Sunday, June 10, 2012

Deanna Rose Farmstead

Attraction: Deanna Rose Farmstead
Location: Overland Park
Cost: Free on Mondays- Thursdays, Fridays $2
Audience: Families, Great place for first dates


Coming from a small town, I found Deanna Rose to have a real farm-like feel. Its wide stretch of land creates a very peaceful atmosphere, and holds many different kinds of animals. Some of our favorites were the cows, horses, ducks, goats, bison, bobcats- although there were much more. For just a small cost, visitors can feed and pet the goats or go fishing in the nearby fishing pond. This farmstead is also a great educational experience, for volunteers show visitors how to milk cows, how butter is made, and how to properly care for animals. I recommend Deanna Rose for babysitters, families, couples, and just about anyone looking for something fun and engaging to do. We found a days worth of fun for a very small cost.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Arboretum

Attraction: Arboretum
Location: Overland Park
Cost: Free!
Audience: Everyone

The first attraction that I visited this summer was the Arboretum. Filled with hundreds of beautiful flowers and plants, these botanical gardens stretch out for miles. The Arboretum is separated into different sections, including nature trails, sculpture parks, waterfall portions, a children's play area, and a great, big pond that greets you when you walk in. Makenna, the little girl I babysit, and I enjoyed our picnic lunch right beside the water, feeding the huge goldfish our sandwich crusts. I really enjoyed my day here, and would recommend the Arboretum for anyone desiring a relaxing walk with a scenic view. Don't forget your tennis shoes!



Sunday, May 6, 2012

5 Things I Will Miss About Rockhurst

What I Will Miss About Rockhurst
5.) Planet Sub
Planet Sub is the sandwich, snack, coffee, and mini grocery store located in the Rockroom. The reason why Planet Sub (P-Sub for short) made this list is because it is attached to some very memorable Rockhurst moments. I remember freshmen and sophomore year when, after attending student mass on Sunday nights, everyone flooded to P-Sub for dinner. The line would be out the door, across the Rockroom, and up the steps. The Rockroom would just buzz with activity and it was a great time to socialize. I remember the beloved student employees who once worked there, whose personalities really made going to P-Sub an experience. I remember all the times we went to P-Sub to load up on candy and snacks before going to see a movie at SAB’s $3 movie night. Looking back now, I realize how many great memories began with a trip to P-Sub- whether it was staying up late “doing homework” with friends, picking up sandwiches to on to a picnic at Loose Park, or just enjoying some late-night conversations. 
Seniors living up the P-Sub experience one last time

Saturday, May 5, 2012

5 Things I Will Miss About Rockhurst

What I Will Miss About Rockhurst
4.) My Other CLC
One of the requirements to become a CLC leader is that you first must be involved in a CLC yourself. As I had mentioned in an earlier post, one of the things I love most about CLC is that you might be placed with a group of people who you may not otherwise be friends with. The CLC that I am a part of is no different. I joined my CLC (we named it "Joyce") my freshman year, and I am happy that it has played such a significant role in my college experience. I have gotten to know this group of friends on a deeper level over the course of four years, as each week we shared our highs, lows, and moments closest to God. We have participated in service projects together, as well as many social outings. Looking back, I remember meetings of intense laughter that would result in happy tears and belly aches. I remember our camping adventure, which included rolling down a hill into a pile of leaves, eating delicious peach cobbler our CLC leader made from scratch, and star-tipping. I remember volunteering at a Halloween safe-trick-or-treating event and how much fun we had decorating our "spooky" room. 
I will greatly miss this group of friends. They have each given me a new perspective on life and have helped me to grow as a person. I cannot help but think of these friends when I think about Rockhurst, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of "Joyce."
Joyce

