My Head Is Spinning

The most crucial week of the semester has arrived and is almost gone. It’s crunch time!! I have been scrambling around every moment tying up all the loose ends of my freshman year. I have piled so much onto my plate that I don’t know where to go from moment to moment. I just fly by the seat of my pants and take life as it comes at me for the time being. It’s the only way to handle the stress that comes along with being a college student. My grades are stable and if I do well on my finals I should pull out at least a 3.5 GPA ( I know its not spectacular, but it works). I’m equally worried about each of my finals and overly worried about the way I am preparing for them! I over think everything, so my worries don’t surprise me. I should be home free after my New Testament exam on Tuesday! Boy, will that be a relief…one year of college under my belt!

My head is spinning with everything I have to get done before I leave this place for the summer. I’m pretty well caught up with all the papers that have to be filled out and signed and the clutter in my room is dwindling down slowly. I have also been trying to make time to make a few extra memories that I can file away and take home with me for the summer. My friends and I took a relaxing trip down to The Falls this past week and had a blast. The waterfall is gorgeous and it was really fun to just goof around and be with all my buddies.

I have tons of things to get done, so I will recap my freshman experience at UC in my last blog that will be coming to an LCD screen near you in a few weeks.

Tessie Shay Rice

On the Home Stretch (Literally)!

I am almost officially a sophomore in college. Whoa! I never expected it to get here this fast. We have three more weeks of actual classes and a few days for exams. Man, when I spell that out in words it really feels like no time at all. I’m on the home stretch of my first year of college. I have been working hard to sustain my good grades to make my GPA turn out as it should while also trying to perfect my form with javelin so I will have a better chance in our Conference Meet.

Along with school and sports I have also been scurrying around my room every chance I get packing things up here and there so I won’t be overloaded at the completion of this semester. Speaking of my room, I also reserved my room for next year. Unfortunately, all my girls and I didn’t get put a suite as we had hoped for. I’m in a room with Jodi (the one I had planned on rooming with) in Archer Hall beside of the Cafeteria. Upon hearing our placement, Jodi and I were a little down hearted because Archer doesn’t have air conditioning, but I suppose we’ll survive (that is if the power outlets can handle all of the fans we plan on bringing :)

Now, for my favorite part of blogging….telling about all the fun I’m having here at UC, besides class of course! Student Government hosted a Masquerade Ball Saturday night. Formal attire was required for entry, so my boyfriend and I dressed up all fancy and went to the ball. It was held in the Williamsburg Convention Center, which is about a mile from campus. We had a really fun time. We laughed the entire night. I had a hard time getting Arron to dance with me, but I blame that on the fact that the DJ didn’t really play the kind of music we’re used to dancing to. A couple of my girl friends went too, so I danced with them mostly. My favorite part, as well as my friends’ was getting dressed up and it really helped relieve me of the stress I have a tendency to put myself under when it’s crunch time.

Enjoy these beautiful days and keep me in your prayers as my freshman year of college comes to a close!

Spring Has Sprung (Well, Almost)

Every time I step outside I can smell the efforts spring is making to push winter aside for the year. The weather here in Williamsburg has been quite indecisive lately. Consistent, fresh spring days are long over due! According to the calendar, spring isn’t supposed to arrive for about another week, so I guess I’ll wait patiently. I believe there really is such a thing as Spring Fever, because I’ve got it. I’m anxiously awaiting, not only spring, but the break that comes with it. Even thought I’m not going on a so-called vacation, I really need the rest that our week off will hopefully provide.

My birthday is this coming Saturday (March 15th), so I’m very excited that I will get to spend it at home with my family and friends…just maybe they’ll have me a little party! I’ll be 19, so I guess I’m getting old and from what I hear, a party isn’t really required when you get so old, but if I’m still around on my 99th birthday, someone better throw me a party!

I really need to pack up some of my belongings to take home over the break, so I won’t have so much to pack when this semester comes to a close. I also really should study for my Biology test. There is an immense amount of things I need to get done, so I need to close for now. Have a fantabulous next couple of weeks. Enjoy spring when it has finally sprung and live life to the fullest because remember, there are no second chances to live this life!

