Nov 15, 2009
Chancellors Leadership Summit
Fridays are rough days for me every week, but this past friday was a particularly long day, but in the greatest way. I have 4 classes in a row on fridays, including two 300+ student lectures, and a two hour computer programming lab. So I was in class from 10:10 to 3:20, with three 15 minute breaks to get from class to class. at 3:30, I was due at Neyland Stadium to board buses for the overnight adventure. Shockingly, I was late.
As we boarded the buses, I looked around and discovered I knew a lot of the people around me. It was great, because I really enjoy the time I get to spend with most of them. On UT's campus, I have a number of groups of friends I am a part of, for example, Ignite TL's, SGA Evolve people, UT Lead students I met at Ignite, and plenty more. For this retreat, I got to see a small part of each of these circles, and they all got to mingle with each other. I got to watch some of my closest friends find each other and become friends. It was really fun to be around the whole thing.
We rode four buses to Clyde Austin 4-H camp in Greeneville, TN. I rode with a couple people I met last year during the campaign. Laura, Jason, Cory, Brandon, and Sarah. Ben was a couple rows ahead sitting with Misha, Courtney P was in front of them with a couple more TL's. I got to listen to a very intelligent political discussion between 5 older, and much more educated people than I had ever heard before. When we got to the Camp, we looked out into the parking lot to see 30 or so of the most influential and powerful members of UT's Administration and Staff. Chancellor Cheek was there, a couple of Deans, Sally Parish, Jerry Adams, and plenty more that I'm sure are equally awesome.
The point of our retreat was to bring leaders from across campus together, in front of Administration so that we can network with each other, and with Staff in order to work towards a common goal. About 150 students were there, and they represented more than 50 student organizations from across campus.
-Student Orientation and Leadership Development
-Student Government Association
-Panhellenic
-Fraternity Council
-SPEAK(Environmental Awareness)
-Minority Advancement
-University Housing
and plenty more.
The Theme for the weekend was Sustainability, and we got all sorts of information about ways to help make campus more environmentally friendly. We got to have a Panel Question Session with the Chancellors Staff, where students could ask anything about the University. The questions covered stuff from the HOPE Scholarship, Out of state Tuition, the importance of Greek life, The direction of the University in general, and even what the Panels favorite Isle in Wal-Mart is. After the Question Answer Session, we moved into a couple Diversity activities, and then we had the option of Bed, cooking s'mores, playing games, or socializing in general. I might or might not have been up until 3:30. I learned how to play Dominoes, and a game called Rook, which is the southern version of Pitch with a fancy Deck. I went to bed and knew it was only going to be about 3.5 hours before I had to get up.
Have you ever heard the Techno remix of Rocky Top? Well I have, several times. In fact, every time I go to Clyde Austin I hear it. They blast all sorts of Music to wake people up and get them going for the Day. I popped right up and tried to shake off the tired feeling. "Tonight's gonna be a good night" helped for sure. We had breakfast, and then got to hear from the CEO of Bridgestone Tire Company. That was awesome. The man built an amazing career, and had a bunch of funny stories about his life. It was really fun to listen to him talk. AND he gave the SGA president a signed Peyton Manning Pro-Bowl Jersey.
We got on the buses from there, and headed back to campus. It was a very fun retreat, I met a bunch of great people, and got to build some old friendships a little more. It was really fun, and I am very very proud to be a part of the group that was selected to go this year. It's been running for 30 years, and I think its pretty special.
Now its on to go watch the Women's Club Lacrosse Team play Samford University. I wish I knew anything about Lacrosse. hahaha.
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Nov 11, 2009
Homecoming
Hey Y'all,
This Weekend was Homecoming, which my High School did not have. So I really don't know the purpose of it is, and apparently neither does anyone else cause everyone I ask doesn't have an answer. It's ok though, cause its fun and it unifies campus in a way. Basically, the whole week leading up to Saturday's game against Memphis, many student organizations compete in all sorts of different contests in an attempt to "Win Homecoming."
