Making a Splash; Entering a Proverbial Pool

To one enter a body of water; a lake or stream there are several different methods one can take. An individual may choose to edge in, testing the water with one of their digits, then ease in gradually. One could also approach the body, find it intimidating, and simply refuse the challenge. Someone who is looking to make the most of their time will tell you though - take a run,  jump in, and be submerged. Make a splash while you’re at it.

On my first day at the U of A, I knew next to no-one on campus. Its almost inexplicable the feeling one can get when there are thousands of faces surrounding you, all unfamiliar. For this reason, I felt some relief when on the sidewalk in fluorescent chalk I saw scrawled “Campus for Christ 2-115 EDU Friday 4PM.” Being of a similar religious background to this group, I have found they have acted as an enabler, allowing me to enter the proverbial pool quickly and with a splash, and I will say, thus far the water has been welcoming. 

Each friday I meet with this group, and we worship. Thank God for all that he has given us on this beautiful university in this wonderful country. We pray. Pray that those who are being challenged may overcome their weakness with the help of God and reach better times. It is such a great feeling after a long week of work to be with a group of kind folks singing around a camp fire, playing frisbee golf, or planking on the hill by HUB international because you want a really epic photo for your group scavenger hunt. 

To all attending university, the best advice I can give at this point, is be sure to study hard, but also be sure to have some fun and find a group where you really fit that will help you make the most of your years. 

"Jump" 

Make a splash and find where you fit in your enviornment

1st Year Arts: The Yaggey Edition, Take 2.5

Hellooooo all! I know today wasn't my original day to post something but I just had to share something with you all. You know that feeling you get, the "oh no, oh no, oh no, please god don't tell me I did that wrong" feeling? Ya... I had a moment like that today. So I handed in my first History assignment (it's only worth 3% but still) and we discussed it in class. It was then and there that, silly me, I mis-interpreted the assignment and wrote part one ON THE WRONG THING!!!! now I know some of you are probably laughing at my misfortune, but tell me you wouldn't be tempted to go up to your prof, perhaps even begging, for him or her to give you a second chance? Now I didn't do that this time, but let me tell you, I am DEFINITELY going to read A LOT more carefully for next time lol.

Sincerely,

The Idiot Who Didn't Read Assignment Instructions Properly...

An Academic Experience in BDES

“Draw Rembrandt out of your page; call it and it will come to you.” These are the approximate words of my Art 136 professor, Daniela Schluter as she expertly coached our fundamentals class in setting the foundation for the work we do in the next four years. 

In my hand is a paint brush sheathed in a layer of india ink; a blank double-weight paper taunts me from below as if saying “try me; your first stroke will fall off its mark.”

So much I have come to enjoy this challenge, it is my intent to overcome inhibitions and fear. My experience illustrates that the biggest and in some cases arguably only limitation is ones-self. 

I set the brush forth, a series of strokes rendered onto the page. My eyes rest on the subject; only an occasional flit to the page confirms progress. The work is soon complete; it looks decently improved from my piece the day prior. 

This piece is relatively analogous to what have found thus far at the U of A. Your education is now exactly as you make it; the nothing less, nothing more. The opportunities are numerous. Get past the fact a Psychology 104 class with  over four-hundred can be daunting, past worrying about learning the layout of the campus. With time an equilibrium will be established between everything done while still being sociable and meeting people. I myself am committed to making the most of my time, and as a student/potential student or wherever else you might fall, I would hope you are too.

Dawning Descent

The ascent to success is a both a challenge and a reward; no matter the route you choose

1st year Arts: The Yaggey Edition, Take 2

"Hey there how are ya? Well, I'm not too bad, thank you..." blah blah blah. Sometimes, I'm a shy person, and especially now since I'm in a new environment, TOTALLY different from any schooling I've ever had before. Today I saw kids (well, young adults now) that have been friends with my younger brother since early childhood and it dawned on me... We are all in our first year together. Me, two years older than them. But you know what? It actually didn't bother me one bit, and thats because while I was in Switzerland, it really forced me to socialize and get to know people, older or younger than me. Age is just a number and now that I'm in my second week, I'm making new friends and I don't even care how old they are, or what year. It's all just numbers! And if you're feeling a little shy, try to be fun and joke a little bit, or just plainly come out of your comfort zone! You'd be surprised how far that can get you with other people, and you never know, you just may make a new friend right then and there. So enjoy yourself, whoever you're with, and just have the best experience you can have and NEVER hold back! Because if you do, you'll end up regretting it. Do everything you can because this is the time of our lives right now.