Jun
18
With great power comes great responsibility. These words, immortalized to our generation by Spider-man’s uncle, come alive during the college era of everyone’s life. College is a time of growing up, learning about yourself, and becoming who you were meant to be. College is one of the few times in life where you have nearly unimaginable freedom coupled with heavy amounts of responsibility.
Taking care of what you need taken care of is completely up to you in college. You’ve moved out of your parents’ house and into a residence hall with hundreds of other student that are experiencing nearly the exact same thing you are. These fellow students, while some may become your best friends, will not help you manage everything that goes on in your life like your mom or dad did in high school. It is your duty to show up to meetings, classes, and get your homework and assignments done. I learned this lesson the hard way and very quickly. At the very beginning of my freshman year I had a meeting that I was required to attend for one of my major scholarships I had received. I didn’t show up. Not only did I not show up, I didn’t even give a reason why I didn’t show up. This put my scholarship in jeopardy and my future at OU on the line. After multiple apologies and a couple extra meetings, everything turned out okay, but it was still a major fright nonetheless. Getting organized and being responsible are lessons that I have learned and have truly helped me along the way.
While all of this responsibility may seem rather daunting, it can totally be handled, and totally worth it when it comes to the freedom college students have. 2am trips to Whataburger for the famed Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, midnight movie parties, and spontaneous weekend trips have become staples in my routine in college. There are few things more enjoyable to me than spending time with friends and having fun. These experiences with new students you meet help build bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. The freedom that comes with college is undeniably incredible.
College is a time in your life that will be like no other. The students at OU are open, accepting, encouraging, and have become my family. The opportunities at OU are second to none and truly make for an unforgettable time. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, live life, and take responsibility for everything that will be asked of you. Don’t be afraid to grow, for you will love the person you come to be.
Andy Stewart
Letters ’16
Duncan, OK
Jun
13
I’m not going to lie to you, the week of sorority recruitment is MADNESS! But have no fear; there are ways to come prepared. I came armed with a purse full of deodorant, lipstick, and my phone to call mom (maybe in between every single house). I walked towards the first house of my recruitment experience and was greeted by a bunch girls singing in my face. Yeah I’m not kidding; nobody warned me about that. I was nervous, sweaty, and honestly a little confused. However, when you get past all of the fluff of recruitment, it really comes down to a lot of conversations with a lot of girls who genuinely want to get to know you. And although I’m thankful I’ll never have to run “Greek Mile” in wedges again (hopefully). I have to say that PanHellenic recruitment is a memorable week and one of the most fun experiences I’ve had in college. I know a lot of people who let fear or even skepticism keep them from going through recruitment, and to them I say definitely give it a chance. Sure it’s an intimidating process, there’s no denying that, but the outcome is totally worth it all.
During the week of recruitment I made so many friends, and we continued to keep in touch and stay close even though we ended up in different houses! Not to mention all of the friends I’ve made in my current chapter, and the support system I’ve found in my house. As a former high school athlete, I came to college hopeful of finding a group of friends as close, loving, and encouraging as my high school team. It’s really no surprise that that’s exactly what I found in my sorority. In fact, it’s like a much larger even more loving version of any team that I’ve ever been on! There’s nothing quite like a group of people who truly want what is best for you and who will always be cheering for you no matter what. I found being in a sorority especially beneficial in my freshman year. I had so many questions about campus involvement and classes and my chapter was able to not only answer any questions, but also encouraged me to apply for things I wouldn’t have known about otherwise. The big/little program is also SUCH a great resource for any freshman in college. My big is a mentor and someone I look up to, but also one of my best friends! Also, since I went to high school in Norman, being in a sorority was such a good way for me to get out of my Norman comfort zone and make friends from all over the state, and nation! Going through PanHellenic recruitment has so much to offer you, and you should definitely consider it… assuming the reader of this blog is of the appropriate gender.
Nicole Antonio
Norman, Oklahoma
Industrial and Systems Engineering: Pre-Med Option
Class of 2016
Jun
10
After weeks of preparation, sleep deprivation, and caffeine overload, I walked out of my last final on May 18. I said goodbye to Financial Accounting and “Hello” to Summer! I’ve been waiting for this day forever. Instead of going home for the summer, I’ve decided to finally grow up and live on my own here in Norman and take summer classes. All the hustle and bustle of Norman during the school year dies down completely in the summer. Less people, less traffic and a multitude of things to do is one of the few reasons why I chose to stay here in Norman than go back home.
