Monthly Archives: December 2013

There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays

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By Brooks Goodwin

Well, December has finally arrived. It’s time for bright lights and an assortment of decorations everywhere you look. You can definitely feel the excitement on campus, as students prepare for Christmas on 5th Street and look forward to the end of the semester. This time can also be very stressful, with finals looming over you. And somehow, the desire to simply be home for a whole month during winter break seems to grow more each day. So, what I have found to be helpful around this time is to bring a little bit of home with you to Baylor, to give you the little extra push to finish out the semester.

When you think about the holidays, whether that be Christmas or whatever holiday you usually celebrate around this time, there are definitely traditions that you and your family have that make this time of year special. What is pretty cool is to find out the traditions that other people have for the holidays that they feel are special, such as your roommates. This is what I have done with my three roommates from the last two years, and it has been a very nice experience.

My roommates and I talked about the fun things that each of us do with our families during the holidays and decided to bring some traditions to our room here at Baylor. For instance, we were all big on decorating the house, so we all pitched in some money, went out and bought a small Christmas tree, some lights and stockings to bring back to the dorm. We also talked about our favorite Christmas movies and shows and made out a schedule to watch some of them together. We’ve even started some new traditions just as roommates, which is neat in my opinion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, here’s the point. Bringing traditions from home and seeing what traditions your roommates have can be a cool experience. It’s fun to see the similarities and differences while also making your dorm/apartment feel more like home. The interesting thing to note is that the place you will live here, and Baylor in general, will become your home too. So, it only makes sense to bring traditions with you, but I also encourage you to make new traditions for your new home with the new people you live with. It makes this time of year so much more fun and rewarding. Not only do I have going home over winter break to look forward to, but I also get to look forward to walking into my room everyday because it really is home. And, there’s no place like home for the holidays.

Waco Weather…You Never Know What Could Happen

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By Torie Abbott

I remember the first time I toured Baylor University my junior year of high school. The tour guide from Campus Visits specifically told my mom and I, “You are going to need a pair of rainboots because when it rains it pours and when it pours it floods.” I took her advice half-heartedly, though now I wish I would listened to her!

Waco is a Wonderland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I do not know what it is about wacko Waco, but the weather here is insane! It’s freezing one day, 100 degrees the next and then flooding by the weekend. So, coming to Baylor, there are a few things you might want to invest in before moving into the lovely 254.

  • Rainboots: an absolutely, can’t live without, must-have.
  • An umbrella: not as important but you will be thankful you have one.
  • BRING A WINTER COAT: During freshman year, I had friends from out-of-state who waited to bring their winter coats to campus until after Thanksgiving, a decision they soon came to regret! You don’t have to bring enough to survive in the Arctic, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a couple of winter coats.
  • Scarves, gloves and warm socks: these are more useful for those cold game days, but still a good thing to have, just in case. #sicembears
  • Tennis shoes, Chacos and Pali Hawaii sandals: some sort of summer shoe is also a good idea. One, it will be hot the first couple of months you move in, and two, they are super handy at the marina and Cameron Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

So here’s the moral of this story; the weather is Waco is so unpredictable, and you never know what kind of weather you might wake up to! But that is just the beauty of living in wonderful Waco! And hey, it’s kind of fun having diversity in weather from time to time.

The Final Stretch

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By Aaqila Rasheed

Breaks are very convenient for the average college student, especially Thanksgiving break. This break comes at just the right time because many projects and exams have already consumed the little bit of social life that you have left. Thanksgiving break gives you time away from school that is needed to maintain your sanity and, more importantly, to finish the semester strong. After you’ve eaten as much turkey and stuffing that you can possibly fit in your stomach, including the leftovers that your mother insists that you bring back to school with you, it’s time to get your head back in the game because school is not over just yet.

The most important thing to remember is that after Thanksgiving break usually lies the most important assignments. Teachers strategically organize the syllabus to include major tasks that could disrupt the A that you hold in the class as a test of endurance in my opinion. Projects can sometimes weigh the same as an exam grade or even heavier. New information is still being taught and attendance is still extremely vital. I made the mistake freshman year of letting up on my study habits after Thanksgiving break. Needless to say, I received some unwanted grades.

