XULA Freshman Seminar

Xavier Freshmen Explore Self in Relation to Community

Archive for August, 2008

My InTroDucTioN

Posted by Nia Weber on August 31, 2008

Hello everyone. My name is Nia Theresa Weber. God is my dad and Jesus is my best friend. I am addicted to church and ministry. Music is one of my passions. I cannot live without it. I have been playing the cello for 4 years, viola for 3 years, and violin for 8 years. Second to my passion for music is dance. I have studied classical ballet for 15 years. I have also done other types of dance such as modern, jazz, and ethnic dances. Baby blue and lavender are the best colors on the planet. I am what I call “vertically-challenged.” I am usually timid when first meeting people. Once I warm up to them I tend to be more open. However, I am improving on my social skills and they have gotten a little better. I really don’t have many pet peeves. I think the only one that I can really think of at the moment is how I don’t really like when people choose to be and stay ignorant to things and ideas that could better their lives. I attended a very high academic high school and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) in the classical instrumental discipline. NOCCA is a creative arts conservatory for high school students in Louisiana. I live on campus now, but lived with my mother, the most influential and strongest woman I know physically, mentally, and spiritually, and my younger sister. My father died at age 83 when I was in the 6th grade.

I am a Biology/Pre-med major at Xavier University. I chose this university because I felt that they would nurture my education the most and do a very good job at helping me to get into medical school. I want to attend medical school to become an obstetrician/gynecologist or a pediatrician. I realized that I wanted to deliver babies when I was 15 years old while watching the miracle of birth on the Discovery Health Channel. I have a natural tendency to assist others. I know that my calling on earth is to help others and I choose to do that through the profession of medicine. As a native of New Orleans there is not one particular thing that I love the most. I truly love the city as a whole and all it incorporates as a culture. The food here is none like no other place I have been to. While in the city at Xavier I intend to learn more about myself and become a mature and responsible individual of society.

Posted in Wk 01: Intros | 2 Comments »

My Introduction

Posted by whochrisvu on August 31, 2008

I find it hard to believe that I am acually blogging.  For some reason I always thought that blogs were a waste of time and was just a place where people brag or vent, but here I am actually typing one myself…

Anyway, my name is Christopher Trung Vu.  I prefer to be called Chris (it’s shorter…) or Vu (I got used to be called by my last name in high school since there were so many Chris’s).  I am Vietnamese, but was given an English name by my parents’ wishes for me to fit in the American society.  My middle name is Vietnamese though and it means something like loyal or faithful.  That’s pretty interesting I guess.  Anyway, I’m 18 years old and live in Harvey, LA with my parents and two brothers.  I consider myself to be somewhat shy, a hard worker, and a good friend.  I play video games, watch anime, shop, and do other things teenagers do.  I hate ignorant people and unorderly things.

Why did I come to Xavier?  I guess some of my cousins influenced me.  I asked what they were majoring in, and they told me pharmacy.  So I thought I would send my ACT scores to Xavier and Monroe (as backup) and see what would happen.  I ended up receiving a full, four year scholarship from Xavier.  That kinda made my decision easy.   So I’m just going to do what my parents tell me to.  They want me to work my butt off for six years, work, and enjoy a good life.  They just want the best life for me seeing as what they had to go through when they were my age.  So, I guess I just want to make them proud.

Umm, I forgot to mention New Orleans.  What I love most about the city is the food and culture.  Cajun cuisine, crawfish, and Mardi Gras- what’s not to love about it?  So yeah… I’m Chris Vu and that’s just a little about me.  Just talk to me a bit (since I can be a bit shy) and get to know more about who I am, my likes/dislikes, etc.  I hope to have a great 4-6 years with you all.

Posted in Wk 01: Intros | Tagged: , | 2 Comments »

Hurricane Gustav

Posted by Linda Rodriguez on August 30, 2008

Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone has or is taking precautions against the storm.  I am aware that both Blackboard and Webmail are down. Until they’re back up I’ll post messages here as necessary. You may do the same.  

