Major/Final Changes…Or Not

By: Sarah Schwadron '14

Again the feelings of being stressed have not emerged.

I’m starting to wonder if I’m normal now.

I had my first final today, it was for Foundations of Education. I studied for it, and when the time came to take it, I knew the information! Who ever thought it would work like that?

No, seriously. I have been studying my tail off for these exams. But nothing overboard. I don’t stay up late studying. I go to bed early every night (who would ever think that between 1030 and 11 is early). I end up studying whenever I’m working out. It helps me remember the information as well as burning calories and getting rid of excess energy. I’ve been doing that for Psychology for the past two weeks and I feel very comfortable with the info for the exam.

I really should be, since I’m considering becoming a Psych major. Well, a double major in Psychology and Human Services. Anything that I would use those two degrees for would involve helping people, which is something that I know I want to do. Becoming a education major and eventually a teacher was always just a ‘why not’ sort of thing for me. I always knew that I wanted to help people. And I knew that I was naturally good at history, and the only viable thing I knew I could do with a history degree would be to teach. Then I looked at the job projections for teaching.

Yeah. Not feeling so strong about going into teaching anymore.

At least with Psych and Human Services, there are multiple jobs I could do. I would love to work for Child Protective Services. But I could also do Social Work, Counseling, etc. All of which sound very interesting to me. Plus, they have better job projections than teaching does.

But then, I wouldn’t have anything historical. Maybe I can do a History minor…

Ok. I like that idea.

The Polar Express Part 2…

By: Paige Kleinfelder '14

There aren’t many people who would consider starting off their weekend contemplating the subject of eternal hell to be favorable, but, at Elmira College this weekend, the theater department put on the play No Exit. The play, about being confined in Hell, served as a gentle reminder to live every day to the fullest, so with the holidays approaching, I decided to take the time to get in the Christmas spirit.

Lucky for me, Saturday night there was a gingerbread house making contest at Mackenzie’s. My roommate and I joined several friends to make a team of five using ready-to-use graham crackers, frosting, and mounds of assorted candy to create a Christmas masterpiece. Rather than making a traditional house, we opted for another Christmas standby, the train. A steam engine and two boxes rode on peppermint wheels along our Twizzler tracks.


Our train ended up being a little different from the picturesque trains on the other tables… Because as pieces broke and we broke out in laughter, we realized we had an abundance of Gummi Bears. First, they became passengers on our train, but soon we were tossing them under wheels and in the path of the oncoming locomotive.


As we waited for the judges to come around, the left over candy and even some pieces of our train disappeared, because they looked too good not to eat. We announced our title to the judges and got some strange looks… In the end The Polar Express Part 2: The Massacre didn’t win. We still loved our train, and now that I think about it, maybe watching No Exit before creating our masterpiece had the wrong effect.

Elmira College Freshman Christmas List:

By: Daniel Patrick Moriarity '14

1. One extra hour of sleep every night
2. A personal bathroom
3. An A on my writing portfolio
4. $60 more on my meal card
5. No more lab…ever
6. 20 hours of community service coupon
7. 5 homework passes
8. A reserved parking spot next to my dorm
9. More novelty shirts
10. For my Freshman Writing class to be cancelled…all next term

Winter Wonderland

By: Sarah Schwadron '14

I am glad that this semester is drawing to a close.

Unlike many people I have come across, I’m not stressing out. Like, at all. The boyfriend, for one, has to write the Encore Paper, two Core Papers, finish his Portfolio for Freshman Writing, practice his Chinese, write a Term Paper and do a homework for Microeconomics. That’s on top of studying for finals.

All I have to do is write a three page paper for Core that’s due on the day of the final. Plus turn in the Encore paper. And then light study for three final exams. Most of them are open notes. I almost feel bad when I say this to people.

Key words there are almost.

I like being on top of things. My Core paper is planned out, just waited to be typed up. My Encore paper is four pages and is quietly sitting on my desk, waiting for me to turn it into the box office. My Portfolio is safely in the hands of my writing teacher. My Philosophy of Education paper is being graded as we speak, and I already gave my final presentation for Psychology. I must admit, it feels weird not being under stress. But, I kind of like it.

Finals shouldn’t be that bad. I’m given a little time at work to study, and then studying at night to, so I should be in good shape.

I am getting very excited for this break though. I get to see my best friends from home. We haven’t all been together since September and we’re very excited about having our own little Christmas party together, just the four of us.

Then, I’m pretty sure I’m going to be spending New Years with the boyfriends family. His aunt and uncle have a house up in Vermont that we spent fourth of July at over the summer and it was a great time. But since it will probably be snowing on the mountain, I’m going to be learning how to snowboard. I’m really excited about this. I got most of the stuff I need for cheap, thanks to eBay and the boyfriend being a pack rat and not getting rid of his old equipment.

Let’s hope that I won’t ring in the New Year with any broken bones! =]

Merry Hanukkah!

By: Emily Oshinskie '14

Life has been quite festive these past couple of days. From the purple and gold Christmas trees to the countless strings of lights I’ve seen hanging in the windows of dorm rooms, everyone is getting into the spirit! But let’s not forget that this season is not just meant for Santa and Rudolph, this time of year is also meant for menorahs and driedels. I was sitting in my friends’ room the other night and she and her roommate started talking about their Hanukkah traditions, and before I knew it they pulled out an electric light-up menorah. Don’t worry, no open flames! As seen in lovely picture below (please ignore the Ziploc bags and the peanut butter! We’re college students, and those are the essentials!):

They saw all these Christmas decorations and felt EC needed a little culture and Jewish history, so the last 7 nights have been committed to honoring the miracle of the oil that lasted in the temple for 8 days. After lighting the first candle, we ventured over to the campus center for the Hillel Hanukkah party. The air was filled with the smells of potato latkes and jelly donuts, which we quickly devoured. Then it was time for a game of driedel-with purple and yellow driedels of course! The first night of Hanukkah brought 8 people to sing and light the first candle. Then my friend sent a mass of text messages, and before she knew it there were 17 people in her room for the second night of Hanukkah! You can tell we made very good use of space!

See crowded room below: Tonight we are lighting the eighth candle, concluding the holiday. However, I don’t think my friends will take the menorah out of their window. This is the start of a tradition that I’m sure we will continue throughout our years at Elmira. If you’re ever interested in celebrating Hanukkah on campus, I’m sure you will be able to find us. Don’t worry, we sing loudly-you’ll hear us from all the way down the hall!