Friday, May 4, 2012

5 Things I Will Miss About Rockhurst

What I Will Miss About Rockhurst
3.) On-Campus Housing
For all four years at Rockhurst, I have chosen to live on campus. Beginning with freshman year, I quickly learned that living on campus is a fantastic way to get to know people and form a variety of friend groups. The convenience of just living steps away from the cafeteria and academic buildings is hard to beat, especially when meetings run late or when you are working on a group project. This is my second year of living in an on-campus house, which is just half a block away from campus, and this year has been no different than others regarding the benefits of on-campus living.
This can be illustrated through an event that occurred over this past weekend. Two of my roommates and I had been planning a surprise bridal shower for our fourth roommate, who had recently gotten engaged. Since none of us will likely be able to attend the real shower, we thought it would be fun to throw one for her Rockhurst friends. Unfortunately, she is a very difficult person to surprise, because she kept making plans that would force us to rearrange the time. Thankfully, most of the people who attended live on the same block of houses owned by Rockhurst, and it wasn't a huge problem. We were able to pass along the changed time with ease, and people could run back home for a little bit. With this time of year being "move-out season," one of our friends had her mother in town to help begin the cleaning process. Because she lived to close, she was able to bounce back and forth between houses throughout the evening. As my roommates and I discovered at various points of the evening, we had forgotten about a few needed items. However, living next to so many other friends proved to be a life saver, for if we didn't have it, somebody else did.
This example gives an illustration of what my experience of living on campus has been like. I have immensely enjoyed being neighbors with my close friends, and being able to throw block parties and traveling dinner parties. This type of community living experience will be one of the many things I will miss about Rockhurst.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

5 Things I Will Miss About Rockhurst

What I WIll Miss About Rockhurst
2.) My CLC
Short for Christian Life Community, CLC is a small group that meets weekly to discuss each member's highs and lows of the week, as well as their moments closest to Christ. I think one of the most interesting aspects of CLC is that you do not chose which group you'd like to be in, but rather you are randomly placed. It is for this reason why CLC has provided me such a unique experience. 
When I applied to be a CLC leader, I had no idea what would be in store for me. I remember worrying that I wouldn't be a competent leader, and feeling anxious about who would be in my group. Well, I still don't know how confident I am in my leadership abilities, but I do know that I was given an amazing group. Each week I looked forward to hearing about the updates in their lives, as well as how they found God in their daily activities. It was such a blessing to be given a new perspective on life each week. These students moved me through their compassion for others, their dedication and hard work toward the activities they are involved in, and through their sense of humor. It's kind of ironic- I have been their leader for several years now, but I feel that I have learned so much from them. I will miss this group, who I consider to be my role models. 
My CLC "Tribal Jamz"

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

5 Things I WIll Miss About Rockhurst

Since I will soon be graduating from Rockhurst, I have decided to create a reflective countdown each day until the "big day." Walking around campus fills me with such nostalgia and memories of the past, that I feel like I need to express them! I hope this little reflection will interest you in taking time out to enjoy the things that make you happy, and be grateful for all the blessings you have been given...even the small ones :)
What I Will Miss About Rockhurst
1.) Senate Midnight Breakfast
Senate Midnight Breakfast has always been a highlight of my Rockhurst experience. This breakfast feast, hosted by the student senate, is held every semester right before finals begin. I am proud to say that I have never missed one. It is so popular among the students, that I would dare to say it is one of the Rockhurst events with the most turn out. The only cost to participate is either $1 or a canned good. Not a bad deal! And it is not possible for you to leave hungry. They have pancakes, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, bacon, french toast sticks, and as much soda and coffee as you can drink.
While the food is delicious, Midnight Breakfast has given me so much more than something to munch on. Every year at this time is bittersweet. I am excited for summer to come, yet as soon as finals are over I know everyone will be gone. This breakfast is kind of like a last "hurrah" where all your Rockhurst friends come together at the same time. Looking back on my freshman year midnight breakfast, I remember me and a couple friends toasting to all the memories we made during our first year at college. After each "Here's to..." we took a sip of orange soda. I refilled my cup multiple times that night! Another year, after being all sugared up, we started a mini dance party in upstairs Massman. I remember laughing until I cried (and also being quite sore the next day). All these memories flooded back to me this year. As I looked around the cafeteria I realized how thankful I am for this Rockhurst experience, which has allowed me bond with friends, given me reason to look forward to finals, and eat some delicious food in the process. 

