Hiram had a rather unfortunate encounter with mother nature on Tuesday. Tuesday night, we had a great big ice storm. Throughout the whole week, the snow and ice kept meting and refreezing, and the trees were covered in a thick layer of ice. On Tuesday, everything outside was one big sheet of ice, and the Hiram staff had to continuously salt the sidewalks so that they weren't so hazardous. Tuesday night I was in a friend's room, studying for a Biology exam scheduled for the next day. Around 10 o'clock, the power began flickering. It would go off for a second and come back on, just to flicker again a few minutes later. Students were told not to leave the residence halls because the ice storm was too dangerous -- the wind kept blowing off frozen tree limbs. Finally around 11, we saw a transformer explode in the distance, and the entire campus was out of power.
By morning, the power still had not returned and classes were canceled for the day. I was excited because I had extra time to prepare for biology. The entire campus was closed, but food was still being served at Miller, mostly cold foods for breakfast, and cold sandwiches for lunch, although I did hear that they used an outdoor grill to make some hot dinner meals.
There were fallen branches everywhere, and in one place a tree had snapped over completely. All cell phone calls were kept short and sweet to prolong the battery. Internet was not an option, and laptop batteries eventually went out. So the entire day was one of spending time with friends, which was really great. There's a lot to be said for being without the distractions of everyday life.
After excavating the car from a 1/4-inch ice coccoon, a few friends and I went out to lunch and spent the afternoon walking off our desserts in a mall. We returned late that afternoon and promptly learned that Spring Break was starting a few days early, and everyone had to be off campus by 8 PM because of safety concerns. Out-of-state and international students were encouraged to go home with local friends or, if that wasn't an option, Hiram provided free room at a nearby hotel. I helped a few of my friends pack up, said a buncho f early goodbyes, and I too left by 8. And a happy extra three days on your spring break, everyone!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
The Trustee Scholarship Competition!
Yesterday, the 23rd was the annual Trustree's Scholarship Competition. Every year, the brightest students applying to Hiram College compete for the chance of winning some very nice scholarships. The competition includes three parts: a group discussion on an article, an impromptu essay, and individual student interviews. Based on these three challenges, the powers that be determine how scholarships are distributed to the applicants. Scholarships range from $1000 to 50% to 75% to full tuition (unless it has changed since last year, I believe that 3 students recieve full scholarships, a few receive 50 and 75% scholarships, and everyone else receives $1000 scholarships).
I was involved in the competition last year, so I was invited to help with the student interviews. Each of the trustee scholars meet with a Hiram staff member and student for individual interviews. These interviews help determine which students show good leadership qualities and general well-rounded personalities. I was with Professor Mark Taylor, who teaches physics. I actually met him back in the fall on Campus Day -- we dug post holes together for Habitat for Humanity! Anyway, we interviewed four students throughout the day. It was really great to talk with prospective students. I really enjoyed talking with them, listening to their responses, and answering any questions they had for me as a first-year student. All four students I met with had great personalities, and I can't wait to see them here next fall!
After we finished evaluating the students we interviewed, Mark and I went to go eat an excellent lunch with the Trustee Scholars. We sat with a prospective student and his father and had a nice conversation. I really enjoyed answering all of their questions! If you ever want to really get to know a college, I recommend talking with the students who go there. I had very little idea of where I wanted to go to college one year ago, but I knew I wanted to come to Hiram as soon as I spent a night here.
Good luck to all of the Trustee Scholars, and to all seniors making those college decisions -- you're nearly there!
I was involved in the competition last year, so I was invited to help with the student interviews. Each of the trustee scholars meet with a Hiram staff member and student for individual interviews. These interviews help determine which students show good leadership qualities and general well-rounded personalities. I was with Professor Mark Taylor, who teaches physics. I actually met him back in the fall on Campus Day -- we dug post holes together for Habitat for Humanity! Anyway, we interviewed four students throughout the day. It was really great to talk with prospective students. I really enjoyed talking with them, listening to their responses, and answering any questions they had for me as a first-year student. All four students I met with had great personalities, and I can't wait to see them here next fall!
After we finished evaluating the students we interviewed, Mark and I went to go eat an excellent lunch with the Trustee Scholars. We sat with a prospective student and his father and had a nice conversation. I really enjoyed answering all of their questions! If you ever want to really get to know a college, I recommend talking with the students who go there. I had very little idea of where I wanted to go to college one year ago, but I knew I wanted to come to Hiram as soon as I spent a night here.
