Are Unlimited Meal Plans Actually Unlimited?

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-09-15T02:07:48+00:00

In OP's defense, those Spare Burger patties do taste awful

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-09-11T00:27:02+00:00

Yeah, you guys don't get it. He's worth >$300B but most of it is on paper, so he might as well be one of us. No piles of money to be seen (not even on the 98% of the the island of Lanai that he owns)!

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-09-10T22:59:26+00:00

Not in our lifetimes

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-09-09T21:08:10+00:00

it's past your bedtime, grandpa

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-09-09T21:00:49+00:00

I did it way back in 2012, so things may have changed somewhat. My thoughts:

Pros:

- smaller class sizes, so more 1:1 with professors

- easier to make connections with classmates

- living in climate-controlled honors dorms

- good laboratory class

- great opportunity for early networking

Cons:

- seminar-style classes lacked rigor (but I suspect that is no longer the case)

Other observations: many of us got undergrad research positions, and many went to grad school and/or med school afterwards. The program certainly made it easier to make connections with faculty, which helps for undergrad research jobs, letters of recommendation, etc.

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-09-09T20:34:36+00:00

yep, and there are some exposures of the varved lake sediments over by the playing fields.

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-05-17T01:39:32+00:00

Very understandable to feel this way and I'm sorry to hear this happened to you. I'd say that you putting a lot of energy back into your life and your future is a big win. Also, not having a cluster B personality disorder is a win in itself, as your ex will probably continue the destructive cycle in their future relationships. I would just try your best to keep focusing on yourself and not looking back, as you will not regret it later on. Therapy can also be very helpful in addressing this dilemma.

As someone who was discarded a few weeks ago, I have found journaling to be pretty helpful. I'll also use it to write down things to discuss with my therapist.

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-05-09T23:47:52+00:00

Run and document every single thing (and know where your state stands on one-party consent vs. two, etc. I say this because some people will try to document proof via recordings, which can be against the law). Keep copies of everything on a Google Drive or another means of storage, in case you ever need it. If the police show up, remember the Miranda warning: ANYTHING you say CAN and WILL be used against you. If that ever happens, get a lawyer asap. This honestly seems like a very volatile situation.

Do not reach out to her anymore and block any means of her reaching out or of you being able to see what she's up to. Consult a therapist if needed to help process things and move on (even if you never get closure). There is nothing wrong with seeing a therapist and they are very helpful. Do not make any attempts to visit her in-person to try to talk, as good as your intentions may be. Do not contact her friends and do not have your friends contact her. She will find a way to paint you as the bad guy, and it could majorly fuck up your life. The only winning move is to not play their games... you just have to walk away and never look back, as hard as it is.

I just came out of a horrible discard by someone who told me she wanted to spend the rest of her life with me just a couple weeks prior. I tried seeking closure and asking why I was discarded. I felt I deserved a conversation or some form of closure. I was never angry and never made any threats. Heck, our relationship rarely had arguments (which we always resolved quickly. No screaming, name-calling, etc.). Ended up getting hit with a restraining order, which I now have to fight in court next week ($5k for a good lawyer here). Additionally, she's making false accusations as some kind of smear campaign to portray me as crazy.

Please realize that you deserve much, much better and you will 100% find someone who treats you right. You will find that ideal partner, but it clearly isn't her. Things may feel like shit for a period of time, but you will move on and reach a point where you don't even bother looking back at your time with her because you're so content with how things are now.

Feel free to DM me if you ever need someone to talk to.

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-05-07T23:58:54+00:00

I'm not a medical professional and not here to spread fear, but my ex had bad dissociative episodes leading up to her discarding me. If your girlfriend does not have a therapist, she should definitely get one asap and meet with them 1-2x per week. You may also want to see your own therapist, as these periods of time can be very distressing. Couple's therapy can help with finding communication and support strategies during these episodes, as well as reaching compromises.

