A Gamecock by Nature

As long as I can remember I have always had a teacher that was a fan of assigning group projects.  I was always the kid that dreaded having to work with other people, not because I didn't like the people in my group, but because I somehow always ended up in a group with people who didn’t want to pull their weight.  Just when I thought times had changed and group projects were a college "myth" I began taking MGMT 250 this semester.  This class is Business Communications and the majority of each student’s grade is a semester long group project.  

On the first day of class we had to speak in front of the class about ourselves so that everyone could make a list of people they wouldn’t mind working in a group with for a semester.  On my list I wrote down four people I already knew because I did not want to end up with people that would potentially dump all the work on me.  

Monday we were assigned our group.  I was placed with two people I know and two people I did not know.  

Now here comes the big twist.  I love my group because everyone is motivated and willing to work!  This was a huge and delightful shock.  During Wednesday’s class our group began discussing the product we wanted to develop and create a twenty minute presentation about.  After class, we met at one of my group members' apartment and we were able to accomplish a lot within one hour with very few distractions.  Our group came up with the product, the product's components, the region we will sell our product, and we divvied up the research for each group member. 

We all left the apartment proud of our progress and we are all looking foward to working together over the course of the semester!  I'm even very excited and I'm actually going to start my research this weekend. 

I definitely love how college can change one's outlook on things.  Have a great night!

Posted by Lydia at 04:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Recruitment is one of my favorite parts about my fraternity.  Delta Sigma Pi is a professional (business) co-ed  fraternity.  We usually host rush the second or third week of school in the fall and spring semesters.  All business and HRSM majors are invited to come out for our week of events.  We require that all interested students attend at least three of the five nights. 

Every night of recruitment has a general theme.  Monday night was "Meet the Chapter".  Every officer spoker about their position and responsibilities in the fraternity.  I am currently Spring Fling Chair along with two of my other fraternity brothers.  I explained to the potential pledges about our event known as Spring Fling that our chapter hosts on Jekyll Island, GA each year for chapters across America.  Everyone seemed extremely engaged when they found out our chapter earns about $20,000 from this event and that our chapter has enough money to host nice formals, semi-formals, recruitments, retreats, etc. 

I had a blast mingling and talking with a variety of business majors I had never met before.  I also was able to meet some Capstone freshmen that live in the building of which I am one of the RAs.  I am definitely excited about the rest of recruitment and the big selection on Friday night. 

Tonight (Thursday) is "Chapter History" night so our historians will share with everyone where and when Delta Sigma Pi was founded, our founding fathers and some other neat information.  We also recite the purpose of the fraternity as a chapter since everyone always remembers it word for word.  I think the rushes will especially like the Gresette Room in Harper College on the Horseshoe which is where Delta Sigma Pi originated on USC's campus.  There are even the greek letters imprinted on the bricks just outside of the building.

If you want more information, feel free to leave a comment or question for me!  There's a good chance I may meet you at rush sometime in the future!

Posted by Lydia at 03:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today was a super second day!  I started off my early morning by leaving Capstone at 6:45 am and power walking to Strom because the wind was so cold it literally pierced my face.  My friend Joanne ('09) forgot to set her alarm, so I had to keep myself motivated to accomplish all of my upper body work out.  I must say I felt great, especially because I was able to increase the weights on most of the exercises! 

I returned to Capstone and got ready for my 9:05 am class.  I had Economics 222 in the BA early this morning.  My professor is absolutely hilarious!  He loved to kid around with everyone and had a sarcastic wittiness when he spoke.  He won't have any trouble keeping my attention, even if the class is at the crack of dawn.

After Econ I had an hour break so I decided to sit in Gibbes Court and work on my MGSC 291 homework.  The great part was I was able to get my work done before walking back to the BA for my last class of the day!  Now I can scratch that off the list (probably one of my favorite things to do).

As I searched for my Management 250 class it turned out to be hidden down a hallway on the second floor that I didn't know even existed.  The classroom was completely intact with full screen for computer presentations and the rows were shaped like a half circle.  My teacher was extremely enthusiastic and happened to have also lived in Tampa before!  During the class period we presented ourselves to the classroom and had to pick the four people in which we want to complete our semester long group presentation.  I'm really excited I knew a few people in there and based on everyone's impromptu speeches it sounds like we have a very diverse class. 

It was a relief to be done by 12:05 pm!  I have desk hours from 1-3 pm so I'm going to gather my books and start cracking them open.  Let me know if you have questions about absolutely anything!