Tessie Shay Rice

Peaceful Reality

Over the past few weeks and throughout this semester as a whole, I’ve began to see things in a different light. I’ve always know “who I am,” so to speak and where I stand in each of the different aspects of my life. I do have one flaw that hinders me somewhat though: I sweat the small stuff! I have a hot temper and a soft heart all at the same time, if that makes any sense at all. To cut to the chase, I let things irritate or worry me more than I probably should. For example, I’ve been very stressed out about my plans for the future. I’m always thinking of where I will be in the next five years and what my future holds. I wonder if I have chosen the right major to lead me into the career field I will enjoy and be of use in. I’m sure both of these things, along with my other fears are normal for the average college student, but I really let these worries take hold of my life when I shouldn’t. Even though my faith is and always has been consistent and strong, my recent uncertainties have brought me closer to God. I have decided to let Him have total control of my life (not that He didn’t already have control), and trust that He will lead me in the right direction. The long talks I’ve had with God over the past little bit have opened my eyes to this peaceful reality I’m living in. My heart is content and my worries have subsided.

This weekend I’m headed to good ole Johnson County for the second weekend in a row and boy am I stoked. I love hanging out here at UC and traveling with the track team, but when I get to go home I really have a great time. I’m very close to my family and any time I get to spend with them is priceless. Although I have made UC my new home, sometimes I miss the comfort of my little house in the big woods. I can’t wait to be welcomed by my parents open arms, my dogs’ wagging tails, my cats’ finicky grins, and the sounds of wide open country!

Just live life and give your worries to God!

Tessie Shay Rice

I Couldn’t Be Happier

I can’t believe it is already Valentine’s Day (which makes me super excited)! We are already almost through the first half of this semester. I’ll be finished with my first year of college before I know it. I never dreamed time would go by this quickly, but as the worn out cliché goes… “time flies when you’re havi n’ fun.” Although college isn’t a piece of cake, fun is just what I’ve been having. I’m not going to lie; I get kind of stressed out at times because my schedule is so packed. It’s not that big of a deal though, because I have developed some killer time management skills over the past few months and I have been utilizing those skills to their fullest extent! Those skills along with the many other responsibilities I am learning to take on are really preparing me for the world ahead.

Okay, I’ve probably bored you enough on the lessons I’m learning, so I’ll tell you about some things that I think are very exciting. First of all, I think my girl friends and I have finally decided where we want to live next year. Believe me, that was a brain teaser! No need to break a sweat though, we have it all figured out! Five of my new best friends and I want to live in a suite in Asher together (two to a room, six in one suite). I think that’s pretty sweet (no pun intended)! We really hope the Dean of Student Life can work it out for us. All we do nowadays is discuss how we want to decorate our living room and bath room and all the cute stuff we’re going to bring to decorate with. I know, very girly, but what can I say, we’re extremely excited.

This past weekend we (the track team) traveled to Greencastle, IN to compete in the Depauw Invitational. It was a long trip, but well worth it. I had a lot of fun and wasn’t as nervous when I threw this time. The exciting part of the meet was my throw. I set a new personal record for myself for indoor meets. I gained a foot and 7 inches on my throw. I think I was more comfortable in the ring and more confident in myself this time. Hopefully I will continue to improve so I can gain some points for the team at our conference meet this spring.

As for a not so exciting topic, I’ve been a little under the weather lately, and I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. I went down to the clinic, which is less than a mile from campus, today to make my appointment. The clinic where all the athletes and I assume most everyone goes to is so fitting for the college student. Not only is it is in walking distance, they are very cooperative with our schedules and understand the importance of making us feel at home. It’s really nice to know there is some where close to go, even to be treated for the common cold (which is dominating my immune system right now!) Although, I’m not absolutely too sick to walk or anything, I hope to feel better as soon as I can get into the doctor. I’m pretty tough, most of the time, so with a little medicine I should recover quickly!

To wrap it up I just want to say that I couldn’t be any happier with the choice I made in December 2006. Like I have said before, I knew then that UC is where God wanted me to be and still feel the same way. I thought my high school days would be the be years of my life, so I soaked up every minute of them, but I was mistaken…my college years are going to be and already have been way better than high school, and I had a lot of fun during my high school days. I’m preparing myself for the career I’ve always dreamed of while making tons of unforgettable memories all at the same time.

