Archives: Lynn
Founders Day!
Yestorday was Lynn University’s Founders Day. Once again, I ate myself sick. Three years in a row, I found all the good tents and stations and threw caution to the wind. The last two years, I had to work so I really couldn’t fully enjoy all the events of Founders Day, but this year, I was free all evening to eat great food, chill with friends, enjoy the band, and well, eat more food. lol. I can’t remember the name of the company, but they created mini doughnuts infront of you, deep fried oreo’s and mini waffles. It was pretty cool, and the line showed it. Little face prints could be seen at toddler hight on the glass. I ate so much kettle corn, and I finally got a founders day shirt! I don’t have a shirt from the last two years, but I made sure to get one this year!
I’m looking forward to next years, mostly because Michelle will be home from her study abroad and we can take crazy pictures again in the photobooth! I would share, but she is holding the photos hostage until she returns!
Bake Sales and Breast Cancer Walks
Last week, Black Student Union held a dollar bake sale to raise money for our upcoming events. I had a lot of fun with the bake sale. I learned that my VP Megan is amazing at selling baked goods! She had people dancing in the student center, giving away bags of chips if they showed us their best dance move. At the end of the three days, we made a lot of money for selling all good for a dollar or under. We were shocked as a club that just by selling two brownies for a dollar or four cookies for a dollar, we made a lot of money for our next event, BSU’s kick off party. We’ve been a busy club for the last few weeks, can’t wait to see all the effort come together on the 27th.
Friday night, I spent hours trying to get my project finished for one of my classes by midnight. I finally put all the finishing touches, and everything was turned in, but I couldn’t get to sleep until 2am. That wouldn’t be so bad if the Sigma’s hadn’t signed up to set up for the Breast Cancer walk and we had to meet at 4:45 am. I tried really hard to go to sleep as soon as my head hit the pillow, but it felt like soon as I had passed out, my alarm was going off, and I was extremely confused. I rushed to get washed and dressed before my pillow called me back.
I made my way over to the school’s coffee shop, Christine’s. It wasn’t open but its a good meeting spot from anywhere on campus. We were wishing it was open, breakfast and coffee would have been great since most of us looked like we just walked out of a zombie movie. Ally was holding onto her coffee like a mother would to a small child crossing the street, she wasn’t going to let it go! Tova brought mini doughnuts which vanished as quickly has they came. Finally all dressed in matching outfits we packed into the cars.
Once we arrived at the walk, just like Sigma’s do, we rushed to all the areas that still needed to be set up. It may have been 5:30 in the morning, but we were caring heavy boxes, covering tables, and posting signs as fast as we could, then turning around to figure out what else we could do. FAU had some of their fraternity boys there as well, caring tables and opening boxes to lay out information. I watched as Mizner Park transformed into a sea of empowered pink. The numbers grew from a small 50 to hundreds of people with their children and pets. Survivors told their stories. My sisters were buzzing with excitement since this was our first year actually walking, normally we just set up.
At 9 am, with news cameras everywhere the 5 mile walk kicked off. It was great so see so many faces from Lynn, it was great to see the support of the community. I really enjoyed bonding with my sisters as we talked, joked, and reminded ourselves why being sisters is so great. At the end of the day, I learned a lot about breast cancer, accomplished more by 11 am than I think I ever have done in weeks (since normally on a sat I am just waking up at 11), and bonded with my sisters.
Its been a busy week and I loved every minute of it! Next weekend, I get to go home. I get to see my mom and my kitties, but before that, I better get to all this homework!
What’s that annoying sound???
Tonight, I had just changed into my PJ’s and was about to make a snack before studying for my marketing test tomorrow when the fire alarm went off. I was standing by my sink when this very loud and annoying sound starting blasting into my ear and all I could think was, what the heck is that annoying sound???? Duh, it was the fire alarm. I always forget about that thing. To me, it doesn’t sound like a fire alarm so I always pause and have to think about it.
So yes, I was standing outside on the field by the softball and baseball field that is just grass, looking at my building, Freiburger, not seeing smoke. Great, a drill. I am starting to think we are the only building that has drills. That’s two in two weeks. Please tell me this isn’t a start to a pattern!
