Thanksgiving 08

This thanksgiving was one of many changes for me. This year I made the transition from high school to college. For the first time in my life I had to travel to another place just to spend time with my family. I went home and got to reconnect with my family and some friends who I had not seen in a few months. There were no really memorable events that happen to me. I hung out with my lil cousins for a few during thanksgiving. They are two and three years old. Thanksgiving dinner was filled various foods. There’s was tons of food left over to enjoy. I was supposed to come back to school on friday to attend the bayou classic , but I changed my mind. I felt that spending time with my family was so much more important. I had a lot of fun with my family and it reminded me of why I miss home so much. It also reminded of the reasons why i left to go to school elsewhere. I was anxious to come back and finish up the last few weeks of school. I miss my family terribly when Im away but I know im here to better myself. This year im thankful for so much. I survived a car accident that could have ended my life. I graduated from high school and I began my journey here at xavier.  I have met some really cool people here and experienced some really awesome things. I hope that I shall continue to have many things to be thankful for.

Jasmine Grant:Thanksgiving

My thanksgiving was pretty good. I really have no complaints about it even though I did not get to spend it with my actualy family. I play basketball and we had a game on Thanksgiving day so some of us did not get a chance to go home. I spent Thanksgiving with my second family, some of my teammates and my coach and his family. My mom came down from Shreveport so that I did not have to spend my thanksgiving without at least some of my family. I was happy that my mommy came down. The only thing that I did not like about my Thanksgiving was that my this was around the same time that my daddy left to go overseas to the war in Iraq. It was the last time I would see him for a year. Im used to talking to my parents each and everyday. Him being all the way over there I will be unable to do that. That was the one thing I didn not like about my Thanksgiving. Our women’s basketball team hosted a Thanksgiving Classic. The classic included Dillard University,Langston University,Wiley College, and us, Xavier University. We played on Thanksgiving against Langston University and this was considered a big game. We had just came off the road in a tournament in Tennessee. The team that we lost to Langston beat so this was considered a big game. We practiced extremly hard because we knew we had a big game ahead of us. We won and it was a big game for us to win. Our coach was proud so that meant a lot.

This Thanksgiving-Gobble Gobble!!!

Thanksgiving this year was not like normal. By it being my first semester in college everything was chaos and hectic for me this last week. I felt more overwhelmed and force to do work where as high school I know that I could always do it later and be done. Now in college that’s a different story. I have so much to do that it’s starting to catch up with me. When I finally get one assignment done another one pop us. A lot of my family members didn’t get together like we normally do. We did have guest in town that stayed with us for the weekend though. My dad’s best friend, his wife and two children came to New Orleans from Atlanta to see how everything was going and visit some family members. They stayed by us and enjoyed themselves.  My parents knew how much work I had to do, but still encouraged me to have fun and keep our guest company like I’m supposed to. So two days of my week vacation was dedicated to going out where ever my parents took them and enjoy myself. This was actually my break of the week. We drove them to Bogalusa a small town in northern Louisiana, the French quarter to have our famous beignets, and any possible place they wanted to go. My mom and I cooked several of our normal dishes but with a healthier approach than previous years. I didn’t eat a lot of turkey and pies, because I’m not too much of a pie or turkey person. This break was really a major test for many, because school is near the end so it is a shock when this week goes by so fast. My family didn’t treat me any different because I have been staying with them this whole semester. They really were worried about me focusing on my work instead of enjoying the break that I had with them like I usually did in the past. I can say that I was kind of sad to come back to school not that I didn’t want to see everyone, it is just that I wish there was more time for me to get what I wanted to do done. That way I could’ve enjoyed my week and would have been excited about coming back to school and telling everyone how great thanksgiving was. This thanksgiving for me was surreal and like I just floated by day by day. WE ARE ALMOST DONE! YEAH! ~Krissy~

Week 15: Thanksgiving

  Thanksgiving is a day that my family be thankful for all the things that God had done for us that year.  This year I had to work on Thanksgiving Day and last year I didn’t have to because I didn’t have a job. Also I was in Georgia with my mom and family. This year I was with my boyfriend family and my sisters for thanksgiving. I didn’t get to go to Georgia like I plan to see my mom but for christmas I will see my mom.  Even though I didn’t get to go back by my mom I was good to be in newOrleans where I was born and raise. I really needed that break for school. I needed to catch on rest and work to prepare for next semester. Also I didn’t forget to study over the hoilday. My sisters they never treated different because I stay in the dorm they kind of miss me not being there wuth them. I was glad to come back to school so I can see my friends and finish the semester out. To start fresh and new next semester.  The time off from school I had a good bit of fun I enjoy the time for myself. Even though I study when I can. I didn’t have to go to class and sit there and learn about somthing I was free for five days that’s all what I needed. I got my hair done during the brreak I really needed that done. Also I got to hang out with my family and my boyfriend over the break I was enjoying the time I had that wasn’t occupied. I was enjoying my free time until school start again on the following monday. Overall I had a wonderful break and i wouldn’t change for the world.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was okay.  I got to spend time with my family and friends which was great.  No one treated me different because I see them just about everyday.  As for the break I really enjoyed it because I got to sleep in late.  But the whole time I went to work.  It was something for me to do, to earn money rather than spending it like everyone else that week.  Even though we have a lot of fun activities that week I still didnt do anything, catching up on sleep was all I needed.  And as for homework or studying I didnt do any of that either.  I thought about doing it, but I said to myself that Iam on my break and Iam going to enjoy myself.  Now, when I look back on it, I regret saying it because this week id the last week od school and all the professors are craming last minute work on us.  But thats okay Iam just ready for this semester to be over so I can look forward for the next one-but not too soon.  As for thanksgiving dinner I just watched while my mom and aunts cooked.  I didnt help because they like things a certain way, so I just continued to watch.  On Thanksgiving day I went to church, which was good, and afterward to walmart to pick up last minute things.  After that I went home, changed clothes, ate, and watched television.  A little later, I went with my cousin by her relatives, whom she never met.  It was weird but we all had a good time.  Then I went back home ate some more, and for the rest of th eday we all sat around watching t.v. and playing dominoes. And now that we returned to school, I really dreaded coming back because now its time for finals.

