Nov
12
Simple Encounters
As a freshman, I came to OU not knowing anyone. Going to college was the first time I would be away from my family. To say I was nervous was an understatement. Upon my arrival to the university I was warmly welcomed by a plethora of campus organizations during the first weeks of the college career. The Black Student Association was one of those organizations that greeted me with a warm welcome. At this time I had no idea how much of an impact this organization would have on me.
As my collegiate career began, I found myself drawn to programs and events the Black Student Association put on. I quickly sought the opportunity to get involved and took on a position as the Secretary for the Freshman Action Team, umbrella organization of the BSA. After taking on this position, not only did I find my niche on campus, but I also found a family within the organization.
Now serving as the president of the Black Student Association as a senior, I look back and can confidently say that taking part in the BSA was one of the best decisions I made for my collegiate career. Throughout the years within BSA, I have gained essential leadership skills, soft skills, life long friendships, and larger networking opportunities. On the other end of the spectrum, my involvement with the BSA has allowed me to also give back to the OU community, as well as the community at large. Because of my experience as a first year student and the impact the organization had on shaping my collegiate experience, I make it a point every year to mentor at least four younger students. I have learned simple encounters can change the outcome of one’s entire experience, just as it did mine. When coming to campus, it is importance to put yourself out there. While trying out new clubs and organizations you could eventually find a home for the next four years. That is something you do not want to miss out on!
Naome Kadira
Major: Accounting – Senior 2016
Hometown: Garland, TX
Nov
10
Learning How to Save a Life
Have you ever held a human heart in your own two hands? Unless you’re an cardiac surgeon or a student in the health fields at OU, the answer is probably no. The University of Oklahoma’s health programs give students the opportunity to lean about the human body in incredible depth as we are able to study human cadavers in Human Anatomy lab. This course gives students a hands on experience in dealing with human bodies that we will eventually be working with in our future careers. OU has one of the most impressive and extensive cadaver labs in the country and as a current student in the Human Anatomy lab, I am so grateful to be able to learn this much even before applying to graduate programs.
Starting a future in the health fields can be a very rewarding choice for students but it can also be a very intimidating one. That first step towards becoming a nurse, physicians assistant, occupational therapist, or any other healthcare professional is made so much easier with the help of OU’s incredible faculty, staff, and department heads who offer incredible support and advice throughout this journey. Students are guided through course advising but are given incredible independence in choosing elective courses and in which semesters specific classes will be taken. With the help and guidance of individual course professors and advisors, students are set on the right path towards achieving their goals.
In my experience as a pre-health student, I have certainly had my doubts and worries about the course load that I was getting myself into. Over the past four semesters I have passed the bulk of my course work including all of my general education credits, letting me be able to take more profession-focused courses. Thanks to the variety of labs, depth of educational resources, and highly skilled professors and teaching assistants that the University of Oklahoma has to offer, my successes in the health sciences are setting me well on my way to my future career as a health professional.
Monica Strauch
Junior
Health and Exercise Science Major, Pre-Occupational Therapy
Spanish Minor
Oak Park, California
Nov
5
A Scandalous Event
Sooner Scandals has been a part of OU’s history for 75+ years. Why is it called Scandals? Well, I’m not entirely sure, but it’s worth a Google search if you’re feeling it. Scandals is another way that OU students can showcase their amazing talents through a mini-musical which includes singing and dancing. A great aspect of this event is that it occurs on Mom’s Weekend. What better way to spend Mom’s Weekend than quality time with mom while watching college kids sing and dance their hearts out? If you can answer that question I will personally buy you Starbucks.
Being a part of Scandals is a crazy and chaotic experience, but it’s also very rewarding. I have been a part of the cast for one of the acts in the past, but this year my role is more behind the scenes as I am serving on Sooner Scandals Exec for the 2016 show. Seeing how everything comes together from getting sponsorship (which is what I’m on) to getting the judge panel organized is like seeing how Swiss cheese gets the holes in it. Nobody really thinks about it how it happens, but we really like the end result. Being on exec has already made me appreciate all the hard work and dedication that goes into it all, even though we are only in the early stages.
Mom’s Weekend 2016 is in April and I hope you know what your plans are and I hope they include seeing one of the Sooner Scandals performances! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry at the heartfelt storylines, and you’ll definitely have the songs stuck in your head for at least a week or two. I hope this small glimpse into the world of Sooner Scandals has given you readers a taste of the awestricken wonder that is Scandals, and even better, I hope to see you at the show! Boomer Sooner!
