It's that time of year again, finals. Finals week is questionably the worst week of school. A few exams standing between you and sweet winter break. The stress is real, the exams are hard, but we will all get through it. Grab an extra cup of coffee and head to the library. It's time to get to work.
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Student LifeDec 12, 2016
Finals Week As Told By Grey's Anatomy
It's the most stressful time of the year.
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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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Rebekah Lee
I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.
And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.
I was lonely. I was miserable. I was in need of sisterhood.
Fast forward to my second semester of college. A bad breakup put me into the mindset that I needed to put myself out there. I needed to develop relationships with people on campus. Through my new boyfriend, I became friends with girls and guys involved in Greek life and realized I had made a huge mistake. I then decided to rush the fall of my sophomore year.
I went through rush as a sophomore and even though it was anxiety inducing and stressful, I still found my home. I met wonderful girls who were on the same journey as me and now we share a Panhellenic bond that beats awkward orientation "ice breakers" any day.
Maybe you're interested in Greek life too. Maybe you're just as confused as I was last year. If you are still a little weary about the idea of Greek life, take a look into some truths about what it is like to be a part of a sorority!
We Learn How To Lead
As a member of a sorority, you are given the opportunity to run for a position in the chapter. This can run anywhere from the president to a small position. Regardless of the duties and actual job of the position, sisters who hold positions can learn a lot about themselves. Most importantly, they learn valuable leadership skills that they will take with them wherever they go in life.
We Have A Financial Obligation
I am not going to lie and say that we don't. But I promise that it's worth it. Contrary to popular belief, we don't buy our friends. Wow. Crazy, right? Our monthly dues go toward important activities such as mixers, socials, formal, semi-formal, and some chapters even use their dues to send sisters to leadership conferences and sisterhood retreats. We pay for our social outlets. And like the cliche goes, "If I had paid for my friends, I surely did not pay enough" Not only do our dues pay for our activities, but it teaches each sister to learn the valuable lesson of controlling her money and paying a monthly bill.
We Like To Eat (Together)
You will never sit alone at lunch ever again. Or at Chick-fil-A. Or Moe's. If there is one thing that we love more than sisterhood, it's food. Sisters who eat together, stay together.
We Support Each Other
Photo by Melissa Askew on UnsplashI know that whenever I need advice, support, or someone to be completely honest with me, I can turn to my sisters. There are times when we seriously mess up in life, but we can always count on our biggest supporters. If a sister calls me in her time of trouble, I am more than willing to step in and help her. We sit and listen to each other freak out about papers and tests. We cheer each other up. We are each other's lifeline, no matter what.
We Aren't Cookie Cutter Versions Of Each Other
This is a common stereotype about sorority women (maybe it's the matching Bid Day shirts). It's not true at all. In fact, we are a diverse group of women with our own talents and abilities. In fact, we strive to promote diversity in almost everything we do. Each of us brings something different to the chapter and it's not all t-shirt ideas. In one big group, sure, we may look all the same, but each girl is different in their own perfect way.
We Still Have Bad Days
Photo by Zhivko Minkov on UnsplashWe are still human and even though we are surrounded by women who love and support us, we still break. Joining a sorority is not a cure-all for every problem we may face in life. You as a rushee may experience a girl who was not being genuine with you during rush because she's had a tough week. Or maybe we did not stop to say hi to you on our way to class because we just failed a test. We have bad days too, but don't let that sway your decision.
We Care About Our Grades
Photo by Kyle Gregory Devaras on UnsplashBelieve it or not, grades are a very important part of being in a sorority. We are in college to get an education, after all, and our chapters respect this. All Greek Letter organizations have a GPA requirement and though they may differ from one to another, it is strongly enforced. Most chapters have study hours that they are required to attend in order to keep their sisters in their studies.
