College Visits!

Hey all! The time of frequent vacations is coming up and college visits are great to do during this time. Here are my tips on having a successful college visit.

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V - View the newspaper - The student newspaper gives a great idea as to what that college is all about. It shows the issues that matter to the students, as well as, opportunities to get involved. Our newspaper, The Octagon, has a news, entertainment, academic, and letter-to-the-editor section. The campus newspaper gives a good overlay of how campus runs and shows you whether that style fits you.

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I - Interview - Take the interview seriously! Even if your admissions counselor tells you that it will be a relaxed atmosphere, still treat it as something important. Oftentimes the college's Admissions Office will tell you not to get too dressed up, but remember that you do not want to go in there wearing sweatpants and a hoodie; that is not a good first impression. Also, really think about your answers when they ask questions. Compose yourself and make sure you sound articulate but not rehearsed. Most importantly, BE YOURSELF!

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S - Sit in a class - Oftentimes you can get it arranged where you can pair up with a student and go sit in on a class. (At Elmira College, this happens when you schedule your Overnight visit.) This is really important because you will see how your potential classes will be structured. For example, if you want the professor to know you name and that your favorite band is Pink Floyd (Hypothetically), you will want to attend a smaller college so that your classes contain fewer students. If you know that you only want to be taught in lectures with limited interaction with your professors then a larger university would fit you. The purpose of a visit is to see if the school fits your learning style, so sitting in on a class will accomplish that.

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I - Initiate questions - Go to the visit prepared with questions! Even if they are standard questions that everyone asks, you may get a more in-depth answer from your tour guide than from the brochures. Also, your tour guide will be able to give the student perspective. Do not think that a question is silly because chances are the tour guide had the same question during their visit. It is a good idea to take notes during your tour about the things you saw and heard that captured your interest. It is probable that you will forget the information you hear on tours, so this will help when it is time to narrow your schools down. Write down what you like, what you want to know more about, and even what you did not like so that you can see if those 'cons' weigh more than the 'pros.'

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T - T-shirt - Finally, visit the campus bookstore for fun! You will see what they provide there and what you may need to go off-campus for. Also, after all of that walking around the campus and listening to information sessions, reward yourself with a nice t-shirt from the college! (Go for the purple shirt (= ).

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Hope this helps everyone and hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

BIG EVENT!

O - Opening Act of Epic Proportions - The special guest for this year's Big Event was Oregon Native-based band, Plug In Stereo. These guys are young, but so talented! They have a mellow sound that makes you love life while listening to it. As a Big Events volunteer I had the pleasure of helping these guys bring their instruments into the Gym and meet them! They are so nice and so grateful for having the opportunity to play for a college campus. Their song "Oh Darling" is so catchy and definitely worthy of a download on I-Tunes. Don't forget to check them out on Facebook.

A - "All it takes is some time but I'm shattered" - O.A.R. was the Big Event this year and even though much of the student body only knew two of their songs, there were a few hardcore O.A.R. fans in attendance. One of the songs everyone knew, and this was apparent by the volume of singing that came from the crowd, was "Shattered." This song is quite popular on Top 100 Radio and other pop radio stations. Although it is a sad song, the lyrics are very catchy and have everybody singing along.

R - Revolution was lived - The theme for this Big Event was "Live the Revolution" and it was definitely done as this was one of the most well attended Big Events in years. Not only did a lot of Elmira College students go, but students from area high schools and colleges were in attendance. Not only that, but some adults from the surrounding cities, like Binghamton, traveled to hear O.A.R. in concert. Overall, this was a great event and everyone enjoyed it! Thank you to O.A.R., Plug In Stereo, and the entire Big Events committee for setting up a memorable concert for all!

** Photo credit to Caitlin Morrow**

PARENTS' WEEKEND

P - Phi Eta Sigma inductions were held the Friday night of Parents' Weekend. 76 members of the Class of 2014 were inducted. Along with these members, Dr. Joe Lemak was chosen to be the honorary inductee! I was among this year's inductees and enjoyed the ceremony very much. I celebrated this event with my wonderful parents who traveled down to Elmira just for the ceremony. Congratulations to all new members in Phi Eta Sigma and the other Honor Societies who inducted new members during Parents' Weekend.

