30 is the new 24!

Hi everyone!

I am glad to be back after a semi-brief hiatus. Let me just start out by explaining that my title is not in reference to age or anything like that. It actually is a reference to the one change I would wish for if a genie were to grant me a wish.

Why are there only twenty-four hours in a day??? Seriously, life would be so much better if a genie were to add an extra six hours. Imagining all of the things that could be done during twenty-two awake hours as opposed to a measly sixteen awake hours is making me so jealous of all of that uncontrollable time!

Anyway, my point is that sometimes during college (and beyond) it is very easy to become extremely involved in the activities and organizations around campus. Being in an organization is amazing and definitely gives you a sense of belonging and a sense of purpose. However, when you are a dedicated vice president of two organizations, it can sometimes become a bit overwhelming.

Here is my advice for anyone interested in a leadership position during college:

* Wait until you are ready to handle the responsibility
* Do the "job" well because you can definitely learn from the experience
* Genuinely consider the recommendations that other leaders are giving you about your leadership style
* Have fun being a leader and always seek innovative ways to do things differently
* Try to "look from the outside in" so that you can make improvements to the organization
* Continually keep this question in mind: "What is the point of this organization? Are we benefiting anyone or just ourselves?"
* Delegate tasks to other people to keep them involved
* Make sure you enjoy what you are doing so that you can put forth your best effort!

Anyway, leadership and organizations are on my mind tonight (perhaps because this feels like the only day this week that I am not trying to walk and eat at the same time just to keep up with the daily tasks of my life). I may always complain that there should be six more hours in the day, but the truth is: I love my life and all of the fabulous opportunities that have come with it ;)

Ms. Weatherholt here, reporting for duty

Well, almost two months have passed now and I'm starting to get the hang of things around the high school. I'm still only teaching one class, Humanities, and learning so much! I love my students and coming to school everyday. Monday I begin to pick up another class and soon I'll be settling into my two solo weeks. One KTIP has passed, and by that I mean my first formal observation, and I did very well!!!

Things are going great just very busy. I am finishing up the Renaissance and beginning the Baroque period with my Humanities class and next week I will take on The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, who is a Kentucky author! (If you haven't read it, I totally recommend it.) It's almost fall break and it is all going by so fast. I can't wait until this Friday when the Patriots take on the Gators! I have ACSHS t-shirt ready to go to cheer on some of the football players I have in class. This semester is turning out to be the best and I have never been so excited!

One more KTIP before fall break and then it's off to see a long awaited journey to Missouri to see my family. Hope everyone's fall semester is starting off great and I might be calling some of you freshmen to see how everything is going!

Ms. Weatherholt signing off.

Patriot Pride

Hello all! Today began the 1st full week of student teaching at Allen County-Scottsville High School. It has been great so far! The first three days of last week went by fast as Mrs. Roberts and I took care of getting the students prepared for the semester ahead. I made copies, read the student's writing samples, and tried to be as helpful as possible. I have become familiar with the school layout and have met all the teachers in the English department. This week I will be observing other teachers in English and in different content areas to see many different techniques and ways of classroom management. Soon I will be teaching a unit in Dance for Arts and Humanities, Macbeth, and another unit for the AP English classroom, which is still undetermined. I have felt very welcomed and even received beautiful flowers for my desk. I will write back soon and tell you more when I begin teaching from the world of Ms. Weatherholt.....teacher extraordinaire. Haha!!!!!!

SAS Quick Update

Hey guys! I just found out some more good news about Semester at Sea this fall. Another student going, Cameran, and I are flying together and splitting a hotel room in Halifax before we depart on the ship. I am super excited because I have never flown before! We leave bright and early from Louisville, KY at 6:30 A.M., arrive in Newark at 8:30 A.M., board another plane at 12:00 P.M., and finally arrive in Halifax at 2:52 P.M. I will definitely have to do my research before I go, so I will know the weight limit for my baggage, local restaurants and shops to buy any last minute items, and what the weather will be like, so I can dress appropriately. I should also mention that our hotel is amazing! We are staying at The Westin Nova Scotian, located right in the heart of Halifax. I have included a picture below. I cannot wait to leave!
Stay tuned! More is soon to come.

SAS (Semester at Sea) UPDATE!

Things are going much more smoothly than I had ever imagined! After calculating every expense included in my study abroad trip, and neatly arranging it all into an excel worksheet, I know exactly how far away I am from having everything paid for and settled. The good news is that I am only about $3,000 away! Last night, I found out that I have received a Merit Scholarship for $1,500 and a Need Grant for $1,500 from SAS! Then, this morning, I checked TopNet and found out that I had received a Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant for $650! At the beginning of this process, the comprehensive cost of about $27, 000 seemed extremely daunting. How could I ever afford to go?! With patience and prayer, everything has fallen into place and I could not be more excited and thankful that I have this wonderful opportunity to see the world. I will continue to keep you posted! P.S. Only 30 more days until this picture becomes a reality!

Semester at Sea

The past month has been a whirlwind of paperwork, applications, and deadlines. On June 16, I received a life-changing e-mail from the Assistant Director of Academics in the Honors College, Dr. Clay Motley, about an amazing study abroad opportunity for this fall semester. In the message, I discovered that I could participate in Semester at Sea (SAS), studying aboard a ship and traveling around the world to 11 different countries, for a discounted price. Not only was I extremely excited about this experience, but I replied to the e-mail as soon as I finished reading and was speaking to a representative only a few hours later.

Since that day, I have written multiple essays, filed for a passport, taken ten 2 in. x 2 in. photos, visited a handful of faculty and staff for signatures, read many documents, and the list could go on. I have had less than two months to complete the pre-study abroad process, whereas students normally plan six months to a year in advance. When anyone asks how my summer has been so far, I automatically reply with, "Busy," and proceed to a short explanation. I believe it is only fair that I inform you, and everyone reading, what Semester at Sea is all about.