We Have Families And It's Confusing, But Wonderful
There comes a time in every new member's life that they find out who her big sister is. It's one of the best days of her life. But soon after she falls in love with her big, she discovers that she has a twin, an aunt, a great-aunt, a grand-big, a cousin, etc. You have your immediate family (your big, twin, g-big), but then you find out it goes back for ages and it can be really overwhelming. As hard as it is to explain how Greek families work, it's best to just enjoy what is given to you. These are the people who you have another awesome bond with and will always be down for anything with you.
We Like To Have Fun
Photo by Jed Villejo on UnsplashWith all the stress of school, work, mandatory events, and late night studying we like to let loose a little. Whether it be a Gossip Girl marathon, a social, or just painting the town red, we like to have fun and we are pretty darn good at it. There is no better entourage than that of your sista friends!
We Genuinely Love Our Sisters
Photo by Olena Bohovyk on UnsplashI am about to get really cheesy on you but bear with me here. We do not just go around acting like we love our sisters because we wear the same letters on our chests. We don't "pretend" to love the girls we don't get along with because deep down, they are still our sisters.
The bond that we share through sisterhood is a bond that cannot be explained from the outside looking in or the inside looking out. I would go above and beyond for my sisters and they would do the same for me. Even when drama shows up, we can always look back to what holds us together as a chapter. That is what it is all about.
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Netflix
Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!
Downton Abbey
If you have a refined style, this show is the one for you. It adds so many combinations of drama, romance, and British accents. This story line will have you hitting continue watching for days. Beware the need to speak in a British accent after watching five episodes in a row.
Pitch
This show is a home run (pun intended). It is aimed at both men and woman of any age. This is a story of the first female Major League Baseball player, with the drama that comes with the pressures of fame and stardom. The show is still on air, so that gives you enough time to get caught up with all ten episodes before is comes back for its spring season.
The Crown
This show is for the history buff. "The Crown" is the story of a young Queen Elizabeth II. It shows that pain of losing her father and the responsibility that comes with ruling a nation. The first season is already out with ten episodes, so you can watch the first season.
Gilmore Girls
I haven’t even fully watched this show to know that it is worthy of being on this list. When you get home from break, your mother is probably going to want to spend time with you like mine does. So this show is a perfect way to bond with your mother in a special way.
New Girl
I have not watched a show so fast in my life. The cast of this show is amazing, and Zoey Deschanel is so funny! There are so many catchphrases you will pick up from this show. If you want a quirky, light-hearted show that has fast episodes then this show is the one for you.
The Office
This show is a little lengthy season wise, but you won’t even notice as you are constantly clicking next episode. The cast is phenomenal and this will give you inside jokes to last a lifetime.
Parks and Recreation
This show is sort of like the office, but with a chubby Chris Pratt. This show will have you laughing for days, and finding the need every day to “Treat Yo Self.”
Glee (Netflix)
For the music lover, this show will be a perfect nostalgic trip. This isn’t your average musical with people randomly breaking out into song, but a show that has a plot and has you emotionally connected to this characters and singing along with them.
How I Met Your Mother
If you love a good story you will love this. The entire show is one great story of how a man met the mother of his children, hence the title. The show flashbacks to a single man trying to find the love of his life with the help of his four friends.
Friends (Netflix)
Possible one of the best comedies of the 90s, "Friends" is a rite of passage for the binge watcher. The show is long, but the hilarious misadventures of six friends and their adult lives make the show worth watching.
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The Odyssey
Tiana would no doubt be disappointed in the food our cafeteria has to offer.
And hopefully she would cook for everyone in her dorm.
She definitley would not take any 8:00 am classes because she would be up late baking and cleaning up the communal kitchen that are available in every dorm.
Belle would most likely be a tutor in the Student Success Center, helping other students with their homework.
And she would probably be one of the few students that actually know the Library's hours.
Mulan would definitley be an RA. She would stay up with students and give them advice and remind them to follow their hearts.
Ariel would no doubt take advantage of Atchison's YMCA, where all Benedictine students can swim for free.
