Buck That! is one of several Ohio State a capella (a chorus that sings without musical accompaniment) groups at Ohio State; a good friend of mine is in it and I’ve been to several of their performances. On Friday while I was waiting with a bunch of InterVarsity folks to go to a corn maze, Buck That! (never forget the exclamation point) did an impromptu, flash mob-esque performance in the lobby of the Union. So talented, ya?

As for the corn maze, sadly I don’t have any good photos, but it was a muddy and muddled fun time. We carpooled to Lynd Fruit Farm in Pataskala, which is about half an hour from campus. And things got a lot less muddled when we finally started using the map!

Afterward we went to a friend’s house in Pataskala and made a campfire, s’mores, hot dogs, etc. etc. I smelled like campfire smoke for the rest of the night, which made me quite happy. I love autumn! :)

It has countless pieces of work out equipment, numerous courts for basketball, volleyball, racquetball, badminton, and the occasional dodge ball game, and a running track on the top floor. If you wanna try something new but don’t have the equipment, they would be happy to rent it to you. But none of that is what I’m most excited about.

The thing I love most about the RPAC…the food. There are multiple dining halls and other cafes that are closer to my dorm than the RPAC, but that doesn’t stop me from traveling across campus for the food.

There are two stands for food inside. One has the delicious food, including (but certainly not limited to) fresh pastas, flatbread personal pizzas, wraps, and the most delicious peanut butter and banana sandwich you ever had. I only have one thing to say about the other stand, smoothies. All kinds of smoothies, from standard strawberry banana to mango peach strawberry. Also, you can add supplements for a boost of energy, protein, vitamins, fiber, or immune heath. But the best part, you can swipe, for any of it, and still have room for a side.

So if you aren’t feeling your traditional dining hall, walk down to the RPAC and grab a bite, I promise you won’t regret it.

Mood=Accomplished

Song of the Week=Someone Like You by Adele

Random=Jugs

In addition to my job at the MCC, I also work at the Outdoor Adventure Center (known as the OAC). We offer many opportunities to students including trips, equipment rentals, and clinics but we’re mostly known as “The Rock Climbing Place” by most students.

“Close Enough” – Everyone

Despite this being at Ohio State for what is my 3rd year, I only visited the OAC twice before I started working there. Since then, I’ve tried to climb at least once a week, if not more. All of that climbing is finally paying off as I’m able to climb 5.9 routes now. If that number means nothing to you, it’s because it’s the Yosemite Decimal System and won’t make sense unless you know what it is.

Well, at the beginning of the school year, one of my goals was to set a route at the OAC. Basically, each rope has three or four “routes” marked with tape. The reason we do this is so we can both set many routes for each rope, we can use each hold for more than one route, and it’s easy for the climber to see both before and during the climb. So when the wall looks like this:

It makes things a whole lot easier.

So how does one set a route? Simple: First you strip the wall (meaning you take all of the holds off of one section). Then, using ropes, a belay device (we use a Grigri), and an Ascender to climb up one rope while pulling a bucket with all of your holds, tools, and screws on the other rope and place each hold in the wall.

Like this

Afterwards, we tape it, name it, and put the difficulty.

Just like this

Afterwards, it’ll look something like this:

Like mine – The orange one

I present to you: Teh Lulz. It’s a 5.3 under the Yosemite Decimal System, which basically equates to “You might as well be climbing a ladder.” Seriously, this route is so easy that a Caveman can do it. I’ve belayed people with no climbing experience that’s made it to the top. What I’m trying to say is that anyone can climb this route including the people reading this sentence.

By the way, did I mention that I’m terrified of heights? I’m seriously, I probably climbed 20 times before I got over the fact that I was 20,000 leagues off the ground (you measure height in leagues, right?). It’s really a great way to try and overcome your fear of heights. Not that I’m going to be looking over any balconies anytime soon. Just never thought that I’d eventually be hanging on ropes with nothing but a knot and a grigri keeping me from certain doom.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering what climbing my route might look like, or you want to know how to climb it before you actually climb, you can see it here:

Lesson Learned: Climbing is fun!

-Animal

O-H! I-O!

To see how I got this job, check out Best Interview Ever

To see other things I’m learning, check out My First Quarter Without Swipes

Learning to Take a Medical History
Essentially we’re learning how to get medical histories from patients, from the HoPI (History of Present Illness) to social history, family history, sexual history, and all variations of the above. Which includes adolescents/children, patients of different cultures, patient situations in which there may be violence or domestic abuse, angry/noncompliant patients, etc. etc.

We learn and discuss journal articles and also watch videos on whatever aspect of the History we’re learning for a given week, and then get to put what we learn into practice by interacting with “patients” in practice in interviews. My major is largely research-focused, so this is really the first clinical training I’ve gotten beyond my informal learning from my mom’s practice and the free dental clinic where I volunteer.

