Tag Archives: Baylor Family

It’s Official!

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By Emily Woodby

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This past weekend was one for the books. After pledging for five weeks, I was initiated into the Zeta chapter of Pi Beta Phi here at Baylor. Not only was it an exciting weekend and a chance to spend time with family, but it also showed me how much I have to be thankful for.

First semester was a great experience for me. I loved that I got to come to a new town and meet so many new people. At times, it was a little scary, but I knew I would make some special friendships during my college years that God had planned for my life. With that in mind, I got comfortable in my group of friends and was perfectly content.

When bid day came and I walked into the Pi Phi room, I felt overwhelmed. There were still so many faces that I hadn’t met. However, through the new member process, I’ve meet so many amazing women and developed so many wonderful friendships. This weekend after initiation, we had a luncheon with our parents and bigs, and once again I scanned the room and saw the same faces that I saw on bid day but now in a new light.

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When I look back and remember how nervous I was to meet everyone, I just laugh. I had nothing to worry about. I am so glad that I decided to go through recruitment and am so glad that I am surrounded by 88 other amazing girls who I can count on. My parents and brothers being there to share in the excitement put the icing on top of a perfect weekend!

To all of the seniors in high school who are thinking about coming to Baylor and thinking about going through recruitment – my advice is to do it! Maybe there’s just something in the Waco water, but it’s one of a kind!

 

 

Passion 2014 in Houston

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By Courtney Roberts

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On Valentine’s Day weekend, I had the privilege of traveling to Houston for Passion 2014 with my younger brother, Connor. (I joked with him that he was my valentine, but I think he was weirded out by that!) Passion’s tagline is, “The Jesus generation united,” which sums up nicely what it is all about. Passion is a gathering for 18-25 year olds to come together to worship, hear speakers and connect with other believers that are the same age. This was the first time Passion has ever come to Houston, as it is usually only in Atlanta, Georgia. Passion is no small thing, either – there were about 17,600 people in Houston’s Toyota Center.

On Friday, I picked up my brother from his apartment in College Station, and off we went. If nothing else, it was wonderful to be able to experience more of who Christ is with my only sibling. It was great to have time to bond with him and play games as we traveled a few hours south to Houston.

Over the course of two days, we heard messages from Louie Giglio, Francis Chan, Beth Moore and Judah Smith. Most of the messages were centered on Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross. Each speaker spoke on the topic from a different angle; some of which included: earning God’s love invalidates Jesus’ sacrifice, don’t waste your time on this side of Heaven and choosing to follow God daily. I’m so thankful that I spent the weekend away from campus to reconnect with God and take a break from the routine. Between All-University Sing, schoolwork and applying for jobs, a healthy break was definitely overdue.

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I also love the rich community that we share at Baylor. I ran into so many other people from Baylor: sorority sisters, study abroad friends and alumni. The three universities with the largest presence were Texas A&M, Baylor and University of Texas, respectively. During breaks between the sessions, all the Texas schools did their school chants, and you could identify where everyone went to school based on what chant they yelled. I loved knowing that though we’re all rivals, we all love Jesus, and that unites us!

Passion 2015 is going to Houston again, and I recommend going if you can. Grab a couple friends, take a road trip and have a blast learning about Jesus while getting lost in downtown Houston. You won’t regret it! Passion 2015 in Atlanta is January 2-4 and in Houston January 30-February 1.

Find out more about Passion here.

Happy Birthday Baylor

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By Ashley Woo

This past weekend, Baylor University celebrated its birthday. With all the excitement surrounding Baylor this year, it is easy to focus the future and what it holds. However, as the oldest continually operating university in Texas, we should also remember the rich history of Baylor University.

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Ever since coming to Baylor, I have seen how much pride the students, faculty, staff, alumni and administration have in the history of Baylor. One day during Line Camp, we took buses to Independence, Texas, where we got to experience firsthand, the special place that is the birthplace of the university. We spent the day learning about the deep history, whether it was through listening to the stories being passed down to us or walking around the historical place. Being greeted by President and Chancellor Ken Starr as I walked through the four columns has been one of my favorite memories that I have made at Baylor. What a great way to be welcomed in the Baylor family!

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Though Baylor University was established more than 150 years ago, the principles that govern the university seem to have been frozen in time. One of my favorite things about Baylor is seeing the similarities in what the university was and what it is now. This great institution is always looking to expand her horizons, but continues to abide by the core principles that the university was founded upon.

Happy Birthday Baylor!

Only at Baylor: Student Christmas Greeting Cards!

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By Frances George, a Baylor parent

Welcome to second semester! For the parents of prospective students reading this, I understand how you feel right about now: Huge, life altering decisions are facing your darlings, and you want to make sure the trajectory of their life’s ambitions are perfectly on course when next August rolls around. I know. I’ve been there…twice and still have one to launch from the nest into college just two years from now.

Rest assured, if your student chooses Baylor, they will have chosen well! So many things make Baylor an outstanding academic choice but as you know, college is about more than just the academics. I addressed that in my December blog. Character and legacy are components as well that should enter into your equation.

What, you ask, makes Baylor even more of a stand out than superior academic possibilities and the sense of community the students receive from faculty as well as newly made friends?

