Capstone Personal Challenge

My personal challenge for Capstone didn't necessarily test myself but it tested my ambition. My personal challenge was to actually know every single person in four out of my five classes. I have one lecture class so I knew I couldn't complete that goal. I really liked my challenge because I like getting to know new people at school. In University 101, it was quite easy to complete this goal because we did multiple icebreakers and presentations on ourselves. I really like how I could get to know everyone so easily. In my English and philosophy classes this was a very tough goal. My philosophy class has a range of students who are not all freshman. I don't know if I necessarily got to know everyone in that class. I would say I introduced and met about 75% of that class. My English class was harder because whenever we worked in groups, we were allowed to choose our partners. It definitely is hard to try and work with someone you don't know. I really like having a personal challenge to challenge me as a person and not a student.  

Capstone Social Event

For my Capstone social event, I attended Hot Cookie Friday a couple of weeks ago. I went to the study shack with my roommate. I didn't realize that they would actually have people making cookies while we were there! The cookies were AMAZING, and we even got to have milk with it! My roommate and I went and sat on the couches and watched the football game that was on. I'm pretty sure it was a replay of one of the college football games. I actually got to talking to a few other Capstone students which was cool. I never would've met them had I not gone to Hot Cookie Friday. We talked about our plans for Thanksgiving and all of the great food we were going to have. I thought it was nice how the resident mentors were there too to interact with all of the students.

Service-Learning Wrap-up

Looking back on my service experience, the thing that I most enjoyed was being able to make a positive difference in a kid's life. I have been in her position before. So, it was nice to give her tips and advice about life as a middle school student. I thought that the time I spent at the service learning site was very beneficial to me. I learned a lot about cooperation and being a supportive role model. Also, I didn't feel as though my time was wasted. Each week that I went to Hand Middle School Mya and I accomplished the goal we set. I definitely plan on staying at Hand Middle School next semester. I talked to Belinda, the principal, and she said that Mya and I could continue our mentoring relationship next semester. It makes me especially excited that when I asked Mya if she would like for me to keep coming she said yes. I would also like to try and work with Amigos Del Buen Samaritano if they think I have had enough experience since I took another Spanish class. Before, I was not qualified because I haven't taken enough Spanish credits. Also, through my sorority, I feel there are so many ways to volunteer.

Thanksgiving

I am sooo excited to finally get a rest from school! I am going to Lancaster where my grandparents live on Tuesday night with my entire family. On Wednesday we will relax and have a traditional shrimp bog with family friends of ours. Then, on Thursday the plan is to eat, watch football, and of course the Macy's Day Parade. After that would be Black Friday. My family has a tradition that we wake up at 4:00 AM, yes a.m. and go shopping in Charlotte. We shop all day for Christmas presents for each other and other family members. On Saturday will be the Carolina v. Clemson game!! I haven't decided whether or not I will be making the trip to Clemson or not. I just can't wait to spend quality time with friends and family!

Rock Wall/Sustainability

I define sustainable as being an advocate for the environment, i.e. "Going Green". Being sustainable would mean that a person did not use more resources than necessary on a day to day basis. I think in some aspects I live a sustainable lifestyle. For example, turning off my lights when I leave my room and recycling at home in Myrtle Beach. However, I think it's sometimes hard to live sustainably. Daily tasks keep us from remembering how to be good to the environment. For example, I drive to Hand Middle School once a week when it is definitely a possibility to walk. There are many ways in which I could live a more sustainable lifestyle. For instance, I could use my air/heat more sparingly and layer clothes in the winter. Or I could carpool more often and drive less.

