Just the Beginning

Mark Twain, literary rockstar with a mustache the hipsters would kill for, once said, "I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead." Oh, the Twainian wisdom.

Before this quote crawled out from my memory, I was sitting at a table in Starbucks, sweating bullets over how I was going to stuff my entire junior year of college into one blog post. Well, Mark Twain, challenge accepted. 

The end of this year feels like just the beginning. There is more to life than I ever thought possible. 

A Look Back

Most people claim it is impossible to go back in time. In first grade at VBS, our Kid's Church room held the world's first and only time machine. Sitting on the edge of my seat, I watched as volunteers walked into the time machine before walking back out as "babies." Embarrassing as it is, it took me a little longer than the average six-year-old to figure out the whole thing was a sham.

To some extent, however, I believe time travel is possible. This belief fuels my journaling habit, as I love nothing more than to look back over years gone by and marvel at how my life has changed. By taking photos, writing things down, and collecting tidbits of life as days come and go, I have the secret superpower of going back in time, even if its only possible through memories. God even charges us to take a look back every now and again, just to remind ourselves of His faithfulness. 

So without further ado, at this time last year....

 1. I was still a cheerleader. My hectic schedule included games and practice almost every night of the week. At this point, we were preparing for NCA Nationals in Daytona Beach, FL and I was equally terrified and excited. After 8 years as a cheerleader, I finally hung up my poms for good this fall. I felt God was leading me to bigger things, and after much prayer, I knew what I had to do. I treasured my years cheering on both the Warriors and the Wildcats and have no regrets!

 2. I had some brand new friends. God ushered these friendboys into our lives at the perfect time! Spring last year was filled with hilarious game nights, football on the roof, Lord of the Rings parties, "homework" nights in Teter, embarrassing 1-10's, and galavanting around Indianapolis in the unusually gorgeous weather. I looked forward every day to getting to spend time with these crazies every free second I had.

3. I was questioning my life calling and contemplating going into Forensic Science. Just kidding! While I enjoyed my Forensic Science lab last spring (that's a real human skull I'm holding, by the way), I was just beginning to grow my passion for public relations. Since this point, my love for the field has only progressed, and I am beyond excited for my future as a PR princess.

4. I was skilled in the art of the snarky note. Ok, so I guess not much has changed in that arena. But seriously, who wants to use a towel after knowing someone else used it right before?! Sick!

5. I barely knew the people who would become my best friends. Last year at this time, I was praying fervently that God would bring more friends into my life. Throughout my time in college, I always envied the friend groups who studied together, hung out on weekends together, ate every meal together. Thanks to the grace of God, I now have one of those groups. Joelle, Nicole, Bre, Sidney, Elese, Heidi, and Kristin, I'm so glad you are now a part of my life!

Let me introduce you to my party people

It's Monday morning. The frigid Indiana air hisses outside my window, sending snow swirling into the faces of sleepy people hiking the sidewalks. The sky is overcast, colored by the groans of students beginning another week of class.

I couldn't hear said groans however, because what should have been another dreary Monday had escalated into a full out party in our room. With the morning coffee taking full effect on my roommates and me, Pandora DJ'd an instant dance party in the bathroom. In between bustin' moves I ran in and out trying to finish last minute items while yelling and laughing at my roommates. And to think, half of us aren't even morning people. It was truly a Monday miracle.

Spontaneous bursts of crazy randomness with my 7 roommates is not unusual. I get a daily ab workout from laughing to the point of tears at the shenanigans that seem to follow us. But even better than just being loads of fun, each one of my roommates is a steadfast friend and a woman of God that I know I can look to for advice and Godly counsel.

So, without further ado, let me introduce:

1. Joelle. Also known as JoJo, I barely knew this lady until the beginning of fall semester. For a few days at the very beginning, we were the only two in our entire suite. After one night of watching (and screaming at) Pretty Little Liars, eating peanut butter M&M's and drinking coffee, I had a feeling we would become great friends. Together we down Starbucks at alarming rates, brave apocalyptic weather conditions, tear up the Just Dance floor and have deep conversations on the regular. She is my newest friend and also one of my best, and I'm so thankful I live with her.

