Reflections of WLTX Field Trip

Carolinian Creed

I'd like to think that I already practice all the points in the Carolinian Creed.  I've never had a problem with dishonesty in my personal life or academics.  I definitely consider myself to be respectful of people of all races, religions, and backgrounds.  I actually think it's very interesting to learn from those of different cultures here at USC, since I probably won't ever have the chance to visit where they are from.  I have a hard time when people don't respect my property, so I always make sure to respect theirs, even if it's something as small as a jacket or textbook I'm borrowing.  You should always return items in the same, or better, condition you received them.  Bigotry is lame, too.  I come from a pretty diverse family and I hate when people make stereotypical judgments about us.  

If there is one part of the creed that I think I could work on, it would be the last one.  While walking around campus, I've noticed how students walking by themselves wear such sorrowful or mean countenances.  Are they unhappy? Homesick? Stressed? This is where I need to demonstrate more concern for others in certain ways, especially for those in my classes during the week or for people who are sitting along at lunch.  You never know what people are going through so I'll do what I can to make them feel like they belong here at USC--because we're all pretty much in the same boat, anyway. 

New Activities this Fall

The Student Organization Fair was pretty nice.  I walked around for about 20 minutes and signed up to get involved with the Red Cross Club, they organize and run the blood drives on campus, and also SGTV, the school's broadcast show that's relatively new and completely ran by students. The one organization that I intentionally tried to find was the school's CREW team.  I've talked about it in class a few times, but I have a friend in Philly who loves being on their rowing team, and highly recommended that I get on the one at USC.  I'm pretty sure someone told them that I was coming to find them, because they were no where to be found.  It's almost like they don't want people to join- for how difficult it's been for me to get any information about the club at all. I know they have one, so I'm determined.  But we'll see how things work out.  I also have been attending Campus Crusade each week and going to their events, like concerts, tailgates, and a scavenger hunt.  It's also a really great club for meeting new students and upperclassmen. 

Besides activities on-campus, I've also contacted numerous volunteer organizations off-campus.  A big reason that I joined the Red Cross Club is because I'm working along side Columbia and Charleston's American Red Cross Centers this year with my National title.  I'm also going to be the MC at the special Olympics in Charleston this year.  I've been going to the Boys & Girls Club in Lexington once a week since I've lived here at USC.  I am also getting involved with the local Ronald McDonald House.  I will be helping organize and participating in two parades this winter, one is in Nashville, TN and the other is in Charlotte, NC.  Currently, I'm working on a coat drive here on campus because at the end of November, I'm going to New York City's Boys and Girls Club in the Bronx and want to be able to take them new or used coats for the winter time.  It's just one necessity that most of those kids won't have, and I want to be able to bring as many as I can to them.  So, please donate with me!

First Thoughts

It feels great to be starting my life.  However, moving out wasn't exactly easy for me.  I'm the youngest of three and definitely have depended heavily on my parents all throughout my life.   I will never forget the faces of my dad and boyfriend as they left me out front of Patterson Hall.  For an instant, it felt as though it'd be months before I'd be home to see them.  Needless to say, and as many of you have probably figured out for yourselves, that wasn't true.  As for the whole "academic change," I'm a little taken-back.  I guess I'm so use to being in higher level courses that the classes I'm taking now are no where NEAR as difficult as the ones I took junior and senior year.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining; I just expected something totally different.  Every one of my classes offer extra credit and DOES collect homework and classwork; which is a common misconception.  In addition to new classes, I have met many new people; especially through living in Patterson.  I honestly couldn't have asked for a better roommate.  We have similar beliefs and morals, which makes living together much easier.  Overall, my first full week at USC was fantastic and I'm excited to see what new things come my way in the next few.