My advice would be to use the break as a chance to start assembling study reviews for finals. The school designates two “dead” days for studying for finals; however, the 48 hours never seem long enough. Using the break as a head start to finals gives you the opportunity to maximize the dead days for studying alone and not waste the time making reviews, notecards and other studying materials.

Being proactive instead of reactive can ease the stress from your brain, leaving enough room to cram everything in from the semester.

Farewell to Floyd Casey

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By Emily Woodby

One of the events that has marked this year at Baylor University is the construction of the new stadium, which also means the last season in Floyd Casey. I completely understand that it may sound weird that I’m sad about saying goodbye to a football stadium. So call me crazy, but I am shamelessly, very sad about saying goodbye to the old “Case.” Don’t get me wrong, I am unbelievably excited about the beautiful brand new stadium being built right next to the river and cannot wait to be a student when it opens! My whole family is pumped about the construction, as we regularly bring up the progress in our group text, discussing what new parts have been finished and how huge it looks from the view on I-35.

I guess I’m sad about this new chapter because it means one has been closed. I’ve grown up coming down to Waco to cheer on the bears and have seen Floyd Casey Stadium in a familiar light. It went along with the Baylor campus that I grew up seeing as a second home of sorts. So many fond memories come to mind when I think about all the games I’ve been to and all of the hours I’ve spent sitting in those stands.

As the last game is right around the corner, everyone is getting ready: waiting in the long line to get their student ticket, deciding on what to wear and figuring out what time they should head over to the tailgates. I am so excited to finish out the season strong and support the Bears by cheering my little heart out, but when the game is finished, it’ll be a sad farewell to Floyd Casey.

How to Enjoy Thanksgiving Break and Still Get Homework Done

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By Courtney Roberts

Unfortunately, there’s only one week of classes between Thanksgiving break and the study days before finals. Often times, that last week of classes is the last push before finals, and many classes still have tests. I realized last week that I have two tests and a 5-page essay due during that week. How am I supposed to enjoy my Thanksgiving break and sufficiently prepare myself for these exams?

For my 5-page essay, I tried to pace myself through a 250-page book about Communist China for my world history class. I actually started this book the Sunday before Thanksgiving, so I blame myself for that one. It was a dense read, but I annotated and highlighted important lines as I went. By Friday night, I had an extensive outline typed. I may not have completely finished it, but it’ll be smooth sailing on Monday afternoon when I start putting the essay together for Tuesday.

As far as my other two tests, Italian and Organizational Behavior (a management class in the business school), I’ll just have to put together study guides and study groups on Monday. I’m not worried about it because those are later in the week, and the essay is my first priority. But for right now, I feel pretty accomplished!

As for enjoying my break, I definitely still got to spend some quality time with my family. I ran errands, shopped with my brother, cooked with my parents and decorated the Christmas tree. To me, Thanksgiving break feels like a teaser for Christmas break. But at this busy point in the semester, it was much needed!

Sibling Rivalry

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By Michael Allen

This past weekend, the Baylor Bears took on the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs in Fort Worth for a very nerve-racking game. This was a very big game for Baylor after our loss to Oklahoma State University and an even bigger game for my family because I have a twin brother who attends TCU.

Each year, my parents try to be as fair as possible when cheering for the teams, but they secretly wanted Baylor to win more this year because there was more riding on the game for us.

This year, the game was very close and an exciting game to watch! Unlike the beginning of Baylor’s season, this game required the audience to stay for the entire game because the score was so close up until the end. As you can see from the picture to the left, my mom did a good job at dividing up her green and purple this year (way more green than purple). I can happily say that at the end of the game, my mom no longer had that scarf or disrespectful sticker on! Each year my parents have tried to be as fair as possible with the colors they wear, but my mom has claimed in the past that purple looks better on her than green. She got it right this year though.

I watched the game in TCU’s student section with my brother, Jonathon, and his friends, and was given strange looks when my brother’s friends confused me with him. I got a few punches at the beginning of the game because people thought I was my brother and were wondering why he was wearing green! Once they realized I was not Jonathon, they surprisingly were still not very friendly! It might have been because I was cheering for Baylor the whole time, but that’s just a thought!