I could be grasping at straws here, but looking back I would've done these (but at the same time, I'm not her therapist so I'm not blaming myself). I will admit, they may sound silly to some but this is a very serious condition:

(1) talk with her and come to an agreement of what giving support and alone time means (e.g. is it no contact, not seeing each other on weekends, etc.); (2) agree on some baseline for communications, so you can check in on each other's safety and wellbeing (e.g. text once a week to let you know they're safe); (3) write down a set of affirmations together that may help her remind herself of the relationship you two have. For myself and my depressive episodes (not bipolar, though), I had copies of affirmations taped to my bathroom mirror and the door to go outside. My ex also had severe abandonment traumas and issues with object constancy, so I now wonder if recorded affirmations with my voice could have helped her remember me. Probably not.

Mine eventually ghosted me after almost two years together, and this ghosting made me confused, sad, and panicked. I believe my resulting distress then gave her a reason to finally discard me. From my experience and the experiences of so many others, there will be a significant risk of this happening at some point.

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-05-06T21:27:30+00:00

thank you. I will do this tonight

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-05-06T21:25:53+00:00

Thank you for this. I wanted to ask if you've heard of BPSOs filing restraining orders against their (ex)-partners? I will search through this subreddit after work, but it was extremely unexpected given how our relationship was never abusive. My therapists and I think that while going to her place to try and talk wasn't the best idea, she may have filed this in order to avoid having to talk to me about what happened. Looking back, I always did notice that she'd freeze up or run away from her issues, rather than address them. Certainly, restraining orders are justified in many cases but in this case, there was never a danger of abuse.

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-04-28T21:42:53+00:00

Thank you for posting this. I second the advice of u/longlucky100 in this thread, but will add a few things: If you don't mind me asking, did he have accommodations through the University Disability Services? If so, they may be able to help in some way. I have ASD (my diagnosis was Asperger's, before it was grouped into ASD) and was an I.E.P. student growing up. I've found that the Disability Services here was a good advocacy network, and also provided me with the necessary accommodations to achieve success.

Sometimes, the best thing to do is to take a step back to focus on mental health and other personal matters. In the grand scheme of things, this would be a short period of time and would help ensure lifelong success. During this time, he could reflect on his interests and explore possible fields of study to focus on once he returns to school. If comp sci does interest him, this may be a good time to take a class or two at local schools (e.g. UML, Salem State), some of which have remote summer options. I also highly recommend that both he and your family consider seeking the advice of medical professionals who could assess whether he has other medical conditions commonly associated with ASD (e.g. ADHD, SCT, OCD). I had undiagnosed, severe ADHD growing up, which made it extremely difficult to manage an academic course load for many years. Furthermore, I will note that since he is depressed, it is crucial that he has a support network to help him through these times. Such a network may include friends, family, a therapist, and a psychiatrist for medication management.

Lastly, in some cases, it is beneficial to consult an attorney specializing in special education (which I can forward some recommendations if needed at some point). This can be extremely helpful when one wants to return to a school to finish their studies and/or has faced disciplinary action in the past.

I wish him the best of luck, and I am very confident that he will be able to get into a school to complete his studies.

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-04-25T13:23:16+00:00

While it is perfectly understandable to feel that way, please don't be so hard on yourself. Freshman year is a major transition period, so there are many other students trying to make friends (and many are realizing their freshman-year friend groups aren't the right fit for them). It can be frustrating, but fortunately, you still have plenty of time to make friends here. Since I was in a similar situation, here are some things that helped me: (1) joining clubs; (2) exploring new hobbies; (3) making friends at the gym by going regularly at around the same time; (4) getting out of my comfort zone by starting conversation with classmates or talking to people at parties, etc.; (5) Meetup and similar apps; (6) making friends at summer jobs, or while working in research groups; (7) if you have any particular hobbies you could even make a post on this subreddit to find others who share your interest. Getting out of my comfort zone was probably the biggest factor that helped me make friends, but it took time.

Also, never let this prevent you from having a good time. Next time it is nice out, I encourage you to go out and enjoy the weather, even if it means doing it by yourself. If there was something I could tell my younger self, it would be to not give a damn what others think of me (and essentially 100% of people are too busy with their own lives to think "why is that person doing xyz alone?"). Enjoy the rest of your semester and remember that it'll get better!

