Stepping Up!

Today I attended the annual Step Up for Down Syndrome walk at Arrowhead Stadium. The money raised from this event goes towards the special services that are provided for those with Down Syndrome, as well as research. The event itself was really neat- there were blown up moonwalks and other jumpy things for kids to play in, games, and lots of food- including my favorite...hotdogs! And ice-cream! And cupcakes! The event concluded with a long walk around the stadium, wrapping around to where we began. As everyone finished the walk, they were given these cute, orange wristbands that said Step Up Walk 2011. 

Throughout the time we were there, I was surprised at how many people were present. The lot where all the activities took place was packed! It made me realize just how many lives are touched by individuals with Down Syndrome. The donation goal for this year was $410,000, but thanks to all those who came and helped support it, that goal was exceeded!  

Time's a Tickin'...

It’s recently dawned on me just how quickly this semester is flying by- and by that, I mean how soon my applications will need to be turned in to graduate schools! At this point, I’ve narrowed down my choices of schools, and have made a neat and organized spreadsheet detailing the specifics for each school. Aside from that, however, there isn’t much for me to brag about. I really need to pick up the pace!

For each school, I will essentially need:

- To fill out the application

- Send in my transcripts

- Send in my GRE scores

- Write a personal statement

- Send my resume

- 3 letters of recommendation

My goals for this week are to send in my transcripts and to ask several of my professors if they would be willing to write my letters of recommendation. I realize the personal statement is a very important piece of the admissions portfolio, so I really need to begin some deeper reflecting on my experiences here at Rockhurst, and how I feel those experiences have prepared me to take this next step. It’s scary for me to think how I’ve already reached this point in my life. It has gone by so incredibly fast, and has taken a lot of hard work to get here. I’m really excited for grad school- I love my major and all that I’ve learned though volunteering- but I’m not going to lie, I’m pretty nervous too! Especially about this admissions part!

This is how I feel

Ice-Cream of the Future

This past Saturday, I experienced- for the very first time- what it was like to work at an amusement park. In order to fundraise for our sorority, my Theta Phi Alpha sisters and I headed to World's of Fun, where we were given various jobs around the park. This weekend was "Halloween Haunt" weekend, and so many haunted houses were set up. People dressed in spooky costumes would roam about the park, sometimes sneaking up on unknowing guests and giving them a fright. 

My placement for the day was in food. At first I was a little worried because I didn't know what my job would entail. However, I was quite delighted when asked to serve in the Dippin' Dots booth. I love Dippin' Dots, and it sounded like a great place to be! After given a one-minute run-through on how things worked, I quickly realized how fast-paced this job was. Apparently I'm not the only one who loves Dippin' Dots! The line was pretty long most of the time I was there, and many people had not mastered the virtue of patience. It took some time for me to get used to the cash register while juggling 3 different orders with varying sizes and flavors. But 8 busy hours later, I felt I was a pretty efficient server. I even managed to organize the freezer that contained extra bags of Dots! 

Working in this booth gave me a greater appreciation for those who work in amusement parks- especially in the food booths. While I still love Dippin' Dots, I don't think serving this ice-cream will be in my future!

Exam Schmam

When I first realized that all my midterms fell on the same day, I felt pretty stressed. None of my classes this semester are incredibly difficult, but 3 tests and 1 paper due at once... yikes! I was very fortunate, however, in that after explaining my predicament to one of my professors, he allowed me to take an exam a day early, which was a tremendous help. I was also able to gather enough motivation to complete the paper a week early, thereby spreading out the midterms I originally feared to be jam-packed. In the end, everything worked out just fine and I was able to manage the midterm week.

My brother Austin and Me

The best part about midterms is the feeling of freedom you receive once all exams are finished. After completing my last test of the day, I was able to walk back home through the crunchy leaves, and really breathe in the fresh air. Fall break has arrived! It's such a great time to get some extra relaxation in. Because I babysit during the week, I wasn't able to leave for home right away. One of my housemates hung around the house with me, and one evening we gathered a group of other students who decided to stay on campus together for a movie party at our house. It was a great time! We all brought together a schmorgasbord of goodies- holloween cookies, popcorn, banana bread, and orange kool-aid.

When Saturday arrived, I took off early in the morning to pick up my younger brother who flew in to the Kansas City airport. From there we drove back home- belting out some tunes and exchanging stories from our school year thus far. This is my brother's freshman year of college, and I'm thankful for the car ride that allowed me to learn more about his experience at a new school (Holy Cross College in Indiana). I could see my freshman self in so many of the things he talked about. His experience from the first couple months at college brought back many memories of my own freshman year, and in some ways I feel so much wiser than when I first began! It's really made me realize how fast time flies.

I may only be visiting home for a short weekend, but it's always nice to catch up with the family. Already I've been able to play a game of scrabble with my mom (a very successful game I might add...) and hang out with a couple cousins who I haven't seen for a while. This time at home has given me the rejuvenation I need to begin the second half of fall semester.

Homecoming!

After completing a week filled with classes and activities, I was more than ready to de-stress with friends on the day of homecoming. And what better way than by eating at a fine restaurant and dancing the night away?

After arriving with many other Rockhurst students at Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian steakhouse, I could immediately feel myself relax...all except my stomach muscles that is. Although the food smelled so delicious, I quickly realized that it was nothing compared to how great it tasted! What I find so enjoyable about Fogo de Chao is that not only is this restaurant worth going to for the food, but the overall experience as well. Servers come to the tables with many different cuts of meat, and you are given a little card to signify if: green, yes you would like to try it, or on the flip-side, red, meaning no thank you. It is definitely not a place where you worry about leaving hungry.

The homecoming dance itself was a blast. When we first arrived at the venue, I was a little concerned about the music selections, for they weren't the types of songs that compel you to run out on the dance floor. However, the DJ took a break when the homecoming court was announced. Being a member on the court, I was given the opportunity to represent my class. It was such an honor to walk in with other classmates who I've grown close with over my years here at Rockhurst. Once the Kings and Queens were announced, the DJ took his position back up- but this time, I found that the songs were so fun I couldn't keep my feet from           dancing! I had such a great time, and while it's a little sad that this was my last homecoming dance, I am so thankful for all the memories this night gave me.

Senior Homecoming Court