2. Sidney. Sidney Suzanne is one of the sweetest, most genuine girls I have ever met. I love talking with her and hearing her thoughts on life. She is an extremely hard worker, and pours her heart and soul into all she does. I have a lot of respect for her, not only because she drinks her coffee black. I have loved the opportunity to live with her this year, and very much admire her work ethic and personality.

3. Lauren. In 2nd grade, when Lauren and I first became friends, I would have never guessed she would one day end up as my roommate. I'm so thankful that she did! Lauren has a wisdom beyond her years and I know I can always go to her for advice. I've always loved our conversations, whether during a drive to a high school football game, on my trampoline at midnight or just getting ready in the morning. I appreciate all the memories we've had growing up together and hope for many more to come. She is a rock solid friend to me, and I look up to her in so many ways.

4. Bre. The queen of exaggeration and the life of the party, a moment with Bre around is never dull. Her light hearted nature and mischievous ways have helped remind me not to take life too seriously time and time again. Along with being a ton of fun, however, Bre is an amazing human being who stands firm in her faith and convictions. I'm so thankful for her friendship and the laughter she brings me daily.

5. Addi. As long as I've known her (which has been awhile), Addi has had a knack for naturally lighting up a room. Her positive outlook and infectious laugh boosts a mood in seconds! She is such a woman of faith who lives out her love for God everyday. I appreciate the accountability she provides me, and I could never thank her enough for the love she has shown to me over the years through trials in growing up. Addi is a ray of sunshine!

6. Elese. The artistic one of the group, I love Elese's eye for the little things of beauty in life. She is a very talented and dedicated both as a photographer and a friend. I enjoy hearing her insights and opinions as well as her somewhat unfortunate and hilarious stories from her job last summer. I love when her goofy side comes out and am thankful for all the fun she brings to our room!

7. Nicole. Dependable and authentic are two words I would use to describe Nicole, and she is honestly one of the strongest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She is always honest with people but at the same time very sweet, a difficult combo to find in people these days! I'm so thankful for the fact I can count on her to have my back. Her testimony is incredible, and I have loved watching her grow in her faith as well as help me in mine. Nicole is a rockstar.

I love these girls with all my heart!

My "Resume"

With cover letters, resumes and applications for summer internships making my head spin, I officially feel like I'm growing up. Weird. And pretty scary.  I've become a pro at tailoring my resume to show my experience, but I always wish I could add some...err....skills and accomplishments that I am most proud of besides those related to PR. So, in order to get this desire out of my system, I have compiled my resume of awesome yet totally worthless information.

Katelyn Burkhardt

shingingintheuniverse.blogspot.com

Professional Summary

Seeking to become a PR princess of an organization in which I can use my education, previous experience and leadership skills to royally manage all communication activities and have a lot of fun doing it. 

Relevant Experience

(With photos to prove it)

Freelance Chalk Artist                                                                                                             Forever

• Once covered my entire driveway in sidewalk chalk
• Artwork lasted for several days before rain washed it away
• Everyone in the neighborhood was jealous

Starbucks Addict                                                                                                   January 2012-Present

• Once consumed Starbucks 4 times in 3 days
• Mastered the art of the complicated order
• Used skills to order a Pumpkin Spice Latte AFTER said drink was discontinued
• Kind of maybe almost a Gold member

Cupcake Extraordinaire                                                                                   September 2012-Present

• Have baked dozens upon dozens of cupcakes
• Mastered the use of an icing bag
• Accomplishments in include cinnamon roll cupcakes, cookies and cream cupcakes and Andes mint cupcakes among others
• Have never burned a cupcake

Mug Collector                                                                                                    December 2012-Present

• Exhibits excellent taste in coffee mugs
• Has a vibrant collection of rare and beautiful mugs
• Realizes coffee in a cute mug is necessary to start the day right

Accomplishments and Awards

High Score on Just Dance 4                                                                                               January 2013

• Beat my little sister's record for most points on "Beauty and a Beat"
• Appointed myself as Best Dancer in the House
• Justin Bieber's next back-up dancer

Who says growing up has to be so serious? :)

Favorite Things Friday

1. Super Nintendo. Mario, Donkey Kong, Frogger, oh my! I'm obsessed with the video game system living in our room that is even older than I am. Last weekend I spent a good amount of time on the couch with controller in hand trying my best to dodge bad guys and snag 1-up mushrooms.