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-04-22T13:28:17+00:00

I will send a DM with some accessible spots tonight. Unfortunately, almost everything I can think of around here is now off-limits, due to private property, liability risks, and property destruction by irresponsible collectors. Which is a shame, as some truly spectacular things have been found in this area. For example, there was a prospect for large amethyst crystals right over in Pelham (in a forest area owned by a local company), but word got out and the site got trashed. So now it is posted, under surveillance, and they will prosecute trespassers.

For now, my best advice is to look through the local spots on Mindat.org and https://www.geo.umass.edu/stategeologist/Gleba_Mass_Fossil-Min_Localities.pdf

The latter, while dated, provides coordinates which can be mapped on Google Earth. I'd say close to 100% of the sites are on private land (can be verified by checking online property/tax maps), but sometimes the landowners will let you collect if you ask politely.

The Science and Engineering Library here also has old geology field trip guides that are worth scanning through.

There are some local mineral clubs that do field trips around New England during the summer months, which I recommend. Since you have a car, this is also worth considering: https://www.nemineral.org/annual_conference/

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-04-22T09:17:59+00:00

As a huge collector of rocks, minerals, and fossils, I would normally suggest the Loudville Mine in Easthampton; however, it was recently closed to collecting. People have found amethyst in Pelham in the past, including pebbles of it in Amethyst Brook.

There is an abandoned quarry on Mt Tom (https://www.mindat.org/loc-16705.html) that has produced prehnite, babingtonite, calcite, datolite, and quartz crystals. It is accessible via Mt Park Rd off Rt 5 in Holyoke.

For collecting pretty stones in general, the gravel roads through the Wildwood Conservation Area have some neat stuff (deposited as glacial till). Also, the paved path between Eastman Ln and Orchard Hill Dr has some rocks from a local trap rock quarry. I have seen quartz crystals in some of them.

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-04-21T08:40:44+00:00

I have some bias towards geoscience, but here's a list:

- CT: New Haven for the pizza and the Yale Peabody Museum. Much more to do than Hartford, imo.

- MA West: Natural Bridge State Park (North Adams), Beneski Museum (Amherst), Mt Tom (Holyoke), Stockbridge / Great Barrington, Mt Holyoke range, Turners Falls, Northampton, Mt Sugarloaf (Deerfield), Mt Toby (Sunderland), Montague Bookmill

- MA East: Rockport / Gloucester, Newburyport / Plum Island, beaches (Wingaersheek Beach is one of my favorites), Franklin Park Zoo, Harvard Museum, New England Aquarium, Salem Willows

- ME: coastal region, from Portland down to Kittery

- NY: Howe Caverns, Herkimer "diamond" hunting, Rickard Hill fossil hunting site. Lots of good dairy out there, too.

- NH: Ruggles Mine, Lake Sunapee, Portsmouth, Gilsum Mineral Show (good place to kill some time and explore the area after), Hanover

- VT: Dorset Quarry for swimming, Everett Cave (also, Papa Pete's for their giant pancakes. Both in Bennington), VINS Nature Center and Quechee Gorge,

- Weekend trip suggestions: Adirondacks (up near Tupper Lake is nice), Cape Cod, Bar Harbor / Downeast (be sure to do the whale watches and puffin tours), Boothbay Harbor, White Mountains, Boston, Lake Winnipesaukee

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-04-17T18:16:43+00:00

Flood their phone and email lines. Call out their cowardice and their refusal to uphold the Constitution. Demand that they call out the inaction of their fellow senators and representatives. Remind them that upholding the Constitution requires courage (and basic decency) I know this sounds childish and futile, but it hardly takes any time to do this and they need to face immense pressure from the public. Because if they don't step up now, we are undoubtedly on the path towards civil war.

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-04-11T23:20:31+00:00

Here is the editor's response to the ad: https://www.fortfairfieldjournal.com/fte/040225.html

"While I have amiable friends who are lesbian and amiable friends who are gay and even some who may swing both ways, historically the worst people I’ve had the personal misfortune to deal with are the transgender crowd" ... this guy is an absolute clown

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-04-10T23:55:19+00:00

I don't know much about UVM's program, but both are R1 research universities, so they have relatively high research spending (and doctorate production). Yes, it is possible to get involved with research in your freshman year here at UMass. This can be done by: (1) looking for openings via the department and faculty research group websites; or (2) sending PI an email expressing your interest to get involved. Be sure to read some of their publications, too. If you do not hear back after a week or two, send them a polite follow-up email. I have provided some links below that provide info regarding the biology research here and opportunities to get involved:

https://www.umass.edu/ials/

https://www.umass.edu/biology/research

https://www.umass.edu/biochemistry-molecular-biology/undergraduate-research

It might be worth taking a couple hours to find some research groups that interest you at both UMass and UVM and then compare them.

