Ben, ‘11

Now that the first semester of my Sophomore year is officially done, I feel as though it would be a good time to give a recap of everything that I have done this semester. So, as I promised, here is a look back at all of my experiences from fall semester:

The best word to describe this past semester would be “busy”. At times, I was juggling academics, organizations, and work. I admit I tried to do a bit too much at times and that was my own fault, but I learned as the semester went on. I don’t know how I kept up with everything at times, but it all got done. It required much finesse and numerous calendars and checklists, but everything was kept straight and I completed every assignment on time. My first priority, academics, was quite tough this semester. I took Financial Accounting, Rhetoric and Public Address, Business and Software Tools, Justice and Civil Society, and Campaigns 2008. I had numerous papers, thirty hours of volunteer work at a local ESL program for my Leadership class, and a calculated 3,841 pages of reading, which made academics quite challenging, yet interesting and educational at the same time. During this semester, I officially declared my intention to double major in Business and Leadership Studies with an additional minor in Law and the Liberal Arts. I also decided to become a Speech Fellow in the Speech Center next year. Now that grades are posted, I am incredibly proud of the grades I have been able to achieve. It wasn’t easy, but it feels good to see my hard work pay off. I feel like I should mention a bit more about my classes, but don’t really know what else to say right now.

All of my textbooks from this semester

Celebrities Marlon Wayans, Jurnee Smollett, and Tatyana Ali
visited my Leadership Class to Rock the Vote

Just one of my calendars which keeps track of my life

One of the classes I took was Campaigns 2008. With this program, we were the guinea pigs for a new type of residence hall at the University of Richmond. All fifteen of us in the class lived on the same hallway and participated in outside-the-classroom activities to supplement our readings and in-class discussions including debate watches and convention viewing parties. In addition, we created our own media ads and volunteered on the presidential campaigns. We lived in an amazing residence hall and had a lot of fun. Sure, we got rather heated at times and it is difficult to have fifteen politically active students with various political leanings living side by side, but it was fun and a great semester. We created our own little family. We had hallway dinners and used the kitchen to bake and decorate Christmas cookies and then have a Home Alone party. It was a lot of fun to be in the program.

My half of my room in Lakeview

Another part of my room

Our hallway’s lounge where we like to hang out

Displaying the political divisiveness of my own suite

Besides academics, organizations have consumed much of my time. InterVarsity has probably been the #1 time consumer. I was in charge of social activities for the semester and we had a ton that took place. So, we had a Medallion Hunt, Scavenger Hunt, Movie and Game Nights, Karaoke Nights, and so much more. They were a lot of fun and here are some of the highlights:

Watermelon eating contest at Extreme H2O

Sunrise Trip to Virginia Beach

Karaoke Night

Winner of “I can’t believe we all fit in here”
for the Scavenger Hunt

Halloween Dance Party in the Commons

InterVarsity also does some larger events throughout the semester that I participated in. I went on the Fall Retreat in the mountains of western Virginia and also the 222 Conference in Hampton, Virginia. Both lasted the entire weekend and were a lot of fun. They are a great way to escape campus for a short while and meet new people.

Fall Retreat in western Virginia

Hanging out at the bonfire on Fall Retreat

Having some fun and acting like kids

Dance party at the end of 222

The UR group who went to 222

Of course, I am in other groups besides InterVarsity. I remain President of my class and also actively involved in planning this year’s Alternative Spring Break for the Collegiate Disaster Relief Team. In addition, I was Captain of a Relay for Life team and also active in the United Methodist group on-campus. There were lots of events, but more meetings than anything else. It was quite taxing at times to keep up with everything, so I might reevaluate my commitments rather soon.

A Rockband Tournament that I hosted for Class Cabinet

Baking Christmas cookies with the United Methodist group

Some of the members of my Relay for Life team

The last group that I should mention is my Oldham scholar group. Once again, we went on a trip this November. New York City was the destination this time. The family that gives the scholarship paid for us to fly round trip to New York City for a weekend getaway. While there, we ate at fantastic restaurants, saw the opening night of “Faust” at the Metropolitan Opera, and also saw “In the Heights” on Broadway. During the trip, we stayed at a Hilton on Avenue of the Americas and right outside my window was Radio City Music Hall. It was so much fun to get to travel with friends and experience some amazing things that I would never get the chance to otherwise do.

Having fun in the subways of New York City

Viewing the Statue of Liberty

Lady Liberty on the way to Ellis Island

The set for “In the Heights”

Of course, life isn’t only academics and organizations. I also make plenty of free time to have fun with friends. There were numerous a cappella concerts, improv comedy shows, intramural sports games, movies in the Pier, and dinners in downtown Richmond. Here are a few of the highlights:

Going to an 80s-themed sorority social with a friend

Eating out at Capital Ale House for Dollar Burger Night with friends
Having Nerf gun wars across my entire residence hall

Jamming out on Rock Band with friends

An a cappella concert by the Octaves

One of my favorite activities this semester was going to the football games. We had a rough start, but ended up having a miracle season and winning the National Championship for the Football Championship Series. Despite being much smaller in school population than the other teams we played, we overcame a lot of obstacles and won it all. This was our first team title since our school began 178 years ago. It was an amazing season to watch and track all throughout the playoffs. The team created the most school spirit that I have seen since I arrived and they really added a lot to this semester.

Watching our football team do magnificently

Our football team winning the National Championship

Some of the other fun events included scheduled big-name performances through the Modlin Center and other groups. I am a big fan of these performances and their cheap or free tickets for students. This semester, I only made it to a few, but they were worth it. I saw the Reduced Shakespeare Company, David Sedaris, LA Theatre Works, Rockapella, and several other performances. In addition, Ben Lee came to campus and gave a great show.

Reduced Shakespeare Company

Ben Lee performing at the Pier

Throughout this entire semester, I didn’t go home once. I stayed on-campus for Fall Break and went to New York City over Thanksgiving Break with friends from high school. It was a lot of fun, but it was much-needed to finally get home after a long and trying finals week.

Attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Hanging out with friends from high school at the Macy’s Parade

Our Times Square adventures

Hanging out in Central Park

Celebrating Thanksgiving in New York with friends

So, after all of this, I won’t claim to be the average student here. I’m pretty involved, but that’s the way I like it… most of the time. I do hope that this past semester’s blog has given you a chance to get a taste of life at UR. If it hasn’t or you simply have some questions, feel free to click the “Contact Me” link at the top of the blog and send away. Thanks for following this semester and I hope you continue for another semester. Merry Christmas.

Ben

Favorite Quote of the Semester: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” -George Eliot
Favorite Thought to Ponder: Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Favorite YouTube Video of the Semester: