Elizabeth

Of Opportunities and Effective Administration

2009-11-12T21:37:00.009-05:00

The song I have for this week is perfect for Fall. My brother got me hooked on Nickel Creek when I was in high school, and although they have since broken up as a group, I still love their music. One of the band members, Chris Thile, had a concert at UT last March through the Cultural Attractions Committee's concert series. If you watch the video--which you SHOULD--I hope you get a kick out of the mandolinist's spiky, gel-filled hair. One word: throwback!

In the blog before last, I had a rant about all the opportunities available to me, and how frustrated I was that I couldn't take part in all of them. Well, the stars must be in line for me because I found out last week that the CASNR sponsored study abroad trip has been split up into two separate trips, one before summer classes begin and one after. Needless to say, I am really excited! One group will go to Ghana in May, the other to Lesotho in August. I still have to apply and choose which trip I would prefer, but I love the fact that I can go!

Last weekend was the homecoming game here at UT, and we had an excellent game against Memphis. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this game at all, at least in the beginning. I was sitting with 3 friends, and we were assigned to sit in section D, row 4. Those are really good seats, in case you didn't know...very close to the field, UT players, etc. Apparently, lots of other students thought their tickets were in this section as well. I realize that you don't know me too well, readers, but I'm an outspoken and opinionated person who isn't afraid to stand up for myself. Hard to believe, I know. The situation in section D became so ridiculous and crowded, my group decided to leave and move to a section with empty seats farther up the stadium. For lack of better words, I was pissed about it. I PAID FOR MY TICKET, I wanted to watch my favorite sport with my favorite team, but I couldn't sit in section D due to other inconsiderate (and...ahem...some inebriated) students. I know that football games are supposed to be crazy and crowded and fun, but this situation escalated to a whole new level of insanity. After the game, I decided that I wanted to take action to ensure that this problem would not happen again--to anyone.

I took a picture right before we moved...keep in mind, I'm about 5'11.5 and I still couldn't see the field. Whatever happened to chivalry?

On Sunday, I decided to send an email to the Dean of Students, J.J. Brown, about my experience at the game. The email was long, descriptive, and straight to the point. I offered suggestions on how to prevent the overcrowding (ticket checks, increased security, etc.) and hoped that some good would come out of the situation as a whole. To my astonishment, I got a reply from Dean Brown the very next day, and he seemed genuinely concerned about my experience, and wanted to talk to me about it! We had a phone conversation on Wednesday that really made me appreciate him and his office, and he reassured me that the problem would be addressed at the football security meeting next week.

So, readers....even though some may feel like they're too young or obsolete to matter to the "higher ups," we all have a voice. My confidence in the administration increased this week, and I wanted to share my experience with you.

Have a great week....listen to some Nickel Creek, and don't forget to smile.

Welcome, New Bloggers!

2009-11-04T22:24:00.004-05:00

"Copperhead Road"

By Steve Earle

If you don't like this song, we can't be friends. OK, so....Office of Admissions people, please don't go crazy on me for posting a song that may or may not be about moonshine production. If you knew where I came from, you would understand. But, in all seriousness, this is an AMAZING song. It's a country-rock blend...the opening notes give me chills!

Moving on...I would like to say "Welcome" to the seven new bloggers! We are really excited to have you all on board. You all represent a very diverse group of people, and that is great for our cause: to represent the University of Tennessee and give prospective students an idea of what to expect if/when they come here. And, of course...a little pitchin' and reppin' never hurts (Go CASNR!).

Since you all have been blogging like fiends (it's motivation for me, really) and giving introductions, I figured I would give a little introduction myself. Here goes:

Hey there! My name is Elizabeth, I'm 19, and a sophomore majoring in Animal Science with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. That's a majorly fancy way of saying that I want to go to vet school one day--most people don't realize how competitive it is! Oh, and I'm minoring in Wildlife and Fisheries Science because that sounded fun. Haha...that's part of the reason, but I LOVE the Great Smoky Mountains (Nate--I could make an inside joke, but I'm not going to because I love you) and want to learn more about the creatures and living things within the park and world as a whole. I own a horse, Boone, and he is total momma's boy. I board him at a barn in Knoxville, and ride about 3-4 times a week. It's really hard for me to stay inside all the time, and Boone gives me the ability to play outside and get some exercise. I love to travel and read. Learning really is fun for me--like my little mini bio on the top left says....I could spend all day in my farm animal anatomy lecture! My boyfriend, Caleb, loves the outdoors as much as I do, and we like to fish and hike. I have an amazing family, and I love Tennessee (namely, east TN!). I did grow up in this area, but whenever I leave for an extended amount of time--I'm ready to get back to my mountains and orange pride! I'm here to blog about UT, and also the College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources (CASNR). If you have any questions, please comment on a blog! I will get back to you ASAP. So, to summarize: If you see me walking around campus (I'm tall and sort of hard to miss), you are allowed/encouraged to smile (because I WILL smile back) and ask me about my horse, CASNR, east TN, etc.

I am really looking forward to reading all the new blogs, and getting more feedback from readers. To the new bloggers: I hope you find blogging as fulfilling as I do. I really enjoy chronicling my UT experience.

The picture at the top is of me and my friend, Lawrence at our sheep lab for an Animal Science class. The Animal Science program is very hands-on, we work with animals in every class.

Till next time, readers!

Confusion

2009-10-12T08:19:00.002-04:00

"Bohemian Rhapsody"

by Queen"

College is annoying. And frustrating. And dadgum unnecessarily confusing. But, not for all the reasons you might think.

Yes, studying sucks sometimes. Yeah...being in a 50 minute lecture can sometimes feel like 3 hours, especially when your professor goes over transcription and translation a few million times. True--my idea of a fun evening is not being stuck in the Ag./Vet Med library until the librarian quietly approaches me to inform me that the library closes in 15 minutes, and I am therefore a complete nerd for being there that long (they don't say that part, but I know they are thinking it).

No, it's not really frustrating for those reasons. It's frustrating because I keep getting all these freaking opportunities thrown at me like baseballs at a batting cage. Sure, I'd love to do an internship one summer, OH WAIT....I've already promised my advisor that I would get Organic Chemistry out of the way. Would I want to work in your repro lab, especially since you are an amazing professor and probably have networking opportunities for me? Love to! Crap...I signed up to volunteer at the Young-Williams Animal Center, and that conflicts. Visit my exchange student "sister" in Germany for a few weeks during Christmas break....totally! Umm...sorry, I promised to fill in some at my vet clinic back home during the holidays.

