The end is in sight.

Well, the semester has now come to an end. I can't believe it's over already. It's sort of mind boggling to think how fast these last few months have flown by. However, I'm so happy this semester is done!! I have gone through hell and back with how much work I've had to do and I can't wait for the lighter work load next semester. I still have two presentations, two papers, and three exams before Saturday, but the end is in sight. I am living for Saturday 10am, haha. Once I'm there I will not have to worry anymore... I will be free of the hundreds of pages that I've had to read and write and all the exams and massive amounts of information I've had to cram into my little skull. I still can't believe how much I've had to do and complete in the last few months. It really is ridiculous. Completely ridiculous.

My friends have repeatedly said to me, "Where have you been?" "I feel like I haven't seen you in a long time!" Yeah, tell me about it. I've been stuck in my room, constantly doing freaking work. I'm so excited for spring semester when my classes will be less focused on busy work that takes hours to complete. I feel like I've lost my desire to learn this year. I became unexcited about gaining knowledge because I was so worried about getting the assignments in on time. I really hated that too. I hate having the feeling that I'm just pushing papers which have no meaning or significance to me anymore. Why does education have to be like that? Why does it force students to hate learning?

I don't know. I just hope my upcoming semester will revive my desire to be educated. Here's to wishful thinking!

Tired of the Work

I find it somewhat ridiculous the amount of school work that has accumulated at the end of this semester. I literally have 40 pages to write in three weeks. I'm not exactly sure how this happened, and I am not happy about it. I see the majority of my friends having time to hang out, have fun, watch TV while I'm inside on the computer researching, writing, and editing.

How is it the my life has become my schoolwork? I realized I had a problem when my friends all confronted me at dinner today and asked me where I've been for the last week. I thought about it and came to the conclusion that I have done absolutely nothing other than sleep, eat, gone to class, and done homework. I've become more and more depressed over the past month which I feel is directly connected to the fact that my professors are assigning way too much busy work and useless papers. I end up writing a two page paper full of fluff and b.s. and think to myself, "What was the point in writing that? All I end up doing is reiterate the professor's words."

I've explained to my room mate that I've accepted the fact that I've developed what I call "academic bulemia." I binge on facts and figures and vomit it back up on a page and hand it in. Sadly, this type of work has been sufficient. I'm doing well in all my classes, but I don't feel like I've learn ANYTHING! I've learned how to survive with the overwhelming workload by skimming over the material to get the point across. However, by the next day I couldn't tell you what I said or the argument I defended in any of the papers I've written this semester.

When did learning lose its meaning?

Halloween is sadly over

Well, Halloween activities have come and gone this past weekend. And with that so has my happiness. It's crazy to think that October is quickly coming to an end. I've been so busy with school work, frisbee, and my job that the weeks just fly by. I'm definitely not looking forward to this week by any means. I've got 5 papers, 1 quiz, and 1 exam. That's pretty ridiculous if you ask me. It might just be me, but I feel like I've certainly lost the desire to really try my hardest with assignments. Instead, I'm really just trying to get the work done and handed in. Learning isn't fun right now, whatsoever.

The only thing I'm looking forward to is a mini-scrimmage with the F&M Women's Frisbee team and the frisbee tournament being held at Wilkes on Saturday. I'm finally getting to play and I can't wait to see how it goes! Here's to so hoping I don't suck!

Men's Frisbee Once Again Takes 2nd Place

Well, there was yet another frisbee tournament this weekend. Like I mentioned before, this tournament was held here at Millersville. "Thrill At The Ville" brought in 8 teams from all over including Drexel, Towson, Adelphi, Susquehanna, Ursinus, and Montclaire State. The Millersville A team went undefeated the first day (Oct 20) winning the first 4 games. The second day was a little more nerve-racking with their third winning being 13-12. The guys ended up losing their final game against Towson who also had gone undefeated the entire tournament. The guys showed great energy, however, tensions always seem to run high when they are behind in the game. I think what they will have to try and work on is staying calm when the game becomes stressful, instead of getting jittery and making bad decisions.

Next weekend, there's going to be a co-ed tournament at Wilkes. Hopefully, myself and three other girls will be able to get out there and play!

Men's Frisbee Team Takes 2nd at TCNJ Tournament

My past weekend was spent at The College of New Jersey supporting the guy's frisbee team at another tournament. They all played really well, but unfortunately lost to Hofstra in the championships. I was so impressed by the skill our team has developed over the past two years. Everyone has been coming together as a team and really giving it their all. The guys are hosting a tournament here at Millersville next weekend (20-21st) with colleges from all over (even Canada) coming to play. Come out and support if you can!

Two weekends from now the girls will be traveling to play at their second tournament of the semester. It'll be my first this year, though. So I'm pretty nervous to get out there and attempt to play haha. All the girls have been really supportive, saying that I will do fine. However, I just don't think my throws and technique are up to par yet to play competitively. I guess I'll just have to suck it up and try my hardest at practice to get myself together over the next two weeks.

