My HONS101 Journal @ USI

Dislikes and Likes

2009-12-13T21:29:00.000-08:00

I feel that USI should host more dining options for the 10,000 students that go to school here. Although I have enjoyed the three places there are already, I personally would like to see one or two more go up in the new part of the University Center. I have heard rumors of this and am very excited for it. I also think it would be nice if the new places were healtheir options than the above Burger King and Pete's Arena.

Initially, this picture was supposed to focus on the motorcycle in the front parking spot, but I thought the picture would look better with the elongated look to it. Parking is a problem, and although it shouldn't be a problem for me because of the nice parking lot behind Ruston, it has been a problem. I have had to park way up in the O'Bannon lot before, and I was not very happy. It seems everyone has to deal with the parking problem.

Ok, I hate the construction. I really do. I wish that the construction was somewhere other than where the majority of the students are during the course of the day. There is (or was) a fountain just behind where the cone is now that was so beautiful. It has been shut off due to construction purposes. This has really frustrated me.

One of my absolute favorite parts of this university is my dorm room. Out of all the universites I looked into and visited, none of them compared to USI when it came to the dorm rooms. We are so lucky that we are able to go to the bathroom and take a shower without walking down the hall.

One of my favorite times of the year is Christmas, and USI made it so much better with the Christmas lights that they put on the trees. I thought that this display of lights was beautiful. The lights shown here are located in front of the Liberal Arts building.

Rice Library is my absolute favorite building on campus. It has such beautiful architecture and it feels like such a homey place to be. I enjoy spending time studying and researching in there. I also love the fact that Starbucks is located on the first floor.

Remote Mystery

2009-12-07T15:19:00.000-08:00

Raise your hand if you have ever lost a remote or misplaced a remote. Ah, I see most of you have. Not surprising, I have done this many times before too.

Now raise your hand if you lost a remote, BUT it was replaced with another remote. Yes, I didn't think anyone would raise their hand to that last one. Well, this is exactly what happened to room 010. For some unknown and unthinkable reason, our dvd remote is lost, but was replaced with a universal remote, subject to programming the tv and the dvd which we have not done yet.

All of us are wondering how this happened. Did Santa come early and decided that instead of handy dvd remote that he would give us a universal remote that didn't work with ANYTHING in the entire dorm? Until it is programmed at least. If anyone knows what has happened to our dear dvd remote, could you kindly let us know or let us in on what is going on? This is such a bizarre happening. This may make it onto the SciFi channel. Stay tuned.

Healthcare, Shmealthcare?

2009-12-06T18:29:00.000-08:00

To me, the way Obama presents his plan for healthcare is quite nice. It seems as if I would have no trouble in the future. Me, being moderately conservative, am kind of shocked that I feel this way. However, I also feel that I am naively confident in this plan. Having no particular interest in what Obama is doing, I think I am only choosing to like this option because of the way Obama presents it. Ideally, it sounds good, and with the plan I am on, I would see no change in the way my health insurance runs, but my judgements are probably wrong to an extent. All I want to see this plan do is save Americans money. In all honesty, I am being naive about this healthcare reform, but I do care about what will happen in my future. I just don't know enough about what is proposed to happen in the future.

Fantastic

2009-11-23T11:22:00.001-08:00

I had a very uplifting time this past weekend. I traveled to downtown Indianapolis to the Convention Center for the Indiana State Youth Convention. I have been going to this convention for around seven years now, but this was my first year to be a counselor to four girls. To say it was an amazing experience would be an understatement because the feeling you get as a leader and a counselor when one of your girls (or guys) opens up to feelings deep inside and helps her (or his) peers with similar problems is overwhelming and wonderful. I love seeing young people grow in their faith and have a deep-rooted relationship with God. I know many lives were changed this weekend, including mine. It makes me want to become more of a leader among my peers and among my church family.

For Dr. Posler

2009-11-17T18:50:00.001-08:00

I honestly have no idea what exactly happened with the whole door peeing story. I went home for a baby shower. All I heard was that John came downstairs and then immediately told Kristen that someone had, yes, relieved themself on our door. I think I am glad that I did go home this past weekend. I think that I would not have been to happy that day and would have gone on an investigation to find out who the culprit was. I've heard stories about a random, drunk guy being the cause of this disturbance, but I will never know. I just hope it doesn't happen again haha.

