Oct
7
Fall break at the University of Oklahoma marks one of the most celebrated weekends in existence, as the Red River Rivalry between OU and Texas comes into full swing. Characterized by caravans of students headed to Dallas, endless amounts of fried food and cramped hotel rooms, some have gone as far to call this weekend, “Christmas in October.” One might think to his/herself, “it’s just another football game…” but that statement would be the farthest thing from the truth. As a senior, I have experienced OU/TX three times now and am beyond excited for my fourth trip this upcoming weekend. I can confidently say that it is, by far, my all-time favorite college tradition I’ve experienced at OU. With its date lining up right after the first round of midterms each Fall semester, taking the weekend off to go to Dallas is a much needed break that no student can deny.
With the overwhelming options that Dallas nightlife offers, each trip I’ve taken has been a unique experience. That being said, however, I can always count on watching the game and walking around the Texas State Fair to be a consistent source of genuine entertainment. As ridiculous as it sounds, waking up the Saturday morning of the game is honestly as close to Christmas morning as you can get, except gifts and holiday cheer are replaced with an assortment of fried foods and Boomer Sooner chants. Even though it’s an early kickoff, waking up early automatically becomes worth the trouble, when you realize that you’ll be in attendance of one of the most exciting and memorable football games you’ll ever see. The atmosphere surrounding the stadium is truly a unique blend of furious resentment towards the opposing team and an insurmountable pride in your own. While that sounds like the typical description of every football game ever, the level of polarization far surpasses anything imaginable. Sure, there will be some angry words exchanged between OU and Texas fans, but the day would not be complete without the heated tension that temporarily envelops the city of Dallas. A Sooner touchdown is always a reason to celebrate, but this takes on a whole new meaning when it happens during the OU/Texas game. When either team scores, you can feel the energy of the stadium spike as the fans passionately rally behind their team. Even the most timid individuals will find themselves yelling at the top of their lungs, criticizing the referee’s unfavorable decisions regardless of whether or not they know anything about football.
After the game there’s no better way to celebrate a victory (or soften the demoralizing blow of a loss), than by exploring the Texas State Fair, which is going on right outside of the stadium. I like to call the fairgrounds the “streets of gold,” because it is lined with vendors selling every decadent food you can imagine, as a golden, deep fried treat. While you might regret your dietary decisions later on in the week, but in the moment, nothing sounds better than a corn dog accompanied with some deep fried Oreos. With the addition of the typical carnival rides and games, walking around the fair acts as a good way to wind down the day so that you can take a much needed nap upon returning to your hotel.
Overall, OU/TX weekend isn’t just some trip that can be duplicated or overlooked. While much of what I’ve described might not sound that special on paper, it is truly a weekend that must be experienced first-hand to understand why it is such a beloved part of being a Sooner fan. If you’re reading this and have never gone to see the game, or are on the fence, I highly recommend that you wrangle up a group of your closest friends and make it out to Dallas at least once during your college career. Not only does the experience provide you with memories that will last you a lifetime, but a strengthened connection to the University that’ll make your time at OU even better than before.
Adam Siddique
Tulsa, OK
Biology/Pre-med
Jun
24
The future is going to be an adventure and I am really excited to see where the Arts take me. I am extremely proud to have graduated from the University of Oklahoma. The Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts has been so good to me. Dean Mary Margaret Holt and the OU School of Dance professors are incredible and have prepared me for my next step in life, a professional dance career. Next season, I will be dancing with Ballet West II in Salt Lake City, and I owe a lot of it to this school. As a developing professional, OU has prepared me for life after college. This school has helped me grow artistically and technically, and has given me opportunities to collaborate with other arts disciplines. If you enjoy performing, or attending performances, or both, OU is the university for you.
There have been so many significant events I have been involved with in the College of Fine Arts. There are so many amazing people at OU. I had the opportunity to perform alongside so many of my talented friends, including dancers, musical theatre majors, and vocal performance majors. At OU, the fine arts departments collaborate often with each other. Collaboration is an opportunity other universities do not offer, and having that opportunity to work with other departments was great. I walked in a Fashion Show to raise money for scholarships for the School of Dance. I performed in the musical On The Town my sophomore year. I actually had a line. It was one word, but I got to say something haha! My freshman year, the School of Dance collaborated with the the School of Music and I performed in Don Giovanni. There are always performances to see, so you won’t be bored.
