Wal-Mart Essay Example for Free

Wal-Mart Essay This paper will concentrate on a change activity for Wal-Mart. Next, this paper will examine how this change will affect the individuals, items, and procedures. At that point this paper will concentrate on the individuals parcel, and give proposals to situate this change activity in a way that outcomes in superior. At last this paper will finish up with a rundown of how the prescribed way to deal with the change activity will bring about authoritative greatness. A company’s picture is significant. It shows how an organization is seen all in all. Wal-Mart has gotten a terrible notoriety, and numerous purchasers have quit shopping there on account of this picture. The change activity will be to change consumer’s picture of Wal-Mart. The open discernment can truly influence a company’s benefit. As indicated by Margot and Rachel (2011), A 2006 showcasing report by Walmart’s then-publicizing office portrayed the public’s perspective on Walmart as that of a â€Å"bad corporate resident who doesn’t treat workers well and isn’t going about as a productive member of society of the planet† (p. 62). To change Wal-Mart’s Image they should change employee’s compensation, increment staffing or don’t cut hours, and change the climate. The principal change that requirements to happen is worker compensation. Wal-Mart needs to take a gander at the average cost for basic items in every network where they are found, and pay a serious compensation. Costco pays its workers a serious compensation, and their benefits have expanded. Ungar (2013) states the accompanying: In an indistinguishable economy, how would we clarify Costco’s development versus the disappointments over at Walmart? Here’s an insane thoughtâ€might it have something to do with the way that Costco pays about the entirety of its representatives an average living (admirably in overabundance of the lowest pay permitted by law) while Wal-Mart keeps on paying its laborers as though their workers don’t really need to eat more than once every week, live in an encased space and, once in a while, take their children to see a specialist (para. 3). On the off chance that Wal-Mart paid its representatives all the more how might it sway the individuals, procedures, and items and administrations? The effect on the individuals would be certain not exclusively to the representatives, however the buyers too. It would raise worker confidence. At the point when one goes to Wal-Mart now, one can advise the representatives don’t need to be there, and it’s elusive somebody to help. I have heard representatives really state, â€Å"They don’t pay me enough to support these individuals. † Ungar (2013) summarizes it best about worker mentalities by expressing, â€Å"and with those on location being paid a compensation so low that it is hard to anticipate much in the method of pride or motivation† (para. 6). On the off chance that the representatives got paid a serious compensation it would spur the workers to invest wholeheartedly in their occupations. This would prompt better client care for the shopper. So as it were it would not exclusively be sure effect for the individuals, yet would be incredible for Wal-Mart forms with respect to the client. The effect on the items and administrations would be the representatives would invest wholeheartedly to respond to any inquiries on these things and different administrations. Likewise, Wal-Mart can raise compensation without raising costs on items. As per Bivens (2006) express the accompanying: Wal-Mart could raise wages and advantages fundamentally without raising costs, yet still acquire a solid benefit. For instance, while as yet keeping up a net revenue practically half more noteworthy than Costco, a key contender, Wal-Mart could have raised the wages and advantages of every one of its non-administrative workers in 2005 by more than $2,000 without raising costs a penny (para. 3). Wal-Mart would not have to raise costs. There would be no effect on the items, or the purchasers, or the procedure of regular low costs. Furthermore, it would be a stage in expanding their open picture. The following change increment staffing or lessen cutting hours is another progression in redressing their picture. Wal-Mart presently has more stores working and insufficient staff to run them. So what do they do? They cut the representatives working hours. The effect is negative for the purchasers, their administrations, and the items. Ungar (2013) states the accompanying: Without enough representatives to get the fundamental work of a retail activity done†¦Wal-Mart stock stays stacked on beds in the distribution center as opposed to causing it to the floor where clients to can discover the items they