TCU’s recently renovated stadium was very nice, but I do not think it will compare to Baylor’s come Fall 2014! During the final minutes of the game, when the sun had already set (sunset picture below), all TCU and Baylor fans were on their feet hoping for a win. It was a hard sight to watch as TCU got closer and closer to a touchdown, but I was hoping Baylor would somehow pull it off. Within the last minute, Baylor intercepted the ball, bringing looks of anger to most TCU student’s face, but cheers of happiness from my mouth. I can happily say that during my and my brother’s senior year, the bears beat the frogs! Sic ‘Em!

Christmas on 5th

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By Abby Loop

I love holiday times at Baylor. Everyone is such in a great mood, and there is an aura of happiness around campus. The times of dreaded final exams and packing up for home is forgotten and the hope of holiday fun arrives. One of my favorite Baylor traditions is Christmas on 5th Street.

I’m especially looking forward to Christmas on 5th Street this year. Complete with a live nativity scene, food and music, it’s a great time to come together! I’ve gone every year with my friends, and this year will be my third year. The first year I went, I was surprised to see a real live camel as part of the nativity scene and loved hearing a Baylor choir sing Christmas carols in the Student Union Building (SUB). This year, I’m hoping to go to even more of the activities.

I love how the night includes everyone, from freshman and seniors to alumni and their kids to faculty and local Wacoans. It really encompasses the spirit of togetherness and cheer. Last year when I attended, I met a few alumni who had attended Baylor in the 80s. They were so glad to be back at Baylor, and they absolutely enjoyed coming back for the Christmas season to participate on Christmas on 5th Street.

I remember as a freshman, I worried about there not being any Christmas events at Baylor. When I found out about Christmas on 5th Street, I was thrilled. Hopefully, when all you new students arrive in Baylor next fall, you are able to experience Christmas on 5th Street. It’s a Baylor tradition that you will end up loving, and it’s so much fun to go with your friends and maybe even your family. I encourage everyone to go and have fun this year!

This is my friends and I at Christmas on 5th last year!

Thankful for Family Time

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By Laura Beth Moore

Whew! Part of me can’t believe Thanksgiving break is already over so quick! My sister Mary Catherine and I enjoyed the beautiful Texas sunset as we headed to meet my parents at my Uncle Greg’s ranch in Edgewood, Texas. This year, there was a new addition at Uncle Greg’s, our new 7-week-old baby cousin Abigail Catherine! There may have been arguing over who got to hold her next.

When it comes to the Thanksgiving meal, my Papa Homer and Uncle Greg take the cooking seriously. My 76-year-old Papa stayed up all night smoking the turkey to perfection. Our Thanksgiving traditions start off with sleeping in and catching the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on television. Then, we eat. As we finish the meal, we all go around the table saying what we are thankful for. We all got choked up listening to my Uncle Greg talk about how thankful he is for the blessings of his new wife Natalie and their little girl Abigail Catherine. Both Natalie and my uncle had never married and were in their late 30s and early 40s when eHarmony matched them up almost 3 years ago. We joke with them saying, “Good things come to those who wait.” The special time wrapped up with my precious Papa Homer leaving us all teary-eyed at the end of his talk. “Take time every day to encourage someone,” he said.

Little did I realize, the weekend was just getting started as Mary Catherine and I traveled to Ft. Worth. Her boyfriend’s family treated us to dinner at Texas de Brazil before we headed to Billy Bob’s. This was our first experience at Texas de Brazil, and if you haven’t been before, they come by continuously with racks of meat for you to pick and choose from. My sister and I were in shock and a tad overwhelmed by all the food constantly coming our way. You have to understand we grew up without brothers…so we were introduced to a whole other world. Those boys can put away so much food! It was Thanksgiving Part Two. After dinner Mary Catherine, her boyfriend and I headed to the famous Billy Bob’s, located in the Fort Worth Stockyards. I had heard Baylor friends from the Dallas and Ft. Worth area talk about Billy Bob’s before. I always wanted to go, and as a fan of country music and two-steppin’, I quickly fell in love. We’re talking about taking a big group of friends up there sometime soon over dead days to go two-steppin’. Besides the dancing, I loved belting out some of my sister and I’s favorite Florida Georgia Line songs like “Get your Shine On” and “Cruise.”