Monday, April 23, 2012

Eat Mor Chikin

Throughout my college years, I have discovered that a great place to go when you need a study break, a little ice-cream pick-me-up, or a delicious dinner is none other than the wonderful Chick-Fil-A. This past week my housemates and I were feeling a little overwhelmed with our end of the year papers and presentations, so we decided to just put down what we were doing and bond over some chicken sandwiches (and fries and ice-cream, of course). As we walked into Chick-Fil-A, we were immediately greeted by the friendly staff. I have found that not only is the food here delicious, but the employees are so incredibly kind that they always just brighten my day! 

Great conversations and good food did the trick for me that day. I’m beginning to realize that my days as a senior are numbered, which is why I’m so glad that my housemates and I were able to set this time aside to spend together. You may think ask, “What’s the big deal? You just went out to eat.” My response is- yes, we just went out to eat, but not at just any restaurant. It was Chick-Fil-A. And it was delicious. While I realize that this may seem like a menial event, I also know that these are the sort of moments that I will look back on once my friends and I depart- the simple moments filled with laughter, food, and friends.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

A Taste for Something Different

my friend Anna tasting her barium juice
One of the classes that I am currently taking is called Clinical Management: Adults. This class is taught by a speech pathologist who works in the adult setting, helping stroke patients learn how to swallow again and teaching people with aphasia strategies to help them comprehend what they hear, read, say, and write. To help us students really get a grasp of what it is like to treat a stroke patient, the other day our professor brought to class an assortment of different foods and beverages. When a person is having trouble swallowing, the have to begin practicing with thin liquids and then gradually work their way up to thicker consistencies. Our professor began class by pouring barium into juice. Barium is a substance that is mixed with other foods, and that shows up when giving a person an X-ray. This allows clinicians to see how a person swallows and if any substances get left behind somewhere along the process. It was a great experience seeing how barium is mixed into juice so that a swallow study can be performed. However, the fun didn't stop there. Not only did we mix it, but we had to try it. Stroke patients don't have too many options of what they get to eat, so our professor was helping us to see what it's like in their shoes. And after trying the barium juice, I must say I have compassion for them. The texture of the juice was strange, and the barium took away from the sweetness of it. After finishing our juice, we also blended up chicken alfredo so that we could try a thicker consistency. The texture felt so weird that I mentally had to remind myself that it still tasted delicious.
I really appreciate our professor engaging us in this activity. I feel like I learn best through hands-on assignments, and this activity really brought home how difficult the whole "relearning how to swallow process" must be for our patients.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Giving off a Glow

Last week I experienced something that I never had done before: my first ever neon paint dance party! And I tell you, it was amazing. This dance was put on by Alpha Delta Gamma, one of the Rockhurst fraternities. I had a feeling even before I bought my ticket that this event was going to be a unique one, for the advertisements were eye-catching with all their bright colors and cool designs. I felt that the PR just had to be a sign of what was yet to come. In addition, along with the tickets you could also purchase a crazy tie-dyed T-shirt that was to be worn the night of the dance.


Upon entering the venue that night, I was caught off guard by all the colors and lights that were flashing and glowing in the dark. The music gave off a beat that just wouldn't let me stand still and before I knew it, I was out on the dance floor. While my unsuspecting friends and I were busting some moves, we were quite surprised when we felt a splatter of paint land on us. We soon realized that some of the guys had filled neon paint into water guns and were shooting it into the crowd, adding a little color to their clothes. Soon, it felt like a contest of who could become the most colorful. I was so covered in paint that by the end of the night, I felt like a walking glow stick!
I think I can honestly say that this was my favorite Rockhurst dance that I have been to. It had all the elements of normal dances that I love- friends, great music, awesome venue- but with some colorful additions!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The Results Are In!