Thanksgiving

The true meaning of thanksgiving is coming together as family and celebrating with a feast. Personally I believe that thanksgiving brings family closer together because it’s the only holiday where the more people you have the more comforting it feels. This years thanksgiving was somewhat disappointing because I didn’t get the opportunity to have thanksgiving with my extended family. All my relative stay in Florida and I was stranded at school. I thought It would be better to come back on Christmas, being that I have a month off instead of just a few days. I made the best of my situation, I drove to Lafayette to have thanksgiving with my sister and a few other friends. To say the lease it came out to be wonderful, I did majority of the cooking because I nobody else wanted to. The food came out a lot better than I imaged. The turkey came extra juicy because I based it repeatedly. I had a blast I just enjoyed the comfort of just simply relaxing on holidays. To be completely honest I was very distracted from doing any type of work let alone school work. I knew finals where slowly approaching but I suppress my obligations and enjoyed my thanksgiving. I definitely dreaded going back to school because I had mounds of assignments due. I have to say I had a great time the food was great, I had fun watching football, and most importantly I got to sleep until my heart my content.

**ThAnKsGiViNg**

This year was the Thanksgiving I think I have ever had because it was a long awaited, much needed break from school. I had a long semester and I was ready to go home and NOT eat cafeteria food. I took the first flight out of New Orleans to Houston Monday night. When I arrived in Houston I was able to catch up with some old friends. We all hung out for a day or two until Wednesday evening when I headed to my grandmothers house in Lake Charles Louisiana for Thanksgiving.  My grandmother cooked enough food for the whole city! I tried not to eat too much but that didn’t go well at all. We went to the Black Friday sell at 4:00 a.m. in the morning as well. We bought lots of gifts on sell. We also ended up visiting my other grandmother in east Texas where we were able to bond with cousins I haven’t seen since the summer. Though I told myself I would try to study this break that didn’t go to well either. I came back to test in which I passed by the grace of God because I didn’t study well enough for it over the break. Overall I ended up having a wonderful time with my family and friends. My mom was also really happy to see me. We almost went shopping everyday! My brothers and dad gave me a hard time as usual. They always want to know what boy I’m talking to or who I’m dating so they can give them the third degree. I hadn’t seen them in so long I kind of missed that. With that being said, I can’t wait til Christmas.:-)

thanksgiving.

This Thanksgiving was different in comparison to last year because last year during my Thanksgiving break my life consisted of basketball games and basketball practice. Last year my basketball team was enrolled in a tournament at the Alario Center on the West-bank and the Wednesday before Thanksgiving we had a game. So, when my mom picked me up last year we had to rush to Wal Mart because she had not gotten anything to prepare for the Thanksgiving meal. Surprisingly enough, she found most of the things we needed and the Thanksgiving dinner went about like normal despite the last minute shopping. During this break, my old team was enrolled in the same tournament. So, on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving I went to a game to see my old team and it made me miss playing ball. I missed it so much, on Wednesday morning and the Saturday morning after Thanksgiving, I decided to attend the team’s basketball practice. That was something I really enjoyed because, I was not the only one who attended the practice. My former teammates, who attend Dillard and Southeastern, also came so it was a mini reunion.

Being home for Thanksgiving was somewhat of a distraction because I knew I had a lot of work to do but I did not do it. Instead, I caught up with old friends and when Monday came for me to return to school I was dreading it. Honestly, Thanksgiving break was a tease. It made me want to hurry up and get finals over so I can have my month long Christmas break. I had so much fun and I know that I will have even more fun for Christmas.

Thanksgiving

 

Thanksgiving was great this year.  It felt different becuase before thanksgiving I wasn’t at home.  So me seeing my family for the first time in three months just made it an even better experience.  Going home did feel good, in fact it felt great.  I missed my mom and my family and I missed home-cooked food.  Cafeteria food was making me sick, it was good to get some maccoroni and dressing.  I ate and played cards with my family and it just felt great to be home.  For me it was a big distraction even though I took my work everywhere I went.  I went to our Thanksgiving gathering thinking I could do some work after I ate but it wasn;t the case.  My little cousins were messing with me, and my baby cousin wouldn’t let me go anywhere without her, and then they started to play spades.  Even when we didn’t have a gathering my best friends wouldn’t let me stay at home, we went out just about every other night.  Plus I was trying to catch up on sleep so it was hard, especially knowing that in two weeks I would we back home.  My mind was in a complacent state, I was in the mental state where school was over and it was hard to get back in the right mind state.  Also another distraction was having my car in my possession, it was hard trying to work because at any point in time I could just go drive somewhere.  My family didn’t treat me any different than they would any other time.  The only difference was that they acted like I was gone for an eternity, and they would never see me again.  It was just alot of hugs and kisses all around, and alot of I miss you and how’s school going.  I was actually dreaded coming back for a moment because I knew finals were abroad, but I was still a little excited because I only had two weeks until school was out.  The only amazing thing that happened was I got a new phone and my cartelidge pierced.  Other than that it was an ordinary break.  But now I can’t await Christmas I am so excited.

