Looking at colleges can be a difficult, challenging, and exciting process. You may have parents suggesting possible options, a high school guidance counselor advising you on fit, or your own opinions regarding the qualities that your ideal college should hold.

Southwestern’s academic atmosphere, dorm and social life, and extracurricular activities can best be explained by those of us who live here. To allow you to see the many possibilities that attending Southwestern can bring, we want these journal entries to reflect what Southwestern is through our eyes. Each of us posting journals has a unique view of the school - we are from different cities, each involved in different activities, live in different residence halls, and have different majors.

Facts and figures alone can’t explain what it’s like to walk around campus on a sunny day, play on one of Southwestern’s athletic teams, or make your first ‘A’ in a college course. These are our lives; hopefully they will help you decide how you want to live yours.

Check back in the fall for new entries and new students!

This summer I’ve been staying busy working various jobs around my home town and visiting friends in Austin. I also got to enjoy a family vacation to the Grand Canyon, a short (but fun) trip to Chicago, and next week I’ll be heading to a week long environmental leadership workshop in Bastrop.

I’ve got lots of exciting things on my plate for the school year so definitely get excited for updates!

Happy summer!

…and it’s weird to be in a place where they speak English. There’s this tank-topped redneck in my heart who thinks ‘they… don’t…. speak it right over here…talk right already!’ It makes me miss the States more than I have this whole time. The English is very different and the accents are difficult.

I’m meeting my friend from Austin in London tomorrow. I haven’t seen anyone from home in so long! Man! We’re going back to Paris to stay with a friend of mine, and then to Bayonne and then back to Toulouse. I’ve gotta start working! I’m so excited to be with someone who knows me. I’ve taken for granted how nice it is to feel known… to not have to explain yourself all the time… to not have to censor yourself… friendship…

In less exciting news, I’ve had to start thinking about my capstone a lot (senior thesis). It’s extremely had to do this from far away. This isn’t very exciting either because it means college is coming to an end. The day my program ended we were celebrating and the one sophomore in my group made a toast, ‘ you guys are all seniors now! yea!’ We all sort of shrugged and started looking down at our feet…. hahahahaha I guess we have to start thinking about after college at some point.

Recently, I found this English teaching assistance program in France and all of it’s overseas departments. You sign a seven month contract. This means I could return to France, go to Martinique, Guaduloupe, Tahiti, New Caldonia, Reunion Island, French Guyane. I found another program recently in which you do basically the same thing but in Francophone Africa…. not bad.

Off to speak English poorly,

W

How dare they. The audacity.

Well, nothing to do about it now, eh?

I do have something I want to talk about regarding the last days of classes. In particular, the last class of my research methods course for psychology. On the last day of class, towards the end of class, a question was brought up, and suddenly I looked around and made sure I was still in the Olin building, and not in the Religion Education Center (REC), where I have my philosophy classes.

“Do you think that there is a fundamental rivalry/contention between science and religion?”

And I’m rather proud of myself for catching myself and forcing myself to remain quiet throughout the conversation. It’s something I wouldn’t have done before, and regretted horribly later.

Actually, I would compare myself to a secret agent at that moment, summing up the situation and determining where the odds were stacked and automatically discerning the correct course of action. In a split of a second I came to an understanding that can be summed up by the next paragraph.

First of all, I am the only male present. There is Dr. Desmond, the T.A. (TA’s don’t teach here, they only help the profs), and the other six students in the class. All are female. The six female students are all from the same sorority, ADPi. Furthermore, I’m in Southwestern for crying out loud. It doesn’t take a genius to predict what the majority (I say majority and not entirety only because I’m counting myself) of the class is going to have to say about this heavy question.

And sure enough, the next ten to fifteen minutes everyone agreed with each other. No, there is no contradition/contention inherent between religion and science. You can be a scientist and still consider yourself religious and believe in God. Plenty of scientists do. Science can’t answer the questions that religion tries to deal with.

Well, I wish I remembered more of the viewpoints, because there was actually some disagreement between them. But it was like republicans and democrats arguing against each other, versus me, the anarchist or socialist or something like that.

Well, just to say what’s still in my head, what I still remember thinking. You see, as far as the questions religion tries to deal with, it seems to me that religion creates those questions for itself to deal with. It’s something philosophy does a lot too, though I think theology still does it to a greater degree. What happens is eventually you start thinking about thinking. Thinking is removed from its true function, to think about the world that is actually around us. For example, the afterlife. It exists in religion to capture the mind, in the end, to control it.

