Light

I changed up the template of my blog again. The other one was too plain - too cookie-cutter and I didn't want to just fit a mold.

Instead, I've chosen to have a lantern as the background to my page. I've felt such a purpose in the last week as everything with the Half the Sky screening came together so well and things are moving forward with building involvement with the movement here on campus. I've felt a deep joy all week and I've realized that it's because my passion has been stirred. I'm anxious to gather people together, to brainstorm ways to get invovled, to lead other students and to devote my time and energy to this - because this is where my pasion lies. I care deeply for the women and girls around the world who lie awake at night dreaming of an education or wishing for an end to the violence they will face in the morning or fearing the next man to enter their room and abuse their young bodies. Knowing this has changed my attitude when in the past I would have gone to bed stressed about my exam the next day, tired because it's late, sore from working out or grumpy because I've been studying for the last 8 hours. Although some of these things are still important, in the grand scheme of things, I fall asleep every night knowing I am safe, that I will be safe and that I am attending one of the top ranked schools in the nation. And the stress I nevertheless fall asleep with, is in an effort to prepare for my future. With the degree I will graduate with I can devote my life to my passion - to turn oppression into opportunity for women and girls around the globe.  

To that end, the lantern represents the hope and the joy that has been radiating from my heart all week and I wanted to share it with you all too!

Fall Has Arrived

Hello everyone!

You may have noticed the new look of my blog - I thought it was time to switch things up and I think this one is easy to read and easy to go back and find recent posts if you've missed them.

Well, it's about the middle of October and that means several things here at Wash U: the leaves are changing and the campus is beautiful, the warm weather has left for good, and midterms are upon us.

I somehow got lucky with my schedule and don't have a crazy set of midterms. I had two big exams a few weeks ago, a paper due today and then two exams next week. That is nothing compared to most of my friends who have 4-5 exams in roughly a two week period. Besides the stress of exams, my classes are going well and although I was a bit doubtful at first, I'm enjoying my schedule.
- Micro is a pain - it's difficult and impossible to do well. It is curved though so I know that it's not as bad as it seems... but it's hard not knowing what kind of a curve he'll give so I have no clue what kind of a grade I might end up with.
- Children's Studies is a bit boring as an actual class (straight 1.5 hour lecture right after lunch - I have to try so hard to stay awake!) but the subject material is interesting and I'm enjoying what we are learning.
- Present Moral Problems is a fascinating class and I love the discussions we have every day. I am slowly beginning to speak up more in that class (it's a lot of very strong-opinioned people - of whom I am not one!) but I'm liking it a lot!
- Calc is just calc. Gross.
- Swahili is so fun! Ninapenda kusoma kiswahili sana sana sana! (I like learning swahili very much!) :D

My suitemates are still a delight :) I am so blessed to have 6 fun girls to live with! I know I keep saying it, but it is such a different atmosphere than last year and I truely am having a much better year because of it!

Golf has been going well and the fall season is almost over! I only played in one tournament, which was disappointing but I have not been playing well (especially in the qualifiers) so I haven't really deserved to go. But that's alright! The mid-season rankings came out last week and we are ranked the #2 Division III team in the country. Pretty outstanding isn't it! I know that just being on a golf team, let alone such a highly ranked and respected team is something I should be proud of and thankful for no matter how much I play - so proud and thankful I am! I'm looking forward to "turning up the heat" in the spring and playing in more tournaments!

Another exciting thing that has been happening recently is my involvement with an organization called Half the Sky. It is a national movement based off the book Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, which focuses on ending oppression of women and giving them opportunity. This national movement has reached out to college campuses and found students who are willing to work to bring the Half the Sky documentary to their campuses. I am one of these Campus Ambassadors and have worked hard over the last month and a half to organize our screening, which was last night! And it was such a success! We had roughly 90 people come and the documentary was overwhelmingly powerful. Everyone was emotionally touched and 90% of the people wrote on the feedback cards that they want to get involved with the movement! I couldn't have been happier! We are excited to work together and see what kind of change we can implement for our campus! If you get the chance - I would HIGHLY recommend you watch the film. Here's a link to places where you can buy/rent/stream/watch somehow.

Libby and I have kept up our cooking/baking habits. On Sunday we made a full meal for ourselves after we got inspired during our trip to Trader Joes :) Spaghetti Squash with homemade arugula pesto and Sweet Potato Biscuits! I also made a delicious pumpkin coffee cake for the golf team last week, which they quickly devoured!

Here's some other pictures from out latest adventures!

Libby and I at the Taste of St. Louis

Perfect photo op :)

At the golf tournament watching Olivia tee off in a playoff for individual medalist (first place), which she won!

Our Half the Sky Screening last night! That's me in front of the screen :)

Another shot from the Taste of St. Louis - Shannon, Me, Libby, and Robin

At balloon glow...
Amy, Libby, Shannon, Me and Helen

We took 1st place in the tournament! Yeah Bears!