20 Things Not To Do In Class

By: Sarah Schwadron '14


Being in school for the past thirteen years of my life has caused me to reflect upon what to and not to do in class. Some seem to be pretty obvious, but some people still tend to not notice the obvious points. So I’ll point them out here.

1. Smack your Gum
   Please. This annoys everyone in the class because it’s just plan gross. No one wants to see what’s in your mouth.
2. Paint your nails
   Not only is the smell obnoxious, your manicure/pedicure won’t come out looking too well.
3. Plan out your outfit for the next day
   Or for the next week. Just…no.
4. Doodle
   This is often the go to distraction because it looks like you’re taking notes. But then you have to explain to everybody what you are drawing, and that opens up a whole new set of questions
5. Do your hair
   It will probably just mess up the style you spent an hour in front of the mirror that morning. Especially if you’re a guy.
6. Do your neighbors hair
   You’ll probably get a taste of their patented ‘WTF’ look.
7. Write lists
   Cause then you’ll start to write what the teacher says, and then it becomes *gasp* notes! On second thought, scratch this one from the list.
8. Use your desk as a drum set, with the person in front of you as a high hat
   Again you’ll see the patented ‘WTF’ look.
9. Write a paper that is due for the class you have right after the one you are in now
   You've probably failed the paper anyway, because it’s not up on ANGEL, so why bother?
10. Throw things
    There are so many lawsuits that could be involved with this…
11. Daydream
    You mind goes to places you don’t want it to go.
12. Sleep
    This is here for obvious reasons. However, if you must fall asleep, please don’t…
13. Snore
    Or fall asleep leaning over your desk, or leaning over the side so far that people start to take bets on how long it takes you to fall out of your chair. Trust me.
14. Adjust your underwear
    Just…please…no. Go to the bathroom if you must.
15. Clean out your bag
    No one wants to see (or smell) your three month old gym socks.
16. Read a ‘for fun’ book
    This might seem like a good idea, but it really isn’t. The teacher can tell right away that you’re not paying attention.
17. Play dots or tic tac toe with your friends
    It’s fun, but really obvious.
18. Text
    See above.
19. Surf the internet
    Teachers in college have gotten wise to this, and often there’s no wifi in classrooms =[
20. Write your next blog.

Ooopss…

Term 1 Daily Schedule

By: Tyler Cuddeback '14

It’s 12:15AM Sunday…well, I guess it’s really Monday at this point. Monday… great. Monday means a lot of things. Monday means it’s time to go back to class and back to Army Physical Training. But, this Monday in particular marks the last week of classes for the Term. This means enough Term Papers and studying to drive a person to drink. Let’s start with the most normal part of my day. Army PT has to be my least favorite part of my college experience. I have to wake up every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:45AM just to roll out of bed, throw my PT uniform on and get to the Emerson Hall no later than 06:00.

I mean, I could always think of worse ways to wake up in the morning, but just the fact that I probably won’t get to sleep before 1AM and then waking up 4 hours later is taking some getting used to. Now, before anyone that is potentially looking to go to Elmira College looks at this and freaks out thinking every student has to do this, take a deep breath. I’m part of a club on campus called Army Reserve Officer Training Corp, or Army ROTC. It’s a completely optional club that only 20 to 25 out of 1000 students participate in. What’s the reward for joining this club? If you do all for years of ROTC classes and training, you will graduate and e guaranteed a job in either the US Army, National Guard or Army Reserves.

There are a lot of reasons why my schedule is nothing like the average college students. Most EC students are just contemplating bed now, but probably won’t fall asleep for another hour or more. Then they won’t make up until at least 7, probably 8 or even 10 AM. So, let me describe how my day will go for a full 24 hours

• 12:00AM – start working on blog
• 1:00AM – finish blog and play a round of call of duty to unwind
• 1:30AM – Drink some water and go to bed
• 5:45AM – Wake up to several different alarms so that I don’t miss another PT session
• 6:00AM – Start PT
• 7:00AM to 7:30AM – Finish PT
• 7:45AM –Shower, dress, eat, grab books and run to Chinese class
• 8:00AM- Chinese class
• 9:00AM – Finish Class
• 9:01AM – Go work out with my girlfriend. (two PT sessions for a cadet isn’t uncommon)
• 10:00AM – Walk girlfriend to work, grab snack from the Campus Center to eat while studying
• 11:30AM – Freshman CORE Class
• 12:30PM – Get out of class and go to lunch

I’m only half way through my day and I have already worked out twice and gone to two classes…Someone save me, please!

• 1:00PM – Sleep if I can, otherwise do work on my Term Papers
• 2:25PM – Microeconomics Class
• 3:25PM – RUN OUT OF MICRO AS FAST AS POSSIBLE, and check my mail on the way back to my dorm
• 3:45PM – Watch TV or Play a Video game to unwind. Sleep again if possible.
• 5:30PM – Dinner with my girlfriend.
• 6:00PM to 7:00PM – Call whatever family member called me most in the past week
• 7:15PM – Use my Textbook and interactive DVD to learn the dialogue for this week’s Chinese classes
• 8:00PM – Grab a snack, clean up the room a bit, then hang with a friend or two.
• 9:00PM – Look up prices for Ski Mountains in driving distance for a snowboarding trip with some buddies this weekend.
• 10:00PM – Finish whatever paper I’ve been procrastinating on the past day or so, or start one that’s due soon
• 12:00AM – Take out my uniform for ROTC the next day and be happy I don’t have to do PT

So that’s my life in a nutshell. But, then again… Monday’s suck.

I Know You…

By: Paige Kleinfelder '14

As I started to think about my blog for this week I realized that Tuesday is my favorite day of the week. So yesterday after dinner I joined my fellow Joss Whedon fans during the club meeting for Welcome to Sunnydale (The club devoted to the Whedon shows including Buffy, Angel, Firefly and Dollhouse). Before watching an episode of Dollhouse, we discussed our plans for recreating Once More with Feeling the musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Perhaps my love of the Buffy musical episode explains why I was so excited when it was time for Glee!

When I opened the door to my friends’ suite to watch Glee I found myself in a Christmas wonderland. A six foot Christmas tree stood against the wall. Intricate paper snowflakes littered the room and garland with glittering lights was draped around the common room. By the start of the Glee there were eight of us packed onto the futon and the chairs squeezed into the room. As far as Glee goes, it was a pretty important episode because Glee Club was off to sectionals. Cassie jumped up on the futon when the competition started and the song “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” began. (My guess is that everyone in Tower A heard her screaming with excitement).

