those who don't know about Fire and Ice, it's a buffet style restaurant and you watch them cook the food right in front of you. For example, you get some raw meat (there are also things there for vegetarians), put it on your plate, and then give it to the cook. The cooks take the food, put it on the big circular stove in the middle of the restaurant, and then cook the food in front of you and everyone else there. When I went, I had two delicious cheese burgers, some sausage, and ice cream (yes, I was full, but it was delicious). We then talked about different courses for next year, and met some new people I've never met before. I HIGHLY suggest you go there! It's located right in Providence! Also, for more information about the Honors Program, you can visit this link: http://www.bryanthonors.com/
No matter who you are, where you are from, or why you are reading this:
Good luck.
Best regards,
John Logan
Bryant University Class of 2016
www.johndukelogan.com
Texas Toast Grilled Cheese, a TON of Onion Rings, and 1/3 of a Chocolate Cake
March 27th, 2013
I'm sure we can all agree that eating is one of our top 3 things to do. And, I'm sure we can also agree that listening to music can be up there as well. Well, how about if we combine them together? Yup, that's right.I'll talk about the music section first. Bryant University's radio station (WJMF) is ALWAYS playing music whenever you pass by the Koffler building. Whether it be Eminem, Guns 'N Roses, Jacks Mannequin, or my personal favorite, Taylor Swift, they always have a range of music for different listeners- and they do a fantastic job at it as well. They are, indeed, the "Beat of Bryant."
So how does food have anything to do with this? I'm glad you asked. Well on Wednesday, April 3rd, they are holding a "EAT YOUR FACE OFF" competition. In short, three "challengers" will have 15 minutes to eat a stack of grilled cheeses. However, it's not just any stack- it's a GIANT stack of Texas Toast Grilled Cheese, a TON of Onion Rings, and 1/3 of a Chocolate Cake. Yum!
This even will take place in the Salmanson Dining Hall and will start at 5:45 and go until 6:15. The winner will get a $50 AMEX gift card and bragging rights (who wouldn't want that?). I'm not sure about you, but I know I'll be there. While you're putting the date in your calendar, you can go to WJMF's website and listen to their shows/music!
http://www.wjmfradio.com/live/
No matter who you are, where you are from, or why you are reading this:
Good luck.
Best regards,
John Logan
Bryant University Class of 2016
www.johndukelogan.com
Spring Break on Campus
March 20th, 2013
Spring Break is a time right in the middle of the second semester to let students go on vacation and relax for a week. The media has portrayed Spring Break as lying on the beach, while playing catch with the Frisbee in the ocean. However, I think for the students who stayed in Rhode Island (or New England for that matter) can say that was not the case this year. When I left Friday to go home for break, all I can remember is not to look up while walking to the car because I would get snow in my eyes- it felt like winter break all over again!
The weather seemed to change after a few days, but since I'm on the track team, I had to head back to campus on Tuesday for practice. That was perfectly fine though because I got into this amazing show called "How I Met Your Mother" and started from Episode 1 Season 1. After a week of vacation, I'm now in the middle of Season 3.
But that's not all I did over break! Last night a few of my friends and I wanted to watch the a cappella movie called "Pitch Perfect". Although I've heard it's more geared towards the "female" audience, I personally thought it was a very well-directed movie. Anyway, we also decided that cookies and ice cream sounded delicious…even though we are track athletes. However, we wanted to be innovative and create something new (Hey, what do you expect? We're at a "business" school!) My friend thought of this neat idea where you bake cookies, yet in a way so that they are shaped in the form of an outer shell for a cupcake and then put ice cream in the middle to resemble the actual cupcake. So we used Hall 15's kitchen and started cooking. I guess you would call it a successful night.
No matter who you are, where you are from, or why you are reading this:
Good luck.
Best regards,
John Logan
Bryant University Class of 2016
www.johndukelogan.com
Location Location Location
March 20th, 2013
One of the best things about Bryant is the location (hence the title of this blog). If you really think about it, Bryant's campus is only 15 minutes away from Providence, 45 minutes away from Boston, and 30 minutes away from Gillette Stadium where the New England Patriots play.