One girl said something I thought was very interesting. She said that you can keep them separate, your job and your religion. When you’re at your job you are a scientist, you need evidence, you need proof and you’re a skeptic. At home you are God-loving (or fearing, whichever style you prefer) and have faith in his existence.

I had a sudden flashback to Masterpieces of Literature my freshman year. We were reading Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, and one of the characters was a rather two-faced man. At work, where he was a receptionist or clerk or whatnot, he was cold and objective, ‘professional’. When Pip, the main character, spoke to the guy at work, the guy (let’s call him Bob) didn’t greet him as a friend, warmly, but as a customer, coldly, impersonal. Furthermore, Bob had a peculiar transformation. Pip would walk with Bob to Bob’s castle-styled house, armed with forts and whatnot (he had to protect himself from the world outside, you see, so that he could be himself inside the castle walls). As Bob was walking home Pip would see his face soften and his step change, a smile would steadily grow, his eyes would lighten. Suddenly Bob was a friend you couldn’t improve upon, he was amiable and warm and friendly, generous, considerate, etc etc.

Charles Dickens was trying to broach a specific issue. You see, with the rise of industrialization people made a move to the cities, and new kinds of jobs were created. You were no longer the craftsman, you see. Another character was a blacksmith, and guess where his forge was? The back of the house, buddy. There was no separation between work and the home to him, you see. But Bob was a clerk, he had to walk to work, he had to dress up and look ‘professional’, in other words, instead of being your job, you had to make yourself your job every day. That’s why in the mornings when Pip walked to work with Bob, Bob’s countenance and demeanor, his personality, slowly changed back to the cold and impersonal clerk the closer to work Bob got.

I kind of see that happening with this religion and scientist dilemma and the separation from work-science home-religion suggestion. And so I say there is a dilemma, people. You see, if there wasn’t, the question of whether or not there was wouldn’t exist. People have to come to some kind of resolution before they can be religious and a scientist. It doesn’t happen without people asking some questions or experiencing some kind of what we call in psychology cognitive dissonance at some point. Stephen Hawking described such people as trying to have their cake and eat it too. I agree. People have to tweak science here and religion there, or tweak themselves by putting on two masks a day, it seems.

Well, I think I need to wrap up this mess of an entry, and I’ll sum it up and the year with it by telling of a story that Dr. D. told me. You see, she had a colleague at one point who was religious and a scientist. What made her friend decide that believing in God was okay as a scientist? Well, it was an experience she had when she cut open her first human body. When she saw what was inside the human body, saw the complexity, how everything, every single tiny little thing, fit together, worked together, to make the beautiful thing that is the human body, she couldn’t help but think that something or someone had to plan it all. It couldn’t just have happened.

I find this experience a rather telling one. Deserving some rumination from whomever reads this entry. You see, I just find it poetic almost- perfect - how man could look at himself and see God.

Even with all the work, I took some time this week to see a student play at the Jones Theatre. SubUrbia, by Eric Bogosian, directed by Jared Stein with set by Jessica Colley-Mitchell, costumes by Emily Everidge, lighting by Daniel Farrar, and sound by Erika Rodriguez, had an impressive cast of SU theatre majors. The play caused some controversy on campus before its opening due to the advertising announcements used to promote the production. The students involved with the play send out offensive ads related to homosexuality, racism, and sexism on the campus-wide e-mail system with the tag-line “Offended. You should be.” Instead of the realization that these advertisements were related to the subject manner of the play, and were actually a commentary on the issues presented rather than an endorsement of such negative viewpoints, many students decided to ‘protest’ these types of advertisements saying that they incited racist, sexist, and homophobic views. Well after having my e-mail clogged with the back-and-forth war of worlds, I decided to see exactly what the big deal was.

SubUrbia, with students Tyler King, Matt Harper, Zac Carr, Kinsey Keck, Becca Plunkett, Eric Feldman, Jennifer Gregory, Garrett Buvinghausen, and Sara Peterman was an intense drama showing the life of middle-America 20-somethings who are dealing with drugs, alcohol, living in a dead-end town after graduating high school, and used graphic language and violence to show unwarranted racial conflicts. The play managed to be entertaining, funny, and reminded me of the movie ‘Clerks’ all the while promoting an awareness of difficult issues. Many students from the theatre department worked to put on this play. It was the only play I managed to make it to this semester, but a reminder of how talented the students in the Fine Arts program are.

