Spring is officially here! Well, at least until Friday, when the forecast calls for more snow. But by then, it will be Spring Break, and by the time campus fills up again after break, I'm thinking all the snow will be gone. So here's to spring!
Springtime at Luther is a magical time. Everyone is in a perpetually good mood, except for when they are stuck in class for that dreaded hour chunk that hinders them from being outside. Spring is a time for creativity: today, I saw three guys on the library lawn playing makeshift baseball with plastic bottles! I think that's one of the great things about Luther: the library lawn! It's been home to many, many activities, including many impromptu Frisbee matches and suntanning sessions.
Another wonderful thing about Luther in general, not just in the spring, is the musical talent. It's insane! You walk around and hear people singing, and no one thinks twice! Even people who aren't in choir or taking music lessons find their own ways to "jam". Take my friend Myhro, for example. He's not involved in music classes or lessons or anything, but he plays the guitar. So random nights, we'll have a guitar session and we'll just chill in a room and he'll just strum away to Keith Urban while we talk about anything and everything. It's great, to just be hanging out with a live guitar thrown in the mix. It's awesome!
I wish all of you weather like we're having here, because it doesn't get any better (65 and sunny!)
Always,
Allison
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Preus Library
This week, I think it would be advantageous to explore the wonderful world of the Preus Library!
As a first-year student, I was only vaguely aware of the many resources the library offered until just recently, as I began working on my Paideia research paper. For about the past week, I have been spending multiple hours a day in the library, using their many resources. For starters, the online catalogue. You can access the library's online resources from anywhere on campus. The library website allows you to search not only the entire library collection of books, but you can also look at the almost 25 online journals the library subscribes to. This is wonderful for when you are unable to leave your room because of the treacherous weather conditions...or because you're too lazy. If you do decide to brave the elements, or leave your bed, and head to the library, you will find a plethora of resources.
First is the books themselves. The shelves of the library are packed full of books of all kind. And not just one floor, nope, we've got books on the first and third floor. And these are the specialty books, books about specific subjects. Preus library also holds many reference books, such as encyclopedias and maps of all genres. If you can't find what you are looking for on your own, you can always ask the person working the reference desk. This desk can be seen as soon as you walk into the library, and is home to the librarian on duty. The librarian is there to answer your questions and to help you find anything you could ever need. For example, I utilized the reference desk while searching for articles about Chinese films. Basically, the library has all you could ever want for any type of research.
And if there is something that you need that it doesn't have, there is an office for interlibrary loan which borrows books from other libraries for a period of time. And if this isn't enough, the library is full of comfortable couches for you to do all of your wonderful work. There are also tables and chairs on all levels, and take it from me, they work very well for doing homework of any kind.
But not only does the library offer books and resources for papers and the like, it is also home to the technology help desk, which is great when your computer decides to act like a computer and not work. The Student Academic Support Center (SASC) is located in the basement, and it offers tutors for any and all subjects. The library also holds the writing center, which is extremely useful for those big important papers, or even your everyday Paideia response paper.
I hope this gives you a better understanding of the Preus library and how wonderful it is for any college student.
Always,
Allison
As a first-year student, I was only vaguely aware of the many resources the library offered until just recently, as I began working on my Paideia research paper. For about the past week, I have been spending multiple hours a day in the library, using their many resources. For starters, the online catalogue. You can access the library's online resources from anywhere on campus. The library website allows you to search not only the entire library collection of books, but you can also look at the almost 25 online journals the library subscribes to. This is wonderful for when you are unable to leave your room because of the treacherous weather conditions...or because you're too lazy. If you do decide to brave the elements, or leave your bed, and head to the library, you will find a plethora of resources.
First is the books themselves. The shelves of the library are packed full of books of all kind. And not just one floor, nope, we've got books on the first and third floor. And these are the specialty books, books about specific subjects. Preus library also holds many reference books, such as encyclopedias and maps of all genres. If you can't find what you are looking for on your own, you can always ask the person working the reference desk. This desk can be seen as soon as you walk into the library, and is home to the librarian on duty. The librarian is there to answer your questions and to help you find anything you could ever need. For example, I utilized the reference desk while searching for articles about Chinese films. Basically, the library has all you could ever want for any type of research.