Also, for people who aren't from the New England area, Gillette Stadium also has a mini-mall called "Patriots Place." They have neat stores, activities, and events going on every weekend. For example, this past weekend they had activities going on in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. It was awesome to head down there yesterday and see people anywhere aged from 2 years old to 80 years old dressed in green for St. Patrick's Day. They had face painting, food, and different bands playing. One band in particular that was playing was called "Joshua Tree." They are a cover band of U2 and sound identical. You can check out their website if you get a chance: http://www.joshuatreeband.com/
My grandmother and I have this tradition every year (since I can remember) where we head to an Irish restaurant for St. Patrick's Day and catch up. It's a neat tradition we do every year and this year we decided to head to Patriots Place to see what was going on (we try to choose a different place every year).
Also, I know some of my friends at Bryant headed into Boston today to see the parade. It's a great benefit that Bryant University is in the middle of everything. Anyway, hope you had a wonderful Spring Break and St. Patrick's Day!
No matter who you are, where you are from, or why you are reading this:
Good luck.
Best regards,
John Logan
Bryant University Class of 2016
www.johndukelogan.com
How Can YOU Change the World?
March 5th, 2013
Bryant University does an absolute FANTASTIC job with encouraging people to just, "Be you." Students, teachers, and staff at Bryant are one of the most amiable types of people you will EVER meet in your life, which is why it is easier for students to appreciate who they actually are and have a more relaxed, comfortable lifestyle. And it REALLY disappoints me when people don't take risks because it is not part of society's "norms."
Not acting like yourself in fear of being judged is an unfortunate character trait that the majority of the human race has in common. For instance, many people nowadays tend to avoid stepping out of the box, or their comfort zone. This is understandable, for the simple fact that being comfortable with yourself is an important factor in life. However, sometimes it's also acceptable to think from a different point of view in terms of society's "norms". And sometimes, just sometimes, if you do this correctly, you can enjoy life in unique ways that you wouldn't have experienced otherwise. You wouldn't be able to determine the outcome if you didn't take the risk, correct?
However, also keep in mind that you will be judged in everything you do. If you ever step out of the box, realize that some may think you're a lunatic while others may think you're an inspiration based on their perception; it's your job to correctly unite the two. Why? Well, the people who can do this are the people who have true courage. These are the people who have true passion. These are the people who have true motivation. And these are the people who can make a difference in the world.
So the next time you're debating if you should think "outside" the box in feared of being judged by others, remember this:
Just be you and see where it goes. Stop worrying. Worrying leads to inaction. Inaction leads to regrets.
No matter who you are, where you are from, or why you are reading this:
Good luck.
Best regards,
John Logan
Bryant University Class of 2016
Procrastinators Unite! (tomorrow….)
March 5th, 2013
Writing this blog right now is actually ironic since I've been procrastinating to write it for the past week…. Alright, alright, I'm joking, but nonetheless, I recently attended a lecture and learned why people procrastinate to begin with and different "types" of procrastinators. One of the things Bryant University is fantastic at is providing lectures with different tools you can use to enhance your study strategies.
I'm sure we've all procrastinated at some point in our lives. We all know that feeling of having something you need to do on your mind, but you keep making excuses for not doing it. For instance, one reason why people procrastinate to begin with is the fear of failure or success. Another reason we might procrastinate is because we believe the thing we need to do will take less time to achieve than how long it actually will. Also, many people sometimes think they can perform a task better and faster than what they can actually do. I know sometimes I sometimes put things off for the last minute because I "think" I'm proficient in whatever the task it is, but then when I actually start it, I realize that I need more help or more time in order to successfully achieve the task!
Some types of procrastinators include:
- The dreamer
- The devil
- The crisis maker
- The overdoer
- The pleasure seeker
- And the perfectionist.
I personally think I'm the "overdoer" combined with the "perfectionist." It's a really bad quality I have but I ALWAYS want to embrace and enjoy every aspect of life, so I join and try to be involved with many things. However, when this occurs, I want everything to be PERFECT. As a result, I'll tend to focus too much time on a specific task because it needs to be perfect, and then realizing that I still need to do other things as well! And sometimes when this occurs, I tend to procrastinate because I want the task to be so "perfect" that I won't know where to start, thus making myself not start at all until last minute! Sometimes when I want something to be PERECT, and the end result is not under my standards of "perfection", I can use "not having enough time" for my excuse!
Oh no! I just realized I need to read for macroeconomics! Oh boy….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nBwfZZvjKo
No matter who you are, where you are from, or why you are reading this:
Good luck.
Best regards,
John Logan
Bryant University Class of 2016
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