Erica Benda's Double Major

So life as a double major can be rough. My advice is to try to space out your hard classes and general education classes. However, if you are like me, you will end up telling yourself, “Hey I can handle anything you can throw at me. So bring it on life.” Welp, try telling yourself that during the last month of the semester. With all the banquets, tests, quizzes, homework assignments, running for a half marathon, your sister graduating on one of your busiest weeks, life gets pretty hectic. Can someone please tell me when the madness will end? I’m able to have fun some weekends, don’t get me wrong. It’s just that school is my priority in life and I feel like if I don’t succeed then I won’t accomplish my goals and I’ll let people down. I know that everyone is behind me though. College seriously is the best time of your life. It also can be the worst because of all the pressure. If you just keep pushing yourself then you can achieve your goals. It might take you a little longer than expected but you’ll get there. That’s what I have to tell myself all the time.

This semester I have gotten more involved with SWOSU. I recently joined Chi Alpha which is so amazing. I absolutely love going there. I also started going to the Biology Club meetings and bought a plant at the annual plant sale. I think it’s about to die though. I wish I could be more involved in Chem. Club but they have their meetings when I have class so I’m out of luck. I am busy most of the time with school but hey that’s my choice. I don’t regret it. Let’s take this morning for example.

This morning, I woke up at 7 a.m. to go to class.

• 8 till 9:20 a.m - class.
• Errands, research, studying, homework till 12:30 p.m.
• 12:30 p.m. – chemistry department cook out
• 1 p.m.- class
• 2 till 4 p.m. – genetics lab
• 4 till 6 p.m. - studied for organic
• 6 till 8 p.m. - finally got a tiny nap (I like my naps to last more than three hours)
  8 p.m. – Chi Alpha
• 9:30 p.m. – ran a few miles

Now studying for organic once more. So many tests this week and the orientation session tomorrow. Yay for waking up at 5 a.m.! Well that’s all from me for tonight.

Hope you enjoy SWOSU!

Erica

Leah's Busy Life at SWOSU

Oh college…. Sometimes it is the best time of my life and others I am so ready for it to be over. I am a very busy person and sometimes I don’t have time to study and do all my assignments, and yet I must.
Tests and homework, labs and lectures, yuck, yuck, yuck!!! I would much rather watch T.V. and spend time with my friends, if only I could. I have so much to do that free time seems a foreign concept.
Luckily, I am so involved on campus that the semesters just fly by. I can’t believe that I am a junior already… It feels like just yesterday I was a junior in high school! My goodness I am getting old.
Soon I will have to be a big kid and get a grown up job…. That is a scary thought, health insurance, car insurance, house payment, bills, bills, bills. Man, that makes me want to continue going to school and put off officially growing up for a few more years. Homework and tests can’t be as bad as bills and bosses, supervisors and taxes. Only two short years until the real world hits… Oh wait…..maybe….yes! Graduate school, I think so!

Summer and the OLs help with Relay for Life

I recently helped the OLs with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life! When I signed up, I didn't really know what to expect. It was held at the Wellness Center and not knowing what to expect,I figured we would just walk around a track all night. When I got there, I was so shocked to see so many people that volunteered to help. It was so much fun! There were booths everywhere! Games to play, entertainment, a cotton candy stand, food stands, spray-on-tattoos. You name it! We got to hear life stories from those who have had cancer and overcame such a huge challenge, and remembered those who lost their life from cancer. Very emotional, as well as an uplifting time. It was great knowing that I helped raise money for such a good cause!:) Definitely doing it again!

Chelsey's First Semester

My first semester at SWOSU was crazy. I think I moved dorm rooms two or three times before I was actually settled and I didn't really meet many people. But once the semester started, I absolutely loved it here.

The classes and campus were small which was perfect for me. I didn't feel overwhelmed at all I felt very comfortable and at ease. Between classes I found I had a lot of free time so getting involved would be awesome. There are so many different activities you can do here.... like becoming an OL. Being an OL has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of people. Overall, my first semester here has been an awesome experience and I can't wait for the semesters to come.

Candace Sutton's Favorite Time

Duke's Diner Salad Bar

One of my favorite times during the day is when I eat. More specifically, when I get a chance to sit down, relax and enjoy my food without rushing off to class or to go study. For those special times, I head to Duke’s Diner, more commonly called the cafeteria. The SWOSU cafeteria always has so many different choices each day and they are always warm and remind me of home-cooked meals. Everything’s great from the main entree line to the Asian line to the make-your-own sandwich station. And don't forget about the salad bar where I stock up on cucumber slices and macaroni salad. The desserts can be summed up in one word: delicious. Awesome cakes, rice crispy treats and cookies can always be found there. I almost eat at the cafeteria solely because of the desserts! I like the fact that I can eat my fill and leave not wanting more. It is truly a very satisfying feeling.

My other favorite part about the cafeteria is where I sit. I always go to the booths along the back wall by the window. I love to look outside and watch the trees sway in the breeze or glimpse at the fluffy clouds. It’s even better when the weather cooperates and the sky is clear blue. If I time it right, there won't even be crowds of hungry people around; it's the absolute best when you are by yourself and enjoying the quiet for a brief moment in time. A peaceful 30 minutes is all I need to get me through the day in one piece. I think that some people dismiss the cafeteria and put it in the same category as their own high school cafeteria, but really if you give it a chance, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised by the outcome. If you haven’t yet experienced “the cafeteria feeling” then the next time you walk past it, give it a try: it’ll be your reward of just deserts!