Interesting Introductions

By Maggie Malone

The break was a little short, but isn’t it always? It’s hard trying to get back into the daily routine of eat, study, sleep. However, the beginning of each new semester gives us a chance for a fresh start.

For my part, I’ll begin the year with a story:

At first, I didn’t think that I would get along with the professor for my philosophy class. He was outspoken and snarky, and my slightly sleep deprived brain couldn’t wrap my mind around anything he was trying to say. I began to dread waking up for his class.

However, this professor wasn’t the best with names. So this morning, he brought us all bright lime green cards with our names on them to decorate. He would read out the name on the card, then hand it to its intended recipient, attempting to memorize their faces in the process. When the professor got to my name, he gasped. “MAGGIE MALONE?!” he gasped, “I love your name! It sounds just like a character in a book!” (That was the first time in a while that I had heard a grown man squeal.) After cheerfully prancing to my seat in the back of the room and handing me my name card, he asked me where I was from. Turns out, we’re from the same state! My professor and I geeked out about the most random Missouri things for a few minutes before class started again. I think I’m going to like this class after all. Oh, and I need to thank my parents for giving me such a rad name.

Learning from Experience

By Aaron Carter

I feel the same way about the end of a semester as I do about birthdays—slightly happy to be more mature and slightly sad to see it all go. I can usually point out the major changes I have experienced over the course of a semester, just as I can think back on my previous birthday and immediately see the difference in my character and maturity.

Reflection is inevitable. Like the New Year, we make resolutions, like “I’ll study harder next semester” or “I’ll make more time for my friends.” Usually we follow through with at least one of these and at least for a little while. Some of these new habits stick. We think about our failures and our successes and decide to capitalize on them and make better use of our goods and lesser use of our evils.

This stage is incredibly useful to us. While we are thinking about finals and going home to enjoy a nice long break from our routine, it does us a lot of good to really reflect and to think about what we liked best about this semester in particular. Did we like our professors? Did we dislike them? Why?

The end of a semester invites deep learning. My required history class this semester taught me more than just world history. I learned about the character of my professor. I learned which learning styles worked for me and which ones didn’t. I learned more about the types of characteristics I admire in fellow students. These are lessons that shape your personality and your fundamental character as a student and future worker.

Take some time and look back. Learn not just from the classes, but from the experience of taking them.

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. 

Why Baylor Is Better Than Everywhere Else

By Derek Byrne

It’s hard to believe this is my last full month at Baylor. I knew this was my dream school as soon as I visited campus, and that hasn’t changed. There have certainly been some unexpected challenges in the last four years, but I’ve also had opportunities and found relationships I never could have anticipated. I could list dozens of reasons I’m grateful to call Baylor my home, but here are just a few moments that I couldn’t have experienced anywhere other than on this beautiful campus next to the Brazos.

  • Remarkable faculty and staff. A few months ago, I spoke at an event for prospective students for the department of Journalism, Public Relations & New Media. A few days later, I received a handwritten note from our department chair, thanking me for serving the department. Dr. Stone, who manages the entire department on top of being an outstanding professor, took the time to write a note of gratitude to me. The relationships I’ve built with faculty and staff at Baylor are easily one of the most valuable parts of my time here, and this note of thanks was another reminder of the commitment faculty and staff have to investing in students.
  • Baylor Football. I’ve laughed. I’ve danced. I’ve wanted to cry. The Bears have made themselves known as one of the most entertaining shows in college football, and being in the stands for four seasons has given me some unforgettable moments. Running the Line, travel packages to bowl games and a beautiful new student tailgating section show the value Baylor places on its fans, and the university gives us opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
  • Community partnerships. Being a student doesn’t mean waiting a few more years to do the things you love. Baylor and Waco seek opportunities to serve each other, and chances for students to get hands-on experience in a great community are common here. I’m currently interning in the office of Marketing & Communications at McLennan Community College, refining my skill in the education public relations field at a top-notch institution. Whether it’s marketing, child development, health care or business, there’s a place in town to put your education into action.
  • Unparalleled traditions. Baylor Homecoming might be the best thing in the world, and I’ve seen dozens of impressive Sing performances. There are also less flashy traditions that are unique Baylor experiences. Every Tuesday afternoon, I meet some friends in the SUB for Dr Pepper Hour. A quick afternoon break with good people and good ice cream is the perfect reminder that Baylor is a place for life as well as learning.

I could continue for a while, but these are a few of the university’s defining features that have made my time here so valuable. Academically, socially and personally, I’ve had opportunities and experiences here that I never expected, and I know I wouldn’t be able to find them anywhere but Baylor.600359_10151802542687286_1575443189_n

Today in Class, We Are Playing Dodgeball then Dancing the Conga…

By Kilani Ju

As a psychology major, one class I had the option to take was positive psychology. I had heard many things about the class, but I had no idea how much I would enjoy it. Positive psychology is a course that teaches students how to live their lives in a positive way. From the psychology perspective, we learned several ways to relieve stress by finding positive outlooks.