Another week flying by...

Well it seems as if my entire life is so jam packed with school, work, and frisbee that I don't have a second to breathe. My week basically is finished in the blink of an eye because it is so busy. I guess it could be considered a blessing working so hard you don't realize that the weekend has finally arrived. But, I honestly feel that I'm missing out on simply relaxing and having the luxury of doing nothing. I do enjoy most days during the week, don't get me wrong. I see a lot of my friends at frisbee practice and in classes, but it's just not the same as being able to sit around and watch a movie with your friends without having the worry about a looming test/paper/worksheet.

I think by the time this semester is over I will not only be mentally drained but physically as well. It's better to be busy than bored, that's for sure, but if you never budget for some down time you can easily get overloaded and overwhelmed. I know my immune system has taken a huge hit since coming to school. I haven't had a day where I wasn't sick with a fever or a horrendous cough. I'm waiting for the moment when I feel completely fine, but I'm pretty sure it's not going to happen any time soon.

Looking at my schedule, I know there's no way I'm going to be able to change it now to allow for more down time. I guess I'm just going to have to grin and bear it and keep going at the same pace I've been.

Brett Rhoads

Last spring, Millersville University senior, Brett Rhoads, accomplished a feat most MLB pitchers can only dream of: throwing a no hitter.

Rhoads is only the second pitcher in Millersville history to attain such a remarkable achievement. Not only that, the game, which was played against Mansfield University, was the first no hitter to ever be pitched on Mansfield soil.

Brett recalls the experience, “It was pretty crazy. Definitely my greatest college achievement so far.” Hopefully, for Millersville baseball fans it won’t be the last of Rhoads’ incredible accomplishments on the field.

Rhoads spent the past summer as a player in the Atlantic Baseball Confederation Collegiate League (ABCCL). Rhoads’ all-star team, the Protocall Starz, was based in Medford, New Jersey. He assisted the Protocall Starz to a winning season of 22-15.

Brett along with the rest of the Millersville baseball team is anxiously waiting to take on such rivals as Kutztown University in their upcoming season. Although Rhoads says, “It’s too early to tell about next season.” One major improvement Rhoads openly acknowledges is the recently erected baseball stadium (yet to be named) that will hopefully be the home of many Millersville victories in the future.

The baseball team recently held try-outs for 07-08 season. However, Rhoads, who can throw at speeds up to 90mph, probably won’t come up against too much competition for his starting spot on the roster.

As Brett is finishing up his last year on Millersville’s team, he hopes to make baseball apart of his future career. If nothing else, Rhoads wants to work in sales or public relations for a major baseball team. Brett’s obvious dream, however, is to continue playing baseball after college. For inspiration, Rhoads looks up to hard nose players like Philadelphia Phillies 2^nd baseman, Chase Utley. As Brett describes, “He plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played…no short cuts.”

Millersville's First All Girl's Frisbee Team

I've just started to get into ultimate frisbee this year. Currently there are forty five members: 34 guys, 11 girls. I'm really excited to announce that this year we are going to be organizing an all girls frisbee team. In the past two years of "Moose", Millersville's club frisbee team, the play has been primarily co-ed. However, since there has been so much interest in the sport this year, we finally have enough support to develop a men's and women's team.

It's been a wonderful way to make some great friendships on campus. All the girls I'm on the team with are so encouraging and helpful! I really think if anyone is interested in learning a new sport, staying in shape, and meeting some cool people to come out to some of our practices and see how you like it! (Tuesday/Thursday 6:15-8:45pm-Pucillo field, Friday 4:15-6:15pm -Brook's field or in the quad) We've got a lot of beginners to the sport this year (including myself) so don't hesitate to stop on by!!

One Week Down, Fifteen to Go

It's officially the end of the school week for me, and I couldn't be happier. It started out pretty rough, but didn't actually end that badly. I can't believe how much work has to be accomplished this semester. I'm almost certain Zoology is going to be the hardest/most arduous course this term. Let's do a recap-- 3 hours of lecture total(MWF), 3 hours of lab (Th), and then 3 hours of open lab (F)-- Total: 9 hours. Not only that nine hours, but they want us to work 12-18 hours of independent study outside of class. It's mentally exhausting even thinking about how much work I'm going to have to do. Now, I realize I am being a complete baby about all this, but complaining is something that comes naturally to me. WAH!

Overall, if I keep the topics I'm focusing on interesting, the semester should be a blast. I'm finally being given the opportunity to start doing some real anthropological work this year!! My "Ethnographic Methods" and "Food and Culture" courses both require some pretty intensive ethnographies, and I can't wait to get started!!

I'm pretty sure by the end of the semester my Women's Health and Health Care professor is going to turn me into a feminist. Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to shave my legs and wear perfume, I think she's just going to help me become stronger minded individual. That class is sure to be one that will keep me intellectually stimulated and aware of current women's issues throughout the semester.