P.S. - Did anyone catch that this post was in yellow? :) Tehehe

YouTube/Rottweiler

2009-11-17T18:38:00.000-08:00

Do you ever sit down and just watch random, crazy, hilarious videos on YouTube? I find it enjoyable. Last night my friend Aaron (yes, the same Conservative Aaron) and I watched old game show mishaps and had a ball. They are some of the most hilarious videos I've ever seen. I love just sitting back and laughing til I cry about silly things. It's one of the things I enjoy most in life. Laughing. Laughing is healthy. You work of calories just by laughing at least twice a day. It's fascinating.

As a side note, a few weeks ago, my family's protector and my dad's best friend (as the cliche phrase goes) died. We have been a little worried about the house since then because he (Morris was his name) was our source of protection around the house. He was very good too. Yesterday, though, I found out that my dad bought a Rottweiler. Now, Morris was half Lab, half Basset Hound. We have never strayed from buying Basset Hounds. We love them. So this was certainly a shocker when my dad pulled up to the house with a Rottweiler in tow. I decided to read up on Rottweilers and what their personalities were like. Bottom line: this may be the best purchase my dad has ever made. I read that they are loyal to their families and are always suspicious about random, new strangers. This fact is good and comforting for my family. They now feel even more protected than they did before. All in all, this change is good for my family. By the way, my dad named him Brutus.

From Great to Terrible

2009-11-15T18:33:00.001-08:00

This weekend was probably the most relaxing weekend I have had in a great while. I spent a vast majority of the weekend with my family, including my cousins Nick and Courtney who are having a baby either December 18 or before. Today, I attended Courtney's baby shower. I was privelged to see family I haven't seen in awhile since I moved to Evansville. Everyone was encouraging me and asking me how school was, and by the end of the shower, everyone was ecstatic to hear about how my life was going. My Aunt Margaret, also my fourth grade teacher, kept reeling about how she remembers reading to us and how she wished she could push a button and the multiplication tables would automatically be in our heads.

After the shower, I headed back. To home. To school. To life. Whatever I was headed back to turned an awesome weekend into a not-so-awesome week. I have just finished a paper due Tuesday, started a Chemistry Seminar project due Thursday, and now I'm getting ready to read for the Chemistry test on Thursday also.

Now, this doesn't mean I'm resenting coming back to the awesome people I like to call the Honors floor, even if they do pee on my room door while I'm gone. But, it's nice, once in awhile, to go back to the place I know and the people I love and just relax.

Everyone reading, take time to relax. I recommend it to a friend.

My thoughts for the day

2009-11-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

My form of the news, politically anyway, is a lot different than most would say, but when you think about it, most people probably do it frequently. I have two good friends, Aaron and John. Aaron is an extreme conservative, and John is an extreme liberal. I get both sides when I am talking to them, which is nice. I like hearing the news from my friends' points of view, no matter which side.

Another form of news that I like is simply the Vincennes Sun-Commercial. I enjoy reading the local AND national news all at the same time. I honestly don't think I'm going to start reading the Evansville Courier & Press because it just isn't the same for me. I miss the Vincennes Sun-Commercial, so I think I'm going to stick with reading it online and hearing Aaron and John talk about what is going on in the world politically.

Independence

2009-10-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

Today, for the first time, I felt independent. I totally and completely relied on myself for food, transportation, and clothes. I took myself to Green River Road. I took myself to the mall. I shopped for winter clothes with money I had made. I fed myself at Chik-fil-A. I drove through the hurricane. I put myself through hell buying groceries for myself at Wal-Mart with crazy, confused shoppers. I felt so independent, and it felt amazing. Independence is a rare novelty that only you can give yourself. It is so nice to feel like you can take care of yourself, thus making yourself feel worthwhile. Honestly, I did call my mom a few times just to tell her what I was doing and how independent I felt. She was proud of me. It is so comforting to know that I can take care of myself for the future. I think all of us subconciously worry about being out on our own, taking care of ourselves. But, honestly, if you are able to take care of yourself, there is no better satisfaction to your self-esteem and worthiness. Everyone is worthy of this satisfaction and everyone is capable of it. I hope everyone stops worrying about the future and starts embracing the present.

2009-10-21T21:03:00.000-07:00

I finished the book last Sunday, and to my surprise, I didn't like the ending. I felt like he kind of rushed through the last few years (that he talked about) of his life. I, personally, would have liked to know more about his relationship with his wife or girlfriend at the time. I felt like she was a very important part of who he is today, and I would have liked to read more their relationship in the early years. I did enjoy the book overall. In fact, I thought it was one of the better books that I have read. I enjoyed every minute of reading it, up until the chapter or so anyway. I would recommend that this book is used in the Honors course again.