And if there is something that you need that it doesn't have, there is an office for interlibrary loan which borrows books from other libraries for a period of time. And if this isn't enough, the library is full of comfortable couches for you to do all of your wonderful work. There are also tables and chairs on all levels, and take it from me, they work very well for doing homework of any kind.
But not only does the library offer books and resources for papers and the like, it is also home to the technology help desk, which is great when your computer decides to act like a computer and not work. The Student Academic Support Center (SASC) is located in the basement, and it offers tutors for any and all subjects. The library also holds the writing center, which is extremely useful for those big important papers, or even your everyday Paideia response paper.
I hope this gives you a better understanding of the Preus library and how wonderful it is for any college student.
Always,
Allison
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Concerts!
Time for a break from Paideia! So this week, I want to talk about the many wonderful concert opportunities Luther offers. There are many different types, so we'll take a quick jaunt and discover them all!
First of all, there are student concerts. These include junior and senior recitals, where junior and senior music majors put together a concert of their preferred repertoire to perform for friends and faculty members, along with anyone from the community who enjoys music. These range from piano concerts to violin and guitar, and I even saw a poster today for a tuba concert! These are usually performed in the Noble Recital Hall in the music building (a wonderful hall, I've had many piano seminars there, and it's great!).
Next is faculty concerts. These are members of the music staff who have put together an impressive set of works to perform for students, other faculty members and members of the community. These, too, can range from guitar to piano to vocals. Many perform as duets. These concerts also take place in the Noble Recital Hall.
Finally, you have the mainstream concerts. These include more renowned artists, such as OKGO, the Harlem Gospel Choir, and Jon McLaughlin. These concerts take place in Regents gym and the CFL (Center for Faith and Life). These usually have a bigger turnout of students, and they require tickets in advanced, which are free if you have CAF (a fee you pay in the beginning of the year that allows you to go to concerts and school events for free through the entire year). These concerts are the talk of campus for the week before and after they take place. They are wonderful ways to broaden your horizons and just have a great time with friends!
So there are the three types of concerts here at Luther. They are all spectacular and a fantastic opportunity to hang out with friends in a unique setting.
Paideia is calling, more next week! But until then, I'm
Always
Allison
First of all, there are student concerts. These include junior and senior recitals, where junior and senior music majors put together a concert of their preferred repertoire to perform for friends and faculty members, along with anyone from the community who enjoys music. These range from piano concerts to violin and guitar, and I even saw a poster today for a tuba concert! These are usually performed in the Noble Recital Hall in the music building (a wonderful hall, I've had many piano seminars there, and it's great!).
Next is faculty concerts. These are members of the music staff who have put together an impressive set of works to perform for students, other faculty members and members of the community. These, too, can range from guitar to piano to vocals. Many perform as duets. These concerts also take place in the Noble Recital Hall.
Finally, you have the mainstream concerts. These include more renowned artists, such as OKGO, the Harlem Gospel Choir, and Jon McLaughlin. These concerts take place in Regents gym and the CFL (Center for Faith and Life). These usually have a bigger turnout of students, and they require tickets in advanced, which are free if you have CAF (a fee you pay in the beginning of the year that allows you to go to concerts and school events for free through the entire year). These concerts are the talk of campus for the week before and after they take place. They are wonderful ways to broaden your horizons and just have a great time with friends!
So there are the three types of concerts here at Luther. They are all spectacular and a fantastic opportunity to hang out with friends in a unique setting.
Paideia is calling, more next week! But until then, I'm
Always
Allison
The Jon McLaughlin concert on Feb 17 in the CFA
Monday, February 23, 2009
A Case of the Mondays
Happy Monday everyone. What a week this has been. Paideia is officially in full force! I'm becoming a pro at deciding whether or not a source is credible enough to use in a research paper! For those of you who don't know, Spring semester for Luther first-years is all about the Paideia research paper. Each class section has a different theme, chosen by the professor, and each student chooses a different topic to research and write about. So for the next month, the library will be full of Paideia students frantically cramming knowledge into their brains so they can spit it out on their computer when it's time to write their paper.
Lucky for me, I chose to watch a movie and analyze whether or not it accurately portrays women in the 1920's in China. So that means I get to watch a movie! Right? Wrong. That means I'll get to watch the movie about 12 times in order to spot the tiniest details about female life. But in all honesty, this movie is pretty good. It's called "Raise the Red Lantern" and I strongly recommend it, because it is a great movie.
