WACOTOWN

By Susannah Mohrmann

When you choose Baylor you are not just choosing Baylor but you are also choosing Waco. Coming from the fourth largest city in America (Houston), I had incredibly low expectations of Waco. I had been told, “Waco is boring” or “What do you even do in Waco?” Well, after three years at Baylor and living in Waco, I can defend those questions. Waco is now home for me. In some ways I enjoy it more than Houston and I for sure miss Waco when I am in Houston. Waco is an entrepreneurial, laid back, family-oriented community. I can honestly say in my three years as a “Wacoan,” I have never been bored. Sure, sometimes I will go to Austin or Dallas for a night or even back home occasionally, but by no means is that because I am bored or dislike Waco. I am going to give you a Top 10 list of why I think Waco is a fun place to live.
 
1. Food – my top three Waco restaurants include Vitek’s (Voted #1 College Town Restaurant in America, Barbecue), Cafe Cappuccino (Breakfast), Cupps Drive In (Burgers) THERE IS SO MUCH GOOD FOOD
2. Outdoors — Cameron Park, Bear Trail (running trail around Baylor’s campus), Lake Waco, Baylor Marina
3. HGTV’s number one show is Fixer Upper which takes place IN Waco + Joanna & Chip Gaines went to Baylor
4. Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings Downtown- yummy crepes, breakfast tacos & grilled cheese
5. Coffee – I started liking coffee my freshman year with the help of places like Common Grounds and Dichotomy 
6. Movies – $5 Movies at Starplex movie theater for students OR Waco Hippodrome – eat dinner while watching a movie
7. Snacks – Czech Stop is only 30 minutes away for the best Kolaches of your life OR Katie’s Frozen Custard … so delicious. 
8. Roller Blading – Get your blade on at Skate World or on around campus
9. Sunsets – Waco has some of the prettiest sunsets I have ever seen
10. Suspension Bridge – take part in the Waco tradition and go tortilla tossing to find out if you’ll graduate from Baylor 

 

College Stress

By Aaron Harder

We all get stressed out sometimes. In college the cause of this stress is generally having a lot of schoolwork due at the same time. It might seem like your professors coordinate and plan this. After four years in college, I’m convinced …

Complaining about these conspiracies is not that productive when there are tests and paper deadlines approaching. So here are a few steps to help you deal with stress:

  1. Sleep: Stress and lack of sleep makes people grumpy so not sleeping while feeling stressed out means you’ll become super grumpy, making a stressful week even worse. Be sure to get plenty of sleep. It will be worth it.
  2. Eat on a regular basis: Stress and hunger can be a bad combination, but when stressed, it is easy to cut things out your life. Some things will need to be cut out when busy; however, food is not one of them. Try to keep a schedule and eat as healthy as you can during a stressful week.
  3. Reward yourself for accomplishing certain tasks or steps: Give yourself goals to reach. For example, if you study for a test for an hour you can take a break and talk with friends for a little while. Or when writing a paper, bribe yourself with your favorite cup of coffee. Give yourself something to look forward to!

Stress is an inevitable part of life and being able to handle stressful times may take work and practice. I hope these tips help you relax and develop the skills necessary when feeling stressed out.

Six Reasons Why You Should Join the Baylor Golden Wave Marching Band

By Maggie Malone

Just because you’re not a marcher doesn’t mean you should skip this article. On the contrary, the Golden Wave isn’t an uncommon sight to see on campus, this post will give you a piece of insight as to who we are. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised!

Ahhhh, spring. The sun is out, the flowers are blooming, and oh, what’s that? It’s audition season! That’s right ladies and gents! With that first footstep onto our campus, you’ve entered the home of one of the most tradition-steeped organizations on campus, the Golden Wave Marching Band! (Usually referred to as BUGWB, pronounced BUG-wuhb)

I came from a small, rural Missouri high school marching band, so making the leap to a large (to me, at least) collegiate Texas marching band was quite a jump for me. I had so much to adjust to when I arrived at pre-season week at the end of summer. In fact, I hadn’t even met anyone in my section because I sent in my color guard audition by video.

But joining BUGWB was one of the best decisions I have ever made here at Baylor. I’ve absolutely loved the experiences and all the fun I’ve had with this organization. Over the past couple of seasons, it’s become very near and dear to my heart.