As for your assignment, if you can get it done – great!  If not, we’ll catch up later.  Don’t worry. Don’t stress.  Take care of yourselves and we’ll deal with class issues after Gustav passes.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , , | 2 Comments »

about me

Posted by tlmartin1 on August 29, 2008

 Hey everyone, my name is Terri Martin. I’ve been living in New Orleans since i was born. I like to do alot of things, such as: talking, shopping, and hanging out, the normal girl stuff. I love everything about New Orleans, from Mardi Gras season to The Essence. I often participate in the events New Orleans have to offer. In New Orleans you can really enjoy yourself going out, if you sound yourself with positive people. Even though I love New Orleans, I want to explore the world and see other things. I fear to travel only because i’m a momma’s girl. Now that i’m in college, I want more responsibilties, but I may have to leave home to get that experience. I chose Xavier to be the university, where I wanted to start the beginning of my life at simply beacuse, i always wanted to attend the university. Since I was old enough to tie my own shoes, i wanted to attend Xavier. It might sound crazy but it’s true. I always stayed around the neighborhood, so i know of the bulding as “the green roof building”. Every time my mom and I pass by the university, i would say” momma, i want to go there”. Now that i’m actually old enough to attend the university i applied, and it was my first college choice. With the grace of God I was accepted in to Xavier University, and my mother couldn’t have been more proud. Alot of people asked me over the summer, how will i pay for Xavier? I told them, God got me in there and he wouldn’t leave me. On August 25, 2009, i stepped onto Xavier University campus, as an incoming freshmen. I am very much appreciative of the opportunity i have, to attend Xavier University.Hopefully, in 2012 my mom and i can smile as I become a Xavier alumni.I haven’t met alot of people yet at school, b ut it’s the first week. I wish to meet alot of more people to interact with this school year.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

About ME!!!

Posted by Jasmine Wise on August 29, 2008

Hi everyone!! My name is Jasmine Krystal Alexandra Wise and I’m from Monroe, La. You can call me and abbreviation within those names Jas, Krys Alex, JKAW..that’s what my brother calls me..  or even Wise I’ve been called all of those so it really doesn’t matter. I am a Psychology major at Xavier University. I choose Xavier because it is a small school and i also knew that my teachers would know my name.  I don’t come from a small high school but because I was in gifted none of my classes had over 15 people in them.  I knew going to big school like LSU i would be lost with so many people in all of my classes. Also I choose Xavier because it was in New Orleans which is not too close and not too far from my home.  New Orleans is a fantastic city! I love the culture, the food, the people, the aroma, just simply everything! While in New Orleans I plan on learning enough to graduate from Xavier and go on to get my Masters and Doctorate degrees. I plan to go out and experience the cultural differences between north Louisiana and south Louisiana.. there is a BIG difference! I also want to learn lot about myself and grow into a mature member of society.

I don’t have too many pet peeves except arguing with ignorant people. I hate to see someone I know arguing with someone who knows nothing about the topic. I can never understand why people carry on with the conversation. I do believe that people think that I am odd but I never can really put my finger on why they think so….

Posted in Wk 01: Intros | 3 Comments »

introduction.

Posted by Melinda Williams on August 29, 2008

I’m really not good at these type of things, but I will give it my best shot. I guess it’s hard for me to introduce myself without saying too much or too little. Or it could be the fact that I have to blog my life for everyone one to see and I am somewhat of a private person. However, I suppose I should start by saying that my name is Melinda and I’m 18. I currently attend Xavier University and I am a proud resident of New Orleans. I love everything about this city. In fact I’m 100% sure, New Orleans, my family and my personal life experiences help to shape into the person that I am today. Who is this person you may ask?

Well, for starters I live with my parents and my younger brother and I absoulutely love it. Like any other family, we have our arguements but without them, I am nothing. My brother is a hilarious kid.  He is extremely sarcastic like myself and I want nothing but the best for him. My dad is interesting. He likes country music and the Michael Jackson Thiller album. I think I get my weird music sense from him. My mom is my hero. She’s been through a lot and she takes no ‘crap’. The people who are next to family are my friends. Both, my family and friends are my backbone. They keep me sane, in this crazy world. They keep smiling, laughing, crying, you name it. I think it’s nice to know that someone could love you as unconditionally as God does. That thought makes me happy because I know that my friends and family love me that much.

I started rambling on about my family and friends instead of myself. So, I guess I should tell you a little bit more about myself. I consider myself a person with big dreams and inspirations. There is so much that I want to say and do, like traveling. I’ve been to London, Paris, and Aruba and honestly when you are give the opportunity to go out of the country, you want to visit several other places as well. Let’s see, what else? I love food. Food makes me happy in fact. Frozen coffees from CCs or PJs. Sushi from Sake Cafe. Blue Bell ice cream on a cone. Snickers, burgers, salads, fries everything. I can definitely eat you out of a house and home, so beware.

This is just a snippet of me. I have a lot of other quirks, but as I stated earlier it’s hard for me to introduce myself without saying too much or too little. So for now, this will suffice. =]

Posted in Wk 01: Intros | 5 Comments »

Hi there….

Posted by Rachael Flores on August 28, 2008

  My name is Rachael (with an extra “a”) Flores. I was born on the day after September 11th, 1984 in good ‘ole Baton Rouge, Luziana. I am married to a fella’ from El Salvador and we have an almost 3-year-old son (who I must admit is a real cutie-pie).