It’s amazing how much goes into the questions your doctor or other healthcare provider asks in a routine visit! And for those of us who are pretty much healthy it’s crazy seeing what kinds of conditions patients may need assistance with.

Atypical experiences!
Take today for example– our patient (normally they’re actors) appeared to just need help quitting smoking, but after the right questions he revealed that he was actually born a woman, and made the transition to living as a man (with hormone therapy) a few years ago.

What?!?!

Not something your average straight female sees every day, so it was really fascinating to talk to him. (it turned out he actually *wasn’t* completely acting, and had been asked to come in to portray his real previous experiences)

Overall, these types of interactions have really helped to blow me from the campus bubble that you can easily get lost in during college. Even within our campus community, there are individuals with “atypical” experiences, and it’s so fascinating to get to hear these stories. And of course, I’m really looking forward to the day when I can do more than just listen!

Blogging from: My desk in History of Art 350

I know, I know. I shouldn’t be blogging in class; that’s not setting a good example. Let’s just say what’s being discussed is a … review for me. Yeah, that sounds good.

Anyway! I was just thinking about how other blogs you may read outside of Buckeyes Blog sometimes discuss pop culture though this one, at least mine, has not. Why is this important? Why do the future and current students of Ohio State need to know anything about pop culture?

Well because that’s precisely what it is: culture. Teens, adults, your newborn baby brother and even your cocker spaniel knows about the $10 million wedding some Kardashian just had.

The point is I wanted to start this routine of the latest “hip things,” at least things I enjoy so that one: you can get to know me better and two: maybe you will benefit from the following and find yourself some new things. :)

#1: Music
Music today is as fleeting as a flock of birds flying south for the winter. One day it’s new and good and the next day it might as well have been a song your mom listened to when she was a kid. Nonetheless, I try to keep up with the music of the day. Some of my current favorites:

This song is awesome, mainly because of the fact that it’s coming from kids that are my little brother’s age. It’s fun, upbeat and extremely catchy. :)

This song is catchy as well, though what Jason Derulo song isn’t?

Coldplay, believe it or not, is pop as of late and this song has become part of that pop culture. This song is a good song to listen to while chilling and doing your homework.

#2: Movies/Television
As for this one, I could go on for days. But I’ll just stick to one each.

A must see. It’s funny and will keep you going back and forth between emotions.

As for TV Shows, some people will disagree but my favorite right now is How I Met Your Mother. I’ve watched every episode over the course of the summer and I absolutely love it. Mondays at 8/7c on CBS :)

#3: Celebs
What better way to keep up with the celebs but through their prominent source of communication:

Glee Star @msleamichele: “Another lovely scene between Shelby and Rachel:) What a great day of work today. Off to bed for another long day tomorrow! Nighty night! Xo”

@justinbieber: “random thought – where is waldo”

@KimKardashian: “Tonight @KourtneyKardash @KhloeKardashian and I are all guest-starring on America’s Next Top Model!!! Tonight at 9/8c on The CW!”

That’s all for now (sorry for the length; this was a trial run)!

I was initially reluctant about attending game night, an event organized for people living on my floor.  Of all the ways to spend a Friday night during my first month in college, this one seemed like it had the highest potential to be lame.  I assumed it would be a few quick hours of forced conversation and Uno playing, ending awkwardly early and leaving me alone for the rest of the night.  However my ultimate love for all things board games and my desire to meet my neighbors sent me down to the lobby that night.

The first few hours were a little strained as far as conversation goes.  People were coming in and out, stopping by for some popcorn before they went out for the night, or sometimes leaving to go play ping pong down the hall.  But after a while only a small group was left.

We played Catchphrase for hours, but eventually ran out of steam.  But somehow, no one wanted to leave.  Our game playing with strangers quickly segued into hours spent talking like we were old friends.  We were enjoying each other’s company.  The comfort I felt was reminiscent of what I had with my high school friends a few weeks ago.  This ease I felt with a group of formerly unfamiliar people was remarkable to me.

I was a bit jealous of my roommates that night when they went out and I resigned myself to game night.  However when I shared my stories of new friends, it was their turn to be jealous.  Two days later as I walked down my hall I heard a voice call my name, one of the girls I had played Catchphrase with that night saying hello.  I now feel slightly more at home on my floor, knowing I have friends outside of my suite.

Never again will I be reluctant to attend a “lame” event such as this.  I’ve learned that not all friendships begin with awkward social interactions.  Sometimes things just click.  And when this magic occurs, you’re in a for a good Friday night.

Credits:
The first part of my title is a song by Katy Perry.

Arts and Sciences 100.06H (Survey) 

Although this class often feels insignificant amongst my 5 credit hour classes, I appreciate that OSU takes time to orient students with the whole academic process so you don’t feel in the dark about planning your degree and living up to academic expectations.  Even at OSU’s more affordable tuition rates, it costs a lot of money to get an education, so survey also gives you the chance to learn about the various resources on campus to take advantage of.