I admit that I am a bit of a Gleek. But there is another show that steals my true devotion. The Office. Last night I joined the team “Male Primadonna” for The Office Pub Trivia to show off my love for the crew at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. The four of us pulled off a second place win by answering questions about the show, the actors and the original UK version. Sadly there was only one question that mentioned my favorite character from the show: Creed Bratton. Everyone else watches the show for characters like Michael, the boss who tries too hard to be funny, or the token couple Pam and Jim, but I love to watch episodes to catch Creeds completely random comments. My friends have come to realize if I walk up to them and say “I know you… You’re from the parking lot” I haven’t lost my mind, I have just used one of my favorite Creed quotes. There is a lot to love about the oldest employee at the office whose crazed expressions are only slightly less shocking than the blog he tried to write.

After last night, I am beginning to believe that if Glee fans are Gleeks then there ought to be a name for extreme fans of the The Office. Any suggestions?

Tis The Season!... For Work!

By: Sarah Schwadron '14


It is wonderful how two stressful events seem to coincide with each other. We have finals right before Christmastime. So with studying for Finals, writing term papers, and packing up (to hopefully move into a bigger room…yay!), I also have to worry about Christmas shopping. Even on top of all of that, I have a cold that just doesn’t want to disappear.

I’m not really as negative as I sound.

I am really excited for the Christmas Season. Already the Campus center is decorated with trees, purple and white tulle, and ornaments everywhere. It kind of brings a little magic to the campus. Now, if we could have snow instead of this horrid rain, the picture would be complete. Plus I have most of my Christmas shopping done. And I got most gifts pretty cheap. I am a college student after all. My favorite bargain? I bought one of my best friends a white gold and diamond necklace from Zales for $20. It’s really pretty and I knew she’d like it, so I had no qualms about buying it already.

My favorite part of getting ready for Christmas this year is buying my own Christmas tree. I know, it’s Elmira, so a purple tree with purple lights would seem to be in order, right? Not for me. I had to be different. So in front of my window, I have a pink feathered Christmas tree. It is so tacky I love it.

In between Christmas shopping trips, I’ve been getting ready for the end of the term. Right now, next to me, I have a list of due dates for term papers. And they’re in chronological order, so I know what to do first. That little list has made me stay sane these past couple of days, you have no idea.

Plus it’s also nice to have the satisfaction of putting a big black Sharpie line through an assignment that you are so happy to be done with. That’s my favorite part actually.

And this blog was a part on a my list which shall now be crossed off with my Sharpie, because my little study break is over and it is time to get back to the Wonderful Land of Psychology.

Here’s my ‘tree’. Bonus points if you can tell me what time the picture was taken at ;-)

Christmas Time is here

By: Tyler Cuddeback '14

It’s time for the holidays again. A time for giving thanks for what you have, and showing thanks to the friends you’ve made. It’s a time for families and friends to get together and share their stories and traditions. It’s a time for buying an insane amount of presents. And, at least on the Elmira College Campus, it’s a time for showing just a little extra spirit.

Located around campus are many different departments that are showing some, not only, holiday spirit, but, also, school spirit by having purple and gold decorated Christmas Trees. As an FYI, I’m going to say Christmas instead of “Holiday” because I celebrate Christmas, and, no offence, I don’t care what you celebrate. Anyway, there are about a dozen Purple Christmas trees on campus.

(Athletic Dept.)

From little desk sized trees like the one above to person sized trees like the one below

(Mac’s)

Even Buildings and Grounds are getting into the Christmas spirit with a giant display of pine and purple.

(Kolker)

Up in Hamilton hall, Admissions advisors are hanging their stocking by the fire with care

(Hamilton)

Dr. Meier is even getting into the holiday spirit!

All of this Christmas Spirit has prompted me to buy my own tree.

(Ando 102)

Yes, it’s a purple Christmas Tree.

Other places around campus have trees and decorations as well. Others are awaiting until it’s closer to Christmas to unveil their decorations like Clarke Health Center. I can’t wait to see what they have in store. There are 18 days left until most of us go home for the Holidays. Let’s make the best of it.

Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now

By: Emily Oshinskie '14

As I went to take a shower the other day, I began singing one of my favorite songs from the musical Hairspray, “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now.” I was simply humming this song to myself because it is a song I’m dancing to the finale of the Orchesis show on Wednesday and Thursday. However, I only just figured out the irony as I am sitting in the library typing up an essay for Foundations of Ed. I am a big girl now. I have been at Elmira College for close to three months! Part of me is filled with disbelief, and the other part of me can’t remember a time when I didn’t buy ice cream from Sweeney’s or sit in the Gannet-Tripp library, typing away madly at the next freshman writing assignment.

It’s crazy how quickly you learn to adapt to college. Don’t get me wrong, I have been homesick at times, but I assure you that change is always for the better. Now that I’m in college, I do my laundry more often than I did at home. Sorry Mom. It’s also awesome to have the convenience to eat whenever I want. However, this does not give me the excuse to walk over to Mack’s at 11:15pm and grab a slice of pizza and fries just because I can. I would advise that you only eat when you’re hungry. My friends and I have created “Fat Fridays” in honor of our mindful and healthy food choices throughout the week. Independence is a beautiful thing.

Tonight was the first Orchesis show and my debut on the Gibson Theatre stage! I was in a lyrical dance called ‘The Waves’ and it was beautiful…..until I cut my foot. I don’t know exactly how it happened, but I must have stepped on something sharp as I danced on stage. Luckily I got through my whole dance! Afterall, the show must go on! It was a great show and one of the most popular Encore events!

Just A Few Days

By: Paige Kleinfelder '14


With less than a week to go before making the long drive home for Thanksgiving break, I find myself looking for any excuse to get out of my dorm. The sport events, the SAB events, and movies in friends’ rooms all sound better than looking at my 20-page paper any more. So last Saturday the allure of winning money brought me and my friends out to take part in the SAB Big Four Theme Night. There was human bowling, oversized Operation, three-person air hockey, a cash cube, and lastly, a giant pillow fight game. I hadn’t planned on doing the bowling or pillow fight but I was quickly pulled to the games. My friend Josh practically picked me up and set me down at the pillow fighting.


So we attempted to figure out how to put on the head gear, which we both had on backwards at first, and prepared for battle. It was a tough fight, but I won.


