No matter where you plan on going next year, you will receive your housing contract sometime this summer. This will also include some personal information that you'll be required to fill out in order for the residence life people to put you with the best possible roommate. This is crucial as this will basically decided whom you'll be living with for the next nine months of your life.
First of all, DO NOT room with your best friend. DON'T DO IT. My best friend and I ended up at Drake together and originally planned on rooming together but eventually decided not to. As luck would have it, we ended up right next to each other. I'm so happy that we didn't live together. And I bet she is, too. You see, just because you're friends with someone doesn't necessarily mean you'll make good roommates. I don't know what it is, but there's some sort of "X factor" that successful roommates have that might not always be found in your closest friends.
Plus, rooming with someone you've known for a while will automatically isolate you. Generally, you won't be tempted to go out and meet people because you'll already have a friend with you and, therefore, don't feel the need to meet others like many of the other kids do. This is especially true if you decide to go to school out of state. I have a feeling that if my best friend and I roomed together, we would have stuck to ourselves and would have become the "Colorado Girls" on our floor. And neither of us wanted that. I'm glad I had her so close, though and knowing that she was there definitely helped my transition to college.
And can you imagine if you got into a big fight? Maybe she left chip crumbs on the futon AGAIN and you can't stand that. Suddenly, you're shouting at one another, and then you're not speaking at all. Then, sooner than you can say "it's over," your friendship is completely destroyed. You really don't want to risk that.
Once you and your BFF have decided to kick it in different rooms, fill out your personal information COMPLETELY AND HONESTLY. Maybe you smoke, but your parents don't know you smoke, so you write that you're a "non-smoker" on your form, just so they don't find out. Then you run the risk of getting placed with someone who requested a non-smoking roommate and causing immediate problems. Maybe you're embarrassed to admit that you're kind of a slob, and write that you're a neat freak instead -- that will cause problems, too. If you're honest, you'll end up with someone who is compatible with you. Granted, you might not be best friends, but getting along and respecting one another is crucial. Plus, you really don't want to deal with the drama of having a roommate that's the polar opposite from yourself. That will cause unnecessary stress during what is supposed to be one of the best years of your life.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Design on a Dime
Since I'm going to be an RA in the fall, I will be living in a room considerably smaller than the one I just moved out of. As such, creative storage solutions are going to be more important than ever. When my mom came up to Des Moines to help move me out, we decided to take some measurements of my RA's room since it would be mine after the summer was over. We wanted to know how much room we had to work with so we could plan any additional furniture accordingly.
First my mom made a drawing, to scale of course, of the whole room. Then she made small cutouts, to scale, of all of the furniture in the room so we could rearrange the room on paper.
We came up with an arrangement that we liked and then we went shopping.
But we didn't go to a store -- we went garage sale-ing all over the neighborhood. And, friends, let me tell you, that's the way to do it.
For less than twenty five dollars my mom and I snagged a small white shelf ($2) to use at a night stand, a gliding chair ($15 complete with ottoman), a full-length mirror ($.50), some wire shelves ($1), a tray table of sorts ($3), and a collapsible card/picnic table ($1).
Some of this stuff needs a wee bit of work, of course. For example, the chair is covered in a dark green fabric, which won't match my room at all, so I'll probably buy a flat sheet or something to cover that. And the mirror is an ugly brown color, but I can use the money I saved by buying it at a garage sale to buy some paint to make it pretty. And the shelf is a little dirty so we'll have to wash it.
Sometimes you just have to know how to look for things. And, yeah, a lot of stuff you'll find will need some improvements, but I think it's worth it for the amount of money you save.
I'll take some pictures for you later.
First my mom made a drawing, to scale of course, of the whole room. Then she made small cutouts, to scale, of all of the furniture in the room so we could rearrange the room on paper.
We came up with an arrangement that we liked and then we went shopping.
But we didn't go to a store -- we went garage sale-ing all over the neighborhood. And, friends, let me tell you, that's the way to do it.
For less than twenty five dollars my mom and I snagged a small white shelf ($2) to use at a night stand, a gliding chair ($15 complete with ottoman), a full-length mirror ($.50), some wire shelves ($1), a tray table of sorts ($3), and a collapsible card/picnic table ($1).
Some of this stuff needs a wee bit of work, of course. For example, the chair is covered in a dark green fabric, which won't match my room at all, so I'll probably buy a flat sheet or something to cover that. And the mirror is an ugly brown color, but I can use the money I saved by buying it at a garage sale to buy some paint to make it pretty. And the shelf is a little dirty so we'll have to wash it.
Sometimes you just have to know how to look for things. And, yeah, a lot of stuff you'll find will need some improvements, but I think it's worth it for the amount of money you save.
