designated studier

A designated study spot can become the most important thing on finals week.

Marking your territory is achieved by finding a comfortable study spot, or even a whole room, and dumping all your belongings around within a 3ft radius. This space will become the area where you will sit for hours on end and not take showers for a couple of days. You will live there, sleep there, and most importantly, study there.

It becomes your way of life for a week, if you consider that a life.

The most preferred for some are in the upper floors of certain buildings. But it never hurts to snoop around where you will be comfortable, unless your in desperate need of sleep and cannot afford to waste half and hour in search of a designated study place.

Note to self: The early bird gets the worm

So this is it, huh? WHY Bates?!

In some cases I think the question should be rephrased as “why Maine?”

It may sound crazy at first, but it’s not so. I was initially thinking I would go to college somewhere near San Antonio, Texas, which is home. I was going to settle down with going to the University of Texas at Austin (UT we call it back at home) and be one student among more that 50,000 others. From my first visit to UT I knew it wasn’t quite the place I wanted to be. I was still going to settle for less. I even ignored college visits because I thought I knew very well where I would be for the next 4 years.

The last college visit available was Bates and so I took the chance, it wouldn’t hurt.

I never really stepped outside of Texas without my parents unless it was going to Mexico. I never remembered stepping foot on a plane either, you can assure yourself I had no idea what to expect. Arriving on campus, I was pretty sure I was still attending UT.  Initially, I was not “feeling it,” that feeling that lets you know this is the place. I gave it a shot though, and by the next morning I was out and about. I was so amazed in the generosity of the people. By nightfall I felt very comfortable, despite the freezing cold weather. I pictured myself here, as I am now. I was confident and took the time to find out what the buzz around was.  I quickly found out…  I knew why this was a special place, it’s the people. I took time to talk to some professors, and some even took the time to talk to me. I never would have pictured it.

My mom sure would have not pictured this. From the moment I stepped on campus I created connections that continued even after I returned home. I was not one of 50,000. I was a Batsie from the moment I stepped on campus.

My mom was very insecure about my life in Maine, especially after things at home we’re not the best. I was insecure about being so far away, but the connections I kept in Bates let me know that I have many eyes looking out for me. Even while I was completing my senior year, I met more faculty and students through email, who I can say are the most genuine I will ever meet. They’re all still here for me.  Can I ask for any better?

Maine Easter

It was the first Easter celebration without parents and well I didn’t expect to do much, just go to church (which would make my mother proud).

A day before easter, I was working in Olin Arts and was invited to the house of one of the museum workers. It was great to know that my Easter wouldn’t be bad after all. Just the thought of getting out of campus made me feel tingle (sometimes you just need to get out of campus for a while to learn to appreciate it)! I wasn’t exactly going to be in L-A either!

As we arrived to her wooden log house, I can smell the ham cooking and knew I was in for something good. After the food we enjoyed the chit chat about what goes around on campus, various “extraordinary” foods we have eaten, or haven’t. Also talked about baking cricket cookies. We also stepped outside to feel the breeze, enjoy the mountain side, and to take some pictures. It was all I can ask for, without asking for it. A brief moment to relax and take the time off and appreciate friends and nature. Glad to know people are their looking out for us!!

Its a waiting game

Waiting for that letter that will be deciding your where you will spend your college years.  It’s quite nerve racking, but you have a senior year to complete. It’s a good thing to keep in mind that the letter of acceptance you receive from college can easily be rejected if you slack off.  But at this pint in time you may ask yourself why keep trying, if the year is almost over?  It’s a question I asked myself often, why keep pushing yourself to the limit if college is around the corner?  Many reasons but, the main one is college itself.  First of all,  it’s a whole other league here, whether in your same city or state.  It is intense and so these last few month of pushing yourself will prepare you to keep pushing yourself.

   One other thing on your list of things to do— take up any opportunity to do college visits, even if you think you have made up your mind.  I wouldn’t have been at Bates if it wasn’t for that reason.  I heard of a student who decided to go to Harvard for the same reason; a last minute college visit.  Keep these notes in mind!

Just another dinner break in Commons

When you think of a break, you don’t want to really have a deep conversation about school or anything that really gets you thinking.  Days of study can get you tired, trust me I know.  But sometimes a dinner can be a time of understanding and insight.

I was chatting with my TA( teacher assistant) for Russian, about the celebration of Lent.  (It was Friday, and I shouldn’t have had that hamburger or any meat..But my mom is too far away to find out)  I had no idea how close The Russian Orthodox Church was to Catholicism not only during lent but also in the way we carry out ceremonies and prayers. I never put two and two together while I was in Russia, visiting various cathedrals and looking at the mesmerizing and stylized icons.  It seems thought that the emphasis on cathedrals and churches is much greater in Russia, maybe something we can learn from.