This years winners were the Boys of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, and the Ladies of Sigma Kappa Sorority. I am sort of biased in this blog because I like both of these social organizations a lot. I went to the SK spring formal last year, and I am good friends with more than a couple guys in AGR. So congrats Ladies and Gentlemen, even though none of you (except Meghan) read my blog. I'm very proud and very pleased.
I won't lie to you and say its not mostly Greek. Its very difficult for other Organizations to form teams to compete in everything. There are exceptions though, including The BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministry). They do very well and placed in several events. Congrats to them as well.
The events are all across campus, and include a Soapbox Derby, a Banner competition, a yard/window display, a cheer/spirit competition called Smokey's Howl, and finally a Float Competition. Each event has 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards that count for points towards the final score. The banners are hung up on Neyland, the yard/window displays are all over campus, and the Float competition takes place friday night. They haul huge floats that are complicated and impressive in front of a big crowd by the Torchbearer.
The Judges for the Competition are members of ACE, or All Campus Events. You might remember Catherine from like half my blogs? She is a member of ACE. They travel around and have to judge all the parts of the competition, and get almost as little sleep as the people who actually compete.
There is a ton of work that goes into Homecoming, and its a very special Tradition on UT's campus if you have a means of becoming really involved in it. Otherwise, its just fun to see the fruits of other peoples labor.
The Game on Saturday was fun because of the epic destruction we put on Memphis Football. (Literally, their coach was fired, Woof Woof.) Lots of players got to suit up for the Game, and my buddy Nick got to dress out wearing 34. I met his Mom who came in to see the game, and watched a good chunk of the Game with his Cousin Jayanni, who I just realized has been under-appreciated on this blog. A lot. She was a TL with me, and she is involved in all sorts of good stuff, Including her favorite activity, Jazz for Justice. It helps women in Northern Uganda, and she puts endless hours into fundraising for the Cause. She is actually going to work in Africa either next semester or next year. Go Jayanni!
This weekend, I have a Leadership Summit to go to with some deans and other bigwigs apparently. (hopefully they don't read my blogs and hate being called bigwigs!)
So my beloved Potential Student Demographic, what did we learn from this blog tonight? That Homecoming is awesome, and Jayanni is a Hero. Check out the New Bloggers sometime, I'm pretty excited to have our Crew twice as big. (Especially Jonathan, he's my Boy)
Love,
-Nate
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Nov 6, 2009
Quick Note
First. Go Yankees. Victory.
Second. I recently got a TV for my room and its awesome, so I got to watch the World Series.
Third, the TV also gave me the power to reconnect to my beloved Late Night Television Show, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. In tonights episode, Dennis Leary mentioned that he had gotten a Doctorate from some college. (Emory) You heard/read it here first. Craig Ferguson should get a Doctorate from The University of Tennessee. We're awesome, he's funny, everybody wins.
Fourth, Homecoming is this weekend. I'll let you all know how it goes before long.
ttfn
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Nov 1, 2009
Power October
This blog will a list of the epic adventures and interesting activities that I participated in during the Month of October. I nicknamed the Tenth Month of 2009 Power October back in September, and promised myself I would make it life-changing.
1st of october 2009. My friend Kevins Birthday, he is already older than all of us, so I gave him a card that has an old man on the front, and everyone on the floor signed it. Happy Birthday Grandpa.
2nd. My Mom's parents came to visit for the Auburn Game. We went to BWW, and my grandmother Ordered the House Chardonnay. (yes I had too look up how to spell that.)
3rd. Football Saturday. We lost to Auburn, but my Grandparents had a great time. We tailgated with Kevin and some other friends.
4th. Relaxing Sunday, I began friending AFB friends.
5th. Kevin and I led a Study session for our Mythology Exam, and it was hilarious cause neither of us are teachers, especially me.
6th. I wrote one hell of a Good paper for Mythology Class, it later received a D.
7th. I took a Mythology Exam, and took tables and chairs to Sallys for TL Picnic.
8th. My Birthday, I turned 19, got picked on about being so young, and I felt a lot of love from my friends through the billion facebook messages.
9th. My parents and a friend from High School got into town, and I finally got a TV for my Dorm.
10th. Football Saturday. We beat Georgia 45-19, and Matt got to see Neyland.