Along with performances, the Cake show last week was heavily attended, but I have to admit that it did feel a little bit like a middle-school date (since it was held in the gym). Cake gave away a peach tree to a girl in the crowd, and I think everyone was excited to hear “The Distance” as the encore. No pictures though, they didn’t allow cameras inside the show.

The Bike Collective opens SATURDAY! We’re having a big all-day party at the shop and have invited a lot of local children, church groups, students, and community members. Sustainability class ended with presentations showing what all the different groups did on campus - the garden is going really well, the recycling group is changing the way professors use paper for class and providing more recycling bins on campus, and other groups are changing the light bulbs on campus to be more energy-saving. Earth Day was last week, and there was a an event on the mall (even with a bike-powered blender) where several student groups demonstrated ways to make SU more green.

The Georgetown Poppy Festival was this weekend, which I unfortunately am on the parade route for and woke up to bagpipes at 9 am. Other than all the noise, the downtown square was full of people, music, and crafts all weekend providing for a lot of wholesome Georgetown entertainment.

I’m really looking forward to summer. Kiddie pools on my deck, floating the river, going to concerts, sleeping in, days in Austin, and NO HOMEWORK! I just have to make it two more weeks.

I am about to begin my last week as a college student and I am in complete shock. I remember the summer before starting Southwestern and my friends from high school and I discussing our expectations, fears and goals regarding the next chapter in our lives. A few days ago, I was interviewed for a Senior Stories issue of the Alumni magazine for Southwestern. The questions that I was prompted allowed me to fully realize how I have grown over the past four years and the goals that I have surpassed for myself.

I still remain a quiet individual as I was in high school, however I have changed in so many respects that I don’t think my 18-year-old self would equate to how I am today and that is a good thing. I have become an independent, critical thinker, confident and innovate person. I never thought that I would be more involved in college as I was in high school but I have definitely exceeded anything that I ever did years ago. Specifically, I have participated in organizations that I have a true passion for and have strengthened my abilities in numerous ways beyond what I could have ever imagined. Taking on leadership roles in Alpha Phi Omega, initiating the STAND chapter for Darfur, conducting an innovative Capstone experience and relating that to my undergraduate experience in Biology and facilitating a science outreach program for an entire semester. I am proud to say that I was able to succeed inside the classroom as well as outside. Civic engagement is an integral part of who I am and I believe that

I was able to strengthen my skills and involvement in many ways that others never get the opportunity to do. Participating in Destination Service: San Francisco, this spring break opened up my eyes more than any volunteer work I have ever done. I was able to literally step outside of my comfort zone and see social issues on a face-to face basis. It was not an easy task and I became very emotional throughout the trip but nonetheless it was something that was necessary for me to see and understand. I feel that most are sheltered from social and political issues that we try to make invisible but in the process just encourage ignorant thinking and beliefs. I am thankful for experiences such as Destination Service, which allowed me to recognize my potential for changing situations and not merely allowing them to continue to exist if I see that it is in fact a problem.

We often speak of inquiry-based learning with the SMArT (Science and Math Achiever Teams) program and find that students lean better within an environment of discussion, logic and reasoning, and modification. I have constantly been challenged throughout my time at Southwestern, especially in terms of the academic rigor. I have benefited from studying endless hours, improving my presentation skills and expanding my inquires beyond a common point. I feel more than prepared to be graduating in about a week or so. Obviously, there is fear that continues to build regarding my next step in life but as always everything generally works out in the end.

A new chapter in my life is about to start but I know that without a doubt Southwestern will always remain with me. Ever since I stepped foot on this campus I knew there was no turning back and have never regretted my decision. I will continue to carry with me our Alma Matter, “Non Quis Sed Quid” -Not whom, but what. That is what really matters, what we do with the education that we receive here. I am one of few in the nation and world that will have a college degree. However, what use will it be if I do not take advantage of my education and use it to better the world in as many ways as I can?

As one of my favorite artists Jack Johnson states,

“Who’s to say

What’s impossible

Well they forgot

This world keeps spinning

And with each new day

I can feel a change in everything

And as the surface breaks reflections fade

But in some ways they remain the same

And as my mind begins to spread its wings

There’s no stopping curiosity

I wanna turn the whole thing upside down

I’ll find the things they say just can’t be found

I’ll share this love I find with everyone

We’ll sing and dance to Mother Nature’s songs

I don’t want this feeling to go away…”

I will miss you Southwestern. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to become a better person and most importantly realize that I have the power in me to succeed in my future endeavors.