After much hard work and effort, phone calls, emails, and a waiting period that has seemed like an eternity, I have finally heard back from several of the graduate schools that I applied to! I am very happy to announce that I have decided upon....drumroll, please....my very own alma mater, Rockhurst! 
The day my acceptance letter arrived in the mail, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I opened the envelop. Thankfully the first word on the letter was Congratulations, which sent a wave of relief throughout my body, quickly followed by a surge of excitement! I think I just stood where I was, staring at the letter, until I finally processed what had happened. My first choice!
The reasons why I wanted to remain at Rockhurst are not only because it is the shortest driving distance from home (2 1/2 hours), that I already have the Rockhurst Speech-Language Pathology fleece jacket, or that the cookie twisters here are to die for. I feel that I have received a wonderful undergraduate education at Rockhurst, from some very smart and experienced professors. I love the fact that I am living in a city with over 90 different sites in which I can observe, volunteer, and/or potentially work at some day! While I did debate, for a time, on whether or not I should go out and experience what another school could be like, Rockhurst just seemed to feel right.
Now that I have a sense of security for next year’s plans, I feel more at peace and able to enjoy the last quarter of my senior year. It has absolutely flown by, but I want to enjoy as much as I can before I blink again!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Up, Up and Away!

One incredible spring break adventure that I forgot to mention in my last post was that I went skydiving. That's right, skydiving!! Ok, so maybe it was a skydiving simulation, but this experience sure didn't fail to send my adrenaline pumping. At the conclusion of our Disney World vacation, we were on our way back to the airport when we passed by a building with a sign that said "Ifly." Upon recognizing the building, David's dad pulled the car into the parking lot and told us about his experience at a similar indoor skydiving location. After hearing his story, I was sold on trying it out myself...for the most part. I must admit that I got a case of cold feet once I observed a group ahead of us. The skydivers each took turns flying in a glass tunnel, with air blowing up through the bottom. The tunnel looked a little intimidating! I saw a huge fan at the very top and couldn't help but be reminded of the scene in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, when Grandpa Joe and Charlie nearly hit the fan in the burping tunnel. However, the maneuvers the flyers practiced seemed very simple, and my confidence began to rise when I realized that I could surely do the same (that, and the flyers were no where near the daunting fan!)
Before we could hop in the flying tunnel, we attended a little session where we were taught how to fly. The instructor had each person practice the position we were to use in the tunnel, which was basically laying on your stomach with arms out to your sides but hands in front of you, and legs bent. We practiced and practiced until I was pretty sure I could instruct a class on it myself.  We were given jumpsuits, helmets, goggles, and earplugs, and we headed to the tunnel.
The confidence I felt in our practice session was just about equal to my floppiness inside the tunnel. Everything that I had learned left me once the wind hit my body, and my muscles couldn't seem to figure out how to move! Thankfully the instructor was in there helping to position us. At one point, my body figured out what it was doing and I was flying solo- that is, until I felt myself going higher and higher. I tried to maintain my position but the thought of the spinning fan that hovered above me made me crumple and fall. I may or may not have smacked into the wall once...or twice...
I quickly realized that indoor skydiving was much more difficult than it appeared, and that I would not only need practice to gain skills in it, but private instruction! But I will say that I had a blast. And now that I conquered indoor skydiving, who's to say that my next adventure won't be the real thing??

Monday, March 12, 2012

Days at Disney

Although it fell early this year, I was more than ready for spring break. With the arrival of Friday afternoon, David and I wasted no time in kicking off our week-long break. As soon as my last class of the day ended, I ran home to grab my suitcase, and before I knew it I was on a plane flying to the happiest place on earth...Disney World!
This time around, we spent most of our time at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. We were able to travel around the different countries at Epcot, take a ride with Peter Pan, Nemo, and Winnie the Pooh, and have our photos taken with Mickey and his friends! What I think I like most about Disney World is that while it's geared towards children, there are a lot of neat things for older kids and adults to enjoy, whether it's roller coasters or attractions that are educational but fun at the same time.
I had a great time while in Florida, and now I feel refreshed and rejuvenated and ready to tackle the second half of the semester!

