Fresh Perspectives

So, mark my words....March 27, 2007 is and probably will always be the most embarrassing day of my life.  Here's how it happened: 

The first little misfortune happened on the way to History at 9:30.  I was running late, since my art professor just had to show that one last Renaissance painting slide and then talk about it for fifteen minutes.  (Hope I'm not offending any art buffs, but seriously, I think there should be a 5 minute limit to the amount of time you spend talking about one painting.  There IS such a thing as overkill.)  Anyway, back to me rushing to History.  Picture me....power-walking towards class and right about the time I get to the bricks in front of Gambrell, BAM.  Those bricks will getcha every time.  It wasn't just a little trip either, it was more like a hop-skotch fall on my face kinda thing.  And my flip-flop somehow came off, so I couldn't just get up and run into the building, I had to gather myself and walk back to get my shoe.  Embarrassing?? Just a little bit...

And that's not even the end of it.  Later on, after work (Tuesdays and Thursdays I work from 11:30-2:30), I had time to grab a quick bite to eat with a friend.  I still had on my dress pants from work and when I went to sit down the slick material on the chair and my pants just didn't want to agree, and plus I wasn't really paying attention and tried to sit on two inches of the edge of the seat.  So, there I go, sliding off the chair, onto the floor....fruit bowl flying everywhere.  (Thank goodness it wasn't mashed potatoes!)  So, I pick myself up from the ground for the second time that day and thought, wow....maybe this is karma getting me back or something!

You know, I came to a realization during these two embarrassing moments though: when things like that happen, your ears amazingly work so much better.  Really, it's like God just turns the whole world's volume up so you can hear all the laughs and snickers!  Well....I'm glad my two slight blunders yesterday made a few people laugh.  I guess it happens to the best of us, right?!

As for today....so far so good.

Posted by Kendall at 07:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I want to give a big thanks to all of you who came to Scholar's Day at USC this past Saturday.  I was lucky enough to get to help out by answering (or attempting to answer) tons of questions about different aspects of USC and I hope I convinced some of you seniors out there that Carolina is definitely the place to be next year. 

Scholars Day was basically an orientation open to all seniors who received any type of scholarship to USC.  Now, don't worry if you didn't get any money because I'm telling you from experience....there's tons of scholarship money out there that hasn't been snatched up yet.  If you're serious about it and willing to spend just a little bit of your free time, virtually anyone can get some type of scholarship. 

There are hundreds of small scholarships from different companies.  For example, last year a friend of mine wrote an essay about the benefits of bowling, which she completely (hmm, how should I put this?) Bologni Sandwiched and won a $400 scholarship from a company that makes bowling balls.   How about that?!  I realize $400 won't pay for Harvard or even your meal plan, but it's better than nothing.  Many businesses also offer scholarhips for their employee's kids; I filled out a short application and wrote a little bit about my plans in college and got a pretty nice scholarship from my mom's work.  I'm telling you, there's money out there, you just have to look for it!

Where's the best place to start?  Your school: go to your guidance office and I'm sure they have plenty information about different scholarships (deadlines, applications, etc.).  The next best place to look is the Internet.  Look for yourself on the web and there are tons of easy applications that take a few minutes to fill out.  Good luck...and go get that money!

Posted by Kendall at 09:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Note:  Before you begin reading this post, it would be very useful to go back and take a peek at the post 'Exchange Me!' on Januray 31, 2007. 

Destination for the 2007-2008 school year: Hawaii.  That's right, guys and dolls, it's official. I'm moving to Hawaii in less than 5 months.  It's all part of the National Student Exchange program that many colleges and Universities across the country participate in.  I applied, put down a list of schools (with Hawaii at the top, of course), and ~Vowalla~, I'm going to Hawaii.  I found out through an email the day before Spring Break, and no lie, I screamed, jumped up and down, and ran around in circles for nearly 20 minutes.  Seriously, I looked like the Red Sox after winning the World Series a few years ago.  I honestly could not control myself.  After I calmed down a little bit, I called my parents and then proceeded to call every single other person in my phone book with the good news.

Monday afternoon, I signed away on the agreement form so that my trip to Hawaii is officially official...ha!  There's still a lot of planning to do with the people at the University of Hawaii at Hilo (that's the school I'll be attending), but I know it will all work out in time.  This just goes to show what truly awesome programs USC can offer.  I would seriously recommend partaking in the NSE program while you're in college.  Think about it...what better time is there in your life to make a journey like this....none!  I'm so thankful that I'm getting this wonderful opportunity.  And what can I say, going to school in Hawaii can't be too bad!!!

