My Blog for today will come mostly in video form, which I think is exciting.

Click here to see My Snow Day Vlog on YouTube!

I hope you enjoyed watching my vlog, because I had a lot of fun making it.

And now, some pictures!

Fellow Fontbonne Friends, Ariel, Dillon, and I posing for a picture at Art Hill.

Other People gathering at Art Hill to go sledding.

Looking down from Art Hill.

Other sledding enthusiasts on Art Hill.

Another view of Art Hill.

Peace, Love, & Snow Days!

A one-day trip is FREE in St. Louis?    What’s this for?

It’s a free one-day trip in St. Louis. Because many international students just arrived in St. Louis this year, the Fontbonne International Students Alliance (FISA) plans a day tour for students who are new in St. Louis. We had so much fun because many students have their own mother language, but we only can communicate with each other in English. It’s so interesting, isn’t it?

Last weekend, we started from Forest Park which is a really huge park. Can you believe it? It is 50% larger than Central Park in New York, so we took many pretty pictures over there. Then, we went to the old courthouse which is a really pretty building with many decorations inside. The old courthouse is a part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, and it is just for visiting now, but it used to be used as a courthouse. It was also the largest structure in St. Louis until the Gateway Arch was built in 1965. I bet everyone knows the Gateway Arch which is the most well-know sightseeing in St. Louis. When I told my friends I study in St. Louis, they asked me: “Penny, are you in St. Louis? Oh, I know your arch and Cardinals.”  I’m so proud of our arch and cardinals, since it looks like a symbol for St. Louis.

Then, we went up to the Arch, and saw the whole view of St. Louis downtown, it’s so amazing! We saw the Mississippi River, downtown St. Louis, and cardinal’s stadium. After downtown area, we went to the West End which is a very nice neighborhood to enjoy our lunch. The last part but not the least sightseeing point we went to was the Cathedral Basilica which is the biggest and prettiest church I’ve seen.

I loved our one-day trip, since it’s really an abundant trip to make us know more about St. Louis. Thanks to Fontbonne for taking care of students so much, and also thanks to FISA for planning this trip to make everyone have a beautiful memory here.

Happy Monday morning, Fontbonne!

Frankly, it’s not too much of a “happy” morning because of the dull, humid weather, but if you’re happy anyway, that’s awesome! I am actually pretty sleepy during this type of day, but I try not to go there.

I just want to mention yesterday’s Culture Crawl, generally known as the St. Louis Tour with the international students. Every year, the International Office organizes a tour around St. Louis for students from other countries to learn about the city and to visit the best places. Our student organization, FISA (Fontbonne International Student Alliance), also sponsors the trip. It was my first time on the trip, so I definitely learned A LOT, and I’ve lived here my entire life! I’ve never even seen these amazing areas, but thank goodness I got the chance to.

In the tour, we visited Forest Park and its beautiful spots such as the Grand Basin, where we took pictures. Then we went around to the Art Hill area and took more pictures, past the Art Museum, the zoo, the Science Center, and many other fabulous buildings. Unexpectedly, our bus driver actually became our tour guide when she found out that we had international students on board. Her name is Teresa, and she did an awesome job! She knew so much about St. Louis.

Afterwards, Teresa took us to the Downtown area. Since we had some time, Teresa was able to show us the Soulard Farmer’s Market (which was not a part of the tour but it’s a bonus!) and told us its history as well. Next, she took us to the City Garden, and we took pictures near the interesting “waterfall,” then we walked towards another fountain that had green water flowing out (too cool). Behind the fountain we have the Old Courthouse. It was beautiful and there was so much history within the courthouse. I got to see a few objects that people used from the past, such as an old automobile! Very nice displays. Everyone took many pictures everywhere we went.

Next stop, the awesome Arch! I’ve been to the Arch many, many times, but I never get tired of it. It was pretty fun when we got to the very top. I took so many pictures and everyone loved getting their pictures taken together. I love it. By that time, we were pretty hungry so we went to Bar Louie for some lunch. Good stuff! But at first, we had to wait for them to actually set up the tables for all of us even though our dear president, Izzy, already called ahead of time that we were coming. Oh well. We all ate, and off we went to the Cathedral. I was speechless when we arrived there. I must have been so oblivious to the great things we have here. The Cathedral is absolutely beautiful, inside and outside. I don’t think I’ve ever been inside of a building that made me felt so humble. I really appreciated and admired the place. I got a little chance to thank God for the wonderful trip and the chance to meet so many people. We all had a great time.

Of course, we were coming to an end of the tour. Teresa took us all back  to Fontbonne, and I was able to get a people to buy our FISA t-shirts! Well, they paid ahead of time because I need time to paint them myself. Even so, I’m just so happy that I went on the tour!