Monday, February 27, 2012

A Day at the Capitol

Last week, the Communication Sciences and Disorders department took a field trip Jefferson City, MO, where we participated in Legislative Day at the Capitol. I was pretty excited to go- I couldn’t remember the last time I went on a field trip! Legislative Day is sponsored by MSHA (Missouri Speech-Language and Hearing Association) and it’s basically a day for speech pathology students to let their voices be heard.
Leading up to this day, the senior seminar class wrote letters to our representatives, either asking for support of, or discontinued support of, a particular bill. There are many current bills relating to the health care profession, and many of them affect our field or the individuals we will one day serve. The bill that I asked my representative to support was one that called for familial involvement in treatment plans for the elderly. I know I don’t exactly have many years of experience under my belt, but from the observations that I have made, it is plain to see how much family and good social support can help with a healing/treatment process.
Once we arrived at the Capitol, we were allowed to sit in on a Legislative session. We got to see the representatives talk about certain bills and introduce special guests. It was pretty interesting, yet vastly different from what I was expecting! I assumed it would be a very formal process. What I saw, however, was a room full of very relaxed individuals, texting on their phones and chatting to each other. After the session we hand-delivered our letters to the representatives that we wished to address. Unfortunately, mine was out of the office so I wasn’t able to speak with him.
Overall I thought this was a very good experience. It made me realize just how much political advocacy plays a role in the field of speech-language pathology- something that I hadn’t really thought of before. And I must say, the feeling of missing out on classes to go on a field trip wasn’t too shabby either. 
Senior CSD Majors

Monday, February 13, 2012

Switched at Birth

Recently I've been spending my free time catching up on the abc family TV show, "Switched at Birth." This show is about two teenage girls who found out they were (can you guess?) switched at birth, and how their lives continue to change as their families try to grow closer to one another. What I find most interesting about this show, however, is that one of the girls is Deaf. Being a speech-language pathology student, I get so excited when a popular TV show centers itself around a topic that is right up my alley! I've taken a couple sign language courses here at Rockhurst as part of my major, (by an awesome professor I might add- if you ever need to fill an elective, I strongly recommend these classes!) and through learning about the Deaf culture and how they communicate, I've really grown to love it. I see a lot of what I learned in class included in this TV show, and I must admit I'm becoming rather addicted to it! It's really cool to see how the main character signs with her friends at a Deaf school, and the way she handles everyday situations that I take for granted. Also, this show actually takes place in Kansas City! They mention places like Loose Park, Swope Park, the Plaza, and Mission Hills. It feels so weird when I recognize a location that they're at! 
Although I'm not all the way caught up yet, I'm getting closer. If you ever get the chance I recommend watching it. It airs on Tuesdays at 7:00.







Tuesday, February 7, 2012

You Ain't Never Had a Friend Like Me

Of the 22 birthdays that I've experienced, I think I can honestly say that this year has been the best yet. My actual birthday was Monday, February the 6th, but the weekend preceding it was chalk-full of fun, family, and friends. Because there's so much to talk about, I think I'll go with bullet points for this entry.


Friday:
- Attended a movie party featuring the final Harry Potter movie- put on by Rockhurst's Student Activities Board and Campus Ministry. This party was complete with truffles, cupcakes, dip, puppy chow, and of course, butterbeer! 


Saturday:
- Went to City Market in the morning and bought my fruits and veggies for the week
- Got lunch with David and his family
- Went to mass at Visitation- my favorite church in the KC area
- Ate a delicious homemade meal with friends
- Saw Aladdin the musical at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts! I hadn't been to this theater before, and I have to say that I was very impressed. The architecture on the outside kind of reminded me of the Sydney Opera House in Australia. The inside looked very modern, with curvy walls and really neat seating. The musical was very cute. It was geared towards children, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. My favorite character by far was the Genie- some things never change :)


- Afterwards, we got ice cream at Winsteads



Sunday:
- SLEPT IN!!! WOOHOO
- Got lunch with my parents. It made me so happy that they drove 2 1/2 hours to see me on my birthday! I am so blessed
- Watched the movie, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. I thought it was a great movie. I liked how it included a young boy with Asperger's Syndrome, and I thought it was portrayed very well. I recommend it- except be sure to bring tissues!
- Celebrated the Superbowl with my housemates. It was a great time! We had so many delicious foods, and we really enjoyed the commercials!