Imagine snorkeling amidst the coral reefs in Hawaii, trekking across the Great Wall of China, walking through the beautiful Taj Mahal, or riding a camel in the Sahara dessert. 109 days, from August 28 to December 14, will be filled with amazing experiences such as these and much, much more. The voyage begins in Halifax, Nove Scotia, Canada, where the MV Explorer will depart. I will have to travel by plane (for the first time) to get there! Every day at sea, including weekends, we will attend classes that accommodate any major, as well as listen to guest speakers from each port. From there, we will travel to Spain, Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, Mauritius, India, Vietnam, China, Japan, Hawaii, and finally return to San Diego, California. Now can you see why I am absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity?

No other study abroad program will give me the opportunity to see the world in four months while earning 12 hours of college credit! I am beyond stoked for this and I only have thirty-five days until I leave the country! I definitely plan to take hundreds of pictures while I am abroad and to keep you updated on my journey through WKU's blog. Until next time, enjoy the rest of your summer!

Busy Busy Bee

Student teaching is just around the corner. I’ve finished my summer read of Barbara Kingsolver’s “The Bean Trees” and have tried studying for my next two exams of the Praxis. Again, wish me luck! I passed the PLT so I have one down and two to go! My best friend Amy just got a job teaching at Logan County High School and I’ve also been helping her clean and decorate. It feels so great to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully one day soon, she’ll be helping me decorate my classroom.

I’ve been discussing the upcoming semester with my teacher and it looks like I’m going to be teaching Macbeth and a dance unit for Arts and Humanities. I am so excited and I’m not sure where to begin to start planning. I have so many ideas floating around in this little head of mine! Haha! I just know that student teaching is going to be a great experience.

I have met so many other people my age because of becoming a teacher because they are on the same path. We all know we can stick together to learn from each other and vent when things go a little downhill. I’m so happy for all of those who have gotten teaching jobs and hope their first year is a success. As for me, I’ll be reading and planning until I turn blue in the face hoping I get to that point where I’m teaching on my own. After the 5th you’ll be hearing from me about all the different situations I encounter during the semester. Hope everyone is enjoying the end of their summers and if anyone has questions regarding admissions…..please call us!

Tips for move-in day!

I am sure that all of you incoming freshmen are getting anxious about coming to Western. Summer has finally began as of last Sunday and there are only two months left until students are back on the hill again! I am so excited for another year of meeting new people, challenging myself academically, working out in Preston, and eating Subway as much as I want (it is so expensive without a meal plan!).

If you are anything like me, I was literally counting down the days until I could move in and finally call myself a "college kid." My car was loaded down with anything and everything I thought I would need living on my own, and I had recruited my father to help me move it all in to the eighth floor of Minton Hall. I was prepared and ready to go, with new sheets on my bed and a new mini fridge ready to be put to use. Now the question is are you prepared to live on campus?

Some things you should do before arriving can be found in the following list I brainstormed just for you!

1. Buy a parking permit. This can be found on the Parking and Transportation website, or by clicking here.
2. Make sure you have all of the college necessities, such as a pillow and blankets, a mini fridge, microwave, desk lamp, school supplies, clothes, flip flops and a shower caddy, sunglasses, an umbrella, and an alarm clock. You get the picture. For a more detailed list, check out these links: The Definitive Freshman Checklist, CollegeBoard.com, Bed Bath & Beyond, OfftoCollege.com, or the College Moving Checklist.
3. Contact your future roommate and introduce yourself. It will also be helpful to decide who is bringing what, so you do not end up with two microwaves or irons.
4. Print directions to campus or use a GPS, so you do not get lost on the way here! Google Maps is my favorite directions site.
   
5. Plan to say your goodbyes before you leave home because move-in day is always a little crazy. P.S. It has been known to rain, so keep an eye on the weather and an umbrella handy.
6. Tell your parent(s)/guardian(s) thank you for helping you move in! Just think of how much you will appreciate it when you have to move in by yourself next year.

Those are just a few things to get you thinking about what you will need to do before coming to WKU this fall. Until then, I hope you are having a fantastic summer!

The Way You Make Me Feel

Well, hello again. It’s been about a month and I’ve been busy working away. I had to write to you today because something tragic happened yesterday. It had been a long day working and I was tired. I was working on the call list when one of the telecounselors yelled, “Michael Jackson is dead!” Everyone erupted and was so completely shocked. As the night went on I still couldn’t believe it. He seemed like one of those celebrities that would live forever. Even though he may have been weird as a person, as an artist he was definitely what they referred to him as, the King of Pop.

I can remember back in high school how we always wanted to dance to his music for our dance routines. Every year we put on a huge thriller production at the football games and we took almost all the moves from his video. Our makeup and costumes represented the dead. It was so much fun. Another dance routine we combined a lot of his songs and even had the silver glove and exposed our white socks. He was an icon!


I know every word to every song and it is so hard to not sing and dance when you hear them. His death was so sudden! It’s sad too because he was getting ready to do his comeback tour. That would have been awesome! As I think back to my moon-walking days, I will always remember the joy that MJ brought to my life.

WKLT 2009

Hey there! I know it’s been a while, but I have been super busy! This past week I have been a camp counselor for the Women and Kids Learning Together Camp through the women’s studies department. This is just one of the many ways to get involved at WKU. The week was jam packed and so much fun. I met some great kids and other students through this camp. The first day alone was awesome!!! Greenhouse poetry came to help the kids write their own poetry and I got to eat lunch with George Ella Lyon. You might recognize her name from the “Where I’m From” poem. We also made boomerangs to prepare us for the Australian culture because Tuesday we went to Kentucky Down Under. All the kids and counselors loved seeing all the animals and we even took a cave tour. Wednesday I got to teach all the kiddos a dance and it was so cute watching them. There were relays and water balloon tosses and I got soaked! Thursday was crazy because we were missing some counselors, but they got to see some cool explosions from a chemist on campus and we even got to dye our own goggles. Friday was the sad day because I came down with a bug and missed the graduation ceremony. Even though I missed one day, I loved getting to know each kid and will never forget the memories that were made this past week. I hope when you all come to WKU that you get involved in something as great as this!