I'll take some pictures for you later.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
I Go Back
My RA told me that I shouldn't go back to visit high school. Actually, a lot of upperclassmen I came to know said that. Everybody said that in your head you're expecting it to be your triumphant return to your stomping grounds and you'll be welcomed back like a hero, but it actually just ends up being awkward.
Despite this advice, I couldn't not go back -- not after only one year away. There were people there I had to see and had to talk to and had to catch up with.
And, yes -- it was awkward, very awkward.
It wasn't so much the catching up part that was awkward because being with the people I've known for so long was great. I really enjoyed it. But walking down those halls again was weird. It didn't feel like home any more at all. It felt like I was a visitor, mainly because I was one, and being in that high school atmosphere was almost scary. I felt strange and self-conscious among the very same mass of students that I used to be a part of. But it really made me feel good after thinking about it because it means I've grown up and moved on (and much more quickly that I thought I would when I was graduating). And that was really reassuring after a while. The people there and the lessons I learned in high school are very much still a part of me, but the building is not. And I think that's the way it should be.
But, like I said getting to see the people that I haven't seen in months was great. I saw them every day my senior year and I took that for granted. And then, suddenly I was five hundred miles away from everybody and I didn't realize that I missed them so much until I came home.
Everybody I talked to, naturally, asked me about my first year of college and if I love it and all that stuff. And I don't know if it was the contrast between being in that high school setting and talking about college, but after talking to so many people I really walked away with the feeling that I absolutely loved my first year at Drake. And I knew that before, obviously, but after talking to everybody it became so much more apparent, I think.
My parents say that I would have loved college no matter where I went, though. And for the most part I agree with them. They say that I made the most of my time there and that's why it was such a successful year. But, I think the programs and people at Drake really played a large part. I feel like I did a lot of growing up in not a lot of time and I certainly have Drake to thank for that. Sometimes smaller schools are overlooked for larger ones, but they really offer some great opportunities that I honestly don't feel that I would have had at a larger public college.
Despite this advice, I couldn't not go back -- not after only one year away. There were people there I had to see and had to talk to and had to catch up with.
And, yes -- it was awkward, very awkward.
It wasn't so much the catching up part that was awkward because being with the people I've known for so long was great. I really enjoyed it. But walking down those halls again was weird. It didn't feel like home any more at all. It felt like I was a visitor, mainly because I was one, and being in that high school atmosphere was almost scary. I felt strange and self-conscious among the very same mass of students that I used to be a part of. But it really made me feel good after thinking about it because it means I've grown up and moved on (and much more quickly that I thought I would when I was graduating). And that was really reassuring after a while. The people there and the lessons I learned in high school are very much still a part of me, but the building is not. And I think that's the way it should be.
But, like I said getting to see the people that I haven't seen in months was great. I saw them every day my senior year and I took that for granted. And then, suddenly I was five hundred miles away from everybody and I didn't realize that I missed them so much until I came home.
Everybody I talked to, naturally, asked me about my first year of college and if I love it and all that stuff. And I don't know if it was the contrast between being in that high school setting and talking about college, but after talking to so many people I really walked away with the feeling that I absolutely loved my first year at Drake. And I knew that before, obviously, but after talking to everybody it became so much more apparent, I think.
My parents say that I would have loved college no matter where I went, though. And for the most part I agree with them. They say that I made the most of my time there and that's why it was such a successful year. But, I think the programs and people at Drake really played a large part. I feel like I did a lot of growing up in not a lot of time and I certainly have Drake to thank for that. Sometimes smaller schools are overlooked for larger ones, but they really offer some great opportunities that I honestly don't feel that I would have had at a larger public college.
Monday, May 7, 2007
One down, three to go
I'm the most hated person on campus. Why? Because I'm sitting here at home and have been for almost a full 24 hours. AND because I didn't have any finals at all. It's pretty sweet. But, people hear that and they're like "ugh! Lucky!" Yeah, it's lucky but it's not like I didn't have anything to do. As a journalism/English major I had a lot of stuff to write. I think I ended up printing over thirty pages worth of papers and whatnot. That's a lot. So, yes... having papers are nice because as soon as you're done, you're free to go. But, at the same time it really depends on your preference. Personally, I can write pretty decent papers quickly, but others prefer to take tests. I'm a terrible tester generally.
Anyway, I can't believe that the year is over! It went so quickly! They say your freshman year goes the fastest and so far it is the fastest since I have nothing to compare it to. But it's so weird to think about how I was feeling in August and all of the anxieties I had.
All of that left me so quickly.
I think it helped that I had a group of kids on my floor who I eventually became friends with who were going through exactly the same things. They didn't know what to expect or what to do, either and we figured it out together. And it was probably scary at the time, but looking back on it, it was fun and it really bonded us together like nothing else did.
I was worried about just surviving my first year away from home, but I did more than just get by -- I really did well.