Sunday, January 29, 2012

An Underground Run

Today marked the 30th annual Groundhog Run, and it was my pleasure to experience this event for the very first time. The Groundhog Run is a race- which includes a 5K and a 10K- hosted by Children's TLC (Therapeutic Learning Center). Those who participate assist in fundraising for Children's TLC, a school that provides educational and therapeutic services to children with disabilities. The race takes place in an underground venue, which really makes the "Groundhog" experience come to life. 

Although I wasn't brave enough, (and let's be honest...in shape), to run the race, I did volunteer with a group of classmates from my CSD senior seminar class. Our task was to work at a water station, providing water to thirsty runners. It was actually a much more stressful job than I anticipated! We definitely weren't prepared for the rush of runners during the 5K, so we had to work pretty fast. By the time the 10K began, however, we had mastered the art of filling water cups. Overall, it was a really good experience. We actually met a runner who was an alum of Children's TLC from 1972, which I thought was really cool. Throughout the race, runners who stopped by our table were so appreciative of our help, which made me feel like I was doing something meaningful. If I remain in Kansas City next year, the Groundhog Run is definitely something I would like to help out with again- whether I choose to run in it or, most likely, volunteer again!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

A Weekend in an Igloo

The closest experience to hanging out in an igloo that I've ever had was once when my brother and I built a fort in the snow. That is, until last weekend. After moving back into the "Treehouse" (the name my roommates and I have given our on-campus house) and getting all situated, it wasn't long before we noticed a draft of cool air flowing through the house. Checking the thermostat, we saw that the household temperature was at 62 degrees. We also noticed that the air vents were only producing a little puff of warm air. Oh great, we thought. Just in time for this cold weather! We called our RA and informed her that something was wrong with our heater, and she called for reinforcements. However, since it was a Friday night, no real help could come until the following Monday. My housemates and I then did the only logical thing to do in this situation...we threw a sleepover! We pulled out our blankets and pillows into the living room and made a cozy little space. We dressed in layers of sweatshirts and socks, and were sure to wear our gloves and earmuffs. As the night progressed, the temperature of the house seemed to be dropping more. Thank goodness for some great movies to help distract us!

A couple days later, Rockhurst Security brought us over a couple space heaters, which did wonders! Thank goodness for their help! The temperature of our house steadily increased, and we became brave enough to lose a few of the layers we had piled on. We are currently back in business with a fixed heater and a warm house. We're so lucky to have an RA who takes such great care of us!

Saturday, January 14, 2012

When you wish upon a star

Happy New Year, readers! I hope you all had a happy holiday season and are holding strong to those New Year Resolutions! My Christmas break was so fun-filled that I don't know where to begin! What better place than at the beginning though, right?



Just a few days after finishing my finals, I decided to give myself an early present: a haircut. I had been letting my hair grow for quite some time and I decided it was time for a change. Overall, I lost 8 inches of my hair. It was scary watching it as it all fell to the ground! However, it was great to feel so light afterwards.


The following week I found myself on an airplane flying to Orlando, Florida, along with my boyfriend David. His parents asked us to join them in a Disney World vacation for a week. In addition to his parents and us, his grandparents, uncles, aunt, and cousins were present! Needless to say, it was a full house! (or condo...) If I attempted to write everything we did while we were there, this post would be impossibly long. Instead I will just give a brief overview:



  • we visited all 4 Disney parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Hollywood, and Epcot
  • I rode the scariest roller coaster I have ever been on, called the Rockin' Roller coaster
  • went to an art class where I learned how to draw the Sorcerers' Apprentice Mickey Mouse
  • attended a Pixar Parade
  • went to a behind-the-scenes show that demonstrated how special effects are created in movies.
  • watched a Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, and Lion King Show
  • got to enjoy a Disney characters electrical lights parade
  • saw a firework show that took place in front of the Magic Castle
  • saw another very impressive firework show at Epcot 
  • went on an African safari
  • and my favorite: Fantasmic! A show where Mickey's imagination is threatened by the various Disney villains, but he overcomes it with good. Almost all Disney characters were in it! 
the Rockin' Roller coaster

I had a such a great time while in Orlando. What's great is that our passes are valid for a year. You know what that means.....hellooo Spring Break!!