Home & Habits

Moving away from home to come to Western Kentucky University can be a big deal, depending on how far away you live from Bowling Green. Personally, I live about two hours away, so I rarely traveled home on the weekends during the semester. I had to find a way to make WKU feel like home to me, and there were a few ways in which I did that.

The easiest way to curb the feeling of homesickness is to decorate or set up your room in a way that you enjoy and appreciate. You will spend a majority of your time at college in your room, whether that includes studying, eating, hanging out with friends, or sleeping, so it is important to make your room more than just a bed, desk, and concrete walls. Here is a picture of my bed, which I made as comfortable as possible because I wanted and needed lots of sleep!

Another way I made Western feel like home was by exploring campus and finding my favorite places to study. I often frequented the first floor of the Helm Library and sat at a table or in a chair in Java City, if it was not too crowded. I do love the smell of coffee, so that must be why I like to study there, as well as Barnes & Noble (one of my favorite places ever). During finals week, I went there nearly every day! It was always so peaceful and the atmosphere was great for focusing on the philosophy final I had to take.

A final way that I made WKU my home was by finding a church. I was invited by a friend to go to Woodburn Baptist Church one Sunday, and I felt welcomed and loved as soon as I stepped inside. The pastor was outstanding and truly loved the congregation; he knew every person's name, no matter if they were a guest or a member. I later joined the choir and even worked in the nursery a few times as I became more involved. I truly love Woodburn Baptist, and I think all college freshmen should try out different churches in town and see which one they like the best.

You may wonder why I feel so strongly about going to church while you are in college. Not only do I believe that anyone who is a Christian will want to go to church, but also that making the commitment to go now, even though you may love to catch up on sleep during the weekends, will lead to good habits later in life. If you are a religious person, but you think you are too busy to go to church, when will you ever start going? Life is not going to slow down after you get a Bachelor's degree. The habits you possess now will most likely follow you into adulthood, so if you want to change something about yourself, become better at something, or even stop participating in an activity, start now! If you want to stay active as you get older, start running and exercising now. If you want to become a better writer or singer, start practicing now. If you want to become a better Christian and grow closer to God, start going to church now and keep going while you are in college!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. :)
- Jennifer

Major Decisions

I hope by now that most of the incoming freshmen have already attended an ATP and registered for classes. They tend to fill up quickly the later you wait, and I happen to know this all too well. As a slice of advice in advance, your major is probably going to chance at least once within your college career. Most students are able to graduate in four years, but those who declare majors and minors late become 5th- or 6th-year seniors (just a heads up). You may think that you have found your passion, the area of knowledge that you are sure will make your future job fun and not work, but I would not close the other doors just yet. Let me share my story with you.

Before coming to Western, I knew that I was interested in math, psychology, and graphic design. Other than that, I had no clue what I would be when I "grew up," or what my major would be, so I entered in as "Undeclared." A few months went by of my first semester and one day I decided that psychology was the right track for me. I knew that the classes I would be taking excited me, so I printed off the change of major form and dropped it off at the dean's office in Tate Page Hall. From that day forward, until recently, my plan was to earn a Bachelor's of Science in psychology, go to graduate school for my Master's, and finally get a PhD.

So what happened that changed my plans? During finals week, I was looking at some photos of designs that a friend had made. Seeing all of the cool things she had created reminded me of how much I had wanted to be a graphic designer, and I realized that I had completely closed the door of possibility for having a different major than psychology. A fear that I would regret not trying graphic design made me rethink my decision, and last week, I again printed off the change of major request form. This time I turned it in to Mass Media and Technology Hall slightly less excited and a little more nervous than before. Honestly, I am scared because I know I enjoy psychology, but I have no experience with design and advertising. The only thing I can do is try, but is that not what college is all about: trying new things, succeeding and failing, growing, learning, and stepping out of your comfort zone?

Currently, I am in the process of rearranging my class schedule for the fall, and it is a little overwhelming. Most classes with the best times are already full, so I will be taking four classes Monday and Wednesday and one class on Tuesday and Thursday, as well as an online web course. Next semester will be tough, but I know I can do it. Right now I just plan to enjoy the long summer break and I hope you do too!

Yay!

Ahhh.....the end of the semester. Finals are over for me as of Monday
at 12:30. I've attended my student teaching meeting and I'm ready to
soak in the sun. That is, in between working and studying for the
Praxis II exams, which I'll need to be certified. Wish me luck!!!!
I've been reading the student teaching handbook and with every page I
get more anxious and excited. I'm so ready for this next step. The
only bad thing about this time of year is waiting for your grades to
post. Topnet is going to permanently log me out if I don't quit logging
in after every five minutes of my life! POST THEM ALREADY!! Haha!

Tomorrow I leave to return home for the weekend where my niece, Amanda
will be graduating from high school. Another big milestone in life.
Congrats lady!! I have a 12:30 appointment to get my hair done. I
think it's about time for a teacher haircut!!! I need something so I
won't blend in with the students. Haha! Then Tuesday it's back to work
in the Admission's office. If you have any general questions, call us
and we'll be sure to help you out. If we don't know the answer, then
we'll find someone who does.

This is the first summer that I will not have taken summer classes and
if you are planning on taking some, believe me....they really aren't
that bad. It's a good way to get ahead of the game and have one-on-one
time with the teacher.

Anywho, please everyone have a SAFE summer and don't forget to check
back to hear about the various activities that I'll be
involved in.