THNKXGVNG

it was pretty fun this year. Myy mom and sister came all te way from cali to celebrate it with us over here. So it was pretty fun. Me and my cousins played taboo and our team won. Well that was no surprise. We always win. Then all of us played LIFE and that was SO MUCH FUN! i won that game as usual. And then rubbed my awesome beach house and 5 kids in their faces. I was happy. I had 5 kids! pure awesome.  Anyways, i also took my sister sight seeing in Mississippi. That was fun, she took alot of pictures, got kind of annoying after a while but it was still fun. My mo malso bought me a new pair of jeans from GUESS. That was fun. They were only 30 bucks too! so i also bought a new hoodie jacket, which was slightly more than that. Compared to last year, this year i had more fun, there were more people and more places to go see and have fun. Now i think that thanksgiving should not have come so close to the end of school year. I did not do any amount of work on thanksgiving and now have to do hte evaluation sheet for this class nad portfolio stuff for english as well. SUCKS. To top it off, i also have biology lab finals. BLEH! I live with my dad so it was fun seeing other people in the house. I also did not have to open the store in the morning so that was a relief. But i planned dto sleep in the mornings and that plan was ruined becasue my mom and sister were here so i had to get up early to take them places. But i had fun doing that so it wasnot that big of a deal until yesterday when i realized that i passed out at 5 at home only to wake up at 9 and realizing that i still have to finish my english essay. Thanksgiving was fun but the aftereffects of what happened that week were dire.

THANKSGIVING 2008

My thanksgiving was the same as usual. My family did not treat me different because I have build up the relationship of going home every two to three weeks. It is always good to go home regardless of the situation. The only unique part of my holiday was my best friend/boyfriend’s family was not in town, which means he was almost staying at my house. Like every year, my aunt cooked all day and did not let us eat until she was done. I went to the movies and to my boyfriend’s grandmother’s house. By the time I got home, which was 12:10, she finally got done. We really had a day after Thanksgiving. I came back to New Orleans on Friday. I dread coming back mainly because I am drained from school in general.

When I came back in Friday night, I was not along. My friend, Josalynn, my boyfriend, and another person all came to enjoy the festivities of Bayou Classic. Things got dreadful because the other person kept pouting and complaining. We all hung out on Bourbon, ate at restaurants, and shop at malls and other outlets. By Sunday morning, I was ready for my boyfriend and his friend to go. His friend pissed me off on so many levels that I am amazed I did not go off on the boy. Now that the weekend is over, I have to focus on finals, but I am having a problem with focusing! I am just ready to go home.

The Worst Holiday Ever!!!!

Well Thanksgiving this year was definitely different. I can honestly and whole heartily say that this Thanksgiving was officially the worst Thanksgiving I have ever experienced! It started off all wrong for me. First of all, I didn’t know how I was going to get home, because my mom didn’t want to spend all that money to come and get me and then have to bring me right back for only two weeks then have to do it all over again. So I guess that showed me how much my family really cares about me. But I did find a way home. I was SUPPOSE to catch a ride with a friend of a friend, but OF COURSE that didn’t work out, cause if it did I wouldn’t be complaining this much. My roommate had arranged for me to ride home with one of her friends. She gave them my number so they could call me when they were ready to go. So there I was, waiting on them to call me, the day before Thanksgiving. All my friends had already left so I was all alone. I think you know where this is going, to bad I didn’t. They never called me to tell me when they were leaving. They just up and left, and the worst part about that was, they had to pass right by my dorm! So I was stuck on campus for Thanksgiving. This was the VERY first holiday I have spent away from my family, and I had to spend it all ALONE! I was so upset. My family were calling me every five minute to tell me what was going on, so I started crying. But that’s not even the icing on the cake. To top it all off, I got sick so I was coughing and sneezing all over the place. Next time I know to save up my own money so I can get home without having to  depend on other people for help!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving sucked this year!  It was the worst one i have ever had.  First of all, I did not go home.  I was here.  I wound up going by my mother’s friends house who happens to be a pastor.  So in the morning I had to wake up at 6:30 in the morning to be ready by 7:30 to go to church for 8:00.  I truly hate waking up early.  Then i went by their house with their family to eat.  i was treated like I was five years old the entire day.  For some reason the preacher’s wife did not want me to do anything for myself.  A good thing about it was that my friend came with me.  So we were bored together.  Misery loves company you know. :-).  Another good thing was that it distracted me from school.  Iwas happy not be in the dorm for the day.  I did get to play a Wii as well.  That was really fun.  It distracted me from my boredom.  The food that they had at their  house was finger licking good though.  Even though I did not want to be there at their house I completely dreaded coming back to school because i knew once I got here i would have to get back to my school work.  All in all I was thankful I had somewhere to go that day.  Also I was thankful for my mother’s friends for letting me come and barge in on their thanksgiving.  I was just thankful to be alive.  There is nothing more that I can ask for then that.

