End of the Semester Happenings

This past weekend was so full of exciting events. I had two places to be on any given night, and it was one of the best weekends I’ve had. The fun began on Friday night with our Fall play put on by our theatre group, The Stageless Players. They performed Check Please and Check Please: Take Two and they did an amazing job. I know a lot of people that were in the play, including my best friend, and it was awesome to see all of their hard work pay off. The room was packed and it was only the first showing!

                After the play, I walked over to The Golden Voice competition put on by GBTV, our student run television station here on campus. The Golden Voice is a singing competition that has interviews with the contestants, twitter interaction, and, of course, great singing. I couldn’t go last year, so I am so glad I was able to make it this year. It was really fun and I was surprised at how many talented singers we have here.

                The fun continued on Saturday with World Fest, which was put on by U&ME, the United and Mutually Equal club on campus. It is one of the most loved events that happen here at WNE and it’s not difficult to figure out why. The event begins with a buffet style dinner of foods from around the world. I had a plate overflowing with delicious things that I had never had before. After dinner, the night is full of entertainment inspired by different cultures. This year, they had Spanish dancers, a didgeridoo player, a fire dancer and more. My favorite part of the night, however, was the fashion show. The members of U&ME dress up in outfits from around the world and walk down the aisles. It was amazing to see the different customs and learn more about the world and the people in it.

                Finally, on Sunday the music department got to show off their hard work. Our band, chorus, and University Singers group preformed their Fall Concert. It was bitter sweet for me because I decided not be a part of chorus this year due to other commitments, but they all did an amazing job. The weekend was a success and I know it is one that I’ll remember when I think of WNEU.

-LyndseySJ

Stress-Free at WNE

Finals are a few weeks away, and the stress is building here at WNE. Between now and then I have so many papers and projects due that it's not even funny. Plus, I'm going home over Thanksgiving to see my family, who will ask me about a thousand questions about my college life so far (but it will be nice to see them). 

Honestly, I could write you a post about a bunch of stress-management techniques, but (if you decide to attend this lovely institution) you will talk about those a lot, like I have in the last week. Let me just save you some time by assuring you of this--if you come here, stress won't kill you. You'll learn how to manage your stress through classes (like Health and First Year Seminar) and through your own experience. No one is going to tie you up alone and throw daunting assignments and exams at you. You will be prepared, and there will be help where you need it. Don't get me wrong, you will be stressed, but that'll happen anywhere in life. WNE will help equip you for it.

Instead, let's pretend you're one of my insanely curious family members, and I'll tell you some of what I've loved about this place so far:

• Friends: I've made good ones, easily. The general atmosphere here genuinely is very friendly, and it's very conducive to meeting people. In my experience everyone's been really open to making new friends. (Side note: most freshmen come here without many friends, so you won't be a lonely freak standing in a corner with no one...unless you really want to be, then go for it!)
• Faculty: Amazing. I'm only a few months into my freshman year, and I already have a good relationship with my English professor (I'm an English major) that will help me a lot in the future. The professors are passionate about what they're teaching, and they love when you ask them for help because it shows you care.
• Size: Perfectly small. I have friends at bigger universities that are kind of treated like numbers. Most of the faces on campus aren't familiar to them, and they don't necessarily speak to any of their professors outside of class. At WNE, I feel taken care of. There are some perks to bigger schools, but I was personally willing to give those up for better relationships with my professors, and a more caring community. 

So there are a few of the things I love about WNE. In the stressful weeks to come, those things will help be a little more sane. I'll be able to lean on my friends and the faculty for support, and the caring atmosphere here will calm me down. 

Now, stop asking me questions, and let's go eat some turkey.

--Abby

Riding with CAB

Hey guys! It’s Kaitlyn! It’s been getting kind of crazy here as I’m nearing the end of my first semester. It always seems like the end of the semester the work can quickly pile up! It’s not too bad though so I really can’t complain. On another note campus has also been very busy lately from Midnight Madness to my participation in CAB (Campus Activities Board).  At WNE, there is always something to do! In high school I was never one of those kids who got involved and I have to say I truly regret it.  It has been such a wonderful experience getting involved on campus it really just adds to the amazing sense of community I constantly feel here.  It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and work on your leadership skills.  I was given the opportunity to help run parents weekend and it was an amazing experience.  From meeting all the families to going through the process of creating such an elaborate event, it has been a fantastic experience for me.  I am proud of my decision to join CAB.  Maybe I’ll see you in the group next year!