Last night after finishing my final Freshmen Writing paper I headed over to watch the guy’s basketball game against SUNY Cortland. And even though we didn’t manage a win, it was still a fun game. Hanging out with friends, cheering on your school, and seeing all the purple and gold in the stands: it makes for a good Tuesday night. So now it is only three days, a few more sporting events, an auction, one more paper, the talent show, and then I am on my way home which will mean nine splendid days out of my dorm room and away from long papers.

Rehab

By: Daniel Patrick Moriarity '14


Bob Marley once said “One good thing about music, when it hits- you feel no pain.” In a sense, music is like auditory nicotine; almost everybody is strongly attached to one brand or another of music. People have an intense connection with the music they listen to; by the teenage years it usually has become an integral part of their identity. I can’t count how many times I’ve gone through a friend’s Facebook or MySpace accounts and seen “Music is my life” under their “About Me” section. While I won’t go so far as to say it’s my life, I do have a deep connection with the music I listen to.

That being said, I do not like to wait for my music: be it because it’s my little brother’s turn with the radio, YouTube won’t stinkin’ load, or my preordered CD doesn’t show up on time. This was exactly the case roughly a month and a half ago, when I preordered the new Lecrae CD, Rehab. I was so pumped for getting this CD, along with the hoodie, wristband, and stickers that were coming with it that I was talking about it weeks in advance. Only, on its release date, when I ran to the post office after Intro to Psych, it wasn’t there. I shrugged it off and went home to download the digital a capella and instrumental tracks that were included in my purchase because I got the deluxe version and listened to a couple of them. I made sure to not listen to the digital album tracks, I wanted to save those for when I put the actual CD in for the first time. Unfortunately, the next day the CD wasn’t there either, or the day after that, or the day after that… I slowly began growing paranoid that my package was sent to the wrong P.O. Box and somebody made off with my new CD. I had dreams of finding somebody walking about in a Rehab hoodie and attacking them like a savage animal. These feelings slowly grew over the course of nearly two weeks until my package finally came in: It was worth the wait.

Rehab is by far my favorite rap CD of all time, and probably in my top 5 of any genre. In fact it’s so good, that the week after Thanksgiving I’m going to dedicate an hour and a half of my radio show, The Elevator, to playing the whole CD. I’m also going to look into the possibility of having a contest during the show to give away a Rehab CD to one of our listeners. If you’re interested in learning about this awesome new CD look up “Killa” on YouTube and be sure to listen in Monday the 30th at 7:00 p.m. to Carrie and I on The Elevator. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

An Education

By: Rachel Masselle '14

October has flown by and November is going even faster. It’s hard to believe that I’m almost done my first Term at Elmira College. It feels like just yesterday I was receiving my beanie and wandering around the campus completely lost and clueless. It’s so funny how easily Elmira has turned into my home.

I remember how weird it felt to walk out of my dorm room and see the long hallway that housed many other Elmira College residents and thinking that I couldn’t possibly be staying here with all these people. It felt like I was living in a hotel, without the room service. Now that feeling’s gone. It’s so normal and natural to live among so many others that I find being alone uncomfortable. The workload I remember being so stressful now seems more manageable than before and most importantly I feel like I’ve gained knowledge on topics I never thought I would know anything about.

Thanks to the Freshman Writing Program I can write a two-page paper in less than an hour and a five- page paper in two hours. My Intro to Literature class has given me more of an appreciation for different kinds of literature such as: Victorian and Greek. Also, that class has taught me how to really analyze a work of fiction. My dance class has offered me an opportunity to learn about the different dance styles of different cultures while attempting to keep me physically fit and Encore has allowed me to experience different kinds of music such as: Baroque, Japanese Drums, and Folk.

It’s been a crazy three months. I’ve spent at least 15-20 hours a week in the library doing homework and working on my twenty-page paper, which is finally finished! I’ve had absolutely no days to sleep in because my schedule is so hectic. There have been some nights where I’ve only gotten three hours of sleep because there’s so much work to do. And then there were those days that I wondered what the hell I was thinking! I wasn’t smart enough for college!

Looking back, though, I see it was worth it. All the laughs I’ve shared, the memories I’ve made, and the mountains I’ve climbed have changed my life indefinitely. Although I’ve made many sacrifices during my first Term at Elmira College, such as sleep deprivation, weight gain, and hardly any down time, I’ve never felt stronger or more confident in myself than I do now. Elmira College has given me an education, not only in topics relevant to the classroom, but on life. And I feel that’s what an education, not only an Elmira education, but any college education gives you. It’s a step away from the uncomfortable teen years to the strong and confident adult years. College provides you with important lessons in the classroom and in life and I’m looking forward to more of those lessons as I continue my education.

The Plan for Tuesday

By: Paige Kleinfelder '14

Even though college is all about getting an education, learning to be on your own, and determining the course for your future, it is also about the relationships you make. There are a few things to keep in mind for friendships on campus:

First, making plans is a good thing. It ensures that homework can be done, that no one is left out, and that, most importantly, everyone isn’t scattered around campus frantically calling each other at the last minute.

At 7:50 Tuesday night, as almost everyone else found seats in Speidel gymnasium to see Ralphie May and TJ Miller at the Big Event, I was walking across campus to the cottages to watch Glee.
The original plan had changed from watching it in Towers to watching it at Cottages.

This brings up the second step of making plans and keeping friendships. When the plans change, which they inevitably will, make sure everyone knows. So, if Glee starts at 8pm, and the location changes ten minutes beforehand, text everyone who is not there yet.

Third, there isn’t much that can’t be solved by breaking into song. Now I don’t mean the kind where people in the cafeteria suddenly stand up and go into a complex dance routine with song. But a Katy Perry cover from Glee is sometimes is exactly what you need to sing skipping back across campus to smooth over the anger exuding from your friend when you forget to follow step two.

My night may not have had the laughs spawned by comedians, but there were still laughs, a few tears brought on by the episode, and a night that goes down as being one of my favorite college lessons so far.

That Simeon Benjamin knows how to throw a party!

By: Emily Oshinskie '14

I waited all week for the “Benjamin Simeon’s Hoe Down Throw Down” theme dinner. No joke. I mean what college student passes up free food? Plus, I could not miss out on the chance to dress up as a cowgirl with a few of my friends. Between eating cornbread and chocolate covered apples and riding the mechanical bull and dancing to some country music, the Hoe Down was the place to be. Every year there are different themes for the dinners. So if country music is not your thing, don’t worry.