Norman is just a great place to explore during the summer. Just the other day, I had dinner at Gaberino’s with a couple of friends. A restaurant that I didn’t even know existed until I found it by driving by it one day! Also, even though there are less people here on campus, OU Summer Session does a great job by hosting tons of events during the Summer! I am currently in a volleyball team in the OU Summer Session volleyball tournament they are having! I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure “Death at the Net” is going to sweep! Summer Session also continues with its free movie weekends every weekend!
Also, this is the Summer where I plan on exploring Oklahoma City! Oklahoma City has 12 unique districts and I plan on visiting each and every one of them! I’ve been to the Paseo before and I love it! There are so many eclectic art shops and by far one of the best taco stands in OKC, Big Truck Taco’s. Classen Curve is another awesome district that I’ve been to that has tons of shops and my favorite store, Whole Foods! I’m so excited to have OKC as my playground. With summer classes, work, all these OU Summer Session events and exploring the Norman/OKC area. I can safely say that I will have a fun and fun-filled “Sooner Summer!”
Bunty Patel
Wilburton, OK
Energy Management/Finance
Class of 2015
Jun
6
Take Me Away, Oklahoma Summer
Counting this summer I have two left. Two summers full of swimming, reading, sleeping in, traveling, staying up all night, and wasting away in the Oklahoma heat with friends. These days will soon come to a close and I will need to find a full time job or go to grad school, but for now I will celebrate the time I have for adventures. This summer my days will be spent in Norman, and I wouldn’t want to spend them anywhere else. Norman has become my home away from home.
The chaos and stress of the semester has faded away and summer session has begun. Norman in the summer is slower paced, but it’s amazing how many people stay in Norman or the OKC metro area for the summer and how many things there are to do. During the busy semester there isn’t much time to go to the city to explore locally owned restaurants like the Mule and Pie Junkie in the Plaza District and Cuppies and Joe on 23rd, peruse the artwork at the Paseo Arts Festival, or stroll alongside the Bricktown Riverwalk. OKC has so many cool neighborhoods to discover and I’m looking forward to doing just that!
The atmosphere in Norman becomes more relaxed and there is always something to do with friends on or off campus. Free movies play in Meacham Auditorium every weekend and volleyball and basketball leagues are organized through Student Life. The Summer Session team has planned so many events this summer that bring together OU as a community and foster new friendships. The students and staff that are around in the summer are able to relax without the hustle and bustle of the school year. Between free snocones on Tuesdays, the upcoming crawfish boil, and comedian performance, this summer looks promising and I am so glad to be spending my summer as a Sooner.
Delaney Nash
Letters
Class of 2015
Edmond, OK
Jun
3
As the days get longer and the nights get shorter, the time comes to break out the tank tops from months of hibernation in the bottom of your drawers.. or closets.. or piles of clothes on your floor. Grab your fresh new pair of boat shoes and sun glasses and hit the lake! But before all of that happens, don’t forget to sign up for summer recruitment with IFC. This is the best way to ensure you get your name out there for recruitment with the fraternities here at OU.
OU’s Summer Recruitment program officially opens for registration on March 1st, but you can still sign up for it at any time. Through registering, this allows fraternities to contact potential students about events they will be having throughout the summer and invite them to attend. This is one of the best ways to get to know members from many different houses and spend time finding your best fit. Another event that takes place is the Annual IFC Barbecue, with this year’s special guest, the Casey Donahew Band. This is an opportunity provided through OU directly that allows students to meet members of every fraternity on OU’s campus as well as hangout with other students going through the same adventure as you!
If you are even the slightest bit interested in joining a Greek fraternity, my suggestion is do it. I have greatly benefitted and enjoyed my experience in “going Greek” and wish for others to have a similar opportunity. So be sure to sign up for summer recruitment at ifc.ou.edu and have a great summer! I hope to see you at an event or two!
Andy Stewart
Letters ‘16
University of Oklahoma
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