Leadership Community

As I come to an end of my sophomore year, I realize I am taking a lot of big steps for my junior year. I am taking on quite the schedule with my classes on top of my involvement on campus.

While being involved in Family Weekend 07, CAC(colleges against cancer), Student Ambassadors, International Peer Mentors, and a co-chair for Homecoming 2008, I will also be living in the Leadership suite. We have been calling it a leadership 'community' because technically, it is not a suite. I am not sure of the room setup because there is no common room but I have heard it is similar to Petrik and I am not sure how that works. I will soon find out.

The Leadership Community is going to be located in the new dorms, Siena Hall, on the top floor with the Hall Director. We are the only ones on that floor as far as I know. While it is a freshman dorm, I still hope my leadership experience to be worthwhile. My expectations of this community are to make some close friendships (due to most of my close friends being guys with a few exceptions). Even though things have not turned out to be the way I expected so far, I am hoping my experience turns out to be a positive one.

I have high expectations for my leadership roles to grow and prosper while living in this community and I hope these expectations are met. I am taking quite a risk, as I have heard many negative things about last year's suite, so I have a small bit of hope it will be different next year and I hope my instincts are right.

The Kentucky Derby: May 5th

Kentucky: the bluegrass state, KFC (kentucky fried chicken, and the Kentucky Derby. That sums up Kentucky. Just kidding. We have a lot more to offer, but for most outsiders, it seems to be fairly hidden. There is more here than most people would expect. To be honest, I am still learning of things we have to offer and it is shocking!

For me, the Derby has never been a big deal. I have never been to the Kentucky Derby and only been to Churchill Downs just a few times. Horse racing, woo hoo, what is all the fuss about? I am going to find out in 9 days, because this year, I am going to Derby for the first time! While I have no idea what the fuss is about, it is thrilling to find out. Hopefully, I will have some new insights by the time the day is over. The question is, who am I going to Derby with?

I am going with the craziest people I have ever met, and that says a lot because I have met quite a few crazy people. Over Christmas break, I had the opportunity to spend a weekend in Gatlinburg with this group of people in a 4-story chalet. I must admit, it was one of the craziest weekends I have ever had.

So this year, Derby is going to be a new level of fun for me. Although I am not going to meet the Queen of England or any famous movie stars, I am spending the day in the infield with the rednecks (as some people would say), hopefully winning money, but I doubt it, I have some serious bad luck.

Derby events are the highlight of the year for many people in Kentucky. Two weeks before Derby day is Thunder Over Louisville. The Great Lawn gathers with millions (this year's estimation of people attended was 800,000). It is a day not taken lightly for those who live here within our 16th largest city, Louisville. I have added a few pictures from Thunder to give you an idea of what I am talking about.

I plan to survive Derby, in order to tell my experience. We shall see how my luck turns out.

Hillside is Here!

It's finally here...Hillside 2007. It's actually going to be outside this year, so it should be a great show. It's happening tonight at 5 p.m. behind the SuRF Center at Bellarmine University. This year's Hillside is featuring five bands, some of which are based in Louisville. Let me introduce you to three of them!

Head Automatica
The headlining act of Hillside, Head Automatica prides itself on being a pop band. But they have a different sound, and want to change the way people think about contemporary American pop. For their latest album Propaganda, they worked with producer Howard Benson, who is linked to bands like My Chemical Romance and All American Rejects (former Hillside performers). Learn more about Head Automatica at headautomatica.com or headautomatica.net.
Their band members are Daryl Palumbo, lead vocals, Jarvis Morgan Holden, bass, Larry Gorman, drums and backing vocals, Craig Bonich, guitar, and Jessie Nelson, keys.