 I am currently a chemistry pre-pharmacy major, and I’m thinking about minoring in Spanish. At the age of 23, I decided to embark on this 6-year journey hoping to give my son the life he deserves. I have been working as a pharmacy technician for the past 6 years, so by now, I have a pretty good grip on the retail pharmacy scene. My pet peeve is people who waste their money to go to school to be pharmacy technicians, because it is definately not worth it. Many of my co-workers can back me up on that. I, myself, did not make that mistake because that scam was not as popular back in the day. Many pharmacies offer their own training program and they even pay for the tests. 

 My main concern about going to school is the long commute from/to Baton Rouge every single day of the week. I am terrible with my time-management skills. Even when I wake up early, somehow I manage to be late. After having my son, it got even worse. Instead of just one person to get ready every morning, try two. I am alot better these days, though. I have made it to just about every class on time this week. So if you know anybody who makes the same trip, please let them know that I am looking to carpool.

Anyhow, even though I have lived in Baton Rouge my whole life, I really don’t “know”  New Orleans. I haven’t even been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. My dad says he brought me when I was a toddler, but that doesn’t count. I have always been intrigued by my idea of New Orleans. I love art, music, and awesome food. One of my goals on this journey is to really be introduced properly to the city.

That’s it for today…

G’day mates!

Posted in Wk 01: Intros | 6 Comments »

Introduction

Posted by Trang Tran on August 28, 2008

Are you interested in getting to know me? Obviously, because you are reading my blog, right? My full name is Trang Ngoc Thi Tran, but I will be more than happy if you just call me Trang. I was born in September 11, 1989 in Vietnam and raised in New Orleans. I have lovely parents and troublesome little brother and sister, yet I still love them to death. I don’t have a really good connection with furry animals, that’s why my boyfriend gave two fish as my pets, and I am attached to them. I graduated in 2008 and had unforgettable high school years experience from Eleanor McMain Secondary School, which I dearly missed.

As you can see, I am Trang. I am shy. I am not perfect. I am Vietnamese and totally proud of it. I came to America with my parents when I was really little, that’s why I always ask my them about how was it to be in Vietnam, where I was born, and most of all I want to know about my grandparents. Finally, summer 2008 my parents took my little sister, brother and I back there for the first time to visit. Believe it or not, I had a blast, so did my sister and brother. My grandparents live in this really small village, where I see cows strolled down the street and technology is inadequate; I never knew it could be so much fun. That’s was the best vacation ever and I can’t wait to go back there again.

Can you remember my name by now? I am Trang. I am currently enrolled as a freshman at Xavier University of New Orleans. Biology Pre-med is my major, which is the first step for me to fulfill my dream as a dentist. For those, who do not know about New Orleans; it has the best Crawfish ever! According to Tom Piazza: Jazz music, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll, Creole cooking, Mardi Gras, the French Quarter and much more are reality lived by its inhabitants every day.

Once again, I am Trang. I am shy. I am not perfect. I am Vietnamese and I would love to know you all.

Posted in Uncategorized, Wk 01: Intros | 3 Comments »

Hey Everyone!!!

Posted by Corneisha McCorkle on August 28, 2008

I am a Xavierite. Now that doesn’t exactly tell you much considering we’re all Xavierites. My name is  Corneisha Tyrrione McCorkle, or Neisha for short. I have four brothers ranging from nineteen to three. You’d think being the only girl would get me everything I want, right? Well, that is definitely not the case. Many of the males on my dad’s side of the family are sexist and old fashioned. This aggravates me to no end. However, without my family who would I be. Outspoken, lively, giving, humorous, and slightly indecisive at times are all things that describe me.

I was born and raised on the Westbank of New Orleans. This is probably one of the main factors in my decision to attend Xavier. Its not that I don’t want to leave my city, I don’t know my city. I’ve travelled out of state on several occasions. However, I rarely traveled to New Orleans which is merely 15 to 20 minutes away from my home. Despite that I’ve always been drawn to the city and its culture. A culture I’m a part of and at the same time barely know. Xavier was not only my first choice because of its prestigious reputation. Xavier was also my first choice, because of its location. There is so much about New Orleans that I don’t know. By being at Xavier I’ll be able to learn more about my city and receive an education that will open countless doors for me. I am a Biology Pre-med major and I’m staying on campus. Now I’m a Biology Pre-med major, because my ultimate goal is to be a medical doctor practicing in New Orleans. There is just something about this city that keeps it near and dear to me.