Chapter 15

2009-10-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

I'm only partially through Chapter 15 right now, but I'm really happy with what is going on. It's about time Greg started getting some appreciation and recognition. I'm still angry with his dad, though. He honestly needs to back off and let Greg himself fight for what he believes in, not the other way around. Although Buster is getting better and having longer periods of sobriety, I still think a significant amount of work needs to be done for him to be a wonderful father to his kids.

most interesting week of college ever, possibly.

2009-10-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

This entire week has been stressful once again, and in the end, refreshing. As the week went on, I gained more and more papers and homework assignments thinking "How am I going to have time for all of this? My parents are coming on Saturday." According to a discussion Friday night, none of this matters, at least, not everything.This gave me a comforting thought. All of this worrying and stressing out is doing no good. I have confidence in myself that I will get these two papers done, and I will get my presentation done. I just have to have faith. In myself. In my time spent. In my knowledge of the subject. I know that I will be able to get things accomplished, so why worry? A couple hours ago, I ventured up to the STEM floor to use their toner because Honors floor still has none. I met a guy and started talking to him about classes and Disneyworld. My thoughts were completely turned away from my paper and my stress. Needless to say, it was refreshing. I need to take time to enjoy the good things in life like good conversations and good friends. Most of all, I need to stop worrying.

Amazed

2009-10-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

I just finished Chapter 14, and I am still in utter shock. I wish that Greg had just made up this story so he wouldn't have had to have a father like that. It makes me appreciate my father and my mother for not leaving me and for supporting me in everything I do. I am so thankful that I have food to eat every day and clean clothes to wear every day. Greg is such as inspiring person to have made it through all of this and become the President of two different colleges. I am just amazed.

Perspective

2009-09-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

As stressful as this day has been with Chemistry Lab Reports, Pre-Lab Questions, and Post-Lab Questions, it was quite enjoyable. Getting rid of stress is something I wish to make a habit of, but alas it has not happened. Another down side to the day, my Spanish professor, Professor Middleton, was in an upsetting mood. Her sister died in a car accident last Friday. She cried often as the class went on. It put into perspective for me at least one similarity between students and professors: Both have real, down-to-earth feelings every day, good and bad. That is my thought for the day.

B-E-A-UTIFUL!

2009-09-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

I would just like to point out that today was GORGEOUS!! I am so happy about the weather today. It was crisp and cool, yet I was never to the point of freezing. I have never seen the campus more beautiful than today. This was a really good Monday.

Identifying with "Color Line"

2009-09-27T20:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I am completely inspired by Billy so far and what he is doing for his family. Working several jobs at such a young age must be a challenge and a privelege. Getting work experience like that so early on I know is going to help him later in the book. His work ethic is also very admirable. He sticks with the jobs that he can because he knows that is the only way he is going to be able to feed his brother and himself. I think working for Uncle Jim at his farm has been time well spent for Billy. He has learned so many things about farming and has been given so many opportunites to get to know his Uncle Jim better. It's a shame that Mike had to ruin that wonderful job opportunity for Billy.

I feel that I identify with Billy in this situation. The only way that I could afford gas to put in my car and go somewhere was by working during the summer. I worked for my dad at the Lawrenceville-Vincennes International Airport. I worked four days a week for 8 1/2 hours every week during the summer. My time was consumed and focused on being able to provide for something I needed to do, such as drive home every so often after I moved away to college. In this sense, Billy and I shared common ground. We both know that in order to get something we want, we have to work for it. I enjoy identifying myself with different characters in books. I find that I identify myself most with Billy because of his work ethic and stamina.

I simply cannot wait to get further in the book. I have enjoyed every minute of each event that takes place. The books seems fiction at times because we live our lives so sheltered, that we often forget that things like this really do happen to honest hard-working people who have had problems with their family. I never thought I would be so interested in a non-fiction work, but "Life On the Color Line" has taught me a very valuable and practical lesson: Never judge a book by its cover (literally).

Culture Shock

2009-09-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

This past week has been an informative week. Wednesday, Kristen and I went to the Mexican Independence Day celebration in the Multi-Purpose Room of our dorm. Mostly, we were interested in free food, but once we got there, we were intrigued by what Raul Ramirez had to say about Mexico and their independence. I felt very fulfilled after learning so much about Mexico and how they celebrate their independence similarily to ours. The food wasn't too bad either. It was traditional Mexican food (not the Mexican-American food a.k.a. Taco Bell). It was so different, yet so tasty. I enjoyed the different drinks Raul had to offer.