Get the picture? Last week, an equine chiropractor visited the barn where I board my horse. It was fascinating, and he took the time to explain things to me and talk about how he decided on his career through veterinary medicine. This week, a guest lecturer in my Animal Science Biotechnology class talked about reproduction and IVF, once again.....totally fascinating. Even though I'm a "Pre-Vet" student, I like being able to explore other realms of the animal science industry as a whole. And, yeah--I'm definitely annoyed that I can't maintain tunnel vision. But, whether I go to grad school, vet school, med school, or backpack through Europe--it's exciting.

Today, as I walked across Joe Johnson Drive on the Ag. campus I saw the big, white "Make Orange Green" school bus slowly creep by. The bus is used by the Office of Admissions to give campus tours to prospective students. As I glanced at the high school students and parents on the bus, I thought back to my campus tour of UT my Junior year of high school. If I knew then that I would be dissecting cow ovaries and researching chiropractic medicine in animals in a few years, I would probably have laughed. And then freaked out. Because that is what I do. (Not always...sometimes I freak out, then laugh.)

My song choice for this blog is one of my favorite of all time---it's random, odd, and confusing. Just like my brain right now.

Let me also say as a side note, that I sat down and decided to type all this out in a manner of minutes. I sincerely apologize for the ridiculous stream-of-consciousness writing seen above. I just felt compelled to blog. And my procrastination skills are becoming more well-rounded. My blog people in the Admissions office are probably happy that I chose blogging over Facebook.

I know I am. =)

A Good Start

2009-09-08T13:26:00.007-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slUIDNUnbO4

"Southern Girl" by Amos Lee

Even though I am a southern girl, which makes me biased, I like to think that we are the best. Nate has good taste. My roommate and best friend, Kim, got me hooked on Amos Lee this month. I have decided that he has the BEST songs to study/write papers to because they are easy and quiet, but not lullabye-ish. Check him out.

So far, this semester has started out on the right foot academically. I am bad about slowly getting into my studying habits and then doing just OK on the first exam...and then I get a fire under my butt. But, there are plenty of changes that I've had to adjust to, one being that I am living off campus. I hope to devote a full blog to that subject sometime during the year.

Being the avid football fan that I am, the football season has been a letdown thus far, but I still have hope. I get even more frustrated at the attitude the student body and fans have toward our quarterback. Yes, he is a Division 1 football player, but he is in college, he is young, and we should support him rather than slam his playing. But, that is a rant for another day....

The football games and tailgating provided ample opportunity for picture taking.

A controversial point on campus right now is the Pedestrian Walkway sculpture. It is very large, and....um....mettalic, and its name is something along the lines of "The Whirlwind of Opportunity." As a blogger, I am told repeatedly to really present my opinions about UT, so here's my opinion of the sculpture: it's hideous. I am very appreciative of the arts, but it marrs our beautiful and traditional architecture along the library and amphitheater. Plus, the sculpture virtually ruins the view of The Hill and Ayres because it was placed on the highest point of the walkway. On Saturdays, the band and colorguard have to maneuver around it, and it is quite possibly the most awkward thing I've ever seen....but they pull it off, because after all, they are the Pride. The Hardee's-esque star popping out of the top of the ""whirlwind" about pushes it over the top for me. Wait, no...it does.

I've got to work on memorizing the anatomy of the heart, so until next time...

Keep on smiling and GO VOLS!

Here We Go Again

2009-08-26T14:46:00.003-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkRcGV4Tpys

"Iris" by The Goo Goo Dolls

I'm still learning, folks. I have the hardest time getting back to a regimented schedule that I'm happy with when I start a new semester, and that is why this new blog has taken so long to get posted. Luckily, my blog mentors are wonderful and understand that school comes first. I've got a full load this semester, and I'm loving the challenge. I'm still trying to decide on my favorite class--it's a close tie between Farm Animal Anatomy and Soils and Civilizations (I will probably devote a full blog on the latter in a few months). Either way, since I am now a Sophomore, I'm "getting into" my major a little more and spending more time on the Ag. campus. It's a good thing.

Let me fill you in on my crazy summer with a few photos and captions:

May was filled with relaxation, catching up with high school friends, and pony time. At the barn where I board my horse, all the horses are referred to affectionately as "ponies." Boone, seen above, turned into a pretty boy this summer, even with all the rain. He is a 11 year old Thoroughbred gelding and gives me an outlet for all my "spare time," money, and energy. But he is totally worth it.

June was dominated by one thing: Biology. I decided to take a summer class at UT to help with my class load this fall and having the extra 4 hours will push me up to a Junior (60+ hours) in the spring. To keep me from going stir crazy in the library, my boyfriend, Caleb, and I went to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 75th Anniversary concert. It was amazing!

July was probably the best month out of the summer. My mom, her best friend Becky, and I went to Charleston, SC for a week and had a blast. There is just something about that town that makes me feel so...Southern.

August was a whirlwind of craziness: my mom started back to school (she is a high school teacher), I was trying to pack in preparation to move into an apartment off campus, and I had Lasik surgery. That's right--lasers and corneas and all that good stuff! TLC Laser Eye Center in Johnson City had an excellent offer going for the summer, and we wanted to take advantage of it before I moved back to Knoxville. So, less than a week before classes started, I went under the....um...laser, and had my nearsightedness corrected completely! The picture above is right before they called my name to go into Pre-Op, and it was also the last time I had to wear my glasses. I don't think I look too terribly nervous. Ha.

I think I'm going to wrap this up so I can go study my Bio lab material, but I promise that there will be more in-depth blogs to come!

Thought for the day: A smile confuses an approaching frown.

PS....I'm on a Goo Goo Dolls kick. It might be a throwback, but all of their songs are SO good. My roomie, Kim, isn't tired of it. Yet.

