Last night was the final showing of the play The Laramie Project, a story about a hate crime in Laramie, Wyoming and the reactions of the town. The show went very well.
It has been an honor working with such an awesome group of students. Everyone brought something creative and new to the stage and I think we worked together very well. Toni, a Junior Theatre major who directed the play, was amazing throughout the entire process. She was personable, fun to be with, and very helpful as a director. Opening night we all received cards from Rick, Betsy, and Dave, the three people who make the Theatre department possible here at Hiram. It couldn't have been better.
Now that the play is over, my life is slowing down and catching up as before.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
A New Semester
Well, the semester has officially begun and I have never been busier! I am at the full 18 credit hours for this semester. This is what my new schedule is like...
On Mondays I have 19th Century British Literature, which is a 300-level English course that is going towards my major. Kirsten Parkinson is the teacher and I enjoy it so far. After English I have about an hour to grab some lunch before I have a Biology class. I have not taken Biology since tenth grade, and so it's all coming back to me slowly. Hiram has many students looking to go into scientific careers, so my Biology class is the first time I've ever been in such a big class; most of my classes at Hiram have so far had no more than 15 to 20 students. I am continuing with the African Drum Ensemble, which meets on Monday nights.
On Tuesday I have my First Year Seminar (FSem), which is sort of a Freshman Colloquium Part 2. The focus of the FSem is to develop skills for critical discussion and writing research papers. My FSem is called Capturing Creativity and it is very interesting. We discuss the creative process of different individuals throughout history, from musicians to artists to athletes. The main project involves individual research into one specific person and their creative process. I am doing my project on Robert Lang, one of the most famous American origamists living today. Tuesday afternoon I have a piano lesson, and I'm moving right along with that.
My Wednesdays are by far the most hectic. I have English and Biology again, but in between them I have an Education class -- so that's three classes in a row over the lunch block. Thursdays I have my FSem and then a three hour Biology Lab. Fridays I only have
English and Biology.
My main classes are very reading-intensive, so I am constantly reading for homework on top of "normal" assignments. I have play practice every day but Friday, and those generally take three hours each, so my days are pretty well packed! But I still manage to make time to relax and be with friends. For example, last Friday a group of friends and I went to see the movie Sweeney Todd and had dinner.
As always, working hard, playing hard,
Derek
----------------
Now playing: Travis - Sing
via FoxyTunes
On Mondays I have 19th Century British Literature, which is a 300-level English course that is going towards my major. Kirsten Parkinson is the teacher and I enjoy it so far. After English I have about an hour to grab some lunch before I have a Biology class. I have not taken Biology since tenth grade, and so it's all coming back to me slowly. Hiram has many students looking to go into scientific careers, so my Biology class is the first time I've ever been in such a big class; most of my classes at Hiram have so far had no more than 15 to 20 students. I am continuing with the African Drum Ensemble, which meets on Monday nights.
On Tuesday I have my First Year Seminar (FSem), which is sort of a Freshman Colloquium Part 2. The focus of the FSem is to develop skills for critical discussion and writing research papers. My FSem is called Capturing Creativity and it is very interesting. We discuss the creative process of different individuals throughout history, from musicians to artists to athletes. The main project involves individual research into one specific person and their creative process. I am doing my project on Robert Lang, one of the most famous American origamists living today. Tuesday afternoon I have a piano lesson, and I'm moving right along with that.
My Wednesdays are by far the most hectic. I have English and Biology again, but in between them I have an Education class -- so that's three classes in a row over the lunch block. Thursdays I have my FSem and then a three hour Biology Lab. Fridays I only have
English and Biology.
My main classes are very reading-intensive, so I am constantly reading for homework on top of "normal" assignments. I have play practice every day but Friday, and those generally take three hours each, so my days are pretty well packed! But I still manage to make time to relax and be with friends. For example, last Friday a group of friends and I went to see the movie Sweeney Todd and had dinner.
As always, working hard, playing hard,
Derek
----------------
Now playing: Travis - Sing
via FoxyTunes
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The Food Revolution
Students here have had quite a pleasant surprise upon returning to Hiram. The college has changed food provider companies, and Hiram's dining services are now controlled by AVI.
For the past few days, the campus was abuzz with excitement over the food. The food here at Hiram has drastically improved over break. I highly doubt we are on the Princeton Review's "Worst College Food" list any more.
Since I'm on about eating at Hiram, I might as well let you know about the different dining options here. As of this year, Hiram has four basic food centers. Miller Dining Hall is the main place for students to eat. In Miller, the food is laid out cafeteria style. Different stations are laid out, including the main entree location, a salad and fruit bar, a sandwich station, a pasta bar, a pizza counter, and a "Fusion" bar (where employees prepare hot food for you!). And Miller has a wonderful ice cream station and a long line of soda, milk, and juice fountains.
Another popular place to grab a bite is the KC, which has wonderful late-night options on the weekends, with made-to-order food, including wraps, subs, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, chicken tenders... that sort of food. The KC also has a sort of mini-mart, where you can buy cold sandwiches, drinks, ice cream, fruit, etc.
Above the KC is a small cafe sort of coffee house. And for the vegetarians and vegans, the Stone Soup Co-op is a great option. Students apply to be a part of the Co-op, where they takes hifts to cook for everyone in the Co-op.
For the past few days, the campus was abuzz with excitement over the food. The food here at Hiram has drastically improved over break. I highly doubt we are on the Princeton Review's "Worst College Food" list any more.
Since I'm on about eating at Hiram, I might as well let you know about the different dining options here. As of this year, Hiram has four basic food centers. Miller Dining Hall is the main place for students to eat. In Miller, the food is laid out cafeteria style. Different stations are laid out, including the main entree location, a salad and fruit bar, a sandwich station, a pasta bar, a pizza counter, and a "Fusion" bar (where employees prepare hot food for you!). And Miller has a wonderful ice cream station and a long line of soda, milk, and juice fountains.
Another popular place to grab a bite is the KC, which has wonderful late-night options on the weekends, with made-to-order food, including wraps, subs, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, chicken tenders... that sort of food. The KC also has a sort of mini-mart, where you can buy cold sandwiches, drinks, ice cream, fruit, etc.
Above the KC is a small cafe sort of coffee house. And for the vegetarians and vegans, the Stone Soup Co-op is a great option. Students apply to be a part of the Co-op, where they takes hifts to cook for everyone in the Co-op.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
