November

This has been a whirlwind of a month! I started the month off sick, which isn't an uncommon trend for me this school year, but I finally found the cause of my constant sickness. I left my mattress pad in the basement of Columbia (storage area) over the summer, which left my mattress pad full of lovely mold spores. Before Thanksgiving break I disposed of that pad and got a brand new down mattress topper. That was the best decision of the school year, as it is very comfortable and it has zero mold spores. I am now feeling back to my normal self!!!!

Before break I was busy with classes and getting ready for my first horse show. I was riding three times a week, which is a lot considering the amount of work I have right now, but it was well worth it. The team went to Skidmore College on the 21st and we all did well. I placed 4th, which isn't exactly what I wanted, but for my first time ever showing in the IHSA show circuit. Many people don't realize that when showing inter-collegiate you do not know which horse you are riding until the day of the show and even then you have never seen or been on the horse. You get on the horse in the ring and the moment you begin walking you are being judged. It is a bit of a stressful situation, yet the adrenaline kicks in and it is a fun experience.

I am currently sitting in the Philadelphia airport on my way back to school after Thanksgiving break. It was a fun and relaxing break. I went to my great great Aunt's 90th birthday party and spent Thanksgiving at my uncles. I did not participate in the early morning Black Friday shopping, but my mother did. 4:40AM she was in line at Target (I though she was crazy). We decorated the house for Christmas and now I can't wait to decorate my dorm room for Christmas. I'm a huge fan of Christmas music and decorations!!!!!

Hope everyone else had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break.

Ashley

Fall Break

Hello!

Sorry it has been a while since my last entry. The past two weeks have been interesting to say the least. The week before Parents Weekend I became very sick with some bacterial infection that caused me to miss 3 days of classes and therefore 4 exams. My average temperature was 101, which is unusual because I never get a temperature. My parents did not come up to Elmira for Parents' Weekend, so I used that weekend to do a significant amount of sleeping and studying for the exams I had missed. The week was very stressful, because on top of trying to stay out of bed for the full day of classes and doing the normal homework, I had to schedule times to make up the exams. I thankfully was able to take all of the exams before I left for fall break. Being sick prevented me from horseback riding, therefore I can not show at our first show at Hartwick.

I was scheduled to leave from the Elmira airport to fly home to Virginia Friday night. After the winter weather I figured I would be somewhat delayed, but all day it looked like my flight would be on time. On my way to the airport I received a notification informing me that my flight was delayed an hour. This would have been okay, and I could have made it to my connection flight in Philadelphia. When I arrived at the airport they informed me that the flight was not scheduled to leave until 8 pm. My connection left at 8:30. I made the decision to avoid sleeping in the Philadelphia airport and fly home Saturday Morning. Little did I know that this decision would cause me to injure myself. Saturday morning while walking down the stairs with my suitcase in hand I "missed" a step, twisted my ankle (heard a pop) and continued to fall down the last few stairs. My ankle continued to swell while in transit and when I arrived home ventured to the doctor's office with my mom. I sprained my ankle and am now wearing an air-splint. Yes, I am clumsy and yes, this prevents me from riding!!!! Story of my life...... I'm always hurt.

I'll write soon.

Ashley

Convocation and Mountain Day Singing

Hello!!

Sitting here on an overcast, chilly day ready to take a nap, a favorite past-time of mine. Figured I'd talk about a few things that happened last week and what's going on this week here on campus.

Last Thursday was Convocation for the Freshman Scholars. The Class of 2013 proved to show a lot of potential after hearing all of their accomplishments from high school. I played flute with the Concert Ensemble, which was frustrating on my end. I had a significant amount of homework due on Friday, so sitting on stage for 2.5 hours listening to names being called was the opposite of productive. I applaud the freshman scholars, however at the same time I needed to get work done. However, Convocation gave me the opportunity to wear my purple and gold heels!!!!

Saturday was open house, which was also my first time co-leading a gold key tour. It was a lot of fun and I was surprised at my comfort level in front of a group of perspective students and parents.

This week is Mountain Day Singing! I wish it would have been last week, because the weather this week is not what I want to participate in. I am working on getting rid of a 2.5 week old sinus infection, so standing outside in the rain and cold is not what a doctor would order. I'm hoping for a mountain day tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ash

First Couple Weeks of School

Hello!

Life here on campus has been crazy busy, but it's been good for me! Move in day feels like months ago, when in reality it hasn't been that long ago. I'm getting to know my residents more each passing day, which is very nice. Just as recently as yesterday I had two new additions to Columbia 3rd South which gives me almost a full floor. I have one empty room which is a bunk double....... and we all know that no one wants to move into a bunk double.

I never thought I would say that I am thankful for the freshman writing program, but I am SUPER thankful for the freshman writing program. Compared to last year I feel like I barely have homework, and the homework I do have I am getting it done EARLY. I am not the type of student to do things early, but I guess things have changed a little. My parents are so proud. :-)

A few exciting things! Horseback riding has officially started, which is a huge stress relief for me! On a sad note we had to get rid of my horse back home in Virginia, but it's a very good situation that will allow me to continue riding Bravo Charlie. My classes are going very well. It's nice to be in a Nursing course and to start talking about things that I'm going to use everyday in the work place. I can't wait to put my scrubs on and go to clinical!!!!!