A Christmas Greeting Card!

When our daughter came home for Christmas break, her room, with remarkable speed, was so messy it looked like a bomb had gone off. Clothes everywhere, unmade bed, notes and gifts from Baylor friends and Christmas cards – full fledged photographs and professionally printed greetings from “named” dorm rooms and houses where upperclassmen live! I had to take a double take. It was true. Neatly placed on top of all the “stuff” that came from one (big) suitcase, were Christmas greeting cards from classmates with her own house picture on top! The boys had clearly taken time to stage, pose and have printed cards with greetings, addressed and mailed to the girls. Our daughter’s little green cottage of girls had done the same; standing on the porch, tastefully decorated with Christmas lights inside the house and out, were three wrapped “boxed” presents (the three girls) with enormous wrapping bows in their hair. Say “Sic ‘Em”! There was a professionally printed and handwritten greeting along with a beautiful verse of Christmas scripture printed on the back of each card…from the boys as well as the girls. What other school has students who do this? What other school has this kind of community that celebrates the season…the real reason for the season…with “family” members in dorms and in cottages scattered throughout a few streets of the college community? I have never seen this kind of university community. I have seen the lovely cards sent from the university front office (Baylor’s was lovely, for the record) from around the country but none from students to students! It made me smile.

When I mentioned this to our daughter, she said, in such casual stride (as if every school in the nation must do this), “Of course we send cards. It’s what family does!”

I hope this cheerful blog makes you smile and gives you a window in the type of university Baylor is and can be for your student.

Praying for you as you begin make life’s trajectory choices! Oh yes, academics are so very important, but a sense of family is very near the top in our house!  Baylor accomplishes both and so much more, setting your student on the right course, unlike any other.

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.

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.

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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!

#MyBaylorFamily

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By Ashley Woo

During last night’s football game against Oklahoma, I was reminded of the one aspect that drew me to prefer Baylor over any other university – and that was the aspect of family. In a silly kind of way, the fact that every single person (OU fans excluded) in the stadium rose to Baylor’s call for a blackout reminded me of my first thought when I stepped onto Baylor campus, “I am not just a number or a file in the admissions office. I’m part of something that is much greater than me.” We yell together, cheer together, heckle the Oklahoma players together and celebrate victories together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Baylor family doesn’t just stop at football. When I came for my first campus visit, so many random people offered to show me around and tell me the good places to eat in Waco. I’ve heard many people say, “You will never meet a stranger at Baylor.” Because Baylor is a mid-sized, private school, you really cannot walk to class without seeing someone that you know. Even with strangers, there is a sense of camaraderie and Baylor pride. One of my favorite stories to tell my friends is the time I lost my wallet my freshman year. After eating lunch with a couple of my friends at Student Union Building (SUB), I was in a hurry to get to class, so I did not realize until later that I had left my wallet. Not only did a senior guy contact me that he had my wallet, but he also drove over to my dorm to return it to me.

Another one of my favorite things about my Baylor family is that Baylor celebrities are ordinary people, who happen to do incredible things. They are supportive, down to earth and straight up genuine. Last week, my sorority hosted a spaghetti dinner benefitting our philanthropy. It was awesome to see that Bryce Petty (Baylor quarterback) and Eddie Lackey (Baylor linebacker) came to support our cause.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One person who has become famous for his support and love for the Baylor family is president Judge Kenneth Starr. It not uncommon to see him at various events on campus or running the Baylor Line with the freshman class. His commitment to selflessly serving Baylor is seen so evidently through his involvement with the student body.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, my Baylor family is not complete without the friendships that I have made during my time at Baylor. Committing to go to a school where I only knew a few people was one of the biggest tests of faith in my life. However, looking back now as a senior, I have found that God has blessed me with women that have truly become my best friends and most importantly, my family.

A Family that Prays Together, Stays Together

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By Aaqila Rasheed

One of the things that I absolutely love about Baylor is the different ways to get involved. When I first came to Baylor, many people believed that I would soon dropout. I am a preacher’s kid and with that title comes a lot of stereotypes. It was disconcerting to know that people thought I would soon be home due to an unwanted pregnancy; however, I was determined to prove them wrong. I was so determined that I hooked up with the Impact Movement here at Baylor.

Joining Baylor’s chapter of the Impact Movement was a great decision for me. The organization emphasizes discipleship and evangelism. We meet every Thursday for Bible Study, gather on the weekends for community service, host talent shows and keep each other spiritually accountable. We’ve been involved with University events such as Stompfest and Steppin’ Out. This group provided me with an alternative to the party-sleep-repeat pattern that most believed I would fall into. I met with people that I could do life with. They shared the same goal as I did: staying spiritually rooted in Christ during this journey through college.

The people I met really are family. What started as surface level friendships soon turned into what will be life-long relationships. I know that even after this season at Baylor, I will always be able to call my family for honesty and wisdom. What really brought us closer together was the fact that every time we gathered, we gathered with intentionality to encourage each other on the Biblical truths that we believe. Christ is the foundation of our organization and the foundation of our relationships. It’s a foundation that cannot be shaken. I guess it’s true what they say, “A family that prays together, stays together.”