Ahhhhhh! How are we already passed the midpoint of my last semester of undergraduate school?

How am I a Senior already?!?

For those who are still in high school or aren’t quite Seniors in college yet, just know that the time will fly by! Don’t take that time for granted!

If you’re a Senior like me and some of my other classmates, you’re most likely freaking out quite a bit about “what’s next” after graduation in May. Therefore, I suggest to those who still have time to think more deeply about this to at least put some thought into where you see yourself after graduation. Thinking about this can also help guide your college career, because ultimately, your college experiences help to shape the person you are when you graduate.

I would also like to say that this is the time of year where the big projects (i.e. a Research Paper and Senior Capstone Project) start to make themselves known. This is not a good time to do things like procrastinate, get sick, fall to the weaknesses of your own limitations, etc. Therefore, let’s just say that I’m struggling right now. However, knowing that there’s less than 70 days until graduation helps me to be at ease, because I know that one of my major goals (graduating from College) is getting nearer and nearer each day.

And now some random pictures from some of my current life events:

Searching for books for my Research Paper. I like that you can get the book location texted to your phone. Thanks, technology!

Getting to know the library books at the Fontbonne Library...

Sometimes, you have to reward yourself for good behavior. Positive reinforcement!

Visiting a Graduate Program at Columbia College Chicago!

The Dance/Movement Therapy & Counseling Department at Columbia College Chicago, where I'll hopefully be next year!

One of the Graduate Classrooms at Columbia College Chicago.

A dance studio area for Graduate Students at Columbia College Chicago.

The building across the street from where I had my Graduate Admissions Interview.

Green mashed potatoes with garlic and kale that I made in my Southwest Hall apartment in honor of March and St. Patrick's Day coming up!

Some closing thoughts on time management…time management is a great skill to have and is much needed in the current fast-paced life of modern society. Either that, or I recommend becoming a part of a society that is slower-paced if time management is not your thing. I’m still trying to learn how to properly balance everything.

Welp, back to schoolwork for me!

Peace, Love, & Relaxation (Eventually).

This semester has been a bit of an adjustment for me. For the first time in my four semesters here at Fontbonne, I do not have classes all five days of the week! I managed to get my schedule so that I only had classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I like it a lot so far! It makes managing my time a lot easier. The only downside is I have my first real online class, and getting used to that has been a struggle. Because I do not actually go to a class, I tend to procrastinate on the assignments more than I should. It’s not a good habit, but I have gotten better at not procrastinating! If only I could figure out time management for this one class!

I’ve really enjoyed the first few weeks of this semester, it is less stressful (that could be because it is the first time ever that I do not have a math class…strange feeling for me!) and I really enjoy my classes. It is always a good idea to make the best out of your classes. My first class  is an education class I absolutely love! The teacher is great, everyone is full of discussion, and it is a good way to start the day. My second is a literature class, and not one I enjoy, but I am lucky enough to have my best friend in the class so that makes it much better! Thirdly, is a computer class with my former adviser who is really funny, time goes by fairly quickly in class and I’ve already learned some pretty neat tricks on the computer. And on Monday nights I have an honors class about Masculinity. It is really interesting to see how society has changed the definition of masculinity through the years!

So, basically what this blog post is about: Time Management, Making the best out of the schedule you’re given, and enjoy your semesters in college

I have good news, everyone: I am pleased to report that on February 2nd, 2013, Punxsutawney Phil did not, repeat DID NOT see his shadow, which means that we are ON TRACK FOR AN EARLY SPRING!!!

I’m beyond pumped. Even besides that, though, I’d have to say the semester is off to a good start. I’m loving my dietetics classes, Environmental Club is chugging right along, and I’m happy to be back on campus with all my friends.

One of the most rewarding/exciting/challenging things so far has been my dietetics practicum. This year is the very first in which the department is trying something new: A 3 part practicum that deals with the areas of Food Service, Community, and Clinical. I’m in the Community rotation right now, and I’m currently working on a marketing/education project about National Nutrition Month (coming up in March, holla!). My time in Food Service will be spent in the Ladue school district cafeterias, and my Clinical rotation will be done at the Missouri Baptist Medical center. Community has always been the area that holds my passion, and I’m absolutely loving it so far!! But I’m really looking forward to getting more experience in the other areas as well. One thing that is great about a dietetics major is how many areas you can work in. If you get tired of one, you can easily move to another! I’m so happy that Fontbonne is providing me even more chances to get the real world experience that I need. Love it!

