Some thoughts from a current student about the OU family and tradition…

Finding a single yearbook page to represent the tradition of the University of Oklahoma is an intimidating task. Sitting in the floor of the Jacobson Hall Presentation Room, I delved into decades of historic picture after picture of the University, hoping to find something triumphant that stood out as the epitome of tradition. However, what I was intently searching for in a picture, I discovered in the heartfelt words of J.T. Conway, a 1906 student, in the Greeting of the 1905 yearbook which, at the time, was called “The Mistletoe”:  “Its aim is to picture life in the University as it is, to present its past in a general way and, if possible, to suggest what may be expected from it in the future. This modest volume hopes to find a warm spot in the heart of every true lover of the University.”  His hopes became a reality as the pictures and stories of The Mistletoe warmed my heart, making me feel even more connected to this extraordinary University. His hopeful words express a very unique and special tradition of our University – the tradition of family.

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I think a lot of high school students have an idealized version of what college and their college friendships will be like. They will have one group of friends. They and their friends will be very similar to one another. That one group will do everything together. And so on, and so forth…

Here’s the thing. I was like that. I was ready for my one big group. But the thing is, I learned that that’s not necessarily what happens. For some people it does, to a point. But honestly, it’s not even the best option, in my opinion. The best option is making friends wherever you go.

I have friends from my hall freshman year. I have friends I met at Camp Crimson. (By the way, if you’re debating whether or not to go to Camp Crimson, go.) I have friends I met in class (yes, that’s possible). I have friends from work. I have a bunch of friends from a variety of places, and I honestly think I’m a better person for it. Read more

Hello again, friends! We are now in the Spring 2012 semester of the school year, which can only mean one thing: new classes!

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Before I can hit on my “top five” list, I need to explain the meal plan system so that you will understand what I’m talking about. So if you already know the difference between meals, points and meal exchanges, skip ahead. 🙂

First you have to understand the difference between meals and points. You will get so many meals each week, and they will expire every week on Sunday at midnight so you have to use them within that week or you will lose them. A meal can be used at Couch Restaurants (a.k.a the Caf). When used at the Caf, a meal has an all-you-can-eat value of $11. When you use one meal to get into the Caf, you get all-you-can-eat access to ALL of the FOURTEEN dining options inside this one building. I am a super picky eater, and trust me when I say there is something for everyone here. Don’t believe me? Check out the virtual tour.

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It’s currently 3:33 in the morning and it is so sad that I think it is early. Here lately my life at OU has consisted of late night studying for finals… yes it’s crunch time! I have started to realize that, maybe it’s because I’m in my first semester, but I’m not really sure how to prepare at this point. I’ve been attending my classes, meeting my professors during office hours, and re-reading over my notes. Finals are difficult to describe. I feel prepared, yet I don’t! It’s an exciting feeling knowing the semester is almost over, yet frightening to think that my first college finals are here! I feel that the only thing getting me by at this point is knowing I get to go home in about a week, and start a fresh semester after that! I could not be more excited for next semester. I’ve learned so much this semester, both academically and about myself. This semester has been filled with wonderful things happening around campus… Have you heard about them?!  Read more

What more could I love than living in Norman and attending the University of Oklahoma?

We are in the perfect location.

I love my college town. I love walking down the South Oval or taking a trip to Campus Corner and seeing people I know in every spot. I love this Sooner community. But also, I love exploring Oklahoma and I love being able to visit friends in Arkansas, Kansas, and Texas so easily.

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OU Cousins is one of my favorite organizations on campus! Every year, this group pairs international students with American students to give them the opportunity to get to know each other and their respective culture. Events are held throughout the year that are particularly representative of American culture to give international students a taste of traditions they might not otherwise get during their time in the states.

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Hi again readers! So being a freshman, I really didn’t know much about what happens during Homecoming week and I only had my high school experiences to go off of. Well, I can tell you that OU’s Homecoming week was awesome! A few of the things that take place during Homecoming are the pep rally, parade, and many other fun activities!

Personally, my favorite was going to the pep rally on Friday night because the stands were packed with students and everyone was there to cheer for their friends and have a great time. I loved getting the chance to watch all of the different sororities and fraternities creative dances. I especially had so much fun cheering for my own personal sorority and getting to see the hard work that they put into our dance. Also, some of the different sports teams came to the pep rally and spoke to the crowd, so it was great to learn about upcoming sporting events. Read more

I’ve been locked up in my bedroom all morning (er… afternoon) enjoying my usual meal of steak, waffles, french fries, and of course, Scotch.*

* Kidding, but ten bonus points for the Anchorman fans who caught that reference.
I have, actually, been locked in my room all morning. Being a full-time student and working two jobs definitely gets tiring, so I enjoy my alone time, but it has been brought to my attention that I turn into a bit of a hermit on weekends after a stressful week.

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So, I went to my advising appointment for next semester and I cannot believe how fast time has passed! I feel so old and young at the same time. I say this because not many people know I am only 17 years old yet am considered a “sophomore” here at OU because of the amount of hours I had coming in. Everything has been so great, and it feels like I’ve been doing this “college” thing for a while, even though it’s only been 6 or so weeks. I am an International Business & Marketing major and am doing a language concentration in Spanish as well as a minor in French… How am I going to get through all that? I’m not quite sure yet, but with the support of my adviser, my parents, and my friends, I know I will… Read more