A - The A' Capella singing groups were well represented in the EC Music Expo. Chiclets began the show with their amazing vocals and great acting skills! Members of EC Naturals showed their wonderful ability to rehearse by performing an all new arrangement to Pink's "Raise Your Glass." Finally, A1 & The Sauce closed out the show. They received a standing ovation at the end of their performance for wowing the crowd! These clubs kicked off Parents' Weekend with great enthusiasm and harmony.

R - Relaxing with my parents was by far my favorite part of the weekend! I only saw them for a few hours, but that was better than not seeing them at all! We were able to sit and talk and "celebrate" my birthday. I did not travel home for my birthday so they brought my birthday gifts, as well as, things that I forgot at home. What was my birthday gift? A good old fashion Swiffer to sweep the floor in my room! :)

E - EC Dance Expo also included performances by Danceline and Orchesis. Seeing what all of the choreographers have come up with for this term was enjoyable. The dance that I am in "Raise Your Glass" performed great and I we just finished learning the rest of it! Orchesis' Fall Term shows will be November 9 and 10 at 8:00 PM in the Gibson Theatre, so come on out and see some great dancing!!

N - No sleep embraced me this weekend due to OL Duties, as well as having to attend information sessions for Term III and performances with my dance groups. I had a lot of fun though, spending time with friends, especially at the dinner dance. But I was especially glad for no classes on Tuesday to catch up on my sleep!

T - Tap Ensemble performed some of their tap routines that they have been working on over the past three weeks. I had fun at this event because it was the first time I performed tap in front of a large group of people. I am so excited to see all of the finished pieces when show at our Tap Performance at the beginning of Term II.

S - The sports teams of Elmira College showed off their athletic abilities during home contests on the Campus fields and in Speidel Gymnasium. Even our JV teams got in on the action, playing purple versus gold games. These games are great because half of the team plays against the other half. It shows friendly competitions at its greatest!

YAY for a very successful 2011 Parents' Weekend!

Hey all!

I just wanted to introduce myself so that you know more about me and can understand why I write more about some topics or go to certain events rather than others.

S - Spectating Sports - As I was never really an athlete during my schools years, I have become a fan of watching all forms of athletic contests. Here at EC, I thoroughly enjoy watching both men's and women's basketball and the hockey games at the Domes. I am not much of a winter person so going to these games gives me something to do where I am not outside while still being able to support our sports teams!

K - Knowledge gaining - School and getting good grades are extremely important to me. I have always said that if I could be a professional student and not have mountains of debt, I would. Since that is currently not an option, I decided on being an adolescent education major. This works out because I can spend the rest of my life in a school! YAY! :) As a teacher you learn about new things, while helping others find a love in learning. It is the perfect situation!

Y - Youthful interpretation of life - I did not really know what to put for "y," so I decided I would give my philosophy on life instead. In your younger years, you are given a lot of opportunities to do things. Once you get a serious job and start a family, you do not necessarily have time to do everything you love. Therefore, I believe that we have to take supreme advantage of every opportunity given to us because we may never have another chance to do so!

L - Langue de francaise - In addition to majoring in Adolescent Education, I am a French major too. Since I started learning French in middle school, I have absolutely loved the language and the culture. Oftentimes, I speak in French when I am not in class. However, it is what i like to call a hybrid. I mix both French and English to emphasize what I know how to say and what i have yet to learn. This Term III, my French will get the ultimate test as I will travel to Paris again!!!

A - Artistry of dance - I have been dancing for approximately twelve years and could not think of a better way to spend my "me-time." My favorite styles are lyrical, pointe, ballet, jazz, and modern. Dancing is a major way in which I express myself. Here at Elmira College I am a member of Orchesis, which is the dance group on campus who puts together shows twice a year. Also, this year I joined EC Tap Ensemble. I am having such a great time with these ladies learning new aspects to the wonderful art of dance!

R - Relaxing to tv shows- The way I "relax" after a hectic day is usually by watching television and writing a paper at the same time. My favorite shows are Dance Moms and the Real Housewives television series. First off, Dance Moms is a great show and the girls who perform are insanely talented! The mom's are crazy, but they really care about their daughter's career in the entertainment industry. FYI: Not all mothers whose daughters dance are like that, I promise. The Real Housewives series is just completely entertaining and really lets me take a focus away from my life and enjoy seeing how other people solve their problems.

So, that's me in a nutshell and the general diagnosis of my life. Stay tuned for more blogs about the plentiful opportunities provided at Elmira College!

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I will try to write in an acrostic poem for each one :)