She would also be the only person brave enough to go near the Missouri river. Even, after all jokes about how the fish living in it are mutants.
Merida would start an intramural archery team.
And she would not be afraid to ride her horse through Jackson Park, no matter how many people say it is haunted.
Jasmine would be pretty annoyed to find out that BC students are only allowed to have fish, not tigers.
Anna and Elsa would want to help organize BC's traditional Little Sibling Weekend.
And they would dominate in the annual lip sync battle.
Rapunzel's energy and creativity would be put to good use in the admissions office and giving tours to prospective students.
She would also help with Soar, the weekend that incoming freshmen come visit the school, meet other new students, sleep in the dorms, and receive their fall schedules.
She would also be a ROC leader. ROC week is the first week for freshmen, transfers, and international students. They spend this week taking tours, having their questions answered, doing fun activities, and bonding with their classmates. ROC leaders have to be interviewed, put through training, and they need to be awake and energetic first thing in the morning.
Odds are Pocahontas would be on the track team.
She would also enjoy the nature that surrounds the BC campus, such as the famous "lookout". It is often visited by couples but it is a beautiful spot that overlooks the Missouri River.
The BC theater department would benefit from Cinderella's (and her animal friends') ability to sew and make clothes in a timely manner.
And I'm sure everyone would want to be her roommate, due to her ability to clean.
Snow White would never miss one of the Benedictine swing dancing events.
And she would probably volunteer to bake and cook for events such as Oktoberfest and Mardi Gras.
Giselle would participate in every on campus event that she could.
And she would definitely be at every sporting event cheering on the Ravens.
Even though she is not technically a princess, Charlotte La Bouff would be voted for homecoming royalty because of her energetic personality.Plus she would probably write encouraging and heartfelt articles for the BC paper, The Circuit.
And she would probably share her clothes and help the girls in her dorm get ready for events and formals.
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Student Life
Syllabus Week At UD Explained By "The Office"
"The Office" understands the struggle of the first week back from winter break.
26 December
1027
January 19th is the first day of the second semester at the University of Dayton, and students couldn't be more excited. However, the excitement that students are experiencing may be short-lived once they see what this semester's courses will entail. Although students will be happy to be back at Dayton, they may realize this semester will be more difficult than they predicted. Here are some things that happen during syllabus week explained by " The Office."
1. Waking up for your first 9:00 a.m. class of the semester.
2. When you remember you have to walk in the freezing cold to your classes.
3. Feeling overly confident in your academic abilities on the first day of classes.
4. Walking into your first class and seeing friends from your major.
5. That moment when you open the syllabus packet to see what possible pain lies ahead.
6. You resent the professors that keep you for the whole class time on the first day.
7. When professors tell you too much about their personal lives on the first day of class.
8. When your professor tries to explain the benchmark assignment to the class.
9. Finding out the final exam in a class will be comprehensive.
10. When you're done with classes for the day and you finally get to take a nap.
11. Finding out a required textbook is out of stock at the bookstore.
12. When you're broke after buying your textbooks for the semester.
13. When you realize that you really need to start getting PATH points...
14. Impatiently waiting for all of your classes to be up on Isidore.
14. The realization that this semester will be harder than you anticipated...
15. Getting overly excited for going out on the first weekend back from break.
Welcome back, Flyers!
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Entertainment
Your Friend Group, As Told By Disney Princesses
Each Disney Princess has their own personality, and chances are you've got a friend in your group to match it.