need. Simultaneously, registration lines are horrendously long and irritating as the general shopping experience keeps on decaying. One is left to ponder about the estimation of offering items at a lower cost if those items are not on the racks when the client needs to get them (para. 4). So the effect on the individuals, procedures, and item and administrations would be certain. The representatives would be more joyful in light of the fact that they would have enough staff, and hours to complete the work. The buyers would be more joyful in light of the fact that the item on the racks, and enough representatives not to need to remain in long queues. The items and administrations would be better on the grounds that there would things on the racks, and representatives ready to support the client. The last change would be the climate. Wal-Mart’s environment is certifiably not a positive one. At the point when one looks via web-based networking media or surveys of Wal-Mart there’s a specific low class topic. At the point when one goes to Wal-Mart sees trucks everywhere throughout the parking area. Workers outside smoking or cussing at the tables they set up for them. A portion of the kinds of customers who go there can be discourteous, and savage to different purchasers. Generally, it’s not an incredible shopping experience. As indicated by City Data. com (2008) the obscure creator expresses the accompanying: From the errant trucks thronw about the parking garage to the groups of representatives smoking in little assigned zones outside the structure, to hearing a bigger number of dialects than I can check, to hearing foulness, to seeing ladies more youthful than myself (Im 22) yammering into PDAs while toting around numerous shouting kids, I simply get a terrible vibe from that place. I understand you get what you pay for, however I additionally discover great arrangements at Target and see it as a substantially more pleasurable shopping experience. I saw exactly how low-class numerous Wal-Mart customers were the point at which we learned of the stomping on death of that Wal-Mart representative on Long Island this past Friday and exactly what number of created a further uproar when told the store would be shutting briefly to expel the keeps an eye on body (para. 3). The progressions Wal-Mart would need to make to their air would support their open picture. The main thing is moving the worker split zone away from the customers’ see. Nobody needs to see the representatives smoking. They could move it to the rear of the store where there are no clients. Particularly, when individuals are attempting to prohibit smoking from open regions; this conveys a terrible picture. The effect will be certain to the shoppers it will give them a superior view when strolling into Wal-Mart. The effect on the representatives may not all be certain. They may like where they take breaks, and loathe the reality they need to go in the back where trucks empty items. They possibly sway on items would be if the representatives hindered the trucks that are conveying the items; so this could be a negative as well. The procedure would not so much be affected except if the workers sneak off to the back to smoke when it’s not their typical break time. This could be unraveled by placing a camera in the break territory. The following change should be the trucks. They have to have somebody out in that parking area staying aware of those trucks. Wal-Mart is awful for having trucks all over. Numerous individuals don't shop there in dread of a truck hitting their vehicle. This would be a constructive effect for the individuals, item and administrations. The individuals will see that Wal-Mart invests heavily in their appearance. This would let to more items and administrations being sold on the grounds that individuals would come to Wal-Mart more on the off chance that they didn’t need to fear their vehicles being hit by a truck. There would be an effect on the procedure. The procedure currently doesn't work on the grounds that the trucks are not being gotten. The procedure would need to change for the workers, and some may not need the procedure to change so this could affect the representatives. The representatives may think the way toward getting the trucks isn't down and out, and may not help out the changes. The last change would be towards the customer. Wal-Mart endures awful practices in there store from buyers. This has lead to a terrible situation to shop in. Wal-Mart needs to address the clients that are crazy in their store. Spots like Target or JcPenney would not endure clients badgering different clients; they would be approached to leave. Wal-Mart ought to embrace this equivalent sort of mindset. This would require a