11th. Ignite Teams Graduation. My Team Painted the Rock and displayed how awesome they really are.
12th. A UT Facilities Services Truck took a corner too sharply, and a Mop Squeezing Mechanism that sits on top of a Bucket flew out. I sketchily ran out into the road, and took it back to my truck.
13th. I lost my Backpack. It was life changing going through the backpack transition. (if anyone knows where a black north-face shoulder bag is, let me know. it has all sorts of stuff with my name on it on the inside.
14th. JORDANS BIRTHDAY! We painted the rock for her B-day. And it at 3:20 I was free for Fall break.
15th. Left early in the Morning for Alternative Fall Break. We helped clean up a boys and Girls Club, and then I played football with little kids.
16th. We helped to clear a part of the Appalachian Trail. I got to display how incredibly manly I am. Not.
17th. I did maintenance work on a Wildlife refuge. Including putting a roof on a Hawk Cage.
18th. Finished off AFB. Effin' A. Began telling people to Apply for Alternative Spring Break.
19th. apparently had a really hard time doing Engineering Homework. I don't really remember it though.
20th. SOLD DAY! I tried to help people find their way to applying for SOLD Office Positions. I wore my Ignite Polo. I finally got to sit down and watch a Yankees Game.
21st. Wrote the AFB Blog. It was a task let me tell you.
22nd. A lot of Engineering. It was a big week for it.
23rd. Began the pre-work for My Smokey Mountain Adventure. Rented Gear, went to Wal-Mart. etc etc.
24th. Adventure to the Smokies! We held #1 Alabama to no touchdowns, and they had to block our field goal to win. A success to any 3 and 3 team. Slept under the Stars.
25th. Clingmans Dome. It was amazing, read about it below.
26th. Technically, the Yankees won the Pennant on the 25th. But we'll put it here, cause I celebrated the 26th by blasting Frank Sinatra's New York, New York down the Hallway.
27th. I took an Econ exam, it was awful.
28th. I learned my Favorite Phrase of the Month, and painted the Rock with a Giant Yankees Logo. It was awesome.
29th. I went to a Sorority Date party with Molly from New York. We were "Yankees" not like the baseball team, but like the irritating people southerners are supposed to hate. I wore a gold chain necklace and everything.
30th. My Dad's Sisters and their families got into town. I asked Juliann to give one of the cars full of them a tour around campus while I took the other car. We went to BWW's that evening. I was a Mad Scientist for Halloween.
31st. Football Saturday. I had a little tailgate for my Family, and we went to the Game. It rained a lot and it was cold, but I think for the most part, my family had fun. I was a Mad Scientist again that night.
Overall, October was awesome. I had a blast, I made lots of friends, I experienced all sorts of new stuff, and it was awesome for all parties involved.
Now to look towards the Future, I am planning on participating in a college tradition saved for only the manly and strong, which means, if I don't make the cut, you won't hear about this again until next year if I decide to try it again. No Shave November. If I can grow a reasonable beard, you will see before and after pics. If not, don't mention it ever, cause it will be a sore spot on my ego for a while.
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Oct 26, 2009
Smoky Mountain Adventure
Hey guys, this was my adventure to the Smokies. Tennessee is a special state, and UT is a special place in that we get to experience all 4 seasons, but its still warm, and it has one of the best National Parks in the Country just two hours away. The Smoky Mountain National Forest is the most visited National Forest in the United States, and is awesome. One of the things we get as students at UT is the opportunity to take little trips to the Smokies to Relax.My adventure started its planning stage all the way back in September, when I decided the the Month of October was going to be life-changing. I had 4 of the 5 weekends activities figured out, but I didn't have any awesome plans for the 4th weekend in October. So after the AFB trip went through and I revitalized a lost enjoyment of being outside and seeing cool places, I decided to make a trip somewhere with at least one of my friends.
Amanda is the girl in all these photos, and she was really excited to go on a hiking trip to the Smokies. She hadn't ever really been hiking or camping before, and our trip was definitely interesting.