Time to get back to homework!

Ashley

First RA training week!

Training is over, which means I get to sleep!!!! However OL training is right around the corner which means a few more days of sleep deprivation. On a wonderful note Resident Assistant training has been a blast. I arrived here in Elmira last Friday after a wonderful 9.5 hour drive and by Saturday at 2 I was moved into my cozy single on Columbia 3rd. All week we have been learning about the procedures and policies of the college along with many social issues that we will come across. These issues included 2 meetings with RCST (Rape Crisis of the Southern Tier), suicide awareness, and info meetings with resources around campus.

The only thing that made me nervous about training was the Behind Closed Doors program. This program is in 2 parts and it is when the RLC's and other faculty members have a scenario and act it out (to the EXTREME). The RAs in training then go around in small groups and at each scenario one RA is in charge of handling the situation. It was an amazing experience that I know helped me feel more comfortable as a first year RA.

Last night we had a great dinner with faculty members and all of the RAs. We got to dress up and I got to wear my purple and gold heels, which seem to be a favorite here on campus. hmmmm I wonder why???? Here is a picture of the entire staff (RAs, RLCs and RA alternates).
This was a great experience and I can't wait to have my 2013's in my building with me! Not to mention I had a blast making my door tags and bulletin board!!!!

Ashley Hemphill '12

Life as an OL

Hello,

Hope all of you have had a great summer so far! The last weekend of June I headed up from Virginia to Elmira for Summer Registration 1. I was super excited because I was reunited with my friends I hadn't seen since before my big Australia trip. I flew up and got to Elmira around noon which was the beginning of check-in for OL's. I hadn't mentioned that I was a Concurrent Session Group Leader, which means I, with two other OL's, took a group of parents to each information session.

We started training off with an ice breaker, which was a lot of fun! It was a great way to get all of the OL's in a laughing mood. We then had training all day Friday. This was when we made all of the door tags for the parents and the members of the Lucky class of 2013, made balloon arches, and made all of the other decorations that would be around campus.

Saturday we all woke up bright and early to get ready for the freshman to arrive. We did a lot of singing!!!!!! I was stationed up by towers to welcome members of the class of 2013. It was a lot of fun to be the loud and somewhat annoying people this time around instead of the scared and nervous freshman. It was a lot of fun to watch them go through the same things I went through a year ago. Except none of them were on crutches like I was for my SR.

The parents were great, nervous just like mine but great to talk to. It would have been nice to spend more time with the students in order to get to know more of them, but I can't complain. It was a great experience, I wish I could be an OL at the other two Summer Registrations.

Have a great rest of the summer!!!
Ashley

Australia 2

Hello all,

I am in Australia at the moment. So far we have gone from Sydney to Canberra and now we are about to leave Hervey Bay. While in Hervey Bay we went to Fraser Island which is the largest sand island in the world. That means that the entire island is composed of only sand which is a really cool characteristic if you think about it. We didn't get to see any dingos while there however we did see their footprints which was kinda cool. So far I have been able to check two things off of my "bucket list." Coming to Australia and putting my feet in the Pacific Ocean. I miss EC, but this trip has been amazing. I encourage any student to take full advantage of the term three trip opportunities!!

First Australia Blog

Ello Mates!!!!

I'm in the land down under for term three and this is my first blog from half way across the world. It is now 7:42 PM Sunday April 26th which means it is 5:43 AM your time. 14 hour time difference, yet the jet-lag was surprisingly easy to get over. So far we have gone to the Hyde Park Barracks, Australia Museum, Toronga Zoo, Circular Quay, and today we took a hike in the blue mountains. Wait until I post pictures of the Mountains!!!! They are stunning. I will be back before I leave Sydney for the next city.

Ashley

YAY

Just got done with the Concert Ensemble Performance (I play the flute), which went well. However the events that occurred post concert have brightened my spirits!!!

I am no longer an RA alternate!! I will be an RA in Columbia Hall for the 2009-2010 academic year! I am super excited and just felt the need to write a quick, short blog about it.

YAY!!!

Ashley Hemphill '12

Freshman Frustration

I would like to start off by commenting on the amazing weather that has graced the EC campus. It's been sunny and warm, which has allowed me to wear flip-flops which are by far my favorite type of shoe. This campus is especially beautiful when the weather is nice because people have been outside either working, or just hanging out. A group of us even ate lunch outside while others threw a baseball and a football around. It's a picture perfect campus during these spring days. I've also been able to run outside, which is a great change from the boring treadmill in the gym.

Most freshman, me included, are stressing over the Freshman writing program. I know that I have one 10 page paper, two 3 page papers, one 5 page paper for just my college composition class. I just keep telling myself that all of this writing is going to benefit me down the road. However, at this exact moment I want to throw my computer out my window.

