Senioritis?

They say "Senioritis" is a struggle for most graduating seniors, but for me, I go at it with full force. I would like to think that Senioritis has not been a struggle for me at all this year, yet I may have to re-consider that notion for a change. It just seems as if everything is constantly going this year, especially this last semester. The social events and all the planning consumed the first part of this 2nd semester, but it seems as if the more educational aspect of everything has taken over now.

You get to the point where you just feel like you need a break from school. I am most definitely at that point. Yet, thank the Lord spring break is around the corner. I mean, hopefully I am not stuck with a bunch of papers or anything because spring break will then turn into spring homework, and nobody wants that! NOBODY!

As if undergraduate school wasn't enough, I'm now applying to graduate school and to be a graduate assistant. I plan on going for my Masters in Public Administration here at CBU. The application process for all these types of things seems so daunting to me for so many different reasons. You always want to make sure you write what comes from the heart, but you always want them to be able to understand your thought process as to what you are writing and what you want them to know. Anyways, just a random side rant.

Lastly, the youtube world has been hit with some pretty cool videos lately. The 2nd episode of my podcasting class's podcast has hit the scene as well as the opening act video from Woo Fest. Both are receiving a good number of viewers daily. Check them out!

Well, I hope everyone else isn't dealing with Senioritis. :)

Enjoy the rest of the week and a stress free spring break.

Jay

I Love CBU

This past Friday was spring preview day, a day for prospective students and parents to check out the school in all its glory. They went on a tour of the school, visited classes, ate in the oh-so-impressive Alumni Dining Commons (AKA the 'Caf") and as one of their last stops of the day they learned more about the school by throwing questions at a student panel. I had the privilege and pleasure of sitting on that panel.
It really was no big deal, simply forty-five minutes out of my day to answer a few questions. Nothing to get hyped up about, right? But I really was excited! I love the idea of being able to help people, especially if that help then convinces them to come to our wonderful school. There were eight of us on this panel and a large number of prospective students and their parents meeting in the Wallace Theater. Julie Woudenberg was in charge of the event. She simply opened it up for questions to be directed at us as a group and then whoever felt the need to answer, did.

I enjoyed the experience not only because I felt that I was helping these students in some small way, but I was also reminded of exactly why I love CBU. It's interesting the things you don't really think of until you are asked a specific question. One parent asked, "What class or teacher has had the biggest effect on you and why?" Immediately I thought of Intro to Global Studies with Professor Jeff Lewis and Old Testament Survey with Dr. Mooney. In those classes I learned my purpose and I learned God's Word. A student asked us, "What experience has helped strengthen your faith or relationship with Christ the most?" I feel that I've been growing in that area my entire two years here, and I know I'm nowhere near being done. However, one of the most recent and more impacting experiences was the Intensive Training Weekend for ISP. I was shown and taught the conditions of countries around the world. I don't just mean the physical conditions but the spiritual and emotional conditions of these Godless people. I realized their lack of hope unless we bring it to them.
I found that as I answered each question I had mini epiphanies about myself, the lessons I have learned, and the growth I have undergone since being here at CBU. I know I would not have experienced this anywhere else. I love you, CBU!

Wonderland and Rubidoux

Sometimes I have to stop and thank God for the amazing friends He has blessed me with here at CBU. Last Friday, after taking care of classes and some homework, I got to hang out with a couple of my close friends, Zac, Jimmy, Shane, and Miles. We spent about 4 hours playing a couple of video games on a projector in Jimmy's room, which was amazing. Then we took off to see "Alice in Wonderland" at 7:15. If you guys have not seen that movie yet, I would highly recommend that you go see it, especially if you are a fan of Tim Burton/Johnny Depp's work. For those of you who think that the movie is just for the younger scene, you are definitely wrong. The whole movie would appeal to anyone, at any age. Phil, my neighbor/friend, who completely hates Tim Burton movies, really liked the film, so I do not think you could get better proof that the movie is amazing.

After our trip to Wonderland, we came back to UP to hang out for a bit more, and then we took a trip to Mt. Rubidoux. We actually climbed up the mountain around 1 in the morning and spent an amazing 2 hours there, just walking around, taking pictures and having deep, meaningful conversations. Overall, it was an amazing night hanging out with guys and just going out to do something a little crazy and spontaneous. I would definitely recommend that anyone should occasionally go out and do something beyond the ordinary every once in a while... just don't get too crazy, alright?

Beating the Slump

After an absolutely insane week, the weekend was finally a time to relax. It was still busy, but it finally allowed me to do something other than only study. I went to the movies, had dinner out with a friend, had a movie night, and helped throw a bridal shower for my roommate. The bridal shower was so much fun. It was awesome to be able to get dressed up, decorate our apartment, and be able to celebrate my roommate and her upcoming marriage.

Even after such a wonderful weekend, I still feel like I've hit what I call, "The spring semester slump." I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels buried in exams and papers, and would do almost anything for spring break. Of course school couldn't ease itself back in after such a good weekend. Instead it hit hard reminding me of the 3 exams and 2 papers I have due this week. School never slows down.