This year got really nasty with comments and jabs at each side of the Presidential debate and that was just on my Facebook among various friends. This year the politics of politics took its toll on my mind and spirit. I consider myself liberal in my views and found myself being called out on several occasions by friends. The weird thing to me about this is that although I am liberal in my political views I don’t tend to tell many people about them nor talk about politics with others.

I’m content to know where I stand on various issues. Because of this I don’t feel the need to tell everyone how I feel, persuade them to feel what I do, or try to change them. I guess I’m happy to live in a country where so many views can be held and or expressed. I am thankful to the men and women who have served our country in the military to protect this right. If anything I am thankful to be friends with various people with differing opinions from my own. There is something to be said in learning from others is how I’ve always felt.

This leads me to a story about election day. I had lunch with a very conservative friend of mine that chose to talk to me about politics. I told her that she knew that I was liberal and where I stand but I am thankful that we live in the US where we both can have such differing views and be friends. She backed off and agreed she was thankful that we were friends and that no matter what our political view she was glad she knew me. Wouldn’t this be a great thought for our leaders of our country, state, and towns to have?

I know that I’m praying for our current leaders and will continue to do so in the next year as some change and others stay the same. In reality, our leader, is not a man or a woman but God and through Him all things happen. I would much rather pray that God be a part of our country and how our leaders handle things than spend time debating with one another over fine details. I pray that you will join me in the coming weeks in praying for our leaders that they be graced with God presence and work for God’s glory. Together, I pray our country takes a stand not against one another but to pray for God’s almighty presence and will to be done in our country.

Blessings on your week-

Sherry

Some of you may know other than serving the purpose for me to rant and jabber on about my college experience and life in general, this blog is used to give prospective students an idea of what it’s like to be a student at Fontbonne. This blog is my way of marketing Fontbonne University, giving others insight into how wonderful it is here.

Another way I market or advertise Fontbonne is through Fontbonne Student Ambassadors (FSA). This is my first year being an ambassador for Fontbonne, and I love it. As an ambassador, I have designated time slots each week in which I’m free to give tours. The tours are my time to show the student Fontbonne’s campus, and persuade them to the best of my ability to choose Fontbonne. The tours are individual, and I think that this one-on-one activity helps in making Fontbonne the right choice. Being a part of FSA directly involves me in some students college application process, and as a result I market Fontbonne through the tours I give. FSA also helps out with open houses and group tours that take place here on campus.

Joining organizations and clubs at Fontbonne does take up “free time”, but I definitely do not regret becoming a part of FSA. I am hoping for the next few weeks “free time” will exist in my life, although I highly doubt it. At this moment it sure doesn’t. There’s just a few weeks left of first semester, and as soon as I finish one project I have to start the next. This really makes me wish I started earlier. Between classes, practices, and meetings there’s no time! I have now been reminded that it’s best to get things done early. It’ll save you a lot of time (time for sleeping!) in the end. Never will I procrastinate on a ten page Chemistry paper again, but I am right now because I have yet to begin. Yikes!

Until next week…

A couple years ago, I had my mind made up about how some things were going to be in college before I even started. Well, surprise surprise, many of my assumptions were wrong. But, they were wrong in a good way!

I’m not going to lie, I was a little grossed out about the idea of living in a dorm room. I pictured sleeping in an uncomfortable bed, having zero room for my belongings, plugging my ears from a roommate, and showering in a disgusting bathroom. However, I am very glad I faced these fears and decided to live in a dorm. For one, I feel like I am part of a family on campus. Secondly, it really isn’t that gross! I had my expectations set really low and turned out to be pleasantly surprised by all the perks.

