Library Lowdown

By Maria Dillman

In my childhood whenever I thought of a college library, I had a distinct image in my brain that was formulated from scenes I had seen or heard about. My parents would say “I used to spend every night in the library…that’s all I did was study.” Or the movies would describe a steamy encounter between couples among the bookshelves. When I got to college I was able to formulate my own opinion from spending time in the different libraries on the Baylor campus. Times have changed since the imagined scenes from my parents, movies, or friends. But I will impart a little information about the Baylor libraries to give you a better glimpse into life at this university.

We have five libraries on the campus: 2 central ones Moody and Jones, then special collection ones named Poage, Carroll, and Armstrong-Browning.

Moody:

Moody is the main library: with four floors ranging anywhere from a hustle and bustle of the Starbucks café to quiet study rooms where you can hear a pin drop.

The entryway of Moody hosts the nation’s largest Starbucks located on a collegiate campus. The foyer has brown comfy chairs and café style tables for group projects to meet at and talk. It is more of a social entryway, and not much studying would be accomplished here without the help of ear phones.

moody

The Study Commons of Moody is located on the Garden Level and is lovingly known as “Club Moody” among students due to the 24 hour available study space and wide variety of individual and group study spaces. It also is host to the largest computer lab on campus hosting a variety of PCs and Macs along with laptops available for checkout.

Jones:

This is where the research magic happens. The library hosts more than 2.5 million printed volumes, but 80% of the budget is spent on electronic resources with over 70,000 e-journals, and 500 databases for use. This can all be accessed via your login credentials from the comfort of your own home. This is also where the information desk of libraries is held. Librarians provide research assistance via the walk-up assistance desk and additionally, can be reached by an online chat session similar to a Facebook message.

jones

Poage:

R. Poage Legislative Library holds a variety of materials used for research and educational use on the history of Congress, the legislative process, and current issues facing state and national governments.  It is also home to the offices for our multiple study abroad programs.

Carroll Library Housing the Texas Collection:

This library hosts the special collections and archives of Baylor University and Texas history. The librarians here are so helpful in finding anything you could ever want to know about Texas or Baylor history. Most research materials cannot be checked out from here but must be handled within the building…sometimes even with gloves on for fragile documents.

Armstrong Browning Library:

This is a true gem on the Baylor campus. This library looks more like a museum than a library and hardly anyone actually studies here. It has the largest collection of secular stained glass windows in the world. And it hosts the largest collection of Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s work (you may recognize that name from English class…”How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.”) Several weddings have taken place in this library and its serenity gardens on the outside are a great place to relax or enjoy a picnic.

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The libraries at Baylor are a range of sociable, studious and stunning opportunities for enrichment. Maybe now, you have a better picture of them for yourself.

 

Interested in Intramurals?

By Maria Dillman

While Baylor may be known for its amazing Big 12 athletics in football, baseball, basketball and so on, a little less televised but nonetheless important activity is INTRAMURAL SPORTS. I’m pretty convinced these are one of the best activities to take part in at Baylor. Okay, I say that about everything at Baylor but just hear me out.

There are options to play any sport you could possibly think of. Everything from dress-up dodgeball tournaments, flag football, taekwondo, quidditch (yes, Harry Potter would be proud), to rock climbing and ping-pong. I try to sign up for every sport imaginable. Not just because I think I’m sporty or actually semi-decent at any sport, but also because it is

intramuralsjust a good time! You can make a team with your friends or student organization and then compete against other students. There are more competitive teams down to teams that just want try not to break their ankles or make a fool of themselves while getting a little change of scenery from the library. The seasons for each sport last about three weeks depending on the level and what type of sport it is. (For example, the big sports such as basketball and soccer last longer than say, a bowling tournament).

Being on a team is a great way to build comradery amongst your friends. You are fighting for a common goal and working together to accomplish something. It’s fun to cheer each other on and celebrate the wins and even encourage each other in the losses. Plus, if playing sports was something you were really into in high school, participating in intramurals is a great way to carry the tradition forward and continue in something that you love. Through the blood, sweat, and tears, it’s just one more way to make that much more out of your college experience. So no matter if it’s a win or a loss on the field, playing intramurals is definitely a win-win situation.

soccer

Social Dance – More than an Elective

By Maria Dillman

Slow, slow, quick, quick!”