Other than that, it looks like winter again! It snowed this weekend, which was AWESOME news for my Outdoor Winter Activities class, because now we can actually go snowshoeing! We hit the trails today, and let me tell you, this is one of the most fun things I've done! It's great! I think everyone should try it at least once!!!
That's all for now, seeing as I've got a large monograph (look it up!) to read about the roles of women in historical China before dinner tonight.
Always,
Allison
Lucky for me, I chose to watch a movie and analyze whether or not it accurately portrays women in the 1920's in China. So that means I get to watch a movie! Right? Wrong. That means I'll get to watch the movie about 12 times in order to spot the tiniest details about female life. But in all honesty, this movie is pretty good. It's called "Raise the Red Lantern" and I strongly recommend it, because it is a great movie.
Other than that, it looks like winter again! It snowed this weekend, which was AWESOME news for my Outdoor Winter Activities class, because now we can actually go snowshoeing! We hit the trails today, and let me tell you, this is one of the most fun things I've done! It's great! I think everyone should try it at least once!!!
That's all for now, seeing as I've got a large monograph (look it up!) to read about the roles of women in historical China before dinner tonight.
Always,
Allison
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Second Semester
I have discovered that I haven't really shared much about my second semester classes, so I thought I would disclose a bit of information about my classes now.
First off is Paideia, of course. Last semester was all reading, but this semester is different because the main focus is a research paper that is specific to each Paideia section. For example, my class is doing research related to China, since this is the topic my professor chose. Our paper has to be 8-10 pages long, and must include many primary and secondary sources. It will be a lot of work, but I plan on choosing a topic that is at least semi-interesting to me so I don't loathe it.
Then there's Philosophy. This class is AWESOME!!!! We talk about things that make my head spin, like how do we know whether something is pious because it is loved or that it's loved because it's pious? Crazy, I know, but it's one of my favorite classes! The professor is kind of a spark plug, which makes it that much better.
Spanish this semester is focused on writing different types of compositions. Currently we are working on descriptions and have to write a letter of recommendation where we describe in "lenguaje vivo," or vivid language, the traits of the person. I'm looking forward to getting into it more and getting to write some really interesting things.
Finally is my skills class, which is Outdoor Winter Activities (OWA) which is taught by the volleyball coach. Basically, we go on hikes and go snowshoeing. Or we will if we get any more snow. This class is a great way to get outside and to explore Decorah in a really fun way!
Oh, I almost forgot about Honors, which I mentioned a bit in my last post. We're focused on culture and the media, and I really think I will enjoy that class. As I stated in my previous post, my blog with my studies is http://cultureandthemedia.blogspot.com if you are interested in learning more.
Here's to another Sunday doing homework! I love college!! Until next time, I'm
Always,
Allison
First off is Paideia, of course. Last semester was all reading, but this semester is different because the main focus is a research paper that is specific to each Paideia section. For example, my class is doing research related to China, since this is the topic my professor chose. Our paper has to be 8-10 pages long, and must include many primary and secondary sources. It will be a lot of work, but I plan on choosing a topic that is at least semi-interesting to me so I don't loathe it.
Then there's Philosophy. This class is AWESOME!!!! We talk about things that make my head spin, like how do we know whether something is pious because it is loved or that it's loved because it's pious? Crazy, I know, but it's one of my favorite classes! The professor is kind of a spark plug, which makes it that much better.
Spanish this semester is focused on writing different types of compositions. Currently we are working on descriptions and have to write a letter of recommendation where we describe in "lenguaje vivo," or vivid language, the traits of the person. I'm looking forward to getting into it more and getting to write some really interesting things.
Finally is my skills class, which is Outdoor Winter Activities (OWA) which is taught by the volleyball coach. Basically, we go on hikes and go snowshoeing. Or we will if we get any more snow. This class is a great way to get outside and to explore Decorah in a really fun way!
Oh, I almost forgot about Honors, which I mentioned a bit in my last post. We're focused on culture and the media, and I really think I will enjoy that class. As I stated in my previous post, my blog with my studies is http://cultureandthemedia.blogspot.com if you are interested in learning more.