Home

2009-06-27T18:58:00.010-04:00

On a Tennessee road windin' down

From the hills of my hometown

Runnin' straight from,my heart to my soul

Where every son and daughter knows

One lane comes and one lane goes

So hold my dreams 'til I come home

Tennessee road

--"Tennessee Roads" Melonie Cannon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uGZjks-dRE

I've always been one of those people who has to watch at least one newscast per day. Like most households, my parents maintained a loyalty to one particular channel: we watched the local NBC station, WBIR, which is based out of Knoxville. I can't really explain "why" I love WBIR so much, but I think it has a lot to do with their dedication to representing east Tennessee so well. Their message, "Straight from the Heart" has always struck me as a different, sincere type of mantra in comparison to the other local stations. The first time I heard the song "Tennessee Roads" was during a WBIR commercial (see the Youtube video). As an avid country/bluegrass fan, I had to have it. I looked everywhere, iTunes, Amazon, music stores...no one had the song or the album. One day last week, during a visit to Mckay's Used Books and CD Store in Knoxville, I found the album and almost freaked. The song is what I think of when I think of Knoxville, UT, and my home. It sort of brings everything I've experienced in the last year full circle.

When I went home for the summer, I wanted to wait a while before I posted a year-end blog. Well, that hiatus lasted a bit longer than I had hoped, and I apologize. BUt, I'm going to blog about what I've wanted to for the last few months... This is such an exciting time for incoming Freshmen....Orientation, dorm shopping, roommate reveals. This time last year, I thought I was so prepared for college. But, I wasn't. I wasn't prepared for the grueling amount of studying, the small amount of space I had to live in, and the sudden lack of home-cooked food. But, on the other hand, I wasn't prepared for the amazing amount of information I would be absorbing, the relationships created with friends and professors, and the sense of Independence I gained.

One of the first good decisions I made coming into UT was applying for a learning community. Learning communities are groups of students with similar majors or majors within the same academic program. The students live in Morrill Hall (the best dorm, in my opinion...but I'm biased!), take classes together, and form friendships. Since I am a student within the College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources (CASNR), I was able to apply for the CASNR Learning Community, and live on the same floor as other girls in Animal Science, Food Science, Ag Econ, etc. We took two 1 hour courses that were designed for team building and leadership skills, and the class gave everyone an opportunity to have FUN and relate to one another. We would ride the bus together, eat together, and hang out. I loved out late night study sessions in the lobby on the 10th floor...someone would order pizza and we would all stress over the Animal Science test the next day. Having this automatic group of people I had similar interests with was an amazing way to start out at such a big school. Other learning communities cater to students in the Honors program, engineering, architecture, public policy, and even undecided majors. If you are even remotely interested in it, sign up!

I experienced lots of ups and down, too. General Chemistry was a huge challenge....it seemed like no matter how hard I tried, I wasn't understanding the concepts. So, I had to ask for help. I got a tutor, who just so happened to be one of my best friends and biggest influences during the year, Kari. She was a super senior in Food Science in CASNR, and she took me under her wing. With Kari's help, along with attending a few Supplemental Instruction sessions , I was able to do well and finish out my first semester with good grades.

All four years of high school, I was a member and officer in Student Council, our student government that helped make changes for the school and coordinate events. I wanted to do something similar to that in college, and the SGA was definitely the answer. I applied to be on Freshmen Council, a group of 45 Freshmen designed to represent our class by writing and passing bylaws to improve campus life. Freshmen Council gave me a new group of friends and a way to make a difference on campus. After applying, I had go to through two rounds of interviews, which is great practice....if you want to get involved with the bigger organizations on campus, you usually will have to interview.

The first time I took a UT campus tour my Junior year of high school, I knew that I wanted to be a "tour guide" while in college. My guide, Hillary, was so enthusiastic and I could tell that she really enjoyed showing the prospective students around campus. At some point in the year, I found out that these students were referred to as Ambassador Scholars, and they do more than just give tours. I applied to be an Ambassador in the Spring, and once again had to go through several rounds of interviews. Over 300 students applied (including fellow blogger, Nate!), and I knew that it was incredibly competitive...there were only 15 spots available . I made it through 3 rounds of interviews, and I was totally surprised and ecstatic. After the final round, I was cut...but I was so happy to have made it that far as a Freshman, I didn't see it as failing. It showed me that there are plenty of opportunities, and I get to decide where and how I want to spend my time. I plan on applying again next year...and maybe you'll see Nate and I sporting the orange polo's in a few years!

Moving out of my dorm in early May felt like saying goodbye to a friend. My roommate, Kelsey, and I had made out dorm a true home. We had rugs, Christmas lights, and loads of posters and color. I never thought I could fit so much stuff in my car...

My experiences with CASNR and the Animal Science department has been more than rewarding...the Ag campus is my favorite place at UT. I've gotten to take part in fun labs (including sticking my arm into a cow's rumen!); study at a smaller, quieter library; and interact with several professors and advisors willing to sit down with me any time to work out a problem.

To all of you coming to UT this fall: get ready for an amazing, tumultuous, and life-changing year.

To all of you considering UT in the future: do your research, visit lots of schools, and realize how awesome it is to have choices!

The University of Tennessee is a home to me.

Who knows....maybe it could be a home to you, too.

Keep smiling, readers. Love to you all!

Decision Time

2009-04-26T19:35:00.004-04:00

Where's the fire, what's the hurry about?

You better cool it off before you burn it out

You got so much to do and only

So many hours in a day

-Billy Joel "Vienna"

Oh, my sweet readers. Where to begin? I've started this blog about 6 times (no joke...I checked on the website we use to create the blogs) and I am DETERMINED to finish this one.

You are probably wondering why this slacker can't seem to throw a few lines together to sum up the final happenings of my Freshman year. Well, to put it simply: I can't. I can't translate the feeling of walking down the Pedestrian Walkway, chatting with so many people who have become my family here at UT. I can't make you smell barbecue chicken day at Mabel's on the Ag. campus, and how fantastic it is to sit at a table right next to several of my favorite professors. I can't explain to you how utterly depressing it is to take apart my dorm room, pulling down posters and looking through old cards from family and friends when I first began in August. And finally, I just can't sit here and type out "why" it is you should come here. If there is one thing I've learned this year, it's that college is so much more than classes and learning/expanding your mind. It's about gaining experiences and learning from them as well. You will learn this at any university, but I chose the University of Tennessee, and I am so happy I did.

So, whether or not you have made your choice, remember that wherever you go, you can thrive. This decision is an important one, but it's an amazing right we have to choose where we want go to in order to continue our education.

I will follow this blog up with another when I'm not experiencing mass amounts of cramming for finals.