Capstone Cinema- Disgrace

Tonight I went to the showing of the International Education week cinema called Disgrace. Disgrace is a movie set in Cape Town, South Africa. The movie was very thought-provoking and definitely a little racy. The movie begins with a renowned teacher sleeping with a prostitute, which is prominent in South Africa these days. Then, it seems he tries to find a replacement by somewhat stalking a student, Melanie, through campus until she agrees to have a drink with him. Melanie looks a lot like the prostitute that the teacher had relations with. She reports him after he drugs her and rapes her. Then, he has to flee to stay with his daughter after he pleads guilty to those charges. After living with his daughter for a while, they are robbed and his daughter (Lucy) is raped. David (the teacher) has a feeling that Petrus (the farmer who helps Lucy out) and lives on the ground, is involved. His daughter becomes pregnant and decides to have the child. David is burned badly by the incident and decides to ask for forgiveness from Melanie's family. This movie was a lot about suffering and the cycle of power and being vulnerable. David has to come to terms with what is happening in South Africa. This is a time where everyone is becoming equal, and being white and in power doesn't necessarily make you a powerful figure. I'm really glad I went and saw this movie. It was very informative, yet racy and interesting.

Career Center Presentation

My plans for Thanksgiving are some great family time I definitely need! My whole family (grandparents, uncle, siblings, parents) are going to Lancaster, S.C. to spend the whole week at my grandparents house. I cannot wait. Thanksgiving is just the best time to be humbled by being around the people you love. I plan to eat lots of great food (courtesy of my grandma) and spend lots of quality time with the family. Growing up, I wanted to be a lawyer. I always thought it was cool to say. You know? It sounded official and prestigious. Now, I realize, that really just isn't for me. I think I want to directly help people who can't help themselves, who are physically unable to help themselves. I am more world-minded. This summer would be a great time for me to do an internship. However, after going to Ecuador in May (hopefully) I will probably decide to work at my cousin's restaurant for a few weeks and explore my options. Working at his restaurant might even help me brush up on my Spanish a little bit, who knows? I was unable to be at this presentation this week because of a funeral, but I will be attending the presentation sometime in the next couple of weeks so I'll be sure and blog about it. :)

Financial Responsibility

Financial responsibility is coming to be a HUGE reality to me since coming to college. Before I came to college, I didn't have to worry much about balancing a budget, grocery shopping, or planning out money for the semester. Now, I think about how much books are going to cost and how exactly to stretch my money throughout the entire semester. I don't think I could consider myself financially responsible or irresponsible. I'm a little of both. Sometimes I can make a great decision and decide to eat in instead of going out to Tsunami for dinner. However, sometimes I can decide to buy this great dress, not really considering the repercussions of that. I usually plan a monthly budget if I really want to save up for something. Normally, my budget goes week to week by allotting a certain amount of money to spend a week and trying to stick by that. Sometimes, that just won't be the case. For example, I might have an unexpected expense like parking tickets or losing a Carolina Card. However, I normally can save for something that I am looking to buy. When I graduate, I would love to say I will be "debt-free"! I would also love to be financially stable, even if that means waiting a little while to pay off student loans. I'll try and make this a reality by really getting the most out of my summer jobs, or even possibly looking into undergraduate research or getting a job through USC starting next fall.

Capstone Conversation

At the end of September I went to a Capstone Conversation in the campus room. The conversation was given by Tommy Preston called "Tales from an Unlikely Gamecock". He is a former Capstone Scholar, former student-body president, and a present third-year law student at USC. Tommy was a very good speaker. He was funny, witty, and told lots of stories. One story in particular I thought was very entertaining was his story about the streaker. Since Tommy was student-body president, he had to talk to students who were on the wrong path and try and help them get on track. There was one student who streaked all across campus and no one could figure out why he did it. So, Tommy had to talk to him about why he did it, which was for no reason at all. It was a great story. The reason Tommy was an unlikely Gamecock was that he was a Clemson fan and simply thought USC was just in the middle of a stinky city. However, once he came and visited, which was just because he was in town with a friend, he fell in love. He didn't even realize he wanted to go here until the middle of June right before his freshman year. Tommy had some great things to say about the importance of being involved on campus and networking with anyone you can.