Kinsey
This Louisville-based band's members include:
Jeremiah Brinkworth, vocals
Joey Di Cicco, bass
Corey Eaves, drums
Jamie Davis, guitar
Matt Collins, guitar
Check out some of their music at www.myspace.com/kinsey

Dirt Poor Robins
Band member Kate Robins calls the Dirt Poor Robins' sound as that of a carnival sideshow. This indie band has a very theatrical feel to their music.
Other band members include, Neil Robins, Jeramy Burchett, Nate Pfaltzgraf, and James Haley.
Listen to some of their music at www.myspace.com.

Jamison Taylor French and Jamie Barnes will start the show off at 5:20 p.m.

So Long, Farewell

This is the year for a new beginning for quite a few people at Bellarmine. Dr. Cooper, a Communication department professor, Dr. Milton Brown, an Education professor are just two faculty members leaving. While they have left their mark on Bellarmine, there are two faculty members who are leaving who have made a huge impact in my life: Dr. Claudia Beeny and Mike Knox. This is my story of these two irreplaceable people.

Dr. Beeny, who most that work with her just call her Beeny when referring to her, is the reason I am involved at BU. My first experience on campus was Family Weekend my freshman year. We had a great group and we worked together very well. However, Dr. Beeny had so much energy with every idea we came up with, never turning anything down, even if it was off the wall and unreasonable to happen on our campus. She always had a smile on her face, bringing me up if I was having a bad day. As a freshman, I was a little nervous to take on a big event such as Family Weekend, but thanks to her, I became more confident in my leadership ability. Not only did she help with my confidence, but she was also a mentor. During my free time, I loved going to talk to her. She was always willing to help me out with any problems I was having, no matter how simple or how complicated. It was nice to have a faculty member that would not judge me for my decision making, but help me work things out. After Family Weekend was over, I applied for Homecoming under her wing. Yet again, she had more energy than I could imagine and it helped boost my concerns. Budget was nothing to her and she wanted to make everything happen. She has so much confidence in her students and it helps every activity that we plan.

The day I found out Dr. Beeny was leaving was dark. That may sound harsh, but it definetely was not a bright day. It was late afternoon, during our new Family Weekend committee's meeting. Jessica Bowman, who works in Student Affairs with Beeny broke the news. It took everything I had not to cry, but my eyes welled up with tears. She was "my person" as Grey's Anatomy would say and she meant a lot to me. A bad day was made better because of her and now she was leaving. My whole life was not going to fall apart but I knew from that point on that my Bellarmine experience was not going to be the same.

Mike Knox works in the SAC (student activities center) and I have worked with him mainly through Student Ambassadors, but a little with Homecoming as well. As a new student becoming an Ambassador, I was a little nervous, but Mike made everything so easy-going, the nervousness went away very quickly. Like Dr. Beeny, Mike has a lot of energy in what he does and he always has a smile on his face. He has kept me on my toes with making me laugh and remembering to have a good time while helping with SOAR and other events for incoming students. Even though I am not a morning person, he helps the pain of getting up for SOARs a little less due to his personality of being so much fun.

My first thought when I found out Dr. Beeny was leaving was, at least Mike Knox will still be here. I did not hold back the tears when I found out Mike was leaving. I was having a decent day the day I received the e-mail addressing the necessary students on campus. I had to read it twice before I went straight to his office. I did not cry in front of him, but I wanted to know about his new job and it is an amazing opportunity for him.

This campus will not be the same without those two very important people on campus. While I am excited about meeting those new members to our BU community, I will always hold a place in my heart for Dr. Beeny and Mike Knox. They have made a difference in my BU experience and it it was not for them, I do not know how my experience would be as great as it is. I wish them the best of luck, but want them to know, they will be missed more than they will ever realize.

Louisville CAN and so can YOU!

Last night Bellarmine was host to a lecture on climate change.

Meteorologist and climatologist Sue Archibald presented "The Climate Crisis: Challenges and Solutions in a Complex World," as a part of Undergraduate Research Week.

Archibald is a lecturer for The Climate Project, Al Gore's project for awareness about global warming, which is featured in the film "An Inconvenient Truth."

Archibald attended training for The Climate Project and became a lecturer about global warming and what we can do to change it.