I was joking with some of the freshmen girls out on the field about past fire drills, the one at 4 am, the one that flooded Old Lynn, oh the fun that happens because the fire alarm went off!
I think the worst part about fire alarms going off at random times, is someone always happens to be in the shower… including 4 in the morning. Ya, not the best way to exit a building, still soapy and in a towel. Luckily, a girl ran to her room and threw on some clothes. I’m just happy that I remembered to grab my key and a jacket…. hey, I said I was in my pjs!
College: Best Time to Meet Yourself
For my 300th post, I was stumped at what to write. 300 posts about college is a lot. From my first day to my junior year where I am about to take my VCATS and the GRE.
I’ve learned that college is a great time to learn about yourself. I know I have said it many times before, but I’ve honestly learned more about myself in the last three years than I could have ever thought possible. Each year I look back and see how much I’ve grown, how my actions effected my life.
I’ve learned that the end of the day, chances are you are going to get sick with what ever is going around campus. Swine Flu is really messing up my plans this year, trying to avoid sick students is hard, and the extra worry that they may have a flu that is killing people all over the world is not a comforting feeling. The fact that the school has spent money on hand sanitizers all over campus is a good sign that there is a large effort to stop the spread of germs.
I’ve learned that it is really annoying to have a car sometimes. Not the car itself, but people wanting rides. Sometimes, I find it hard to figure out if people want to be friends with me or just because I have a car. Some are very honest about why they are befriending me, they openly ask for rides to places, while others are more coy and it may take a few conversations to realize it. I know some people with cars don’t mind giving rides, but I can’t stand it. It find it so rude when people ask me because most of the time, they want me to bend to their schedule. I thought I was doing them a favor…. People without cars on campus seem to forget that cars run on gas and students aren’t taxi services. If you are going to ask someone for a ride, thank them. They didn’t have to take you to where you needed to go or take time out of their day when they weren’t heading in that direction.
I’ve learned that there are tons of unhealthy relationships going on in college. From the distractions, the cheaters, the liers, the stealers, the heartbreakers, and the flat out abusive. Like I said, college is the best time to learn about yourself and relationships are apart of who we are as individuals. I’ve learned friends and parents are usually the best bet to learn if someone is good for you. If your friends and family don’t like the new guy, he needs to hit the road.
I’ve learned that not everyone is designed to have a roommate and that not all types of people make good roommates. I have a single this year because I study better when I have my own space and can study when ever I can. I feel too stressed out when there are other people around when I am studying. I can have my room the way I like it so I am comfortable while trying to learn tough subjects like microbiology or organic chemistry. My grades inprove greatly when I am by myself in a room. Some students don’t do so well on their own, they need that contact or their grades drop. It really depends on the student. Some days I liked having a roommate but other days it was too distracting from why I am here at Lynn, to get an education.
And last but not least, I’ve learned to enjoy college! I really feel that this year is my year. We only have 4 years to be in this crazy artificial world that allows us to try new things and explore who we are in a safe mannor where we can learn from our mistakes where there are not lasting effects…. well, most of the time. Each year, I find myself tryin new things, exploring new options. I want to enjoy my 4 years of college to the max. I look back at high school as a waste of time, I don’t want to look back and see college the same way. So far, I am really enjoying college and I hope it keeps going the way it has been. I love being president of Black Student Union this year, planning events, seeing an idea on paper come to life. I love my sisters and all that we stand for as Tri Sigmas. I have awsome friends. College is what you make it, and I am working very hard to to make it the best 4 years possible!
Busy Little Bee
Lately, I have been so busy, my calendar on outlook looks more like a rainbow than anything else. Right now, I am just trying to do the best that I can do, while trying to make an impact at Lynn. I have a lot of programs that I am working on at the moment for Black Student Union. It is a lot of hard work being president for an organization. Expecially when the organization curently is under staffed.
I am really busy this year, but I am loving it. I have a lot of big ideas and I really want to see them come to life. I keep telling myself to just do what I love, work as hard as I can, and learn from my mistakes, even if others can’t seem to let them go. Its all new, exciting, and confusing at the same time. I just know that at the end of this school year, I am going to look back and see a wonderful year and be proud of all that I have done, learned, and worked so hard to create.