Mutual Expectations

Today, November 9, 2010, I went to the Mutual Expectations workshop in Harper College. This is a workshop where students and faculty can get together and converse on certain issues in a university setting. This week the topic was academic integrity. They chose this topic because it was Creed Day, and the first part of the Carolinian Creed deals with academic and person integrity. We were split up into groups of about four or five students and four or five faculty members. The first topic dealt with what students and teachers do and don't do to prevent academic integrity. It was really interesting to hear from some of the teachers how students can improve their ways of showing academic integrity. For example, making yourself available for a teacher, rather showing enough courage to bring something up to your teacher shows not only that you're making the effort but that it is somewhat important to you. I also thought it was great that the faculty around me really listened to what I had to say, rather than just writing me off as just a normal student whose opinion does not mean much. I truly learned a lot about what plagarism can be considered and great ways to combat it, including Safe Assign and a teacher just being present and available for a student. I believe this is the key for any student/teacher relationship to be successful. This workshop was very beneficial for just meeting teachers and making connections with faculty, other students, and what academic integrity actually means.

Stress Management

Hmm..what stresses me out. Everything! Haha. I would say that I definitely stress way too much about everything. School, friends, family, life in general. However, I would say that a lot of the stress is positive stress, like one of the chapters in Brain Rules said. Stressing about school can be a positive thing, especially when stressing makes me work harder in a class. I usually try and deal with stress through a positive outlet, like venting to my mom or exercising. Sometimes, it's very hard to deal with stress though, especially in college because it can feel as if you're on your own. I wouldn't say that my service site has been stressful at all. It's actually a pretty nice de-stresser to say the least. My mentee, Mya, is quite a positive person. It's also nice to interact with other mentors and their mentees and talk about what problems their facing in college and/or middle school. I would say that first week was pretty stressful simply because I didn't know how I would interact with my mentee or how she would respond to my trying to help her. Thankfully, it worked out great!

Brain Rules Chapters 11 & 12

This semester I believe that I have managed my time pretty adequately. At first, it was definitely an adjustment because there is so much free time in college! However, I think once a started a planner and thought about my time it really began to balance. First and foremost, my success depended on my motivation. Next, it comes down to using my free time effectively. Anytime that I had a chance laying on the couch I tried to do homework or even make flashcards while watching television. I really wish I had more time for exercise. Although I try and exercise three to four times a week, it doesn't always happen. I know that this is just another activity for which I must map out time in my day for. I also wish I had more time for friends. Since I'm a very social person, I love time to just spend with my friends, even if it's just a long lunch. I like sitting down and talking while eating lunch and it seems I'm always getting lunch on the go. I don't know how I could really make more time for lunch, possibly planning my classes better when I register in a few days so that I have plenty of time for socializing while I eat, like killing two birds with one stone.

Healthy Carolina

I consider myself somewhat healthy. For the most part, I work out two or three times a week and eat my vegetables. However, I definitely still eat those Southern fried foods that probably aren't the best for you. I have formed so many new relationships since coming to USC. First, simply are the relationships formed with new friends. There are so many people to meet here at USC in all different settings. First, I have formed a relationship with my roommate. It is such a different experience living with a completely new person away from home. It definitely tests any lifeskills that I already have. This relationship is the most trying but teaches me a whole lot about myself. Another relationship I have discovered is one with guy friends. Living in Capstone, there are guys on the hall. I think friendships with guys are completely opposite of friendships with girls. It's nice sometimes to have a guy to talk to in order to get their perspective on things and sometimes just mellow out. I think all of the relationships I've formed thus far have all supported my success as a person. Living in Capstone, the people I have met and become friends with on my floor have only furthered my success in helping me with schoolwork and even scheduling study dates in the study room. I was lucky in that the roommate I currently have takes schoolwork just as seriously as I do. Therefore, she is always there for me. Even when I am completely overwhelmed with what I have to complete. This relationship is definitely the most supportive and positive one I have made since coming to USC. I hope that if I form a relationship that hinders my ability to succeed, I will have the ability to stay away from something negative like that.

Spirituality and Religion

I think that religion, spirituality, and faith are all very different. I believe religion is believing specifically in one higher power and following the beliefs of that religion. Religion is the most concrete out of all of these words and is usually associated with Christianity. Spirituality, I believe, is more emotional and personal than all of the others. Being spiritual is simply feeling something and taking in every emotion that you feel. I think it is more just acknowledging that there is something out there going on beyond this world. Faith is more of a step past being spiritual. It is taking that spirituality and doing something with it. Faith is the belief that something has control over things that happen in your life. I relate to all three of them. First, I relate to religion because I have been very involved in Christianity since I was born. I think being religious correlates directly with spirituality and faith. I think to believe in a religion and a higher power, someone must have some sense of spirituality and faith. The stereotypical culture of USC and the south is normally associated with Christianity and those denominations. However, I feel the culture at USC is much more accepting than the south. Students from all over are encouraged to participate in multiple organizations, supporting all faiths and beliefs, even the lack thereof.

