I am happy to say that I have officially completed fifty percent of my college career!!! Sophomore year has definitely been a challenge as seen by my decreased Spiderdiaries entries. This was the first year I had an on-campus job. I was a Calculus, Biology and Chemistry tutor in our Academic Skills Center. I also joined a sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. I randomly became Vice President of my chapter because of its small size and the timing of my arrival so that job brought along added responsibility. Within the other organizations I belonged to I took more leadership roles. I have realized that college organizations require so much more than high school organizations; they’re like mini jobs sometimes major jobs. Along with this I actually found time to attend classes and learn. After all isn’t that what college is all about? Needless to say I did not have much of a social life this year.My theory about sophomore year was that it is a year I would be able to fly under the radar. Freshman get the attention because they are babies, seniors are graduating and juniors are about to be seniors so where does that leave the sophomores, under the radar. Unfortunately, I failed to realize that the life of any active college student never allows for one to “fly under the radar”, the work always continues. Despite my woes I must admit that I enjoyed every moment of this year. I feel that I have definitely grown and become more comfortable with myself at UR. This is reflected in the fact that many of my peers have noticed that I exude a more vivacious personality.As I look ahead to junior year there is so much that needs to be done. I have to decide on a major – I am currently contemplating Biology, Chemistry or Biochemistry but I will nail down my future. I will be the President of the Multicultural Student Union and I really want to better the UR community through this organization and position. This is also the dreaded year for most Pre-meds (AHHH). I will be taking the MCATs next spring and trying to convince medical schools across the country that I will make an excellent doctor. Now that school is over and summer had begun, what am I doing you may ask? This year my summer plans include research with Dr. Kinsley. I plan on extending my past research on the affects of reproductive experience on various neurodegenerative genes. Hopefully, I will finally finish my driving classes and obtain my license and a car (hopefully). I will be attending my sorority’s Biannual Conference, Boule, in Washington, D.C. It is our centennial year so this conference plans to be exciting and it’s my first!! Studying, studying and more studying for my MCATs. And of course, returning home towards the middle of July to enjoy my last few weeks of summer relaxation.Sophomore year has come to an end. I feel that I constantly say this but my how time flies. In no time I will be out of here. That is a scary and exhilarating thought but I know that I am not ready for it to end just yet. I can’t wait to see how junior year pans out for me, the suspense is definitely killing me.
This past weekend was definitely a busy one. There were so many events to attend that I had to do some serious multitasking and prioritizing. On Friday, the annual Arts and Science Student Symposium took place. At this event, students from various Arts and Sciences disciplines displayed their research projects. It was pretty amazing to see how many students are engaging in research at the University of Richmond. At the Symposium my labmates and I presented a combined poster of the various projects we worked on this year. Umoja Gospel Choir held their Spring Concert on Saturday afternoon. I usually participate in the Spring Concert as a member of Umoja but unfortunately due to the busyness of this semester I was unable to do so. I will say that the experience of viewing the concert was phenomenal. All of the singers did an excellent job and I was really proud of them.Later that evening, the Multicultural Student, The Chaplaincy and Student Affairs held an Open Mic Night. The event featured a local Richmond group called Tuesday Versus. The group performs at a local nightclub in Richmond and brought a huge following with them. This event was amazing!!! The group took charged and completely transformed the performance area in the Pier. The lighting was perfect with scented candles serving as table centerpieces creating an ambience conducive to a night of poetry and song. Tuesday Versus got such rave reviews that I am certain this will not be the last time they appear at UR.As this was the last weekend of the semester, the Black Student Alliance held the final party of the year. The theme of the party was “Rep Your City”. The party was bitter-sweet because although I had a good time I knew it would be the last time I would interact with a lot of seniors in that setting.After my busy weekend I am fully in the game. I am making my last push towards exams and being done with this semester. Only two weeks more and half of my college career will be completed. Boy, how time flies.
This past weekend the University of Richmond’s ninth president, Dr. Ed Ayers, was inaugurated. The campus was very busy as Inaugural events took place on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, Dr. Ayers, a historian, held a symposium titled “New Perspectives on the American Civil War”, alongside Dr. Drew Faust, Harvard’s President and Dr. Gary W. Gallagher, a UVA professor. I was unable to attend this event but there was so much interest in the event that the venue had to be changed.The actual Inauguration ceremony took place on Friday. Classes were canceled for most of the day so that all students, faculty and staff could participate in inaugural events. During the ceremony, Dr. Ayers gave a brief, but detailed history of the University of Richmond. He spoke of his plans for shaping the University into the community that we want it to be. During his period at Richmond he has constantly asked students and alumni the question of “What do you want Richmond to be known for?”. He has taken these suggestions to heart and come up with a scheme to make these suggestions a reality.The remainder of the day consisted of a university-wide picnic with performances by various campus dance and singing groups. The winners of the Eco-Spider contest – a contest among student organizations to create the most eco-friendly representation of our mascot “Spidey” –were also announced. The Bonner Scholars a community service group on campus won the top prize. of having their Spider displayed on-campus and witin the city of Richmond. Later that night, a Gala was held where President Ayers served as DJ for a portion of the event. Everyone in attendance seemed to enjoy the festivities, I certainly did!! I am really anticipating the positive change that will come about as a result of President Ayer’s presence at UR. Like all universities we have our problems but through his leadership I foresee us being able to better solve them. This is evident in the stances he has already taken on many issues. He seems dedicated and invested in the UR community and genuinely wants to see UR become an even better place.
