May the Odds be in Your Favor

It's here. Finals week has finally arrived. 

This semester has flown by, but I'm excited to go home for the holidays. The only things standing in the way are two test. So in order to prepare for finals, I'll be sure to study but also take advantage of the finals week activities offered on campus. 

Rockhurst makes sure to offer its students with special accommodations throughout the week. Library hours are extended, coffee and snacks are provided, midnight breakfast is hosted by Student Senate, and SAB rents massage chairs and brings puppies on campus for study breaks. 

This week, in between studying, sleeping, and eating, you can find me at a massage chair or playing with puppies. 

Thanksgiving in KC

This week, Rockhurst University was closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. Luckily though, the Kansas City area was able to offer entertainment.

Many international students at Rockhurst stick around in Kansas City for this holiday while others go home with friends either to St. Louis, Omaha, or Springfield, amongst other cities. Instead of going home to St. Louis, I decided to stay in Kansas City and enjoy the holiday with friends. The perk of spending the holiday in Kansas City was the Country Club Plaza Christmas Lighting. This is a tradition in KC and this year, Alex Gordon was the guest of honor. Not only did KC have the Christmas Lighting, they also had Black Friday shopping, and a concert with several performers at the County Club Plaza. 

The Grinch made an appearance at The Country Club Plaza Lighting

Alex Gordon had the honor of flipping the switch
at The Country Club Plaza Lighting. 

The Country Club Plaza lights :)

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday and was able to spend it with family and friends. 

Study Break

Thanksgiving break is around the corner which means it'll be no time before finals week arrives. Finals can be stressful, but luckily Rockhurst SAB always provides study breaks for students. Some of the activities they provide are massage chairs, water powered massage beds, and best of all PUPPIES. Yes, puppies. I don't think there needs to be a scientific study to prove that playing with dogs relieves stress.

Some students wait until finals week to spend time with the adorable puppies, but luckily there are a few of pet stores around Kansas City that welcome students to spend some time with these furry animals. My roommates and I love going to Land of Paws to play with the pups. Just look at that adorable face...

An adorable 2 month old puppy at Land of Paws

I now leave you with this video, no need to say more.

Finish Line

It's hard to believe that I completed the final step of my Spanish degree at Rockhurst this week.

On Wednesday, I presented my Spanish Capstone presentation to students and faculty. It was a bittersweet moment because even though I was proud of finishing my degree, it meant that I'm one step closer to leaving the Rock.

My presentation was over Journalism in Colombia. I was interested in this topic because I am also pursuing a degree in Mass Media Communications, but most importantly, because I am from Colombia. I wanted to highlight the beauty of Colombia and show the reason behind why there tends to be corruption in the field of communications, but also shed some positive light on the issue. After a semester of investigation, I was able to see my hard work pay off at my presentation.

Dra. Rocio De la Rosa Duncan and I

Friends and family were there to support me as well as the Spanish Department faculty composed of a wonderful group of women. I have to thank my Spanish Capstone instructor, Dra. Rocio De la Rosa Duncan. Dra. Duncan, along with the rest of the spanish instructors, are always willing to help and are the reason why I wanted to pursue a Spanish degree.

Junior Claire Minnick, Dra. Rocio De la Rosa Duncan, me, and Dra. Leslie Merced. 

Even though I am one step closer to "the real world",  I will continue to make the most of my time at the Rock.

Ride-to-the-Rock

This past week I was able to participate in Ride-to-the-Rock for the fourth year in a row. Ride-to-the-Rock is an event organized by the Admissions office that allows prospective students to visit Rockhurst campus and spend the night. Students from St. Louis, MO and Omaha, NE are bussed to campus and then bussed back home the following day. High school seniors and some juniors are invited to attend this event, but only the St. Louis and Omaha students are provided transportation.

I attended this event when I was a senior in high school and found it to be influential in my college decision making. The event allowed me to experience campus and interact with current college freshman who had amazing advice.

I've come a long way because this year I was part of the group that helped organize the event. As the Vice President of Ambassadors I encourage prospective students to participate in this event and come visit Rockhurst!

Michelle (Ambassador Secretary) and I at Pizza Bar.
Yummm! 

Royal Again

Well, the long run came to a heartbreaking end for the Kansas City Royals. As a St. Louis Cardinals fan, I must admit that the Royals stole my heart. Their Cinderella story was fascinating and in the end, I wanted them to be the World Series 2014 Champions. That wasn't the case, however.

