#MyBaylorFamily

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.

Pictures Speak 1,000 Words but Personal Visits Speak 1,001

By Aaqila Rasheed

Students

Homecoming is one of Baylor’s grandest traditions. It is always fun to reconnect with old friends and alumni as they journey back to Waco to see what has become of Baylor University. During this time, the office of Multicultural Affairs holds their annual Homecoming Reception in the Student Union Building. Administrators and students involved in Black Student Association, Hispanic Student Association, Asian Student Association and other organizations gather to celebrate a Baylor tradition with a cultural twist.

A Visit From Ken Starr

The icing on the cake of this event is a special visit from Judge Ken Starr and his lovely wife Alice. When I first arrived at Baylor, I met a lot of smiling faces that convinced me that they were truly happy that I selected Baylor as my home. They supported their argument through advice and other outlets; however, as the years progressed, their actions slowly faded. One thing has remained constant: a visit from the president and other university deans with enthusiasm and appreciation for who I am as a student and what I represent as a minority on campus.

Alice Starr and I

Of course I understand that Judge Starr can’t make it to every event that a Baylor organization might host; there are just too many. But the important events, the events that represent unity and pride, are where I see the smiling face of Baylor’s president, resembling those same smiling faces from my freshman year. He may not know my name, major or hometown, but he supports the cultural stamp that I plan to leave at Baylor. He supports my heritage and is willing to incorporate that with the traditions of Baylor. It is this underlying support that motivates my Sic ‘Em. This is bear country; we are a multicultural one.

How It All Started

By Emily Woodby

I have dreamed of coming to Baylor since I was a little girl. Just to prove that I’ve been a life long fan, here is a picture of me and my brother, Tyler, showing our Baylor spirit! Now Tyler is a junior, and I have just started my first year. I still can’t believe how fast time flies. Compared to the picture on the right (the first day of class), a lot has changed.

As A Child

Now

 

 

 

 

 

 

The transition from high school to college is a bit difficult at times, but it’s so much fun. Getting in the habit of doing your own laundry, keeping all parts of your room clean and holding more responsibility for yourself is not an easy change, but the perks along the way make it worth it. Meeting all kinds of new people, learning your way around a new town and getting invested in your studies is an adventure and an experience like nothing else. Like every other college freshman, I was nervous, but with the support of my friends and family have made it a great move!

My Dorm Room

In the beginning, I was really worried about living in the dorm and sharing community bathrooms, but it’s been a blast! I’m not saying that I don’t miss the comfort of my own bathroom, but living with six other floors of girls gives me many opportunities to see my friends and continue to meet people. Not to mention that decorating your dorm room is so much fun!

My roommate Rebecca and I might have gone over the top, but it has made our room feel so homey and comfortable. While I’m showing y’all a picture from move in day…. here’s a picture of the surprise visitor we had – Baylor president, Judge Ken Starr! Please try and convince me that he’s not the coolest guy ever.

All in all, I’ve had an amazing experience these first six weeks. Wow, I cannot believe it’s already been that long! I’ve met great friends, started to get the hang of my classes and received a warm bear welcome from everyone here at Baylor. Without a doubt I am so excited to see what lies ahead for me!

Until next time!

Emily

P.S. I hope y’all have a great week!