Tyler Block
Human Relations / Senior
Shawnee, OK
Nov
4
I’ve had countless amazing experiences during my time at The University of Oklahoma. However, my one of my favorite experiences happened just this year. I didn’t see it coming. I’m a senior now—old, senile, irrelevant, etc. I thought all the best years at this school had passed for me, but I was so wrong. It all started when I saw a flyer for OU’s Comedy Fight Night. I had done a little bit of stand up, but never thought I was good enough to use it as a weapon and fight people with it. I’m more of a lover, not a fighter. I figured I might as well go for it. I have embarrassed myself many times at this school anyway. Once I got in a bike crash on the South Oval when I swerved to dodge an eerily large squirrel. I dumped an entire coffee on myself in the middle of the Union when I was trying to slide down a staircase railing while singing a Rihanna song. Oh yes, and let’s not forget the time I accidentally called the dean of my college “ma’am” then tipped my imaginary top hat in his direction to smooth things out. Needless to say, I had nothing to lose by auditioning for Comedy Fight Night. I made the show as one of only two females and was super excited (and very nauseous) about the opportunity to perform for my friends and classmates at the battle. CFN had an incredible turn out. People sat in the aisles and filled the entire balcony section of Meacham Auditorium and when I walked out on stage, I felt like a real cool gal. Friends yelled my name and strangers that have probably been in my Spanish class every semester cheered… for me. The next 6.5 minutes rocked my world. I had the time of my life performing my very own material. I was so pumped when I was awarded First Place. However, as an aspiring comedian, I was even more pumped when I won Crowd Favorite. There is no better feeling than when your audience actually laughs at your jokes and thinks your funny. Comedy is a difficult career path to follow, but with the support of my friends and a university that gives oddballs like me the opportunity to perform, it all seems possible! Boomer.
Ashley Leisten
Creative Media Production/Class of 2016
Keller, TX
Nov
3
Non-Profit, No Problem!
Upon arriving at OU I exhibited all of the signs of a freshman walking onto campus for the first time. I had new clothes, a big smile, and of course, lofty aspirations as a Micro-Biology major. However, like a lot of young pre-med students, I found myself bounced out of the major by a formidable foe, Chemistry. After having, what I thought to be my perfect plan of becoming a doctor was cut short. I had to find another major. To set out on this mission, I decided to pick something I loved and to pick a minor that I was passionate about. After a period of soul searching, I set my eyes on a degree that I not only was passionate about, but a degree that could make a difference in the world.
The major I chose was International Studies, but more importantly a Non-Profit Organizational Studies minor. Not only was I welcomed into the program with open arms, but also I embraced the program right back. Not only was this new major going to involve something that I love, helping people, but it was also going to allow me to learn by experience. Immediately after the major change, I joined the NLSA, or Non-Profit Leadership Student Association and began to attend the meetings. I was wonderfully surprised by the community feel of the club/program, but also by the hands-on activities in which I could participate. In class I was “starting” a non-profit and learning the ins and outs of managing volunteers, etc., and at my club meetings I was engaging in volunteer activities, networking with local non-profit professionals, and learning valuable lessons from speakers from across the state.
Overall, I believe that my change in major was one of the best things that has happened to me since being at OU. I found a community that fit me better than my first choice, and I was embraced by not only the Non-Profit family at OU, but the Sooner family as a whole across campus. Coming to college, a lot of people end up switching majors and nearly having a panic attack at not knowing what the future may hold. But at OU, there are new opportunities around every corner, and new passions to grab a hold of everyday. Through the loss of my pre-med dream, a new passion was born. My new major and minor fit me as a person much better than my previous choice, and I could have only found my real passion through my experiences at OU.
Logan Banfield
Tulsa, Oklahoma
International Studies/Non-Profit Studies
Oct
30
One of the greatest assets to the University of Oklahoma is the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. It contains more than 17,000 works in its permanent collection, and houses multiple temporary exhibits a year. Having a museum on campus allows for a quick getaway into an environment completely different from the academic surroundings and lets you unwind as you allow yourself to be caught up in the exquisite and sometimes surprising creations held in the museum. Walking from room to room, one is exposed to artists of all backgrounds and beliefs. Seeing so many different perspectives and techniques perfectly exposes one to the grandeur and expanse of the art world and what it represents.
In a sense, the museum reflects the diversity of the campus on which it was built. Guests of the museum can find works from around the world, and the works can further be divided into secular and religious spheres. The beauty of this cohabitation of works mirrors the way students on campus herald from across the globe. Students come together from all backgrounds and join together to make the University more beautiful and intricate than before they arrived. The works displayed in the museum, like the students, only make the surroundings in which they thrive that much greater.