Study Abroad/National Student Exchange

When I first saw this was our next blog, I would say it's the most passionate thing I have blogged about so far. Studying abroad has always been one of those dreams of mine, farfetched at a young age, but now so tangible. I would LOVE to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country, preferably Spain. Spain is one of those places I've heard about, from the arts, fashion, and just rich culture that is possesses. I would like to study abroad in either Madrid or Seville. Seville is more of a college-town atmosphere. However, I feel like Madrid would be that challenge of mine I just need to conquer. Spain "Spanish" is much different than the Spanish I have been taught my entire career. This, in itself, will be the biggest obstacle. I think studying abroad is something that every college student MUST accomplish before they graduate. There is no test of self like being completely alone in a foreign country. I think a national student exchange could be quite interesting to accomplish before I graduate too. This could possibly be a small step towards studying abroad, a baby step. Washington, D.C. or New York City would most likely be in the cards for me, since politics and business are such an integral part of my major.

My favorite part of mentoring at Hand Middle School thus far is just the experience of helping someone. Mya is such a quiet, good-natured kid. She just needs a little push out of her shell. I love how each week she talks a little more and opens up just a tiny bit more than the week before. I gave her a mystery book last week (which are her favorite), and her eyes just lit up. Its things like that which remind me why we really give back to the community.

Brain Rules Chapters 7 & 8; A Student Leaders Perspective

I define leadership as anyone's ability to make their own path, rather than following someone elses. Leadership does not come easy to everyone in society. Some people are timid and lack the tenanciousness to tell other people what to do. Leaders are normally seen as confident, strong, passionate, and outspoken. Leadership can be showing other people a way to accomplish or achieve something, while leaders are still achieving it themselves. You could probably say that I am a natural-born leader. I am outspoken, pretty confident, and have the drive to lead any group, conversation, activity, etc. Among my siblings, I have always been known as the one to intiate anything, whether it be cleaning off the table after dinner or starting my homework as soon as I got home afterschool. In almost every organization I've joined, I have taken a leadership role of some kind: president of NHS, captain of my cheerleading team and Model U.N., etc. My friends tell me I'm normally the one to plan parties, get activities going on a boring Friday night, or even pick a place to eat. I'm always interested in being a leader, and I hope that can transfer into the college career I am just beginning. I would like to become a bible study leader, much much later into my career. Haha. I don't believe I have sufficient knowledge quite yet to teach someone else about faith. However, that's a long-term goal of mine. Also, I would love to be a leader in my sorority. It is a LOT of work from what I've seen, but definitely worth it.  

Diversity

Before I came to USC, I defined diversity as people having different backgrounds, beliefs, values, etc. During my time at USC, I think I realize diversity is a whole lot more than that. Just looking on campus you can see the amount of diversity that USC has. I think diversity can include what you wear, how you act, along with what you believe, etc. Mentoring at Hand Middle, I see diversity every day that I walk in. Students at Hand all come from different socioeconomic backgrounds and races. However, you can already tell it is predominantly African-American students that attend. Also, it is interesting to see how students do academically with the background that they have. I love to see that my mentee still has great grades even though her home life isn't so great.

Brain Rules Chapters 5 & 6- Diversity

As far as South Carolina traditions go, I have participated in first-year reading experience and first-night Carolina. Growing up in South Carolina, there are many traditions that we share. First, we participate in the informal tradition of "tailgating". Tailgating is like a religion amongst South Carolina residents, especially USC fans. Another tradition that my family partakes in is cooking chicken bog! It's rice, chicken, sausage, etc. all in one big pot! Depending on the cook, the recipe changes. With my friends, I will participate in Tiger Burn! I'm not exactly sure what that entails but I can't wait to find out. I've seen my sister graduate with a bachelor's and a master's here so I think that's a big tradition is seeing someone graduate. Another South Carolina tradition that I love to do is shag!! Shagging is our state dance that my dad taught me when I was little. My whole family loves to shag to really great beach music! Finally, we drink sweet tea! Even though this is not limited to South Carolina, we love our tea nice and sweet!