Turkey Day!

Thanksgiving was different for me this year for numerous reasons. It was different for one reason because none of my family was home. I’m the youngest on my father’s side and everyone is grown and has a life of their own.  There was no one at my grandmothers house when I got there but her and my uncle. Another reason it was different was that I wasn’t out for the whole week before in school we got the whole week out for Thanksgiving and two weeks for Christmas.  A friend came home with me from school and none of my old friends were at home that also was a major difference in my Thanksgiving holiday.

I did love to go home though. My mother and I are very close so I miss just being able to see her all of the time.  She along with Monroe in general was the biggest distraction from school I got nothing accomplished while at home.  I did start some of my essays but I didn’t get very far with them. i was ready to get back and finish the semester out.  But when it came time to actually live I didn’t want to. 

One no treated me differently but my grandmother because I didn’t call her to tell her that i was back.  She didn’t make the ONLY cake that I eat, pound cake. She knew that i hated all of the other cakes but she didn’t care. 😦 Besides this little let down nothing else exciting or horrible happened it was a normal day in the life at home. Thanksgiving was good all around and I’m ready for Christmas.

THANKSGiViNG

This Thanksgiving was pretty interesting. I wasn’t going to go home because I couldn’t afford a plane ticket and it seemed foolish to spend that money and then spend it again two weeks later. At the last minute I found out that my best friend and her roommate were driving to Texas so I agreed to help on gas if they would pick me up on the way. It felt really good to see the relief and joy on my mom’s face when she realized that I was home. She was so excited. I didn’t realize how much I had missed her or even how much she had missed me. It felt so good to just hug her and be with my family. This year is different from last year because she invited her long term boyfriend to eat with us/them but it wasn’t too awkward. We enjoyed it. I cooked the macaroni and cheese from scratch and my little brother cooked the candied yams. My mom made string beans, sweet potato pie, and cornbread dressing. Her boyfriend, Wes took care of the turkey and the ham. I also took time to hang out with my friends which was great! We went out for lunch and even took some time to hit the club on Thursday which was icing on the cake because I really missed going out with them. One thing that wasn’t so great was that we got into a little accident on the highway. Thankfully we just hit the rail and not another car so everyone is ok. I kind of missed school but I wasn’t in a hurry to come back, especially since I have finals to look forward to.

Week 15: Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving was total opposite from last year. Last year, my family went to my uncle house for a feast. It wasn’t just us. We saw our in laws and friends. It was almost like a reunion. From morning to night everyone had fun non-stop. The men where all into the football games and the women where gossiping. I don’t think anyone was upset that day because we had so much good food. This year was very boring and depressing. I live with my parents and during the break I had to work at my parents shop. On Thanksgiving we planned to close early around five o’clock and maybe dinner with the family. Not exciting as last year , but we ended up closing at nine because its was busy. By the time we got home, the mood just died and everyone in my family did whatever they feel like doing. I had a feeling that I should have went to my girlfriends house because I knew it was going to be boring at home, but I did not want to make my parents think that I left them on Thanksgiving day.

Thanksgiving break was a distraction because we haven’t had a break in a while and I took advantage of that and did absolutely nothing over the break. I am so used to sleeping in during the break and now it is such a drag going back to school in the morning. And the weather in the morning does not help getting up.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks for what you have been blessed with. My thanksgiving was extremely tremendous because my family had gotten together and made this year thanksgiving very remarkable. This year’s thanksgiving was extremely the best because we actually had everyone together and that had not happened since way before hurricane Katrina. My aunt and my two cousins had came all the way from Texas to spend some time with the family. This year was different from  last year because we did a pot luck and that’s when everyone had to bring a dish or anything else other than food over there. I’am actually from New Orleans so I did not go anywhere else other than my hometown and that was by my sister’s house. Yes, it was great to spend time at home because there’s no place like New Orleans. It was kind of an distraction from school because I did not have time to study like I wanted too, because my little cousin and my little nieces were running in the house entirely too much making a lot of noise. Since it was black friday I nearly went into the mall buying clothes like I really have money to waiste. My family did not treat me different because they see me everyday, so this thanksgiving was kind of exciting because all of the family that you haven’t seen in along time actually came and had fun with the James Family. This year’s thanksgiving almost seem if it was like a Big Family Reunion because we watched wedding tapes and reminisce on every person who past away in our family because they were seen on the wedding tapes. I was not happy to come back to school because I really think that vacation we had was not enough, but I can not complain about it because we are about to get right back out. I really had a good time hope next year’s thanksgiving will be the same.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was very different this year. Everyone usually comes to my grandmother’s house for the holidays but this time no one came. Everybody went to my aunt’s house. Our family tradition was ruined for the first time ever. I went home instead of going with my family. I felt good to be home while everyone else was gone. The time that everyone was home, I got the best treatment ever. I was asked what I wanted to eat. I got home and everything was ready for me. Leaving school for that break was very distracting. With bayou classic and all the other festivities going on, I didn’t want to come back to school. When I got back to school and realized how much work I had to do, I was so angry. I returned back to school on Sunday with no energy. I was so tired. All I had on my mind was sleep, sleep, and more sleep. People called to check on me and see if my break was good and what I did over the weekend and I refused to answer the phone. Nothing interesting happened this weekend but the bayou classic game. That’s wasn’t to fun because of the raining. The rain didn’t stop too many people from going out and having fun. There were thousands of people walking around with umbrellas and standing under dry places on the streets of New Orleans. I tried to make the best of my break. I think I did because I returned back to school with a couple of pounds I didn’t leave with