At Elmira, it is hard to find people without any school spirit, and that is why I love it here. My classmates, friends and professors are not afraid to show their Elmira pride. The spirit originates not only with the founding of the college and its traditions, but also with Dr. Meier and his wife, also Dr. Meier and their commitment to showing up to basketball games and Encore events. Whether it ‘s Mountain Day, Octagon Fair, Fall Orientation, or a sporting event, you’ll definitely see Mrs. Dr. Meier taking pictures. The spirit here is contagious, and if you haven’t caught the EC bug, you definitely will soon!

With all that’s been going on, I cannot even start to think about Thanksgiving break. Orchesis starts dress rehearsal tomorrow for next week’s Encore performances! I’m getting a little nervous, but I know that we will put on two amazing performances! Orchesis is a group for any dancer-whether the only dancing you do is when you’re jamming out in front of your mirror, or whether you do as much dancing as a professional ballerina, then this group is for you. Well, I’m off to a good night’s sleep before Orchesis tech week starts tomorrow!

You cannot help but get into the Elmira spirit!

Puppies, Kittens, and Taxis… Oh my!

By: Sarah Schwadron '14


Working at the IT desk, means I have to do a lot of tutorials that explain how to do certain things on certain computer programs. We do this so we can answer questions, and show students what to do if they have a question about a particular program. One day, I had to make a PowerPoint Project on any topic that I wanted as long as it included certain elements that were given to me. I started out doing a serious topic, like on a book or something. Then I figured, screw this. I then made a purple and gold PowerPoint on why puppies are cute.

No lie.

One of my supervisors laughed so hard she almost cried. It gave me the warm fuzzies, which I love.

A lot of people at college love puppies. Every paper I have written where I have referenced them I have gotten high makes. When I don’t mention them, I get lower marks. It’s kind of funny.

I was able to see a real live puppy a few days ago. A couple of my friends and I took the bus to the mall to get some going out clothes, as well as winter clothes. I found some really cute boots, but that’s beside the point. We spent the most time in the puppy store. We almost stole a puppy. They looked so cute and looked so cuddly. My favorite was a Maltese. Too bad I couldn’t convince my RLC to get a dorm puppy. Everybody would love it. Or a dorm kitty. Kittens are adorable. The pet store had a black and white tuxedo kitten that would mew as it clung to your jacket. We had to frisk my friend to make sure she didn’t steal him as we left.

So puppies and kittens make days so much better. Surprisingly, they were the best part of the shopping trip. Remember how I said we took the bus there? Yeah, the bus driver lied about where he said he would pick us up. So we were standing outside in 30 degree weather waiting for the bus that never showed. It was 8 at night. The next bus came at 10. We weren’t going to wait that long. The only thing we could do was call a taxi. Not a very happy prospect for broke college students.

The puppies and kittens were great at perking us up. Plus around that time, my mom told me we might be getting a kitten soon. So I will still have one. Makes going home for thanksgiving break even better now.

A little excerpt from my Power Point for you. =]

Cha-Bama

By: Daniel Patrick Moriarity '14

If I was asked to make a list of the top seven most American things to do it would look like this:

1. Play Baseball
2. Eat American Pie
3. Play Football
4. Watch Football
5. Fly the American Flag
6. Shoot off fireworks on Independence Day
7. Vote

Many things are essential to the iconic American lifestyle, but one of the most important is the right to vote. This nation’s democratic system of electing officials has been one of America’s trademark qualities for over two centuries. Turning eighteen and officially becoming an adult is an exciting time in a teen’s life for many reasons, but for me it never really hit home until my first official vote. I remember walking down the hallway of my high school to the auditorium, like I have dozens of times before, but when I saw the registration table and the booth the realization hit me that I was in fact eighteen: I was a man.

That scene will forever live in my memory, and since that day, I feel I have gained a deeper understanding of why I should be proud to be an America, and why I should be proud to have the right to vote. With this new mindset, my roommate and I decided to celebrate the coming of yesterday’s election with a trip to the local K-Mart. Actually, the two originally had no connection… originally. But when we went to K-Mart, we found THIS (look below); a limited edition President Obama chia pet! Not only do we get another novelty decoration for our room, but we also get to give our room a little bit of American pride just in time for the 2010 election, and all for nder twenty bucks! God Bless America!

Ch-bama (bald)

We call the fully grown Ch-Bama “Post-office Ch-bama” because for some unknown reason, the hair directly on the top of his head won’t grow”

Go Away Rain, and Take the Snow With You

By: Sarah Schwadron '14

The first thing I said to my roommate this morning was ‘if you don’t have good news, don’t talk to me’.

She laughed and said that she understood, and that she felt the same way.

Today just didn’t start off on the right foot. At. All. Thursday’s are never fun because they are supposed to start a 7 in the morning. I say supposed to because that’s when I wake up. And I usually do… but not today. I didn’t hear it and overslept it by 40 minutes.

Running to freshman writing in the pouring rain, wearing sweats, rain boots and a non-Elmira sweatshirt is not fun. I swear I got a dirty look from one of the Buildings and Grounds employees for my Dickinson College Sweatshirt.

Or that could’ve been because I ran in front of his lawnmower...

But I digress. Quiz in Freshman Writing followed by a Psychology test is never fun. Now I’m parked in the library until I finish my work or get hungry. That is the plan for the rest of today, working on essays until I die. Basically.

It’s not bad studying in the library though. Everybody basically leaves you alone, but are more than willing to help when you need it. There’s tons of reference books everywhere for help with my Twenty Page Paper, and some fiction books for when I need a break and cannot possibly reading another word having to do with either Homer or the Iliad. Urgh.

After I work on my Twenty Page Paper, I have a Psychology homework to edit, an Education essay to type up, find five fallacies in today’s society, and a core essay. One five hours of sleep. So much fun I can barely stand it.

To top everything off, it is pouring cats and dogs outside, and there’s supposed to be snow tonight. Two to four inches. I could stand today if it were sunny and forty degrees. But no. It has to be like thirty degrees and rainy. Blech.

I think all of this warrants a bit of retail therapy. Some new socks are in order I believe…

And now I am going to work on all of those assignments, leaving you with a few words of wisdom: Rain boots are your best friends at Elmira College.

Tricky Weather and Sweet Treats

By: Paige Kleinfelder '14

I was shivering walking across campus yesterday with my arms folded and my coat pulled close around me. It was one of those moments I ask myself questions that would be pointless to ask someone else. “Why is it SO cold?” And then I realized that it was November 1st. It wasn’t September or even October anymore. All of the leaves have fallen off the tree outside my dorm room window, and I have requested that extra winter coats, gloves, and scarves be sent from home.