Fall Break

For fall break I am going a bunch of places. First, on Thursday I am waking up early and going to visit my grandparents. I cannot wait for some homemade ice cream and a Southern home-cooked meal. I am bringing my friend Alissa with me, so I'm really excited for her to meet my grandparents and to see Lancaster, S.C.! Then, on Friday morning I am going home to Myrtle Beach. I'm really hoping I can get one more beach weekend in before it gets too cold. I'm just planning on hanging out with my family and getting multiple hours of sleep. Then, if I decide to I'm going to go to Charleston to visit some of my friends that go to College of Charleston. As for tonight (Wednesday), there is absolutely no one on campus.

Alcohol

I actually learned a lot in the class discussion on alcohol today. Mostly, it concerned what exactly you can get in trouble for living in a dorm. It really surprised me that someone can still have consequences for their roommate's actions. That really makes each person accountable for not only themselves but their roommate as well. During the discussion, I felt as though a lot of the students were afraid to ask questions or speak their minds simply because there were authority figures in the room. Although I felt comfortable talking in front of Jimmie and Brent, I could tell some other students weren't. I think talking about Alcohol Edu made me realize I'm glad I took the course. I found out a few things I never knew about alcohol.
Next semester I plan on taking Spanish 209 and 207, Speech 140, Astronomy 111, Sociology 101, and Math 122. I know, a little specific, but that's what I get for my sister being my advisor. I ask a lot of questions all the time, especially concerning the international business program because there are certain requirements we have to fufill each semester for that certain major. I'm actually pretty excited about Spanish 207. It's a two hour course once a week where you just go and talk in Spanish for two hours. It pretty much sounds exactly like what I need to really excel at the language.

Brain Rules Chapters 3 & 4; Undergraduate Research

Mentoring at Hand Middle School has been a really great experience. Since babysitting has always been my summer job, I sort of had an idea of what to expect handling a sixth grader. However, the mentoring is so focused on one-on-one interaction between the mentor and the mentee. It's different from babysitting. I can really be a positive influence to Mya, my mentee. She's quiet, extremely bright, and has a great head on her shoulders. She reminds me a lot of myself (minus the quiet part). Getting to know her lately I've realized she doesn't have a great home life. This is what really gets me. I hate knowing that her dream is to go to Clemson (yes, she is a Clemson fan living in Columbia. I can't believe it!) and that dream might not be possible simply because of her background. My strengths are getting her to talk more often. I am trying to bring her out of her shell as much as I can. Although she has straight A's, she is not very organized. Which is perfect for me, considering I'm sort of a neat freak. Anyway, mentoring is becoming a positive experience for both Mya and I. I have volunteered somewhere else this semester. I went to the Harvest Hope Food Bank with some people from my mission trip and helped them with whatever they needed (stocked shelves, etc). Volunteering is a serious passion of mine, so all of these "requirements" for Capstone and such don't really feel required to me.

Mid-term Review

My favorite memory of this semester definitely has to be the football games. There is absolutely no way to describe the atmosphere of the student section in a game like USC vs. GA. The anticipation, thrill, and overwhelming pride of Williams-Brice Stadium is unlike any other. I also love the tailgating aspect. Although I have quite a few years of USC tailgating under my belt, it is so much different being a student. You feel really connected to the people you see and the team itself. I don't think I wish I could do anything over again. I'm a huge believer in everything happening for a reason. I didn't do as well as I wanted to on my last math test. However, I believe this motivates me to study even harder. So, you can't really have triumphs without tribulations. My goals are doing well since the last time I checked. I've started to walk around campus a lot more and take in the scenery. I've been keeping up with my school work, which I'm insanely proud of (not that I didn't think I could do it). I think I'm on track to complete my goals. I hope to carry most of them out past this semester, so I don't think they will be technically completed by the end of the semester, but hopefully accomplished.