Without further ado, here’s why you should join our 300+ member family:

1. Tradition

As I hinted above, BUGWB is pretty old. We’ve been around for over 100 years! But besides that, the band itself has its own traditions we pass down from class to class over the years. We’ve let some traditions go, as we moved from Floyd Casey Stadium, but at the beginning of a new era of marching in McLane Stadium, we’ve embraced some new traditions as well! And not all of these traditions are serious. In fact, some of them are downright crazy. For example, there’s Spirit Fridays, where we wear different costumes to practice, depending on the theme.

band 1

2. Free Stuff

I shouldn’t have to list anything else, because at the mention of “free food” you should all come running. I know that after a few hours of hard practice, we certainly do. On game days, we cater food from nearby restaurants, like Jason’s Deli or Chick-Fil-A. On bowl trips, we also eat at some pretty swanky places as well. But wait, there’s more! Not only do you get free food, you get some pretty cool gear! Because BUGWB is sponsored by Nike, you get a ton of Nike apparel. While you do have to pay a fee, everything you acquire over the marching season more than covers that.

band 3

3. Awesome Behind-the-Scenes Access

By this, I mean that, as part of the halftime entertainment, you get to experience things that no one else really gets to. You get to know about all the inner workings of things, and visit places that no one else sees. You get to be on the front lines of all the action. It’s exhausting, but pretty cool too.

 

band 4

4. Football Games

Speaking of exhausting, game day is one of the most bone-numbing days of the semester. But don’t let that scare you. Those were some of my favorite days. Hours and hours of practice, short nights, and lots of standing all fall away when we take the field to perform our pre-game and halftime shows. And afterwards, the crowd doesn’t just cheer. The sound that the thousands watching make is closer to a roar. It’s enough to cheer your heart and lift your spirits. The feeling is truly indescribable. Another thing. You don’t have to fight with the rest of the student body for tickets because there’s already a seat at the stadium with your name on it! And by name, I mean a sticker. Everyone loves stickers, right?

band 5

5. Bowl Trips

Now, even though Baylor lost both of the bowl games that I attended, I still had a blast. Bowl trips are even more tiring than regular game days, because we have to be there a few days before, but these trips are fantastic. Besides practicing, we always are given the opportunity to enjoy delicious meals and fun activities. When I went on the Fiesta Bowl trip, we got to eat at a restaurant that you entered via slide!

band 6

6. Shenanigans

Yes. These do happen. Many of my best college stories come from BUGWB. From buses breaking down on the side of the road, to nighttime hotel explorations, to twenty color guard members cramming under a blanket in the cold, BUGWB can often seem like one unplanned adventure after another. But that’s one of the reasons that makes it fun!

band shen

 

Now I would be lying if I said BUGWB was smooth sailing. But the memories you make and the people you meet become some of your favorite things at Baylor. It’s an absolutely thrilling experience, and I’m glad that I’ve had the opportunity to experience it. Sadly, I won’t be marching this fall, as I’m studying abroad, but next fall I’ll be back on the field. That’s the thing about BUGWB (and Baylor too, for that matter). You miss it when you’re away, or on the off-season, but when you return for another year, it feels like home.

band last

Heading Home

By Avery Jackson

It’s starting to hit me that this is my very last semester of college, of school, and of Baylor. These are also my last few weeks of “freedom” before the realities of the real world hit.

For the first time in my life I am faced with the reality that in the future, I won’t be able to go home and celebrate every holiday with my family. I’m from Indiana, and I am planning to move to Florida after I graduate and take a job at a scuba dive shop. I will also not be able to see the family of friends that have worked so hard to maintain at Baylor as often as I do now. This means I cannot just skip class to go home or get a few extra days off. I cannot just text one of my friends to come over to study and eat ice cream and just talk about life.

If college has taught me one thing, it’s that home is a luxury I need to visit as often, and for as long, as I can. It has also made clear that friends mean everything. Baylor is an amazing school in the ways it promotes family. Everything about it is family oriented and centered around your “adopted” family made up of students and faculty alike.

When you come to Baylor, come with the mindset that you will meet people that you will never want to let go of. Spend as much time with these people! Skip a class or two if it means flying or driving home early to spend time with your parents and siblings. Use this free time to make lasting memories with the people who mean the most to you.

“Oh, the Places You’ll Go with APO”

By Marisela Martin

This semester has been really busy for me and, as the year gets closer to the end, I have found it to be very hard to stay motivated. However, through the busy times this semester, I have had the amazing opportunity to rush and join Alpha Phi Omega.

Alpha Phi Omega (APO) is one of the largest collegiate fraternities in the nation and even has chapters in Australia and the Philippines. Established in 1925 in Lafayette College by Frank Reed Horton and 13 other students, APO has dedicated its mission to service.

Now, you may be asking yourself why this girl is pledging a fraternity, but APO is co-ed, so anyone can join! Although, freshman cannot join until their spring semester, APO is the perfect organization to join if you are called to service.

