Back to school...........
Let me begin with before break. Finals week was crazy and intense, but I got through it and actually raised my GPA with my term 1 grades (to my surprise). Getting home on the other hand was deffinitly the worst way to start my actual Winter break. So here it goes:
Friday, December 18th
- Slept through 5 alarms and 20+ phone calls to miss my 6AM flight out of Elmira.
- Departed from Elmira at 3:30 to only land in Philadelphia to find out my flight to Richmon had been cancelled.
- Learned that the Richmond airport had been shut down due to snow. (yes, I said snow.)
- Booked a flight into Newport News, VA to not get stuck in Philadelphia for 3 days.
- Parents drove 1.5 hours to pick me up.
- Luggage didn't arrive.
- Drove 4 hours through blizzard snow to get home.
- Woke up to 14 inches of snow on the ground and no luggage.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday
- Snowed in...... NO LUGGAGE
Tuesday
- Drove to airport to get luggage.... FINALLY!!!!!
After the ordeal of getting home I had a fantastic break, but there was a chance of snow on the day I was supposed to return. I chose to fly back to Elmira early inorder to miss any possibility of being delayed or canceled again. I had RA winter training the Saturday before classes began, which was fun...... however I could really move my head too well due to a stiff neck. I didn't think much of it until I woke up Sunday and couldn't move my head. I went to the Emergency Room and come to find out I had sprained my neck. So with a neck brace on and pain killers and a muscle relaxer in hand I returned to my dorm room and entered a comatose state until classes the next day.
This term I am taking my first Nursing Practicum course and I am extremly excited to be wearing scrubs and doing something other than book work. Of course I am excited about my pink stethoscope and my pink bedazzeled I.D. holder. It is a very very very busy term, and as I told my residents I am sorry if I am not available as often as I should be. The first week felt like a month and I can only hope that the rest of the term doesn't follow in that trend.
The RA selection process has begun and today I spent my time evaluating candidates in the small group process. It felt like yesterday I was in their shoes, nervous and hoping I would get the position. It was a relief to be on the other side of the process, and I have a whole new appreciation and understand of what it takes to hire a staff. A lot of the current RA's are graduating so it will be a fresh staff next year and a brand new building, which will hopefully provide a breath of fresh air to Resident Life next year.
Friday night S.A.B. brought Mike DuBois and his act "Adult circus" on campus. It was a great time!!!! Here is a link to his website. http://www.theadultcircus.com/circus/home.html
My last little tid-bit for today's blog...... I highly recommend going to see the movie Extrodinary Measures.
Thanks for reading
Ashley!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday, November 29, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
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
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
Friday, August 28, 2009
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
Sunday, July 12, 2009
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
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
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