All-Nighters: 101

It is finals week.... aaaaalfjeiowajfioniodasfklllllllllllllaewjinda. Now if only I could express that on my tests and papers, I would be all set.

If I can manage to crawl out of this week with my two hands and two feet, then there will definitely be a big celebration/farewell gathering for all the folks who are going back to their home countries or graduating ;)

The End of an Era

The time has come and it is the end of an era. Its graduation and people will start going their separate ways. Even though I am not this spring, 11 very special people will be graduating. When you have finally established yourself into a major, you will meet so many fantastic people and you will form very strong bonds with them. They will be there to help you through any test, paper, report, or in my case, lesson plans and unit plans. Haha.

I am very privileged to wish Maegan Renick, Brandon Poole, Laci DeRossett, Robin Pelfrey, Ali Bomar, Addison James, Savannah Tankersley, Matt Murrell, Jill Morris, Amanda McCrarey, and Amy Tracy good luck with their future. These people have been like a family to me and I have no doubt in my mind that they will all be very successful teachers!!! They are smart, determined and love what they will be doing and I am so proud of them and their accomplishments.
Congrats on graduating!!!

You did it!!!!

A Year Has Come and Gone

In less than a week's time, I will have officially completed my first year of college and will never again be referred to as a freshman. Wow, it has gone by so quickly! I have made so many new friends; learned how to live on my own (without financial support from my parents!); gained weight, as well as lost some; found a home-away-from-home at a local church, Woodburn Baptist; declared a major (Psychology), even though I have no idea what I will do when I leave WKU; and so much more!

The experience has been absolutely wonderful, through both the good and the bad. For instance, a pipe burst on the 5th floor of my residence hall not once, but twice this year! Our water was turned off for a while and we could not flush the toilets, but everyone banded together and helped out, filling up trashcans with water to empty down the stairwell and offering their towels to those who had water leaking into their rooms. On the bright side, we now have a really cool t-shirt for our hall, with a picture on the back depicting the flood that we "survived," as well as a funny inside-joke that we will never forget.

If I was asked what was my favorite thing about my freshman year at Western, I do not think I could answer! I truly love the Hill and having the opportunity to continue my education, not only in knowledge of history, literature, science, etc., but of life and myself, what I believe and what I am passionate about. College is one of the biggest adventures of life and I am so excited to share my journey with you! With three more years to go, I am sure that I will have many more nuggets of wisdom to pass on to future classes of WKU. I hope you keep reading and feel free to leave comments with any questions you have!

Take Back the Night

This week has gone by sooo slow, yet the month just flew by. It felt like yesterday that I was marching the streets of Bowling Green yelling and chanting, “1, 2, 3, 4! We won’t take it anymore! 5, 6, 7, 8! No more violence! No more hate!”

Why, do you ask……??? Well, March is sexual assault awareness month and as a community, with the help of Hope Harbor, we broke the silence and stood up against violence. Not only people from around the Bowling Green community, but WKU’s community was there marching the streets, sharing poetry, and speaking up with their own stories. Every March I get a group of girls together from Western to participate with me. This year it was Emily, Regina, and Lauren. The event was a big eye opener.

As the sun went down that evening, candles were passed around and we lit them to remember all those who have been a victim and we sang “This little light of mine”. The stories told were very moving and at times I had to wipe away the tears from my eyes. How could someone put up with that?! IT’S NOT OK!!!! This event was put into place to let other victims know that it’s ok to speak out and tell your story. We as a community are behind you!!!

I originally heard of this event through the Health Education Department and have attended the past three years now. Every year more people attend and GUESS WHAT??? You get free t-shirts!!! You will learn about so many events like these on the bulletin boards in the halls, from your professors, and/or fraternities/sororities. It’s a great way to get involved with the campus and the community!

P.S. I’m sure some of you have heard of the Swine Flu that is making its rounds, so just take the right precautions: cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue and don’t forget WASH YOUR HANDS and no one will think you’re weird if you’re singing the ABC’s to make sure you’re doing it long enough! Haha!!! Have a good one!!!

Ubercoolness

"YOU WON!"
"Huh? Me? Amber? I won something??? But I never win anything."

Yes indeed. Yours truly actually won something. Yay! How often does this happen?!? Like, never. But I did win a World Topper Scholarship last week *insert happy dance here*. It's a scholarship that WKU gives away to assist with the costs of studying abroad. Go me! There are other scholarships that are offered as well for studying abroad. A friend of mine won a full, all-expenses-paid scholarship from the Student Government Association. How cool is that? Go girl!

During my high school summer breaks I studied abroad in Denmark and Japan. Then two years ago, I spent a semester studying in Argentina. And although I'm sure my family is tired of asking me, "Where to next, Amber?" they congratulated me and wished me luck anyway. Maybe you are thinking I should attend a Study Abroadaholics Anonymous meeting? No way, José! Or maybe you are thinking I must be loaded. Again, no way. Scholarships are out there begging for you... apply for them!

Needless to say, I am absolutely THriLLeD and beyond tickled pink to get the opportunity again!!! You can never travel too much and a study abroad experience is worth 100% of the price, I promise you that.

Spain and Morocco: here I come!!!

Once I depart later on this summer, you will certainly continue to hear more about rewards of globe-trotting.

By the way, my celebrations from last weekend were amazing and loads of fun. And I was incredibly danced-out by the end of both nights. Somehow I even managed to make the front page of the university newspaper. At least I've finally learned how to sign a stunning autograph :P

Spring has finally arrived on the hill! The weather has been absolutely fantastic this week and everyone has been taking advantage of it. As I was eating lunch outside yesterday, many other students had found a nice place on the grass to study or to bathe in the sun before class. Some professors have even submitted to their students' requests to take learning outside for the day! Unfortunately, I have not been that lucky yet.