Oh and by the way, the picture is of my “hope to be” suitemates and me. We were only missing one person, Stacey. From left to right it’s Jodi (my soon to be roomie), Me, Mal, Jenn, and Flo. We’ll have to get another picture with Stacey in it and then just maybe we can blow it up to poster size for part of the decoration of our suite!!!!! Maybe we can get another picture at the pizza party we’re having tomorrow night in her room!!!

Tessie Shay Rice

All Is Well for Me at UC

I’m in my 4th week of the spring semester and classes, track, and life are “running” smoothly. Most of my classes are turning out to be just fine, and I was right… I really like New Testament. We have our first test in New Testament at the next class meeting. I’m anticipating a good grade because I’ve been studying. My least favorite class would have to be World Civ. I love the professor! He is hilarious and really makes the class interesting, but I’m just not much of a history girl! The others fall into the average category, you know the “don’t love it, don’t hate it” class category: ) My classes are a little more challenging this semester as far as work load goes, but I’m learning to balance things.

I competed in my first collegiate track meet this past weekend. We traveled to Findlay, OH which is about 6 ½ hours from UC. We took one of the charter buses equipped with T.V., bathroom, and all, which I thought was totally cool! I had a great time and was pleased with my throwing distance. I only threw shot put because it was indoors. It’s a little too dangerous to have discs and javelins soaring through the air indoors!! The coaches were pleased with all of us. I love the track program here! Coach Stroud is very encouraging and always makes sure his team is taken care of. If anyone out there wants to compete in Track and Field, I would strongly recommend joining our team.

Life, in general, has been treating me pretty well. As I always say, I love it here at UC. I wouldn’t trade the experiences I’ve had, and I’m sure to have in the future for all the money in the world. It’s the perfect place for someone who likes down to earth people and a community that feels like home. In other words, it’s perfect for me!!!

Well, I have three tests this week and lots of reading top catch up on (since I was gone all weekend) so I had better get to work. I’ll have more about UC and ME next time!!!

Tessie Shay Rice

Things Have Changed

I’ve been back to school for a week and I had forgotten how much I love it here at UC. My favorite part of returning, of course, was seeing all my friends again and beginning new classes. Speaking of classes, I managed to get a 3.6 GPA my first semester as a college student. Even though I didn’t have too much trouble with my classes last semester, it’s really nice to have brand new classes and a clean slate. As far as I can tell, my classes this semester aren’t going to be that bad. I only have one class on Tuesdays and Thursdays: New Testament. I think it’s going to be my favorite class; I love learning about the Bible.

Not only have my classes changed, but my dorm room has also changed, in a sense. The room is now only occupied by me. My roommate moved back home to Paintsville to attend the local community college. I called to see if she wanted to follow me back and that is when she told me. Since I had such short notice, it came as a little bit of a shock to me. The whole ride back to UC, I thought about how empty my room must look. I didn’t know what it was going to be like without her here with me. I’ve been here for a little while now and I have gotten used to having the room to myself. Although I miss her terribly, I do have to say I have so much room for all my stuff. I wish she would’ve have stayed but she’s happier where she is, so that makes me happy for her.

Upon my return to school, track practice immediately picked up where it left off. We’re in the weight room at least 3 days a week and on the track most everyday. Our practices have become more intense and focused and I’m glad. Focus and intensity means track meets are approaching and track meets mean competition, and I love competition. The only thing I don’t like about the changes to practice is the 6am practices. I think they’re only going to be on Wednesdays, so I can handle it, but I WILL NOT like it. I am not a morning person, especially when I’m running and lifting weights. I love track, though, so I am in no way complaining.

So for the most part, things are good. I love my life at UC. I never pictured it to be so comforting and fulfilling to me. I know UC is where I want to be for the next four years. As my parents say, it is one step closer to being on my own without being COMPLETELY on my own. College definitely has given me a sense of independence, yet I can still go home to my mom and dad.

Well, I have some laundry in the washing machines, so I’d better go check on it before someone dumps it out onto the table!!! I’ll keep you posted.

Tessie Shay Rice

WHEW!!!