Service-Learning site visits

After visiting my service-learning site last week, I have a lot of thoughts. First, I am questioning my ability to really mentor someone over 6 years younger than me. At the same time, I'm excited that I have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of someone in such a pivotal stage in their lives. I remember my days in middle school. There is no way I could've gotten through it without the help of my older siblings and mentors. While at Hand Middle School, there was a least four of five students that came up to the person showing us around asking her when the mentoring program would be starting. I am really excited to know that these kids actually want to participate and meet with us, rather than being forced to. One worry that I have is that I won't be able to connect with my mentee. I want to positively influence them, and I know that I must earn their trust and respect first before doing that. In mentoring, I hope to gain some knowledge. Being the youngest in my family, I haven't really known what it's like to have someone look up to me. I want them to know that having fun is great but starting early on the right track for school will make life so much easier for them. I am excited to be participating in a community service project that will truly influence other lives.

Patrick Hickey Presentation

My experience as a Capstone Scholar has been so positive. I didn't really understand the concept of a "living and learning community" in a residence hall. Now, I realize it means that we don't only live in Capstone, we learn in Capstone. Every residence mentor I have encountered has been full of advice and ideas for club participation and Capstone events. I think that this dorm is so different from all of the others. I am not embarassed to ask for homework help, knock on doors about the organization I'm starting, or even say hey to someone in the hallways. One thing that really surprised me was all of the opportunities presented to us every single day as a Capstone Scholar. Community service, movies, and hot cookie Fridays are just the beginning of a long list of things to do through this program. 
After being here for a whole month (I can't even believe how fast it goes by), I think my expectations were a little off on what to expect. I thought that homework would be a very small part in the equation of college. I was seriously wrong in this thought. I have studied more in this month than my whole senior year combined. My brain has really hurt lately, you know? It really has paid off, with good exam grades and positive comments on my papers. Still, I sometimes forget why I'm even here. That's right, to get an education. I don't think I expected to meet as many genuine people as I already have. There are so many awesome people here looking for great friends and great times just like I am. For now, my experiences have far surpassed any expectations of the monumental freshman year in college.

Time Management, Goal Setting, Personal Challenge

I set a lot of goals for my student engagement plan. First, I want to continue getting signatures for my Model U.N. club and turn in the organization packet by next week. Also, I really want to start working out more. My goals really encompass just being more proactive and involved in the campus and school. I think working out more is going to be an easy goal to achieve because I have people all around me that go work out all the time. I think starting Model U.N. is going to be a lot tougher because I have so many factors to address. For example, time, place, funding, and all of the other things that go into planning an organization. My personal challenge is to become fully involved in two organizations besides Capstone and my sorority. Therefore, Model U.N. will be one. I haven't really decided what else I want to be involved in. I'm thinking about getting on the committee for Dance Marathon. It seems like a really great cause and a great way to give back. I've already began to accomplish this goal by attending the student organization fair. Also, I put myself on the e-mail list for the other clubs I'm interested in. Next, I will attend the meetings of a few and decide exactly which one I want to devote my time to. I can't wait to start accomplishing my goals and getting involved on campus.

Academic Success

This week we took the LASSI. When I got my results, I was pretty comfortable with them. I definitely agree that my self study skills are lacking. It's really hard for me to find new and interesting ways to study. Also, I'm not the best at seeking out all of the resources available to me to reach success. I didn't really agree with the time management part of my results. It said that I didn't need much work on it. However, I think since I've gotten to college, my time management skills have definitely been lacking. I try to balance everything, between school, siblings, my sorority, and friends. Sometimes I make the decision to hang out with friends or my roommate instead of studying. I think that hit me when I got an 84 on my first math test. Although it is a B, I really think I could've done much better than that. One strength that I definitely use everyday is my attitude. I try to have a positive outlook for every task that I take on. This really makes the worst assignments a whole lot easier when I'm positive. I plan on using my resources much more to experience success. For example, I would like to take my papers to the writing center to have them looked over by someone who really knows what they're doing. Or, just simply going to the library to get motivated by everyone around me studying.