I was a photographer for the campus paper and took pictures of Michael J. Fox, Ben and Jerry, and Bob Costas.
I landed a job writing these blogs.
I was hired to be an RA.
I joined APO, received the Omega Award for service, won the Pledge of the Year award for my pledge class, and was recently appointed the APO secretary.
I was inducted into the NRHH (National Residence Hall Honorary) at a banquet I never got an invitation to.
I dug through the garbage to find things that could be recycled.
I was the Student of the Month in February.
That's not a bad resume for my first year, huh? Now comes the hard part... finding a summer job. People who will only be around for three months are nigh unemployable...
Anyway, I can't believe that the year is over! It went so quickly! They say your freshman year goes the fastest and so far it is the fastest since I have nothing to compare it to. But it's so weird to think about how I was feeling in August and all of the anxieties I had.
All of that left me so quickly.
I think it helped that I had a group of kids on my floor who I eventually became friends with who were going through exactly the same things. They didn't know what to expect or what to do, either and we figured it out together. And it was probably scary at the time, but looking back on it, it was fun and it really bonded us together like nothing else did.
I was worried about just surviving my first year away from home, but I did more than just get by -- I really did well.
I was a photographer for the campus paper and took pictures of Michael J. Fox, Ben and Jerry, and Bob Costas.
I landed a job writing these blogs.
I was hired to be an RA.
I joined APO, received the Omega Award for service, won the Pledge of the Year award for my pledge class, and was recently appointed the APO secretary.
I was inducted into the NRHH (National Residence Hall Honorary) at a banquet I never got an invitation to.
I dug through the garbage to find things that could be recycled.
I was the Student of the Month in February.
That's not a bad resume for my first year, huh? Now comes the hard part... finding a summer job. People who will only be around for three months are nigh unemployable...
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Relays Madness Part I
You know, for all the hype that the Drake Relays get, the actual Relays themselves don't go on for very long. I think it was two or three days -- tops, as opposed to two weeks of events and celebration.
I'm not complaining, I think I was expecting more real races. Or at least a better chance to watch more of it, you know?
It was a hectic couple of days let me tell you.
APO works a concessions stand for the Relays and on Friday I worked an early shift (7:45-11) and a mid-day shift (1:30-4:45). I had volunteered to be a flag bearer for the opening ceremonies for the Relays so I had to get over to the softball field by 5:45. Then, at 9 I went back to Drake Stadium to watch (and take pictures of) the fireworks.
As if that's not enough, SAB (The Student Activities Board) was putting on an all-you-can-eat pancake party -- at 1am. I really wanted some pancakes so I tried really, really hard to stay awake, but it was no use. I took a nap for about an hour and set my alarm so I could get up and get some pancakes. I kind of felt like a loser, but my RA did the same thing so I felt better.
Ok, now that you know how busy my Friday was, I'll break it down by event. Concessions doesn't really need to be covered since I'm sure you could figure out that I sold food to people.
OPENING CEREMONY
When I volunteered to be a flag bearer they said that each of us would be carrying a state flag around the track and the atheletes from that state would be walking behind it. So, that's sort of like the Olympics. I didn't realize that they would also be playing the Olympic theme song AND lighting a torch at the top of Drake Stadium. It was really cool, though. I got to hold the Colorado flag and that was awesome. I wish I could have had a picture but obviously my hands were full. Ha!
Oh! This just in! Fellow blogger, Rita took one of me!
FIREWORKS!
I LOVE fireworks! They're awesome! My dad bought me a digital camera last summer that actually has a fireworks setting on it which means it's too easy to take fireworks pictures. They fireworks were supposed to go off at 9, so I got there around 8:30 and it's a good thing I got there when I did because the fireworks went off around 8:50 and were done around 9. I bet some people were upset.
Check out the pics!
PANCAKE PARTY!
Is it pathetic that I was the first one in line? Maybe, but I got some awesome pancakes. You should have seen this guy who was makin' em. He had this huge griddle and this thing automatically squirt out the batter for him and then he was flipping them and catching them on a plate and it was so cool!!
I'm not complaining, I think I was expecting more real races. Or at least a better chance to watch more of it, you know?
It was a hectic couple of days let me tell you.
APO works a concessions stand for the Relays and on Friday I worked an early shift (7:45-11) and a mid-day shift (1:30-4:45). I had volunteered to be a flag bearer for the opening ceremonies for the Relays so I had to get over to the softball field by 5:45. Then, at 9 I went back to Drake Stadium to watch (and take pictures of) the fireworks.
As if that's not enough, SAB (The Student Activities Board) was putting on an all-you-can-eat pancake party -- at 1am. I really wanted some pancakes so I tried really, really hard to stay awake, but it was no use. I took a nap for about an hour and set my alarm so I could get up and get some pancakes. I kind of felt like a loser, but my RA did the same thing so I felt better.