2. Gingerbread Lattes. I didn't even know I liked gingerbread until last week! A perfect blend of spice and sweet, Starbuck's has created the creme de la creme of Christmas coffee perfection.

3. Bre. I had the opportunity to spend three days with this girl while the other six roommates were out of town last weekend. We had a blast watching movies, eating Ivanhoe's, and, of course playing Nintendo. Bre is a fun-loving, dependable friend and I super enjoy sharing living space with her!

4. Jesus. Recently He has been showing up in amazing ways. God has been teaching me what it means to be in a friendship with Him, as opposed to a boss-employee frame of mind I'm guilty of falling into. The invitation to be friends with the King of the Universe is what separates Christ-followers from those involved in any other faith. Other religions are just that: religion. But Christianity is a life-changing relationship. Pretty amazing if you ask me.

5. Jump5. My favorite group at age 11 had a major comeback last night. Joelle and I had an impromptu early-2000's-Christian-teen-group jam session while all the other roommates were out. And I'm not sure if I should be embarrassed or totally jazzed that I still know the words to every song.

Happy Friday!

Getting Cafeteria Creative

College food is something we all love to hate. After surviving crazed lunch ladies, unidentifiable mashes, and "mystery meat" in elementary school, cafeteria calamities are back with a vengeance. Recycled main dishes, limp salad bar lettuce, and slimy lunch meat leave our taste buds distressed and unsatisfied.

Sick of the same old same old? Thankfully, in a college cafeteria, a little creativity goes a long way. 

1. Slice up some apples and arrange on a plate. Pour caramel ice-cream topping over the apple slices, and top off with crushed peanuts!

2. Vanilla ice-cream + Rootbeer  = easy rootbeer float! Also works with Orange Crush and Mountain Dew!

 3. Fill a mug half-way with waffle batter, and add desired mix-ins (chocolate sprinkles shown above, found by the ice-cream). Microwave for about 1 minute and 30 seconds and grab a fork for a muffin in a mug!

Cest La Vie

And now for a slice of real life...

Behold! The face of the Prisoner of Jackson Library. 

I'm a slave to Marketing Principles tonight. 

Oh well. Such is life.

A fabulous post filled with useful info to come Wednesday!

Prioritizing

For the past few weeks, I feel like I've been living to-do list to to-do list. I jump from one item to the next like stepping stones, rejecting any activity that unexpectedly arises in between.

However, I'm learning that planning is futile, because I am not in control. I'm learning to rely on my Father to lead me through the day, putting Him first and others second before myself. This can be tough, especially in the busyness of life, but I'm growing to understand what it means to live a life fully surrendered to God. As important as college may seem, it is not NEARLY as important as my relationship with God or the people I love. School can easily become an idol, and I know I have to be on guard against that happening.

I'm so thankful He is here to help me, because I am just a weak little human. Good thing I've got the King of the Universe on my side!

Keeping Track of Memories

Most people, whether still in college or many years graduated, would agree that college is the prime of life. Because this era and will pass quickly before your eyes if you let it, it’s important to preserve the moments that meant the most to you. I believe memories to be the greatest treasure man can have. However, just like material treasure can be lost, stolen or tarnished, memories can fade, be twisted, or forgotten altogether.

I have found in my own experiences five methods for memory preservation that act as high security safes for your most treasured college memories. I encourage you to pick one (or several) and stick to it! I can guarantee you will not regret it.

1. Journaling. I began regularly keeping a journal since my senior year in high school Journaling is a beautiful stress reliever, and I have loved the opportunity to look back through my entries to see myself mature and grow in my friendship with the King. I also love reading about the details of life at different points in my existence and letting my mind wander backwards.

2. Bulletin board make-ing. I made a bulletin board over the summer to commemorate my trip to California. Complete with pictures, mementos, and some cute-ness here and there, my bulletin board is overflowing with things that trigger fun memories of the trip. Keep a collection of artifacts to post on a bulletin board of your own such as photos, take out menus, stuff received in the mail, anything that will bring memories of your own adventures to mind.