I come from a Russian family that moved to Kazakhstan in the 1930s. When I was six, my mom and I immigrated to the United States. This journey has made me lucky enough to see many types of art and art forms, which is why I am so grateful for the masterpiece that is the FJJMA. Wandering through the museum, I am able to marvel at art from my birth region, while in the next room, I can appreciate the beauty created and influenced by my adoptive country. Without leaving the University campus, the museum provides one of the best outlets for exposing yourself to other cultures and does it in a way that leaves you more appreciative of the beauty in the world.
Tatyana Gubareva
Psychology and Art History Senior
Yukon, OK
Oct
27
OklaCozy
My name is Daniel Smith and I am a junior at the University of Oklahoma studying Finance. There are great opportunities offered at OU that supports students and other national organizations. My experience through my major has given me the chance to be involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This semester nineteen other students and I started a company called OklaCozy through the IBC program in the Price College of Business. IBC stands for Integrated Business Core which gives business students a chance to gain expertise knowledge of managing a company while creating and selling a product throughout the OU and Norman community.
Through the Integrated Business Core (IBC) program, my core group created OklaCozy. Our responsibilities include developing, financing, marketing, and selling our product. This teaches us the business process first hand. On top of that, we get the privilege of picking two philanthropies to support. We are giving our time and service at the OK Kids Korral located in Oklahoma City, a place of lodging for pediatric cancer patients and their families; and then all proceeds from our product go directly toward making children’s dreams come true through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We were given a wish child named Elizabeth Lansdale, she is a four year old suffering from leukemia and her dream was to go to Disney World. Oklacozy is committed to helping kids like Elizabeth make their dreams come true!
Our product this year are OU blankets. The blankets have consist of a one-of-a-kind OU themed design. These blankets are 100% polyester, machine washable, with one side having a furry texture, and the other having a fleece texture, allowing you to pick your preference of softness. These blankets have a unique design that our company created and that you cannot find anywhere else. My experience through IBC has been an incredible hands-on learning experience that has equipped me for my future career in the business field. This is just one of many degrees and programs that
If at all interested in possibly purchasing either of our product to help the children of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, follow the link below to learn more about our company and to purchase your very own blanket!
https://com776.wordpress.com/welcome-to-oklacozy-2015/
Follow the link below to learn more about our company and to purchase your very own blanket!
https://com776.wordpress.com/welcome-to-oklacozy-2015/
Daniel Smith
Junior, Finance
Edmond, OK
Oct
27
Integrated Business Core
How cool is it that a student in the Price College of Business can receive college credit for donating to charity? This semester, I have the opportunity to take part in the 20th Anniversary of the Integrated Business Core program within the Price College of Business. This program allows groups of 20 students to develop their professional skills, as well as the ability to fulfill social responsibilities to the community. With the creation of my company’s one-of-a-kind, Oklahoma-inspired sweatshirts, all proceeds of our product go to our charity of choice, Hearts for Hearing. This non-profit organization works to help the children and adults of Oklahoma with varying degrees of hearing impairments by providing speech therapy classes, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and much more. In addition to our monetary donation, my company also has the opportunity to donate our time to LoveWorks Leadership in Norman. LoveWorks Leadership is an after-school program, designed to aid middle schoolers in the discovery of their passions and the potential to live into their dreams through tutoring, life skills training, and leadership development.
Though I am only halfway through the semester, I’ve already sensed a change in my own passions and dreams. Through the mentorship of LoveWorks and the monetary donations to Hearts for Hearing, I have a new sense of appreciation and vision for my own life. I’m thankful for Price College and its dedication to teaching and providing real world experiences, while allowing students to contribute to our surrounding communities.
Overall, our company goal is to raise $11,500 to Hearts for Hearing, and donate over 1,200 hours of service to LoveWorks over the course of the semester. Through a charitable donation of $35, you can help my company reach its goal and help children all over Oklahoma! For more information about our cause and to view our products, feel free to visit OklahomApparel.wordpress.com !
Bailey E. Brougher
Oct
20
At the University of Oklahoma, Homecoming is one of the most magical and unique times of the year. The OU community comes together to welcome current students and alumni back to campus. The 125th Anniversary of Homecoming is themed as the Reunion Weekend 2015. This campus is built on tradition and community. This week exemplifies just that. The possibilities for the 2015 homecoming are endless. One hundred and twenty five years is something to celebrate, and we are going to do it right.
During the week there are many traditions that happen on campus that keep the Homecoming spirit alive! Every facet of campus has something happening. On the South Oval there are our traditional events and on campus corner there are benefit nights as a competition between other organizations on campus. For benefit nights, the organization with the highest turn out will get extra points to their overall homecoming score and all the proceeds go to The Children’s Miracle Network through Soonerthon. The Night at the Huff offers organizations a chance to earn a spirit award. This is given to the team with the most enthusiasm through competition in different sporting events. The South Oval board competition week paints the South Oval with creativity and color. Paired organizations paint a board to prop up on the south oval that pertains to their specific theme. The next South Oval event is the sidewalk competition. This brings campus chalking to a whole new level. This is where different organizations will have a certain amount of time to create a chalk drawing on a portion of the South Oval. They are detailed and innovative and shows how talents students are.