Our campus truly is a sight to see at this time of the year. As I walk to Cherry Hall in the mornings, I pass fully bloomed cherry trees planted to celebrate A Century of Spirit, creative statues, and the Centennial Fountain, located in between FAC and the library. WKU has put so much into making our campus the best in the nation and it really is beautiful. Despite the long walk up the hill, exploring and seeing it for yourself is definitely worth it. Until you can find the time to visit and schedule a tour, enjoy the photos I have taken as I am out-and-about here at Western

It's all about the climb

Do you ever have weeks where you're extremely stressed and have no idea how you'll get through the week? The tests and papers are never ending and everything seems to be due at the same time! Ahhhh!!!!!....can you hear me screaming? There are only two weeks left before finals week and so much to be done. Looking back, it seemed like it just flew by.
I think about all the cool stuff that has happened since January and all I can do is smile. At the beginning of the semester I decided to take a fun class that had nothing to do with my major or minor. I only had three required classes to take before student teaching so, the verdict was sewing. I have completely surprised myself after seeing all the wonderful things I’ve made. I thought I wouldn’t even be able to sew on a button, much less make an apron, a backpack, or 3T size pajamas! I’m working on my final project now and can’t wait to see the finished results.
I have overcome many obstacles and have enjoyed the ride it took me to get there. This past weekend I went to see the Hannah Montana movie with my niece Elizabeth, who just turned six, and Miley Cyrus’ new song “The Climb” described my journey at WKU to a tee! I didn’t know it, but these were moments that were going to be remembered most and it isn’t about how fast it took me to get to this point, but it was the climb.
It’s going to be a good weekend! Have an awesome weekend yourself and enjoy this beautiful weather!!!!!!! Maybe you’ll hear some Miley Cyrus and think of WKU! Haha!!!

Time to Celebrate!!!

So, I made it. A huge challenge was thrown at me this week with the combination of assignments, tests, a presentation, and a paper all due within two days of each other. Thank goodness this week is finally becoming history. Hasta luego, week of "no-sleep-for-Amber"! I made it through the gauntlet!!! Hooray!

To celebrate, there should be lots of fun things to do this weekend. Tonight is International Night and it is an annual event that has grown quite large. There will be lots of food, traditional clothing, dancing, henna tattoos, and many other very cool things from all over the world. The best spectacle of the night will be yours truly—dancing! A group of us will be performing a traditional Nepalese dance. We have had a fabulous time practicing (whenever we were not goofing off). I cannot wait for tonight!

Then, tomorrow night there is a formal event that I need to start getting ready for now since it takes me quite a while to get all “prettied” up ;). Dancing the whole night long, making a meal out of the tiny snacks that will be available, and having my hair a complete mess by the end of a night sounds like my kind of Saturday night.

Please enjoy your weekend as much as I will!

Hey incoming Hilltoppers!!! My name is Lee Ann and I’m from Cloverport, KY or if you go by counties, Breckinridge. Some usually have no idea where that’s at, so I always explain that it’s on the Ohio River and there are more cows than people. Haha! I’m not the only native from that area to attend Western; my cousins Jesse, Jaclyn, Jill, and Anna all attend or have attended here. I originally attended University of Louisville my first year of college and decided to transfer to WKU. Their campus was too big and I felt that I needed to be closer to home. At the time, my mom lived in Glasgow and so I started out at the extended WKU campus there. Two years went by, I arrived at the main campus and was finally home…..

I’m now a senior and have changed my major several times, which will probably happen to you and that’s o.k., from Biology to Health and finally deciding on English and Allied Language Arts in the end. As you can see, I have explored many different areas, but am very excited that I’m going to be a high school English teacher!!! Not only will I be certified in English, but will also be getting my certification in Health Education. This coming fall semester will be my last semester at WKU and I will be student teaching. I’m super excited, but will definitely miss the hill when I leave.

My favorite activity outside of school is dance. I have had many opportunities to coach like at Glasgow High School and currently help Greenwood High School’s dance team, which is cool because their head coach is also Western’s dance coach. This campus has many ways to get involved outside of the community.

There have been so many great experiences here at WKU; like in 2004 I represented Glasgow campus as a Homecoming Candidate! This gave me a chance to meet some other successful, sweet girls, attend many activities on the main campus and meet Big Red, who is my hero. As a student worker in the Admission’s office I have also been able to represent WKU in the roadpiece that is sent out to prospective students like you!

WKU during the spring time is the best! The dogwood and cherry blossom trees come to a close second to the bells that chime throughout the day as my favorite feature of the hill. I find myself humming or actually singing out loud to the tunes that are being played, like the Beatles. This could be a scary thing, but I’m usually not the only one joining in. This was definitely the college for me. I have made wonderful friendships and have memories here that I will take with me forever.

So, sit back and get ready for some exciting tales of “The Adventures of Hilltopper Land”!!!!!

When does Western Kentucky University become more than just a big hill, more than just a college that has accepted one's application? Although future students come to visit and take a tour, spending the day on campus, usually buying his or her first authentic Western t-shirt or hoodie, can they truly begin to call themselves Hilltoppers?

Thinking back to my ATP last March, I remember being so excited to finally have my Big Red ID card, so I could show my friends back home that I was officially a WKU student. I had already signed up for classes and was eagerly awaiting graduation, the final step before I could move onto to something bigger and better. Sure, I was going to be waking up early four out of five days of the week in the fall for Calculus at 8 in the morning, but I was looking forward to it because a GSP (Governor's Scholars Program) friend would be there with me. I was told of the limitless opportunities I would have while at WKU. There were tons of clubs to join, a wide variety of classes to take, and a potential new friend in every direction I looked.