"I wanted to be someone who would make a difference," Archibald said.

"I think this is an issue that very much belongs in the middle," Archibald said of global warming being debated politically.

If you've ever seen "An Inconvenient Truth," her speech was similar to Al Gore's in the film.

Her lecture began with that famous picture of the Earth from space.

Archibald presented statistics about Greenhouse Gases and the damage they are causing our environment. She showed examples of sharply rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels, and their effects on the globe.

Increasingly intense storms, melting glaciers and record breaking temperatures are all evidence of our changing world.

"We're going to see drastic changes in our climate," Archibald said.

Archibald went on to talk about the Louisville Climate Action Network, or Louisville CAN. This local organization hopes to organize citizens of Louisville to work together to improve the environment.

Louisville CAN's mission is to inform citizens about "footprintology," which is defined as "the art and science of reducing your impact on global climate through individual, collective and political action."

Louisville CAN's website has ideas for doing simple things everyday to help reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions, and ways to organize as a community by appealing to city, state and national politicians.

Check out their website at the link above to see what you can do!

Don't miss these end of the semester events!

The semester's winding down quickly, but there are still so many things to fit in before summer begins. Here are a few things happening around campus at BU:

April 18
Bellarmine Volunteer Day: Beautify Bellarmine and volunteer to plant flowers around campus. Meet in front of Norton Health Science Center, 3 p.m.

International Studies information session, Miles 307, 11 a.m.

Pick up Hillside tickets in Knights Cafe, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and in Kosters, 5-6 p.m.

Sign up for FCA Dodgeball Tournament, Kosters, noon-1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m.

Graduate Nursing Student Forum and Poster Session, Miles Hall Foyer, 5:30-7 p.m.

BUD Voter Registration Drive, Horrigan Hall lobby, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Executive Council meeting, Fireplace Room, 9 p.m.

April 19
Sign up for FCA Dodgeball Tournament, Kosters, noon-1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m.

April 20
Hillside Concert, 5 p.m.

Dance team tryouts, Frazier Hall, 6-9:30 p.m.

April 21
Dance team tryouts, Frazier Hall, 6-9:30 p.m.

First SOAR session for new fall students

April 25
FCA Dodgeball Tournament, SuRF Center, 9 p.m.

April 27
Last day of classes!!!

May 1
Late Knight Breakfast, Frazier Hall, 11 p.m.

May 16
BVD: Habitat for Humanity, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

April 30 through May 4
Exam Week

Undergraduate Research Week Events

April 18
Psychology/Sociology/Criminal Justice Presentations, BAC 203, 3-5 p.m.

Heather Price Senior Music Tech and Voice Recital, Cralle Theatre, 7-8 p.m.

Guest lecturer Sue Archibald's "The Climate Crisis: Challenges and Solutions in a Complex World," Frazier Hall, 7 p.m.

April 19
Honors Thesis Presentations, Library B24, 2-4 p.m.

Music Small Ensembles in Concert, Cralle Theatre, 7-8 p.m.

April 20
Select Readings from the Ariel, The Quad, noon-2 p.m.

April 22
Honors Thesis Presentations, Library B24, 2-4 p.m.

Honors and Awards Ceremonies, 2007

April 20
Bellarmine College of Arts and Science Reception and Awards Ceremony, Hillary’s, 5 p.m.

April 23
All-Sports Convocation, Frazier Hall, 6:30 p.m.

April 28
Academic, Service and Leadership Awards Reception, Hillary’s, 4 p.m.

May 8
Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Health Sciences Awards Reception, Frazier Hall, 6 p.m.

May 10
Bellarmine University Honors and Awards Dinner, Frazier Hall, 6 p.m.

Head Automatica heads to Hillside

When: Friday, April 20
Where: Hillside (rain site possibly Knights Hall I am assuming)
Why: FREE CONCERT

That's right Hillside is on 4/20 for all you stoners out there. It should be a great night full of food, music, and students. Tickets are free to Bellarmine students and $10 for those who do not go to BU. Not bad for an entire night of entertainment.