IMG_0306 These are the commands I hear from my social dance teacher as my partner and I stumble to the Memphis blues playing while we learn the footwork of the Fox Trot. Our classroom is not the traditional setting one would normally imagine. Instead, I stand in a room full of mirrors, dance bars, and wooden floors.

Yes, I am business major, but I’m also taking a social dance class. I will learn the style and techniques of the Waltz, Jazz, Cha-Cha, Swing, Tango, and Country Western dances. Call me crazy, or maybe call me “jazzy”.

I took this class not only for a lifetime fitness credit, which is a health and fitness credit many majors require you to have.  But I also took it because I wanted to try something completely new and unique. I think this social dance class is a good representation of how much Baylor has shaped me in my years here as a student. Sometimes we learn lessons in a non-traditional setting or in ways we never could imagine. But we are changed for the better because of them.

The range of what I have learned from being a student at Baylor University never ceases to amaze me. Not only do I learn invaluable lessons from my professors and peers in the classroom, I also learn from the challenges and triumphs of being a college student at Baylor.

IMG_0307I continue to learn more about time management, organization, and responsibility. I’m learning how to be a better friend, roommate, student, and employee. I’m learning not to take life too seriously, yet to strive for excellence in the important things. I’m learning how to balance my priorities and realize when I’ve taken on too much. I’m learning to work hard, and not give up no matter how hard it is. Thank you social dance and Baylor, for inspiring me to uphold a high standard and to continue the legacy of learning that takes place here.

A Different Sort of Investment

By Maria Dillman

finance-classes

In my finance class on Monday, we spent the whole class period (over an hour) discussing a Bible verse.

Can we talk about how strange that sentence is? My finance professor taught a whole lesson based off a parable from the Bible. First of all, most college students in America wouldn’t be able to say that in general. And second of all, I understand if this scenario would have happened in a religion class for example. But finance – isn’t that supposed to deal with numbers or debt or equity or stocks? But it was relevant to business, the economy and the financial world we live in.

I won’t preach the discussion to you because I wouldn’t be able to do it justice. But the conversation dove in and out of fiscal management, being a good steward and obeying the Lord’s will as our number one priority. Our professor didn’t get on his soap box, but rather sat down with us, shared his story and listened to ours. That is an example of true teaching.

As this semester comes to a close, I am reminded yet again how thankful I truly am for the professors and community at Baylor. I couldn’t ask for a better experience in and out of the classroom during my four years in undergrad. Here at Baylor, you can learn all the facts, make the A’s and get a nice little degree, just like any other university. But the true lessons are learned from those around you. That one class period taught me a lesson that will stick with me for the rest of my life. And it was arguably the most important thing I have yet to learn at college. All because my professor cared and he took the time to show it.

P.S. If you want to check out the parable for yourself, it was Luke 12:13-24. 

#CollegeNoParents

By Maria Dillman

There’s something interesting about college…parents can’t come with you. #CollegeNoParents offers freedom and lots of fun. BUT…there’s something else that goes with #CollegeNoParents. MOM’S COOKING stays at home. I don’t think I took anything for granted quite as much as a good home-cooked meal. Cooking in college is a learning curve: it starts with pizza rolls and lunchables. Then, you start the upward curve where you begin experimenting with paninis, pasta bowls and casseroles. Before you know it, you’re on the Rachel Ray show as an expert in crème brûlée and whipped merengue. But since we all have to start somewhere, I’ve compiled a list of quick cooking hacks for college students who have little or no cooking skills and a low budget.