26 December
1414
The dynamics of any friend group are usually determined by the personalities which make it up. Chances are, while personalities may overlap, each person in your friend group holds his or her own place. It is the differences which bring the groups together and keep them functioning. No matter how functionally dysfunctional your friend group may be, if you're anything like me, you feel absolutely blessed to have found such a wonderful group of humans to call "your people." Here is what your friend group might look like if they were Disney princesses (and that wasn't just a thing you all pretended in your heads):
Cinderella, “The Clean Freak”
Much like Cinderella, this is the friend who goes around cleaning all the time. It is just who she is, and there isn’t much she can do to stop it. There are times this friend will go and find things which maybe aren’t even dirty and clean them anyway. She also really loves animals, and on many occasions you’ll find her befriending (Read: talking to them like they understand) various animals at parties whether it be a cat, dog, guinea pig…
Snow White, “The Friendly One”
Ever thought about how similar this friend is to Snow White who befriends seven dwarves? Similar to Snow White, who has no problem befriending seven tiny men, this friend makes friends essentially everywhere she goes. Even at a party, where you don’t know anyone, she isn’t worried because by the end of the night you’ll know everyone, and probably have brunch plans set up for the next week with all your new friends.
Belle, “The Studious One”
This is the person in your friend group who has her stuff together academically all the time. She has no idea what it is like to spend a night cramming for a test, or finishing an essay, because she has had it done for a week by that point. She is the friend who texts in the group chat to make sure everyone knows when major events, such as registration, are coming up. Her second home is probably the library, and in reality you’ll probably find her there more than you’ll ever find her at her real home.
Mulan, “The Fighter”
This girl, much like Mulan, is adventurous. Not only is she adventurous though, she is extremely determined and strong-willed. She knows exactly what she wants, and she goes for it. There is no telling her “no you can’t do that” in fact, if you tell her she can’t do something it is almost guaranteed she will (and she’ll probably do it better than you ever expected).
Pocahontas, “The Peace Keeper”
This is the girl in your friend group who doesn’t like to see conflicts arise. Though often she understands they are inevitable, and a part of life. She will do anything to make sure the conflict is resolved in the quickest time possible or maybe just that it doesn’t even happen in the first place.
Sleeping Beauty, “The Sleepy One”
This is the friend who is basically like a professional at sleeping. She’s the type where it is three in the afternoon, everyone in your group chat has been conversing for hours, and you wonder where she is, thinking something might be wrong…but really she’s just been sleeping the whole time. If there was ever an award given for “best at sleeping” she would win every time. Hands down.
Rapunzel, “The Sheltered One”
Okay, so maybe this friend isn’t as sheltered as Rapunzel, but I mean come on, who is? (She spends the first eighteen years of her life in a freakin' tower). This friend is the equivalent of “Rapunzel sheltered” in the real world; she’s the friend who constantly needs an explanation of what something means, or who someone is. Sometimes you find yourself having to show her the way. However, she is also extremely adventurous and curious. Though she is slightly naïve, you don’t mind having to explain things to her because you love her all the same.
Tiana, “The Independent One”
This is the friend, who much like Tiana, can handle herself all on her own. While she doesn’t mind help, or company, she also is completely okay with being on her own. She is happy to be part of the group, but doesn’t always need to be with the group to identify as a part of it.
Ariel, “The One Who Is Shy Around Men”
This one is kind of self explanatory. We all know the story of Ariel, and how she loses her voice for the chance to walk on land and meet her prince. Similarly, though I hope none of your friends are trading their legs for mermaid tails, your friend is like Ariel because when she’s around a cute guy her voice is literally non-existent. She is shy, but once you get to know her it is almost impossible to get her to stop talking.
Elsa, “The Mom”
Also a rather self explanatory one … every friend group has the mom of the group. Similar to Elsa, everything this girl does is calculated. She is the one stopping other friends from making questionable decisions and, like a mom, finds herself taking care of the girls in your friend group like they are her actual children. Shout out to the moms of the friend groups though, you guys are the reason your friends don’t end up places they don’t belong at four am.
Anna, “The Impulsive One”
Every friend group has an Anna, or if you’re friend group is like mine you’ve got multiple…This is the friend who is ready for anything- all the time. She usually doesn’t think too much about the decision she is making prior to making it. She is lots of fun and the life of any party, but sometimes needs to be reminded that you can’t marry a man you just met.
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