Friday afternoon, I went to T-Recs, where Students have the ability to rent Backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, bicycles, and all sorts of stuff, pretty much anything you need to go hiking, and got a backpack, tent, two sleeping pads, and a sleeping bag. (I already had one, I promise we didn't share Mr. Amanda's Dad Sir) The whole lot of that cost me $28 bucks. So this trip was not expensive.
We left at Noon on Saturday, and went straight to a visitors center to get a Map and get pointed in the right direction of what to see and do. The first Visitors Center was helpful, but they couldn't supply backcountry camping permits, so we had to go to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, which is actually inside the park.
When we got there, it was about 3:30-4 and we got our permit and a location to hike to. We drove to our trail-head, made sandwiches and started to hike in. After about 45 minutes of hiking, I decided to re-evaluate our plan of hiking all the way in. It was still a couple miles out, I had a lot of crap in the Backpack, it was going to be getting dark pretty soon, and I am very out of shape. We looked at the map, and decided to go hike somewhere else with a campsite less far from the trailhead. We hiked back out, and got to my truck, and it was already starting to get a little dark. I was skeptical that we were going to do any more hiking at all that night. We looked on the map and tried to find a new spot. Everything seemed to be at least a couple hours hike, and I decided we were going to be using a Campground for the evening. We were near the City of Gaitlinburg at that point, and since I was hungry for something that wasn't a sandwich, we went into town and got Texas Roadhouse. (Roughing it I know) From there we left for our Campground.
We got lost for a while looking for the Campground, but eventually we got there way after dark, and I promised Amanda either a fire of our own, or a fire with some people we would meet in the campground. We parked the truck in the assigned late arrival campsite, and I grabbed some marshmallows and a flashlight we walked up the road a bit to some people who had been sitting out by a fire. They were very very friendly people and we had fun just joking around with them about all sorts of stuff, and Amanda ate more S'mores than she knew what to do with.
After we left our new friends of the Smokies, we walked back to the truck. I knew it was going to be a clear night, and I knew Amanda(who is from Knoxville) still hadn't looked up yet, so I recommended we sleep in the bed of the truck with the Cover rolled back. She was satisfied with that and after we got all the stuff from the bed into the cab, and the sleeping spots set up, she finally looked up. She might or might not have said whoaaaaaaa for a full five minutes. I love the stars, and they were out bright and absolutely beautiful that night. Eventually I fell asleep.
When I woke up, she was cold and ready to be in the truck with the heat on, so I got the heated seats cranking and made her sit in the car to warm up while I finished moving stuff back into the bed.
By about 8 we were ready to leave, and I really wanted to see somewhere epic. We didn't want to hike in to somewhere cool, so we decided Clingmans Dome would be perfect. Clingmans Dome is a Mountain top in the Smokeys, and I'm pretty sure its the highest point in Tennessee. It is def higher than anywhere else we could see from it. We got there about 9am, and the hike to the top takes about 30 minutes, and is paved all the way up to an Observation tower. It has a 360 degree view of the national forest, and is incredibly beautiful. All that white you see in the photos is clouds/fog. It was chilly that morning, and you can see the fog move through the valleys. It would pour over some low spots and looked like a very slow moving river through the place. There is a mountain that is 73 miles away that we could make out slightly, the visibility was awesome. We took some pictures up there, and it made a great ending to our adventure.
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Oct 21, 2009
Alternative Fall Break
Hello! and welcome to the highly anticipated Alternative Fall Break Blog! You had better be as excited to look at these pictures as I want you to be.To start out, as a disclaimer, These pictures have no real order whatsoever. After more than 13 months as a UTK Blogger, 45 Blogs
written, and hundreds of pictures uploaded, I still haven't figured out a pattern for this thing.
written, and hundreds of pictures uploaded, I still haven't figured out a pattern for this thing.So, to clarify for you all, we left thursday morning, and went to Elizabethton, TN. Boys and Girls Club, and then Cherokee National Forest to a Hostel where hikers stay. The next morning,
we met up with Mr. Peoples, aka "The Mr. Peoples." We worked on the Appalachian Trail, fixing parts and widening it. (quick note, these guys to the left are hikers that have about a month left until they complete the journey that starts in Maine and ends in Georgia. They were awesome, and we're all
friends now.) I'm sorry Juliann, but I had to include this awesome picture of you in here. Can't resist a Ginger in Yella Boots and an Ax.
