Hello all!
I have just finished my first week of college and it was fantastic. During the week a few changes ocurred to my schedule to make it better than ever, but here is the final schedule:
U.S. National Government (taught by Dan Jones)
Western Civilization to 1300
Intellectual Traditions
Documentary Filmaking Thinktank
Honors Scholars Group
Political Forum Series
The Political Forum Series is the latest edition so you may not have all heard about it. The Hinckley Institute hosts 33 political speakers throughout the semester. I have to go to 10 of them and write a 3 page summary and analysis of 7 of them. The class will help with my writing skills and give me more opportunities with internships.
The upcoming forums are:
Aug 30th 10:45 - Matheson
Sept 6th 10:45 - Sam Gill (Salt Lake County District Attorney)
Sept 13th 12:15 - Bennet, Becker, and Senator Morgan
Sept 20th 2:00 - Salt Lake City Council
Let me know if you want to know what the forum is about or if you want to attend!
Odds and Ends: This morning I went running for the second time on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. It has beautiful views of the entire Salt Lake Valley. It even winds into the This is the Place Heritage Park so it provides a charming view of the pioneer houses.
Last night my roomate, Lindsay, and another girl on the floor and I went down to Crimson Nights. They are huge university parties. We went and saw everything that there was to do but after playing a few carnival games we quickly decided to come back and instead watch the movie Sydney White. Which is our favorite replacement to participating in Greek Life.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Cicero, Locke, and Bacon
The Thought of the Week (and you didn't even know that there was a thought of the week!) Ralph Waldo Emerson's speech "The American Scholar". I read this for my scholars group and particularly enjoyed the following quote:
"Meek young men grow up in libraries, believing it their duty to accept the views which Cicero, which Locke, which Bacon, have given; forgetful that Cicero, Locke, and Bacon were only young men in libraries when they wrote these books."
"Meek young men grow up in libraries, believing it their duty to accept the views which Cicero, which Locke, which Bacon, have given; forgetful that Cicero, Locke, and Bacon were only young men in libraries when they wrote these books."
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
First
Howdy!
I can vote. I can vote! Although my birthday was yesterday, that fact hit me today when I was reading my US Government textbook. That fact left me shocked for a few moments before I could focus back on my reading.
Not only did my birthday herald the voting experience, but it also commenced my college experience. And what a fine experience that is.
I was a little nervous yesterday before classes began, but once they did it seemed natural to read syllabuses, introduce myself to professors, and walk across the campus. And my birthday wasn't lost in the excitement. Mom kindly brought up a tray of delicious cupcakes (even more delicious than usual!) and I spent a good part of the afternoon sharing the cupcakes and meeting everyone on my floor. While it may seem awkward to simply knock on a door and introduce yourself, a tray of cupcakes makes anything enjoyable. At one point I even had a bunch of people in my dorm room that had heard about the cupcakes. They were all very friendly and we played a great game of ultimate frisbee afterwards. I also received a scarf, two cards, and two books from friends. And two cards in my mailbox. What great first mail to receive!
I was meant to have my think tank last night as well, but the professor sent out an email that she was unable to teach then. So instead I went to the Honors Barbecue and talk to friends and family through the evening!
Today I went to my African American History class, which, while it seems wonderful, and the professor is excellent, I am going to drop. I already knew that I should probably drop it before I went but 5 large books to read, a 15 page research paper, 2 presentations, and a midterm and a final sealed the deal, unfortunately. After doing quite a bit of reading today I am now feeling much more comfortable with the class load that I have. I think that I do have just the right amount of classes to also have time to volunteer, join clubs, and possibly work.
One last note: I am very happy that I brought up my art history flash cards. I did 20 pages of reading of Gilgamesh (a story from about 627 B.C.). It includes numerous Sumerian Gods and references, which I only know about because of art history. Sweet!
Oh also, todays meals: I had raisin bran and orange juice for breakfast. Stir fry pineapple, carrots, onion, and broccoli with noodles, terriyaki, and sweet and sour sauce. And for dinner: A hard boiled egg salad with rice pilaf, peas, and a little pork. Dinner was also topped off with a glass of chocolate milk.
I can vote. I can vote! Although my birthday was yesterday, that fact hit me today when I was reading my US Government textbook. That fact left me shocked for a few moments before I could focus back on my reading.
Not only did my birthday herald the voting experience, but it also commenced my college experience. And what a fine experience that is.
