- Ice Cream Social
When I was a little girl, Dad would take me to TCBY every now and then. We always got the same thing– Vanilla Parfaits with Reese Peanut Butter Cups. I cried once because Dad would not let me take the “fancy” plastic cup home! Long story short, on one of our trips I informed him that working at TCBY was my dream job. Never wanting to totally shoot down my imagination, he simply smiled and asked, “why’s that?”
“Because,” I told him. “I could work in air condition all day and smell like vanilla and chocolate.” It made perfect sense to me!
Today, at the Ice Cream Social sponsored by The Venue, my little dream came true. Yes, I worked the frozen yogurt machine. And, yes, I loved it!
I AM SO GLAD I DID THIS!! I was surfing the internet one night while watching TV and stumbled upon the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas website. (See, time in front of the TV CAN be good Dad!) Because I was curious about the organization and its work, I continued browsing the site until I found one of their projects: Girls of Promise. GOP is an initiative to reach “promising” young girls and encourage them to pursue careers in the science and technology fields. Held at several universities state-wide, I decided to e-mail them and see what I could do. I was so excited when I received a prompt response asking if I would be willing to lead a team at the upcoming University of Arkansas at Little Rock Conference. I let them know I would be there, and I decided to ask my friend Rachel to join in on the fun. She is a computer-science-math person, so this was right up her alley. She agreed, so we made the drive and attended training.
We had the most fun meeting other college girls from around the state, socializing with local celebs, and hanging out with sweet, sweet teenage girls. I learned so much! Now, I know the difference between computer bugs and viruses! Also, I saw accomplished women giving back to their communities in enormous ways—both financially and with their time. There was even a woman speaking to the girls about personal and corporate finances and entrepreneurship! They were passionate about reaching these girls and keeping them motivated to seek “dream” jobs and settle for nothing less. I was encouraged myself.
At the end of the Conference, each girl had the opportunity to make a promise to herself. Many promised to work extra hard in their math class. Others promised to start researching colleges. I promised myself to be back next year. As I reflected on the day, I jut kept thinking about what can I do to leave this world a better place. I promise (no pun intended) the answer was audible: Invest in others. Scout’s honor, that’s what I am going to do.
There are times, lots of times, when I should say “no.” By all accounts, this should have been one of those times. But, I did not, and I am forever glad I did not. Here’s why.
Mona. Blake. Laura. Keisha. These friends, some new and some old, put in countless hours to see this event happen. They have worked an entire year, raising money and awareness for cancer research to lead to a CURE. In perspective, the least I could do was come and DJ the night shift.
Relay’s Got Talent was so fun, and we definitely found a winner! Man, she could SING!! The hourly games were challenging too. The 3 a.m. Zumba was CRAZY!! I loved watching the various teams compete to win points and the big trophy for best team. It was also pretty funny hearing adults talk about “the last time they were up at this hour.” I know one day I will be doing the exact same thing!
The climax of the night for me personally, was the final lap. Everyone is asked to walk one last lap for the cure. While everyone still left walked their final steps with pride, I sang Nichole Nordeman’s “Legacy.” Now the background on this song is that I sing it all the time! Like seriously, it’s a close race between the “National Anthem” and “Legacy.” This time, it was different. I guess when I have always sung this song before it was about me. This time, it was about cancer patients and the legacy they have left and are leaving. That subtle difference was so powerful. The men, women, and children walking that night were leaving legacies of hope and change. After the music ended, a familiar Henderson teacher I see at the gym came to the stage crying. “Thank you,” she whispered between sniffles. “You marked me.” I just smiled and gave her a hug.
I’ll never sing that song the same again.
Don’t know the song I’m talking about? First, you’re missing out. Second, check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA5-wMCR3aQ
Let me tell you… in college, finals week is not the killer—it’s the month before! Both November and April are crazy every semester! This April was no exception to that rule! This week has been booked up! Rough drafts due in two courses, group project meetings, club and organization group pictures, “last meals”, and of course banquets.
I always look forward to the end of the year Academic Awards Banquet because it is always such a nice evening. This year I was able to attend with many close friends. I guess we are good study influences on each other. haha The food was yum, and the atmosphere was comfortable and exciting. I was proud I could not only attend, but it was also rewarding to see everything come together for the banquet to happen. Good work Student Senate and congratulations scholars!
Thunder, Lightening, Tornados, OH NO!
Nothing could stop this Relay from occurring, but I’m serious when I say the weather was horrible. Absolutely horrible. Inside the old Stage where the event took place, however, the energy was incredible. Absolutely incredible. I was honored to sing the National Anthem to kick the night off, but it was what happened after I sang that defined the night for me.