PS: Nate, you are a total overachiever and I love you. Even if you do make the rest of us look bad. ;)

Sports and Injuries

2009-03-11T21:10:00.006-04:00

If I Had Eyes

--Jack Johnson

Anything can happen. The UT Men's Basketball team has proved this. Three weeks ago, my parents and a best friend from high school travelled to Lexington, Kentucky to visit with some friends and see the UT-UK game. To be honest, I knew that it wasn't going to be pretty. I saw the boys play UK and LSU at home, which were both embarrassing losses. My friend, Leah, and I sat in the nosebleeds with a TON of die hard Kentucky fans surrounding us....it was intimidating. I couldn't imagine actually playing in Rupp Arena: the roar of the fans was deafening and the spirit rivaled that of Thompson Bowling on a Saturday. Our boys couldn't quite handle the pressure, and I was disappointed, but hoped for the best as the season played out.

As it turns out, we ended our tumultuous season with the SEC East title (and a heartbreaking loss to Alabama, but anyway...) and I couldn't be prouder. I hope they do well in the SEC tournament, and for my dad's sake....that March Madness has several Cinderella stories.

Enough of that....

For the past two months, I have gotten to experience the campus from a slightly disabled point of view: I was in a freak car accident involving a suicidal deer that left me with a partially tore PCL among other things. Hobbling around campus has given me a new appreciation for The T bus and isle seats in classrooms. I'm also much more aware of the road signs with a picture of a leaping deer, but my main point of rambling about my pathetic knee is to mention the Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic and Foothills Physical Therapy . My orthopedist at KOC happens to be one of the main doctors on the sidelines at UT football games, and the walls of his office were filled with photos of UT athletes. He referred me to Foothills, which is where I go three times a week for my physical therapy sessions. Most of the clientele there consists of UT students, and it is a small office with great physical therapists. So, prospective students, if you just so happen to injure yourself while at UT, rest assured that we have plenty of excellent medical resources.

Spring Break starts in two days, and the thought of not having to worry about deadlines and studying for a few days thrills me.

I'll report back, but keep smiling until then!

Winter...wait, no Spring. Nope, WINTER!

2009-02-20T13:51:00.004-05:00

"Carolina in My Mind" by Alison Krauss

Written by James Taylor

Don't worry. I'm NOT going to blog about the weather. It's too ridiculous and spontaneous and east Tennesseeish to make any predictions/speculations about. I honestly feel bad for the meteorologists in this area, they have a tough job.

I'm finally able to take the time to blog, and I am glad for it. I've had exams, meetings, volunteering....it gets a bit hectic, and I am trying to once again get organized. I pondered writing about Valentine's Day, however, I am a cynic of the holiday. Scratch that. I'm a hater. I just don't see the point in declaring a day for everyone to say "I Love You" to the ones they care about when you should be doing that ALL THE TIME! The only good thing about it for me was a few cards in my usually empty mailbox and some tasty raspberry truffles to eat on throughout the week. But, enough venting. On to my topic.....

Freshmen Council 2008-2009

After I had applied and been accepted to UT during my senior year, I loved to talk to others who currently attended UT and teachers who went here about which dorm to live in, what professors to take, what clubs to get involved in, etc. One of my friends, Katie, was a Freshman here at the time, and mentioned that she wished she had gotten involved in SGA and Freshmen Council. When my older brother and sister were in college, they both were involved in Student Government, but I wasn't so sure that I would like it as much as they did since my major is nowhere near political science. I did a little research and found out that the UT SGA has a group called Freshmen Council, which is basically a group of Freshmen (go figure....) that come together once a week to help write up new bylaws, create events for the freshmen class, and overall be a unit of SGA itself.

In the fall semester, I filled out an application and signed up for an interview to be considered for a seat on the council and to represent my academic college. They are only able to choose 20 males and 20 females for the group, and I was so excited when I found out that I would be one of these people.

Every Thursday, we meet in the University Center for about 30 minutes to an hour and hold a formal meeting, covering upcoming campus events, fundraisers, and vote on bylaws, among other things. I love it because it's a group of diverse students--but we are all so similar. For the most part, we are all pretty intense and love UT, and we want to help make changes to make it even better. If you are interested in becoming involved with SGA, or would just like to be part of an awesome group of Freshmen, you should consider applying...it's great!

A few weeks ago, we had a scavenger hunt on campus as part of our icebreaker activity, and my group consisted of Brandon, Mark, and Jessica. We had to get pictures of the T bus, Hodges library, a statue, Einstein's Bagels, someone with a UT shirt on, etc. and report back with our camera. I have a feeling that I could be in a little trouble for these pictures next Thursday....

Have a great weekend, and keep smiling readers.

Perspective

2009-01-31T17:05:00.007-05:00

Who's to say

What's impossible

Well they forgot

This world keeps spinning

And with each new day

I can feel a change in everything

And as the surface breaks reflections fade

But in some ways they remain the same

And as my mind begins to spread its wings

There's no stopping curiosity

-Jack Johnson "Upside Down"

First of all, I would like to thank Nate for putting me on a mini-guilt trip for not blogging yet this semester. Nate and I are friends...and he gave me the motivation to get started. Isn't it interesting how you can put something off for so long because the thought of starting it seems so daunting?

Anyway, I'm back. I learned a very important lesson this month: college doesn't slowly integrate you back into the routine of classes, studying, friends, etc. Ohhh no...it smacks you in the face with it. I signed up for 17 hours this semester, which isn't that bad, but keeping up with my day-by-day schedule has been a little difficult.

Since this is a NEW Year (uhh...a month ago...), I'm going to make a little "catch up" list of things that are going on...

About two weeks ago, my parents made the decision to get a puppy. We already have an 8 year old Labrador named Carly, but they needed a little bit of young blood in the house. This precious girl is Layla...yes, from Eric Clapton. She is quite possibly the cutest puppy ever, with the sharpest teeth. Ever.