I was a little nervous yesterday before classes began, but once they did it seemed natural to read syllabuses, introduce myself to professors, and walk across the campus. And my birthday wasn't lost in the excitement. Mom kindly brought up a tray of delicious cupcakes (even more delicious than usual!) and I spent a good part of the afternoon sharing the cupcakes and meeting everyone on my floor. While it may seem awkward to simply knock on a door and introduce yourself, a tray of cupcakes makes anything enjoyable. At one point I even had a bunch of people in my dorm room that had heard about the cupcakes. They were all very friendly and we played a great game of ultimate frisbee afterwards. I also received a scarf, two cards, and two books from friends. And two cards in my mailbox. What great first mail to receive!
I was meant to have my think tank last night as well, but the professor sent out an email that she was unable to teach then. So instead I went to the Honors Barbecue and talk to friends and family through the evening!
Today I went to my African American History class, which, while it seems wonderful, and the professor is excellent, I am going to drop. I already knew that I should probably drop it before I went but 5 large books to read, a 15 page research paper, 2 presentations, and a midterm and a final sealed the deal, unfortunately. After doing quite a bit of reading today I am now feeling much more comfortable with the class load that I have. I think that I do have just the right amount of classes to also have time to volunteer, join clubs, and possibly work.
One last note: I am very happy that I brought up my art history flash cards. I did 20 pages of reading of Gilgamesh (a story from about 627 B.C.). It includes numerous Sumerian Gods and references, which I only know about because of art history. Sweet!
Oh also, todays meals: I had raisin bran and orange juice for breakfast. Stir fry pineapple, carrots, onion, and broccoli with noodles, terriyaki, and sweet and sour sauce. And for dinner: A hard boiled egg salad with rice pilaf, peas, and a little pork. Dinner was also topped off with a glass of chocolate milk.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Coming Soon!
Coming soon to an Overlook near you there will be photos and information about my first day and birthday at the U!
I love you all!
I love you all!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Potential: An Empty Dorm Room and the College Experience
Here I am. Sitting at my desk in my newly floral decorated dorm room, sipping an herbal tea brewed fresh from my electronic kettle, after only the first day or so of college life.
Whoa.
Although these two days have drastically changed my lifestyle (i.e., sharing a living space, scheduled meals, to name a few), it has been easier and quicker than I could have expected. As simple and natural as taking another step. The entire naturalness of this situation may have come from participating in so many tennis camps. Perhaps I'll be shocked in a week or so when I realize, I'm not actually at a camp. I'm at my new home - well, my school home that is. Really though, I don't see that shock coming any time soon.
Yesterday I spent the morning moving in (with the assistance of the wonderful Mummsleydale). After a trip back home for lunch I came back to my dorm and settled in. I then went and bought a computer lock at the bookstore. Later there was a free dinner with Em, Taylor, Daphne, and Mom. And after, I hung out, getting to know two of my roomates, Kassandra and Ashley, better. The night ended with a movie showing of "Thor".
Today I got up early to go on a run. I explored upper campus from almost to the hospital to and through research park. I came back and enjoyed a delicious breakfast of Oatmeal and Fruit. A whole group of us then decided to start just riding the shuttles to figure out the routes and then we heard about the Race through the U which is a scavenger hunt through campus. Two girls (Michaela and Hillary) wanted to do it with me so we looped back to the dorms and got ready for the race. A boy Ben was added to our team, and Kelsey Strong was added as well. It was really fun to talk to Kelsey again. While some of my team mates may have said that we quit after two hours and 4 or so challenges. I say we finished early. We completely successful in that we bonded with each other and got to know the campus better. We got to kick a field goal on the football field in Rice-Eccles Stadium, run around the Hunstman center looking for a clue, match flags with countries in the Study Abroad Center, and print a picture of ourselves in the Union building. I call that a success. Lunch was pasta and broccoli. Next, I had to pick up my key at Silver Bean so I took Marissa with me for her to get groceries at her house (I am very thankful for the meal plan that I have, I don't have to strategize what meals to skip), and Katrina came along to pick up her pay check at Zupas. I even dropped by Viking Road and was rewarded with a body pillow, an electronic kettle, a fan, and food! Fantastic. After I just took a little time to myself to do some odds and ends in my dorm (like get internet set up). Dinner next with the wonderful wok (vegetables, noodles, beef, terriyaki sauce) and a desert of chocolate milk and granola. After I hung out with Hillary some more and we shared our loves for poetry and literature. Oh yes, that included a reading of "To an athlete dying young". I finished the night with my first college party: a dance outside of the heritage center. It was an okay dance but by far the best part was doing the charleston with Marissa.
All in all. Two excellent days. I can't wait for the rest.
Whoa.
Although these two days have drastically changed my lifestyle (i.e., sharing a living space, scheduled meals, to name a few), it has been easier and quicker than I could have expected. As simple and natural as taking another step. The entire naturalness of this situation may have come from participating in so many tennis camps. Perhaps I'll be shocked in a week or so when I realize, I'm not actually at a camp. I'm at my new home - well, my school home that is. Really though, I don't see that shock coming any time soon.