If you’ve never been to an American Cancer Society Relay for Life, then first you’re missing out. Second, and most important to this story, there is always a “Survivor Lap.” This is how the 12-hour walking always begins, and it is always the most emotional part of the fundraisers for me because it is walked only by individuals who have beat cancer. This particular night will remain with me for a long, long time. The emcee announced that a special guest would be leading the lap, and that special guest turned out to be an eight-year old boy. A little boy who had been diagnosed with leukemia, but fought with the disease and beat it. His face was glowing. As he proudly held the flag and practically ran around the track, he was oblivious to the faces surrounding him. Grown men were crying! I found myself captivated by him. He’s a living inspiration, and he doesn’t even know it. He’ll probably never read this or even remember me in a couple of years, but for the record I am forever grateful to have met him. May we, like that little boy, never take life for granted.
Sisters, love, support
Outings, Mixers, Tunes, and Sports
Getting Better, E
I am officially a member of Alpha Chi!
The induction ceremony was absolutely beautiful. Held outside on the lawn, the sun was shining, and the weather could not have been more ideal. If spring could be captured in moments, this moment would capture it perfectly! The neatest part of the whole induction was the role of the faculty in attendance. As each new member was awarded their pin, certificate, and letters, any professor who had an influence upon that individual was asked to stand. I had goose bumps watching friends accept their awards as their proud professors stood in their honor. I can only imagine how rewarding it must be for educators to see their students graduate with an education they helped give them. Right now, I do not think I can fully realize the investment these men and women are pouring into me. It is overwhelming the support and true community I have at this special, special place! I have one more year at Ouachita, and I am determined to thank each of my professors as adequately as I can before I leave—fully knowing that my little “thank you” will never be enough.
I love stories. I know that is why I became a history major. The stories the lovely EEE alumnus shared with us this special afternoon were incredible. After 50 years, these ladies still have a deep connection between themselves. As we showed them our scrapbooks, they assured us they needed no pictures to bring back their memories. One lady told us she had been the “cutest pledge” because her pixie haircut allowed her hair to dry quickly and perfectly. Another lady told us about her future husband picking her up for their first date outside the resident hall several of us had lived in as well.
I asked one lady if graduation had been depressing (since it is getting closer and closer for me.) “No,” she told me with a smile. “Things certainly do change, but life rolls on, evolves, and surprised you all the time.”
I guess it “just keeps getting better.” Thanks for sharing the memoriEEEs Golden Tigers!
YAY for history majors! I am so excited that Katie and I participated in the Phi Alpha Theta Statewide Conference. I loved hearing other undergraduates present their research throughout the day. Each topic showed so much of the individual authors’ passions and interests. I felt very scholarly and academic as I presented my preliminary research for my seminar paper on Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) and Transnational Advocacy Networks (TANs). (Big words, huh? Try reading those mouth-full’s in an oral report!) I was thrilled to learn how interested others were in my work. One student from Arkansas State University was incredibly encouraging! She told me she was so fascinated with the impact NGOs are having on the global scene that she wanted to conduct some research into the topic herself as well as to read my final conclusions when I had come to them. The day was totally encouraging. I left the conference motivated to continue researching and writing for my paper. Let me know if you are interested in reading itJ
I almost didn’t even join Sounds this year. A last minute conversation over lunch made me consider the auditions that were to be held later that afternoon, and I honestly do not know what finally pushed me to go through with the auditions. All I do know is that a year later, Sounds has become one of the best things I have done at Ouachita. I love Mrs. Worthen. She treats us “kiddos” like we’re diamonds… or maybe I should say pearls. And my Sounds partners, they are amazing too. I have a totally new appreciation for music majors, and I loved having a solid reason to go to all the senior music recitals!
The past year our group has had numerous opportunities to sing our songs, share our hearts, and make new friends. At Gilead Baptist Church, a tiny little mission-minded church, the congregation cooked a feast in our honor. Talk about some southern finger-licking food! At First Baptist Church in Hot Springs, the adult choir learned a piece in order to sing with us. And, at ParkHill Baptist Church in North Little Rock, posters lined the fellowship hall advertising our coming. (The photo for the poster was EXTREMELY bright, and we looked radioactive!)
Looking back, I can’t believe I almost didn’t join Sounds this year. It has been such an honor and joy to sing, to dance, to laugh, to practice, to perform—to be a part of Sounds. Thanks for the memories kiddos!