Posted in Wk 01: Intros | 1 Comment »

iNTR0DUCTi0NS!!=]

Posted by Jillique Logan on August 28, 2008

My name is Jillique Logan. I was born in Atlanta,GA, raised in Pearl,MS, and currently reside in Denton,TX. I consider myself to be a relatively cool person and I am very laid back. I talk to any and everyone and if I so much as speak to you on a regular basis or even once then there is not too much I won’t do for you if you need it.  I have a very strong personality and I am not afraid to speak on things that I feel are wrong or need to be changed. I am also very honest. Even when I should lie, I don’t. I feel like people only lie when they are afraid of something and as I fear no one or thing but God, I don’t see the point. Nine times out of ten what I think comes out of my mouth and is always open to interpretation.  I really like being around people and having fun, but sometimes I also like to be on my own and do my own thing. As happy as I am going to a party or chilling with my friends, depending on my mood, I am just as content to sit on the couch and read a good book.I think that as important as it is to study it is just as important to have fun and enjoy some free time.

Speaking of studies..I chose Xavier for two reasons. First and foremost, I wanted a sound foundation in medicine and I knew that Xavier would provide me with that. I also chose Xavier because it is a HBCU and my father has decided that all of his children would attend a HBCU for undergrad at least. There would have been a problem with him making that decision for me, but Xavier is where we found common ground so New Orleans it was! I honestly didn’t have any expectations coming here. I’m not judgemental at all so I am here with an open mind. I think that life in New Orleans will be what I make it, but that is the case anywhere. I expect New Orleans to provide me with intellectual as well as personal growth. My chosen major is Biology/pre-med. I chose this field because I did the best in Biology in highschool and it really interested me beyond any other subject. I want to be a doctor because I genuinely love helping others and I figured I may as well utilize my love for Biology to do so.

Posted in Wk 01: Intros | 1 Comment »

Introduction

Posted by Cherise Steib on August 28, 2008

Hello fellow Xavierites! My name is Cherise Steib and I am from St. James. It’s a small town between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.  I chose to attend Xavier University because it is a prestigious institution of higher learning and I knew that if I attended I would be well prepared for Pharmacy school. With that said, my major is Chemistry Pre-Pharmacy. I always knew that I would work in a field that involved a lot of science because I have a sincere passion for it. I also love assisting people in any way that I can, so by being a Pharmacist, I would be able to do the things I love.  

As a first impression, some may think that I am shy, but that’s not quite right. I am very friendly (some may say goofy) and I love meeting new people. I have a rather bubbly personality and I tend to make people laugh. One major thing that most people don’t know about me is that I can be picky. I am very particular about what I wear, what I eat, the temperature of the room I sleep in, what I buy and who I chose to be close to my heart. Other than being picky, I am easy to get along with and a great friend.

In high school, I was on the dance team for four years. In my senior year, I was one of two captains. I loved dancing at the football games on the field; it gave me an adrenaline rush out of this world! I was very active in clubs and community service. I plan to continue to be active here at Xavier. I also look forward to meeting all of my fellow classmates.

Posted in Wk 01: Intros | 4 Comments »

Introductions

Posted by Haroon Waseem on August 27, 2008

I am Haroon Waseem. I am originally from Pakistan. I came to America in 2005 to settle in New Orleans. But ended up spending the next 3 years of my life in the sunny California due to hurricane Katrina. Well, now that the high school is over, i thought i should return here for college and spend some more time here. I like to travel so i am not going to live here after college. probably gonna move to New York or something.

I like to play sports and video games and love rock music. I listen to Red hot Chili peppers, NIrvana, Lynard Skynard, Guns n’ Roses, Foo Fighters and well other bands like that. I like to play Volley ball, Badminton, Racquet ball and Field Hockey. The best video game for me is the Wii.

My pet peeves are ignorant people and back biting. By ignorant people i don’t mean people who don’t know, i mean people who refuse to listen. I can’t stand back biting and back biters, i will just walk away from a conversation like that.

I decided to come to Xavier because it has the best premed program in all of Louisiana probably. I wanted to come to see this state because this is where i first came. i consider California my home but i first came here and did not get to see it due to the hurricane. I am looking forward to the music of New Orleans and Mardi Gras. I hope that answers everything in the assignment. nice to meet y’all

Posted in Wk 01: Intros | Tagged: , , , | 2 Comments »

A new phase…

Posted by Linda Rodriguez on August 16, 2008

Welcome to Xavier University and to Ms. Rodriguez’s Freshman Seminar course for Fall 2008.

Posted in Wk 01: Intros, Wk 02: XULA Mission, Wk 03: Comm. Service, Wk 04: Xavier & Me, Wk 05: New Orleans, Wk 06: Elections/Voting, Wk 07: Responsibilities | Tagged: , | 2 Comments »