The next morning was Game Day! We headed to tailgate with my sister’s boyfriend’s family, who are regulars at the TCU games. Our parents joined us to enjoy Chick-fil-A nuggets, Panda Express and several other tailgate take-out treats. Thankfully, one of our parent’s family friends grew up a TCU fan but now goes to Baylor, so we weren’t alone in our green and gold. As we walked to the stadium, we were shocked by all the green and gold sprinkled among the purple crowd. If you didn’t see the game, it was quite the nail-bitter! Mary Catherine and I cheered like crazy as Terrell Burt intercepted TCU’s hopes of tying the ballgame, but her boyfriend’s family turned to us stunned. While it was too close for comfort personally, it was good to see the Bears take home another win for the season!

Let There Be Feasting

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By Joe Bridgeman

To celebrate the holiday, a group of friends and I decided to throw a Thanksgiving party the weekend before actual Thanksgiving. It’s always nice to spend the actual holiday with your family, if you’re able, but it’s important to celebrate holidays with your family-away-from-home when you get the chance! The Saturday before break provided the perfect opportunity to catch people before they left town or became to busy with finals.

 Being a college student, it can be difficult to fund a Thanksgiving feast on your own, and it can be equally difficult to prepare all the food yourself. Fortunately, God provided a solution – other human beings.

Rule number one of having a big thanksgiving feast: tell everyone who is coming to bring something with them.

The results were impressive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the side dishes and desserts taken care of by generous guests, all that remained to be provided by my housemates and I was a turkey and a place for everyone to sit!  Easy.

We cranked up the A/C, got out the vacuum and threw our pre-cooked HEB turkey into the oven (it tasted delicious, thank you very much). Three hours later, the house was clean, cool and the turkey was ready to be carved.

Me realizing I had no idea how to carve a turkey

There is a benefit to having large feasts at your place: the leftovers are yours! Here’s to friends, family, thankfulness and enough leftovers to feed you for a week!

I Am Not a Tree

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By Shannon Sandridge

“If you don’t like where you are, change it. You are not a tree.” – Jim Rohm

I’m moving! This semester, I have been living at Brooks Residential College, but now I am officially cleared to move into the Honors Residential College next year. I may be able to switch as early as next semester, but I’m still working on that. Before I go on with my story, I’m going to answer a few questions you probably have.

What in the world is a “Residential College”? How is it different from a normal dorm or residence hall?

The Residential Colleges (East Village, Honors, and Brooks) are communities that intentionally work to build relationships among their students. Essentially, these colleges house people who are trying to make their dorms more than just a place to sleep. They also host a variety of activities to foster involvement and community, such as movies, fall festivals, dances and lectures. One aspect of these colleges is that you live on campus for two years instead of one.

Two years? Seriously?

Yes, seriously. The point of these Residential Colleges is to build a community, and that’s really difficult if all the residents leave after a year. It sounds like it would be kind of lame to have to live on campus an extra year, but it’s really not. My friends and I are glad that we’ll get to live next door to each other for another year. When you live on campus, you see people around that you might not be in contact with otherwise, and you build relationships in the dorms. So, when you stay in them an extra year you have more time to keep building and maintaining relationships with people. I am excited about it because there are a lot of people I might lose contact with if I were to leave next year. As you pick your housing for next year, I strongly urge you to consider a residential college as your dorm of choice.

Now, when you sign your two-year occupancy license with Campus Living and Learning, you agree to live on campus for two years. Even though I am moving to a different residential college, I am not trying to break my agreement with Campus Living and Learning. They understand that it’s impossible to predict where you’ll build your strongest relationships. I still want to be on campus just in a different residential college.

Brooks has been fun, and I’ve met some really cool people. But somehow, I ended up making almost all of my closest friends in the Honors College. I’m always over there hanging out with them, so I figured that since I could move that I would. And, it wasn’t even hard.

Here are a few pics of the good times I’ve had with my friends in the Honors College.

My friend got a haircut in the Honors College. This is the moment when we realized we messed up.

Having lunch with the out-of-state friends I brought home for
Thanksgiving break – they all live in the HRC.