Besides being affected by the cold weather, I have realized that campus is starting to feel like a place I belong. For weeks, I felt labeled by the ‘14 that follows my name on every piece of paper I have to sign or hand in. But nine weeks into school, I am truly a part of EC.

One event this week in particular really showed me what the students here are able to do for the Elmira community, while also bringing together our own college community. There are a lot of events held by EC that bring specific groups together, whether it is a club, a dorm, a class, or a sport. This past week, Columbia dorm put on their annual trick-or-treat and haunted house. My roommate and I, along with two friends, passed out candy to the hundreds of children who stood in an endless line in and around our dorm. I love Halloween because of all the costumes that people think of or find. However, my favorite costume of the night was a staple for girls on Halloween: The Little Mermaid. There were other ones too: an amazingly intricate owl costume, a few boys being eaten by Jaws, numerous super heroes (I could proudly name every one), along with lots of vampires and monsters. There were dozens of faces that lit up as their bags filled higher with candy. My room was often full of laughter and comments about costumes, the long lines, and even the fire alarm that inconveniently went off during the night. It was a really fun night, and I am so glad I live in Columbia to be a part of the festivities.

Now that students of all ages have put away their costumes, eaten too much candy, and stayed up too late, it is time to get back to normal (with the addition of warmer coats).

Do the Wiggles actually live in Columbia Hall?!

By: Emily Oshinskie '14

It’s hard to say what I enjoyed more……watching the little kids parade down the hallway in their Buzz Light-Year and Scooby-Doo costumes or watching four of my friends dressed up as the Wiggles. Last Wednesday the halls of Columbia Hall opened for hundreds of kids to trick-or-treat and explore the Halloween Haunted House. As the little princesses passed by, the Wiggles would ask them if they knew each of their names. Some of the parents actually got all four! Now that’s worth an extra piece of candy!


The past week brought many trips, which have broadened my New York geography. Two of my friends and I headed up to the Ithaca State Theatre to see Guster in concert. If you like Wilco or Dispatch, then you’d probably enjoy listening to Guster. It was so awesome to see them live and a great first college concert to share with my friends. Then I travelled up to Rochester with Christian Fellowship for a weekend retreat. The 2 hour drive turned into a nearly 5 hour adventure when one of the cars broke down, but we had some serious bonding time at Sunoco. Little did we know as we drove into the city that the circus was in town….the next day we were headed out to lunch and all of a sudden we noticed that the street was blocked….all of a sudden, 6 or 8 elephants with headdresses appear out of nowhere! Elephants in Rochester?! Global Warming?

A Little TLC Goes A Long Way

By: Rachel Masselle '14

After a very stressful week of midterms I returned home to see my family. It had been six weeks since I had seen any of them and I’ll admit I was feeling a little homesick. Not enough to make me not want to come back to Elmira, but just enough to make me want to return home and pay a visit before moving on with the next six weeks of the term. It worked! Their smiling faces were exactly what I needed to see to ease my overworked brain and cure any homesickness I felt.

My mom pampered me and did my laundry Friday night while I worked on some work for Freshman Writing. (No I am not lying I did actually do work over break). Then, Saturday my family came over for a dinner party. We ate sausage and meatballs while my family milked all the information about college life out of me. It was amazing to get to check in with one another and see how they were doing. Sunday was a homework and church day. I drove over to Woodside Presbyterian Church to give everyone a surprise visit. Then Monday morning I hung out with my Mom and Grandma. We had a little breakfast at IHOP and then spent an hour at Kohl’s. In the afternoon I went shopping at the mall with my best friend. It was so great to see her after such a long time apart. Tuesday I packed my bags and returned to Elmira.

It was hard to leave home. I didn’t realize how much I missed my home or my family and it was hard to say goodbye. But the minute I stepped onto the EC campus and saw all my friends the homesickness faded and I easily got back into the grove of college life. The break was over. More school work was in my immediate future.

I’m still having trouble balancing everything I have to do. Homework still piles up around me and the feeling of homesickness still pokes at my heart every once in awhile. Despite all these hardships (and more) I know I’m going to be fine. I’ve got an amazing family who supports and loves me every step of the way. As well as awesome friends here at EC who make me laugh when I need it most and provide a comfortable and safe place for me to go to. Without the support of all my friends and family I would never be able to handle everything I have to go through. It just goes to show that a little TLC goes a long way.

Mental Health Day

By: Sarah Schwadron '14


Today is one of those days where it started off a lot worse than it ended. Wednesday night, I worked at the IT desk in the GTL from 7 until 10. About 8 pm, I started to develop a splitting headache. Thinking it was a side effect from being sick these past couple of weeks, I sucked it up and finished out my shift, knowing that sleep was the only cure for it.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t.

I woke up at 7 am for my lovely Freshman Writing class. If you know me, I usually pop out of bed in the morning like a piece of nicely browned toast. I’m annoyingly cheerful and peppy. But when my alarm went off this morning, I could barely move to hit the snooze button. I’ve only ever hit the snooze button on accident, then I spring out of bed even faster saying frantic curse words because I don’t want my alarm going off in the shower and waking others up.

So I fell back asleep until my roomie’s alarm woke me up at 730. Today was the first time I just rolled out of bed and went to class. I just did not have the energy to get myself into a pair of jeans. I was just so physically exhausted, and my head was pounding even worse than it had been last night.

I wouldn’t have gone to freshman writing, but we had an in class essay that I thought I should take. I took it, and left promptly after to go back to bed and sleep until 10 am. Then I proceeded to stay in bed until about 11 when I realized that I was hungry and should probably take some meds. Which I did.

Oh and I got coffee. Coffee is a godsend in college.

I went back and laid down, did some reading, listened to music, drew a little bit. Took it easy. I guess today was a day just for myself. Sometimes I forget to do that. But it becomes necessary at some point. I think we all need some mental health days like the one I had today.

And what just made my day even better; I’m going to NYC over Thanksgiving Break with the boyfriend to see my one of my favorite shows before it closes. Yay!

Butter Balls

By: Daniel Patrick Moriarity '14

Memories are the fruit that hang off of life’s branches. If, in a moment, all the memories, all the inside jokes, all the heart-to-heart conversations that I will never forget were somehow stripped from my mind I would be a heavily-shadowed, cracked mirror of my true self.

