study abroad/ national student exchange.

I am very interested in Studying Abroad because I think it would be an awesome experience that comes in college, and it will never be the same once you graduate.  I've always wanted to travel internationally to many different countries and studying abroad would be an excellent way to submerse myself in another country's culture.  Although the National Student Exchange is a really cool thing, one that I did not know about until coming to college, I would rather spend my semester somewhere out of the United States because it can be much easier to go somewhere in the United States for vacation with the family than going out of the country.  Even though I want to go to a lot of places, I think my number one pick would be Australia.  Yes, the popular pick for everybody it seems but I have always been fascinated by Australia, their accents, their beaches, and just their way of life, so I think it would be such a great experience and one that I would learn a lot from and never forget.
I have pretty much done the same thing in my service site every week, so I don't really have anything to choose from to be my favorite part.  I do love the fact that even though I am just putting stickers in books, I am helping to bring a smile to a child's face when they receive their new book.  So, even if I'm not right there giving the book to the child, I love the thought of being in the process to making a child's day better.

a student leaders perspective.

Leadership is when someone leads other people by actions, how they live their life, instead of forcing people to follow them.  When a leader speaks, people listen and take what they say to heart.  A leader is also someone who is enthusiastic, passionate, and not afraid to go out of their comfort zone to do things.  A good leader is easily approachable and listens to all who are involved.  I have been a leader on my cross country and track teams in high school.  I was voted captain by my teammates after the season, which meant a lot because it showed me they looked up to me, looked to me for guidance during practice, and I inspired them to run hard and run their best every day.  Although I am the younger sister, I often take the role of the bigger sister in my family.  My sister looks to me for support and of course, on how to dress.  I have had a leader position in my group of friends growing up also.  I have always tried to lead by example and just by being me and going about things the "classy" way.  I do want to be a leader here at South Carolina during my four years and I look to be a part of the leadership roles in groups I am active in and become active in as I continue my education in Columbia.

diversity.

  Before coming to USC, diversity, to me, was different people from different backgrounds, religions, race, and beliefs.  I have always been interested in what other people thought and their way of living, so diversity has never been an issue for me because I like to meet a lot of different people.  Ever since coming to the University of South Carolina, I have definitely had a first hand experience with more diversity than I've ever met before; however, I love to see all the different people as they walk around campus or talk with them.  I believe there is so much you can learn with these people and the different experiences and backgrounds they have had from you.  Seeing all kinds of diverse students at college, though, has not changed my view of diversity, but strengthened my interest in it, if anything, because you can learn so much from different people and become a more well rounded individual with less ethnocentrism.  As of yet, I have not experienced any diversity in my service sight because I have only been to the library to get ready for the Cocky's Reading Express trips which include a select few people that I see while there.  I am definitely excited to see the diversity and all the students at Hand Middle School on November 4 though.

south carolina traditions.

Carolina Traditions that I have partaken in are First Night Carolina and First Year Reading Experience at the very beginning of the year.  First Night Carolina was pretty interesting, although it was kind of ruined because of the rain and we had to all shuffle in Russell House for a bit while they rearranged in the ballroom instead of Williams Brice, so that was a bummer.  Although, it was interesting to see the different organizations, activities, and see all the different traditions they do at a Carolina football game with the cheerleaders, and the Carolina songs.  My favorite tradition would have to be Carolina football games at William Brice on game days.  From tailgating, to hearing "Welcome to Gamecock Nation", to the student section, sand storm, the multiple cheers and chants, and Gamecock football, it gives any Gamecock fan a thrill.  However, being a part of the University, and in the student section, makes you proud of being a Gamecock, as well as makes you feel more a part of the University of South Carolina.  So, I absolutely love the tradition in Carolina Football and look forward to it every home game.

alcohol. fall break.

     I don't think I really learned anything new today in class, maybe that roommates can get in trouble too with possession of drugs and alcohol, even if they are not responsible.  I guess I knew that because of AlcoholEdu, but I just could not remember exactly.  The discussion did not make me feel any different than usual; although, it is kind of cool to see what your peers think about the subject.

     Next semester, I am planning to take History, French, English, Philosophy, and a Science, so my spring semester will be a little more stressful than this semester, but definitely nothing I can't handle.

     For fall break, I am going to visit my friend at Lander for a little while and then head back to my hometown for the rest of the weekend.  Since there is a fair in Spartanburg too, me and my friends will probably go to it one night, so that should be fun.  Also, we can't forget about Woodruff Friday night football, which I will definitely be attending because even though I have Saturday football now, Friday football is pretty sweet to me too.  The rest of the time I have no clue what I am going to be doing.  Probably just hang out with my friends and spend some time with my family, so it should be a pretty great break! I'm so glad it is finally here.

brain rules ch 3&4. undergraduate research.

     I have enjoyed my time at Cocky's Reading Express so far.  Even though I have only put stickers in the front of books and stapled sheets together to make packets for the children, I really enjoyed it.  I enjoyed it so much because I knew that these simple acts would light up a child's face when they received the books or participated in the activities that Cocky has planned for them.  I also like that it is a very relaxed atmosphere in which our "boss" is very nice and we are allowed to play the radio while working; music is always a plus for me.  My strengths are that I like to work and I love to help people so I do not mind doing the "boring part" as some might say, or the behind the scenes part.  Because I like to work and accomplish the tasks that are needed to be done, I want to get stickers in all the books they have out for a particular trip, which can be like 250 books, which I guess could be a downfall of mine too because I don't want to stop until I finish them all; although, there are people that come in after me to continue working on what I did not get done.  Unfortunately, I have not volunteered anywhere else this semester but I know it would be a very fun and rewarding experience if I did.

mid-term exam.

     My favorite memory of the semester would have to be game day!.. so therefore, I guess I don't just have one favorite memory, because I love every Saturday that I get to go down to Williams Brice.  I love college football and it's absolutely awesome to be in the middle of it all on Saturday's at William's Brice.  From getting ready, to walking through and seeing all the tailgaters, to tailgating, to initially walking through the gates and hearing the words "Welcome to Gamecock Country" and watching the game with all your fellow Gamecocks, it is such an awesome feeling and rush you get surrounded by garnet and black on these days.  I love the whole process of Gamecock Game Day and the Gamecock community that you are submersed in when it is time for the Gamecocks to play.
     If there is one thing I would do over again, I think it would be my schedule.  After going to my adviser the other week, I realized I took all of my easier classes this semester so my spring semester will have more of the harder classes.  So, although I am not too worried about the harder schedule, not having as much work now makes me ready to go ahead and get on the work load I will have next semester.  Besides that, I don't think I have much that I would do over again.  I have enjoyed my time here at USC so far.
     I have been keeping up with my goals I made from the beginning of the year.  I have exercised 4-5 times each week, kept up with my homework and studying to get the 4.0, and looked into business organizations.  I have not made any new goals since; although, I'm sure I will add to my list in the coming year.  I am definitely on track to reach my goals by the end of the semester.  I have been motivated to stay in shape and stay focused and on top of school work, as well as get involved.