we met up with Mr. Peoples, aka "The Mr. Peoples." We worked on the Appalachian Trail, fixing parts and widening it. (quick note, these guys to the left are hikers that have about a month left until they complete the journey that starts in Maine and ends in Georgia. They were awesome, and we're all
friends now.) I'm sorry Juliann, but I had to include this awesome picture of you in here. Can't resist a Ginger in Yella Boots and an Ax.I guess I can clarify in this little space I have here, Alternative Fall Break or AFB is a four day adventure in the Fall for UT students to volunteer their weekend to give back to the world in various ways. This Year, Three teams went all with about 25 volunteers (volunteers double meaning) each. Every year they go to various places around the Country, and It is one of the Greatest Experiences UT has to offer. besides becoming friends with 25 great people, I got to see some new parts of the Country and experience some strange stuff. Anyone can go, and this is one of the great times where I get to influence
current UT students
about a great opportunity. Look into it, I promise you won't regret going.
about a great opportunity. Look into it, I promise you won't regret going.This guy over here is Aemish, and he is sort of my hero, just because of his experience right here. He cleaned out a very gross Bird cage on our Third day (Saturday) where we helped out at a
Wildlife Refuge. This was outside the Wildlife Refuge area, where I managed to convince a group of girls to let me get in their picture. It was a beautiful area, and since it was mid-october, the leaves are changing, and It was amazing. From left to right, It's Ali, Meg, Malory, Katie, Blair, and Courtney. They're great, and I'm pretty sure none of them know they are now on UT's website. Hope they don't mind! To answer your Question, Yes, I wore a Yankee's fitted the entire weekend. It was great, and I'm wearing it now. So I can tell you now, after Elizabethton, TN, we
went to Boone, NC. It is high up in the Mountains, and it's Cold there. I have learned that its a great place to go snowboarding though, and its only a few hours from UT. Now all I need is my board.
Wildlife Refuge. This was outside the Wildlife Refuge area, where I managed to convince a group of girls to let me get in their picture. It was a beautiful area, and since it was mid-october, the leaves are changing, and It was amazing. From left to right, It's Ali, Meg, Malory, Katie, Blair, and Courtney. They're great, and I'm pretty sure none of them know they are now on UT's website. Hope they don't mind! To answer your Question, Yes, I wore a Yankee's fitted the entire weekend. It was great, and I'm wearing it now. So I can tell you now, after Elizabethton, TN, we
went to Boone, NC. It is high up in the Mountains, and it's Cold there. I have learned that its a great place to go snowboarding though, and its only a few hours from UT. Now all I need is my board.
AHH! so this is Mr. Bob Peoples and I working on the Appalachian Trail. Our Goal was to widen the trail, level it out a little bit, clear "Duff" which is the organic material that collects on top of the trail and becomes slippery, and to cover roots with dirt to protect them from people walking on them. He was awesome, very friendly, and one of those people in the world that has found exactly what they love in life and gets to live it every single day. He was great about helping us find community work to do. It was awesome, and now I really want to hike at least
.........................part of the AT before I get too old.
These are the Furry Jacket Girls. They had these Jackets that all looked very warm and snuggly, and someone took a picture. I stole it and Boom! Its on the Blog. Left to Right, Blair, Sam, Ashleigh, Lindsay. In front of the girls is our Journal, which I still haven't contributed to quite
yet. But I will. Here to the Left, are our Fearless (emphasis on Fearless) leaders. Left to Right, Bridget, Britta, Zac. Bridget can be found in "Ignite......Teams!" from last October. Britta was Bridgets Partner, and they set up the whole trip, and did Work. Zac is quite simply, The Man. He amazes people with
Magic tricks, and his mustache has been in place for a year.
yet. But I will. Here to the Left, are our Fearless (emphasis on Fearless) leaders. Left to Right, Bridget, Britta, Zac. Bridget can be found in "Ignite......Teams!" from last October. Britta was Bridgets Partner, and they set up the whole trip, and did Work. Zac is quite simply, The Man. He amazes people with
Magic tricks, and his mustache has been in place for a year.Here are the Girls, and Aemish, rockin Volunteer Gear. Left to Right, Dede, Ali, Pamela, Aemish, Charity, Courtney, Nia.