Thanksgiving

My thanksgiving was a good one. I got to spend lots of time with family and friends but it was a distraction from school. I was not able to get alot of work done because there was always something that I would end up doing, whether it be sleep, play games with my younger cousin, or out shopping on Black Friday. As far as my family is concerned, they do not treat me any differently because I am from New Orleans and they see me just about everyday so it was not like a bug homecoming that most college students would get when they go home for the holidays. So besides getting absolutely no work done over the break, I did have a good time at the Bayou Classic. The game was horrible but the bands but on such a great show. Both bands had a part in their formations when they spelled out “OBAMA” and “JAN 20” both of which drew high regards from the people attending the game. After that I went to the Bayou Classic/Statefarm reception where I saw professionals just relax and act like they did not have any sense. While they were doing that I was able to obtain many varieties of TAZO tea, many of which had caffine and therefore I was pretty much hyperactive the rest of the night until I crashed and fell asleep on the stairs in my house. Now as far as coming back to school, I am dreading having to turn in all this end of the semester work but I am anxious to get the semester over with.

Thanksgiving

This thanksgiving was different because I have been away from for some months now. I was very anxious to go and see everyone. Last year, I took my family for granted because I used to always being around them. But this year, I was really grateful to see everyone because I don’t see them on a daily basis like I used to. It was good to catch up with everyone and see how everyone was doing.

I was also glad to see all my friends. Many of my friends went outside the state like I did, so we all were eager to see each other again. We were mostly depending on the phone to communicate but that couldn’t compare to how we used to all be with each other. So the first opportunity we got we all went out because we knew our time was short.

Sadly, this thanksgiving I was VERY sick. I think it was because of the weather change from New Orleans to Chicago made my cold even worse. It was freezing in Chicago to me because I got so used to the weather down here. With me being sick, I barely touched my books because I was resting the whole break so I could get better when I got back to school.

I’m glad I did go home during thanksgiving break because I would have regretted not doing so. Earlier I was thinking about staying for the Bayou Classic but I decided not to. If I would have stayed, I could have missed out seeing my family and friends who I missed so much during these past months.

Stuff

 

Something I did this semester that was great was read alot of books. I gained alot of knowledge in the short time that i was here i was able to read alot of books something that i never have time to do. Usually reading a book is the last thing on my mind but since i had a little free time at night i decided to buy some books they are just horror stories from the Goosebumps series that used to come on t.v. i also have one written by R.L. stine. usually im not into horror books nonetheless books at all. However, I had nothing to lose so i did it anyway and i figure the choice i made was right. the books gave me a heoten sense of vocabulary also they stimulated my mind to think imaginatively. something that i really needed. Whenever life is beating down to hard on you it doesnt hurt to read a book and getaway for just a few seconds if not days. Remember, only a few seconds not days it is not good to be a slacker. Anyways, thats pretty much all the good I got out of this semester however I figure that’s good enough for me.

Jasmine Grant:Stuff

There have been many great things that I have came across attending Xavier University. I haven learned many new things and have made some accomplishments. One of my greatest accomplishments to me is making it through pre-season for basketball. Some students think that it is really not that hard to play basketball for a university. It is comletely different from high school. Having practice two times a day and still managing to go go to class. Liftinng weights six days a week. No practice shorter than two and a half hours. The conditioning, to see if you have heart when you get tired.Not to give up because you have an injury. I did not think I would make it, I cried to my parents every night for the first couple of weeks because I didnt think I could manage my grades and sports at the same time. It has not been the easiest thing to do, it has been strugglings times but at the end of the day it is all worth it. Despite all of my complaining I am blessed and though it is hard to realize that while going through all of the hard work I still must to it. There are things that I plan to get better at next semester, not only on the court but also in the class room. It took some ajusting, from high school to college but I am getting there and I think that next semester will get better for me.

Stuff

Something great that happened to me was that I went to a club for the first time.  I had very high expectations for it.  I thought it would be really hot and loud.  Also I thought it would be really crazy and fun with everyone dancing.  When I walked in, it was actually the opposite.  Everyone wasn’t dancing, it was not crazy and fun, but it definetly was loud.  Most of the people there were just standing on the side by the wall.  I did not dance because I thought it was lame but my friends did and they got really wild.  To me it was a complete waste of time.  Another great thing that happened to me was meeting the people that I met.  Everyone I have met this past semester has taught me something in one way or another.  These two girls that I met, that shall remain nameless, taught me not to trust people until you really get to know them.  ALso they taught me that everyone is not meant to be a long term friend.  These two guys I met are some of the greatest people ever.  I have such love for them.  They look out for me no matter what and are really loyal.  They have done so much for me.  I also met this one girl who I have become really close with.  She has been here for me through all the drama that has been.  These people have truly made my time here a great one.  These are the great things that have happened in my life.