One day in class, my teacher lectured on the subject of “play” and how important it is to incorporate some kind of “play” in one’s life. It can range from taking time to ride your bike, going to the pool to swim or grabbing coffee with a friend. Once you find something you enjoy, you should apply it to your daily routine. Play is a way to take a break from your everyday life and from the stress you are currently dealing with and to find a moment to do something fun.

After giving an introduction of play and how it can change your mood in a positive way, my teacher announced that we would be having a “play” day in class. As he grabbed a netted bag filled with Nerf balls, he told us that for the remaining time we would be playing dodgeball outside of the Baylor Sciences Building. We all looked at each other with shock and excitement written across our faces. We ran outside, grabbed the balls and began to play dodgeball.

After we played a game of dodgeball, we went back into class where we were surprised again to find out that class was not over just yet. My teacher then announced that we would be listening to “We are Family” and doing the Conga until class was over. For the rest of class, my classmates and I danced away, bonding with one another while laughing and grooving to the music. Most importantly, we were having fun. When class was over, I left knowing that day would go down in the books as one of my favorite memories at Baylor. If you plan to be a psychology major, I highly recommend you taking Positive Psychology.

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You Are Entering Baylor Nation

By Frances George

Welcome to fall of your senior year in high school! A time filled with so many lasts (as my daughter called them back in the fall of 2010 when she was a senior in high school), so many memories and so many decisions to be made – some before the end of the semester. And amid all of the events of senior year, there is one overriding, all-consuming decision that you go to bed thinking about, wake up having dreamt about and go throughout your day pondering: “WHERE will I be next year at this time?”

___________ University

What institution’s name will fill in the blank? It is THE question on every Class of 2015 student’s mind. Overwhelmed? Don’t be. You see, there is an amazing school straight down I-35 South (or up, depending on which direction from which you originate!) in a wonderful college town in Texas, once known primarily as the birthplace of Dr Pepper but now known as the home of Baylor Nation. It is a school that has all the statistics to sufficiently impress you on every level: academically, socially, aesthetically, musically and athletically. But let’s be honest, there are lots of top tier schools that have a lovely campus and all of the bells and whistles to attract top scholars, athletes and artists. So what is it that sets Baylor apart?

Just last week my husband and I were in Dallas for a board meeting. Our daughter drove up from Baylor just for dinner and a quick visit (We are from North Carolina in case you are wondering). Three hours after she arrived, she was headed back down I-35! But in those brief moments, I caught yet another glimpse of what makes Baylor unique and why I am thankful our daughter is a part of this place called Baylor Nation.

When our daughter arrived in Dallas late in the afternoon, she read us the text sent from her professor, as she had to alert him that she would miss his mid-week class in order to join us for dinner. The response from the professor was astounding (An aside: That a upper-level course professor at a major university would take the time to text a student is rare, but what he wrote was even more unique). The professor texted our daughter this message before she headed to Dallas: “Don’t text and drive! Be safe. Have a great time with your parents. Don’t worry about missing class today. Being with parents is more important. Drive safely back to school and remember – don’t text and drive!”

That is Baylor Nation.

That night, we ate dinner with the full board and their spouses at a lovely uptown restaurant. Our daughter has met many of these board members, men and women from around the state of Texas and around the nation, multiple times over, during the three years she has been at Baylor. Somehow this night was different. Watching our daughter interact with financial officers, legal counsel, the chief executive officer and their spouses with ease, wit and grace that came as naturally as if she had known them her entire life was a joy to watch throughout the evening. Our daughter who came to Baylor three years ago as an out-of-state freshman, knowing no one, has been nurtured and taught life skills far beyond the scope of classroom and textbooks. She has grown into a dynamic young woman who seamlessly goes in and out of a variety of events with ease. Her regular exposure to and interaction with faculty and administration, her involvement and leadership role in her sorority house and her winsome group of close friends have helped shape her in ways that are a blessing to witness. She could learn all about journalism, public relations, communication and Spanish on any campus, but here at Baylor, something extra has taken place. She has become a young woman who will make a difference in her generation.

This is Baylor Nation.

The Baylor difference resides in the things you can see in your student as they go through their four years at Baylor: grace, poise and confidence in conversation. The Baylor difference resides in the big and little unseen things our students are taught by outstanding and uniquely gifted professors: “Don’t text and drive and have a great time with your parents” translates into “I care about you as a person, and I respect, admire and recognize the relationship you have with your parents.” What other major university professor says that? So, above all, the Baylor difference resides in not only the things you can see, but more importantly in the things you can’t see. It is reflected in the ever deepening character of your student and shaped by what takes place on campus and in the broader Baylor community. Growing up in a strong nation with strong leaders makes a difference. That’s the Baylor Nation difference. When you see the billboards as you enter Waco that read “You are entering Baylor Nation,” they are true. It is a place unlike any other. It is a nation building tomorrow’s leaders, leaders who will make a difference, rooted in Waco, changing the world.

Moving to Baylor from Oregon

By Laura Teague

One of the questions I get a lot as an out-of-state student is, “Why did you choose Baylor when it is so far from Oregon?” This is a valid question as my hometown is a mere 2,050 miles away, and when I came to Baylor, there was a whopping total of six students from the whole state of Oregon in the class of 2015. When it came down to it, I had three main reasons why I chose Baylor.