Ok, now that you know how busy my Friday was, I'll break it down by event. Concessions doesn't really need to be covered since I'm sure you could figure out that I sold food to people.
OPENING CEREMONY
When I volunteered to be a flag bearer they said that each of us would be carrying a state flag around the track and the atheletes from that state would be walking behind it. So, that's sort of like the Olympics. I didn't realize that they would also be playing the Olympic theme song AND lighting a torch at the top of Drake Stadium. It was really cool, though. I got to hold the Colorado flag and that was awesome. I wish I could have had a picture but obviously my hands were full. Ha!
Oh! This just in! Fellow blogger, Rita took one of me!
FIREWORKS!
I LOVE fireworks! They're awesome! My dad bought me a digital camera last summer that actually has a fireworks setting on it which means it's too easy to take fireworks pictures. They fireworks were supposed to go off at 9, so I got there around 8:30 and it's a good thing I got there when I did because the fireworks went off around 8:50 and were done around 9. I bet some people were upset.
Check out the pics!
PANCAKE PARTY!
Is it pathetic that I was the first one in line? Maybe, but I got some awesome pancakes. You should have seen this guy who was makin' em. He had this huge griddle and this thing automatically squirt out the batter for him and then he was flipping them and catching them on a plate and it was so cool!!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Reaching Out to Virginia Tech
There's an old Japanese story that goes like this (actually, it has several versions, but this is the one I heard):
Ten years after the bombing of Hiroshima, a 12-year-old girl developed Leukemia from the radiation. She was dying and decided to make 1,000 paper cranes, for she remembered that legend said that would grant her one wish. Unfortunately, she only lived to make 644.
A statue was erected in her honor in Hiroshima and every year paper cranes are sent from all over the world and piled by the monument as a symbol of world peace.
So, Drake joined a multi-campus outreach project to make 1,000 paper cranes and send them to VT to bring them peace in their troubling time. Drake alone made close to 1,200.
Personally I'd never made a crane before. I used to be into Origami when I was younger but I could never figure out the crane. I picked it up pretty quickly and made eleven cranes to send to VT.
Here's a picture of one:
Ten years after the bombing of Hiroshima, a 12-year-old girl developed Leukemia from the radiation. She was dying and decided to make 1,000 paper cranes, for she remembered that legend said that would grant her one wish. Unfortunately, she only lived to make 644.
A statue was erected in her honor in Hiroshima and every year paper cranes are sent from all over the world and piled by the monument as a symbol of world peace.
So, Drake joined a multi-campus outreach project to make 1,000 paper cranes and send them to VT to bring them peace in their troubling time. Drake alone made close to 1,200.
Personally I'd never made a crane before. I used to be into Origami when I was younger but I could never figure out the crane. I picked it up pretty quickly and made eleven cranes to send to VT.
Here's a picture of one:
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Street Painting
Today was the day! One of the highlights of the Relays!! Street painting!! A whole bunch of organizations on campus get a square on the painted street (the one by the library) and each year the organization comes up with a different design based on the Relays theme. This year the theme is "The Legacy Lives On."
For APO, our design played off the Lion King. There's a picture down there, but I'll explain it to you because I couldn't fit the whole thing in the picture. The greek letters Alpha Phi Omega are spelled out in the clouds, on Pride Rock you have Spike our bulldog mascot next to a duck (years ago Drake's mascot was a duck since a male duck is called a "drake") and then there's a turtle (the APO mascot) holding up a baby bulldog.
The street gets painted, but not nearly as much as the painters do. Close to the entire campus comes out and half the people just walk around throwing paint on one another. I've been looking forward to it for a long, long time and I have to say that it was just as much fun as I thought it would be. Honestly, I loved it. I didn't get too covered in paint which is fine by me because that means I didn't have to spend hours hosing off outside before I could get into the dorms again.
It was awesome, though. And the weather was perfect.
Pics!
Me covered in paint
Our APO square
Showering
General chaos
For APO, our design played off the Lion King. There's a picture down there, but I'll explain it to you because I couldn't fit the whole thing in the picture. The greek letters Alpha Phi Omega are spelled out in the clouds, on Pride Rock you have Spike our bulldog mascot next to a duck (years ago Drake's mascot was a duck since a male duck is called a "drake") and then there's a turtle (the APO mascot) holding up a baby bulldog.
The street gets painted, but not nearly as much as the painters do. Close to the entire campus comes out and half the people just walk around throwing paint on one another. I've been looking forward to it for a long, long time and I have to say that it was just as much fun as I thought it would be. Honestly, I loved it. I didn't get too covered in paint which is fine by me because that means I didn't have to spend hours hosing off outside before I could get into the dorms again.
It was awesome, though. And the weather was perfect.
Pics!
Me covered in paint
Our APO square
Showering
General chaos
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