procedure change, and a few representatives may not feel good managing discourteous clients. Wal-Mart may need to make a situation to deal with these sorts of clients. The effect might be negative to the workers if this change isn't taken care of right. The effect for the purchasers would be certain. They can go out to shop in a decent environment without the concern of managing other inconsiderate purchasers. The individuals would know it won’t be endured in a spot like Wal-Mart. This is the sort of picture Wal-Mart needs to have. The items and administrations might be affected from the outset on the grounds that the loss of the inconsiderate shoppers, however once word gets out Wal-Mart will pull in more buyers. The progressions that Wal-Mart would need to have would effect individuals. This part will give suggestions to situate this change activity in a way that outcomes in elite. In all of these progressions there will be a few people who will need to oppose this change. The best approach to conquer this opposition is by tolerating this is a piece of the procedure. It might be disappointing, however this is a piece of progress. Tune in to what they need to state, and attempt to understan

The EU Trade policy aims to develop both multilateral liberalization.. Free Essays

string(40) EU enterprises to stand up to competition. Presentation It is every now and again said that the European Union ( E.U. ) is â€Å" a monetary goliath yet a political dwarf † . We will compose a custom exposition test on The EU Trade strategy means to create both multilateral progression.. or then again any comparative point just for you Request Now On the off chance that the second articulation appears to be questionable, the initial 1 is checked. In fact, the E.U. is a significant exchanging power as it is the universe ‘s biggest exporter ( 16.2 % of planetary exports[ 1 ]) and merchant of products and ventures, representing a fifth of universe trade[ 2 ]. The European Union has been building up its inside market since 1993 and the â€Å" Individual Market Program † . Observing the standards of the GATT/WTO[ 3 ], which is â€Å" an association for changing exchange †[ 4 ]as it is composed on the site, the E.U. has obtained a wide talk dependent on the point of progression. Related with the neoclassical financial hypothesis, the European progression could be characterized as a â€Å" detached market with free rivalry † ( craftsmanship. 119 Lisbon Treaty ) , without obstacles or hindrances to stock. Article 206 of the Lisbon Treaty underlines the significance of the piece of the EU to the â€Å" advancement of universe exchange † and to â€Å" the dynamic abolishment of constraints on worldwide exchange † . The EU Trade approach, as an apparatus of course to the advancement, is sought after by the Common Commercial Policy ( CCP ) , which has been a bit of the network skills since the Treaty of Rome. The understood in thought is that progression of exchange has brought and will pass on monetary advantages and growing[ 5 ], which is the main measure to an open help framework and a tranquil society. The EU Trade approach intends to create both diserse advancement and provincial incorporating. The OECD characterizes the EU exchange arrangement as: â€Å" Partially by need, halfway by plan, the EU ‘s exchange strategy has been ‘walking on two legs ‘ since its initial yearss: diserse progression and territorial coordinating. †[ 6 ]The Lisbon Treaty thought about that the CCP â€Å" will be directed with regards to the guidelines and points of the Union ‘s outside activity † . In this manner, the outer component of the EU exchange has impacts on the SM as the interior strategy interactions with headway in the SM. Presents, the E.U has become an alluring monetary shaft of around 500 million shoppers, creating intra-EU and extra-EU trades. In any case, this fascination, this â€Å" magnet † outcome ( S. McGuire ) , has incited a guarded response from the Member States ( MS ) , energizing the interest to shield the SM from outside competition.