Posted by Kendall at 08:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you're from Columbia, or anywhere near it for that matter, then you're probably familiar with the annual St. Patty's Day Festival in 5 points.  If you're not, however, I'll give you a little inside scoop.  First, I guess I need to explain what 5 points is, though, right?! 

Five Points is a spot in downtown Columbia where 5 different roads come together.  It's pretty much the center of the college hangout and night scene.  There are some pretty cool shops such as Luna, Loose Lucy's, Salty's Surf Shop, Papa Jazz Record Shoppe, a few Art Galleries, and much more.  Also, some of my favorite restaurants are located in 5 points:  Groucho's Deli, Yesterday's, Village Idiot Pizza and Pub, and a few others.  (If you're planning on coming to USC next year, you MUST try Groucho's Apollo Dipper....you'll wish they had a special meal plan for that one sandwich....it's THAT good!)  Five Points is also known for it's nightlife with bars such as Dr. Rocco's, The Saloon, Pavlov's, and Pour House (just to name a few).  However, as many of you know from news of 2 USC quarterbacks....these places can get you into a heap of trouble.  So, I'd suggest you use caution!

Now, to the real story (since last Saturday was March 17th)....the St. Patty's Day Festival.  Most towns have some sort of celebration for this day, but Columbia's is truly unique.  I've heard that we're ranked #3 in St. Patrick's Day festivities in the whole country.  The day starts off bright and early for a 5K run and 1 mile walk where participants strive towards the 'Pot of Gold' at the finish line.  Then, there's a parade and children's carnival, but in the afternoon the real fun begins.  With 5 stages set up, local and regional artists perform for big, loud, 'green' crowds.  I was there this year and let me tell you...people must hate getting pinched.  I saw not one person who forgot to wear green.  People were decked out with green pants, dresses, and even green hair.  And of course, for people 21 and over, there was loads of green beer.

And though St. Pat's Day and all the green was tons of fun, today I'm feeling a bit blue because of course my Biology professor would schedule an exam the first day back from Spring Break....so it looks like it's going to be another late night at the library for me!

Posted by Kendall at 08:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With Spring Break officially over...(tear)...I am counting down the days until SUMMER.  Ahh...I just love that word and all that comes with it. The beach, camping trips, hot/humid weather, fishing, sleeping late, and everything in between.  Only a month and 3 weeks left of my freshman year of college.  I can't believe it has gone by so fast.  A wise upperclassman told me today though that 2nd semester after Spring Break is the fastest part of the year.  Fast maybe, but definitely stressful.  This is the time of year when final tests and papers begin to pile up, and looking at my calendar now, I can definitely see the stress coming!

I know this post is short, but it's Sunday night and I have to unpack all of my 'summer' (there's that lovely word again) clothes and try to get some rest because tomorrow....it's back to school time. 

THE COUNT....31 days of class (not including weekends or exams)

Posted by Kendall at 09:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Finally, only 1 more day until a much needed SPRING BREAK! I can't believe it's finally here; there are less than 2 months until summer.  My freshman year has flown by.  I remember this time last year...being a senior in high school and wishing Graduation Day would hurry up.  Now that I'm in college though, I don't want any of it to EVER end!

Now, my plans for Spring Break aren't all that great...filled with the 2 R's with a W thrown in there.  Rest, relaxation, and work....that's right, I have to work at the law firm 3 out of the 5 days next week.  But I'm not too upset...money's money, right?!  The rest of my Spring Break is all up in the air...Edisto Island and the beach, a little hiking/camping on the Appalachain trail, or another trip to Charleston are all possible.  We'll just have to wait and see...

As for all of you high schoolers, don't worry, your Spring Break will come soon enough.  But really, make the most of this LAST half of your LAST year of high school because once it's over, you're never going back.  But hey, if you're coming to USC, you have tons of WONDERFUL EXPERIENCES ahead of you!

Happy Spring Break!!!

Posted by Kendall at 05:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This past Sunday night, my mom and I had a date to go see the broadway musical, Mamma Mia!  I happened to get the tickets for free through the Capstone Scholars program (one of the many perks).  I knew my mom would love it, so being the good daughter that I am, I surprised her by asking her to go with me at the last minute.  Now, I enjoy music and all, but I'm not really 'up' on my musicals, and to be honest, when Sunday rolled around, I really wasn't even looking forward to going. I tried to put that behind me though as my mom and I headed to the the Koger Center.