3. Chronicling. Basically journaling on a much larger scale. At the close of each school year, I always open a Word document and write about all the important events that occurred that year in story form. Chronicling can be tedious and a bit overwhelming, but I find once I start, I’m easily lost in my own recollection of days gone by. I hope to have my own children read my stories someday.

4. Smashbooking. A little like scrapbooking, but way more random. Instead of meticulously planned pages like you would find in a scrapbook, my smashbook is full of odds and ends relevant to my life all in one place. This includes concert wristbands, old pictures, magazine clippings, notes from friends and much more. Smashbooking lets you smash tangible tidbits of life into a book while having a heck of a lot of fun doing it.

5. Picture taking. My photography teacher in high school defined a photo as “a slice of life.” Perfect definition. Take that camera of yours everywhere and capture the people, places and events that you want to remember. 

Wildcat Madness and FNL De-Coded

So the rapid coming and going of Fall Break has left the IWU community drying their tears with the leaves covering every inch of campus, THINKING that the fall fun is now over. However, I am pleased to be the autumnal bearer of good news to bring great joy...

Wildcat Madness and FNL are happening this week!

So toss that tear-stained leaf in the air and turn that frown up-side down.

Wildcat Madness - (WAHYLD-kat MAD-nis) noun

1. An IWU spin on "Midnight Madness" events held at NCAA colleges

2. A celebration of the start of basketball season!

3. An introduction of the men's and women's teams to the students

4. Two words: Contests and prizes.

5. An opportunity to be somebody else for an evening (come in costume)!

6. Fun, fun, FUN!

Basketball season is upon us, and Wildcat Madness is THE event to tip it off! The giant costume party will feature a performance from the nationally ranked IWU cheerleading squad, basketball team introductions, loud music, Wildcat men's dunk contest, and crowd contests for best costume and others, with tickets to the IWU vs. IU face-off as prizes! Wildcat Madness will be held in Luckey Arena Wednesday, October 24th at 8 pm. And it's free!

FNL - (eff-enn-ELL) noun

1. Short for "Friday Night Live."

2. A bi-annual comedy show put on by IWU students closely resembling the famed "Saturday Night Live."

3. A much anticipated IWU tradition

4. An opportunity to expose your doubled-over-abs-hurting-can't-breathe-crying-oh-my-gosh-can't-stop laugh.

5. Fun, fun, FUN!

Like the definition states, FNL has become an IWU tradition that only occurs once a semester. Just like NBC's "Saturday Night Live," "Friday Night Live" is a two hourish show composed of short comedy skits, videos, and live music. Skit topics range from current events to IWU lingo and "inside jokes," to complete randomness, all unique in side-splitting hilarity. My favorite skits of FNL's past have included a spoof on a typical "unit dinner" in a freshman dorm and an inside look at the life of Ken and Barbie (unmovable joints and all). However, the ULTIMATE student favorite of FNL is "Facebook Poetry" in which a cast member reads aloud several conversations (of the ridiculous nature) found on different students' profiles. Prepare to fall out of your chair.

Despite the name, FNL will have shows both Friday and Saturday night at 8:45 in the PPAC. BUT! If you desire a good seat, plan to arrive at least an hour prior to the official start time. Tickets are $3 and can be purchased in the box office in the PPAC or the FNL table in the Mallway.

Effectively Using your Chapel Skips

Chapel can be an awesome time of spiritual renewal. However, six opportunities use spend this hour elsewhere have been allotted to you, therefore you best use them wisely! Here are some ideas to make the most of those six extra hours spent wherever your heart desires.

1.  Sleep. Up late studying for that big exam? Sometimes an hour power nap makes all the difference.

2. Studying. Up late studying for that big exam and STILL don’t feel prepared? Get super focused for a bit and solidfy those terms and definitions.

3. McConn. Sometimes nothing can be more rewarding than sipping on something delicious and feeling rebellious for not being at chapel.

4. Breakfast with a friend. Eat a stack of pancakes and have fellowship with one another!

5. Shower. In the event that you smell.

6. Talk to your Father. Sometimes you just need some Creator/creation alone time.

7. Work out. The rec is a ghost town during the day.

8. Catch up on your favorite TV show. A fan’s gotta do what a fan’s gotta do.

9. Write someone a letter. I don’t know one person who doesn’t love getting mail.

10. Call your mom. She misses you!

Choose wisely! 