President Ross and the New Blog Squad
Today had a very unusual lunch. I had lunch with President Ross of Lynn University along with all the bloggers. It was our first chance as bloggers to all sit down together to meet each other in our new roles. It is fun to see who I will be working side by side with online for the school year. I knew some already on a personal note.
It was a little strange to meet everyone while meeting the president of our university. No pressure or anything! I have heard President Ross speak many times over the last two years at school and he is a wonderful speaker. I personally think that his age and dreams for Lynn work for him. Who cares if the other universities have guys in their 70’s, when they were in college, our parents weren’t even alive, so what do they know about today’s generation? He told us about his college years while asking us about how ours were going, even if it was only really day 5 for one of us, Kerri. President Ross has a great gift to walk into a room and make everyone feel comfortable. I found out just a few days ago, he risked embrassment and put on his dancing shoes for a good cause, scholarships for college students. Aparently, he’s willing to do things out of his norm infront of 500 people or get twitter (after Jason, our boss creates it for him and teaches him how to use it.) for his students. I wonder what he will be twittering about? Hmm, I guess that might mean I would have to create a twitter acount myself.
When I first got the email that the president wanted to have lunch with the bloggers, I laughed at the email, not believing it. I read it over again and thought about it. A man that is so busy, a student has to request a meeting weeks in advance is openly asking the bloggers to lunch? Plus, he was a huge fan of bloggers? I was shocked, then I was nervous, what was I going to wear!? lol. I just couldn’t believe he wanted to meet with the bloggers.
I was on my way to his office when he was heading towards me with other students, which one kept saying “Christines” over and over again, which to me ment the coffee shop, not thinking about the Christines meeting room, so I was wondering why I needed to follow Dr. Ross as he got coffee when we were supposed to be meeting upstairs in his conference room. (Later, I found the text message that was supposed to inform me of that, my phone was already on silent by this point.)
The food was great, but it seemed hardly any of us touched it from trying to keep up with the conversation. I know that was my reason, that and I didn’t want to drop food on myself from not fully paying attention since I saw Jason was fully prepared with his camera in the back of the room.
After tons of questions about our lives, where we were all from, what we wanted from Lynn, what he wanted from Lynn, I could finally see why this man is paid the big bucks. He really wants the best for Lynn University. I think if he had more time, he would spend more time just sitting around, listening to students and personally letting us in on his vision for Lynn. Just listening to him talk about everything that is planned for this school year explained a lot of why half the school looks like its being dug up. The tennis courts are being moved as well as the outside basketball courts. New lights are being put in. There are just so many small to large projects happening across the campus.
At the end of the day, I am excited that we have such a cool university president. Dr. Kevin Ross just wants to be open to change, ideas, and standing out from other universities. He has only been at this for 4 years at Lynn, which I was shocked to learn. Aparently I was informed this my freshmen year, but honestly, my thoughts weren’t on how long the president had been at the university or his plans, more like, so where is this class again and how much is the textbook??? By the way President Ross, if you are reading this, is there anything you could do about those biology book prices? I’ve also heard the business degree books are up there as well…. just a thought.
The formal lunch may have ended at 12:20, but that didn’t stop the bloggers from talking at mad speed for another hour. No one seemed to hold back their questions for each other, most being new at the school blogging gig. I got to meet Natalie, the soccer player, plus new blogger. I was really excited to meet her since I love soccer and love watching the games. Last year when we were talking about adding more bloggers, one being an athlete, I was praying it was a sport that I liked so I would actually read it. Aftering meeting Natalie, and walking over to the gym with her in the heavy rain, I am every excited to read her blog! She is really cool, fun, and an awsome soccer player. I met Kerri the newest to Lynn and the new youngest on the blog squad. Yes! Its not me anymore! No more teasing… at least about that. Gene will find something by the next meeting. ( I dont’ mind, just happy he’s healthy! Read his blog about his scary summer health issue.) Then there was JD, who has been talking about blogging for a while, now he’s up and online! Writing in spanish, so I have no clue what he’s saying. lol. I got to sit next to my sister Steph, who is now a blogger, here,there, everywhere! She is busy promoting disablity awareness month next month that she has created at Lynn. (She started planning it her freshmen year! She thinks big.) I talked to the two Ryan’s and Kevin for a few minutes before they ran to class due to the rain.
