My 19th Birthday

Nineteen (19) has never been so sweet! Ok, so maybe this is my first time being 19, but it has been treating me quite well so far. Last Friday, on my birthday after I took my Calculus quiz, I was ready to relax and start having fun. But first I dropped like a fly. After a little nap, I went to eat with my family at P.F. Chang's. I miss that place. Mmmm! Later we all went home and had cake and ice cream with a few of my cousins, my grandma, my sisters future mother and law (my big sister is getting married in May), and other family. After the little family party, I went back to Norman to see the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Probate Show and saw all of the new Alpha's come out for the first time in public and present themselves with their new names. They put on a little step show for us. It was so exciting watching some of my play brothers cross over to their new fraternity. The show was pretty packed with people and everybody was screaming and having fun. They did really good job. I was so proud of them.

The next morning on Saturday was the OU Big Event. I did the Big Event with the other Henderson Scholars and we went to a retirement home and did a little "sprucing up" project. In my group we fixed some flower beds, planted flower seeds, trimmed some trees, and beautified the garden at a nursing home in Oklahoma City. It was early and I was pretty tired but the music kept us all pretty pumped while we worked. After another nap (LOL, I nap a lot), a few of my friends took me to B.J.'s for a little birthday celebration. I love the burgers at B.J.'s. They are the best anywhere in Norman and don't let anyone tell you any different ;). At the party we had fun taking crazy, silly pics and laughing at each other and enjoying getting off campus for a bit. Now, it is Sunday night and a couple of my friends and I are up finishing some work and watching Aladdin. When you come to college you’ll realize that everybody pretty much still enjoys being big kids sometimes. The birthday weekend was a good one and I am thankful to have the family and the friends that I do that took the time to make it so special for me.

Before last week, I had never been to an opera before. Last week, I went to my very first opera with a friend and had an amazing time. The opera took place here on campus and was performed by OU performing arts students. The name of the opera was the famous "Barber of Seville". The opera was absolutely hilarious. There were silly men attired in colorful dresses and bright colored wigs. There was a little slapstick comedy thrown into the mix also. The actors were so talented and acted so well that although the entire piece was in Italian, the audience was fully aware of what was taking place in the story without having to understand a word. If anyone in the audience got lost, subtitles were available above the stage. The set and costumes were very beautiful, colorful, and vivid.

My favorite part of the play was the part of the Barber singing the famous "Figaro". Let's face it. The closest thing I had heard to this was Robin Williams impersonating a cute little cartoon bird in the beginning of Mrs. Doubtfire. I was thoroughly impressed by the performance. All in all, I had an amazing night and I know that I will always and forever love the Opera.

I Dare You to Explore the Possibilities

This semester has been crazy! Wonderful, but CRAZY. When I look back at all of the things that have happened over the course of ONE semester, I am amazed. I have made some amazing friends, and have met a diverse array of people and seen all types of personalities. The independence that comes along with college is invigorating and unique to anything I've experienced. I see changes in myself now that did not exist Day 1. You will learn a lot in college. Things will be presented to you in a new way and you will have a lot freedom in your course selection. All of this is wonderful but, college is about learning much more than anything that you can read in books.

I have flashbacks of so many memories from the semester. There were late nights where I would be up all night talking to my best friends and I remember just being goofy and having fun together. Memories of the Black Student Association events and I remember seeing my first probate show. Walking on campus, sometimes I would want to be alone for a while and would sneak off away from my friends. It would be just me and my IPOD on warm days and I'd just enjoy beauty of the campus. I can remember the sun peaking through the leaves of the trees. I remember showing my friends from faraway places their first icy outdoor adventures, and being in shock that it was the first time some of them had ever in their lives seen ice sickles. I remember late nights at the Jazz Lounge that was hosted by Black sororities and fraternities on campus where students gather, and where we would all go, hearing and performing inspiring musical and poetic pieces. I reminisce in leaving in a whimsical, inspiring, and relaxed mood every time.