[ 7 ]The simple of receptiveness is by all accounts the control of outer threats which can destabilize the SM and the entire European financial framework. Numerous physical or regulatory hindrances despite everything remain and the EU has even made new obstructions as capable 1s, connected to the supposed European qualities. In the event that the EU is non a total â€Å" fortification † , these blocks are destructive and lead to bypass universe exchange understandings. In such an occurrence, the dealingss between Trade Policy and the progression of the SM are neither precise nor ramble. Delicate products: Would all divisions be entirely changed? Obligations and non-levies boundaries to stock. The EU remains slandered for using protectionist instruments for divisions, for example, rural stocks and texture and vesture. The EU is a central client of appropriations, against dumping steps and intentional fare limitations ( VER ) so as to secure the supposed â€Å" touchy parts † which despite everything stay a start of strained quality between WTO individuals. To be sure, the outer element of the EU Trade arrangement combinations with the inward Common Agricultural Policy ( CAP ) . The CAP has been made so as to secure the inward European horticultural market, abridging the market course to EU exchange life partners and decreasing exports[ 8 ]. This strategy was applied in the model characterized by the Uruguay Round which made explicit guidelines for rural food stocks and materials apparel, leting high obligations on certain stocks. Regardless of whether these guidelines have been debilitated by more distant WTO rule law, the EU despite everything applies an arrangement of procedures. Value backing and fare appropriations Fare sponsorships have turned into the central instrument of residential fiscal worth help in Europe. The sugar segment is one of the most decisive outline, being a significant collector of endowments. To call a couple, Tereos Group ( France ) , Azucarera Ebro ( Spain ) , Krajowa Spolka Cukrowa ( Poland ) got severally about a‚â ¬178 million, a‚â ¬119.4 and a‚â ¬135 million in help in 2009[ 9 ]. 1.5 billion for every twelvemonth is spent on sponsoring sugar division, as a fiscal estimation of 632 euros for each metric ton can be ensured to manufacturers[ 10 ]. It makes multiple times the universe fiscal worth. The EU is one of the significant universe ‘s exporter of sugar Beta vulgaris ( EU was the primary exporter before CAP reform[ 11 ]) despite the fact that its creation cost is higher than in Brazil or Thailand. Moreover, duty boundaries are as yet forced on natural sweetener exporters. Fitting to this exchange approach, third states have an extremely p rohibitive course to the EU showcase dish. Brazil, Thailand and Australia prevailing with regards to passing on the occurrence to the WTO distinction settlement. WTO surveyed that EU sugar trades were â€Å" up to multiple times a greater number of appropriations every twelvemonth than permitted under WTO understandings †[ 12 ], clashing with the WTO agreemement on sponsorships and offseting step ( SCM ) . To this degree, EU exchange arrangement was viewed as protectionist, defending the inside market from third-nations exportations. From the outside element of the individual market, the main finish of progression was non reached. On the different manus, interior incorporating endured exchange diversion. These sorts of laws have made biaised rivalry and have simply allowed to enormous producers who are equipped for run intoing high measures to come in the market, resulting in a truly confined liberalisation[ 13 ]. Willful fare constraints ( VER ) Fare appropriations can be related with deliberate fare restrictions. VER have been prohibited orchestrating to WTO guidelines. Be that as it may, it stays a device of EU exchange arrangement, using as a hindrance against the progression of Chinese texture imports for outline. VER are quantitative confinement as the praised outline is the comprehension for limitation of Chinese textures measure approved on the EU showcase. China â€Å" intentional † acknowledged to diminish its imports helping EU enterprises to go up against rivalry. You read The EU Trade strategy plans to create both multilateral advancement.. in classification Paper models Even if import shares finished in December 2008 with the Multiple Fiber Arrangement ( MFA ) taking to more distant progression, VER are as yet utilized protectionist apparatuses. Hostile to dumping steps Orchestrating to the WTO site, dumping â€Å" happens when merchandise are sent out at a fiscal worth not exactly their typical worth, all around planning they are traded for short of what they are sold in the residential market or third-nation markets, or at not as much as creation cost †[ 14 ]. Article 6 of GATT/WTO permits state to create hostile to dumping obligations ( ADD ) if low rivalry outcomes from. However, the EU evades the WTO model, using arbitraly simply exchange guidelines. The European Union uses the â€Å" Community contribution † to warrant the punishment of ADD which can last up to five old ages[ 15 ]. Be that as it may, voices have ascended against an assurance abuse of these approaches. The EU started 287 enemy of dumping occurrences in ten mature ages, somewhere in the range of 1998 and 2008[ 16 ]. Blending to L. Davis, â€Å" 59 % of occurrences have included Asiatic fares, 22 % from China altogether † , especially on account of the