Stuff

This semester has been one of many changes. For the first time in my life I am on my own. The first few weeks here at Xavier I was a little scared. I had left all my friends and family behind and I knew no one. I joined different organizations on campus and gradually began to come out of my shell. I made new friends from every area of the country I could think of. I have managed to learn how to study better and more effectively over the course of the semester. I am still learning time management and how to organize myself. I have grown a lot in the past three months. I learned to accept and appreciate differences in others. I have met people that I would never have come into contact with had it not been for Xavier.

I have had many memorable experiences here at Xavier. There was the haunted house here on campus that I participated in. In was set up by the music department. It featured different music major volunteers. It was really fun and allowed me to meet music majors on campus. I also experienced the election of Barack Obama her on campus. The whole experience was one of the greatest of my life. Words cannot begin to explain how awesome it felt to experience history and be a part of it. There I stood celebrating with about a hundred other Xavier students rejocing and listening to music in disblief. We were so proud of the fact that we had elected and African- American president. Most recently I got to volunteer at the hornets game. That was my first proffesional basketball game and it was so much fun. After we were done we were allowed to watch the game from the press box. The view was awesome and It was a great experience.

Xavier Mission

I would say that the XULA mission is important to me because if we ever give up on a humane and just society then we give up as a country. As a Xavierite it is doubly important because we are the ones that have to continue the mission because we are entrusted with St. Katherine Drexel’s mission. To the alumni they have to make it seem more important to students because if they give up on it after graduation it seems artificial but if they contiue it then they make it seem that it is actually worth the effort to start it then continue after graduation. Community service is the best way that I can mention that we can fullfill the mission. We give back to the community in a way that will fullfill the “humane” part, but as far is the “just” part, only people in power can handle that on the large scale but from day to day we can more than help out with that. Xavier fullfills the mission by passing on to each of its students and staff. Xavier is the catalyst for greatness and therefore it is easy for us to carry out the mission.

Intro

Well my name is Marshall Collins and I was born and raised in New Orleans. I have pretty much done everthing that I can consider ever wanting to do here in this city so after college I intend on leaving New Orleans for good. I came to Xavier because it is my best chance at getting into dental school. But a little about me; I am a sophomore here at Xavier, I FE’ed my first time around in smeinar so take my advice, do not miss unless you have to and if it is an unavoidable emergency, let the right people know so that it may not be counted against you. But I like to skateboard and play football. I am a part of GWhizz which promotes change for a better enviroment. So if you want to be a part of this then talk to me and we can get you signed up.

Stuff

One of the many of things that happened to me this semester that was so great was when some of my friends and I went to the movies.  What made it so great was that we went almost everywhere. We went out to the movies, the club, by some friends house, and plenty of other places. It was so fun. But the best thing was when we went to the movies. It was so fun because when we got their a lot of people my friends and I went to high school with was their. I can’t remember what we went their to see but I can remember we had fun. When the movie was over we all left and went to IHOP in the east. IHOP was packed so we went to Mc Donalds. Since it was late we couldn’t go inside so we went into the drive through. After we got our food one of our friends said we can come by his house. Luckly my friend has a big house becuse a lot of people were with us. It was most of the class of 2008 that went. We all were the ones who stayed hear in New Orleans to attend college. I am happy that most of the people in my class is still in contact with each other. When we got to his house we had a party. We are adults now so we didn’t fight, break anything, or disturbed the peace. This was the first time we all were together without any problems. While we were there it seemed as though we planned for this. It seemed as though we had a very early class reunion. That was one of the best times I has had with the people I graduated from high school with.

Stuff…

I am proud about doing well in my science lecture classes. That is something great in my case because I’ve always struggled with science. Even though Biology is my favortie subject, sometimes the material just does not click. But this semester, for some odd reason, I’m understanding most of the information in class. I am making better grades than I expected even though Dr. Boutte sent me a letter saying i was basically failing. I don’t know what that is about but I know that I’m doing well in every one of my classes, with the exception of chemistry and biology lab… my b classes. But I am not going to get all worked up about that because I’m proud of how well I am doing in my other classes. I had to focus very hard when I got here, and I have to continue to focus, because I’m paying a lot of money to attend this school. The only way that I can afford the financial demands is if I am awarded scholarships from somewhere. Therefore, I have to make the grades to deserve a scholarship that is greater than the one I have now. So I knew that I had to buckle down and do well, and I feel that this first semester, I proved to myself that I can be a successful student. I am capable of being accepted into medical school as well. I just have to put the work in. And I know that I am able to do that. Just now I have an extra push and I am encouraged to do even better than I have been doing. There is always room for improvement.

Stuff…

I am really proud of myself for not giving up like I wanted to many times. I knew my first semester in school would be difficult after a few years of not being in school, especially with a husband and a three-year-old to tend to. I also faced a huge fear of talking in a class and I overcame it. In my English class, participation is mandatory in every class. I really died at the thought of it, but I have done it and I actually enjoy that class. It is an honors class and I have gotten A’s on all of my papers…another feat I am especially proud of. Another experience that I never had was to drive to New Orleans and back every day. I am proud that I have driven to school almost every day without many issues. I am really excited to be in school again and I am going to do my best to finish out this semester with great grades. I have had a great overall experience so far, but I still have alot of improvements to make in order to really succeed.

stuff

 

I think that something that im really proud of this year would have to be how well I did this semester. During high school by the end I found it really hard to concentrat and do my work, and I was worried that college was going to be the same but I was wrong. When I came to college I found out that everything is different the teachers are different the students are different and I felt different. I think college was a great experience for me and it is the greatest experience I have had this semester. In college I felt more free, you feel like you have so many choices to choose from.  You are your own person and are surrounded by college students like your self who are there to do something important, to have a new career and improve them self. College is not about the parties its about doing the best you can to sucessed in life and that’s really important. I think everyone should be able to experience college life because it’s  really fun. Its school for grown ups not kids, which were treated like in high school.i think thats what made college a new experience teachers dont yell at you to do your home work they expect you to do it and if you dont your the one that will get hurt at the end not them. Also you can pick classes that were not avaliable in high school . I think I really enjoyed my college experience.