Wow.  I’m exactly halfway through my time at Fontbonne.  I just finished my last final this morning, and I was out the door by 10:05.  It will take me a while to realize that I’m actually on summer break, but I’m happy for my newfound freedom.

This year was definitely far more challenging than last year.  Last year, I took a lot of challenging courses – don’t get me wrong – but they were more generalized and foundational.  This year, in addition to some sophomore-, junior-, and (I’m not going to lie) senior-level biology courses, I took on the so-called biology major’s “worst nightmare” – organic chemistry.  It was definitely difficult, but it was so worth it at the same time.  I got really close to my friends in part thanks to that class, and getting through it alive has pretty much taught me that I can get through anything if I keep at it.

So what will I be doing this summer?  Well, to put it bluntly, a lot.  I will be interning at the St. Louis Science Center in the Physical Sciences Gallery.  While there, I will be presenting Amazing Science Demonstrations, which are 10-15 minute shows about different aspects of science.  This will be the perfect marriage of my two main passions in life - science and theatre!  In addition, I’ll be taking family vacations to Florida and Minnesota, and I’ll be taking a philosophy course for general education requirements.  Add in Saturday nights at The Muny and various trips to Forest Park, and there’s my summer in a nutshell.

Have a great, safe summer everyone, and I’ll see most of you again in the fall.

My absolute favorite overall place in St. Louis has got to be Forest Park. In terms of things to do, it has so much to offer, beginning with the award-winning St. Louis Zoo, which I might add is one of just a few zoos across the country that are FREE! They have added a lot of exciting things over the past few years, and they keep doing more. You can never go wrong with a trip here. If you are an early bird like I am, attractions that normally cost are free during the first hour the zoo is open. When trying to take advantage of this deal, do remember that  the zoo has a winter and summer schedule so make sure that first hour is really the first hour.

Just up the hill, you have the St. Louis Art Museum — expansion and new things are going on here too! Did I say it was FREE! Special exhibits often have a free day as well. They have family fun Sundays with special tours and hands on craft activities. And guess what, nobody cares if you don’t have any kids. Art Hill is the place to be for sledding in the winter time and in the summer time… movies right on the lawn on a cool screen with the water fountains as a back drop.

The History Museum has story time on Fridays and Saturdays, and usually in the summer, it offers different crafts and special events. On their lawn in the spring, April-May, and fall, August -October, they have FREE music concerts for all!

There is also the Muny, Dwight Davis tennis courts, raquetball courts, playgrounds, the Jewel Box, Steinberg’s ice skating in winter, beach volleyball in summer. There’s fishing, canoeing, walking, running, biking (w/rentals available), golfing, etc. etc.

Of course I can’t mention Forest Park without mentioning the Great Forest Park Balloon race — everybody that happens to pass through here at the right time should go at least once.

There are some things about St. Louis I wish were a little, but I do appreciate what’s offered here.  What makes it a great place for college students and families as well is the fact that if you’re not too particular about doing any one specific thing, you can often find something fun to do for FREE or at least reasonably priced. There’s even a catalog that you can pick up at the Visitors’ Center in Forest Park that has lots of great coupons.

It’s such an easy walk from campus that soon you’ll be singing, “Meet me at the Muny. The Muny in Forest Park!

Hello Everyone,
Are you unfamiliar with the St. Louis area? Wondering where to go for some fun? Well, I am terrible with directions, but I will be happy to name some interesting places to go! Especially with Fontbonne’s location, almost everything is in walking distance or close enough that gas won’t be wasted if you drive the short distance. First, the Delmar Loop is best for walking the sidewalks and finding the most random of things. My favorite is Bubble Tea. It is tiny and does have limited sitting space, but the atmosphere is warm and easygoing. The workers genuinely want you to be happy and actually strike up conversations while you are just standing there. Now Bubble Tea has bubble tea, shocker I know. Bubble Tea is a milk tea that comes in multiple flavors. Most contain Boba, which is a chewy ball at the bottom of the drink. It originates from a cassava root and is sweetened when cooked and put in the tea. I, personally, prefer no Boba, but don’t knock it until you try it! You can get Snows, A.K.A. slushes, and some good food like Lo Mein or Sweet and Sour chicken and rice. Besides Bubble Tea, the Loop has Fritz’s, Froyo, Cheeseology, and much more. Just go on down, take a walk, and see where your feet take you!

