Well, the last quarter of my UCSB career is about to start and I thought I would share what classes I will be taking. I have finished all my graduation and major requirements, so these classes below are “just for fun” classes or classes that interest me and could prove helpful as I begin my career. The classes I plan to take are:

Forensic Accounting (Econ 132B):

This course provides an overview of the methodology of fraud examination which involves obtaining documentary evidence, interviewing witnesses and potential suspects, writing investigative reports, testifying to findings, and forensic document examination. Students will apply prevention, detection, and investigative strategies to determine why and how occupational fraud is committed. Students will analyze human behaviors that are difficult to identify and quantify (such as greed, deception, and cheating) that can be deterred, investigated, and prosecuted.

Business Law and Ethics (Econ 189):

Course provides a basic understanding of ethics and the legal framework within which U.S. businesses operate. Includes a broad overview of court procedures and in-depth coverage of selected topics including contracts, securities, and property rights.

International Finance (Econ 181):

International money and capital markets and their impact on the domestic and world economies; international financial institutions and policies.

International Trade (Econ 180):

International trade theory and policies with examples from current issues and problems.

Finally… I am done with Winter quarter here at UCSB! I had my last final yesterday for Economics 139 (Advanced Accounting) and the angels were singing once I turned that exam in. Another quarter completed and only one more to go before I graduate! How exciting!

Overall, finals went just like any other final. Mixed feelings here and there on how well I did or not do. But surprisingly, I received two of my grades already. I passed my Art History 109G - Leonardo da Vinci course and I received an A for my Economics 135 class - Monetary Economics. I found my monetary economics class most stimulating since we dealt with current issues that have been taking place in the economy such as the Fed rate cuts, the credit crisis, and the economic slow down. I am still waiting to receive grades for my Comparative Literature 154 - Sci Fi in Eastern Europe and my advanced accounting course which for both I wasn’t quire sure how I did on the exams.

My plans for spring break consist of sleep, sleep, sleep, eat, and some more sleep! I am exhausted after taking 16 units (4 upper-division classes). I have already signed up for classes for my last quarter here at UCSB. I will post what classes I will be taking later.

Update:  Got my grades for Econ 139 (Advanced Accounting) and Comparative Literature (Sci Fi in E. Europe). I ended up with a B+ in advanced accounting and an A- in Comparative Literature. So an overall GPA of 3.66 this quarter! Not too shabby.

It’s that time of the quarter where finals are just around the corner and keeping your sanity is quite difficult. Sleepless nights, skipped meals, cram sessions, and all around panic. Here at UCSB, we are already in the last week of school before finals start. And this hectic week before finals begins is known as the horrid “dead week” where panic and stress begins.

Luckily, my four years here have taught me a great deal where I can somewhat relax during these exam times. I learned that getting 8 hours of sleep is important, working hard throughout the quarter and getting top grades on exams and homeworks, and studying  early for finals gives you a great advantage.

As I walked around campus today, you can tell the atmosphere is changing. Starbucks is full of students studying, the library is packed, and the look of tired faces as people pass by. Overall, I am fairly content with finals. It is just another ordinary day for me. I do have a final this Wednesday for my Art History 109G (Leonardo da Vinci) class, but that is simply memorizing art works, and being able to analyze and compare them.

I will provide more updates and take more photos around campus of these insane times during finals.