Last semester, I volunteered with ClinicVOLS, a UT organization that provides basic first aid care to students in local elementary schools. UT students are trained by the Red Cross and volunteer during the school week. I really enjoyed that experience, and learned a lot, but this semester I decided to mix things up a little bit. I'm now volunteering as a shift volunteer with Horse Haven, a local horse rescue. I love their mission, and I'm trying to help as much as I can...mucking one stall at a time. =D

I know that this isn't considered "new," but I love the snow...and it doesn't happen very often, especially in Knoxville. I captured this picture out of my dorm window...it isn't exactly picturesque, but it still puts a smile on my face. Today, I was on the Ag. Express (a bus route that takes you from the Hill to the Ag. campus with no stops), and I watched the rain turn to snow. I sat next to the window in my Agricultural Economics class in Morgan Hall watching the huge snowflakes as the stuck to the trees...then the grass...then the sidewalks. It was pretty awesome. Unfortunately, my timing was off and I took this picture as it was tapering off...look very closely.
Last week, I had a reunion. During summer orientation, my roommate was a girl named Priya. My friend Kim and I went to orientation together, so we took Priya under our wing and became fast friends. We were feeling pretty restless on the first night, so we made a Krispy Kreme run. We blared music, laughed, and talked about how awesome UT would be in the fall. We vowed that we would have a "girls' night" once a month once we moved in...but last semester was a little crazy for all of us, and it never happened. Finally, we figured out an evening that was not too busy and we reinstated our girls' night last week. This is a terrible picture, but we were in Kim's truck at a red light and well...you get the picture.

It seems like everywhere I turn, I hear bad news. Whether it has to do with the economy, people losing jobs, university budget cuts...it's hard to maintain a good attitude about much of anything. I guess my catch up list is my attempt at trying to focus on the good things...big or small. If you look for the bright spots--we killed the gators! the snow is soo pretty! leftover doughnuts are amazing!(lol)...those dark spots become smaller and smaller.

So even if the world is causing you to scowl, try your hardest to turn that frown upside down.
Keep smiling, readers.

Reflection and Random Thoughts

2008-12-07T22:25:00.003-05:00

Through the years

We all will be together,

If the Fates allow

Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.

And have yourself

A merry little Christmas now.

- Judy Garland "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

I was in a state of oblivion called home 7 days ago.
My first semester classes ended 5 days ago.
I put in more hours studying in one day than I ever have 3 days ago.
My first college final exam was 2 days ago.
A lot of things can change in one week.

Once again, readers, this blog contains no central theme. I apologize. Not being in an English class (I did a Dual-Cred course in high school, which I highly recommend for those science/math/non-English majors out there....get it out of the way!) has removed me from the world of thesis statements and such. Don't get me wrong, I still have to write in my other classes, but rarely do I get critiqued on style/flair or lack thereof. That's a lie....my Chem. TA told me that my one lab report of the semester was "too englishy." Go figure.

The past seven days have been a blur of library trips, comfort food binges, and pure, unadulterated fear. What should I expect out of a final? Why do they put so much on one test? And I don't mean only subject material...I mean pressure, grade percentage, etc. But while I was scared out of my mind, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, so I held on tighter and here I am. On the other side.

Today is December 7, 2008. Six days ago was the deadline for applications for incoming freshmen, if the "Future Students" link is correct. You are excited, over high school and ready to move on to bigger and better things. You are nervous, wondering how you can survive by yourself and learn in a place which has the population of a medium sized town. You are bummed, because UT really isn't the place you want to go....but because of grades, money, or some other reason you are applying anyway. Whichever of these reasons, I want you to close your eyes...no, wait, read the rest of this paragraph then close your eyes....and imagine that you just finished your first semester here at the University of Tennessee. You've made a butt-ton of friends, your brain can't take on much more information, you're tired beyond measure, and you are officially a college student. OK, close your eyes now.

See it? Yes? Good. No? Try harder, dangit.

OK, I'm done being deep now. If you call that deep, sheesh.

As far as music is concerned, I'm conflicted right now. Usually, I would be knee deep in my mom's impressive Christmas CD collection, weeding out the classics and playing them 24/7. But, seeing as how I'm not at home, I have to settle for a few iTunes downloads and Ruckus for my Christmas music needs. However, in order to get everyone in the spirit, I have a plan.....

Elizabeth's Guide to Christmas Entertainment

Christmas Songs/Albums Everyone Should Listen to/Own

All Christmas Albums from Manheim Steamroller (remember the awesome version of "Carol of the Bells" from Home Alone? Yeah, they did that.)
All Christmas Albums from Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
All Christmas Albums from Amy Grant, Celine Dion, Sarah McLachlan, Josh Groban, and apparently Faith Hill has a new one.
Soundtracks from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "Home Alone," and other Christmas classics are usually a good bet too.
For those country fans out there, Alan Jackson and Alison Krauss' "And the Angels Cried" is amazing

Christmas Movies Everyone Should Watch/Own

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (both animated and Jim Carrey version)
"It's a Wonderful Life" (yes, it's black and white...and also amazing)
"The Santa Claus" (stick with the classic, sequals=crap)
"Home Alone" (pretty much the best ever)
All the clay-mation movies like Rudolph and Frosty (check out ABC Family, they are on all the time)
"A Christmas Story" (24 hour marathon on TBS Christmas Eve!!)

Christmas Snacks/Treats Everyone Should Eat. Forget dieting.

Fudge
Chex Mix
Christmas Cookies
Various flavors of popcorn (caramel, cheese, etc)
Christmas candy
Gingerbread (done decorating the house? eat it.)
Hot Chocolate/Spice Tea/Cider

This entire list was somewhat of a conspiracy. I'm sorry, I had to do it. You see, I left off a few key songs/movies/food items with the sole purpose of forcing you to COMMENT me. I apologize for my evil ways. Blame ABC Family for forcing me to watch the Grinch over and over and over again.

I think I've done enough damage for one blog, and I'm getting sleepy. I will blog again around Christmas...I already have my song picked out for it.

Keep smiling, Readers!

My Window on the World...Today

2008-11-25T11:45:00.008-05:00

Each road - every mile's a photograph in motion

to astound us, carry us away

into a beautiful life

'Cause it's a beautiful world

and it's a beautiful time

to be here, to be here

-Fisher "Beautiful Day"

I owe you an enormous apology. Like a Texas-sized apology.

I'M SORRY!!!

OK, enough of that. I've been out of touch, but I have an alibi. It's this thing called school. It can affect things like my social life, eating habits, and overall temperament. But, it's necessary and, at times, fun. Today I had my last Math test before finals (that word makes me shiver) and my Final Theater Presentation (capitalized to stress imporatance, haha) , which was pretty fun. With those two big things out of the way, Thanksgiving break staring me in the face, and the prospect of catching up on my sleep over the next few days on my mind....the world looks pretty good right now. I'm one of those people that when I'm happy, nothing can get me down. But when I'm frustrated or sad, it takes me a while to get out of my "funk."