The support the College of Fine Arts receives from its patrons is remarkable. It may not seem like it, but there are people in Oklahoma who love and support the arts. It’s incredible. I was given the opportunity to tour overseas twice with the ballet company, Oklahoma Festival Ballet. We performed in Eisenstadt, Austria at the Esterhazy Palace. This is the palace where Joseph Haydn conducted his orchestra. We, as well as the OU Chorale, performed Haydn’s The Seasons there. The President of Austria was in the front row at one of the performances. A performance I will never forget. I gained so much experience and culture studying at OU and I am eternally grateful for this school. The opportunities are boundless and I highly recommend this university. I made the decision to attend the greatest university in America and I do not regret it one bit. There’s no place like OU. Boomer Sooner!
Zeek Wright
Dance
Amarillo, Texas
Jun
9
More often than not, people talk about the difficulty of being in architecture school; so what is the value of it? After 5 years at the University of Oklahoma’s College of Architecture, I’ve realized that there is a lot more to architecture school than just staying up late, drawing pretty pictures, and doing construction details.
The architecture program trains students to think critically when it comes to designing a building. A project often has a big concept that questions the students about how architecture or design can affect a community, the environment, a viewer’s experience, etc. The first few years, students will focus more on the overall picture of the concept which will become more technical and practical as the curriculum reaches the final year. The tools that students use can range anywhere from hand drawing, model-making, to architecture and design programs.
As architecture students, we often find ourselves spending the most time in our main classroom which we refer to as “Studio”. We work, play, sleep, eat here. We spend so much time here that there are occasions when our families and friends question whether we are still alive. Other students on campus will be a little surprised if they see us anywhere other than in the architecture building. Yet, Studio is still my favorite class. With so much time spent there with my classmates, we create good memories and a lasting bond that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
To say that we spend lots of time in Studio makes it seem as though we are locked up in one building but the truth is that architecture students will often go on field trips, whether it is a 5-day trip to Chicago or a 4-month study abroad program in Rome. There are also social events such as the progressive dinner, Beaux Arts, the bond fire as well as extracurricular activities such as design workshops and competitions.
Overall, design skills, public speaking skills, computer proficiency, field trips, cocktail parties are only a few things that one can get out of architecture school.
Minh Tran
Architecture
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Jun
2
I came to the University of Oklahoma for the Meteorology program but I found out that there was so much more to offer at this amazing school than an awesome degree program. Starting at my very first campus tour, the University of Oklahoma was more than I imagined it could be. I felt like I belonged from the start and I knew there was something special about this university.
Throughout my experience at the University of Oklahoma, I have gained more than an education. I have gained lifelong friendships, leadership skills, professional experience and a sense of belonging. There were challenges along the way but there was never a problem that someone was not eager to help me solve. The Sooner family cares about your success and strives to provide the resources to help you achieve your goals.
Being a part of the Sooner family is much more than simply attending the University of Oklahoma. Being a part of the Sooner family is getting goose bumps every time you hear the OU chant, walking down the south oval, meeting people from all over the world, and feeling like you are a part of something that truly matters. This university has played an integral part in who I am and has influenced who I strive to be in the future. I encourage everyone to take the plunge and join the Sooner family because your life will be forever changed!
Riely Pickos
Meteorology
Zion, Illinois
May
21
Summer in Norman is definitely unlike any other, especially for us OU Students. A lot of people stick around Norman for work or summer classes, so the town is still inhabited by all of your friends, coworkers, and classmates. To make sure that you won’t be bored when you’re not in class or at work, Summer Session at OU makes sure to have numerous events throughout the summer for students and faculty to enjoy when they have some down time.
These events include movie nights at The Warren Theater in Moore, a shrimp boil event, and free sno-cone days on campus! Aside from the OU community and Summer Session, the city of Norman offers countless things to do during the summer. Downtown Norman has a variety of activities from wine tastings to outdoor concerts. The overall feel of Norman during the summer is very relaxed and different than during the school year, and this is indeed a good different.
No matter how you spend your summer in Norman, you won’t be disappointed. There are endless opportunities available in Norman, and if you have some friends along with you, the fun times will never end. Find a patio, grab your friends, sit back, and enjoy one of the best towns during the summer!
Tyler Block
Senior, Human Relations
Shawnee, OK.
May
14
Saturday, May 9 was my last day as a student at the University of Oklahoma. Friday’s commencement ceremony was canceled for the first time in about 50 years, so each student made a point to brave the insane rain and show up Saturday to celebrate their graduation. As I waited with hundreds of other graduates of the Michael F. Price College of Business in the Lloyd Noble Center for our chance to finally walk across the stage and shake Dean Pullin’s hand, I had the chance to reflect on my time here at OU. The Dean listed off the many awards and honors that Price College had received this year, and this made me realize how lucky I am to be graduating a Sooner. Everybody in the room applauded as each award was announced, proud to be associated with this group of individuals. Proud to be part of the Sooner Family from this point on.