The last events of the week are the parade and the Rah Rally. For the Rah Rally, all organizations come together and celebrate the end of the week with a dance competition, and a routine from OU Cheer & Pom. It’s a great way to get everyone pumped about the upcoming football game. Each organization participates in a dance competition where they showcase their homecoming spirit in elaborate costumes with eccentric dance moves. The event to close out the week before the big game is the Homecoming Parade. This brings students, fans and alumni together in celebration of the greatest University. The organizations that participated throughout the entire week showcase a Homecoming float that encompasses their theme. Students walk around the float and throw candy as it cruises down the campus streets. A wide variety of people and organizations participate in the parade, from Homecoming Royalty all the way to the Deans of each colleges.
Homecoming is such an incredible time on OU’s campus. I have served on Homecoming Exec since January, and it has been an incredible experience. This year exec changed the pairing process to be more inclusive and create a greater chance for all organizations to be fairly represented. Watching our exec formulate a more inclusive homecoming has made me so proud to be a Sooner. Homecoming is something that I truly believe every person on campus can participate in, one way or another. Every year Homecoming continues to build up OU’s campus and bring the community together. The energy that runs through the campus during Homecoming week encompasses what it means to be a Sooner and that is what makes Homecoming so near to my heart.
Cassidy Lutosky
Sophomore/ Secondary Education
San Diego, California
Oct
14
Every one joined hands and tightly squeezed them in anticipation, knees were shaky and hearts were beating faster and faster. There is nothing like physically seeing a year of hard work pay-off in a matter of seconds. The large block letters were raised high in the air to spell out S O O N E R T H O N and slowly but surely they dropped to reveal the total amount raised by OU’s campus.
When I first arrived on campus it was a whirlwind of opportunity. I wanted to experience a little bit of everything to find a place that I could call home. I had heard of Soonerthon through casual conversation, posts on social media and friends who had previously been involved, but being a freshman I still didn’t fully understand what it was. I heard the tagline, “FTK, For The Kids” and knew it was something that I had to get involved because of my love for mentorship and working with younger kids. Soonerthon is a 12-hour dance marathon and is also known as OU’s official philanthropy. The money raised through this organization benefits Oklahoma’s children through the Children’s Hospital Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. I was Team Captain for another organization and with that title came the responsibility of being paired with a Miracle Family from the hospital. My job was to introduce them to my organization, host a couple events with them and show them what the Sooner family is all about. This is where I found my “why” and it was all because of Maddison, a 12-year old inspiration.
Before meeting her, I learned that she has Tetralogy of Fallot, which consists of four major defects within her heart and severe defects which affect her lungs, causing pulmonary hypertension. I would have never guessed anything was wrong with her because she was still spunky, sweet and had a contagious joy that shined to those around her. But eventually I learned of all the procedures that are still unable to relieve the high pressures in her lungs, and how eventually she will have to undergo a heart and lung transplant to prolong her life. Getting to know Maddison was the highlight of my freshman year and continues to be every year. She taught me a lot more than I could ever put into words and more than I could ever thank her for. From a couple chords on the guitar all the way to how important it is to live abundantly and love unconditionally. She has now become one of my best friends, role models, and a girl I can always rely on to enjoy Starbucks with. She has sparked my passion for CAC Soonerthon and has deepened my love for this cause. From Team Captain, to working on Family Relations Executive Committee, to now being Vice Chair of Relations; she is the reason why I have fallen in love with this cause.
But CAC Soonerthon is more than just an organization, it is a way to celebrate life and celebrate those around. It is about the miracle families who come for a part of those twelve hours to be showered with love from the Soonerthon family and forget, even if it’s for a couple of hours, that they are not different from any other child.
The letters of Soonerthon slowly drop to reveal the number $5 6 1 , 2 6 8 . 15. We stand 12 hours to honor the nurses and doctors who stand on their feet for 12 hours during a shift. We stand 12 hours to represent the 12 months we spend fundraising. We stand for the kids who can’t. I stand for Maddison because that means that she can be treated right in Oklahoma close to her family and home. CAC Soonerthon became my home because of miracle children like Maddison and because the University of Oklahoma continually redefines what the Sooner family is and what it is able to accomplish.
Christina Newcomb
Reno, Nevada
Advertising/ Human Relations
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