Fall Happenings

So we’re about halfway through the semester, and a lot is going on at Purdue. One of the things that takes place every semester is scheduling for the next semester. I just did this last week and was informed of some very shocking news. After this semester, I will have completed enough credit hours to be considered a senior! That’s a very scary (but exciting) thought — college really does go as fast as they say it does.

But I have decided on my classes for next semester. One of the classes I’ll be taking is HTM491, which is a class where I will become a certified wine sommelier. This class is a three-day crash course into the world of wine. I’ll learn everything from the different varieties to fermentation. At the end of the course, I will take a test over a three day weekend that only about 50% of people pass! When I get this certification, it will be an excellent addition to my resume. It’s also nice to know that this class is included in my tuition — taking this class elsewhere can cost hundreds of dollars.

Another big move that I’m making this semester is finalizing my plans to study abroad in the fall of 2012. I will be journeying to the great city of Glasgow in Scotland. I will be there from August to December at the University of Strathclyde. I will be a full-time student (just like I would be at Purdue) and all of my class credits will transfer back here. This will be my second time studying abroad, and for those of you who are considering it: do it. Study abroad —whether for a week or a semester — will be one of the greatest decisions you can make. The life experiences you will gain are absolutely priceless, and you will have the time of your life as well. Another great part about this trip is that it is an exchange program which means I pay the Purdue tuition rate; so it’s only marginally more expensive to study abroad.

I hope your fall semester is going as well as mine. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

--- Andrew P. Savitsky
Junior, Hospitality & Tourism Management
asavitsk@purdue.edu