With APO, not only do you get to serve the local community, but you also get the opportunity to do so with amazing people from all different walks of life. In the last month of pledging, I have served with some great men and women and will soon be proud to call myself an Alpha Phi Omega member.

So if you feel inclined to serve others and want to join a group of spontaneous and interesting people, you should definitely look into APO the next time you think about Baylor organizations!

Spring into Spring

By Jaziah Masters

“Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!” Sitting Bull

Walking around campus can be a chore, particularly during times of the year when one is prone to freeze or melt. But, I believe early spring gives us an almost perfect in-between in terms of weather.

I’m not too much of an outdoors type of person. However, I have quickly realized that spring is an excellent time to be one. As I walk around campus, I can’t help but to simile at the natural emersion. Winter has seemingly been evaporated by the sunshine of spring. More so, People have taken notice.

March madness is one thing, but what is going on this March is something a little different. Campus is vibrant. Campus is booming. Campus is green (even more so). There are people coming and going from seemingly everywhere. The joys of springtime, in my opinion, can never be overestimated.

As the weather breaks, one of the best things I noticed is that we are all allowed to enjoy the weather more. Going from class to class is a delight, one even professors cannot help but to take advantage of.

spring cultures

The picture above is of my World Cultures class. We were able to have class outside for the first time in, well, forever. I can’t remember the last time I had class outside, especially before college, but the opportunity was just too great to pass up. It took little convincing for our professor to side with us. But honestly, is there a better way to discuss US History than outside, basking in the sunlight? Not to mention the fact that it makes a wonderful picture!

Another thing I mentioned earlier that I also have noticed is the fact that more and more people are visiting. Almost every day, I have run into tour groups or just families visiting. I must admit, it’s a great time to come visit, just after the cold, but right before it gets too hot.

Not just visitors, but others are also taking advantage of the wonderful opportunity that the weather has provided. I’ve passed several different photography set-ups where seniors are taking their senior pictures. I’ve also spotted several student groups hanging out on Fountain Mall. Catching this area at sunset during this time is always a sight to behold.

Overall, campus, like a plant, is blooming. Spring is probably my favorite time of year to take in the beautiful Baylor campus!

Spring Beginnings

By Aaron Carter

It’s been just over a week since Spring Break and Baylor is starting to buzz again. After a short lull while we students shuffled about the post-break doldrums, we’ve gotten back into the grind and are ready to face the rest of the semester. Everyone is outside, it seems, taking in the sun and greeting warmer weather. Some of us are energized by the weather, others of us are starting to feel the pressure. When the weather gets warmer during the Spring semester, it comes to some of us as a looming omen. Finals first, then the end of another semester, another school year, and even, for seniors, the end of a chapter of life.

Although, I don’t think it does any good to think about Spring in that way. It isn’t the season about endings, after all. Being worried about what comes next is hardly the best way to spend these days. For now, the weather is warm enough to be out in shorts, but not hot enough to drive us into the air-conditioning. The waking grass is a bright apple green and the trees are starting to bud.

Take a walk. Baylor looks stunning right now, all dressed in green leaves and golden sunlight. It’s more than a shame to spend all your time studying or working. It’s a loss. If there is ever a time to allow distraction, it’s now.

Also, if you can’t spare the time to go out right now, then hold fast. Dia is coming.

Being Present

By Aaron Harder

Have you ever had those moments when you just zone out? Not because of what was going on around you was boring, but because you had so much else on your mind. I find that during times of stress or business I have a hard time staying in the moment.

However, I sometimes struggle with paying attention to things when life is great. Staying present and in the moment can be challenging, but important.

Here are two reasons it is important to be in the moment and to be present during happy times:

  1. DON’T PUT ALL OF YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET. This might sound negative, but if you are really excited about something in your life (you start dating someone, get into your top college, get a puppy, etc.) it is easy to put all your excitement and joy in that relationship, school, or thing. However, this can be dangerous because that relationship or thing may not always be there. If it leaves, so does your joy. Life is much bigger than any one relationship; activity, college, or thing so enjoy all life offers.
  2. VALUING OTHERS. I notice that when I have something in my life that is a big enough deal to me (what college I want to go, what job I will do, who I will date etc.), I spend most of my energy thinking about this thing. Sometimes, so much so that when others are talking to me, I tune them out so I can think about whatever it is that’s on my mind. However, not listening to someone can be incredibly devaluing, you’re insinuating that whatever they have to say is not as important as what you want to think about. Do not tune others out, what they have to say is important, and listening to others is a great way to practice selflessness.