Whew!! I made it through my first semester as a college student. It really wasn’t bad at all. My classes went smoothly and final exams weren’t as grueling as I assumed they’d be. I studied all the material we’d covered during my regular classes and I was well-prepared once exam time rolled around. As a matter of fact, I finished most of my exams in about a half hour (you’re allotted 2 hrs. for each exam). I still don’t know what my final grades look like because our online site for checking our grades is temporarily down. I am anxiously awaiting the website to be up and running so I can see what the outcome of my hard work in the classroom will be.

Now that finals are over and I have one full college semester under my belt, I can focus on home and Christmas!! Thank God it is finally Christmas break. We get close to an entire month off from school. Sounds great, huh? It is, believe me. I’m finally relaxing without worrying about what’s due for next class, getting to bed early, or making it to practice on time. I’m sure I will be missing college life soon, though. I already miss all my new college friends.

I really can’t believe Christmas is here. It is creeping right up on me. I have all my shopping done and presents wrapped, well all except for one. I still have a “pretty” baby doll to find for one of the little girls I used to babysit. After that I will be able to sit back and watch the rest of the world do the Christmas rush.

All I can say is “Whew!” I can focus on being home with my family and enjoying Christmas. Remember the reason for the season. God Bless!

Tessie Shay Rice

Speeding

I thoroughly enjoyed my nice, five day Thanksgiving break. It was a great refresher before the rush of finals. Believe me; I am definitely in the finals rush. As of right now, I have good grades (A’s and B’s) and one final could destroy the grade that I have worked so hard to receive. I have already been studying and I plan to study even more. I’ve just had a lot of other stuff going on that has hindered my study plans (along with getting this blog submitted on time ). It seems like I’ve been speeding through everyday, and daylight runs out long before I’m finished rushing around.

One thing that has kept me overloaded is the KY State Traffic School Video I had to watch. I know… you’re wondering why in the world I would have to do such a thing. Well, I was caught SPEEDING on the way home about a month ago. I had my cruise control set for 60 M.P.H. in my little black Camaro and was coming down a very steep hill. My cruise increased from 60 M.P.H. up to 71 M.P.H. That’s a big mistake in Perry County where the cops hop on a speeder like white on rice. I tried to talk my way out of it, but the cop was on a mission to give a ticket, so that’s exactly what I got: a big ole ticket! In order to keep my driving record clean, I had to either go to a four hour driving class or watch the video which was also four grueling hours long. I watched the video, took the test, and scored a 90% on it, so I should be clean as far as driving goes. I do have a little advice for you though, NEVER speed in Perry County, Kentucky, and if you do get a ticket, don’t watch the video, just go sit through the class!

Now since I am finished with Driving School and I have had a little time to begin my studying for finals, I’ve started a new project. Tonight I’m hosting a Christmas party in my room. Fourteen girls are expected to show up with presents for their Secret Santa Girl. We drew names last week and now the party is finally here! We’re having pizza, stocking candy, and hot chocolate while jamming to some Christmas tunes as we open presents. We’ll probably watch The Grinch to conclude the party. I have three more Christmas parties coming up before I leave for home (at the required speed limit) to start the real Christmas party!!!

Have a wonderful Christmas, don’t eat too many goodies, and absolutely DO NOT get caught SPEEDING.

Tessie Shay Rice

Mach III

I wish everyone out there reading this blog could write to tell me about all the fun he/she had on Halloween. I’m sure all of you had a great time wherever you were. Just let me tell you, I had a blast. I went to 2 Halloween parties. One was held in our cafeteria, where they served drinks and snacks and played music. My boyfriend and I showed everyone how to dance “stone age” style, since we were dressed as Fred and Wilma Flintstone. Two of our friends came as Barney and Betty Rubble, so we had the whole gang (we left the kids at home for our night out)!! The other Halloween party was at my friend’s house in Barbourville. The whole volleyball team was there and I brought along three additional friends. We pigged out, watched scary movies, played games, and had a costume contest, which my boyfriend and I won. I had a great time at both parties. I just love college and all the baggage that comes with it…FRIENDS. I have made so many close friends just in the 4 months that I’ve been here. I can’t imagine how many more I’ll make.