Here's to another Sunday doing homework! I love college!! Until next time, I'm
Always,
Allison
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Homework and the Internet
Usually when college students think of homework and the internet, they think Facebook and the problems they face when they are trying to do work, but are compelled by the force of Facebook to not do their work and instead search bumper stickers and look at pictures for the hour they had intended to use for writing their Paideia paper. But Facebook isn't the only 'evil' on the internet. However, there is a lot of good that can come out of the internet as far as schoolwork.
Besides your typical research that is done for papers, one of my professors has found a unique way of incorporating the internet into class. The topic of our course is 'Culture and the Media' and our assignment, once a week, is to write a blog about a certain topic that is determined the week before. In this way, we are reflecting on certain aspects of the media in a way that has become more mainstream in our culture: blogging.
In case you are interested in reading my homework assignments, my new blog website is http://cultureandthemedia.blogspot.com/ I would encourage you to browse through it from time to time if you are interested in what type of writing college students do in a typical class.
Always,
Allison
Besides your typical research that is done for papers, one of my professors has found a unique way of incorporating the internet into class. The topic of our course is 'Culture and the Media' and our assignment, once a week, is to write a blog about a certain topic that is determined the week before. In this way, we are reflecting on certain aspects of the media in a way that has become more mainstream in our culture: blogging.
In case you are interested in reading my homework assignments, my new blog website is http://cultureandthemedia.blogspot.com/ I would encourage you to browse through it from time to time if you are interested in what type of writing college students do in a typical class.
Always,
Allison
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Flexibility
Flexibility: adjustable, compliance, limber, pliancy, malleable.
It's time for another one of my tips and tricks for college students. Today's lesson is all about being flexible, in both the physical and mental sense.
Physical:
I'm taking a skills class called Outdoor Winter Activities, and one of the things we've talked about already is the importance of stretching. Stretching leads to flexibility and decreases your chance of injury, especially if you're a klutz like yours truly. So stretch. Be flexible. Work your muscles in different ways, like snowshoeing (which we're doing for class, by the way, and is really exciting)
Mental:
It is very important to keep an open mind, especially as a college freshman. For example, I came into school thinking I wanted to do something in the medical research field. But I kept an open mind, because I wasn't positive that that was the route for me. And a great new opportunity has literally fallen into my lap in the form of English. But even after deciding to major in English, I have continued to keep my mind open, and yet another opportunity has flown its colorful flag. After an extremely interesting Paideia lecture yesterday, I am now seriously considering a second major in Africana Studies. But the cool thing is that four of the classes for this major are also history courses. And you only need five history courses to minor, so by taking one extra history course of my choosing, I could have a minor! So by keeping an open mind and not closing myself off with the notion that I was going to be a biology major no matter what, I have discovered new passions of mine that have been previously under-developed.
So there's another life lesson from a college freshman. I hope you can apply it to yourself, no matter what walk of life you are living. Until next time, I'm
Always,
Allison
It's time for another one of my tips and tricks for college students. Today's lesson is all about being flexible, in both the physical and mental sense.
Physical:
I'm taking a skills class called Outdoor Winter Activities, and one of the things we've talked about already is the importance of stretching. Stretching leads to flexibility and decreases your chance of injury, especially if you're a klutz like yours truly. So stretch. Be flexible. Work your muscles in different ways, like snowshoeing (which we're doing for class, by the way, and is really exciting)
Mental:
It is very important to keep an open mind, especially as a college freshman. For example, I came into school thinking I wanted to do something in the medical research field. But I kept an open mind, because I wasn't positive that that was the route for me. And a great new opportunity has literally fallen into my lap in the form of English. But even after deciding to major in English, I have continued to keep my mind open, and yet another opportunity has flown its colorful flag. After an extremely interesting Paideia lecture yesterday, I am now seriously considering a second major in Africana Studies. But the cool thing is that four of the classes for this major are also history courses. And you only need five history courses to minor, so by taking one extra history course of my choosing, I could have a minor! So by keeping an open mind and not closing myself off with the notion that I was going to be a biology major no matter what, I have discovered new passions of mine that have been previously under-developed.
So there's another life lesson from a college freshman. I hope you can apply it to yourself, no matter what walk of life you are living. Until next time, I'm
Always,
Allison
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