 

I am not saying that choosing a college, dating someone, or getting a puppy is not important, these things can be incredibly important. However, listening to others is equally of value and importance. Being present in a conversation or class values whoever you’re talking to, plus learning how to stay present and in the moment will teach you how to enjoy that big moment you’re looking forward to even more. The next best thing to one source of joy is two sources of joy, so stay in the moment and enjoy where you are at.

Why I Chose Baylor

By Susannah Mohrmann

Many of you who are reading this blog are probably trying to gain perspective on whether or not Baylor would be a fit for you. Currently, I am in the last semester of my junior year and I just made my graduation plan. My time at Baylor is going quick and the “real world” is slowly getting closer. 3 years ago I chose Baylor, to this day I would still choose Baylor and after I graduate I know I will want to still be at Baylor. I have been so blessed by this school and I am not saying any of this because I write for the Admissions blog or because I work for Campus Visits, I truly do love this place.

I went to private school my entire life and at first I wrote Baylor off as a “safety school”. I came from a high school where 17 of us chose Baylor and although I hardly ever run into any of those high school classmates, it is always nice to see them. I believed enrolling at Baylor would be the similar to the private schools I grew up going to. However, after taking a tour and staying the weekend with a friend, everything I assumed proved to be false.

Baylor has a community like no other. There is a real sense of family here with professors who love the school, and students who love the school. It is big enough where you can still meet people everyday and small enough where you feel like you know a ton of students. There are so many things to be involved in here from organizations, majors, on campus jobs, to traditions and so much more.

Big 12 football is a also real thing here. Before coming to Baylor I did not understand football at all. Now, I can proudly say I have been to every home game during my 3 years here. I stood for 11 hours the day we were on ESPN College GameDay and we won the Big 12. I have rushed the football field twice, I have been on ESPN twice during the games. I can finally say that I love football!

Whenever prospective families ask what I love about Baylor I say: “I love the small school feel and the big school traditions.” I’ve met incredible people, friends, Wacoans, and professors. I would not trade the last three years for anything. Come take a tour you will not regret it- that’s what helped me decide.

Spring Break, Baylor Style

By Frances George- A Baylor Parent

A month or so ago, my daughter called out of the blue and announced, “I think I’ll come home for spring break.” Call me a bad mother, but I thought that was odd and told her so. Oops.

Instead I launched into a Mini Mother Sermon (do you ever do that?) that went something like this:
“Honey, this is your next to last spring break. EVER. You know, you don’t get those in Adult Land. Go and be with your friends at a wonderful destination and make memories. Get the most out of this unique and marvelous season called college! Home will be here waiting for you at Easter.”

In the end Mary Scott ended up going skiing in Colorado with ten other friends and had a ball after the 17 hour drive to the ski resort. (I received a text saying “I’m here!” at 4:23AM…. It was a beautiful sight even if it was the Sunday morning of Daylight Savings Time!)

Each day we received pictures of fun on the slopes, a day at the spa, tubing, dinners in the house, fun playing out in the snow, ski lift pictures, and sitting in the sun on the deck. By mid-week a phone call came and she said, “Mom, I’m so glad I’m here! We have had the best time. You know, we didn’t really all know each other that well when we came but now we’ve gotten really close and have had the best time being together! We have been able to relax, play games at night, pack lunches each day and just enjoy hanging out together.” Your normal spring break report, right?

Well, this is the part that makes Baylor, once again, so uniquely great. One day, Mary Scott called right in the middle of the day and I asked why she wasn’t skiing. She said, “Mom, I just decided to stay in today and have some quiet time alone. She told me “I wrote, had a long quiet time in the Word, prayed, listened to sermons and thought about the future. It was nice to just be still. Thank you, Mom, for letting me come.” How many college students do you know that go on spring break and take a mini retreat in the middle to dig deep in scripture, ponder their future, and then call to say “Thanks”?

After a week of skiing and relaxation, it was time for her to return to school. And very early Saturday morning, I received another text from Mary Scott at 3:23 AM claiming, “I’m back! Such fun!”

Third spring break in the books. One more to go. More memories to treasure. New friends along the way. In a day when so many students in so many other top tier colleges spend their spring break on one long continual binge of the “wild life”, Baylor students are a cut above; as someone once said, “These students are top drawer.” They have so much fun together and are grateful for every minute. Even though I personally knew only four of the eleven on the trip, I was not worried one minute about any of the group. You see, I have come to understand what constitutes a Baylor student and because of that, I knew they would look after each other and would be wise.

Studying the Word, breaking bread, laughter, snow, memories for a lifetime. This is the stuff of college as it should be.

This is the Baylor difference. It may not seem like an enormous thing but spring break at Baylor is just another reason why we love this school. The simple things sometime speak the loudest. Won’t you join the fun, Spring Break, Baylor- Style!