The ideal World Series everyone at Rockhurst wanted to see was the I-70 series between the Royals and the Cardinals. I'm not sure what I would have done if that would have been the case. The Cardinals are my home team and I feel a strong sense of loyalty for them, but the Royals fought hard and after 29 years, were able to make it to a World Series. The outcome wasn't in their favor, but in the end, I felt they were the winners.

The Royals team brought an excitement and unity to Kansas City that I haven't seen in the three years that I've been here. Strangers came together to cheer on the team every single game. The energy was electric on campus and even converted Cardinals fans (myself included). The Royals were winners in the end because they united the city and gave people something to believe in.

In my eyes, they were and will always be Royal, no matter the outcome.

Kauffman Stadium

Hockey Game: Check ✓

Fall break always comes at a perfect time. It’s the halfway point to the semester and a time where a break is much needed. After tests, quizzes, projects, and presentations, sleeping in every day for 5 days sounds incredible. This fall break, I was able to do that and more. 

Coming home once you’re in college is different than when you’re in high school. You treasure moments with your parents more than you used to and home cooked meals are 5-star entrees. It’s been nice going to a school four hours away from home because I’ve been able to “live on my own” with the luxury of being able to go home when necessary. 

This fall break I crossed something off my bucket list. My sister, Alex, surprised me with tickets to the Blue’s game. I know, I know. As a St. Louisan I should have been to a game by now, but better late than never I suppose.

Despite the loss at the opening game of the season, I still had a great time ! The game itself was more fast-paced that I had anticipated; it was hard keeping track of the puck. The Blue’s fans created a fun atmosphere as they cheered on the team the whole way through. The best part of my first hockey game experience, however, was the BBQ chicken nachos, delicious! Overall, if you’ve never been to a hockey, or a Blue’s game specifically, you must go. 

Nachos served in a helmet...YUM!

Break Time...Almost

It's hard to believe Fall Break is just around the corner. That means it's been two month since school started, two months of being a junior, and two more months of memories at Rockhurst.

I'm grateful to be at Rockhurst, but I must admit I'm excited to go home for the week because I get to take a break from the fast paced college life. It's always a perfect time to relax and regain energies for the rest of the semester.

For all those Rockhurst students looking for activities to do over this break, I leave you with this...

The Fab 6

Rockhurst is a place to make memories and a place full of traditions. These past three years, I’ve made some traditions of my own. One of my favorite traditions is my weekly meeting with my CLC (Christian Life Community). This is an organization sponsored by Campus Ministry that encourages students to reflect on a weekly basis. My group gets together to share in faith and express anything that may be troubling us. I love my time with Kaylie, Andrea, Tori, Jessi, and Anna every week because we are a support system for one another. 

Burgers and fries for days. We <3 Tomfooleries
(Left to Right: Aimee, myself, Jessi, Anna,  Kaylie, Tori)

I was chosen as a CLC leader my sophomore year and was given a group of 6 girls to lead. Some leaders have a smaller sized group and others have a mixed gender group. Despite the variety of groups, mine is perfect. All of us have different personalities, but that’s what makes our chemistry so special. We have different friend groups, but there are things we share in our CLC that we wouldn’t necessarily do with our other friends. Aside from the heart-to-hearts we have, it’s nice to devote time to our faith and center ourselves. We take this time every week to reflect on a moment where we felt closest to God. This helps us realize that there is something beautiful in every day. 

Our first CLC meeting this year. (Left to Right: Andrea, Kaylie, Tori, Jessi, myself)
Not pictured: Anna- She's studying abroad in Austria!

I feel truly blessed to know these girls because they’ve played a vital role in my college experience. I thank Rockhurst and Campus Ministry for offering this program because it’s grown to be so important to me. I know we will continue our traditions and can’t wait for our future traditions that’ll live on past the “Rockhurst days.” 

Pumpkin Spice

As a member of Alpha Phi Omega, the co-ed service fraternity at Rockhurst, I’m able to volunteer at various service events throughout the year. The organization not only promotes service, but fellowship and fundraising as well. This weekend I was able incorporate all three, service, fellowship, and fundraising, by volunteering at the Great Pumpkin Run.

The finish line

My friend Lauren Watson and I with ginormous pumpkins.

It's a bird. It's a plane. No. It's a flying big bad wolf.