The Skinny on Campus Study Spots

Okay it’s time to get real for 2.5 seconds. While college is a great experience that will leave us with amazing memories and friends we will have for the rest of our lives, the main reason we are here is to get an education. And getting an education involves one activity most college students love to hate: studying.

Studying for that dreaded Old Testament Kings test freshman year. Oh joy. 

However, to get the most out of your study time and fulfill the purpose of going to school, an adequate location must be chosen to fit one’s exact studying needs. Therefore, I have created a guide to IWU’s best places to get your study on! No applause necessary :)

Top 5 Study Locations at Indiana Wesleyan University

1. Your room. If you are looking for somewhere convenient to hit the books, this may be the location for you.

Pros: 

-Ultimate comfort. You can study on your bed, at your desk, on the floor, or standing on your head.     Whatever feels most comfortable to you.

- No worries about bothering people around you. Besides your roommate, you can play music as loud as you’d like, jump around, or sing a song while you study without getting condescending stares.

-Resources are at your fingertips. Highlighter run out of juice? No problem! Reach in your desk and get a new one.

Cons:

-Very easy to waste time. Falling asleep or abandoning your work for Facebook occur often if you allow yourself to get too comfortable. 

-Desk chairs. Lean back too far and get ready for the scare of your life. This instant terror elevates your heart rate and respiration, making you anxious and unable to focus after the fact.

2. McConn. Coffee and a great atmosphere. What’s not to love?

Pros:

-Coffee right at your fingertips. Knock out drowsiness fast with a $1.25 freshbrew.

-Good motivation to stay on task. I always feel like people are judging me when I’m wasting a precious McConn table to update my Facebook status.

-Lighting and atmosphere. The ambiance has a calming effect that sometimes helps people focus.

Cons:

-Getting a table. Is often impossible.

-  Music. Prefer to study in silence? Too bad. McConn always has the music up.

-Distractibility. Scenario: you’re super concentrated studying for a huge exam. Your friends walk by. Game over.

3. The Commons. McConn's wannabe younger sibling. 

Pros: 

-Close to the coffee. Not as close as McConn of course, but still decent location.

-Tables are not in high demand. Most days you should have no trouble finding one.  

-Quiet. Unless someone sits down at the piano. In this event, run.

Cons:

-Terrible atmosphere. The walls are gray. The floor is gray. The tables are gray. The ceiling is gray. How very boring.

-Distractibility. The Commons is a very high traffic area in the Student Center, so prepare to see people you know.

4. The Jackson Library. Land of the focused, home of the nursing major.

Pros:

-EXTREMELY quiet. Almost eerily so.

-Atmosphere. Makes you WANT to be productive. I don’t know how, but it does.

- Endless places to park your bookbag. Study rooms, tables, and chairs everywhere. 

Cons:

-No cell phone service in the basement.

-Study rooms can only be reserved by groups. No solo studiers allowed.

-Unspoken no talking rule. Secretly WANT to be distracted by friends passing by? Not gonna happen. 

5.  Shattuck. (Room attached, but not part of, the library). Where the seriously studious roam.

Pros:

-Possesses same quietness and insta-concentration atmosphere as the library.

-Open 24 hours a day.

Cons:

-Only one room, therefore space is limited.

-Illegal to make sounds of any kind. 

There you have it! Choose your study spot wisely, and don’t forget to celebrate after pulling off that A on an exam! 

Homecoming De-Coded

Ah, homecoming. The word that takes me back to the olden days of high school spirit week, powderpuff, THE football game followed by an evening of curls and corsages. Aside from never knowing if it was one word or two, homecoming had no downside. So, what a pleasant surprise it was to find that homecoming exists in college too!

Homecoming (IWU Style) - [HOHM-com-ing] noun

1. Six days of activities and events that everyone who is anyone will be flocking to campus for (alumni from all over creation will be here!)
2.The best week of the year to be a Wildcat
3. An opportunity to show various athletic teams love
4. Fun, fun, FUN!

Monday, October 1

Time to break out the flannel and cowboy boots. Come to the grassy prairie in front of the chapel between 5 and 7:30 to get your country fix for the day! Wesley's Western Wrangle will feature a mechanical bull, inflatables, free food, horses, and hilarious "old time photo" ops! Come in western wear for a chance to win prizes.