Every year, one of BAC's (Bellarmine Activities Council) biggest events is the concert on Hillside. A lot of work is put in to make this event happen. The members of BAC, specifically the concert committee pour over documents on top of documents with hundreds of different bands deciding who would be a good candidate for our campus, while staying within the budget. Staying within budget is probably one of the most difficult aspects I would assume. As having looked over this list before myself, it is quite long and in small print, taking tons of time to highlight who would be within our budget and acceptable to the student body.

While there may be some controversy around the subject of picking bands, BAC tries to respect everyone's wishes and each year has a voting box or ballot in order for you to write an idea in. Ideas must be within reason, not someone like Dane Cook, who makes millions per show. Everyone should know we cannot afford such a comedian.

So, for this year's Hillside concert, we have Head Automatica, a semi hard core rock band. Come and hang out! If you do not enjoy the music, you are free to leave. It never hurts to try something new!

If interested to help out with set-up and take down email me or BAC. It is a great experience to help out, just like being involved. You get a free tshirt (which are very cool) and free food all day!

Hope to see everyone there on Friday starting at 5:30 with opening acts!

A Lack Of Interest: Why?

In the past month or so, applications have been sent out to apply for leadership roles on campus, including BAC (Bellarmine Activities Council), SGA (Student Government Association), the new Homecoming Committee, and many other organizations.

As a student leader on campus, I have noticed there is a large lack of interest regarding student involvement. Although I persuade students to do something else with their education here, no one seems to care about the opportunities presented on campus.

Frequent extensions of deadlines have been granted in almost every student organization because BU seems to be losing many of its student leaders this year due to graduation. It is fearful to have the thought of student involvement declining more. There already is a lack of participation from students on campus.

I frequently see the same people at every event and it makes me wonder what is going to happen when ALL of those people graduate. It is difficult to get incoming students involved because it seems they are fearful of the lack of time management. I try to emphasize it is better off to get involved in at least one organization on campus in order to better your overall experience at Bellarmine. I realize that people have jobs and other commitments outside of class, but most organizations do not meet very often as it is. The larger organizations, such as Homecoming and Family Weekend planning committees must meet more often, at least once a week, and for almost a year. It takes planning ahead and great organization skills to be a part of a larger committee.

I have come to realize that involvement on campus with great leadership roles and positions (which are great for a resume) are not for everyone. I know my experience has been the best I could ever imagine and it has helped me grow as a leader and as an individual. I hope in the future that more students take advantage of the great opportunities presented right at their feet because it really does make a difference in the college experience.

I hope to come up with some new and creative ideas to help spread more involvement? Ideas anyone?

Professor sees talent

A relatively new faculty member on campus, Professor Nelson Lopez sees a lot of opportunity on Bellarmine's campus.

The professor of Spanish has high hopes for both the foreign language program and the theatre program.

Some of his ideas for developing these programs include, integrating the community.

"There is a great Hispanic/Latino community out there," he said.

He has been involved recently in the Student Theatre at Bellarmine (ST@B) production, "Beyond Therapy."

He would like to see the theatre program developed with more of an international scope, and become more involved with the Metroversity program and possibly even local theatres and theatre groups for a unique program.

"I know there is an interest," he said about theatre on campus. "There are resources-the people are here."

Lopez describes Bellarmine students as being not only intelligent, but also talented.

"I think art is something that Bellarmine should encourage students to participate in. We're moving, we're growing and I hope we include art in that. We have heart."

Relay for Life: Rain or Shine

What a weekend! As a college student, I was quite used to not getting any sleep all night, but I am normally not running around all day when that occurs. As an activities co-chair, there were many last minute things to be done. All throughout the night, every team seemed to have something going on. Pinatas, balloon toss, grilling, root beer pong, margs, pie-throwing contest, cornhole, and more.