Chinese 101.01:

This class actually shouldn’t be here; I dropped it like a hot potato (my aunt’s words) after the second day.  In many ways I feel quite sad about this, considering that Chinese was supposed to be my second major.  Although I definitely would have learned a lot in this course, it was a much heavier time commitment than I was ready for, and my lack of motivation to put in that time made me realize that maybe it wasn’t the double major I was looking for after all.  However, dropping a class taught me a couple of valuable lessons:

• Plan your courses carefully and practically, but leave yourself some room for error.  I spent hours pouring over OSU’s course catalog over the summer to plan the ‘perfect schedule’ only to change it two days into the quarter.  It never hurts to have a backup plan, and interests and time commitments may change.

• Walk-in advising is a wonderful, wonderful thing.  There are some tight deadlines when it comes to dropping and adding a class, so being able to see an advisor in a pinch is a handy resource.

Math 150 (Precalculus):

This class has sharp claws and pointy teeth, like the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Not a good sign.

Okay, I know :-P.  Precal is nothing compared to differential equations, physics, organic chemistry, electrical engineering, or any other type of engineering for that matter.  But as a language major, my affinity for math isn’t particularly high.  Naturally, I have already spent many, many hours at the MSLC (Mathematics and Statistics Learning Center).  It’s a fabulous (and free) resource for all OSU math students, and all of the tutors are friendly and knowledgeable.  Judging by the amount of time I spend getting help for Math 150, the tutors and I will be like family by the end of the quarter.  There are many classes in college in which you just have to suffer through them, but chances are you’re not alone, and Ohio State has a way to help you out.      

Russian 251H (Contemporary Russian Literature):

This is the class I threw into the mix after dropping Chinese.  The readings are fascinating, and my professor is so learned in the material that she talks about Tolstoy, Platonov, Bulgakov, etc. as if she was best friends with them.  Although I love language arts, analyzing literature has never been my forte, so this class is definitely challenging me to be more detail oriented.  Nevertheless, being exposed to Russian Lit is inspiring me to consider studying Russian as a foreign language.  Although it can be difficult to find motivation to take certain GEC (General Education Curriculum) classes, you never know when one might spark an interest.     

Spanish 104H:

My favorite class by far.  This is good sign, I think, given that I’m a Spanish major.  We spend a lot of time reading and discussing short stories, as well as watching movies (en español, of course).  I am amazed at how much more I’ve learned in just 2.5 weeks in the classroom, and it’s really exciting to already be making strides towards fluency (although that day is still a long way off).  Furthermore, Spanish 104H is great because you can leapfrog 250 and start 400 level classes upon passing the SLRPE (Spanish Listening and Reading Proficiency Exam).

Rude Awakening:  There are already some colds going around on our floor.  I’m no germophobe, but I feel way too busy to be sick.  Luckily, I did manage to find time to get my flu shot this past Sunday!  Ohio State has also been offering flu shots on campus recently as well.

Pleasant Surprise:  Parent and Family Weekend at OSU is, well, this weekend!  My substitute parents, aka, my aunt and uncle, are going to drive down from Cleveland to help me find a winter coat! ^_^

In firm friendship,

Julia Rose S.

Killer Rabbit Photo:  http://montypython.wikia.com/wiki/Rabbit_of_Caerbannog

My Resume! A bit blurred for privacy, but you can also see the different sections and heirarchy

• Practice your elevator pitch (a ~30 second or 3 sentence speech saying who you are, what your major is, and why you’re interested in that company.

Some days are just no good. From the minute you wake up, things don’t go your way. You forgot to study for that early morning quiz, for example. Or maybe you just ran out of coffee. Or you got splashed by a bus. You woke up late. You have no clean laundry. Your car got towed.

(Disclaimer: Not all of these things happened to me today, but they have all happened at some point.)

Whatever the reason, some days are just….not as good as others. And when that happens, you need to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and say to the world, “Here I am, gosh darn it, and I’m not going anywhere!”

Every so often, everyone needs a little something to brighten up your day. So, I hope this brightens up yours:

My roommate really didn't need her laundry basket anyway.

Smile! Tomorrow’s another day and another chance to get it right. (Or at least right-er.)

What a way to start the day! I have 20 credit hours of class, a job, fraternity obligations, I’m working on finishing my pilot’s license, and on top of that I’m attempting to salvage a social life somewhere in there, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I must say, going out and flying around Columbus in the early mornings while the Earth is still warming sure is a good way to gain an appreciation for Ohio. Right now the leaves are settling into vibrant colors that make my view worth a lot more than what I pay for it. I feel very blessed to be able to have this great experience. I hope everyone enjoys the pictures!

-Ryan