Stuff

This first semester here at Xavier has been a challenge, but that’s what I expected. I work part time on weekends and Mondays. Despite that, I have still been able to keep my grades up at a level that I am content with.  Don’t get me wrong, I want the best and I know I am capable of the best. To me the fact that I was able to work my very first semester in college and do well at an institution like Xavier makes me really proud of myself. My great experience is just being here, at college for the first time. Living on campus away from my family is probably the best thing I could have done. Living in the dorm allows me to escape whatever drama may be going on at home so I can focus on my work. Here on campus I am right in the midst of all the school activities and the club functions. I am also a mere five minutes away from the Biology tutoring center, the Chemistry tutoring center, the Biology Lab tutoring center, the Writing Lab, the Math Lab, a few other centers I don’t know about yet. If I need help I don’t have to worry about getting a ride to go to the library or not having a quiet place to study. I am loving my college experiences, because they are allowing me to get to know myself even better. So far college period, overall has been a great experience for me, one I know I won’t ever forget.

Stuff

Something “great” that happened to me would be spending the summer before freshman year here at Xavier. Over the summer I attended the Howard Hughes Biomedical Scholar Summer Program. It was the most exciting summer of my life. I learned the the school itself very well, how to survive college life a bit better and overall the entire city of New Orleans. The Howard Hughes Program forced me to realize that college life would be difficult, yet at the same time very entertaining. This summer introduced me to my best friends at Xavier, Daniel, Perry, Garret, Louis, Rod and Justin. It’s weird because although I have meet many other students since the regular semester started I have yet to meet any new friends. I have meet many new people but I just cannot seem to break the strong bong created amongst all of my friends holding our friendship together. Daniel, my roommate, and I were matched up perfectly. He has become my brother and it is as if he is literally my right hand and I his. This summer was so great for it marked the commencement of my college career. It created the snowball of my life that will roll into a avalanche of my existence. This summer ultimately stands as the bases for all that I will do here at Xavier over the next three and a half years. I have taken from this experience the knowledge that in order to succeed here at Xavier I must start to focus more on my studies and dedicate more of my time to getting work done rather than playing around.

Stuff

So far i have a good semester I have i had alot of fun. I thought college would not be like how it is at Xavier. It was like in the beginning i thought that college would be about just work and books and no play. I was wrong Xavier showed me that you can be anything  that you want to be. They have all types of organizations that you can be to sucseed in life. Xavier always take you to the movies when they have new movies coming out.

My first week at Xavier was kind of crazy because I didnt know where none of my classes were and I didn’t have any of my books at all. I remember that I was late for my nine o clock class so i went on to my ten o clock class but i wound up going to my nine o clock class, classroom I was so embrassesd but in the end it was kind of funny. 

When I came to Xavier I also came with my bestfriend it was like we are going to have the same classes and join all types of groups that we can join. But she wound up not making it far, like im going right now. When sh left i thought I would not never make any friends because I am not a friendly person. But I was wrong I wound up making more freinds than I thought I would ever make in one year. We got most of our classes and breaks together which makes it fun because we are always laughing and joking with each other. We are all trying to be in the same classes for spring which I can not wait for. Another grat experince that I have had is when you do group work. In my freshman seminar class I have a group that I really like to work with all of the time and they are real cool and fun to work with.

random

Well this note is great for me because many random things have happened to me since i have been here. However there is one random event that will forever stick out in my mind.

It was nearing the end of the Howard Hughes summer scholars program. We had a talent show. We saw the smart twins and marvin do a step; which was pretty good. We saw morgyn [one of our friday freshmen seminar own] along with my friend raven do a dance. I found it very fun and creative. Then we saw several girls sing [individual acts of course]. Some were very soulful and some were jazzy and some just were unique. We saw my homie Jason play the violin. His performance was lengthy but amazing. he started off with a little lion king song then went into an original piece, then he started free-styling. A very good performance.  

The last performance that I remember was done by the boys of Howard Hughes and a guy named Chris. Chris was the funniest guy I have ever met. Their performance was supposed to be funny and goal acconplished. Among others another one of our own from friday class [Freddie] performed many songs. They started off like a “Lil Wayne” video “A Millie”, a song that was popular at the time. In the video he is getting dressed throughout the whole thing. It is a funny video. Chris was Lil Wayne and as soon as we saw him we started laughing. He was running down the steps and people ran up to him and tied Louis Vitton scarf aroung his neck. Then someone put a shirt on him, then a belt. It was soooo funny! Then they sang songs as a music group. There was only one guy could sing, everyhbody else did the best they could. And to end every song one memeber of the group got carried away in the song ans the rest tried to calm him down. A very good show, that was great.