During the drive back home, I realized that I would have to suffer through high school for a few more months, completing a portfolio that would never again be opened, and counting down the final days with my friends. Now do not get me wrong, I was not miserably trudging through my last days as a senior; I enjoyed spending time with people I would probably never talk to until our 10 year reunion, and relishing in the fact that life would never be that easy and stress free. Although I had a super long summer ahead of me - WKU was one of the last colleges to begin in the fall - and I wanted to be there at that instant, I did not feel that sense of belonging that had always been with me in my small hometown. Of course, I felt at home at WKU, but I could not yet call it my home. When would that change? What could possible happen over the summer that could transform me into a "college student"?

I cannot exactly describe the process, let alone find a fitting title for it, but I do know that I am no longer the same person I was when my high school principle shook my hand, smiled, and handed me my diploma. For my story, the drive away from home, leaving my mom, who would soon be crying; my sister, who was indifferent, although glad to no longer share a bathroom; and my stepdad, who would miss me, but didn't like to admit it; subliminally marked a new chapter in my life. Never again could I return to Brandenburg, KY the same person as everyone in the entire town knew. I was ready for the chance to prove to the world, but mainly myself, that I could do just fine on my own.

I asked a few of my friends, who are also in colleges across the state, what they thought had changed them from high schoolers to college kids. Most agreed that returning home for the first time was when it truly sank in; "...and while it sank in that I was really in college when I went home the first time, it came back and smacked me in the face over winter break when all I wanted to do was be back in my room on campus and with my WKU friends." I agree one hundred percent. The six week winter break seemed like an extremely long time away from Bowling Green, the place most of us were now referring to as our "home" in regular conversations. Returning home and spending time with high school friends is also a shock to some. You really notice how much you have grown up and changed when you compare yourself to the group you used to hang out with. Another widely agreed on source of change is freedom. I think one friend said it best when she told me that, "There's something about being entirely independent from your parents and being able to make your own choices 24/7 that makes you a college student. Sure, you can party every night, and it's ok if you're able to maintain your GPA. That doesn't happen in high school."

As you get closer to saying good bye to high school and hello to college life, know that the change does not happen over night. You will not wake up and magically be transformed the first time you sleep in your dorm room bed. Growing up takes time and living on the Hill is the perfect place to do just that.

The Guantlet Week

Welcome back:) I hope everyone who celebrates Easter did so with bottomless stomachs and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I did and I am still craving the yummy leftovers I will relish tonight.

My first conversation of the day:

Mr. Alarm Clock: (unnecessarily shouting) Rise and shine, princess! Today is your day!

Me: Are you seriously shouting at me already, Mr. Alarm Clock? Leave me alone for just a few more minutes [by the way, do not mind me; I have a tendency to bring inanimate objects to life]

Mr. Alarm Clock: Well yeah, you have a full day ahead of you, so please make me stop shouting at you before I overheat.

Me: (A gigantic pillow magically appears to knock me quite forcefully out of the bed) Oooooouuuch!!!! Augh. Whatever.

Well, needless to say, this week appears to have a gazillion challenges set-up already. Two tests, one presentation, and one paper due by midweek will have me studying like crazy and eating, drinking, and surviving in the library. I will almost enjoy the challenge, but that is a definite "almost". On top of that, my team has a soccer game to play tonight, there is a musical performance, an advisor meeting and some other huge application deadlines coming up this week. This week is definitely fully loaded.

If it had been any earlier in my college career, I may not have been able to successfully handle the workload, but that is why all of the "old veterans" always stress the process of a positive adjustment to college. It is highly advisable to develop great study skills within your first semester because from then on you will not freak out as you are learning how to stay caught up in your classes. One of the advantageous courses that freshmen are required to take is the University Experience class. Those classes get you prepared to tackle all of those unexpected things you may face once you begin college. You will learn about being proactive with your time, using library resources, various student organizations, influential community involvement, enhancing college-level cognitive skills, balancing your social life as well as general advice for academic success.

Also, if you ever need extra help beyond the University Experience course, there are always additional programs set up specifically to help you succeed in and beyond college. And should you ever be pleading for even more challenges, do not worry because those are certainly available as well in the form of one-on-one research with professors and other scholarly development projects.

After taking advantage of the college success programs, you will be able knock out those weeks that are entirely out of sync with your zen equilibrium. You and those toughspots will be great buddies once you reach your junior year. Like me, you might even begin to have fun with the challenge of completing the seemingly-impossible.

Please, cheer me on as I tug myself through this gauntlet of a week!

To Facebook or not to Facebook - a post by Jennifer H.

Hello again!

Hopefully by now many of you have already visited Western’s campus and attended an ATP (Academic Transitions Program) to get one step closer to actually being a “college student” this fall. How exciting – your high school days are numbered! I am sure there is already a Facebook group dedicated to the incoming class of 2013. As someone who eagerly anticipated college and getting to know people I would be going to school with, I too joined groups like “Western Kentucky University Honors College Students,” “I’m a Western Kentucky University Freshmen of ’08,” “The Official WKU Class of ’12,” “Minton Hall ’08!” and “I Survived the Minton Lobby “Flood” of 2008.” Yes, I just listed five different social groups on Facebook that I am currently a member of. Silly? Maybe. Pointless? Maybe not.

Joining groups such as these and talking to new people, sharing majors and the decision to rush (to be Greek) or to stay independent, or possibly getting to know your future roommate are all perfectly fine ways to spend your time. You are becoming an adult, and how much or how little you tell others is your choice. I just want to pass down some advice because not too long ago I was in your shoes. Know this: not everyone you talk to on Facebook is who he or she appears to be in real life. Getting to know someone online can be much different than getting to know him or her in person, so sharing every little detail about yourself may not be the smartest decision. Also remember that about 20,000 students go to WKU, so you might not even meet half of these people.

Your days here on the lovely hill of WKU will be some of the best of your life. You will make friends for a lifetime, develop some nice calf muscles (unless you take the Big Red Shuttle every day), and learn more than just inside the classroom. But I will save the life lessons for another time. :) Until next time, have a great spring break!