higher rivalry in concoction and metal segment expanding with the advancement of Asiatic financial systems[ 17 ]. China is currently the greatest maker of washers and screws and this prompted uphold hostile to dumping on its imports: for case, obligations for steel and Fe clasp are ascended from 26.5 % to 85 % , as should be obvious on the pie outline below[ 18 ]. The developpment of hostile to dumping cases underlines the â€Å" subsitution outcome † from obligations to non-tarrifs barriers[ 19 ]. The talk of progression fells a verifiable in protectionism. Starting: L.Davis, â€Å" Ten mature ages of against dumping in the EU: financial and political focusing on † , Ecipe working paper, No. 02/2009. The strategies applied to these delicate divisions exemplifie what Professor M. Monti called â€Å" the conflicted feeling ( of the EU ) about the outer element of its individual market †[ 20 ]. Doubtlessly, orchestrating to B.- T. Hanson, it very well may be conceivable to change the interior market related with outer protectionism. Be that as it may, the central finish of EU exchange approach is characterized as progression of the universe ‘s showcase. This logical inconsistency among hypothesis and realities is underlined by the irreplaceable questionable nature of the nexus between changing outside exchange strategy and making an individual market for 27 states[ 21 ]. On the off chance that what is as often as possible called â€Å" the Fortress Europe † does non be, tendencies to protectionism are as yet significant in indicating EU exchange strategy. The announcement of Pearce, Sutton and Batchelor in 1985 stays significant: â€Å" Even if the European mone tary frameworks resuscitate, and there is no surge in protectionism somewhere else known to mankind, insufficiency of universal battle will proceed to deliver power per unit territory to ensure a few segments in a few or all part regions. T

Thirteen Things To Do Over IAP #6-13

Thirteen Things To Do Over IAP #6-13 I am aware that it is no longer IAP, but I figure it’s better late than never, right? 6. Work as an EMT As you may (or may not) know, last IAP I took the MIT EMS class to become a certified emergency medical technician and joined the MIT student volunteer service. There are quite a few members in the service so during the semester, it can be difficult to get shifts during times that you are available. Since I have classes all morning and tennis practice from 5-7pm, I usually end up taking the overnight shifts from 11pm-8am. Thankfully, there is a nifty little bunkroom underneath Stata where the three-person crew stays while on shift, equipped with squishy sofas and bunk beds for sleeping. My plan for the last two weeks of IAP was to take as many shifts as I could while a lot of people were away, otherwise occupied with other IAP-y things. Looking back at the calendar, I managed to claim 37 hours of shifts over two weeks, working mostly on the 8am-12pm and 12pm-5pm shifts. Being an EMT is one of those things where reading the material and knowing the facts can only get you so far. Actually being on scene with a living, breathing person is very different from running through checklists in your head or verbalizing protocols for a state exam. It took me almost a year of watching others, attempting things on my own, doing drills, and talking over countless patient encounters before I really felt comfortable and confident. There is a steep learning curve at first, facilitated by a creeping shadow of pseudo-imposter syndrome that doesn’t seem to go away until you realize that you’re only going to be as good as you believe you can be. I’ve been spending a lot of time in the bunk room this IAP, trying my best to be a sponge (in the best metaphorical sense possible), but during that time, I’ve also had the chance to have some rather interesting conversations with some amazing people. If you want to have really random conversations, I’d suggest getting started before 8am. Your body is, for all intents and purposes, awake, but your mind is still grumpily mumbling about going back to sleep and therefore more likely to spew out random word vomit. 