Journalism, I think, will really help me condense my thoughts and keep me grounded in my writing style. I tend to prefer to be overly dramatic and enthusiastic in everything I do (if you couldn't tell) including my writing. I always think it keeps life just a little more interesting. However, I realize there is a time and a place for my personality, and journalism class will teach me a new way of conveying my observations and ideas into a more conservative manner.

I can't wait to get this semester started! I'm glad all the introductory crap is over in the first week. Now we can really start to learn some new things!

Illness and Education: Not a Smart Combination

Looking back over this past week of class, I'd have to say it was one of the worst experiences in recent memory. Let's start at the beginning, Monday (In hindsight, I'd like to rename it "Doom's Day"). I woke up thinking, "This is great. Starting off a new semester isn't going to be so bad." I arrived at my first class with unbridled enthusiasm. Walking into that Zoology course, I was prepared to take on all of its difficulties and environmentally motivated issues, curing all the world's problems without breaking a sweat. However after 15 minutes of discussion, I realized I actually was sweating. I became uncomfortably overheated, nauseated, my back felt like I had been trampled on by a thousand horses, and my throat had begun to close. Once the class had finished all I could recall was the professor's insistence that a tomato is a fruit (which is completely true!) and the considered and terrified looks of the girl sitting next to me. I believe she had successfully witnessed the biological effects a virus has after it ravages a living organism.

After a miserable, 95 degree walk back to my dorm, I retrieved my trusty thermometer and discovered my temperature had reached 101.9 degrees. I didn't know how I was going to go on, but I knew I had to continue. I refuse to be that one ridiculous student who misses the first week of classes. Honestly, who does that? Not me, that's for sure.

I dragged my weakened body across campus with only a water bottle and notebook in hand. I can not tell a lie, so I willingly admit that my three hour Ethnographic Methods course is a complete blur. There was something about sustainable agriculture in Lancaster county, but I was entirely too concerned about not dying of tuberculosis or meningitis to focus.

As the day progressed I only got worse. Unfortunately for me, my temperature had elevated to 102 degrees. It was in that desperate hour, I realized things are just going to get worse before they ever get better. I took some Tylenol, hoping it would be the miracle I was waiting for. I arrived at journalism class feeling a sense of calm. My back didn't hurt, my fever had gone down, and I hadn't eaten since that morning so I wasn't nauseous either. The class was progressing rather well. I was focused. I was comprehending what was being discussed. I was back to normal! This optimistic attitude quickly disintegrated into complete misery when my medication started to wear off somewhere around the 7:00pm mark. The rest of the class sort of combined with my pain to create a state of utter confusion. There was no way to focus on my pain and the syllabus at the same time. Therefore, I absorbed about two minutes of the syllabus for every minute of pain. There were also a couple minutes in there where I would look around the room at everyone who wasn't feeling sick and I secretly hated them (I hope that can be forgiven). By the end of class, my feeble and diseased body needed rest. I believe I slept 10 hours that night.

By Tuesday morning, I was feeling a tad better. I still had my fever, but the back aches had gone away (thank goodness). Since I felt like my health was improving, I thought to myself, "Hmm, I should probably try to eat something before class." Sounded like a nice idea in theory, however, when put into practice, eating food went horribly, horribly wrong. I started to feel immense nausea almost the minute the first gulp of apple juice hit my stomach. The truly sad part about all of this was the fact that I was walking to my "Food and Culture" class. If the apple juice wouldn't have gotten to me, I'm sure merely the discussion of food at that point in time would have made me want to puke. I spent the entire class breathing deeply, trying to block about any discussions on the topic of food. Thankfully for myself and everyone involved in that class, I didn't vomit. I spent the rest of Tuesday asleep, hoping my body would soon learn to stop hating me.

Wednesday started off pretty rough. My body had become so exhausted by all the crap it had been going through, I actually nodded off in my Zoology lecture. It's not a good thing to report, I know. But I think it was at that point that I had reached my breaking point. I was either going to recover or my roommate was going to walk into the traumatic scene of my dead body lying on the floor. I rested up for the majority of the day before making my way to my night class, Women's Health and Health Care. It was the first class where I actually didn't feel like I was going to keel over. My professor is going to teach the class with a feminist perspective, instead of using what she calls, "the male paradigm". I actually think the class will be somewhat entertaining and empowering. Maybe because it was the first class where I didn't feel like I was going to die, but it was probably my most stimulating class so far.

This pretty must brings me to the present day, Thursday. I'm immensely better than I was on Monday. I'm not completely cured, but I can see the end of my tunnel of misery. I went to my Food and Culture class again. This time, it went a lot smoother than Tuesday. Even though the start of this week completely (for lack of a better word) sucked, I think my classes will be pretty interesting. I'm sure I'll be working harder than I've ever worked since coming to college. But, hard work isn't always a bad thing. Well, I must get going. I have my three hour Zoology lab to get to. All I'm hoping is that I don't drop a microscope or blow up the lab. Although, after the ridiculously unfortunate couple days I've had, I'm not expecting anything less than chaotic.