This was the main source of the fear and apprehension that gripped me as I rode up to Elmira College with my mom for Summer Registration II. I was forced to confront the realization that in a few short months I was actually going to move out of my home of eighteen years, and be thrown into a town unfamiliar, with strangers innumerable. How could I possibly get by without my friends, the ones who knew how to make me laugh when I was stressing about a big project that I yet again procrastinated on (ehem 20 page paper)? How was I to survive this new place without any body that I felt comfortable enough to be my crazy, quirky self around so that I could de-stress on a daily basis? Honestly, I still don’t know, because I never had to find an answer.

It took me less than two hours to make my first Elmira College memory, and thereby, my first Elmira College friends. I sat down at my assigned table, Group K, between Chris Tomas ’14, and Jessica Marchand ’11, who I would later find out was my Orientation Leader. I talked with Chris and Jess a little bit, but eventually the conversation died and I resorted to pretending I was texting people, while I was actually just looking at the blank screen below the table hoping that lunch would start soon. After about ten minutes of my pitiful charade I looked around the dining hall, and eventually looked down at the table. My heart soared when I saw what appeared to be a pair of white-chocolate truffles on a small plate in front of me. The food hadn’t been brought to the tables yet, and nobody else had eaten their truffles so I leaned over to Jessica and asked her if it was ok if I ate these white chocolate truffles. She laughed hysterically, announced my question to the other OL, Hannah Weldon ’11, who then joined in on the laughter. After being filled in on what was so funny, I laughed too. It turns out they weren’t chocolate…they were butter balls.

While this could have been a potentially humiliating first experience, it immediately soothed my nerves. It felt just like the lunch table my senior year, the site of many of my cherished high school memories, where I had repeatedly, and unashamedly, made a fool of myself to the enjoyment of everyone in earshot. In a matter of minutes I knew that those friends and memories from Greene would never fade, but that I would have volumes more by the time I finished my four years at Elmira. J.M. Barrie once said, “God gave us memories that we might have roses in December”, and I plan to have a couple dozen by the time Christmas rolls around.

Singing Along

By: Paige Kleinfelder '14

For students at EC there is always something to do on campus, from Encore events to SAB sponsored shows and sporting events. This past week was a music filled week for me. Actually, it was really only two events, but after returning from a relaxing midterm break, two events seem like a lot.

The first was A Chorus Line at the Clemens Center on Wednesday. For anyone who got to go, you already know about the show and, if you are like me, you have been singing the songs for the past week (in my case, quite loudly). That night was pretty interesting… a friend and I decided we would drive down to the show together after we met for dinner. What could be complicated about that, right?

An already tight timeline for getting to the show became insanely rushed but also funny: late to dinner, a long walk to the parking lot behind the soccer fields, and running up three flights of stairs for a wardrobe change all led up to the most complicated part of the night: the car ride.
A four-door car, of which only two doors opened properly, meant that I, as the passenger, had the lovely task of climbing over the driver’s seat to get in and out of the passenger’s seat. I was not allowed to sit in the back because, according to my friend, “that would be stupid looking.” But, I managed and in heels no less. Somehow, we arrived to the show on time.

For anyone who hasn’t been to the Clemens Center to see a show, you should, if only to get a change from the EC Theater with its stage that is eternally fighting a losing battle against the color purple! But really, for those of us who have to make Encore part of our lives, a Broadway show at the Clemens Center is a nice reprieve. A Chorus Line, though somewhat dated, is a show about 17 dancers auditioning to be in the chorus line of a musical. Each dancer sings about their past and tells the audience why they need this job. All that work just to be part of the chorus! The performance Wednesday was slightly disappointing though, as one of the most compelling characters, Paul, was played by an actor whose fake crying gained him little sympathy.

The second musical performance of the week was Friday in Mackenzie’s. John Rush, who calls himself the Human iPod, played songs that the crowd requested on little brightly colored post-it notes thrown onto the stage. I was excited because one of my favorite songs, “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls, was chosen. Sadly, I had to leave the show early because I had a rousing game of The Office Monopoly to attend to.

Today is the first day where I actually feel like a college student.

By: Sarah Schwadron '14

It’s a weird feeling. For the past six months of my life, all I’ve been asked about is where I’m going to college, what I’m going to be studying, and how excited I am for it (I’m sure all can relate to this). But it’s never actually felt real to me. Packing my life into boxes to move into a tiny room, living with a roommate for the first time, saying good bye to my family and friends all kind of felt like I was in a dream state.

But today, it felt different. I woke up on the early side this morning, about 8 am. In college, that’s the equivalent of waking up at five thirty in the morning at home. I started my laundry (always a fun thing to do in college), and woke up the boyfriend, because he always needs to be kicked out of bed.

We went out to breakfast, just the two of us, both in Elmira sweatpants, and me wearing an Elmira hoodie. We decided to walk to the Business District of Elmira, in out college gear while carrying Starbucks coffee cups. That’s when it hit me. I’m in college. I’m at school. I’m living in the real world.

Ok. So maybe it’s not so much living in the real world, because I don’t have to pay for my living space and food, but still. You’re out on your own, you can do you want.

But I digress. Let’s get back on track.

I feel like a college student for the first time. It’s still with me now. As I’m typing this, I’m in the Gannett-Trip Library, listening to the bell tower toll the time, and drinking coffee. There are piles of books on the table, blocking my view of my boyfriend. It’s a nice feeling, kind of giving me the warm fuzzies. The only thing that does not make me feel like a college student is the fact that I’m listening to Disney music right now.

No matter where I am, or how old I am, I will never give up my Classic Disney music.

Because no matter how old I feel, I will always be a little kid at heart.

You know you’re in college when…..

By: Emily Oshinskie '14

Looks like this year Halloween is going to be on a budget. The $4.50 shiny tiara, the $3.50 sparkling wand and a borrowed feathered boa are starting to sound good for this year’s Halloween costume. In less than two months, I’ve adapted to the frugal and thrifty ways of a college student in more ways than I thought possible. You truly know you are a college student when you try to fit as many people as legally possible into a car so gas money doesn’t get too expensive.

After coming back from midterm break, I parked myself in the library for many hours trying to get back into the routine of reading of Aristotle and producing claims. Any freshman working on his or her 20 page paper has been living in the Gannet-Trip Library more he or she wants to admit. Especially on Monday and Wednesday nights –the deadline for most freshman writing assignments- you can walk anywhere within a 10 foot radius and find at least two other freshman diligently typing an essay.