I want to tell you that you can have it all. The memories, the friends, your family, your religious faith, and that 4.0 or whatever else might be important to you. Tailor your college experience to the things that are important to you. High school can be good too, but it's not even in the same galaxy with that of the College Experience. I remember the night before coming to OU, I just laid in bed sleeplessly. Nervous. Excited. Scared. I wondered about what it would be like, if my relationship with my family would be the same. If I would be happy. I am happy. I feel blessed. My relationship with my family is still wonderful. So to you that is reading this right now, you may be like I was. At this point last year, I was stressing. Unsure of what school to go to, and wondering if I would regret whatever decision I made. OU was the place that I chose, and OU is the place that I would choose again... The thing that I wish I would have known then, that I didn't realize at the time was that I shouldn't have stressed about the decisions, or try to rush it. I should have relaxed and enjoyed the journey of finding my school. With some people, they just know, and others of us analyze it to the tee. Enjoy the experience, don't dread it... Things will change.. but be positive and tell yourself that they will change for the better, and be realistic and know that this could quite possibly be the best time of your life.

I am so glad that all of my finals are over and I look forward to catching up on some much needed rest, to spending quality time with my much loved FAMILIA, and catching up with friends at home. I love Christmas. Everything about it. The inspiration, the stories, the meaning, the family, the overall mood. I'm ready. I'll get back to you...in... 2008. Seniors, it's your year...

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY HOLIDAY TO EVERYONE!

Anything for Kids

As a Henderson Scholar, one of our community service projects dealt with giving to children. Before some of the home football games, our group raised money to buy children in need Christmas presents. After raising the money, all the scholars divided into 3 groups: Group 1: Shopped for the gifts, Group 2: Wrapped the children's presents, Group 3: Decorated for the Christmas Party. I chose to work with the Gift Shopping committee. A group of us went to Sooner Fashion Mall and to Toys R Us with a long list of ideas for Christmas gifts for little boys and girls. It was so much fun scavenging through all the toys, clothes and baby gadgetry and seeing how toys have changed. On top of that, it was a much needed break from studying for finals. We did SO much shopping that day! I found out that what's hot for kids today are moon shoes. They are gigantic bright purple shoes that make kids bounce up in the air when they walk. So I went scavenging for the moon shoes for two sisters. I hope the sisters will enjoy them. There were lots of Bratz Doll and Dora the Explorer fans on the list too. There were so many cute things. The whole experience brought back wonderful memories of shopping with my late Grandpa at Christmas when I was a little girl.

After shopping for the kids, we threw them a Christmas Party. First, they had dinner. Then we took them into the play room where they enjoyed making Christmas ornaments, making Christmas cookies, balloon animals, they colored, and watched the movie - Ratatouille. We loved taking care of those babies and kids. They had so much fun that night and they were so sweet.

I have never once regretted volunteering my time, money or talent to help people in my community. What's not to love about kids? Helping people makes me feel as though I am making a positive difference in this world.

I would like to wish you a - Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings.

Until next time...

Yours Truly,
Karmen

Tests+Tests can = Stress and more STRESS! So what do you do?

a. Run away and hide in a hole?
b. EXPLODE?
c. Take breaks and relieve that stress!

Ding ding DING!!! The answer is "C."

Stress is a normal part of college life. Here are some examples of stress relieving exercises that I have tried since I wrote my last blog.

First - after studying for several hours, I grabbed some of my friends and we went to the Huff Workout Center to workout. The Center has all kind of exercise equipment for students to use. My favorite is the treadmill. I may not be an Olympic runner yet, but I can hold my own. My friends and I had fun.

Second - get out of your dorm room or computer lab and have some fun. Last night I visited the Bayou on Campus Corner and listened to some friends debut their poetry skills. While listening to the poems, the great singing and the relaxings band, I noticed my tension started melting away. After returning from the Bayou, I went to the computer lab and it was easier to finalize my paper in no time at all.