I am looking forward to working side by side with the new blog squad as well as reading what they have to say. Check us all out at http://blogs.lynn.edu/.
Last night at home
Tonight is my last night at home and I’m sad but excited to leave. I can’t wait to start school. Even though I know I am going to be extremely busy for the first few weeks, I know it will all be worth it. I’m looking forward to moving in on friday as well as meetings for Black Student Union, Recruitment for Sigma Sigma Sigma, oh and, class.
I may still coach youth soccer again this year at night. I’m hoping to get a part time job during the morning at a vet clinic to get some practice. Its going to be a busy year and I love it! All I can say is, bring it on!
It is sad to leave home, say good bye to my mom. She’s almost near tears, repeating over and over again that I am going off to college. I keep trying to inform her that it isn’t the first time. She really seemed to enjoy having a few weeks with me home. I think its because she could use me as a maid to clean the house to her liking, (one of the perks of living in a small dorm room, small space to clean.) and that we got a chance to go see a few movies together.
Well, its off to bed for me. I only have a few hours left to get everything packed away and say good bye to my mom tonight since she’ll be at work when I leave.
Too excited to sleep
It is almost 1 am and I am to excited to sleep. I am looking forward to school to start in a few days. Yes, I’m the nerdy kid who loves the first day of school. I am using the Tri Sigma mentality, always moving forward. I’m looking forward, and enjoying what is yet to come. I am looking forward to moving into my dorm room! Finally, a single! All to myself, from the start. I have so many ideas for the room design, my mother is scared and has recently and oh so convenitly “lost” her wallet.
Black Student Union is going to be up and running this school year, ya! New exciting programs to come up with and new people to meet. Sigma Sigma Sigma recruitment, making new friends, loving new sisters. I am looking forward to continue with the ideas that I started last year and to see how they have grown over the summer to make them even better for the sorority. This year, I really want to take the time and get to know all the great women I call my sisters. I feel like I missed out on getting to know some of the ones that graduated last year and now they are gone becoming wonderful women in their fields.
Then there are the new labs, new ways to try and blow up our lab experiments. 
Just joking Professor Ahmed!
This is the year where I have to find a job in my future field. I am going to the career center soon as I get back so they can help me make sure that I get the right job that meets the requirments that I need to get into a veterinarian school.
It is going to be a very busy year this year, but I am very excited to jump into it and get started! I have a feeling I may have over booked myself, but I’m not worried. I am looking forward to seeing what I learn about myself this year and the great adventures I find myself in over time. I feel like junior year is my year to shine. Freshmen year was the year to adapt to my new life, sophomore year was the year to work hard and focus on my grades and what made me happy, now it’s my year to come out of my shell and make my mark.
Mini Vacations
Right now, I am in Florida! During a heat wave. Boo… lol. I’m here to see some friends and enjoy the sun and beaches. I’ve been waiting for these four days in the sun for a while now. I spent yestorday at the beach and visiting the zoo.
It feels strange to be back in Boca Raton when I’m not at Lynn. I feel like a tourist but I know where I am going. I’ve been really enjoying the time I can now take to learn about this amazing part of Florida that I spend 8 months in and hardly ever have time out of the lab to see it all.
I’m surprised that Florida seems so peaceful and quiet just days after the 4th of July. Maybe it’s because it is so hot outside.
On a sad note, I’m sorry to say that I got an email from Lynn Universities president, that a student at Lynn, a sophomore named Wyatt, passed away on July 4th. Even during the summer, Lynn University is making sure that if its students need grief counseling that they can call Lynns counseling center. The staff are on duty even during the summer.
I hope everyone is having a safe summer. Sun block is a must even if you are not at the beach. Don’t forget to make sure all of your paperwork is in at the school. It is as easy as a single phone call to 561-237-7184.
(Hint hint moms and dads great summer sales on dorm stuff going on now!)
Lets try something new
I just got an idea. How about some incoming freshmen or their lovely parents email me questions they have about Lynn. I always write what I think is helpful, but maybe I’m missing some information.
So fire away! email me at manderson5@email.lynn.edu!
I’m excited, lets see what happens! I wonder what questions I haven’t thought of yet? Hmm….