Sometimes we just can’t put two and two together and you realize how ignorant you once were.  It takes a simple dinner break to put it in perspective.  It takes a place like Commons to let us know we have much in common.

Mays Men Morehouse visit

Another trip well executed. If your not familiar with May’s Men (as it is a new organization on campus) then here is some introductory abstract about the group: Dr. Benjamin Elijah May was a graduate of Bates in 1920 that pushed other students to excel academically. Mays was an active participant in the Civil Rights movement and was the mentor of Martin Luther King during Mays presidency at Morehouse College. The Mays Men organization seeks to increase the presence and success of Black and Latino Males on the Bates Campus through mentoring from Bates faculty, staff, and administrators. Experiences such as visits to places like Morehouse enhance and strengthen the Mays Men by creating connections and a bond between both colleges.

During the weekend at Morehouse College (in Atlanta, Georgia), the bond between the the 6 students and 3 Bates faculty and staff was further strengthened. In addition, hearing inspiring speeches during the inauguration of Dr. Robert M. Franklin was further instilled a desire to be like Benjamin Mays and Martin Luther King. What was more surprising than the many times these two leaders were mentioned was the commemoration and praise these two leaders have on campus through memorials and the knowledge that is passed from student to teacher. It was amazing to have people recognize the Bates College students and relate to us by mentioning the great Benjamin Mays.

I only wish that all Bates students recognize the importance of Mays and his contributions to the world today and especially our campus. On campus we have a building dedicated to this Bates Alum that is sadly referred to as the silo rather than The Benjamin Mays Center. It’s a disrespect that was non existent on the Morehouse College. More students need to recognize this man and if possible properly memorialize his presence on campus.

Don’t count on a snow day to cancel classes

Ooh, 1 inch, an hour has past, oh now we have 3 inches, wait now you wake up in the morning still snowing. “It’s so white outside,” to your surprise (or not really once you get used to it) there are 8 or 9 inches of snow and it is still falling. You check email and guess what? You’re hiking your rear to class.

I have not had once class canceled this whole year because of the weather, so tonight I’m not at all counting on in, even though it looks like we’re in for a big one. This is Maine, its’ common. But I have to say I am jealous of my roommate who has had many of his classes canceled already, and still I have to get up and get going, sounds fun, huh?

It’s almost as though the snow rubs it in my face (In many ways). Wish I could play, hey maybe I can!! But no I have homework…and most likely class tomorrow. So don’t count on snow, your still going to go. Oh, 10 inches!

Panama recap

In a few words: worthwhile, mesmerizing, amazingly splendidly awesome (I’m even making up words). Panama City was a beauty, the ocean breeze, it was easy to breathe relaxation and of course live it for a few days. Upon arriving in Portobello, the scenery was captivating- green jungles, the blue ocean, and the simple village architecture. Forgot to mention the 90 degree weather, unrivaled!! The food just savored in mouth!!!

The culture was very distinct, especially with the African influence. Portobello was an old Spanish port, used to move gold and slaves through the Caribbean. The slave that escaped created villages in the jungle and would sometime join the natives in raids on the Spanish. The strategy was to attack the Spaniards when they we’re busy fighting the pirates. Ruins of forts still exist.

In a nutshell, it was great, and speaking Spanish helped! I would go again!  There is a very good chance that I will!

Back to the books

It’s always back to the books here at Bates.  Sometimes you just have those days that are stressful.  With midterms, club activities, trips, etc. you don’t have much time to breathe.  But our February break is coming up soon.  It is really a time to rest after nights of little sleep.   This is like our spring break, but its not really Sping.  We’re still very much in winter and it doesn’t seem like it will end anytime soon.  The cold has just started.  And today we had snow, ice rain, and rain.  It is truly a messy combination, icky, wet, and slushy.

Anyway, I’m traveling to Atlanta for another wonderful trip sponsored by Bates!! I will be back this Saturday, but hey, it’s all good.  Can’t wait to have some good food, especially because dinner was very bad at commons.  I was just grubbin’ on fruity pebbles.

Just lucky

Am I just lucky to be here, in the right place at the right time.  Can I say that there are so many opportunities available for grabs?

I’m going to Panama, need I say more?  O yes and well I’m not worry about expenses, because I’m covered!   As for classes, I don’t really have to worry, yet unless I get a massive amount of work that will leave me crippled and sleepless.

At this point, i;m trying to get all the work I can done.  I’m about ready to start packing my things and venture off into another country for four days!