Over 800 participants trudged through the muddy terrain at The Great Pumpkin Run 5K in Belton, MO.  The race took place at Johnson Farms Plants and Pumpkins where anyone ages three and up could participate. The best part of the race was that participants were encouraged to dress up in a costume of their choice. Some families were dressed up as superheroes, pumpkins, ballerinas, and  my favorite, the three little pigs and the big bad wolf. Participants also got the choice of running with a pumpkin as part of the “Tough Pumpkin” group of runners. After the race, the runners were able to enjoy the festivities of a pumpkin launching and apple cider.

Big bad wolf and the three little pigs. This family
won a prize for the best costume. 

Medal galore

I must say waking up at 5:00 a.m. on a Saturday is a bit tough for a college student who treasures sleep, but the experience was worth it. Not to mention that I’m now in the Fall spirit. 

Splash of Creativity

Woof Woof! Dogs always make an appearance at the Plaza Art Fair,
but these two daring ones stole the show. (2013)

Last weekend the 83rd Annual Plaza Art Fair was held here in Kansas City. The Plaza Art Fair is an art exhibit that takes place on the streets of the Country Club Plaza. A variety of artists display their artwork, whether it be metal work, photography, sculptures, or even handmade jewelry, but it doesn’t end there. Restaurants on the plaza also have booths set up on the streets, activities for all ages are available, and different bands perform throughout the day. It’s a weekend for the spirit to be energized with creativity. 

Over the past years, it’s become a tradition for Rockhurst students to donate their time by assisting the artists or volunteering where needed throughout the weekend of the fair. This was my third time volunteering and I can honestly say that it’s always a highlight of my year. I not only get to live out the mission of service, but I am able to interact with local artists and surround myself with creativity. 

My first time making pottery! Bucket list item ☑ (Plaza Art Fair 2014)

Volunteers get the chance to chat with the artists about how they create their artwork, where they get their inspiration from, and any other questions they may have. All the artists are friendly and truly appreciate having someone help them out during the weekend. This year, I went with my friends, Lauren and Fabi, and we soaked in the experience unlike any other year. We were able to make pottery, sign up for various raffles and giveaways for the upcoming ballets and symphony concerts, and savored a delicious corn on the cob from Zocalo Mexican Cuisine. 

Arrrriba! We were able to channel Fabi's Mexican roots at the
Plaza Art Fair 2014. (From left to right: Myself, Fabi, and Lauren)

The arts are a prominent part of the student experience at Rockhurst. The staff and faculty do a great job at encouraging students to experience the arts through projects like volunteering at the Plaza Art Fair, having students go to the Kauffman center for a class project, theater productions, or through the offered fine arts courses. Rockhurst isn’t only a place “where leaders learn," but a place where leaders get the chance to be innovative and discover ways to set themselves apart from the rest of the crowd. Students get to design their life by molding and shaping their goals, just like artists create their artwork. 

My latest canvas creation was for my friend Erica who
celebrated her birthday this weekend. 

“Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint you can at it"

-Danny Kaye

Here & Now

We often wander through life waiting for our next grand moment.  The thing is- life isn’t made up of grand moments. If we can learn to appreciate the small things that happen every day, we’ll learn to love life for what it is- one big extraordinary experience.

Two years down, Two to go. My junior year has arrived and with it a feeling of regret. 

There are moments in life where a situation teaches us to appreciate what we have, such as the passing of a loved one. Until that moment arrives, we’re running around and always living one day ahead, thinking of when our next assignment is due or when our next test will be. I’m guilty of this. By thinking of the future we’re just being or existing, not living. 

It wasn't until recently that I realized it’s not about waiting for that certain moment to come around and teach me about appreciating those around me, instead I need to appreciate every moment starting now. This year, I challenge myself, and I challenge you to do one thing.

Slow down and appreciate the little moments. 

I’ve spent the past two years relying on a planner because I always have to be one step ahead and know what and when I’ll be doing something. I tend to live in the future, always wondering about what my life will be like. Will I move away? Where will my first job be? Will I have a job straight out of school or will I go to graduate school? By thinking of what’s to come, I’m not treasuring those around me or the time spent with them. 

I’ve challenged myself to stop looking forward and enjoy every other day just as much as I do Friday. To enjoy the moments with friends and be fully present; that means actually engaging in a conversation without checking my phone or social media. Even though I have two years left, and people say that’s a long time, they will go by just as quickly as these past two did. 

“Live in the present, or die in your past; it's your choice.” 

― Bryant McGill