Falcon Footnotes

Beginning freshman year, i have been able to experience the classroom variety that comes with college. I have attended classes where no one spoke, and others where no one listened. But of all the classes I have taken so far, my favorite so far has been “Racial and Ethnic Politics”. Not only was the subject controversial and engaging, Dr. Harles, the professor, was able to create an environment that allowed us to engage truthfully about varying subject matters. The ability to speak honestly and with respect about issues our society often “sweeps under the rug” was in itself a learning experience. Dr. Harles’ creative approach to learning, included current text on race issues, video documentaries about historical race and ethnic issues in America, and weekly discussion periods where students expressed educated insights on topics. Although several debates arose, the respectful environment Dr. Harles established made even heated debates an enjoyable experience. All this, made this class a great educational experience and further reminded me of why i chose Messiah.

Most college students don’t even recognize let alone define the word “sleep” by the time they reach their sophomore year. When I came to Messiah sleep was important, and then there was coffee house, the union, movies, games, soccer games, brusters, concerts, clubs, floor activities, and finally homework. Almost instantly sleep dropped as a priority, it actually became overrated. I figured college only lasts for four years, and once i am dead i can sleep all i want. NOT TRUE! sleep is important! Without it, professors begin to look similar, classes seem endless, and homework somehow goes missing( then you realize you never actually did it). When i finally realized how important sleep and that it actually matters. Although, i don’t go to bed at like 10pm, i am often able to pull off at least 5 hours of sleep a night, therefore making me functional. You should try it!

Soups, bread, salads, sandwichs and comfy chairs all for a good price. All this pretty much convinces me that Panera was made for students. Not only is thier food good it is also cheap as well, which is a great asset since they can top all this off with free internet. Panera has become my number one choice for food becasue i know that i can always afford it. Which is nice because as a student money is always tight, and being able to eat off campus with friends is always great when you dont have to think too hard about how much it will cost. Panera has also become a get study retreat during finals week, the comfy seats and great outside seating makes studying off campus much eaiser. However, i think the thing that makes Panera the best eating place is that it is pretty much universal everyone can find something they like to eat! To sum this all up, Panera is simply the best!

I always knew I wanted to do something that involved people, how and to what extent, was a mystery until it took AP U.S. history. The mechanics of the U.S. government as well as its origins immediately caught my attention. My interest was furthered after I took a government class that surveyed several forms of government in a comparative manner. Besides the academic aspect of government, I was also very interested in what government can do. Having lived in a few developing countries, I have had the opportunity to experience directly the results of inadequate government. Watching people loose their homes, children unable to go to school because they could be killed by government opposition, and families torn apart by hate fueled by political alliance, ignited within me a passion to serve through politics. Although politics has not had the most pleasant reputation among society, it is and has been the foundation by which many great things have and can be done. Choosing my major was a step towards something bigger, therefore making it a much simpler decision.

Today, I gave my first solo tour to a delightful prospective student to also happened to be my boss Janelle. At first, I was pretty nervous but it slowly became comforatble and I think this was mainly because I begun to experince a certain ownership of Messiah. I know I don’t really OWN the school, but the fact that what I say about Messiah to prospective and accepted students really does matter, leaves many future journeys in my hands. Feeling more connected to the school, makes it easier to be excited about the future that incoming students will enjoy at Messiah. Explaining all that happenes at Messiah, made me further realize that we really do have a lot to offer students. Owning the Messiah journey is really important, and I hope that the rest of the tours I give best expose the great opportunities ahead for future students.