In the midst of my running around, I was reminded of how I need to slow down. I was rushing up the stairs to my apartment when I almost missed out on one of the most amazing Riverside sunsets. The colors were so clear. Pink on the bottom, purple in the middle and blue on top. Beautiful. And I almost missed it. It was a good reminder that in the in the middle of this "slump" when I have so many things to do and I really just want a break, that I need to take time to catch my breath. Spring Break is almost here, and needless to say, I couldn't be happier!

The Red Carpet

Red carpet, balloons, lights, stage, and over 700 people is what I call an event! This year's Woo Fest had been bigger than any other event I have seen at CBU. I was privileged enough to take on the responsibility of planning Woo Fest yet again as this was by far one of the most stressful, hardworking things I have done in my life. Yet, it gave me one of the biggest rewards by far.

The night started off by me and the other RA's joining together with the conferences and events department in setting up the stage as well as the seating and decorations for the night. As we came across small problems here and there, we quickly did our best to ensure that everything would like nice and be presentable. We went with a red carpet type theme as we had the colors of red, black, and white flowing throughout the entire gym. As time began to get closer to 8pm, I began to get a little bit nervous, yet I was ready for the show to start. When it came time, swarms of people started piling in the gym as there seemed to be a never-ending wave of bodies filling the seats.

As I looked around, I could see that what was once my vision, was becoming true as I saw hundreds and hundreds of people in the gym. It was now start time, and my friends Tim Hawley and Cesar Menjivar got the night started with explaining what Woo Fest was, as well as singing a little medley. I, along with two other friends, Andrew and John, prepared an intro dance to the famous Justin Bieber "one time" song. It was quite hilarious and overall, they were great ways in which we could get the crowd ready for the night.

Performance after performance, each participant brought something different that the crowd would come to enjoy. From dancing to Michael Jackson, to rocking out to Hawk Nelson, the night had it all. The whole evening was extremely entertaining and it seemed as if everyone was having a good time. There were even live bands who played songs that were written by the artists themselves, as well as guys taking it back "old school" to songs that people may not have heard in quite some time. Often, loud cheers and screams could be heard as the show was starting to pick up and the night progressed. The night capped off with me and my staff doing a variety of segments that pertained to a movie we had taped for the show specifically. It was great just to see all of my hard work pay off in the end as I heard how much fun people had that night. It was also quite a humbling experience, because I was able to accomplish such a big task in Woo Week and Woo Fest. I was very thankful to the Lord for allowing me to do such things. As I look back on all the work and stress that was put into this week and event, I would not have traded it for any other experience, and would be glad to do it all over again.

You've been WOO'd

Jay

Satisfaction

Last Week was paper after paper, test after test, and seemingly unending projects. However, after diligently pushing through the busy days, the bombardment of school work ended on a beautiful Friday morning. I slept in till nine, then woke up and went to my one class of the day. I was given a midterm which I had completely forgotten about and did not study for at all. This is not something I recommend, although it did work out for me this time. I answered a few questions on alliteration and metaphors, then wrote an essay feeling completely confident. I left the class with my head held high and thanking God for showing me mercy. I enjoyed the rest of my day running errands with my roommate and playing basketball. It was nice and untainted by studying or homework.

Then 5 o'clock grew near. A hush fell over the campus as many of us huddled around computer screens awaiting the e-mail, the e-mail which ultimately determined our fate for the upcoming year. Leadership positions were announced! DUN DUN DUN!

I will cut to the chase and simply say, no, I was not selected for RA or FOCUS. This time of year is always accompanied by a strange bitter-sweet feeling. I'm disappointed that I will not be able to serve in the position of RA or FOCUS leader, but I am truly excited for those who do have that opportunity, many of whom I have been praying for. All that to say, congratulations to all of you who have been selected for leadership for next year. I know God will use you greatly. To those of you who were not selected, God is going to use us as well in whatever venue he deems fit.

Take this quote from John Piper as a reminder, "God is most glorified in you when you are most satisfied in Him." Our purpose is to glorify God in all that we do, and the best way to accomplish this is to be at peace in Him and all that he gives or does not give to us.

Have a happy week, and remember to be satisfied.

Sick :(

Do you ever find it odd that when you get sick, not only do you get sick.... but it also happens at the worst time possible? Sometimes I feel like it is planned out somehow to be like that. One thing I can say about myself is that I HATE being sick, which is really ironic because I am pursuing medical school. I eventually want to become an M.D. where I will be dealing with people who are sick daily.

This week I had a huge microbiology exam, and I was planning on spending my weekend studying for the exam, as well as preparing my Bible study for my ISP meeting Monday night.  Unfortunately, things did not turn out that way because I caught the flu. I spent the entire weekend. (Well, most of it) recovering, and even when I tried to study, my body/brain would not have it, so I just went with it.