Well enough about work, and on to travels! In three weeks I will be in JAPAN visiting my brother and his girlfriend, Madori. I am so excited to see them both, and to also see where my brother has been living for the past 2+ years! After my travels to Japan I will return to the States for a trip to Florida and then a cruise to Mexico - I think a well deserved haitus from school and stress! My parents are generous enough to still invite me on their vacations, and since my parents are divorced, there are always two trips - I guess an up side I can look at?!

As you begin this next phases of your life, I wanted to wish you all good luck! Coming from someone who has almost made it through college, I did want to leave you all with some thoughts:

Don’t lead your life off another’s expectations

Take time to yourself, though it may be hard to face the realities of life at times

Take risks, be uncomfortable, and try something new despite assumptions you may have

Meet people who are not like you - you will learn alot

Have fun…whatever that may look like

Start saving your money to pay off loans

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST…enjoy learning and challenge yourself

My best to you all. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to send me an email, and hopefully I will see you around campus next year!

Well, when I got there I caught the end of the “Star Spangled Banner.” The entire football field belonging to Forbes Middle School was packed with people. There were tents, booths, all kinds of things. A lot of kids running around too, unaware of the significance of the event.

In fact, this seemed less like any sort of activism, and more like some kind of local festival. The people, the smells, the socialness of the whole thing just made it seem that way. Very community-ish. Anyway, pretty soon it all began. People were on a stage going through the rituals. Ever name of every group involved was called and as your group’s name was called everyone would go on the track and begin walking. Only for this first part, but throughout the night each team needed at least one person on the track walking at all times, that’s what you pledge when you ask people for money.

So we APO persons waved our signs and walked together, and enjoyed the company of quite a number of other groups from Southwestern University, some other fraternities and sororities, and Colleges against Cancer, etc. We had about twenty people at one time from APO, there. We had a cooler packed with Mountain Lightning and Dr. Pepper, plenty of chips, and that was it: no real food, lol.

When night fell, the stadium lights were shut off and the luminaries were lit, which were all around the track. After some laps in the dark with the names of some deceased and cancer survivors were scrolled on a big screen, the lights came back on. Throughout the night they had ‘themed’ laps. Music was a big part of these themes- there was continuous music (lots of live stuff, country, rock, guitar soloist). For example, during the ‘zombie’ lap, Michael Jackson’s Thriller was playing.

People brought towels to sit on, and this worked well until the sun set and dew began to coalesce on the field. They were soaked before midnight. The few people who had brought thick blankets and sleeping bags were rewarded.

Actually, after midnight I didn’t do too much walking. We had two awesome marathon walkers, Scott and his roommate Matt. I had actually gone for a 2 mile jog earlier that day, which was stupid. I was out by midnight and could only walk one or two laps at a time the rest of the night, with about an hour rest between. On top of sleep deprivation and fatigue, I made the bright decision to come in shorts. It got COLD when night fell– Unexpected, since we had had very warm nights for a while. Even when I was still and sitting, my body was trying to keep me warm and not really resting up, so I couldn’t recuperate enough to do some serious walking.

I enjoyed it a lot, actually. Someone had an IPod with speakers, and we listened to all kinds of stuff. The most memorable part was the Disney collection. We (about 7 or 8 of us stayed the whole night) sang along to some Little Mermaid, Aladin, and my favorite, The Lion King. We really sung the hell out of “Hakuna Matata” ( the song whose lyrics I guess we all knew best, who doesn’t know those lyrics?)

So, though we were in a perpetual fight to stay warm, we had great company, and I’m glad that I got to know some fellow pledges and some actives a bit better.

I guess, on a last note, I’ll mention the shirts we made. APO’s VP’s mother had passed away only a week earlier. We made shirts with the last name ‘Robey’ on the front, both forher mother and our VP going through the tough times, and we all wore them throughout the night, even though most of the time you couldn’t tell because we were covered up.

It was a sobering backdrop to the experience, but I’m glad that we were able to enjoy each others’ company in a light-hearted spirit. It made for a good 12 hours, and afterwards I went straight home to Round Rock, where I crashed into a bed. My plan worked perfectly. I was awakened for breakfast, ate heartily and eagerly, and then crashed again. I was back to normal by 5pm. And had to stay up late to do some writing too. A crazy week was about to start- but that’s another story.