Spring Semester (In)Sanity

Bonjour, tout le monde!

As much as I love fall semester, spring semester always seems to fly on by because there is always so much happening! Besides the fact that I leave for Paris in three weeks (ahhhhh!) I'm trying not to get too excited because there is still so much to do before we leave.

However, one of the things that I love most about spring semester is that I get to look forward to where I'm going to live next year! Luckily, campus housing is so convenient that it's easy to find housing without a hitch. Here are my five reasons as to why YOU should consider living on-campus:

• The people. Whether you're from Salt Lake City or South Africa, living on campus is the best way to meet new people and make friends. It will open your mind to new ways of living and gives you a built in family. I wouldn't know half the people that I know today if I didn't live on campus my first two years at Westminster. 
• The quintessential experience. Whether it's watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off in the lounge at midnight, cooking enchiladas in the kitchen, or having people over for a Just Dance competition, there is never a shortage of wacky things to do just a few feet from your bedroom (plus, who doesn't love to take their mind off of homework for a few hours?!).
• It's convenient. Nobody likes to drive (or walk!) in the snow if they don't have to. Living on campus guarantees a maximum 10 minute walk to wherever you need to go. You can also wake up 15 minutes before your 12 PM class and make it with minutes to spare...
• It's all-inclusive. The sticker price may not seem comparable to that apartment down the street, but with campus housing, what you see is what you get. You don't have to worry about paying extra for garbage, water, electricity, or internet, because it's all available in one place.
• There are options. Whether you want to share a room in Hogle or Carleson your freshman year, enjoy your own space on the Village Green in Olwell, Behnken, or Stock, or take advantage of Westminster's luxurious On the Draw, you're certainly not stuck anywhere. Pick what is right for you and enjoy all of the amenities that Sugarhouse and Westminster living has to offer!

As for me? I'm going to be living with my friend Elle in the Draw next year! We're completely excited and we wish that we could move in right now. Some of the best parts of the Draw? A washer & dryer in every apartment, covered parking, dishwasher, and fitness center! Perfection.

The view of the Draw from 1300 E.

Picture courtesy of The Forum. 

Two Paws Up

Happy Wednesday!

One of my favorite things about Westminster is just how dedicated students are to doing service. Did you know that Westminster has been named to Presidential Honor Roll for six years (and running...)?! During the 2010-2011 academic year, Westminster students performed over 67,000 hours of community service. Craziness!

If you're not already devoted to a particular organization, Westminster's Center for Civic Engagement can  set you up with some amazing local organizations with any kind of time commitment. It's just one of the many amazing campus resources that is free and easily accessible for all students!

If you've looked at my blog before, you know that I'm a huge animal lover. In fact, I've been working with Friends of Animals Utah for almost a year now! I've helped at Super Adoptions, cared for sick animals, and everything in between. In fact, I was just up at the shelter yesterday, which inspired me to post some more pictures!

Spending time volunteering is an amazing way to shake up your week. Sometimes when I feel like I'm inundated with what seem like never-ending classes and homework, I take a few hours and surround myself with the best kind of therapy that exists!

I can't even handle this facial expression.

A super cheesy collage of some of cute animals yesterday!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Hi all!

This semester has been going great so far, but brrrrrrr. The weather has been so cold in Salt Lake recently! Last Friday, we even had a campus-wide snow day!

We definitely had over 24 hours of non-stop snow. Luckily, I didn't have to go anywhere, which was a good thing since I couldn't get my car out! I spent all weekend in with my friends and enjoyed watching the snow fall from my window. It was amazing!

SO many snacks!

 Besides eating and cuddling, what's the best thing to do when it's snowing? Build a fort and watch movies in it! I'd call it a success.

The extremely beautiful aftermath (I still can't use my car, but who's complaining?) of what's been dubbed as "Storm Gandalf." I know that there was at least a foot of snow. :)

And, even though the snow is leaving us for a little while, it is still extremely c-c-c-c-cold. Time to bundle up!

Three Cheers for 2013!

Hi everyone!

Maiden Lane, San Francisco

I'd by lying if I said I wasn't a little sad about being back in Utah, but I'm so grateful to have had two and a half weeks with my family in friends in California. It's amazing to say that I have two homes, one in the Bay Area and one here in SLC! Seeing my friends after just two and a half weeks of break was an amazing thing. This semester's classes just started yesterday, and I can't wait to see what this semester holds and what exciting adventures 2013 has in store!

For now, enjoy some pictures of my Christmas break...more to come soon!