Thankfully, I started to feel better on Sunday and I managed to study somewhat for a biology quiz on Monday, as well as my microbiology exam on Tuesday, but not nearly enough as I originally planned on. Monday, which is one of my busiest days of the week, I spent in classes, lab, and at ISP. Thankfully, my Bible study went well with ISP, but then I came back and had to cram for my microbiology test for about 3 hours, went to bed, and then woke up at 5 a.m. to study again for the exam. Now that I've taken the exam, I feel so completely relieved and exhausted...  I can only imagine how I would be doing if I was not running on coffee right now. Thank God for coffee! One thing I learned though, is that I definitely need to be more careful about the different flu bugs that are going around campus. You guys should be on the lookout too!

Now, I'm going to go take a nap. Zzzzzz...

Raw Friendship

I've always heard that college is the time of your life where you will make some of the strongest, most unique bonds of friendship, many of which become life-long friends. During my time in college and mostly here at CBU, I've realized that, indeed, I have made one of the strongest bonds of friendship ever:

I met her in a very unlikely way. She had no reason to talk to me. I wouldn't have thought anything of it if she hadn't, but she did. She may not even remember that, but I sure do. After that, our friendship started to grow. Growing to the amazing friendship we have now.

She is one of the most unique people I know. She's the one who can always brighten up my day. She knows how to make me laugh harder than anyone. She knows exactly what to say to make me think of things from a different perspective. Our friendship is incredibly raw, meaning we are honest, even when the truth hurts. I love that we can encourage one another but also give each other constructive criticism when it's needed. She has challenged me more than anyone this year.

She is the one that always has a smile on her face walking around campus. She never hesitates to yell a name across campus just to say "Hi." I hope she sees herself in the same way I do. That she is fearfully, wonderfully and beautifully made. The qualities she has are extremely rare. While she always builds others up, it's OK to allow someone to build her up to.

I am incredibly thankful for the friendship I have with her. I would not change it for anything. I know I can always count on her and hope she knows that she can always count on me too. While I know both of our journey's will take us different places, I hope we can remain such good friends. I am thankful for the person she is and who she challenges me to be.

WOO WEEK

When I had this vision of how I could create something that would be the opposite of the T.W.I.R.P. (The Woman Is Required to Pay) week here at CBU, I never really realized it could actually be accomplished. After working hard, and thinking creatively, the week many have been waiting for has arrived!

WOO WEEK
I must say, coming into this week I was rather nervous because I wanted to make sure everyone knew about this week and that they would attend these events and have fun. One of the most important parts to this week is just the marketing and everything that takes place in letting people know about these events.

So tonight was the first night that I would attend: Match N' Bowl. I didn't ask anyone, but I merely went to observe and see how the event was going. It seemed to be quite a hit! Couples were matching, and couples were bowling! It was great to see how many people had come and were matching and just taking full part in the festivities. There was estimated to be around 200 plus people that attended, and that is just great. The bowling seemed fun because it was like cosmic style bowling and the music playing gave the atmosphere a cool boost of energy. I just immediately went and snapped a couple pictures of all my favorite people I saw that "matched" really well. This was definitely a great boost for me to see how great the event had gone! It makes me really look forward to the rest of the week and what it has to offer.

Tuesday: CRAZIES COUPLE : "Take her out to the ball game" CBU vs Point Loma (5:30& 7:30)
Wednesday: 70s Disco Roller Blading @ Roller City 2001
Thursday: Create-a-date
Friday: Woo Fest

With a lineup of events like this, this most definitely may go down in the books as one of the best weeks ever at CBU. Look forward to seeing many of you there!

Jay


Oh, P.S: My podcasting class and I put together our very own Podcast. Its super funny and good in my opinion... So I hope you'll enjoy!

Procrastination = Bad

It has been birthdays galore this week, and I have had no time to enjoy any of it. Saturday was my roommate Tifinnie's birthday, Sunday my brother Lawson's, Monday my friend Anna's and today my roommate Emily's. Happy Birthday Emily!! I've never realized how many birthdays there are in February until this week.  It's ridiculous.

Saturday I set aside my piles of homework to spend some good quality time with Tifinnie up at her house with her family. We played the Wii basically all day, and I'm pretty sure I made a fool of myself. It was my first time playing, and I'm pretty slow on the pick up but it was fun nonetheless. The best part of the day was the food--hands down. Her dad makes the best tri-tip EVER! It was so tender and amazing. We also had baked potatoes with all the fixings along with delicious green beans. I felt like a gluttonous cow I ate so much, but it was all so incredible. We then topped it off with ice cream cake which was layers upon layers of chocolate, and then we played Wii fit to work it all off! Haha.

I saw Lawson at church on Sunday at First Baptist Norco for just enough time to hug him and give him a small gift. I had to take off right after service to get ready for a choir concert. I was gone for the concert from 2:30 till about 10:15. I just wanted to go to bed when I got home, but no. I stayed up till 3:30 am writing a paper and finishing a project which I stupidly procrastinated on.

Monday I had even more homework. I managed to have dinner with Anna but sadly that was all. I spent my time working on last minute assignments and studying for a Geo Science Test (the bane of my existence). And today is yet another day filled with projects and homework that seemingly sprouted up out of nowhere. The moral of the story is DON'T PROCRASTINATE or you will inevitably miss out on something and possibly disappoint people around you.