As soon as Halloween was over it seemed like everything had been set to run at Mach III (super fast). In other words, the days go by so quickly that sometimes I don’t even know where I find time to sleep. With our Thanksgiving Break approaching it seems like all my professors have decided to pile on the work. Not that I can’t handle it, I just don’t enjoy it. I guess they think they’re making up for the class time we’ll be missing. I sure am glad finals are scheduled for the week before Christmas Break because if the teachers are compensating for lost time, I’d hate to see them compensate for the time lost over Christmas!! Not only do I have class to worry about, but there’s also the usual work study, track practice, and tanning bed (if I have time). I use my time wisely though, so that I don’t get too overwhelmed. My life usually runs at a fast pace, as I have mentioned before, so I’m pretty sure I can deal with a speed set at Mach III. Besides school, there’s the anxiety of going home in a few days for Thanksgiving. Once I get home I know the hustle and bustle of Christmas time will be in the air. Then I’ll be stoked for all the joy that Christmas brings.

I think my mom and I might take a little trip, to tie up some loose ends of Christmas shopping while I’m home. My mom always has everything wrapped and tagged before December and she has fallen a little behind this year. Over Thanksgiving I’m going to help her get caught up. I also can’t wait for all the good food I’m going to stuff down my throat on Thanksgiving. I’m gonna have to do some major exercising when I return to school to work off the turkey fat!! Have a very blessed Thanksgiving and remember all you’re thankful for.

Tessie Shay Rice

It’s Always Somethin’

School is in full swing and so is the rest of my life. If I’m not in class, I’m at practice. If I’m not in class or at practice, I’m at workstudy. If I’m not at any of those places I’m in Gillespie Hall. If I’m in Gillespie, I am usually sleeping, doing home work, finishing my laundry, or getting ready to go somewhere to fulfill one of my many duties as a college student. When I’m not at UC, I am usually at home. My life never drops into low gear, even when I go home. From Friday night football games to Sunday morning church service, it’s always somethin’. This past weekend, for example, I went straight from Cumberlands to my high school football game. Then early Saturday morning, I went to the flea market to help my mom sell Bag Lady Merchandise. Saturday night I went shopping with two little girls for birthday presents. As soon as I got home from shopping, I worked like a busy little bee on my Halloween costumes. Sunday morning it was church and hanging with the family. Finally after a long weekend back home, I was off to UC, my home away from home. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t be able to handle it if my life slowed down. I enjoy being on the go all the time, I am a fast-paced girl, and I always will be. College is the best! I love living the life of a college student. I have my freedom, but still have mom and dad to take care of me when I need it.

I’m sure all of you have some cool Halloween plans, and so do I. I actually get to wear two different costumes this year. For my work study I help with a kindergarten class at Williamsburg Independent School. On Halloween I’m helping them with trick-or-trick. For that little endeavor I’m dressing as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, complete with red slippers and my little dog, Toto. I “glittered” my own red high heels Saturday night. Then this Wednesday night, my friend, Brittani is having a party at her house. My boyfriend and I are dressing as Fred and Wilma Flintstone. I made the rock necklace to go with my Wilma costume and I plan to color my hair orange and go barefoot. I can’t wait for all the upcoming Halloween festivities. Remember to have fun, but be safe.

Tessie

Making the Grade

I can’t even believe it!! It’s already mid-term and volleyball season is coming to a close.  Time really does fly when you’re having fun.  That’s exactly what I’ve been doing: having fun and lots of it.  I do have to work a bit too!  I’m getting my first grades as a college student and finishing my first volleyball season as a collegiate athlete.  All my grades should be pretty decent, all A’s and B’s.  I’ve studied hard and kept up in my classes, so my hard work should pay off.  I would rate my efforts toward school work with an A for the semester.  If I were giving my volleyball season a grade it would probably have to be a C-. That is an average grade and we’ve had the season of an average “new” team. We’ve only won 2 games so far, but have made a good effort every time we hit the court.  Hopefully, my track season will get an A, because I have total control over the outcome of each meet; sort of like I have control over what goes on in the classroom.  I love competing in the throwing events for track, and I absolutely can’t wait until I get started.  I’d say I’ll get to join the team around the middle of November if things go as planned.