Tuesday, October 2

Take time from another busy week for a spiritual refresher at 9 p.m. in the Commons. EXALT will feature Rev. Charles Beckett (Cheryl Beckett of Beckett Hall's father) as the speaker.

Wednesday, October 3

Did you grow up watching The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, or Jeopardy? Love the thrill of televised competition for crazy awesome prizes? If you answered YES to either of these questions, come to the Commons at 8 pm for the Roommate Game Show! A spin off of the hilarious "Newlywed Game," this event promises to deliver laughs, especially with the awkward scenarios I'm sure contestants will face.

Thursday, October 4

Didn't get enough of dodgeball during Res Life Week? Than Thursday is your lucky day. Head over to the outdoor track at 7 to see the fierce competition first-hand or participate if you are on a team!

Friday, October 5

1. Homecoming Chapel
Enjoy abbreviated morning classes before attending the campus-wide homecoming chapel at 10 a.m.! This chapel will be eventful, and hopefully pretty exciting, especially because the balcony will be open!  Round up your friends and head up to get the aerial view of the whole ceremony...chapel...thing.

2. Pre-Coronation
Every year, a male and female are nominated from every class to duke it out (figuratively, of course) for the coveted titles of Homecoming King and Queen; royal monarchs of IWU and all cats in the wild. Come to the PPAC at 7:15 for a free t-shirt and prepare to head to downtown Marion for the crowning of his and her highness.

3. Coronation, Torch Run, and Pep Rally
Get pumped for a parade of epic proportions as important people parade to the Marion Courthouse to crown the King and Queen and rally spirit at 8! After the ceremonial events have taken place, parade BACK to campus for...

4. Bonfire at the President's House!
My personal favorite homecoming event! Our good president will open his backyard to the entire student body at 9:30 p.m. for a massive bonfire with large amounts of free food. Make sure to snag a caramel apple and some hot chocolate before the fireworks!

5. John McLaughlin Live and In Concert

Anyone remember the song "Beautiful Disaster?" How about "So Close" (featured in the Disney movie "Enchanted")? Both happen to be favorites of mine and are both sung by none other than John McLaughlin! The man himself will be performing in the PPAC at 10! Tickets are a mere $5 and can be purchased in the Mallway during mealtimes or in the PPAC box office. 

Saturday, October 6

1. Sports, sports, sports.
Come out and support the athletic Wildcats among us! Choose between the cross-country meet at 10 a.m., women's volleyball 3 p.m., or men's soccer at 3:15 p.m. Don your red and gray and make some noise!

2. The After Party
A brand new event! Come to the Commons at 9:30 p.m. for (I assume) music, dancing, and fun to close out the week!

SAC Weekend De-Coded

It's safe to assume the close of Res Life Week has brought many tears and sadness to the eyes of IWU students who THINK the fun is over. However, if you fall into this category, dear friend, you are mistaken.

Behold! This weekend is the much anticipated and highly esteemed SAC Weekend! 

SAC Weekend- [SAK-week-end] noun

1. Two days of exciting activities and events planned by the IWU Student Activities Counsel.
2. An opportunity enjoy the outdoors before the snow flies (it comes sooner than you'd think).
3. Fun, fun, FUN!

Friday, September 14: The Luau!

The Luau is THE social event of the semester. Come at 7 to the Hodson/Evans lawn for an evening of free food, limbo, contests, sand volleyball and, my personal favorite: steel drums. Everyone and six of their friends will be there! Ladies, in years past the tennis team initiates their freshman by forcing them to walk around the Luau and collect as many phone numbers possible. Don't be alarmed. You can use a fake name and number if you desire. After the Luau, campus-wide capture the flag starts at 10 at the Luau stage.

