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!

Isn’t this exciting?

By: Sarah Schwadron '14
So I guess the best thing to do is start off with a entry that just tells you about myself. I’m Sarah Schwadron ’14. I’m from Goshen, New York. If you’re familiar with a bit of NY geography, it’s in the Hudson Valley, about 45 minutes away from NYC.

So whenever I mention trips to the city, it’s just because I live so close. I am in no way spoiled, even though it may sometimes come off like that.

My best friends from home. As you’re looking at it, from left to right is Ashley, Marina, Lara, Sammie, Kathleen, Me, and Jakkie. The other one is me and my bestie, Kathleen.

In my copious spare time, I like to read and such. My favorite place to be is at the Beach. I love Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina. I’m going back there this summer and absolutely cannot wait for it.

I love musicals and plays. My all time musical is Les Miserables.

I have many innovative and weird ways that I manage to hurt myself. I’m actually typing this now with an infected finger. This is the second time it’s happened. You think I would learn my lesson already. Nope. I’m a slow learner. My favorite is that I kicked my finger and broke it. To this day, I could not tell you how it happened. And now my left pinkie finger is smaller than my right one. Weird huh?

I chose to come to Elmira College because I just knew I’d fit on from the moment I got on campus. I knew I was meant to go to EC. I was lucky that I was able to get in. I honestly had nowhere else I wanted to go to. I probably would’ve ended up at The College of New Jersey. It would’ve been nice, but nowhere near as cool as Elmira is.

I am a little bit of a Gleek. I try to watch it when I can, but I’m always so busy, it’s hard to find time to sit down and watch a TV show. Unless it’s the weekend.

I want to be a double major in Education and History. History is my all time favorite thing the world. And I’m a pretty decent public speaker, so I think those two blend well. I’m loving all the material in all my classes, not so much the workload. I’ve found making lists helps a lot.
I know. I’m a nerd.

But, hey. If I keep my scholarship it’s all worth it right?

Mental Meltdown

By: Rachel Masselle '14
Have you ever seen movies where the high school students go off to college and they party all the time and there life seems stress free? Hollywood portrays college as one big party, but I’m going to tell you the truth. Hollywood lies! The truth is that between studying for midterms, keeping up with homework for classes, and working on your twenty-page paper you feel like you’re going insane. You’re life is anything, but stress free. In fact, college is like a newborn baby. It demands all your attention and if you don’t pay attention to it for one minute all hell breaks loose!

I worked from one o’clock Thursday afternoon to about five o’clock Friday morning on papers I had to write for two classes. Although I tried to avoid writing two papers in one sitting it was inevitable that I would get caught in this bind. The problem is that there is so much work to do outside the papers that need to be written (such as readings, small projects, and studying) that there is no time to work on the papers until later in the week. This completely backs me up with work, so that on Thursday nights I’m always staying up late rushing to get the papers done. Although, the night before Midterm Break was my first all nighter.

On top of that I try to get any homework assignments for over the weekend done so that I can have at least a semblance of a social life on the weekends. Then when I do hang out with my friends on a Friday or Saturday night I’m left with a pile of homework on Monday for my Freshman Writing class and the whole vicious cycle starts over again. It’s positively infuriating!

Luckily, this weekend we have Midterm Break, so I’ll be able to get a little TLC from my family and unwind from the stress I’ve been feeling recently. Hopefully on Tuesday I’ll return to EC refreshed and ready to continue on for the next six weeks of college.