College is all about new experiences and taking chances. Yesterday was the first men’s hockey game and the first hockey game I’ve ever seen. I love watching sports but I never went to a hockey game and I loved it! There are so many opportunities in college that you can either embrace and take advantage of or ignore. You’re not going to love every new thing you try-sometimes it’s good to figure out what you don’t like so you can figure out what you enjoy the most. Just think, what other time in your life can you travel abroad without having to take vacation time?

20 THINGS TO REMEMBER AT COLLEGE

By: Sarah Schwadron '14

Being at college for a little over a month has taught me a few things. Some serious, some funny, and some that are really, REALLY obvious. So I thought to write down the top twenty things that help to make college go along a bit more smoothly.

1. Always wear shoes when walking into the bathroom.
   If you think about it, it’s gross to walk in there with nothing on your feet.
   
   
2. Bring your ID with you, no matter if you’re on campus or not.
   You never know, some places could give you discounts.
   
   
3. Whenever you leave your room, always remember your keys.
   I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been locked out accidentally.
   
   
4. If you think you’ve forgotten something, chances are, you probably did.
   Yeah. This one doesn’t need explaining.
   
   
5. Bring textbooks to class.
   You can show everybody up by looking for the answers. And then *gasp!* you actually learn!
   
   
6. Coffee, coffee, coffee!!
   Lattes keep me alive on Thursday mornings. True. Story.
   
   
7. Going out the night before an 8 am writing class is generally not a good idea. Even if the club has free admission.
   My roomie found this out the hard way.
   
   
8. Apples are the best breakfast ever.
   You make relatively no mess eating them, they can be thrown out almost anywhere, they taste good, they’re cheap, they’re easy to carry, and of course they’re healthy!
   
   
9. Bring your towels into the bathroom before you shower.
   Trust me on this. It’s a very bad walk to your room if you don’t.
   
   
10. The gym is the best place to work off stress. If you’ve broken a bone, smack a pillow.
    You will need to do this to beat the dreaded college weight gain.
    
    
11. NEVER turn away free food from friends or family.
    Before school started, after Orientation, me and my roomie had snuck about a cases worth of Elmira water bottles into our fridge. It was so nice.
    
    
12. Always check your email before you leave for class.
    It sucks to get to a class just to find out that the professor cancelled it right beforehand.
    
    
13. Naps are the best things ever.
    Never know what to do with that random hour break between classes? Nap through it! Just don’t nap in class.
    
    
14. It’s ok to eat dinner at 11 pm every night.
    If you’re hungry, eat!
    
    
15. The library is a very underrated place to study.
    It’s quiet, plus there’s sooooo many research materials available. They kind of distract you from facebook. A little bit.
    
    
16. Do laundry every week. Seriously.
    Clean clothes are just better.
    
    
17. Short hair is definitely easier when it comes to dorm showers.
    Before I cut my hair, I had to take twenty minute showers just to get all the shampoo and conditioner out of my hair. Now, I can take five minutes because it comes out soooo much easier.
    
    
18. Your hand sanitizer is your best friend.
    You smell prettier wearing it, and you protect yourself from sickness. What’s not to like?
    
    
19. It’s ok to wear the same jeans that you wore the day before.
    Especially if you wake up with three minutes to get to class.
    
    
20. Have fun. You’re only in college once…hopefully.
    
    

Running to Class

By: Paige Kleinfelder '14
Six weeks ago, we sat in rows wearing matching shirts and bright gold beanies awaiting the official start of college classes and life away from home, high school, and all things that were once familiar. Now the class of 2014 has dispersed throughout the campus joining clubs, playing sports, going to classes, meeting people, and just trying to figure out college life…

One of the reasons I came to Elmira College was because of the beautiful small campus, but judging how much time it takes to get to class from my dorm room is tricky. The first few weeks of class, I was the first one in the classroom, but, as time passed, I began to test how late I could leave and, but still arrive on time.

I do not suggest this.

My last midterm before break was late Friday morning, so I gave myself five minutes to cross campus and get to class. A groundkeeping cart, a group of professors, and two flights of stairs later, I slid into class with less than 30 seconds to spare.

From now on, I will be early to class like I used to be.

This is just one of the many daily situations I have learned to figure out. Now, laundry is no longer a fear inducing task put off until the last possible moment. The dining hall pattern makes relative sense now (but even the experienced student drops a tray once in a while). Ordering off the grill does not require the moral support of three friends. And my mail box can be opened without having the instructions written out on paper. This is because I am not alone. I have made friends; one who has only done laundry twice and some who have broken more than a few dishes in the dining hall, but, through it all, we laughed.

For anyone who isn’t in my classes, my dorm, or my clubs, or hasn’t seen met me around campus here is just a little bit about me. I knew since I was in third grade that I wanted to study art and become an artist. Listening to music and going to theatrical performances is a weakness of mine (which means, yes, I do actually enjoy Encore). I believe that board games and a musical on DVD make for a fun Saturday night. Lastly, I know that I should wrap this up for today to enjoy the rest of midterm break, even though for me that means working on the dreaded Freshman Writing 20 page paper.

Collegiate Connections

By: Emily Oshinskie '14

In honor of my first Saturday without freshman writing, I thought I’d take the opportunity to reflect on my first few weeks at Elmira! Today is the first day of midterm break and I’m happy to be home but already miss my friends and my life at EC. The past few weeks have been filled with lots of fun events on and off campus. Between classes, I’ve been able to run to Quarry Farms on Mountain Day, skate at the Domes, dance in Orchesis, and watch movies with my friends.

During Summer Registration, I found out that my academic advisor, Dr. Twombly, graduated from the same college as my Mom. When Parent’s Weekend rolled around last weekend, they shared a few memories about their Alma Mater, and discovered the lived in the same dorm! As the two alums animatedly reminisced about their college experience, I could see myself one day having a similar conversation with another Elmira alum. I mean, with all this purple and gold, how could you not remember your time at EC?

Last Sunday night, a few of us from Christian Fellowship went on a hayride with the Southside Alliance youth group. It was nice to get off campus, enjoy some of the beautiful fall scenery, and eat some chili. We all crowded around the porch analyzing the six different types. The beef chili won first prize but the kielbasa chili was my personal favorite!

Last weekend was Parent’s Weekend, which included the Dinner Dance! There is an annual “father-daughter” dance, which has been a part of Elmira College tradition ever since the start of Parent’s Weekend. So I guess when men started to enroll at EC they started a “mother-son” dance! It was a fun event and great time to meet my friends’ parents and share our experiences of the first few weeks of Elmira!