From the fifth corner of the room

Well hello again!

My imagination goes to the fifth corner of a square room sometimes, so please bear with me now as I reveal a secret passion of mine, okay?

There is something that I absolutely love in life more than my clothes, more than a good movie, more than my phone, more than a Beyoncé concert, more than my new laptop, more than my I-Pod (ahem… clarification on the assumption of “spoiled-ness”: the last two were unexpected gifts from loved-ones which I greatly appreciated). If you were to put my “true love” in front of me, I would turn down all of the above. It is simple. My true love in life is really good food. Seriously, I am not joking. My friends can attest to this true love of mine. I mean, some foods are original, yet others are so complex. The options never end. It is always evolving and its flavors constantly intensifying.

Food reminds me of the majors available at Western Kentucky University. If you want something sweet perhaps you can go for half a dozen donuts dunked in child studies. Maybe you want to opt for something a little more challenging; hence you would go for a plate of crab legs served with a side of physics. Or maybe you like fancy desserts like six-tiered wedding cakes. In that case you might go for a slice of art. Maybe you prefer something a little more controversial; thus you might want to go for the bag of chocolate covered grasshoppers double-dipped in political science and religious studies. Perhaps you enjoy metropolitan cuisine which might inspire you to choose the new popular culture studies sushi roll this time. Perchance you can handle spicy foods and you are longing to order the habanera sauce poured over Spanish and Latin American studies. Or perhaps you would rather have something that is a bit more of an American staple food and in that case you cannot go wrong with mashed potatoes and a large spoonful of History flavored gravy. You possibly have a deep connection with Southern cuisine and cannot part with your grits sprinkled with anthropology and folklore. If a diet has you in the mood to eat healthy, then maybe the salad with pecan-crusted chicken would go well with the Nursing dressing. Maybe you are a part of that new organic food trend and opt for the hummus and plate of chemistry or agriculture. Perhaps a black-tie event encourages you to decide on something a bit more formal like caviar served over a bed of business. If you are a true chef, then maybe you want to create your own flavors to invent a new major dish. And maybe you are starved and cannot limit your options and just want it all. In that case, the buffet allows you to choose up to three majors to fit on your dinner plate.

No matter which food you pick to appease your appetite of the day, you cannot go wrong because it all tastes good if prepared correctly. Just as any food requires a great chef to be prepared correctly, so too does any student. Students require great chefs in the form of professors who are knowledgeable about whichever flavor may be their specialty. From personal experience, I have benefitted tremendously from the great “chefs” we have here at WKU. So do not be afraid to appease the appetite of your life because it is always fun to mix things up a bit. Go on and go for that fried catfish although you just ate spaghetti and meatballs (kind of like an architectural sciences and dietetics double major). You are unique, so make it personal and perfect for your own interests, desires and long-term appetite. Whichever food you choose it should satisfy your craving and give you the pleasure of eating the best (*insert your favorite food here*) you have ever put in your mouth. At WKU, you can order the major that is just right for you and there will be an advisor who is helping you out all along the way. I have benefited from the large menu available to us students and hope that your taste buds will help you decide which major you would like to order as well.

I am a little hungry now so I will see you all later!

By the way, wish my intramural soccer team good luck as we play in the semi-finals! All of us were surprised that we made it this far!

An Alumni Perspective...

It was springtime when I paid my first visit to WKU as a high school senior. How eager I was to put the days of high school behind me and embark on my journey to the freedom that only adulthood could offer. Little did I know as a 17-year-old from Nashville what excitement would lie on the road paved ahead.

To this day, I can remember the way the sun reflected across the colonnade as I stood on the crosswalk between Garrett Conference Center and the Fine Arts Complex, both significant haunts of mine as the years progressed. This was it. I was going to be an accomplished journalist and WKU would be my launching pad.

Of course, my parents were thrilled, to say the least. I would spend my days just 60 miles north of my hometown and commute home on weekends with loads of laundry and stories to tell. I was eligible for in-state tuition and I qualified for a few scholarships as well. I would room with a friend from high school (an eventual disaster), and attend freshmen orientation in the fall.

That day in August was a hot one. We moved into Northeast Hall (formerly East Hall – with NO air conditioning back then, mind you), my Dad stuck a WKU sticker in the back window of my car and I cried as I watched my parents and younger sister exit the parking lot to head for home. This was no summer camp. This was it. There would be many more times in my life I would watch my parents drive from sight. But nothing, nothing at all has ever compared to that very first bittersweet taste of freedom.

Choosing a college or university for me was easy. I knew the moment I set foot on campus much like love at first sight. It’s a decision I did not take lightly. WKU offered the program of study I wanted, the extracurricular activities I was interested in, it was close to home and I was comfortable here.

You have a lot of important decisions awaiting you as well to mark your transition into young adulthood. While at WKU, I studied, made friends with whom I still keep in touch today; I practiced my faith, became a part of the local music scene as a performer, had great times and even met the man who would eventually become my husband.

I would invite each of you to come to Western. Visit our campus. See if it speaks to you as it has to so many who have come before you. If you’re lucky like me, maybe one day your beloved alma mater will welcome you back with open arms in a professional capacity, but rest assured, once a Hilltopper, always a Hilltopper!

Best of luck on your college search,

Corie Morell Martin
Communications Coordinator, WKU Office of Admissions
WKU Class of 1996

Welcome our latest student blogger, Jennifer H.

One year ago, I would never have thought I would be spending my nights in a dorm room, living with my biggest soccer rival from the four years I played in high school, and waking up to fire alarms at 5:35 on a Monday morning. I knew I wanted to go to college, but I had no idea where, or even what I was going to major in for that matter. Everything seemed “up in the air” with my life, but now I can thankfully say that the weeks of anticipating the drive away from my small town, Brandenburg, KY, and into a new one, Bowling Green, are over. My name is Jennifer, I’m a freshman majoring in psychology, and I love life here at Western Kentucky University.