The beginning of Relay started off with a few talks: an introduction by Dr. Rhodes, and two survivors: Annette Smith and Kristen Pullen who told their stories of fighting cancer. Relay kicked off with the Survivor lap, followed by the Care-Giver lap, and the team lap. Shortly following, Amanda Chism's band started the night off right full of energy. There was an Elvis Impersonator contest and one person in particular actually dressed up in full Elvis gear, which was fairly impressive. Andrew Porter and Eric Gustafson braved the rain (after we built a makeshift covering on the stage) and put on quite a show as they always do. Great guitarists.

After Porter and Gustafson calmed the mood a little, the Luminaria ceremony began, remembering those who have died and those who have survived cancer. The ceremony gives us rememberance and hope for a cure. After the ceremony, the night kicked up again when KISS FM showed up. A few give-aways, lots of commercials, and a little music later, they headed out and the midnight movie "Cars" was put on by BAC. Unfortunately, very shortly after it began, the lightening came. Rain did not bother us, but the lightening forced everyone inside Frazier. The movie was no more and many people headed back to their dorms or elsewhere.

Even though the rain 'scared' quite a few people away, the group that ended up in Frazier still had the energy going strong, just like Energizer batteries. Red Bull showed up at about 2 am, which was perfect timing for everyone's second (or maybe even third) wind of the night. Ben Aguilar's band pumped everyone up with a lot of hard rock. Some teams began to sing while making laps in Frazier. Others began to die down, but still had someone walking at all times.

We ended a bit early, at 4:30 instead of 6:00, due to the lack of people still there and the bad weather. The Quad had quite a mess in it with lots of cleaning to be done. Garbage, wet tarps, sound equipment, tables, chairs, and whatever else was left throughout the night was cleared out. Instead of completing clean up at 9, we finished at 6, ending the evening at 6:30 am for me.

Relay is always a great success and even though we were a little shy of our goal this year, the turnout was great, the energy was high, and everyone seemed to have a good time, regardless of the weather. Apparantly god was testing our abilities of what we could handle. Bellarmine can handle anything, as long as we stick together, and Relay is a perfect example.

Pictures: Coming soon!

Some problems are just "Beyond Therapy"

Last weekend Student Theatre at Bellarmine (ST@B) presented “Beyond Therapy,” a play by Christopher Durang.

The Wyatt Blackbox Theatre was transformed, always making for a unique experience. The stage and the seats were arranged very intimately, with only the capacity for about 30 to 40 people and the theatre was almost full Saturday night.

I love the Blackbox Theatre and the way it is arranged differently each time I see a production there. It adds character to the shows that ST@B puts on there.

Set in New York City in 1982, “Beyond Therapy” focuses around the lives of Prudence, a young professional searching for the perfect man, and Bruce, who is somewhat confused about who he is looking for, but someone to love, nevertheless. The two meet by answering personal ads in the newspaper.

Played by Vanessa Ferguson and Jacob Banser, the play follows Prudence and Bruce as they are counseled by their respective therapists, Dr. Stuart Framingham and Charlotte Wallace.

These two characters have their own problems. Dr. Framingham, played by Bellarmine professor of Spanish Nelson López, constantly tries to show off his “macho” side with Prudence, with whom we find he has had a brief affair. Lopez’s enthusiastic portrayal of the obnoxious Dr. Framingham won a few laughs from the audience.

But Charlotte Wallace, the zany, scatterbrained therapist to Bruce steals the show. Emily Ruppel captures the character so well, that by the end of the show I found myself almost trying to make sense of her of-the-wall ramblings that end up right back where they began.

Throw in Bruce’s live-in boyfriend Bob (Ted Lesley) and this group runs into some real problems, all making for an amusing series of events.

Bob, though one of the minor characters, was one of my favorites. With his threats of suicide and his constant neediness, he reminded me a little of Steve Carell's character in "Little Miss Sunshine." Lesley's portrayal of this hilarious but at the same time tragic character, added that extra something to the mix.