  1. The Internet is the largest cook book EVER – Anything that you’re craving can be found on the web. I recommend AllRecipes.com or FoodNetwork.com.
  2. Old/brown bananas can be frozen and used later to make a quick batch of banana bread.
  3. Pinterest actually has some in-vogue recipe ideas.
  4. Use the conglomerate of veggies that are left over and are about to expire in a stir-fry, omelet or fried rice dish.
  5. Casseroles, lasagna or chili can be kept in Tupperware containers in the refrigerator and eaten all week! Make it on Sunday night, and you’ll be set for the rest of the week.
  6. Pack lunch the night before instead of the morning when you’re rushing out the door. It’ll be easier to grab it and go than to have to throw together some food for your lunchbox.
  7. Smoothies are quick and healthy options…just grab frozen fruit, some yogurt and maybe some spinach or kale. (Magic Bullet =  Best Friend Forever)
  8. STOP EATING OUT…I know it’s always tempting to go out for an easy meal with friends, but for a cheap option make fajitas or a big pasta dish with friends (Have everyone bring one item to contribute).
  9. Cereal is always a meal replacement. 🙂
  10. It doesn’t have to be gourmet to taste like it…sometimes it does the trick to just make a quick salad (with pecans and oranges) or sandwich (with guacamole). Nothing fancy, but it still can taste like it!
  11. Get a crockpot: put in a roast, chicken or soup ingredients in the morning and supper’s ready when you get home.
  12. Oatmeal is the healthy ramen noodle. It’s super quick and easy, and you can add cranberries and nuts for fun!
  13. Salmon is easy to bake in the oven while doing homework. It’s actually fairly affordable too.
  14. Frozen pizzas are the go-to when you’re having a rough day and in need of an extra carb load.
  15. Make a big pan of ground beef to freeze and/or use in a variety of meals (aka spaghetti sauce, tacos, sloppy joes, nachos, chili, etc.).
  16. A George Foreman/mini griller is a great investment – well, according to some males I know.
  17. Mickey Dees in a Tupperware? Put yogurt and fruit in a container and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, sprinkle on granola and you don’t even have to go through the drive thru.
  18. A large baked potato topped with bacon bits, cheddar cheese and sour cream is a meal in itself (Wrap the potato in tinfoil and put in the oven. But yikes! Not in the microwave, please.).

 

It’s Not an Adventure until Something Goes Wrong

By Maria Dillman    

“I’m going home to Houston. My mom told me she’d take me shopping and to the spa.” This was the response I got when I asked one of my friends what she was doing for Fall Break last weekend. It sounded almost heavenly compared to what I had signed myself up for.

Baylor Outdoor Adventure organizes several trips for different breaks throughout the school year to adventurous destinations such as Utah, Colorado and Arizona. The trip two of my friends and I chose to go on for Fall Break was a backpacking trip in Arkansas. Here is how they described it on the brochures: “We will backpack via the Eagle Rock Trail, the longest loop trail in Arkansas, located in the southwestern portion of the Ouachita National Forest. October is the best time of year for this hike due to the mild temperatures and Fall foliage and colors.” What it actually was: 28 miles of hiking up and down steep slopes, carrying 25 pounds of our possessions on our backs, wearing one set of clothes with no deodorant and sleeping on the ground with no pillow.

When we first started off, one of the group leaders turned to me and said, “They say it’s not an adventure until something goes wrong.” Well let’s just say our trip was full of little adventures. We made lots of wrong turns on the trail that forced us to backtrack, some people didn’t have headlamps when we scaled the uneven cliffs in the pitch black at five in the morning and sometimes we just didn’t think we could go any longer due to exhaustion. But this perseverance made us stronger. We worked together as a group to help each other accomplish the impossible. We stayed positive even when things got tough. We laughed about the little things, such as going to a five-star bathroom in the woods (good leaves to wipe with, amazing views and simultaneously “doing business” next to an animal).  And we became a small little family that hiked, ate, slept and talked alongside each other for three days straight.

Even though I’m still so sore and having a hard time getting the stench out of my hair, I wouldn’t trade my fall break for anything. I got to enjoy the company of old and new friends, stand awestruck at the beauty of God’s creation, learn that some things in life are better if you work hard for them and live young, wild and free. Now that’s an adventure.