Third - when given the opportunity to have some fun - take advantage of it. Halloween on campus was so much fun. Here on campus students took this event to another level. There were people running around in some of the craziest costumes I've ever seen. :) At the weekly President's Leadership Class (PLC) meeting we dressed in costumes, yours truly was Tinkerbelle, and coincidently my buddy Mark was Peter Pan. Our guest speaker for the evening was one of the University's Historians. He told us "cReEpY, Scary " stories and weird happenings at OU. It was a lot of fun, scary and interesting.

Now, I am no psychologist but I can tell you this, when you start feeling stressed about college or life's pressure - STOP what you're doing and take a break, take a deep breath - relax and think about all your blessings. I've already started thinking about THANKSGIVING, time with my family and the turkey and dressing, smoked ham, greens, candied yams, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, chocolate cake, sweet potato pie, lemon meringue pie, peach cobbler and homemade rolls. (Did I ever tell you that I make a homemade chocolate cake that is off the hook - oh yeah - I love cooking) Back to the Huff Center after Thanksgiving :)!!!

So much has happened while I've been in school, and time is passing by fast. I am having a great time at the University of Oklahoma. Life is good. School is good. I'm happy. Until next time. Yours Truly, Karmen.

This weekend was EXCITING. I went to Dallas this Saturday, rushed from my hotel to the OU-TEXAS game, went to the fair, and made so many lasting memories. At the OU Texas Game, everyone in the crowd was so nervous because for months now we've been screaming about beating Texas. Randomly in the halls, people would start screaming slogans about beating UT. Even at Camp Crimson, our counselors were ingraining the rivalry into our minds. Everything rested on this game. Our rank. Our bragging rights! Our DIGNITY! (Ok, so maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but this was our most important game of the year)

But when push came to shove, WE CRUSHED THOSE LONGHORNS!!!! After 2 years of being disappointedly beat by UT, Texas's winning streak came to a crashing halt! Our team did a great job working together and making this win possible. Two freshmen definitely showed out at this game! The "Lightening Bolt" DeMarco Murray, and OU's new "Good Luck Charm" AKA Sam Bradford helped save this game and led us to victory. Our entire team made me proud. The Pride, OU's marching band, did a great job keeping the crowd hyped, and in moments of doubt the Pride helped keep hope alive in the stadium.

The game was so much fun! I've been to a lot of football games, but this one was by far the best I've ever been to. I've watched this game on television, but I don't think that TV can do it justice. There was such a build up of raw energy and uncontainable excitement! It was all simply exhilarating. For all of those future Sooners out there, I'll give you a lasting tip for the OU-TEXAS game. When in doubt, do the following. Step 1: Close your hand and make a fist. Step 2: To create your Longhorns, Stick out your index (pointer finger) and your pinky finger. Step 3, AND THIS STEP IS the most IMPORTANT step to remember or you might be viewed as a TRAITOR: Turn your fingers DOWN toward the ground (where those long horns belong). Simple right? Look at you!!! You're a PRO already.

In this blog, I also included some pictures of the President's Leadership Class (PLC) dinner at President Boren's house. We all had a blast with President Boren and his wife.

Thanks for reading and I'll be back soon! Have a great day.

The first three weeks of college have soared by SO quickly.  Time is passing at a faster pace than ever before.  My first few weeks at OU have been really good ones!  The first day here, I moved into my dorm room and went to Convocation.  You know before the big game how the coach tells you encouraging words that get you pumped up and then you completely knock the ball out of the ballpark?  That’s what President Boren did at Convocation.  He got me PUMPED for the school year and I left feeling confident in myself, excited about the amazing things I can accomplish at OU, and ready for it all to begin.  Don’t miss out on Convocation!  You might even get the chance to learn a little bit about the amazing man that presides over this university. 