After the celebration, a few of us from the Honors floor stayed behind and chatted...for two hours. Kelsey Shields and I had English reading and papers ahead of us, but we didn't care. We were enjoying the company of really good friends. We spent that time laughing, discussing favorite pastimes, and sharing our stories with each other, and we ended up becoming closer as a floor. In the end, the time spent getting to know each other was more educational than learning how to write a paper.

Also this week, I started reading "Life Along the Color Line", and I just want to say that I LOVE this book. It is so educational yet interesting at the same time. I am so glad I have the opportunity to read this book. I just can't imagine what it was like for Billy and Mike, especially when they move to Muncie. They had everything they owned taken away, and they left Virginia with literally just the clothes on their backs. I am very inspired by Billy and Mike's courage and will while "losing" their mom and leaving the only home they've ever known. I am really excited to read the rest of the book and listen to George Williams talk about his life on the color line.

Numero dos

2009-09-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

Well, week number two has come and gone, and I find myself loving college more and more. Not all of the homework by any means, but making new friends and having movie nights in each other's dorms. Although I do enjoy learning, I am so happy to have this opportunity to grow and learn. I know I'm already finding myself and what I want to do with my life. I'm just so grateful for this opportunity. I'm so excited to be starting my college career!

Statement of Self Identity

2009-09-09T18:59:00.000-07:00

During my four years of high school, I had gotten used to the routine 8:00 to 3:00 classes every single day. I often found myself bored with each passing day, and I wanted to live my life according to my time and to my desires. Well, now I am in control now more than ever, and I’m so excited! I love college so far and I want to find myself and make the most of it. There are a few things, though, that I am completely sure about.

First of all, I am a woman of God. He is the number one priority in my life. I grew up in the Church of God, and I basically spent all my free time there. I became a huge part of my church, and I tried to be in anything I could be in. As a senior, I was elected to the Church Council as a Youth Representative. I took on this role with great wonder about what I could do to help, and I became very serious about it. It helped me to grow with my church family and with my faith by helping people in the church.

My second priority is my family. My mom and dad have been to everything I’ve ever participated in, and they have supported me in everything I’ve ever done. My parents and I have gotten closer since the death of my grandma. My grandma was my best friend. Sometimes I felt like she was the only one I could trust with everything I was dealing with, and she was sometimes the only one who would listen. We lost her one year ago in May. It was the hardest thing we have ever gone through as a family, but yet it has made us closer. I’ve become a stronger person because of my grandma. I think to myself: “If I could handle that, I can handle anything.”

School is also very important to me. In high school, I strived to do my best, and I came out Valedictorian. I am so happy I accomplished this because it has opened up so many doors for me. I have had different scholarship opportunities and different job offers that I never thought I would have a chance at getting. Right now, my job is being a student. My goal is to do my best in college, so that I may become a well-rounded person and help those in need. My goal is to become a Research Chemist so I can do my part in helping those with incurable diseases.

Finally, I would not be who I am today without my friends, especially my best friend Janesa. Janesa has been my rock throughout high school. When classes would get bad or when I’d had enough of my family, she was always there for me and I for her. We vowed to be friends for life, and I’m happy to say that nothing can change that. We are closer than a toddler to his toy. My life wouldn’t be complete without her friendship.

I know that I am not done growing and learning and being, and I’m perfectly fine with that. I want to become the kind of person that would put everything down for the sake of a child that fell down and dropped her ice cream. I want to be the person who will be an inspiration to others to follow their dreams like I am following mine. I’m so excited for my next leg in this journey.

New Classes, Fire Drills, and Puppy dogs

2009-09-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

Well, this week has been the most active week of my life! I have never walked so much in such a small window of time. My first week of college has had its ups and downs.

First of all, college classes are a blast (for the most part)! I enjoy not having a routine everyday. It makes life and learning more exciting. The homework assignments, though, are not so fun. I love all of my professors, although I still have not met my Spanish professor. On Tuesday, she was sick. On Thursday, the class took a "test" placement test. I'm excited to meet Professor Middleton!

The downer for the week has been the TWO fire drills at Ruston Hall! Monday night's fire "scare" was worse for the simple fact that I was just about to fall asleep around 11:30, the extremely loud fire alarm went off. Needless to say, I was not happy. Tuesday night's was better because it was only about 9:00 that night.

This weekend though, will be a real joy! I am now sitting and home loving my adorable puppy Riley. I have missed him a lot this week, and now, I am taking advantage of every second I have with him.

Anyways, I hope everyone reading has had as much of an eventful week as I have!