group picfriendseagle rock loop

Dear High School Self

By Maria Dillman

Dear High School Self,

From: me

To: me

Dear Maria,

I know exactly what you’re thinking (Ha, I wonder why). It’s your senior year of high school, and you are so excited to go off to college. No parents, no curfew, no problems. Well, you’re right; college is probably one of the best experiences of your life. The memories, friendships and experiences over the next four years will stick with you for the rest of your life. But there’s something important that I wish I would have known three years ago: the experiences, memories and moments that are happening right now will never be given back. Carpe Diem. Seize the day. Enjoy life. I know it may seem petty or childish to go to classes all day (yes I know, Chem class is such a drag), have to be home by midnight and have to eat dinner with the Rents. But looking back, I am so thankful for that season in my…uh our life. Usually life happens for a reason. Those early nights when I had to be home made me able to function the next morning. Going to classes on a standard schedule gave me more time to be with friends, and I learned valuable things that I would need to know in college. And eating meals with the fam gave me time with Mom, so she could teach me how to make a mean batch of lasagna. It prepared me for the rest of my life and allowed me to appreciate it for years after. So spend time with friends, go to the football games, dance like no one’s watching at the Homecoming dance, do your homework, give all you got in gym class and make the most of it. It’ll be gone before you know it.

Yours,

Me

P.S : Don’t speed on the way home from track practice…otherwise you may have a ticket coming your way.

baylorcollege

Ten Things They Won’t Tell You in a Study Abroad Brochure

By Maria Dillman

After all of the customary orientations and information sessions about studying abroad in the Netherlands, I knew I was getting the opportunity of a lifetime to study in Europe for a whole summer.

Travel across Europe, check.

Take classes at an international university, check.

Get a ton of likes on Instagram pics, check.

Yes, these are the normal benefits, but I didn’t realize how many more I would get to experience. I summed up everything I saw, heard, felt, ate and experienced into a list of things one can’t fully understand until they experience study abroad themselves.

But reading about it is the next best thing. . .

1. It’s fun to get lost in a big city – I loved exploring unknown streets that were made completely of cobblestone and flooded with bikers, but the feeling of finding a familiar landmark or navigating to the desired location is even better. The accomplishment and independence of living in a new place and calling it home is exhilarating.

2. Bikes= Life. They are such a time saver, and everyone uses them. It’s the thing over there. Also, it is quite normal to walk six miles in a day.

3. Meeting the locals offers a new perspective about the cultural gap – They tell you all the insights and secrets about their country that you can’t find in a tourism brochure, whether it be mannerisms, habits, behaviors or attitudes.

4. The language barrier is a humbling experience. It is really frustrating when you can’t read signs that say thing like, “Do not board this train,” or when you can’t order a ham sandwich. You learn to be quiet most of the time. For starters, it doesn’t give away that you’re an American as much. Secondly, it seems like you can soak more in. I wonder what language they’ll speak in heaven…hopefully, I’ll understand them all.

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Waiting for a Bus in Austria (Taken on a Disposable Camera)

5. Traveling is so fun. But tiring. And amazing. Public transportation is great to say the least. It was definitely frustrating at first, and I thought I would never be able to figure it out. But then I got the groove of things, and before I knew it, strangers were asking me which train they should board. However, traveling can also be quite awful, like the night train we took to Salzburg. After spending twelve hours on the train, we were sleep deprived, our necks were stiff and the creepy man next to us was starting to smell. But then when we stepped off into the fresh air in this new exciting place, and we knew it was totally worth it. All the troubles were forgotten.

6. Delirium is a thing. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed more. It might have been because I was with great company or that I was so out of my comfort zone and sleep deprived that I laughed uncontrollably at the most trivial things. At any rate, it’s not a bad side effect.

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Backpacking in the Black Forest (40 km later…Some of Us Were Still Happy)

7. Places are cool, but people are better. For all the beautiful sights I saw, I learned one very important thing: the people who are with you make the trip worthwhile. I think the best experiences and memories that will stay with me forever are the ones that involved a funny moment or good conversation. Yes, the beautiful places are amazing to see and experience, but if I were alone, I don’t think I could appreciate them as much.

8. How to avoid paying for bathrooms.  There’s definitely ways; you just have to find them.

9. Schnitzel and Spatzle and Stroodle and Croissants will be missed in America. The food is just plain different. Also, bread is served at every meal.  Just like Buddy the Elf has four main food groups (candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup), Europeans have bread, bread, bread and bread.

10. Life is cool wherever you are…you just have to make the most of it. We need to appreciate what we get, not the things we don’t.

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Hiking in Switzerland