To be completely honest with you, I was totally unsure about where I would be attending college after my senior year of high school. Seriously - I applied to 17 different schools. You may be wondering why I chose WKU, or what was so special about this particular university that caught my eye? That is an easy question; what is there not to love? When I was here on a visit last year, I was taken on a personal tour of the campus with a senior representative. I had a meeting with an Honors Admissions Counselor to discuss the exciting opportunities that were in store for me. I was offered a very nice scholarship, one that has given me the opportunity to reach out to prospective students and their families, like you. The campus is beautiful, no matter if it is 75 degrees or 28 degrees. I also love my professors, those who go the extra mile and care about their students’ success. There are so many opportunities to get involved it is unreal. I am a member of Baptist Campus Ministries and the Special Events co-chair of the Honors Club. The opportunities are endless.

That is only a short glimpse of all the wonderful things Western Kentucky University has to offer. The picture is different for everyone, and you can make it as colorful as you wish. I cannot see myself at any other college than WKU. It is a perfect fit, and I hope it can be for you as well.

So many events, so little time!

Hi there!

Now that we're not strangers anymore, you have no choice but to be thrown into my busy daily life at WKU! Lately there have been so many choices of events to attend around campus that my calendar has begun to beg me to put down the pen for just one week. Well, Mr. Calendar, I don’t know about you, but I love free things and I am not about to stop attending all of the great free events on campus, so quit complaining, do your job and make a little more room!

WKU hosts so many events that I don’t know even where to begin. Students can attend everything from a one-man play about President Lincoln to lectures by world-renowned authors such as Frank McCourt; fun and casual lectures from TV and film personalities like marine biologist Jeff Corwin, and actress Mary Badham, who played “Scout” in the 1962 version of To Kill a Mockingbird. There are also more serious informational sessions delivered by International political figures like the United Nations Ambassador to Ecuador Maria Fernanda Espinosa. That’s not even mentioning the countless art gallery exhibitions, musical performances, sporting events and more!

Last week, I chose to attend the Taikoproject which was part of the annual Cultural Enhancement Series, a group of events co-sponsored by the Potter College of Arts & Letters. Let me tell you, it was absolutely phenomenal! (As in, my friends are absolutely sick of hearing about how great it was, but I know deep inside they are really jealous they did not get to go since the venue was packed!)

Basically, the Taikoproject is a group of uber-talented Japanese-Americans from California who wanted to carry-on the Japanese art of Taiko drumming here in the USA so they got a group started and hit the road. It was not just a bunch a boring drumming. It was more like a saga, a run through the jungle, a leap off of a waterfall, a climb to the edge of a cliff, then jum....NOT THAT FAR, AMBER! The audience was laughing, singing and thoroughly enjoying themselves at this two-hour performance. There was not a single person in the room that wasn’t inspired to dream a little bigger after seeing and hearing the stories of these talented young folks. That is just one of the many benefits of the Cultural Enhancement Series - it encourages people act on their environment and motivates the audience to not settle for the usual because perhaps trying something different and thinking outside of the box might lead to greater success.

Here at WKU, there is a huge push to educate the student as an entire being, not just academically. The faculty encourages students to understand what it is like in the real world with so many diverse people and situations to encounter each day. They want to challenge our views so that we may develop ourselves enough to be confident and sure-footed about whom we are as contributors to this global economy. They want us to see for ourselves what success looks like through the eyes of professionals in their fields so that one day we may emulate this success through our own manifestations. The events and guest speakers that WKU sponsors are indeed something special that will enhance your education as a well-rounded and shall I say "cultured" person in this society where it matters.

Oh yeah, and how about those great plays our men's basketball team pulled off in the NCAA tournament? We were SO close!!! I can already taste a Hilltopper victory coming up next year!

Well I better go grab some lunch before heading over to class. Until next time!

WKU Student Blog Post: Amber D.

Hey out there! WKU student here!

My name is Amber, hailing from the lovely metropolis of Georgetown, KY. I am double majoring in Spanish Language and Literature and Communication Studies and I am working on a minor in International Business. I have two semesters left at WKU and I will most likely return to get my Master's degree from here as well, because apparently I just can't get enough of "the hill"! (They freak you out with all of the hype about the calf 'n thigh-sculpting hill, but it is not that bad, I swear!)

The majority of college graduates in my family are WKU alumni, hence, I wanted to be different and go to another school. I finally ended my rebellion and transferred to WKU in the fall of 2007. (Life lesson learned: Give it up and listen to your elders, they really do know what they are talking about.)

The programs here definitely prepare students for a successful future because of the knowledgeable and experienced faculty we have as professors. All of my teachers know my name and always have a friendly greeting for me when I pass them in the hallways. While here, you will find that all of the faculty and staff are here for you and are student-focused, whether that be your advisor, your residential assistant (RA), the student center manager, the food court servers, or the friendly staff in the billings department.

Since I have been at WKU, I have embraced all of the opportunities available to me. Last year, I was the vice president of the WKU International Club-- an organization with over 200 members. With other members of the International Club, I participated in the Women's Intramural Soccer Tournament. Intramural sports are open to students regardless of skill level and our team was the perfect example of just how unskilled players can be yet still be able to participate. Even if we lost a lot, it was incredibly fun and we plan on winning this year's tournament. Last fall, I was a member of the WKU Spanish Club and just recently I joined WKU's chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. Once you get involved in campus activities, you will never find a dull moment.

My favorite thing about WKU is that if you do not see whichever organization, interest group, activity, or even major or minor offered then you can make it happen by coordinating with the various campus administrators. For that reason, at WKU the famous phrase, "Where there's a will, there's a way", has never been more accurate.

I look forward to keeping you all updated on the weekly adventures of my life as a Hilltopper and hope that one day you will come join all the fun!