1) Warmer weather. Oregon is beautiful, but I needed a change from the rain.

2) Perfect size campus. With about 15,000 students on campus, it’s big enough to have a lot going on but small enough to get really plugged in and feel like you are a part of campus.

3) All of the professors that I had encountered truly loved working at Baylor. To me, their passion spoke volumes because these would be the adults who would pour into my education during the next four years.

Since coming to Baylor, I have not been disappointed (except for the occasional 13 degree football game), especially by the love for Baylor by the entire faculty, staff and student body. It’s really special to attend a school where we can all be one united family. I would really challenge you as a prospective student to meet with professors if you can while you are on campus. They really are a great representation of the school and can give you great insight not only into their specific program, but the campus as a whole.

Also – Sing started on Thursday! And since I know you have all been dying of anticipation, I’ll give you a glimpse of our act. Ancient Egypt baby!

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Sic ‘Em BIC!

By Joe Bridgeman

Probably one of the best decisions I made as an incoming freshman was joining the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core (BIC). The BIC is a program in the Honors College that replaces the core classes in your curriculum with interdisciplinary classes that integrate English, history, religion, philosophy and political science into one fluid subject of study. These classes are team-taught by the best professors from multiple departments across the university – the cream of the crop. Class time is alternated between large lectures and small-group discussions, containing 12 to 18 people.

BIC classes are thought provoking, challenging and taught by the most interesting and fun professors the university has to offer. The classes seek to integrate modern and ancient ideas together and apply them to the world we live in.  You also get to go on a field trip every semester to somewhere pertinent to what you’re learning, such as:

  • A Hindu temple
  • An Islamic mosque
  • A Japanese garden in Fort Worth
  • Various art museums in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
  • Social outreach centers and charities in Waco

A Hindu Temple in Temple, Texas.

The Japanese Garden at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BIC classes have been the most memorable of my Baylor career. They challenge you to wrestle with and consider ideas, new and old, without telling you what to think. This strong emphasis on the humanities balanced with a strong science major really rounded out my education.

As a side benefit, being in one of the Honors College programs gives you earlier registration than your classmates! You only have the opportunity to join as an incoming freshman or during your first semester of Baylor, so be sure to check out the program and apply!

No Pressure, No Diamonds…

By Brooks Goodwin

Of course, your first reaction to the title of this post might be to think of Robert Griffin III’s acceptance speech for the Heisman trophy. However, I have found that this quote can be motivation for my academics here at Baylor, and maybe you will too.

This is the point in the semester where you have a fairly good idea of what grade you currently have in each class and what you will have to do to get the final grades you want. You can find that you are doing pretty well in some classes, and in others you can find that you are really going to have to work hard the rest of the semester to get a decent grade. This can lead to some possible anxiety and put pressure on you to succeed…which is exactly where the quote comes in.

If you don’t find your classes difficult or aren’t worn down from the busyness of the semester up to this point, you might be doing something wrong. College is supposed to be challenging, especially here at Baylor where your professors expect the best from you. This isn’t supposed to be intimidating or scary; it just shows that they care about seeing you reach your potential and be the best that you can be. So, when each class seems to be getting more and more difficult and you find yourself struggling to manage everything, just know that it will be fine as long as you stay focused.

So, here’s the point. If you never feel the pressure that college can bring, you might never get the diamonds (or success) that can come from the work you put in. Even if you are tired and your mind feels worn down, you need to stay on top of your schoolwork and be sure to study for every quiz and test. You would rather look back at the end of the semester and think, “I did everything I could and earned the grade that I got” rather than “Maybe if I had studied a little more, I could have done better.” Embrace the pressure that is given to you, and work hard to get the diamonds you deserve.

Not all Classes Involve a Pen and Paper

By Michael Allen

Saving my required Lifetime Fitness (LF) class for my senior year has made my Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings start on par, literally! I am currently enrolled in Baylor’s Beginners Golf course, and I am enjoying every minute of it. Golf started out like most classes, with a book and lecture. However, once we finished going through the material, we got to start applying our newly-gained knowledge at a small, indoor putting green on campus.

Golf Classroom

Golf Classroom in Baylor’s Marrs McLean Gym

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depending on your degree program, Baylor requires all of its students to complete at least one LF course. Since I am a business major, I only need to complete one of these fun courses, but I have heard of some majors that require up to five LF credits.

I choose golf as my LF because I wanted to learn the rules and be able to go out on the course and attempt to play. So far this semester, we have spent a lot of time on putting and pitching, and we are about to start working on full swings. Throughout the semester, my class attends golf course days where we meet out at our professor’s golf school at the Lake Waco Country Club. This has allowed me to use my new skills in more than just the classroom.

Golf clubs and golf balls in the classroom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The requirement of LF courses by Baylor is what helps make a Baylor degree a well-rounded one. It allows students to graduate with more than just basic classroom knowledge while also learning new life skills. While my degree only requires one LF course, I am tempted to take Intermediate Golf next semester to learn more about the game and have some fun along the way!