As I went through my classes at OU, I never really took the time to appreciate what my degree would look like to others. Each honor that Dean Pullin listed off is a reflection of how future employers and co-workers will see my diploma; as evidence that I graduated from one of the best universities around. OU’s business school consistently ranks among the top programs in the nation including entrepreneurship, accounting, international business, supply chain management, and many more. Price College and the University of Oklahoma helped me to have a full-time job over a year and a half before I even was supposed to graduate. They gave me the tools I need to succeed in the real world.
However, OU and Price College gave me so much more than a diploma. I made some of my best friends here that I know I will keep in touch with for life. I had the time of my life at OU football games, which I plan on going to for as long as I can. Above all else, I found a home in Norman, Oklahoma. Now that I’m an alumna of the University of Oklahoma, I am more proud than ever to be called a Sooner.
Emily G. Elliston
University of Oklahoma
Accounting | International Business 2015
Apr
21
As the spring semester winds down, most of us are overwhelmingly aware that summer break is right around the corner. A quick bout of tests and finals will lead to three months of pure bliss, void of painfully early morning schedules or late nights studying. Summer is a time that I feel everyone can unanimously agree, is a time to relax and experience life a little more slowly. Everyone works hard during the school year and a little break never hurt anyone. Right?
That being said, its important to realize that even though we’re not in the academic mindset during the summer, we have an obligation to ourselves, to maintain a certain level of productivity in our lives. Using Netflix as a metaphor for a disciplined summer schedule, sitting down and watching a couple of episodes is a great way to relax and unwind, but it’s important not to let your couch become a black hole that sucks you into binge watching entire seasons at a time.
If you think about it, we have these four years in college to prepare ourselves for our grand debut in the real world. That reality might not seem so apparent as a freshman in college, but it is an important truth to realize. Becoming stagnant during the summer is not an effective way to promote the work ethic or life skills that will be vital to success in the near future. Every opportunity to better one’s self should be seized, and there’s no better way to do that than by taking summer classes.
I know it seems contradictory to put those two words next to each other, but at this pivotal time in our life, getting a head of the curve is a no brainer. Sure, taking classes during the most enjoyable break of the year might seem like a drag, but in retrospect, spending a couple hours a day on a class isn’t too tough, especially when your whole day is wide open. The University of Oklahoma offers a wide variety of summer courses, for students to take both online and on the Norman campus. In addition, there are classes that span different lengths of the summer months, in order to accommodate those with other summer plans. With this wide scope of flexibility, OU makes it easy for students to take advantage of what it has to offer.
As with all classes, the summer courses offered at OU is as challenging as they would be during the semester, but students have the advantage of a much easier and smaller workload given that they do not have a full schedule on their hands. Whether it be general education courses or that organic chemistry class that seemed a little intimidating to take during the busy semester, summer classes always leave you with a sense of satisfaction at the end of the summer when you realize that you’re that much closer to your goals. Having taken summer classes before, I can personally say that they are one of the best ways to get a solid grip on your academic life in college. Sacrificing a small chunk of your day during the summer is definitely worth it when you’re able to enjoy a comfortable schedule during the school year and is why I will always recommend taking summer courses.
Adam Siddique
Tulsa, OK
Biology Junior
Apr
7
One of the best things about the OU experience is getting to attend our premier orientation camp, Camp Crimson. This provides incoming freshmen with a sneak peek of The University of Oklahoma’s traditions while at the same time letting students get a preview of the “Sooner Family.” Camp Crimson is offered in five sessions during the summer, and each session offers the same amount of memories and fun. The experience as a camper is obviously very special, but it is even more memorable to go through camp as a Small Group Leader.
Being a Small Group Leader means that you are in charge of a group of freshman students and get to introduce them to campus through traditions and chants that the majority of campus is familiar with. The best part of being an SGL is seeing the students come out of their shells and get excited to be on campus in the fall. I served as a Small Group Leader this past summer and it was one of my favorite experiences as an OU student. This summer I will be returning as a Small Group Leader and I could not be more excited to lead another group of freshmen through the traditions and customs here at OU.
One of the greatest things about Camp Crimson is the atmosphere. Everyone there is so excited about OU, even the current students. When you leave camp, you’re filled with a sense of pride and joy to get the following semester started and reconnect with all the camp friends!