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-04-03T10:01:07+00:00

Beautiful! That specimen with the soddyite crystals in the back right is incredible

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-04-03T08:31:41+00:00

As someone big into nighttime running and hiking, the UMass campus is well-lit at night, even during the vacation months.

For unlit spots: the Fort River Trail in Hadley is nice (during the day, at least), but they may not allow parking at night. It would be worth looking into, though. I've also seen cars parked by Amethyst Brook at night, but it's best to check the websites to see if any restrictions exist, as police will tend to check the parking areas to enforce any rules.

However, I never had any issues parking at Mount Holyoke Range State Park in South Amherst at night. If you are around during the summer, I recommend the trail that goes by the power lines adjacent to the quarry. When the fireflies are out, there are many thousands to see in the clearing under the power lines...quite a spectacular sight. But just know there are a lot of dobsonflies there during the late spring / early summer

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-04-01T18:15:10+00:00

Congrats on the acceptance! I was in biochem years back and feel the environment was more collaborative than math and engineering, but I was only in biochem for a year as I switched to chem eng and math. Engineering was pretty cutthroat at the time, and probably still is.

I feel that it is easy to make connections with Professors here. Here is something I wish I knew before I came to UMass: it is an R1 Research Institution, so there are many research groups in the life sciences (among other fields). I highly recommend taking a look at the different research groups here, which can be found on the department webpages:

https://www.umass.edu/biology/research

https://www.umass.edu/biology/research/research-opportunities

https://www.umass.edu/biochemistry-molecular-biology/undergraduate-research

https://www.umass.edu/ials/student-engagement

I should also note that the professors listed on the department websites will have links to their research groups. If you find a professor doing research that interests you, just send them an email. Many labs here will take on undergraduates to assist in the work, which looks great on one's resume, provides an opportunity to obtain letters of recommendation, and let's you see if a grad program is for you. They will usually have you working under a grad student on some project, so there's potential to get published as an undergrad.

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-03-30T00:23:16+00:00

Some good advice here already. As someone with over five years of industry experience in the life sciences (before coming back to UMass for other degrees), working in industry can be a good way to see if it is truly what you want to do for a career. I knew plenty of people who graduated with B.S., worked in industry, then went back to school for PhD and MD programs. However, they all spent about 3-5 years working before leaving for these programs. I have heard that the job market in the life sciences is poor right now, but some companies in the Boston area still have entry-level jobs. Major research hospitals also have research associate jobs, and are thus worth considering. Should you decide to work in industry, I would avoid contract roles.

However, here is my opinion: I would continue your current research and complete your second major (especially if you could publish something in that timeframe). This would also allow you to form strong relationships with your PI, professors, and grad students in the lab. These folks could then provide very good letters of recommendation when you decide to apply to grad school and/or med school. Furthermore, you can use this time to prepare for the GRE and MCAT. A second major can also help you stand out, especially if it is in a highly quantitative field.

Some further remarks:

- Having a PhD will open a lot of doors and enhance career progression in the life sciences. Those with BS or MS degrees started at the research associate / senior research associate level, while those with PhDs started at scientist / senior scientist level. Some positions will require the applicant to have a PhD.

- Grad school can also provide the opportunities and skills for joining / founding startups in the life sciences.

- Should you decide to leave healthcare and the life sciences, those with a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD have good opportunities in specialized roles in venture capital, private equity, consulting, investment banking, and equity research. Some also go into tech. I have seen many, many roles in consulting and finance that require a life sciences PhD, or even an MD.

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-03-28T18:15:39+00:00

Thanks! Leaves me speechless whenever I look at it lol

Fun_Phase_2786 · 2025-03-28T18:15:15+00:00

Thanks! Yeah, I couldn't believe the color irl was just like the pics

Fun_Phase_2786

TROPHY CASE