Service-Learning Training

Service has always been a huge part in my every day life. In high school, it was imperative for me to participate in service activities as much as I could. I was the president of NHS and the public relations officer for Key Club. As such, I cordinated many events with the March of Dimes, Myrtle Beach Marathon, and American Heart Association. Although I loved doing it, serving my community was much more beneficial and enjoyable. Through fellowship of Christian athletes (FCA), we feed the homeless every other Sunday and provided them with a Christmas and Thanksgiving meal. Also, the main service project that I feel most connected to would be Salkehatchie Summer Service. This Methodist-based mission trip is the best thing by far that has happened in my life. I honestly wouldn't have half of my friendships or faith that I have today with this event once a year. I've never had service connected directly to a course. Therefore, I'm very excited because I think service is a great porthole to so many opportunities. It also makes it a lot easier to become involved when your teacher can provide very reliable resources to get you connected. If I could provide service anywhere, it would definitely be right in my own backyard, South Carolina. I think people don't realize the poverty that lies right here in our state. Through Salkehatchie, I have seen so much despair and helplessness turn into such great things in just a week. The reason would just be to change people's lives. The vicious circle that people can sometimes face in rural South Carolina will never be broken if we don't do something about it. I just want to make people's lives better in any way that I can and give them a chance to succeed in the same way that we have been provided with the recipe for success all of our lives.

Labor Day Plans

For Labor Day, all I did was work, work, and more work. I feel like Labor Day always ends up being the resting period after a fun-filled weekend. This weekend I went to the first Clemson game. Traitor, I know, especially according to my family. But, a lot of my friends went there, and I missed them so much! The dynamic at Clemson is so much different than at USC. The student section is nothing like USC. Although it was so refreshing to see my friends, this weekend was just reassuring that I'm right where I'm meant to be. So, as I leave this blog, just know my Labor Day was filled with homework and facebook. What a good combo.

Student Organization Fair

As I walked up to the fair, I was definitely overwhelmed. I think I knew how much there was to get involved in at USC, but all of the clubs packed into Greene Street was something completely different. I'm pretty sure I was asked to join every club imaginable on the planet, from Young Life to an outdoors club simply there to fufill an adventure pang you might catch in your stomach. Two organizations that I am very interested in joining is the Young Life here at USC. We never had Young Life in Myrtle Beach. However, my youth group attended many Young Life trips, and they were amazing! I also signed up to join First college ministry. I would like to think volunteering is a huge part in my life, and their flyer was geared towards Hope for Haiti which really intrigued me. Suprisingly, I am actually in the process of starting at Model United Nations club at USC. This makes me really nervous but at the same time excited. It's such a big responsbility to take on, but I know that with the right help I can do it. I really can't wait to get involved here at USC.

Jumping into the Unknown

Sooo...society says the transition to college is unlike any other. You're completely free from anything you've ever known. No one hovering telling you to do your homework, making your bed, or fixing Southern home-cooked meals (in my case). Crazy as it seems, this transition has been about as smooth as it can be. My room has stayed remotely clean, meaning I can actually see my floor, and I even made my bed after sleeping in it the first night. I'm completing my homework before class actually starts, and I even have fruit in the fridge. This makes college seem like a breeze. Well, to me, college is a breeze. However, every once in a while, theres that wind that whips through and throws you for a loop. Like, not even realizing I'd miss fighting with my parents at the dinner table until I have no dinner table to fight at in the first place. Another example: getting lost in the Vista for two hours trying to find Wild Wing even though I know Columbia like the back of my hand. Shelley, Taylor, Brennan, and I decided to go out on our own the first night because no one told us we couldn't. Getting lost at 11:00 at night was the last thing I expected to happen. But, doesnt that make the college experience what it really is? Getting lost, going grocery shopping, making new friends. Those are all major parts of what makes the memories these next four years. I can't really say what I expect of these next four years because, honestly, these past two weeks haven't been anything like I expected them to be. I would like to think I'll be involved, both in my sorority and other campus clubs, such as Greek Impact and the Global Business Organization. Another goal I have is to have fun, and lots of it. While I will have fun, I still want to be successful. As for now and until the next blog, everything is new to me, and I love it.