7. Scavenge for food That one time we weren’t on meal plan There is one glorious thing about IAP that is often overlooked amidst all the excitement about travel, learning, and an overall broadening of the student body’s horizons. That’s right: no mandatory meal plan over IAP. During the semester, Maseeh requires that all freshmen enroll in the full 19 meals per week plan and all sophomores have a minimum plan of 12 meals a week, but during IAP, all dining is optional. That one time I fed myself for two weeks I fed myself in a couple of different ways this IAP. For one, I would sometimes go to Trader Joe’s to pick up some oatmeal, fruit, or other sandwich materials (as well as a few free samples) that would last me about a week. Additionally, every time I was on shift in the morning or afternoon, I had the added bonus of being able to eat with the crew, which covered quite a few breakfasts and lunches. The remaining meals were filled in with jaunts to Kendall Square, the student center, or random food-adventures. I love cooking (even though at times I have no idea what I’m doing in the kitchen) so sometimes living in Maseeh and its lack of a proper kitchen space breaks my heart. But I moved in knowingly, making compromises for some of its other positive qualities. That one time I ate sardines for a whole day Right before Juno hit, I went to Star Market to stock up on food in case I couldn’t get out during the blizzard. I hear starving is really bad for you. As I perused the store, I noted the numerous other grocery-shoppers milling about the aisles, the baskets piled high with non-perishable and dried goods, and the eerily barren shelves, à la let’s-prepare-for-the-zombie-apocalypse. Following some sage advice I had received earlier that week, I decided to purchase two tins of sardines as well as a can of green beans that I bought on a whim. With my non-perishable sustenance in hand, I returned to Maseeh, confident in my preparation for the following day. As predicted, there was an ample amount of soft, white snow that coated the ground in a layer of pristine powder, disturbed only by oblong imprints left behind by trail-blazing students. With public transportation out of service and myself in no mood to venture outside, I settled down and heated myself a bowl of scrumptious microwave oatmeal. I mean, it probably would have been scrumptious if I hadn’t decided to mix in a whole tin of sardines, half a can of green beans, and a splash of soy sauce. Yeah, not my finest moment. The sludgy mixture smelled oddly fishy and had a silvery gleam from the parts where slivers of sardine skin caught the glittering beams of lamplight, oh so perfectly. In an effort to save the disastrous experiment, I added more soy sauce and some sesame oil for good measure. It was barely palatable. Not one to waste any food though, I scarfed it down and then proceeded to rinse the taste from my mouth with copious amounts of water. The day passed otherwise uneventfully. The GRTs on each floor had thoughtfully put out a few loaves of bread, peanut butter, jelly, and other assorted snacks in case some students hadn’t prepared themselves adequately for the weather and its accompanying inconveniences. When dinner came around, I was confronted with a frightful little tin on my desk, mockingly labelled “SARDINES”. I needed a new approach. Sardine oatmeal was just not going to cut it. Ever resourceful, I scavenged a slice of bread from the lounge and smeared a layer of creamy peanut butter onto it. Back in my room, I popped open the tin of sardines and carefully removed each tiny, beheaded fish body by its tail before laying them carefully in a neat row on top of the bread. Look at this masterpiece.   The open-faced sandwich was strangely satisfying and I devoured the soft, peppery creation in minutes. The sardine experiment ended up being a success and I survived the snowmageddon. The canned green beans experiment, however, was a great failure. Do not attempt. 8. Go on adventures With more free time on the weekends thanks to a lack of homework or test preparation, I had more time to go out and about. Most of my adventures involve going somewhere to eat, so I took advantage of my meal plan freedom to try new places around Cambridge and Boston: http://www.yelp.com/biz/lucy-ethiopian-cafe-boston-2?osq=ethiopian+food http://www.yelp.com/biz/wheelhouse-boston-3 http://www.yelp.com/biz/shabu-and-mein-cambridge-3 Last year, as I was perusing the internet for interesting things to do during IAP in Cambridge, I stumbled upon the event heading: The Legendary 4th Annual Chocolate Festival in Harvard Square (this year obviously being the 5th annual festival). Free chocolate samples from well-known vendors like JP Licks or Wagamama? Count me in. We trekked through the snow to Café Luna for brunch before taking the 1 bus all the way down to Harvard Square around noon. Since there was still an hour or more before the event officially began, and because of the damp falling snow, we took shelter in the Harvard Coop Bookstore where we ambled through the winding bookshelves aimlessly. Finally, the time came for us to stuff our faces with chocolate: There was a neat little drum performance in the middle of the square during the chocolate festival. Yum. There was also deliciously steamy hot chocolate. 