“Beyond Therapy” will be showing again, Thursday, March 29 through Sunday, April 1.

This quirky and hilarious show is a great way to escape for two hours. You just might find your own love life is not quite as confusing as it could be.

Woodward is the "New Bob"

Honestly, no idea how I came up with that title, but it sounded catchy. I just wanted to take a few minutes to share with others about my experience when Bob Woodward came and spoke at Bellarmine.

I have to be honest about him though. When I first heard he was coming, I had no idea who he was. I did quite a bit of research and purchased his book, "Plan of Attack". I did more reading online about his accomplishments and a little of his history rather than the book. The book was very informative, but I do not really care to know much about our government. It may be a horrible way to be, but frankly, I do not like to keep up with all of the politics and issues that come about. I am trying to enjoy life without the President and the rest of the government making me angry about their poor decision making. While this may not always be the case, from what I hear from peers, it is.

His speech at Bellarmine filled Knights Hall. It was not the least bit shocking because after I did research, I knew who he was and what he was known for. There was no surprise why there were few seats. He had a great sense of humor, which really enhanced his presentation. He started off asking us questions; I have never been to hear a speaker that started off a talk that way. He immediately gained my respect after that. I talked to a few people who had the opportunity to meet him and have dinner with him about their experience. It turns out, he asked questions most of the time. He was more interested in what everyone else was thinking rather than talking about himself, which surprised me a little. With that kind of a reputation, I would be willing to think that he has a lot of stories to tell and lots of wisdom to share.

Although I do not keep up with politics so much, I do know that I do not care for our President. Woodward came off as not caring for him too much either, which pleased my parents. It was quite humorous to hear my dad go off in a tyrade about Bush on the way home.

Overall, Woodward made some great points in a great speech. I was impressed with the quality of his presentation and am pleased with the program that brings such knowledgable people to speak at BU. I feel that it helps our campus out with increasing knowledge to those people like me who do not keep up with politics.

Boundaries

I have had Dr. Olga Maria Cruz-Smock for 3 different classes since I have been at Bellarmine. Last semester was my best experience with her in an IDC 200 class called Women's Ways of Knowing. It was a class with only women discussing many different aspects of the ways of the world and today's society. It proved to help me grow as a person and even to better communicate with my peers. Even though Dr. Cruz is a teacher at BU, I see her as a friend as well. It is nice to have that kind of a relationship with a teacher because it is someone that I can definetely trust not to repeat anything I say, unlike friends I have. Although I have friends to trust, I still feel there is that chance of repeating something I have disclosed with them.

Dr. Cruz took it upon herself during the semester during our IDC class to have all of us over to her house for dinner. It was a very nice evening with all of us continuing discussions from class, getting to know each other's lives outside of school. It proved to help us bond better in class and was a great evening of laughter and fun. I do not know very many teachers who invite their entire class over for dinner (especially when they are the ones cooking!)

After the IDC class was over, my class was disappointed. None of us wanted the semester to end. Dr. Cruz came up with the idea to have a bookclub. A book by John Townsend and Henry Cloud called Boundaries, discussing when to say no and when to say yes in life's little obstacles. I have had a great experience so far in this book club. There are only about five or six of us which helps the honesty to come about with a little more ease. In class, I still felt like a few people were holding back, just because there was so many of us.

Once every month, our small group gets together and discusses the concepts told in Boundaries and my experience has been very enlightening. I have similar issues that some of the other women have and it helps to know that I am not the only one, even though that may sound kind of silly. It is always nice to know that you are not alone, at least for me anyway. I have learned to look at myself in a better light and accept my weaknesses and try to change them. This was hard for me in the past because I do not like to look at my weaknesses, but now I have learned it is a good thing.

While some college students may feel that a book club is a waste of time, I beg to differ. It is a nice break from the everyday reading that we must do for regular classes at school. It gives my brain a nice break, not to mention some nice insights on my life and the changes I need to make. I have discovered that book clubs are not nerdy or for those who do not have anything better to do, but for those people who just want something more out of the college experience.