The pictures I attached are from last week. We had a war. A Ginkgo leaves war. I was eating at Mabel's on the Ag. campus (which is wonderfully yummy) with my two best friends, Kelsey and Erica. We were feeling a little hyper, the leaves were there, and it happened. Just another experience to add to my UT Scrapbook...which, uh, doesn't exist...yet.

An explanation of my song choice for the week: I have a slight obsession with the show "Jon and Kate Plus 8" on TLC. It's about a family with twins AND sextuplets, and quite frankly, it makes my week. My roommate knows that at 9 PM every Monday night, the usual music blaring from our laptops must be silenced. It's time for my show. Anyway, that song is in a commercial for the show, and I love it. Buy it on iTunes, it's worth it.

Today is Tuesday. A good day in my world, pretty much all the time. I go to class from 8-11 AM. Then, I jump on the bus, grab a Quiznos from next door, and watch "Ellen." It's like my veggin' time. I spend the rest of the day studying (whether that is studying school stuff or studying the back of my eyelids..well, that all depends) or attempting to tidy my precious dorm room, or trying to do something productive. Tuesdays are what I love about college. It's up to me, no real structure required.

Tonight I'm going to a Lady Vols basketball game with one of my friends (I'm pretty sure Nate captured the amazingness of that experience in his blog, check it out), and then I go home tomorrow for Break. Break...oh what a glorious word...with an even more glorious meaning. I am fully aware of the scary things that occur after break (that word that makes me shiver) and I don't plan on dwelling on that until..say, Saturday.

So, readers, I hope you eat too much, shop till you drop, and enjoy your family and friends.

Keep on smiling!

Hold On

2008-11-12T15:42:00.007-05:00

So we've been outnumbered

Raided and now cornered

It's hard to fight

When the fight ain't fair

We're getting stronger now

Found things they never found

They might be bigger

But we're faster and never scared

You can walk away

Say we don't need this

But there's something in your eyes

Says we can beat this

'Cause these things will change

-Taylor Swift "Change"

The last week or so has been a rough one for the citizens of Vol Country. For the first time since moving here, I've noticed more and more people showing signs of bad-football induced depression (a fairly dangerous condition). As the other bloggers have highlighted, the resignation/firing/stepping down of Phillip Fulmer was a big blow. Personally, I believe the people that made this decision have terrible timing. I mean, come on! Homecoming week?! Election week?! What the crap?! I mean, I understand how important it is to make these decisions as quickly as possible so that they can begin searching for a replacement, but it seems to me that not enough thought was put into the "when" part of this whole thing. So while the student body did its darndest to keep the spirit alive and stay jazzed, we all felt tired and confused about this season. The game on Saturday was the nail in the coffin: football is dead. For right now at least.

You wanna know what else is sad? That whole paragraph about campus morale was ENTIRELY about football. Why is that? Why does our well-being depend so much on how our football team is doing? The obvious answer is that the SEC is football, point blank. The team does badly, the campus does badly. This bothers me. I wanna shake everyone and say "Look! The weather is changing, the world is changing, so can we!" But somewhere along the line everyone has to just go home, and cry into their beer (or non-alcoholic beverages for those of us who cannot drink) and let it pass. Change will come.

On my side of the world, things are cloudy too. I had a rough weekend, mainly because I had to part ways with a special part of my life and had to return here, which is in a similar state. We are having to part ways with a special part of our lives here at UT. But change comes whether we like it or not, and sometimes we just have to agree to hang on for dear life.

Scary Things

2008-11-01T12:49:00.011-04:00

It's close To Midnight and Something Evil's Lurking in The Dark.

Under The Moonlight, You See A Sight That Almost Stops Your Heart.

You Try To Scream, But Terror Takes The Sound Before You Make It.

You Start To Freeze, As Horror Looks You Right Between The Eyes, You're Paralyzed

-Michael Jackson "Thriller"

All jokes aside, you HAVE to admit that this song rocks. I've been listening to it all week, after all, it is THE Halloween song. And, I'm pretty sure if my roommate hears it one more time from my side of the room she will throw my laptop out of our 10th floor window. She understands my habits though...by next week I'll be over Thriller and on to another artist/song. Back to Halloween, I realize that it is November 1st, and today officially starts the holiday season, but it takes me a while longer to transition. My first "college Halloween" didn't disappoint, folks. I loved watched people, the creativity (or lack thereof) of the costumes, decorations, etc. Even though I'm not one for haunted and scary things (who in their right mind ENJOYS someone running at you with a freaking chainsaw??), I did go to a haunted corn maze on Monday night with my CASNR learning community. We got a little lost on the way there, but we laughed a lot and it was a great way to start off the week. I had a blast before and after the maze, just maybe not during. Erica, a floormate and fellow CASNR girl, took a pic of us in the dark of the maze. I look surpisingly calm. If only you could see what I was thinking...haha!

School has been pretty nice this week. I have learned that I can never, ever underestimate Chemistry...the one second I feel like I've found a happy place in that class, I get nailed with another crazy concept about orbitals or something, and the world comes crashing down around me. But, once I realized that I had to make the effort, go to the library, and study a lot, the scariness began to resemble a haunted house(or, corn maze): the things meant to freak you out are fake. It's what you make of it.

So, as simple and stupid as that sounds, that's what I have determined.

Yeah, college is hard. As my Chem. professor likes to put it, "we play for keeps."

Keep smiling, readers.

Renewal

2008-10-25T01:02:00.011-04:00

Who doesn't know what I'm talking about

Who's never left home, who's never struck out

To find a dream and a life of their own

A place in the clouds, a foundation of stone

-Dixie Chicks "Wide Open Spaces"

OK, so I realize that my song choice this week is technically about a girl leaving home for good to find bigger and better things. Yeah, that has nothing to do with what I'm blogging about, but I'm rather fond of the song, so there ya go. I've been on a Phil Collins/Def Leppard/Eric Clapton kick lately....(downloading all their greatest hits albums has been a great distraction for me) and somehow I just didn't think that the lyrics of the aforementioned artists detailing sex, drugs, and rock and roll would appropriately convey my theme for this blog. So, I chose Dixie Chicks (NO political ties whatsoever, I promise. I like their music, not necessarily their actions). When Facebook disappoints as a distraction/procrastination tool (which it rarely does), I start looking up music. Oh, side note: downloading music...UT has a contract with this site called Ruckus, which basically lets you download as much music as you want onto your computer, just not onto CDs, iPods, MP3s, etc. Pretty cool. There were a lot of parentheses in that paragraph. I apologize.

