Someone probably should have talked some sense into me when I was making my schedule for spring semester. This semester has been flying by, and before I even get to reflect, classes will be over in one week. And then after finals, I will be done with my freshmen year. It's awesome I had the opportunity to share parts of this year with you through this Rutgers blog. I appreciate the comments and questions because otherwise, I would feel like I'm writing a diary, haha.
Here's what been keeping me busy this spring semester, aside from classes:
Alternative Spring Break - I will be on the executive board for this organization next year. For any incoming students, please look out for recruitment events... and if you're interested, apply to go on a trip. It will change how you think, see yourself in society, and view social change. This is the most important organization I've become involved with this year because my trip experience has been powerful, moving and fun. I miss West Virginia every day.
Phi Delta Chi - I am now a brother of Phi Delta Chi, the oldest co-ed professional pharmacy fraternity. While I am a new member, I can already see how much impact this fraternity can have for me throughout pharmacy school and the years beyond that. Through pledging, I've met wonderful friends who I love and trust. I can't wait to get more involved in the fraternity and its professional and community outreach events. If you're an incoming pharmacy student, you should check out rush events next year. It's fun :)
Douglass Student Recruitment Network - It is great meeting the prospective students interested in Rutgers and Douglass. Being in DSRN reminds me how important it is to make the most out of the college experience. I am really happy to have the opportunity to study at Rutgers, be a part of the Douglass community, and be surrounded by brilliant, ambitious students and teachers. I hope the advice I gave to the students were helpful in their college search and decision process. Regardless of what university they chose to enroll in the fall, I hope that they found a great school that fits their goals and could help them reach their potential just like Rutgers and Douglass have done for me. To any incoming Douglass students (or those interested in joining, it's not too late), consider joining DSRN. It's a great stepping stone to getting involved in the community and other school organizations. It definitely helped me with public speaking, planning and organizing. (Hello to Maria, Corinne and Lauren!)
Rising Leaders Institute - Our team project was titled "Spice Up Elijah's Promise!" We collected donations for spices to give to Elijah's Promise, which is a nonprofit organization helping those living in poverty in the New Brunswick area. Other groups did a clothing drive, filmed an advocacy video (Click here), talked to students on College Ave to share information about Elijah's Promise. For incoming students interested in getting involved on campus in terms of leadership and community service, consider Leadership Quest. I have to say that 4-day program really motivated me to be active in the school community because 1) it's fun! 2) you meet amazing people who help you realize your potential just as as you do for them 3) the Rutgers and New Brunswick community needs students who are willing to take an extra step outside of academics and give back. LQ really set me to the right direction for my freshmen year, and I appreciate that opportunity to this day!
So now, it's the last stretch. I just have to study for finals, write my papers that are basically worth my entire course grade (no pressure at all...), and survive in one piece.
For the summer, I plan on continuing to work as I need to replenish my bank account, studying Organic Chem in preparation to battle it next semester, participating in the NEW Leadership program as a part of the Eagleton Institute of Politics, and going on vacation with my family. College summers are much longer than high school ones. Yay! And then we'll be moving back to Rutgers... I'll be a Douglass orientation leader for the fall (I feel like my own orientation was just a couple days ago...). Time moves by too fast.
Congratulations to the Class of 2010!
(Below are photos of the Douglass campus in the spring. Hope you enjoy them as much as the winter photos I posted a couple months ago.)
Expect an update after finals! :) Wish me luck!
Location: SinglePost