Yesterday I spent the morning moving in (with the assistance of the wonderful Mummsleydale). After a trip back home for lunch I came back to my dorm and settled in. I then went and bought a computer lock at the bookstore. Later there was a free dinner with Em, Taylor, Daphne, and Mom. And after, I hung out, getting to know two of my roomates, Kassandra and Ashley, better. The night ended with a movie showing of "Thor".
Today I got up early to go on a run. I explored upper campus from almost to the hospital to and through research park. I came back and enjoyed a delicious breakfast of Oatmeal and Fruit. A whole group of us then decided to start just riding the shuttles to figure out the routes and then we heard about the Race through the U which is a scavenger hunt through campus. Two girls (Michaela and Hillary) wanted to do it with me so we looped back to the dorms and got ready for the race. A boy Ben was added to our team, and Kelsey Strong was added as well. It was really fun to talk to Kelsey again. While some of my team mates may have said that we quit after two hours and 4 or so challenges. I say we finished early. We completely successful in that we bonded with each other and got to know the campus better. We got to kick a field goal on the football field in Rice-Eccles Stadium, run around the Hunstman center looking for a clue, match flags with countries in the Study Abroad Center, and print a picture of ourselves in the Union building. I call that a success. Lunch was pasta and broccoli. Next, I had to pick up my key at Silver Bean so I took Marissa with me for her to get groceries at her house (I am very thankful for the meal plan that I have, I don't have to strategize what meals to skip), and Katrina came along to pick up her pay check at Zupas. I even dropped by Viking Road and was rewarded with a body pillow, an electronic kettle, a fan, and food! Fantastic. After I just took a little time to myself to do some odds and ends in my dorm (like get internet set up). Dinner next with the wonderful wok (vegetables, noodles, beef, terriyaki sauce) and a desert of chocolate milk and granola. After I hung out with Hillary some more and we shared our loves for poetry and literature. Oh yes, that included a reading of "To an athlete dying young". I finished the night with my first college party: a dance outside of the heritage center. It was an okay dance but by far the best part was doing the charleston with Marissa.
All in all. Two excellent days. I can't wait for the rest.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing
Must I always, always, be waiting on. . . .life?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffgsf3pqaD8
Once again, a song seems to apply - in an odd sort of way. Although Jack Johnson's song "Sitting, Waiting Wishing" has very little to do with me, somehow the beat and fragments of the lyrics apply. Those lyrics have been echoing in my head for a few days now. . . .
Must I always, always, be waiting on. . . .life?
I dislike waiting. Some sitting and waiting is alright, the kind that anticipates a holiday or an exciting event, for example, it is the waiting that preludes a change that I can not tolerate. Only so much preparation and planning can fill my time and distract me. It can be avoided no longer; there is a very long pause. A pause that seems to put life itself on hold. And I just want to live.
I want to meet people. I want confront the challenge of change. I want to go to classes and learn. To find the perfect tree to study under and my favorite chair in the library.
Of course, if I think to look backwards it is a little shocking. College already? Moving into dorms? I remember wondering and imagining what that day would be like. Even more so I remember realizing that once this day arrived I would be shocked that it had arrived so soon. In that line of logic I know that tomorrow morning will arrive quickly and that pause will be gone before I know it.
Thank goodness though, because waiting on life ain't so easy to do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffgsf3pqaD8
Once again, a song seems to apply - in an odd sort of way. Although Jack Johnson's song "Sitting, Waiting Wishing" has very little to do with me, somehow the beat and fragments of the lyrics apply. Those lyrics have been echoing in my head for a few days now. . . .
Must I always, always, be waiting on. . . .life?
I dislike waiting. Some sitting and waiting is alright, the kind that anticipates a holiday or an exciting event, for example, it is the waiting that preludes a change that I can not tolerate. Only so much preparation and planning can fill my time and distract me. It can be avoided no longer; there is a very long pause. A pause that seems to put life itself on hold. And I just want to live.
I want to meet people. I want confront the challenge of change. I want to go to classes and learn. To find the perfect tree to study under and my favorite chair in the library.
Of course, if I think to look backwards it is a little shocking. College already? Moving into dorms? I remember wondering and imagining what that day would be like. Even more so I remember realizing that once this day arrived I would be shocked that it had arrived so soon. In that line of logic I know that tomorrow morning will arrive quickly and that pause will be gone before I know it.
Thank goodness though, because waiting on life ain't so easy to do.
Monday, August 8, 2011
We're not in high school anymore, Toto.
It's funny what makes you realize and remember that your life is about to change.