If you haven’t signed up for Camp Crimson yet, it’s not too late! Sign up here and maybe I’ll see you this summer: ou.edu/campcrimson
Tyler Block
Junior Human Relations
Shawnee, OK
Apr
2
I am nearly two years into my OU experience, but it feels like just yesterday I was attending Camp Crimson and finalizing my schedule. Just thinking about that gives me chills. Like most students, I have come a long way. Entering college, I was always the kid who thought high school was boring. I must say, I had terrific teachers and faculty, but I just felt so contained. At the collegiate level, and especially at OU, I really found my niche. After bouncing around a few different majors, I stumbled upon the College of International Studies.
While CIS is growing, it is still a lesser-known college at OU. However, with brand new facilities and a broad range of faculty knowledge and expertise, it is becoming an enticing program. There are many different options to explore within the College of International Studies, but the one that stood out to me most was International Area Studies, which is now one of my majors and a primary reason why I enjoy the university. IAS encompasses a variety of fields of study all in one. Although my area of focus has been the Middle East, IAS provides the opportunity to study political relations, language, and culture all around the world, from Brazil to Sub-Saharan Africa to China. In addition, during the next few years IAS expects to add more world-class professors and faculty as they carry out their commitment to advancing our university’s diverse and enriching environment.
One main draw to the IAS major is the vast list of study abroad options. While I have not traveled yet, I plan to attend a summer session in Istanbul, Turkey. However, many of my peers have been to Arezzo, Barcelona, and other places full of cultural appeal.
Foreign language is another essential aspect to the college. While it is known that many languages are available for fields of study, what is not widely known is that the Modern Language Department and the International Area Studies Department have been working together to develop opportunities for students to learn Arabic and its different dialects, Persian (or Farsi), and other Middle Eastern-based languages. Since the Middle East is such a prominent area in global politics, it is exciting to see OU making strides where other universities have not.
The University of Oklahoma has always strived to keep improving. Already nationally renowned, the College of International Studies is a direct representative of the OU experience. Everyone who is involved in the college is very proud of the achievements thus far, but it won’t stop there. While always thinking of the student experience first, I have the utmost confidence in our faculty, and I am thrilled to say that because of the College of International Studies I have especially enjoyed my OU experience. I can only guess what the future will bring!
Jess VanLandingham
Sophomore
International Area Studies and Political Science
Tulsa, OK
Apr
2
April has finally arrived, and I have fewer than 40 days left in Italy…what?! I swear, I feel like it’s January and I’m packing my bags for four months abroad. I’m blessed beyond belief with how this semester has gone. So far, I have been to Venice, Padua, Nice, Marseille, Barcelona, Monaco, Florence, Rome, Pisa, Athens, Santorini, and now I’m on a train to London for the weekend! I’m amazed at how everything has worked out with my time abroad, and can’t wait to see what this last full month will hold for me.
Knowing that my time in Arezzo is dwindling down quickly, I am consciously taking moments to reflect on my time here. Have I grown in ways that I wanted to? What lessons can I take back home to Norman with me? I am still blown away that I took the leap of faith to come abroad because there were numerous obstacles in my path. Not many people have the opportunity to leave for a semester, so I will always be grateful for this time away. Throughout this entire journey, the one thing I have learned is my resilience towards anything that comes my way. The power of having dreams and goals is nothing if we don’t strive for them. Our dreams are important to us, and we must always do what we can to make them a reality.
Life in Italy has been full of great opportunities for me, but there have also been some downfalls. I am incredible tough on myself, and always strive to meet perfection. Whether that is with school, planning my travels, or anything else having to do with life abroad. Learning how to be flexible has been my own personal obstacle to overcome but I am a better person because of it. When people mention that you’ll learn a lot about yourself when you are abroad, they are definitely not kidding! I feel as if I’ve only scratched the surface of all the many more lessons to come.
If you, or anyone you know, ever has doubts about studying abroad……GO. Even if you think that it will be an impossible feat, or you don’t think that you have the courage to do so….STILL GO. The mentors and adults in my life always tell me that their number one regret is not studying abroad when they had the opportunity to do so. Who can say (with a straight face) that they regret spending their time abroad?! ABSOLUTELY NO ONE. There are definitely aspects I would have done differently, but this experience is something I would never want to change. Plus all of the traveling and amazing food I have gotten to eat doesn’t hurt nearly as bad. There are people around you who can be a wealth of knowledge, and can lend some support. And if you are reading this, I too, can also help in any way that I can!
Sigh, now it’s off to a few more adventures before I cross the finish line (a.k.a coming back to Oklahoma). I promise I won’t post TOO many pictures, so that no one gets overly jealous.
Ciao bella!
Blessing Ikpa
The University of Oklahoma ‘16
Criminology & Human Relations
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