P.S. Keep your eyes out for more information about my May Term trip to Paris!

Temple Square with friends!

Chopping down our family tree in Santa Cruz, California.

49ers vs. Cardinals 

It's time.

Hi everyone!

November is reaching its end, and the insanity that is December is beginning to ensue. End-of-semester nuttiness is hitting everyone on campus (Salt Lake's recent weather confusion isn't helping anyone's case either!). Most people seem to be spending their final days of the semester writing papers, finishing up projects (or starting them...), and trying to work on about a million other things.

However, in the midst of what some would call this "two week disaster," there are a ton of fun things to do in Salt Lake to enjoy the holidays, both with and without that beautiful white blanket we call snow.

Just a few ideas:

1. Holiday lights at Temple Square
• As of just four days ago, Temple Square is now beautifully lit and ready for the holiday season! Students can use their ID to take TRAX (Utah's light rail system) to avoid the downtown holiday traffic congestion. Get yourself some hot cocoa, throw on a scarf, and you're set!
2. Gallivan Center Ice Rink 
• This is definitely a holiday favorite for all locals! The $8 admission fee gets you skates and all of the skate time you could need, use, or want.
3. Chamber Singers Holiday Concert - November 30 & December 1, 2012 at 7:30 PM
• Come see the annual "holiday extravaganza" that is the Chamber Singers Holiday Concert! Westminster students get one free ticket at the box office, don't miss out! November 30 & December 1, 2012 at 7:30 PM
4. Utah Olympic Park
• Relive all of the magic of the 2002 Olympics with a visit to the Utah Olympic Park. Take a guided tour, go curling, or even partake in their 2012 Annual Holiday Festival! 

Now GO! Have an adventure! But don't forget to study...

--LaurenJean

Welcome Class of 2016!

Good Morning Griffins!

Yesterday marked the kick-off of a brand new school year. As much as I enjoyed being in SLC summer, it's so nice to see everyone back on campus! This time around, "everyone" includes 750+ new additions to Westminster campus, composed of first-time college freshman as well as transfer students.

Almost ten months ago in November of 2011, I applied to be a Griffin Orientation Leader (aka GO Leader). I had friends both at Westminster and at other universities that had encouraged me to apply based off of their own experiences (so I did), and I am so incredibly glad that I heeded their advice. Orientation training officially began a mere nine days ago, and although it was incredibly exhausting at the time, I am now regretfully sad that the process is over. However, I am so, so proud and ecstatic to say that I have found friends in over two dozen fantastic, crazy, hilarious and spirited people on campus.

Kelsey (L), Elle (M) and Riley (R) at check-in.

Orientation is such an exciting time. Over the course of four fun-filled and intensely packed days, students meet an overwhelming number of people, band together as a graduating class, learn the ins-and-outs of campus, and for so many, time to make the big move from home to residence hall. For some, it's the difference of moving a few blocks and for others it's the difference of moving from, well, Kyrgyzstan.

Wherever you're from and whatever your major, I hope that your experience at Westminster so far has been fantastic. I hope all of you know that if you ever feel like you're in a bind, you have people to turn to. This is an amazing school with an even more incredible community. Welcome!

A few of us GO Leaders at Shopko night!

Tyson (L) and Keni (R) at Shopko night.

Yet another EPIC game of capture the flag on campus!

No One Mourns the Wicked

Happy Tuesday!

It's no secret that one of my favorite things to do is to go to the theatre. I'm a huge fan of musical theatre especially! So, when I found out that Wicked was spending a month and a half in Salt Lake City on their national tour, I just had to go. I had seen the show a few years back in San Francisco and was absolutely dying to see it again.

Luckily, with the help of Anita's friend, we were able to snag some great seats early - literally back in November! Sadly, now the performance is over. However, I will continue to relive the magic each day with the help of these pictures and the fantastic Wicked soundtrack. Enjoy!

P.S. Fortunately, Wicked is showing at the Capitol Theatre, just a 10 minute drive from Westminster's campus. Seriously, guys. It doesn't get much better than that.

Before the show, Anita and I went to breakfast at Eva. This was seriously the best french toast I have ever had in my life. It's stuffed with a honey walnut cream cheese and served with a blueberry compote. YUM.

Here I am in front of the theatre!

The view of the set from our seats. 

When I go to see shows, I love standing by the stage door to have cast members sign my posters! 

Nicole Parker, who plays Elphaba, signed my poster and even wrote my name on it. I DIED.