Today on the radio I heard the song "You Belong to Me" by Taylor Swift, and while I have never really connected to the song (in fact I disliked it for a long time - obviously the guy doesn't recognize how awesome the girl is so the girl should just move on to a better guy that recognizes her worth!), the song really reminded me that I'm not in high school anymore. The song is clearly about a girl in high school; she has "typical tuesday nights listening to. . .music", she "stands in the bleachers", and there are many more little things that seem very high schoolesque to me.
I don't know what my typical tuesday nights will be like in a few weeks (less than two!) and I don't think that I'll be standing in any bleachers as I know that I missed the window to be in the football MUSS (Mighty Utah Student Section). Those seats (and the standing room, for that matter) go fast.
But luckily, no matter the changes that are coming, just like Dorothy I'll be able to wish myself back home. No ruby slippers necessary: only a short 11 minute drive away.
Today on the radio I heard the song "You Belong to Me" by Taylor Swift, and while I have never really connected to the song (in fact I disliked it for a long time - obviously the guy doesn't recognize how awesome the girl is so the girl should just move on to a better guy that recognizes her worth!), the song really reminded me that I'm not in high school anymore. The song is clearly about a girl in high school; she has "typical tuesday nights listening to. . .music", she "stands in the bleachers", and there are many more little things that seem very high schoolesque to me.
I don't know what my typical tuesday nights will be like in a few weeks (less than two!) and I don't think that I'll be standing in any bleachers as I know that I missed the window to be in the football MUSS (Mighty Utah Student Section). Those seats (and the standing room, for that matter) go fast.
But luckily, no matter the changes that are coming, just like Dorothy I'll be able to wish myself back home. No ruby slippers necessary: only a short 11 minute drive away.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
A Prologue
Howdy!
Welcome to my blog.
First, a few explanations. Why "The Overlook", you ask? Well, it is possibly my favorite hike and it is definitely the one that I have done most often. It is not a very difficult hike but it has a beautiful view at the top of the whole Salt Lake Valley (the full name is the Salt Lake Overlook). It is especially fun in the winter to snowshoe as slides down the mountainside become established during the season so one is able to slide down the whole mountain. The slides do have a hidden danger though and that is that some of the slides do not connect to the trail again - they simply, end. Which is problematic when suddenly you are surrounded by six feet of powder and you are sure at all how nearby the trail is. All there is to do in that situation is to climb back up. A task easier said than done. In short, the overlook is a trail that, while comforting, never fails to offer an adventure.
Next, what is this blog going to be about? Perhaps, reasonably (gathered from the title and from what I have written so far) it will be about hiking? Or perhaps my work as a barrista? No, rather, my family and friends and time spent with them? No indeed, rather it will be about, surely be about, my numerous random talents which include, but are not limited to, gurgling, eye brow waves, and a knack for remembering historical events?
Well. While this blog will undoubtedly include all of those things at one time or another, what the blog is really about is about the big change that is quickly approaching: college. This blog is dedicated to my new experiences, challenges, and joys that come along with academia and college life.
So, come along for the ride! Come with me as I move into my dorm, as I become overwhelmed with syllabi on my first day of college, and as I explore the outdoor recreation program, the Bennion center, Young Democrats, and whatever else comes my way.
ali
Welcome to my blog.
First, a few explanations. Why "The Overlook", you ask? Well, it is possibly my favorite hike and it is definitely the one that I have done most often. It is not a very difficult hike but it has a beautiful view at the top of the whole Salt Lake Valley (the full name is the Salt Lake Overlook). It is especially fun in the winter to snowshoe as slides down the mountainside become established during the season so one is able to slide down the whole mountain. The slides do have a hidden danger though and that is that some of the slides do not connect to the trail again - they simply, end. Which is problematic when suddenly you are surrounded by six feet of powder and you are sure at all how nearby the trail is. All there is to do in that situation is to climb back up. A task easier said than done. In short, the overlook is a trail that, while comforting, never fails to offer an adventure.
Next, what is this blog going to be about? Perhaps, reasonably (gathered from the title and from what I have written so far) it will be about hiking? Or perhaps my work as a barrista? No, rather, my family and friends and time spent with them? No indeed, rather it will be about, surely be about, my numerous random talents which include, but are not limited to, gurgling, eye brow waves, and a knack for remembering historical events?
Well. While this blog will undoubtedly include all of those things at one time or another, what the blog is really about is about the big change that is quickly approaching: college. This blog is dedicated to my new experiences, challenges, and joys that come along with academia and college life.
So, come along for the ride! Come with me as I move into my dorm, as I become overwhelmed with syllabi on my first day of college, and as I explore the outdoor recreation program, the Bennion center, Young Democrats, and whatever else comes my way.
ali
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