Meanwhile back at the ranch...I decided to mix things up a bit and start writing about things in the present tense. Shocker, I know. My last two blogs were so well formulated in my head that you will have to excuse my random-stream-of-consciousness writing in this one (and...uh..ones to come). I'll go back and forth from past experiences to present ordeals, talk about things that you should know about as prospective/incoming students and all that, but right now I just want to talk about last weekend. Fall break? Nah. Football game? Nah.

I went camping.

My family goes camping 1-2 times a year (although I'd love love love for it to be more like 8-10 times a year) with a group of family friends. It's usually in August, but this year it got pushed back to October due to scheduling issues. Although I am a creature of habit, lover of tradition, etc., I am so very glad that we got to experience the beauty of the mountains in October. Words cannot even begin to describe how mesmerizing they were! I know, I know...Elizabeth, you weirdo, you've talked about how much you love the moutains umpteen times. I can't help it. I sat next to the fire and watched the river gently flow by for hours, all the while watching the leaves change into their magnificent oranges (they have good taste), reds, browns, and yellows. This year we went to Hot Springs, NC and stayed at a really nice, large campsite that accommodated all of us. We tent-camp and eat a ton, the way camping should be done (yeahh buddy I can rhyme!). =D My friend and floor mate, Samantha, came with me as well. She had a blast--she's from west TN and the land in NC is MUCH different than she is used to!

Growing up in the foothills of the mountains gave me tons of opportunities to play. My brother was a river rafting guide for 5 years, so I've had my fair share of trips through some chilly mountain water. My parents enjoy hiking, so we've hiked several key trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and I am just now realizing how lucky I was to be so....blanketed by nature, if that makes any sense. I'll be honest, sometimes being around all the buildings and "city-ness" of Knoxville can get a little old and overwhelming. Luckily, the Ag. campus has a plethora of green spots and trees. Plus, the University of Tennessee gardens are Central Park of Knoxville: you won't find a more colorful place anywhere on campus.

However, every now and then, I have to go home and get my dose of that special something to help me along. Whether it's the smell of my mom's latest amazing meal wafting through my house, the sight of damp leaves completely covering my road, or just driving along those familiar roads, going home is nice. But learning to appreciate it--now that's even better.

The Choice, Part 2

2008-10-19T21:31:00.009-04:00

Tennessee, Tennessee, there ain't no place

I'd rather be,

Baby won't you carry me

back to Tennessee.

-The Grateful Dead "Tennessee Jed"

A few months, college tours, and seasons had passed. It was just my Junior year and I had all but given up. I had no real idea of where I wanted to go to college after what felt like years of searching. I was never one of those kids that knew from the time I was three that I wanted to go (fill in the blank). It bothered me like a fresh mosquito bite--the Type A personality came out in me and I was researching college websites like it was going out of style.

Finally, one night in April of my Junior year, I typed "UT" into my web browser. I figured it couldn't hurt to look at the application or see what the website looked like, at least. It took me to the University of Texas website, which I saw as a sign, so I X'ed out and went to bed.

For the next few weeks, something continually nagged at me....besides my dad about emptying the dishwasher. So, I tried again...carefully typing in the "University of Tennessee," and signed up for a campus tour. Before I knew it, my mom and I were on our way to Knoxville for the visit.

I remember how doubtful I was, almost trying not to like it. Crazy, huh?

Let me back up and explain why I was so skeptical about these tours.

I am from a family of Buccaneers--ETSU Buccaneers, that is. Most of my family (we're talking 96%ish) went to East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN. Mom, Dad, brother, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. Yeah, everyone. I wanted to have the option not to go there, so I decided to completely shut it out as an option. From homecoming to family get-togethers to random campus drive thrus, I had been on enough "college visits" there to be an ambassador. I liked a few aspects of ETSU, but deep-down I just knew that it was not for me. Hence the frantic search for a college. Yes, even though I was just a Junior in high school. Don't ask. (Actually...do ask, comment!)

OK, back to the tour.

Mom and I got on the "Tennessee Taxi," the oober..erm..UT-esque mini-bus for tours. The Ambassador gave her speil the whole time, and my jaw stayed about midway between the floor and my seat. Wait....could I really like this enormous, land-grant school? This place is bigger than my home town! This place is PERFECT!

I fell in love, I heard Rocky Top, I was in awe of "the hill." That night, I remember my dad saying "Well looks like we have a new volunteer!" and I just stared at him.

Yeah. You do.

**Special thanks to Kels and Sam for making my mom happy and posing this way. It just so happens to fit perfectly with this blog.

The Choice, Part 1

2008-10-08T22:00:00.009-04:00

There aint no doubt it no ones mind

That loves the finest thing around

Whisper something warm and kind

And hey babe the skys on fire, Im dyin

Aint I goin to carolina in my mind

-James Taylor "Carolina in my Mind"

"Elizabeth....wake up, we're here," my mom said as she slowed the car to turn into a parking lot. I tugged at my earphones right in the middle of my favorite James Taylor song (see above) and groggily looked out the window. It was late September 2007, and we had been driving since 6 that morning to Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. All I could see was beauty: mountains carved into the skyline with trees and leaves that were just beginning to change color. The first frost of the season had occurred the night before, so the air stung but was perfectly cold and still. The only thing scarring this scene of perfection was the row of cars that seemed to stretch on for miles.

Appalachian State had suddenly been forced out into the public eye, their little known, Southern conference football team beat Michigan two weeks before the Open House I was attending---me and every other prospective student, apparently. The place was crawling with bleary eyed high school Juniors and Seniors, along with some startled looking college students.

It was like an aquarium. The college students swam around with scared expressions as we stared in wonder at them: coffee in hand, just-rolled-out-of-bed hair, and backpacks full of books with subjects we probably couldn't pronounce. At least, that's what I imagined. The win against Michigan had caused a great influx of students to their annual open house, and it was PACKED. My parents and I made our way from place to place on campus: the opening "ceremony," department fair, residence hall tours, etc. Even though it was just over a year ago, everything seems blurry except those mountains. I was transfixed.