9. Frolic in the snow and survive a snowmageddon The Charles blanketed with snow. Also the gloved hand of Ava 16. Maseeh in the snow. Lying in the snow by Killian Court with Joy 18 and Dora 18. Let’s just say that I really need to invest in some proper snow frolicking gear. 10. Investigate volunteer opportunities I’ve always wanted to volunteer at a hospital so I could not only learn more about how hospitals function on a day-to-day level, but also to interact with and help out patients. Luckily, one of the best hospitals in the country, Massachusetts General Hospital, is a short one-stop T-ride across the river. I took advantage of my free time over IAP to sign-up for a mandatory orientation meeting. During the school year, what with exam dates, psets, and other miscellaneous activities it was hard for me to attend the meetings which were usually scheduled for the middle of the afternoon. Now, the only thing left is my follow-up interview next Tuesday and hopefully I’ll be able to start as soon as possible! 11. Career planning via GECD GECD stands for Global Education Career Development and though I’d heard about it before, I never knew exactly what it was. I’d gotten emails from them about different events but never really paid any attention. Some internet snooping revealed this statement on their webpage: “GECD seeks to empower MIT students and alumni to achieve lifelong success through seamless access to transformative global experiences, comprehensive and holistic career services, and mutually beneficial connections with employers and with graduate and professional schools.” Over IAP, I received an email from the GECD office concerning IAP site visits. Curious, I opened it up and found out that they had coordinated with some Boston and Cambridge area companies such as CDK Global and Google to have a group of around 30 students, both undergraduate and graduate, come in for a visit. Since I also have an interest in research, I’ve been looking into summer internships at pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. One of the sites was to Vertex Pharmaceuticals: I signed up and when Friday the 23rd arrived, I put on some sharp business attire and took the long T ride and stroll through downtown Boston and into Seaport. Downtown Boston looking beautiful in the crisp winter cold.   During the visit, we got to hear from a human resources representative about career opportunities, the culture at Vertex, and general information about the actual laboratory space. Next, a panel of MIT alumni came out and fielded general questions, being sure to specifically address how their MIT background made a difference in their career trajectories. A tour of the facilities concluded the visit and I left, not only better acquainted with Vertex, but also with some of the ways in which GECD provides services to students. 12. Learn new things Sometimes I imagine that I could spend all of my days lying on the floor and staring at the ceiling. But when it comes down to it, I get fidgety and I start looking for ways to spend my time. I’ve been working at Tufts Medical Center since this summer on a clinical research project. We are currently in the data analysis phase so I decided that I was going to start learning how to use the SAS data analysis suite. It’s a fairly common statistical analytics software and since I had just taken 6.0001, I figured I could handle learning a new language. I’ve been watching training videos and tinkering around with pretend excel sheets for the last month or so and I’m slowly getting the hang of it. While I’m no course 6, I think Im starting to appreciate how powerful coding can be. 13. Register for classes Remember how I was so indecisive about classes at the beginning of the semester? Well, with registration day sneaking up out of nowhere on February 2, I made some final decisions: 7.05 General Biochemistry 20.310 Molecular, Cellular, and Tissue Biomechanics 20.109 Laboratory Fundamentals of Biological Engineering 21F.704 Spanish IV The first three courses are all major requirements and the fourth, Spanish IV, will most likely be categorized under my HASS concentration, which as of now is Spanish, but I haven’t made any permanent decisions yet. 20.109 is my first lab class and while I’ve heard it’s a lot of work (it’s also 1-5pm on Wednesdays and Fridays), I’m really excited for some of the future modules, namely the last one in which we get to build solar cells with the help of viral phages. I ultimately decided to take one less class so that I could leave room for my new UROP. Im super excited to be working in a tissue engineering lab this semester and although Im just now learning a lot of new protocols and methodologies, Im optimistic about this project and the new research direction that Im taking this year.