As for fall break, mine was all I wanted it to be and more.  I got to hang out with my family, which I really enjoyed.  I also got to reminisce about my high school days.  Even though I love college and all the new people I’ve met, I really miss my family when I’m away from them for a long time.  Of course, I got to spend some quality time with my folks at home just chillin’.   Friday night I went to my high school’s home football game with my brother and sister-in-law.  I got all bundled up for the cold night decked out in black and gold.  I wore my senior shirt topped with my letterman jacket.  It almost made me feel like a high schooler again.  Once we arrived at the stadium I had this funny feeling.  I felt out of place in the stadium where I once screamed my guts out for the home team every Friday night.  But life moves on and things change.  I had a great time at the game and had fun supporting the old team with Bub and Annie.  

The highlight of my fall break was Saturday.  Saturday morning me, Dad, Bub, and Arron loaded up in the 4-door /roll-back/ race car hauler and traveled to Clay City to drag race.  My brother races a ’48 Chevy Coupe and my dad races a ’67 Ford Galaxy.  When Bub and Dad stage up to the line and rev up their motors,  I bet I look like a big peacock with its feathers fanned out because I actually know the guys at the starting line(I know it’s a little corny, but hey, they’re my heroes, what can I say).  I just love the sound of all the loud, powerful motors.  Once the races begins, I just can’t get enough of watching all the competitors burn rubber off their slicks and race the clock.  One day I want to be the one burning rubber in a souped up car, but Dad says I need a little practice first.  I bet you can’t guess the grade fall break receives:  A+++.  I had an awesome time during the short 4 days I got to be home, but I wish it could have been longer!  Well, now I’m glad to be back at school.  I have only lived away from home for a few short weeks, but I can honestly say campus has already become my home away from home.  College is such a “step up” from high school.  Everyone is so mature and always willing to lend a helping hand!  That’s a wrap for this time.  Have fun, as I’m sure I will do the same!!!!!!!

Tessie

Mixed Emotions

Let’s just say I’ve had a very eventful few weeks since my last blog. I’ll begin with my school life.  Classes haven’t been all that demanding.  I’ve had a few exams over the last few weeks and I have done pretty well on them.  I received an 82% on my Psych exam, 94% on my Health exam, an 84% on my College Math exam, and pulled out a couple 100% scores on English quizzes.  I like all my classes and hope to have A’s and B’s at the completion of this semester. 
          

Volleyball, on the other hand, hasn’t gone so smoothly.  We’ve played 4 games and we’ve lost them all.  I hate to lose anything, so I’m extremely frustrated with our losing outcomes.  I try so hard every game and it just seems like no matter what I do, we can’t improve.  I guess good attitudes and team effort will eventually make all the difference.  We’re definitely coming around.  Practice is going better, and we seem to be coming together as a team.  We have a game this evening, so I’m praying for a victory.

Now let’s talk about what’s been going on in my free time.  About 2 weeks ago my boyfriend Arron and I were out looking for a church to attend.  The weather was rainy, so the roads were slick, and his truck isn’t very compatible with slippery surfaces.  We’d almost reached our destination when the truck fish tailed in a curve. Arron lost control and we went tumbling over a hill.  When the truck landed, the doors were jammed and glass was every where.  We had to climb out the windows “Dukes of Hazard” style.  With glass all over me and my cell phone still in hand from the call I’d just made to my mom, I was scared to death.  Arron was also very shaken up, of course, because he’d just wrecked, but more so because I was with him.  A few of our friends came to our rescue.  We called a wrecker, and tried to go on with our daily routines.  It isn’t as easy as it sounds either.  For the weeks following the wreck, I fell asleep with the image of that tumbling truck in my head, and woke up seeing that very image over and over.  I am so thankful God decided he had better things in store for us.

I’ll end with a very exciting adventure my friends and I went on this past weekend.  We went to the Black Gold Festival in Hazard to see Bucky Covington (American Idol) in concert.  He did an awesome job and had us girls going crazy.  His twin brother, Rocky, plays the drums for him, so we go to see 2 hotties perform that night.  Okay, now for the exciting part.  After the show we all went to eat at Applebee’s.  As we were leaving, we spotted what looked like a tour bus.  Low and behold, it was Bucky’s bus and standing right outside the door was Bucky himself and his brother Rocky.  We got autographs and pictures.  I sandwiched myself right between them for my photo shoot and boy did they smell good! They made my month, if you know what I mean.

Until next time, be good and have fun!!!!