Why was this Trip awesome? I mean, thats a reasonable question, so far, for all you know, we worked the whole time. This was my favorite moment of the trip.
<--------------------
We screamed "Eye of the Tiger." Everyone in the car. You know its a good crowd when 12 people can sing together and everyone has a great time. I loved this trip more than anything else since I started college.
This was just a great picture of the three of us. Aemish, Dede, and this is one picture where I smiled on demand and didn't look like a goon. victory. Alternative Spring Break is the Spring Version, and applications are out now. Preference is given to Students who haven't been able to attend before, and they want a diverse group of people, so
please look into it and apply, It's a great time.Finally, of course, we had to paint the Rock to end the trip. Luckily, it ended up at the bottom. The names written on here are all of our "trail names." Hikers on the AT don't usually go by their real names, the ones we met were Sea-Monster, Disney, Star Trek, and a couple more I can't remember right now. My trail name is under the A in green, and its because of the second picture in this blog.
Couple Random Notes:
1) Jason Witten, former UT Vol, Current Dallas Cowboy, is awesome. He donated a big chunk of money to the Boys and Girls Club for computers and other great things for the kids in his Hometown of Elizabethton TN. While I know he will never read this or hear about it, I still want to thank him and throw him some credit for that, its a great thing to do.
2) I didn't get to explain Dinner on Saturday night. (yea, the picture where I'm getting into some chicken.) It was at a wonderful restaurant called The Dan'l Boone. Its all you can eat, served family style, Southern Cooking. Meaning, they bring bowls of fried chicken, potatoes, apples, gravy, everything good, and you pass the bowls around the table and get all that you want. When the bowls go empty, they bring you a new one. Great restaurant in Boone, NC. Check it out if you find yourself in Boone sometime.
3) I didn't get a chance to have everyone in a picture, and for that, I'm sorry.
4) Thanks to everyone who helped to make this Trip happen, and helping this great opportunity make itself into a true UT Tradition.
"Work Hard, Play Hard. TeamVOLS."
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Oct 14, 2009
Ignite Teams
This picture is of our Participants that had 100% attendance. Team 10 is pretty awesome, and can often be found cooking s'mores in Hess courtyard or painting the rock together. The whole team was a great group, but these five really stood out because they came to every meeting and really contributed to every
Discussion. They were very friendly and fun, I wish I had thought to take pictures with them other than when we painted the rock, but these were the only ones I could find on facebook. This is a picture of the boys, according to the girls we look "awkward" but I disagree. Rhett and Dave are going to do great things at UT.
Hallie and Autumn are in this picture, and they are both really fun, and very sweet. At meetings this year, we talked about all sorts of stuff including: goal setting, fears, conflict resolution, Diversity, and Teamwork. It was really fun to watch my team grow together and be really excited to talk about these things once they got to know each other.
This picture is of the girls, and that includes Bekah, who is quiet and soft spoken, but a huge part of what makes our team awesome. For most of our meetings the team met in Prez Courtyard, but we always had something interesting to talk about. It was so fun to be a TL this year, and I hope my team had as much fun as I did. I think they did.
The Biggest reason our team was great this year plain and simple is because I was lucky enough to get paired up with Jessica. She is incredible. Between being a great student, a great TL, and one of the best in her sorority, Jessica also manages to be a great friend and to always have a smile on her face. She was always there to email our team if I forgot to, or to lead the group discussion if I didn't know how. She was always willing to let me try to lead the group, and she had my back when it got a little rough. Jessica is one of the people you want in your world, and I'm pretty lucky to have her in mine.The last 8 weeks have been a pretty interesting series of events, and now I start a new chapter in my life, which will begin tomorrow morning at 7am with a program called Alternative Fall Break. I will tell you all about it when I get back, but I can't wait to get started tomorrow. My team is cool, my leaders are great, and I have heard that AFB is one of, if not the, best experiences UT has to offer.
"I SAID IT'S GREAT TO BE A TENNESSEE VOL!"
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