With the end of Spring Break, one would think that the weather should reflect the wonderful title of this vacation, meaning it should feel like spring, correct? Obviously I'm the only one who thinks this way, because the weather outside, while no where near as bad as full-blown winter, lacks much of the spring feel. While it is sunny and nice looking, the temperature keeps us from thinking that spring can really show up in March. But I digress...
Coming back from break is like a slap in the face. You conveniently "forgot" your books at school, along with the assignments due when you return. So after 10 days of blissful nothingness, you return only to be reminded of everything you have yet to do, such as study for a midterm, read Paideia, and write more papers. Whereas this would not be anything out of the ordinary for day to day college life, things pile up after being gone. I imagine the same thing happens for those in the "real world" who return to work after an extended absence. I don't know about you, but personally, I don't really appreciate it :-) But again, I digress, and life moves forward.
An e-mail reminder was sent out recently reminding students of upcoming registration. It's so weird to think about sophomore year already. I mean, didn't I just move into my luxurious dorm room like last week? And here we are, choosing classes for next fall. It's insane!!! No matter how much you want to hold on to each and every moment, life moves forward (sensing a theme here?) whether you want it to or not.
Anyway, I won't bore you with the details of my break, although I will tell you that 85 degrees is much nicer than the 25 I returned home to :-P Enjoy this lovely week, try to take hold of each moment even as you continue to move forward.
Always,
Allison
Monday, March 30, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Study Abroad
As March rolls around, a common thought, at least among my friends and I, is where we want to study abroad in the coming years. And as a Luther student, let me tell you that there are so many opportunities, it's overwhelming! But in the best way possible.
For the past two months or so, my friend Taylor and I have been pursuing study abroad options for junior year. The options are endless! I've spent countless hours pouring over the brochures and pamphlets and magazines from the Study Abroad office, and there is no shortage of places to be, that's for sure! You can literally study ANYWHERE in the world! It's insane! For example, I plan on going to England. Okay, so at least we've got the country narrowed down. But where in England? It's amazing, the opportunities that present themselves! And I have heard nothing but positive feedback from those students who have chosen to spend some time abroad.
If you want to go abroad, but only stay for a while, not a whole year or semester, J-Term is the opportune time to do so. The list of next years trips just came out, and let me tell you, they are AMAZING!!!!! For example, there are three professors going to Africa for different courses, there is one going to Russia and Norway, there is one going to Ireland to study Tolkein and C. S. Lewis, there is one going to the Bahamas to study marine biology, and there's my personal favorite: Greece! You spend approximately 21 days in Greece studying Greek theater. I think this would be the bee's knees! In fact, it's been pretty much all I've been thinking about lately, minus Spring Break, of course :-)
If you have any questions about the opportunities to study abroad while at Luther, please don't hesitate to contact the school. The workers in the Study Abroad office would be more than happy to answer any questions. And if you want a more specific view of a student's excitement to go abroad, feel free to contact me. My e-mail is croaal01@luther.edu I would love to hear from you! I'll be gone next week for Spring Break, so have a safe week, enjoy each and every moment, for you will never get it back.
Always,
Allison
For the past two months or so, my friend Taylor and I have been pursuing study abroad options for junior year. The options are endless! I've spent countless hours pouring over the brochures and pamphlets and magazines from the Study Abroad office, and there is no shortage of places to be, that's for sure! You can literally study ANYWHERE in the world! It's insane! For example, I plan on going to England. Okay, so at least we've got the country narrowed down. But where in England? It's amazing, the opportunities that present themselves! And I have heard nothing but positive feedback from those students who have chosen to spend some time abroad.
If you want to go abroad, but only stay for a while, not a whole year or semester, J-Term is the opportune time to do so. The list of next years trips just came out, and let me tell you, they are AMAZING!!!!! For example, there are three professors going to Africa for different courses, there is one going to Russia and Norway, there is one going to Ireland to study Tolkein and C. S. Lewis, there is one going to the Bahamas to study marine biology, and there's my personal favorite: Greece! You spend approximately 21 days in Greece studying Greek theater. I think this would be the bee's knees! In fact, it's been pretty much all I've been thinking about lately, minus Spring Break, of course :-)
If you have any questions about the opportunities to study abroad while at Luther, please don't hesitate to contact the school. The workers in the Study Abroad office would be more than happy to answer any questions. And if you want a more specific view of a student's excitement to go abroad, feel free to contact me. My e-mail is croaal01@luther.edu I would love to hear from you! I'll be gone next week for Spring Break, so have a safe week, enjoy each and every moment, for you will never get it back.
Always,
Allison
Monday, March 16, 2009
What a wonderful world
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
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
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
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