Also right by Fontbonne, Forest Park is the next amazing place to go. It has acres upon acres of land to roam for hours. The St. Louis Art Museum is located in Forest Park and is FREE! I have spent more than one occasion lost in the collections of the St. Louis Art Museum. The view right outside the Museum is its own masterpiece. You can refer to it as Art Hill, considering its location! Just imagine a giant hill right in front of you, leading to the edge of an expanse of water, which can be classified as a big pond. People dot the area with their running, walking, and laying out on the soft grass. You can go to the Zoo in Forest Park (another FREE attraction). Plus, the Muny is right inside the park and it’s easy to find show times and prices online. Don’t want a buy a ticket? No problem, the Muny does have free seats, but tickets are reasonable and prepare for those free seats to fill up fast! Once a year, Forest Park holds a Shakespeare Festival that is FREE if you want to experience that. Other things in Forest Park include the Jewel Box, History Museum, the Boat House, and Steinberg’s Ice Rink. Granted not all of them are free, but they are all located conveniently in Forest Park. So, Fontbonne is near some pretty awesome stuff. Use that GPS or good old fashion map and find some FUN!

Jeanne!

There are many places to enjoy in St. Louis but I have 2 favorite places. First of all, I love the walking trails at Powder Valley Nature Center in Sunset Hills. I have viewed a deer drinking from a stream there and jumped over a snake on the trail. It is very quiet and serene on the walking trails. A good place to get centered.

Currently, I love exploring Forest Park. I am training for the half marathon in April. I am part of a running group and we meet at the park.  There are tons of different routes to run and great people watching. As a bonus, Forest Park has the Jewel Box, Science Center, the Zoo, and Art Museum. Take adavantage of all the free goodies the park has to offer.

This past weekend I was lucky enough to be apart of the St. Louis Walk Now for Autism Speaks. I was slightly nervous about it because this is something I had never done before and I had no idea what kind of turn out there would be. A group of us from NSSHLA met here at Fontbonne then headed out to Forest Park. Our first sight of the event was a huge American flag, the biggest I have ever seen! After taking a few minutes to park, we headed through the park to see if we could find anyone else from our group. There were so many people there, most with self-made t-shirts supporting an autistic person who is close to them. There was also many activities around the park for people to enjoy, especially for the children. When the walk began I was able to see how many people were actually participating, it was overwhelming and everyone was in high spirits. It was heartwarming to see how important Autism Speaks is and how many lives they have touched. It was a well planned day and a great time was had by all!

Hello to everyone reading this blog!

This is my first blog for this semester and there is good reason for why that is.

Let’s just say that I’m SUPER involved here at Fontbonne and keeping up with everything can be quite challenging.

Don’t get me wrong though, school is challenging enough, and as a Speech-Language Pathology Major and a Psychology Minor, I have more than enough schoolwork to do.

However, I cannot help but stay involved on campus in some way.

It can be tedious work, but I get a lot out of it.

For example, my personal development has gone through much change since I first came to Fontbonne roughly 2 years ago (I cannot believe I’m a Junior already!).

Plus, it makes for great Fontbonne memories.

Just this month, I’ve already….

Helped with events such as Sibs Weekend with FAB (Fontbonne Activities Board).

Attended the Best of Missouri Market at the Missouri Botanical Garden with Environmental Club.

Made guacamole for and attended the FISA (Fontbonne International Students Association) Potluck.

Help put together a Comedy Night with FAB featuring celebrity Ross Mathews and comedian Taylor Williamson.

Helped with facilitating a Zoo Photo Scavenger Hunt with RHA (Residence Hall Association) and CAB (Commuter Advisory Board).

And the month is only almost halfway through!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go prepare for my next class along with preparing for the RHA meeting that I’ll be running soon!

Peace, Love, and Penguin!

If you’ve been reading my past few posts, you probably know that I’m (deeply) involved with the Environmental Club. But here’s something I also love – perhaps even more – that I haven’t talked much about lately: RUNNING!

I am a proud member of the Fontbonne Track and Cross Country teams, and to me they are one of the best parts of being at Fontbonne! We’re a very diverse group of people, and I’m sure we all run for different reasons, but I love everyone on my team.

We usually run in Forest Park, and let me tell you, being roughly .85 miles away from such an awesome place is phenomenal!! When I run at home, I’m usually confined to my treadmill, because the roads by my house aren’t really safe. But when I’m at school, a whole new world of running opens up, and it’s super. The park’s not just for runners, either! Biking, walking, roller skating- all would be great things to do on the web of trails there. Not to mention the Art Museum, History Museum, Zoo… I could go on and on!

So basically, if you haven’t yet taken advantage of the wonders of Forest Park, I hope you will take advantage of this fabulous weather and find the time to do so soon!