Posted by Lydia at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's finally the day we've all been waiting for...well at least it is for me.  Today was my first day of classes to start the Spring 2007 semester.  My favorite part about the first day is finding my new classes, getting the syllabus, meeting some new people, and getting finished early!  Luckily enough today met all of those expectations. 

Let me back track for a second though.  I got out of bed at 6:52 am today voluntarily.  I made myself leave Capstone at 7 am so that I could go to Strom and work out for an hour.  I figure 3 weeks of early morning work outs will lead to a great habit for this semester!  It was great seeing the other motivated people in the gym and getting under the squat machine for the first time since my junior year of high school.  I even felt better because I walked to the gym despite the fact it was raining. 

I got back to Capstone about 8:20 am and grabbed some yogurt from Gibbes court before getting ready for class.  I had Management Science (MGSC) 291 at 9:30 am in the BA (Close/Hipp building).  The class is pretty much a statistics class.  The teacher is a bit monotone, but at least he's organized and had everything really well laid out on the syllabus.  After I got out of this class a little early I bought a chai tea from Jazzman's Cafe in the basement of the BA and walked over to the Humanities classroom building (not to be confused with the Humanities Office Building - a very common freshmen mistake). 

This semester I am taking my last French class (French 309) to fulfill my French minor.  I already love the class!  The teacher is very lively and she has a clear French accent.  My class also finally has more than one guy!  I met the guy who was sitting behind me today whose name is J.P. ('09) and happened to live in the same dorm as me last year.  I also got to see a lot of the students who studied abroad with me this past summer in Tours, France!  The class will consist of reading 3 plays and has no final exam.  I'm thrilled! 

Since class let out almost an hour early my friend Jordan ('09 Business) from my fraternity and I grabbed some lunch at the Carolina Colloquim!  It was great to sit down and catch up with her over some healthy food!  She's currently working on trying to get an internship with Gucci!!  I'm so excited for her. 

My final class was Accounting 226.  I am taking the same teacher from last semester and I'm hoping to get an "A" this go around.  It's a large class of about 80 students and thankfully I know a good amount already.  Unfortunately she decided to teach the first day until 1:45, but at least there's no homework!  I'm also lucky because my good friend Megan ('09 Business) who's also in my fraternity sat next to me in class.  She also sold me 3 text books I needed for $90!  This is an enormous savings!

Well classes are done and I'm busy doing laundry.  I've run out of gym clothes since I started going twice a day.  My washer should be done by now so I'll be sure to fill you in tomorrow with my Wednesday classes!

Posted by Lydia at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It is so great to be back in Columbia!  I moved in Monday afternoon after an amazing 3 week break!  Due to some unfortunate circumstances I had another problem with the airport (it seems I am very unlucky in that respect).  I'm glad that I made it back to Columbia safely after missing my flight due to an airport mistake and having to spend a night with my friend Joanne ('09 Pre-Med) in Charlotte!! 

This first few days back have been incredibly relaxing.  I have been sticking to my New Years' Resolutions and going to the gym at 6:45 am to work out.  I have been rotating working out my upper and lower body because I want to be in the best shape of my life by spring break!  I am also attempting to eat healthier, but I'm hoping that will become easier once my fees are paid and I can use my meal plan again. 

In the afternoons I have been playing basketball.  To my amazement there has been a lot of guys on the courts so I've been able to build my endurance back up beform classes start.  I've had a few great games and a few bad games on the courts, but I have a feeling it's all going to come together once basketball intramurals begin. 

Since I came back early for RA training I have updated my bulleting boards and created door decs for all of my residents to make them feel welcome.  I have also been attending RA training sessions with the entire campus, the north area staff, and the Capstone staff.  We are definitely ready for the residents to move back and keep us occupied!

The nice thing has been our RA bonding in the evenings.  We have been eating dinner as a staff, playing games, and we've gone bowling.  The games are definitely my favorite part.  I brought Catch Phrase and a game called Boxers or Briefs to the table.  We were a tad competitive with the boys vs. girls rounds but we all definitely had some good laughs.  One of the other RAs brought Charoodles which has probably become my new favorite game.  It's basically a charades games with props that definitely reminds me of "Who's Line is it Anyways?"  I was told my facial expressions are priceless. 

Well I think that's enough for now!  One of my other goals for the New Years is to bring you more frequent updates!  I'm looking foward to your comments!  Let me know if I can help with you with absolutely anything such as housing decisions for example. 

Posted by Lydia at 09:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)