Stuff

 

            I am not sure if this experience is so much great as it is strange. Something I did this semester that was great was getting lost while looking for my nine twenty-five World Civ. class. On the first day of school I did not plan on making any new friends, I just wanted to go to class and go home. Unlike previous schooling experiences I had to register alone and find my classes on my own. I started  to wish I had one of my best friends with me. On the second day of school I was looking for room 102 in the Adminastration Building and it seemed to be hidden like a treasure. That’s when I saw a girl from one of my previous classes and I asked her if she knew where room 102 . She told me she was looking for the same class and eventually we found it. As we started talking we realized we had all our classes together. I must admit I was relieved that I would know at least one person in all of my classes. After that day Sarajevo and I  started helping each other with homework assignments, projects, reasearch, and studying habits. It is so strange that we have a lot of things in common. I have recently found out that Sara did not plan on making any new friends either. If this friendship isnt starnge I don’t know what is . We plan on taking the same classes next semester.  I am so glad that I accidently made a friend so that my college experience won’t be such a lonely one.

Stuff

I have really had any great experiences. But just the thought of being here at Xavier University has been great for me.  I have always knew that I would attend this school.  And so far the college life has been good.  Me to even experience going to college has been an excellent adventure for me.  Since I been here I have met alot of new people from here and elsewhere.  I admire the people who are from out of state, because I can’t see myself leaving my mother or the city for that matter, right now anyway.  My mon has been a big influence in my life.  And thats part of why Iam here today.  We both want me to accomplish my goals so we can live the life.  Although its going to take me some time to get there.  Iam willing to do whatever it takes.  If it means studying all times of the night, going to summer school, or even postponding my activities so I can do my school work.  Xavier has challenged me to become a better person and be more responsible.  And as for now the semester is almost over and I regret not being responsible because of my grades.  But Iam going to make sure that next semester I will improve tremendously.  Iam not saying that my grades are bad I am just not used to getting C’s.  When I started college I thought that it was goning to be like high school but I see that its a big change. And like I said Iam willing to do whatever it take to succeed and attending Xavier will ensure me that I can do whatever I put my mind to.

Week:12 Stuff

 The only thing that happened that was good was that I just got hired at Cafe Du Monde.  This going to be my first job ever. I never work before so this should be interesting. Besides that I went to the Cricket club it was my first time for a club action. never did that in my life either. I’m a quiet clam type of person so you won’t see me do that often. Also freshmen orientationwas kind of fun. My group soul gold had fun so did I. my great experience in school is that I’ am attending college for the first time. Away from my mom for the first time. On my own for the first time. It’s alot that has change in my life but it’s for the good. Becausenow I’m and adult I have to do things for myself. Life can be hard at times but you have to stick through it and try to do your best at it. So far life in college is totally different from high school. But overall I’m glad that I’m not in Hugh School and in college. So I can achieve my dream of becoming A ER(Emergency Room) Doctor. I’m glad that I’m in college so I can do what I always wanted to do since little child. After I graduated from Xavier University I will be attending medical school and proceed as a doctor.

Stuff

Nothing exciting has really happened this semester, but I guess just taking the next step and experiencing the college life has been exciting in itself. I have had to learn how to manage my time to keep my grades up, but also have a life outside of class. I have been to Bourbon a lot, and that is always fun. I have enjoyed meeting new people even though everybody now pretty much has their clique of friends. I have learned how to live on my own and become independent; because I am no longer at home with my parents to let them do everything for me. I have to watch how much money I spend because I have to learn how to budget my money. I went shopping a lot when I first got here and my parents noticed all of my money was being spent so they quit putting it in my account. I had to learn how to budget it and I get a certain amount every month. So basically I could say I have learned a lot of things since I have came to college and have learned to be independent and not depend on my parents to do everything for me.

Majors and Careers

I started school at Xavier University as a chemistry/pre-pharmacy major. I chose this major because I like math and science. Pharmacy has a lot to do with these two subjects. In high school, chemistry was not my favorite subject, but I did pretty well in it. I will take chemistry next semester, and depending on how I do in it will determine if I want to stick with this major. I always wanted to do something in the medical field so that is another reason why I chose it. If I were to switch majors it would still have to do with the medical field. I used to want to be a pediatrician because I love children. this could still be an option for me if pharmacy does not work out. I also chose a chemistry major because there is a lot you can do with a chemistry degree. I want to work as a pharmacist in a hospital with my chosen major.

Stuff

Something that I did this semester that is great was my participation in Mr. Freshman pageant.   This a great experience because it allowed me to use a variety of my skills.  First, I was forced to use my critical thinking skills.  These was applied by brainstorming on an intro.  Introduction is like the first impression, so it had to be great.  I stayed up all night just to figure out a great finale.  The second thing it cause me to do was to use my talent.  Everyone had to perform a talent, and this allowed me my chance to be me.  Sometimes in school, especially college, it pays off for some time to just be yourself.  At that moment, the stress from school was no longer there.  I felt calm and my mind was at ease.  It unexplainable, but I felt free of all worries.  The third and final thing that made this experience so spectacular, is that I had to use my thinking skills.  These was accessed because we had to answer a question that was proposed on the spot.  Other than that, I am proud that most of my grades are up to par.  I have became more mature and have learned how to manage my time.  I am very fortunate to finally have this study schedule and college preperation on the way.  I have picked up new study habits which are constantly improving my grades. I have all these things to thank Xavier for.  I feel as if I am becoming a better notetaker, student and person as a whole.