I won't go into too many details besides saying that if you've never seen Mamma Mia!.....GO.  It was SO cute and funny and entertaining.  We had the best time.  Our seats were on the last row, but I wasn't complaining. One: the tickets were free - a word that automatically gets all college students' attention. And two: we could be our own little "Dancing Queen"s up there since no one sat behind us!

Columbia is a great place for the arts.  The Colonial Center frequently has concerts for big recording artists....most recently: John Mayer and Rascal Flatts.  The Koger Center welcomes smaller artists, musicals, plays, as well as orchestra and ballet performances.  Then there are countless other places around town to hear local artists.  So, if you're ever craving some live music, a play, or even Mamma Mia!, Columbia's a great place to be.

On a side note....the only negative aspect of the musical is that all week I've been going around singing: Mamma Mia, here I go again. My my, how can I resist you.....

Posted by Kendall at 07:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I should have been named Sports Fan of the Year after this past weekend.  I attended 2 basketball games and a baseball game, and I won't even mention the games I watched on TV. 

Earlier last week, I decided that I needed to get out of Columbia for a few days.  So, I arranged a little trip down to Charleston to see a few of my good friends that go to school there. As it turns out, my grandad was in Charleston this weekend too.  You see, his favorite team, the Davidson Wildcats were playing in Chucktown for the Southern Conference basketball tournament (that's the same conference that CofC is in and for those of ya'll who don't know, Davidson is a small school North of Charlotte). So anyway, my grandad invited me and a friend to go to the Davidson vs. Furman game on Friday night.  We went, not really thinking much of it, but ended up having a great time.  We got front row seats directly behind the players' bench. (Yeah, that's right, my Pops definitely hooked us up!) 

After that first game, we already considered ourselves Davidson fans, and didn't think twice about missing the championship game which was to be played the next night.  So, after an fun night on the town in Charleston and a layed back Saturday, we headed straight back to the North Charleston Colloseum for the Southern Conference Championship game.  Front row seats again...what can I say, we were ballin'! haha.  The game was head to head the entire way.  Meghan (my friend who went with me) and I were up and down the whole game yelling and cheering.  Davidson finally pulled it out, winning their conference title and getting a bid to the NCAA tournament. 

Now, I know there may be some concern about me pulling so hard for a team that's not USC.  But don't worry Gamecock fans, I actually did sport a Carolina shirt to the 2nd game!

Also in sports this weekend...do I sound like an ESPN newscaster yet?....USC beat Clemson twice on the baseball field.  Saturday's game was up at Clemson, but the game Sunday was right here in Cola-town.  I didn't have a ticket, but went anyway and got lucky buying one for less than face value from none other than a Clemson fan.  Yeah, those Clemson guys are always suckers for the Carolina girls.  As I've said before, I absolutely LOVE the game of baseball.  It felt so good to be in the stands Sunday afternoon.  We pulled out a tough victory in the bottom of the 9th, and even though I almost had a heart-attack, I love those kind of games.  They definitely keep you on the edge of your seats.

So, after a great sports-filled weekend, it's back to the reality of the classroom. Only 5 more days until Spring Break!!!

Posted by Kendall at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I realize that most people have normal fears.  They're scared of things like the dark, or cockroaches, or heights....but oh no, not me!  One of my biggest fears is crossing the street!  It seems ridiculous, especially since I'm 18 years old, but I really wish I had someone to hold my hand each time I have to cross one of the busy roads downtown. 

To a lot of students, Columbia is the biggest city they've ever lived in, and one of the characteristics of big cities is that you have to walk to get places.  Even though I'm from Columbia, I lived out in the suburbs and never had to walk, but now, crossing the street is a daily task.  I don't know what it is, but there's just something that scares me to death about crossing over a path where cars fly by.  I just picture myself like a smushed little frog with arms and legs sprawled out.....what a morose thought, right! 

I see a lot of people who go whether the light says walk or stop....but I'm that person that ALWAYS waits to see the walking signal before I step off the curb.  And I still look both ways before crossing the street....I guess we do learn a few things from kindergarten, huh?!

Well, time to get ready for my last class of the week. Whoo-hoo. So, here I go...off to overcome my fear and cross a few streets!

Posted by Kendall at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)