It’s Official

Classes have started and I am officially a college student.  I like all of my classes pretty well and my professors are very nice.  I think my favorite class will be Basic Concepts of Education, even though I am pretty sure I didn’t do so hot on the first quiz.  To make it even worse, the answers to the questions I missed were on the bulletin board (freshman stupidity I suppose.)  Nothing else too exciting has happened in my classes so far, but when it does I will be sure to post it!

As far as other activities goes, I’m having a blast.  I play volleyball so I‘ve had practice everyday and it has kept me busy.  Coach Bruna is new to these parts, so it makes me feel a little more comfortable knowing she is a “newbie” just like me and the other 15 freshman on the team.  Along with polishing up on my volleyball skills I’ve made tons of new friends and I love it.  I have really bonded with most of the freshmen on the team.  We are all experiencing the same things: seeing new faces, being away from home, doing our own laundry (lol), and just being responsible for our every move.  The upperclassmen have made it a lot easier to adjust to all the new things going on.  They’re all very friendly and willing to give advice or just a simple smile if any of us “newbies” need it.  I love the sport and the girls I play with make it all the better.

Besides volleyball I’ve been going to all the other activities for Welcome Week.  Keeping up with all those events has really kept me on my toes. To start off the week was the Patriot Party in the cafe.  With music, prize giveaways, plenty of people, and free food, it was enough to keep me occupied.  I met a few new people at the party, ate some killer cheese cubes and almost won a Wal-Mart shopping card.  Next in line was the Party in the Park where my friend Kellyn and I totally dominated in a game of corn hole and ate more than enough Tiger’s Blood shaved ice.  I also made wax molds of my hands.  I made two molds of I love you in sign language, one for each of my parents.  I just know they’ll love them.  Last Friday night my boyfriend and I went to the Bonfire at Lee Bryant’s farm and it has been the most fun activity yet.  We played corn hole, once again and had squirt gun fights, a watermelon eating contest (I came in second), and the slip & slide where you suds yourself up and go slip sliding away.  I’ve made lots of friends by going to all the activities and participating.  Making an appearance at all of the activities you can is a sure fire way to get to know your peers and it also helps you settle into college.

This past weekend was Labor Day and it was my first time home from college.  It was so nice to go home and get a big hug from Mommy and Daddy and to see the family. I also thoroughly enjoyed going to my home church (churches around here are somewhat different than my old time Baptist church.)  It was sad leaving home again but I was ready to get back on schedule with things and see all my new buddies.

A Whole New World

I can’t believe in 3 days I leave for a whole new world. I am going to college 3 ½ hours away from home. I know college will be a little more stressful and a whole lot different than high school, but I’m stoked and ready for anything Williamsburg, Kentucky wants to throw at me.

I first laid eyes on UC during Track and Field Regionals of my junior season. Regionals were at Whitley County High and my mom thought it would be nice to go over and see the college. I fell in love. I thought it would be the perfect place to spend 4 years of my life getting an education, but it was just too darn far from home. I wasn’t ready to leave home yet, so we visited 5 other colleges closer to home. None of the other campuses even compared to what I felt at UC. By the time my senior year started I wanted to go to University of the Cumberlands the very next fall. I guess I matured in reasoning skills over the summer and sorted out all the details and soon decided I would focus on UC.

My senior year progressed and we finally worked out an appointment for a tour of the school. After the tour, I took the bait; hook, line, and sinker. They’d reeled me in. I was not only in love with the campus, but also with the people and the environment. They were all so nice and the students I met accepted me as if I was one of their own. It felt like home and I knew UC was where God wanted me to be. I followed my heart and I know I have made the perfect choice.

All the many fears and doubts I had over the past year have finally subsided. I am ready to go. I think I have finally grown up and this is what I am destined to do. It is time for me to start this new chapter of my life. I move into my dorm in 3 days and the count down is on. I don’t know about you, but I have been buying stuff all summer for my dorm room. My family teases me and says I will run my roommate out I have so much stuff ready to take. All my college stuff is packed in polka dot luggage in the middle of the living room and ready to be loaded (I hope it all fits)!!! UC, get ready because HERE I COME!!

Well, I guess I tell you about the move in my next entry!

Tessie Shay Rice