Good luck to all of the Trustee Scholars, and to all seniors making those college decisions -- you're nearly there!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Free Rice!
I've been thinking that I should use my little power on this Freshman Blog to do some good, so this week's blog is a shameless plug for a good cause.
If you haven't heard of it already, I highly recommend checking out freerice.com
Free Rice is a recent internet phenomenon that promotes vocabulary improvement and combats world hunger. It works like a game; you are given a word and four synonyms, and you simply have to choose the correct answer. For every correct answer, ten grains of rice are donated to hungry countries. In no time at all, the rice accumulates and you have donated quite a bit of food!
Companies pay for the rice and get free advertising on the free rice website.
Also, Free Rice adapts to your own level of vocabulary. For every three questions you answer correctly, you get to a new level, which has slightly more difficult words. For every question you answer incorrectly, you drop down one level, which has slightly easier words. This way, people of all kind can play. You can even watch as your vocabulary improves over time. My average level is 35.
But most importantly, it's for a good cause. So, even if you only have a few minutes, check the website out and give it a try. You have absolutely nothing to lose!
If you haven't heard of it already, I highly recommend checking out freerice.com
Free Rice is a recent internet phenomenon that promotes vocabulary improvement and combats world hunger. It works like a game; you are given a word and four synonyms, and you simply have to choose the correct answer. For every correct answer, ten grains of rice are donated to hungry countries. In no time at all, the rice accumulates and you have donated quite a bit of food!
Companies pay for the rice and get free advertising on the free rice website.
Also, Free Rice adapts to your own level of vocabulary. For every three questions you answer correctly, you get to a new level, which has slightly more difficult words. For every question you answer incorrectly, you drop down one level, which has slightly easier words. This way, people of all kind can play. You can even watch as your vocabulary improves over time. My average level is 35.
But most importantly, it's for a good cause. So, even if you only have a few minutes, check the website out and give it a try. You have absolutely nothing to lose!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Food, Fashion, and Friends from Around the World
Hiram's own Intercultural Forum, a club assembled of international students and students interested in other cultures, held its annual Talent Show this weekend.
The night began with an excellent dinner at the Kennedy Cent
er. International Students worked all day preparing ethnic dishes representing their own countries. I filled my plate with a good variety of foods; some white rice, spring rolls with glass noodles, a spicy onion and pepper salad, a delicious Nepalese variation on a potato pancake, korokke (a Japanese food made of fried potato and meat), and a Japanese pecan sweet roll. It was all very delicious, not to mention quite a learning experience.
After the dinner, we went to Hayden Auditorium to enjoy the talent show. Members of the Intercultural Forum entertained us with a variety of amazing displays. The shows commenced with a fashion show featuring costumes from around the world. Different shows included Scottish dance, tai chi, and ballet. My roommate, Wenhao, sang a Chinese R&B song called Zai Mei Bian ("Beside the Plum Blossoms"). The students from Nepal amazed us with a spirited group dance, followed by a black-lighted routine from the HC Street Dance Crew. I would have to say my favorite performance was the Japanese students' performace of Sakura, Sakura with accompaniment on piano and flute.
The night was fun, entertaining, and informative!
The night began with an excellent dinner at the Kennedy Cent
er. International Students worked all day preparing ethnic dishes representing their own countries. I filled my plate with a good variety of foods; some white rice, spring rolls with glass noodles, a spicy onion and pepper salad, a delicious Nepalese variation on a potato pancake, korokke (a Japanese food made of fried potato and meat), and a Japanese pecan sweet roll. It was all very delicious, not to mention quite a learning experience.After the dinner, we went to Hayden Auditorium to enjoy the talent show. Members of the Intercultural Forum entertained us with a variety of amazing displays. The shows commenced with a fashion show featuring costumes from around the world. Different shows included Scottish dance, tai chi, and ballet. My roommate, Wenhao, sang a Chinese R&B song called Zai Mei Bian ("Beside the Plum Blossoms"). The students from Nepal amazed us with a spirited group dance, followed by a black-lighted routine from the HC Street Dance Crew. I would have to say my favorite performance was the Japanese students' performace of Sakura, Sakura with accompaniment on piano and flute.
The night was fun, entertaining, and informative!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Laramie Project, and Decelerating
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.
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.
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.
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