Last year I lived in St. Joseph’s Hall, now I reside in Medaille. Both rooms have extremely comfortable beds (or maybe I’m just a really good sleeper). Also, I can fit a lot more in the rooms than I expected. In addition to the large drawer space, you can fit belongings under the raised bed. If I can fit my numerous shoes (I have an obsession), you can too. Regarding the roommate situation, I lucked out and was matched with someone amazing that has become my closest friend. Finally, the bathrooms are actually not so bad. In The Joe, they are cleaned twice a day.

I shouldn’t have been so negative in the beginning. I think I was mostly just nervous. But remember, every experience is going to be as fun as you make it. YOU decide what your life is going to be like.

I feel like college is full of surprises and I never really knew what to expect. I visited twice, I even had an overnight stay. But you never really “get it” until you live in a residents hall freshman year. What really surprised me was the absolute community feel of our floor. I was not expecting that at all. Everyone ALWAYS had their door open. Everyone knew everyone, and was always willing to help, let you borrow things, answer questions, go with you places. It was awesome. It definitely solidified friendships, and everyone pretty much still keeps in touch and stays friends! I think that is awesome. Nearly 3.5 years later and I am still best friends with the girls I met freshman year through dorm life, and I am going to miss them so much when I graduate and move back to KY!!! I am not a fan of leaving my STL family. I love you guys!!

-Kelia

I am selfish and self centered.  But I am curious, does anyone read my blog posts?

I love to write but don’t write often enough. Writers write, so that is why I have undertaken the task of contributing to this blog. Really I should not care what others think, but I totally wondered, is anyone out there in the Fontbonne world reading my blog?

I want to write topics that others can relate to, I want to be helpful, I want to share the Fontbonne experience with you all.

If you are out there and would like for me to blog about a certain topic. Let me know, I would be happy to oblige. A little bit about myself. I am in the Masters program for Theatre Education.  I have my undergrad in Theatre and Communications from Fontbonne. I am recently engaged and work as the House Manager for Mustard Seed Theatre. I like running and yoga and I am a cat owner. I believe God has a plan for each and everyone of us and by taking the right action we live out God’s will for us.

Anyone else out there enjoy theatre?  If so, what are so of your favorite plays? Or do you have any St. Louis venues you love to go see productions at?

Anything else you would like to know?  ASK ME!

Hey Griffins!

College is different than high school. Since I am a transfer student, I already have some college experience. What is different for me is that this is my first time being in a completely different state than where I’m from. Saint Louis is still new to me and I’m still getting use to it. I like the feeling that I’m finally on my own. By the time I graduate from Fontbonne I feel that I won’t have too much of a hard time officially moving out of my parents house. Until then I’m enjoying my time at fontbonne and as a college student until I have to be in the real world.

Fall is the season for apples.

There are so many interesting events focusing on apples, such as picking apples, eating apple pies, and the apple butter festival.

Last Sunday, I joined a fun event called “Apple Butter Festival” in Kimmswick, Missouri. I went there with three of my St. Louis friends. Before we left, we ate apple pies to be our appetizer for this event. And we also discussed many delicious foods and had a lot of women’s talk on the way. When we arrived in Kimmswick, there was terrible traffic because this annual event only lasted Saturday and Sunday, so there were hundreds and millions of people there. It was not easy to go inside and find a parking space, but we still found one finally.

Apple Butter Festival is an annual festival for family and friends, and for everyone who want to celebrate fall. Actually, this event was not only for apples, it was more like a large culture market. There were many different stores and stands in this event, including apple farms, Amish jelly, Halloween tools, homemade food and drinks, accessories stores and arts products. There were over 500 vendors on the street, and all of them were very special. Everyone spent money there because they sold different interesting stuff there, such as silly hats for Halloween, delicious food for fall season, interesting stuff for gardening and kitchen.

After shopping, we ate together in a famous restaurant called “The Blue and Owl” restaurant and bakery. It’s an old-fashion restaurant which was opened by Mary. Their food is very delicious and very homemade style. I ordered an Apple Butter Carmel cheesecake to be my appetizer, and also order a home style sandwich to enjoy the meal. It was really yummy, especially eating together with my friends.

I like this event, not only for apple butter, but also for sisters gathering in a restaurant. We had so much fun there. I really enjoyed last weekend and had a good time with my St.Louis friends.