The Ultimate Spring Break

Breaks always seem to go by faster than actual school, isn't it great how that works? Sarcasm. I am very proud of myself for making my first 8 hour road trip by myself, safe and sound without getting lost. I drove to see some friends in Lenoir, North Carolina, about an hour from Asheville. I met them three years ago on a school trip to Europe the summer before my senior year in high school. It was great to keep in touch for so long and see them again. We rode along the Blue Ridge Parkway, visited the college town of Boone, just on the other side of the mountains from Lenoir, played disc golf (also known as Frisbee golf), and went to the Biltmore Estate. The Vanderbilts were pretty wealthy as far as I am concerned, now to have seen that estate. With acres and acres of land, including part of the Pisgah National Forest, I would say they had some money. The estimated cost of the house today was $875 million. Everyone get out their check books...

While the Biltmore was astounding, simply spending time out of the city was incredible, especially with the great people I was surrounded by. The drive home was not as pleasant as the drive there. I cried a good portion of it because I did not want to leave and I was extremely sad to have to do so. Regardless, I made it back and was cheery again because the day after, I left for Florida.

The beginning of my Florida trip with my family wasn't the greatest because to kick off our road trip, UofK lost in overtime, which was very disappointing. It got a little better as the night rolled on because then UofL lost, and so did Indiana. We were just a bunch of losers I would guess. The road trip down was nice to have some discussions with my parents, which does not happen very often.

When we made it to my brother's apartment, my niece was very surprised that I had shown up, it was a great plan. The thanks goes to my mom. A great few more days of eating out, laying by the pool, and having a magical day in Disney's Magic Kingdom. I love feeling like a little kid whenever I go there. My brother got a great job working there, telling us secrets about the park along the way, but nothing too extreme in order to not destroy the magic.

It was great to be able to spend some time with my family, since we will probably not have too many holidays all together anymore, unless we head to Florida and that becomes costly during the seasonal rush. Family time is always too short.

The only downer is I have disabled by prize possession momentarily: my camera. It is my life and I am upset to see that it is not working. Dropping it on the ground did not help, but it normally holds up fairly well. It shall be fixed soon I hope.

Spring Break was absolutely amazing and I did not want to come back home. I cannot wait until summer break, it will be equally amazing.

Hello!

Hey everyone, I'm Aileen and I am a junior at Bellarmine University. I'm a communication major and also the Campus section editor of The Concord. For the past year with the Concord, my beat has been the Student Government Association meetings. They are pretty long and boring sometimes, but I always know what's happening around campus. This year is my first year living off campus, but The Concord keeps me connected to what's going on at Bellarmine. Hopefully with this blog Brittany and I can keep you all up to date with what's goin on at BU!

Intro to Self

Blogs. I have always found them interesting because I never know who is going to read them and know my personal stuff. However, I am not too opposed to writing them because I like reading them ever so often, so here goes.

My name is Brittany and I am a student at Bellarmine University. I am majoring in Communication and minoring in Business Administration. Nothing to different, but I like it all the same. I love Bellarmine, but I have my days when I wonder what else is out there since I have lived in Louisville my whole life. I am extremely involved on campus with Homecoming (which is this week and I am losing my mind), Family Weekend for 07, Ambassadors, International Peer Mentor, and more. I love everything I do on campus and I would not change it for anything. Even though I am running around like a chicken with its head cut off most of the time, I am going into Student Affairs as a career so I might as well get used to it.

I love reading and writing but never have the time to do it on my own with my busy schedule. I love all types of music, but my latest favorites are the 80s. I love travelling. I have been to Europe numerous times all over the place, and Japan once. I love random road trips; I love driving with just me and the open road, no matter how cliche that may sound.

There is a lot more to me underneath the surface but as an intro, I think this will do it. This should be fun to try and keep up with this and all of my classes. I have a livejournal but haven't updated it in decades. We'll see how this goes!