Saturday, September 15

1. Picnic Lunch! Come to the Hodson/Evans lawn from 12-1 for picnic-y food in exchange for a meal swipe. In years past, the picnic has featured chicken, fruit, pasta salad, chips and pop. 
2. Chalk Art Contest: Show of your artistic skills at 12:30 on the Hodson basketball court. Not sure what to draw? Create a masterpiece featuring a mermaid, a Chinese pagoda, an octopus, or the Starbucks logo. 
3. Puppy Play Day: My favorite SAC event of the year! Scores of "awww"-inspiring puppies will flood the Hodson lawn at 1 pm, ready to play with YOU!
4. Kickball Tournament: Re-live the days of gym class glory at 1 on the Evans lawn. Only the strong will survive!
5. Soccer Tailgating: Come out and support the IWU women's soccer team at the athletic fields at 6! The Wildcats take on the Aquinas Saints at 7:15. Bring a hoodie and your voice to cheer them on to victory.
6. Movie on the Lawn: Pirates of the Caribbean will be showing at Goodman lawn following the soccer game at 9:30. Don't miss out on the perfect opportunity to snuggle up to a cute someone or other if you get chilly. 

Residence Life Week De-Coded

During the first week of classes, the term "Res Life Week" begins flying around from conversation to conversation in the Student Center, leaving bits of excitement behind. However, this little bug leaves the newbies to IWU scratching their heads in confusion, wondering what the heck is going on.

So, whether you are a positively puzzled by all the hubbub or just want a brief overview of the events of the week, below is a list of Res Life activities decoded. 

Res Life Week- [rez-layfe-week] noun.

1. A six day span of time during which units from residence halls on campus compete against one another in various activities.
2. A welcome distraction from the stress of starting classes.
3. Fun, fun, FUN!

• Lodgeball: Also known as dodgeball. Teams from each unit (usually dressed in matching t-shirts and colorful war paint) battle it out for glory and fame. Held in the Intramural gyms in the Rec, Lodgeball happens Wednesday and/or Thursday at 7, depending on how far your team goes. Don't care to play? Climb the stairs by the side entrance of the Rec to watch from above. It's hilarious. 

• Taste of Marion: An event you won't want to miss!  Businesses from all over Marion set up booths in the Intramural Gym and hand out free stuff. It's like trick or treating! Along with freebies, many of the tables will have give aways you can enter to win. Be prepared to write your name and e-mail address over and over. Taste of Marion happens Friday from 2-5. Get there early to avoid the rush, and bring a bag to hold your loot. 

• Prayer Walk and Worship: An awesome time of fellowship and prayer. The prayer walk is a great way to "be still" and focus your heart after a long week of class in preparation for an awesome year. The prayer walk happens Friday at 6:30, and meets at the fountain. 

• Bowman Boat Race: Interested in watching brave souls in cardboard boats race in one of the nastiest ponds on campus? Then be sure to be at the Bowman Boat Race! Help your unit create a mechanically sound vessel and march from the Rec lawn to the pond by the athletic fields to cheer them on. The Bowman Boat Race happens Saturday at 1. 

• Pudding Tug-of-War: Pretty self explanatory. Pull the other team over, or fall into some chocolatey goodness. Sounds like a win/win to me. Pudding Tug-of-War happens Saturday at 3:30.

• Shatford Gong Show: Have a secret talent? Enter your act in this IWU style talent show! Join with a group, or as an individual, but be warned, if the audience does not approve, the gong will sound, ending your performance. If you are feeling shy and opt out of entering, come and watch for some good laughs! To enter an act, submit an application by 5 on Thursday to the Kem front desk. The Shatford Gong Show happens Saturday at 7:30 in the Commons. GET THERE EARLY!

Look for these papers in your hall to sign up for any of the activities!

  

Happy First Day!

For us Indiana Wesleyan students, tomorrow is the first day of a great year! Whether you are a freshman or upperclassman, I encourage you to look your Father as you begin classes. For He has said…

You are here for a reason! God has brought you to it, so He will get you through it. Find confidence and peace in this promise! 

A couple tips to make this "First Day of School" the best yet!

1. Smile!

It's a great day to be alive. And you look fetching in your outfit.

2. Don't be afraid to talk to the people in your classes.

A little small talk before class starts helps put everyone at ease.

3. Plan to get to class 5-10 minutes early.

Professors like to start right on time, so avoid being late.

4. Don't be afraid of your professors.

Every professor I have had at IWU has been very kind. They want to help you succeed.

5. Don't get freaked out by the syllabus!

Because syllabi include every assignment and test in the semester, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Just breathe and don't get ahead of yourself. You WILL have time to get it all done. 

Happy First Day!