This past weekend my friends from home did not come up to visit, which was a bit disappointing. However, my mother, grandmother and sister are coming up next weekend, which is going to be great. Every bit of home that I can get here is helpful. This past week we found out what our room selection lotto number is and knowing my luck I knew I would get a very high number. Guess what?..... 170. There are only about 215 girls in my class. I wasn't last, but I was pretty close. Luckily my roommate for next year has a low number. I'm thinking Perry is where we will try to be for next year. Speaking of next year, I had my Orientation Leader interview which was fun, I am hoping to be an Orientation Leader for a small group. I can't wait for the in coming class of 2013. I have been in contact with a few members of the class through facebook, and they seem very eager and excited just like I was during this time my senior year.

Oh! For those of you that have read my previous entries, my sister has just started physical therapy and is healing properly. We are very thankful for that.
I should get back to writing my papers..... JOY!!! Have a nice day, and enjoy the weather!!

Ashley Hemphill '12

Start of a very busy month!

Hello again!
To update everyone on my RA status... I am going to be an RA alternate for the next academic year, which is a good thing because it is in the next step to being an RA. With the new dorm opening in Feb. of next year my chances of being "promoted" are high. My sister is doing well, so well in fact that she is on a cruise right now. A little bit upset with that actually. My parents, sister and her best friend are on a cruise right now... and here I am writing essays for freshman writing in rainy Elmira, NY. This also means that my sister did not come visit me for siblings weekend (sad face). My family going without me has made me realize that I am growing up, and that I am no longer going to be involved in most of the things my parents and sister do. I am a month away from basically finishing my freshman year of college, and I am growing up (tear).

Freshman Writing is without a doubt the reason for my high stress level at the moment. For the next 4 weeks I will be doing nothing but writing and editing papers. It's looking like I have about 20 pages worth of writing to do. I just keep looking at the light at the end of the tunnel, Australia.

That trip is getting me through this month!!! I can't wait for next weekend because two of my best friends are going to come visit me, and then two weeks after my sister, grandmother and mom are coming to visit. I can't wait for them to come up because my sister hasn't been here in over a year and my grandmother has never been to the Elmira. I had my Gold Key interview, and I felt that it went really well. I will not know about that until right before we leave for April break.

Last weekend I had a great experience that I really couldn't wait to share on this blog. I took the opportunity from the school to go to Greek Peak and go tubing for free. It was an incredible amount of fun that took our mind off of school work that made us feel like little kids again. Here is a picture of us!!!

Have a good week, and thanks for reading!!!
Ashley

Seven Weeks into Term II

Hi! I'm Ashley Hemphill, a member of the Astonishing class of 2012. I grew up in Richmond, VA, which is where my family lives now. I am a nursing student here at Elmira College, and I can't wait to start clinical work in my second year here at EC. I am a member of Christian Fellowship, the non-denominational christian club here on campus. At the beginning of the academic year I was a member of the Equestrian Club, however since being at Elmira I have had knee problems that has permitted me from riding.

At the moment I am home for Winter break, and I can't believe that I have made it to this point of my freshman year of college. Just a couple months ago I was nervously packing my car and my parents' car with everything that I was planning on having in my dorm room. Here I am 6 months later worrying about the 2009-2010 academic year. For the past 3 weeks I have been spending my nights in the library until closing (1 AM) studying for mid-terms, or working on one of the infamous Freshman Writing papers, and completing the application process for the job position of Resident Assistant. This process has been quite nerve racking, because it's something I really want. I had to put together my first resume, a cover letter, go through an interview, and a "small group session." After all of this, a first cut was made where the 100+ applicants were narrowed down to 37. When I received the e-mail saying I made the first cut I was more than excited, however the 37 applicants were split into 2 large groups. This large group session would be the final determining factor, and after the RLC's (Resident Life Coordinators) spent Friday the 13th in a day long meeting letters were sent out to all the applicants. These letters would either say "you have been chosen to be an RA," "you have been chosen as an alternate RA," or "thank you for your application, however we do not have a position for you." Sadly for me, I left campus to come home for a week on Friday, therefore my letter is sitting in my mailbox waiting for me. :( On top of this application process, I have put in a resume for the Gold Key Society, which is the group of students that gives the tours of campus for admissions.

This break has been good for me, because the week before I came home my sister, Taylor a freshman in high school, broke her C7 vertebrae in a horseback riding accident. She is doing well, and will have a full recovery. This break came at a perfect time because it has allowed for me to be here with my sister, and spend quality time with my entire family. Even though I have to finish my 10 page paper for writing, a microbiology project, a microbiology paper and reading for my sociology paper, I have still been able to go out with friends and shopping for clothes for my Australia term 3 trip with my mom. Yes!!!! I did say Australia!!!! I'm very excited and if you continue reading my blog you will hear plenty about this trip.

I will keep you posted on my sister, my RA and Gold Key status.

Ash