After our lengthy day, we decided to stop at a recommended "mom and pop" style restaurant for a late lunch. We talked, discussed, and debated all the aspects of me possibly going there. My dad finally looked at me and said, "Why do you want to go to college?" Whoa. Why do I want to go to college? Well, uh, that's what you do after high school....right? I told him that I wanted to further my education, expand my horizons, and decide what I wanted to do with my life. Maybe I would get into vet school, med school, etc., and there was my answer: I could go anywhere to accomplish these things, but the programs change from school to school.

I did more research, tried to decide on a major and corresponding school, and ultimately decided that Appalachian State didn't fit me. I don't want to leave you all believing that I'm hating on ASU...I'm definitely not. That school had so much to offer, I was very impressed with the faculty, and obviously the location didn't hurt--what I'm trying to convey is that college tours are designed give the prospective students every great angle of the respective school. You're supposed to go home, talk it over with parents or guidance counselors, and weigh your options. Had it not been for my parents bringing me back down to earth in that restaurant, I could be in a completely different place right now. I hope you go to an open house or college visit and scrutinize, but also evaluate that ever-obvious (or is it?) question of why it is you want to go to college. Start from there. It makes all the difference in the world.

And here I am, over a year later, and if I look close enough out of my dorm window, I can see those same mountains that almost led me down another track.

Howdy

2008-09-22T19:45:00.001-04:00

One day you'll see her and you'll know what I mean.

Take her or leave her she will still be the same.

She'll not try to buy you with her time.

But nothing's the same, as you will see when she's gone.

--Nickel Creek "This Side"

One thing you will learn pretty quickly about me is that I like to do things my own way. That, or I just have a pretty scatter-brained methodology where my blogging is concerned. So, consider this "introduction" of me an example of both of those: random and somewhat out of order. I planned on doing my first blog on expectations, and that is where my list stopped (pathetic, huh?). But, I've started brainstorming again, and I figured you might want to know who I am before you start reading my ramblings....and well, you get the picture. =D

Well, first of all, I was born and raised in a small town called Newport in east Tennessee. It's about an hour east of Knoxville in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, and is full of beautiful people and scenery that is second to none. Growing up in a small town had it's advantages and disadvantages, but I loved it and miss certain things about it. It's hard to believe that I now attend a school that has almost as many people as my hometown!!

My family, of course, plays a huge part in who I am. My dad is a physician in Newport and is a constant reminder of what I strive to be every day: steadfast in faith, strong in mind, and patient always. He is also a BIG music guru, so that doesn't hurt either. My mom is a very popular Biology teacher at the high school I attended. She is my rock, and shows me every day how to be a strong woman. And, even though the food at UT is better than I was expecting, I miss her cooking so much. My older brother, Will, lives too far away (Maryland) and works a ton, but I'm so proud of him. We share similar taste in music (he actually got me hooked on the band I took lyrics from above about 5 years ago). My older sister, Sarah, got married this summer and lives in Knoxville with her husband. As crazy as it sounds, even though we live in the same town, we almost never get to see each other! She gives me college advice all the time, most of which I have been extremely grateful for.

I am....well, Elizabeth. I spend the majority of my time here on campus or at the barn. I have a horse that I brought to college with me (yes, I am crazy) and having a place to go away from campus has proven to be a good thing. My horse's name is Maddie, and she is a Trakehner mare, which means she is a massive horse bred for jumping and eventing. I keep her at a beautiful barn in Strawberry Plains (about 25 minutes from campus), and although it can be hard to balance my time between school and riding, it's absolutely worth it. I've ridden horses for about 8 years now, and it wasn't something I was willing to give up when I moved. My riding trainer, Katie, took the picture of us this summer.

Beyond horses, I really love to do anything outdoors. Living right next to one of the great meccas of outdoor activies has been amazing, and I love to raft, hike, camp, and explore in my mountains. I also enjoy traveling; I've been all over the United States, Caribbean, a little in Central America, and Australia/New Zealand. My parents believe it's important to show my siblings and I other cultures and I am so thankful for that. It gives you such a different perspective! I love to read, eat, and spend time with friends and family as well.

So, for me, UT fits like a puzzle piece. And I know many of you are looking for just that--a place that fits. I live close enough to home to go back whenever I want, but far enough away that there is a difference between here and there. The size sounds intimidating, but you develop your own community of friends that the daunting numbers seem small.

My college, the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, also makes the university that much more personal. As one the the smallest colleges, the faculty and staff in CASNR go the extra mile for all their students. I was first exposed to CASNR through my 4-H activities growing up, and the fact that I am now a part of the college that played a major role in my childhood makes it that much more special to me.

OK, so I've rambled away from my original plan for this blog, but I hope you now have a better understanding of who I am and why I this university works for me. I promise there will be more about that later.

I now challenge you to ask questions, comment, complain, suggest, etc. I love input!

Keep smiling, readers.

What to Expect When You're...a Freshman

2008-09-15T22:38:00.001-04:00

I've worried about life and

If it's arriving right on time

I guess if you don't jump

You'll never know if you can fly
--Miranda Lambert "New Strings"

The September sun is beating down on my back as I amble along towards Morrill, following the orange T's that are painted on the sidewalk. I pass the Torchbearer Statue and glance over my shoulder to look at Neyland Stadium and Ayres Hall, all the while listening to the Pride of the Southland marching band practicing in the background. I can't help but smile.

This is what I've been waiting for.

Throughout my life, I've learned about expectations. Most of the time, high expectations are usually shot down when the actual "event" occurs. For example, the transition from middle school to high school wasn't so bad after all; that restaurant was good--but not great; growing up isn't all it's cracked up to be, etc. And, I have to admit, I had very high expectations for college. Sitting in a high school classroom for eight hours a day, five days a week, dreaming of sleeping in (I haven't quite experienced that, I've heard it comes with seniority...), experiencing dorm life, and having the freedom every 18 year old dreams about--all those things that just add salt to the wound called Senioritis. I can honestly say that UT has exceeded the expectations that I had formed in my head. Of course, there are pitfalls, but I believe the good things far outweigh the bad. In the past month, I have missed the high school days of little to no studying, not worrying about what I'm going to eat for dinner, and who is going to check and make sure I get out of bed in the mornings. But, I acknowledge the fact that college is more than a place of learning: it's a place of growing.
As hokey as that sounds, it's the truth.

Expectations of how things will turn out are often wrong.

But if you don't jump, you'll never know if you can fly.