April 10, 2008
I don’t know where time keeps going, but I’m pretty sure that this year will be over before I know it. It’s been a good year, albeit a very busy year. This week was supposed to be easy, but it was active in several aspects. There wasn’t a ton of work, just lots of events and things I did to fill the empty time.
Last weekend held an event known as Festivus. The women wear sundresses and the men dress up. A lot of them get together and have a giant get-together. There is barbecue, crawfish, and socializing. Some alumni even come back for it. I worked in the Admissions Day, though. I helped with paperwork and answered questions for people who wanted a tour. I also gave another tour later that day for thirty women who graduated in 1970. They basically gave me a tour and showed me lots of places on-campus that I didn’t even know existed. These activities consumed a good portion of Saturday for me. In the upcoming week, I would continue to give tours, four to be exact, as well as answer questions at an Accepted Students lunch.
The alumni group wanted me to take everyone’s picture… many times
My classes were fairly light since I’m on pace or ahead in most things. I began a new sculpture project this week and it should turn into a harp. That’s a big “should”. With my artistic talents, or lack thereof, it could turn into anything. I did write a paper for CORE and discussed it with my teacher, but that was fairly simple. With everything, my life is in order right now as I’m bearing down on finals.
So, what did I do with my free time, you may ask. Well, part of it was consumed with my role as Freshmen Class President. We held a March Madness event for the Championship game and had free pizza and chips and so many other snacks. Thirty guys showed up and everyone seemed to have a good time. In order to prepare for the event, I was able to go shopping with my good friend, Andrew. We had a really fun trip as we explored Richmond, bought supplies, and then went out to eat. My term as Class Chair ended with that event, so I had to run for re-election. I was unopposed and so I will serve another term with a new Cabinet.
We went through a lot of pizza
Our spread of snacks was amazing
Once again, I had free time for dinner, so I went to a local restaurant called “Mexicos” with some friends and had a great meal there. It’s always a nice treat to get off-campus and see what Richmond has to offer. Finally staying on-campus for a meal, I caught Oriental Night at our dining center. They decorated everything with Oriental umbrellas and cherry blossoms and it looked really cool. They also served sushi, seaweed salad, egg rolls, and lots of other Oriental foods. These specialty nights are great because they often bring in food that we may not normally get to eat here, let alone anywhere.
Eating at Mexicos with friends
One of the stations with lots of fruit
There are Oriental umbrellas for decoration
To wear off the food, I went to the gym. Somehow, I managed to bike six miles and run five miles straight, which is amazing for me since I’m definitely not a runner and the most I’d run in a row before that had been two miles. I just kept watching TV and running with the treadmill. I guess that working out isn’t that bad and our school makes sure that we have everything we could possibly need to enjoy ourselves.
For a third time this week, I went into town. This time, I needed to see an optometrist to get my eyes checked so that I can renew my driver’s license. It was a big hassle for me since I can’t renew it in person before it expires. This means that I get lots of paper work and I get to jump through hoops. Still, I made the most of the trip by shopping for supplies for our Relay for Life event this weekend.
I also saw a fun event sponsored by one of our sororities. It is a talent show/ beauty pageant for men to win the title of Mr. Alpha Chi. It was really funny and a great way to get some comedic relief. Speaking of comedic relief, “The Office” is back. A group of my friends got together to watch the first new episode and to welcome it back.
And the winner is…
On a more serious not, Take Back the Night was on Tuesday. Take Back the Night is an annual event meant to raise awareness for domestic violence and also show support for its victims. I participated as our campus had a candlelit walk around the lake in silence and also several speakers to talk about the issue.
The crowd at Take Back the Night
The candlelit walk in silence
Finally, the University of Richmond had the privilege of hosting Ben Bernanke, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve. He spoke on-campus, a very rare appearance for him, and talked about the economic state of the country. The governor of Virginia as well as Richmond’s mayor and local business executives were in attendance along with some students. Bernanke actually co-wrote a book with one of our Business School’s professors, which is exciting. He’s considered one of the most powerful men in the world and he’ took the time to talk to us. Additionally, astronaut and Richmond alum Leland Melvin spoke on campus about his explorations.
Some of our students wanted to make a statement
regarding Tibet and China
That’s all for this week. The weekend looks to be crazy and busy for me with the inauguration of our President as well as Relay for Life. I’m trying to enjoy everything as it comes since the year’s almost over. Check back in to see how I wrap up the year. Not even I have a clue as to how that will turn out.
Quote of the Week: “The trouble with jogging is that by the time you realize you’re not in shape for it, it’s too far to walk back.” -Franklin Jones
Thought to Ponder: When a boy is named after his dad, he is called “Junior”. What is a girl named after her mom called?
Shout Outs: The alumni
YouTube Video of the Week:
Cubicle Prank