The first few days of class were EXTREMELY hot!  Stay hydrated.  The first few days can be very confusing.  What helped me was taking advantage of the campus tours provided by Alpha Chi.  (Thank you)  The members of Alpha Chi will drive you around campus in a golf cart pointing out where your classes are.  Do this BEFORE class starts to avoid wasting time.

Dorm life is great!   I live in the Honor’s College and love it.  I love my room!  Your dorm will be your home so make it personal by decorating!!!  Have a little fun with it.  A lot of my friends had luck at Target buying items for their dorm rooms and JC Penney had some unbelievable college sales also.  There are many beautiful areas in and outside of the Honors dorm that offer me serenity.  I have developed good relationships with the people that live on my floor.  I love that I can stand in the doorway of my dorm room and talk to the people on my floor.  We have fun, we are supportive of each other, and we go out and eat together. It’s great.  I love them already!

Someone else’s experience (including mine) is not necessarily going to be yours.  Filter through what people are telling you.  Remember, it’s their own personal experiences, their personal opinions - not necessarily facts. 
So, before coming to OU I had a few questions like….

Q1: Where can I meet people around campus?
A:  You can meet people ANYWHERE and EVERYWHERE!  And I mean EVERYWHERE!  You will meet people everywhere from the streets of the campus, to the cafeteria and classes.   I met a lot of people that I’m close to now at Camp Crimson.  Most of the students are friendly.  You can meet people by joining organizations.  For example, one of the organizations that I am in is called PLC – President’s Leadership Class.  The first weekend of the semester, all our members bonded together in a big PLC Retreat that was held at Lake Texoma.  We really got to know each other through the team building activities and icebreakers.  We played interactive games, had a big dance with a Hawaiian theme, and spent a lot of time getting to know each other.   Even the meetings were fun!  I look forward to more PLC activities.  Also, I’ve met a lot of people through the Black Student Association (BSA) and the Henderson Scholars Program.  There are several events and opportunities that I’ve learned about through the Henderson Scholars Program and BSA that will help me in the future. 

Q2: What else could be helpful?
A: As soon as you are given your OU e-mail address - upon acceptance into this university, begin to regularly check it.  During the summer about a month before school started, I checked my e-mail for the first time and was unpleasantly surprised to find over 150 e-mails in my inbox!  Many of them were important and even had important deadline that had already passed.  So avoid that because it happened to a lot of my friends as well.  Check it regularly.
A: When you see flyers that say FREE PIZZA don’t necessarily jump.  Investigate.  Some of the time it really is free pizza, but towards the beginning of the school year it could be credit card solicitors.  Always be careful about who has you information, especially who has your Social Security Number.
A: If you are like me (a college kid that isn’t working) you might think that you have to give up on those amazing football games.  Do you?  Of course not!   If this sound like you, JOIN S.H.A.R.E.   S.H.A.R.E. is an acronym for Students Helping Athletics Reach Excellence.  You work before the game and EARN your ticket.  What do we do?  The vendors arrive.  We help them set up their booths, get them whatever they need, and then distribute the food to fans for about four hours.  We get to eat FREE.  We clean the Sooner Club and then head off to the game and watch our team PULVERIZE our competition! 
A: Check out the different bookstores.  I reserved the exact same books at two different places and the difference was more than fifty bucks!  Sometimes there can be huge price differences depending solely on WHERE you go. 
A: I want to let you all know that I have found the secret of life, and it lies in Adams Tower.  OH YES!  I LOVE the Birthday Cake Ice Cream in Adams Tower!  Blue Bell’s Birthday Cake Ice Cream is just the remedy to any late night chocolate craving!  It’s straight from heaven :)
A: Check out your resources.  When you have some free time, grab a buddy and find out what’s inside of this mysterious building.  What a shame it would be to have had a problem with a paper and to never have known about the Writing Lab in Bizzell Memorial Library. 

Q: What can I do now? 
A: I know you’ve probably heard it again and again… Create a Fastweb.com and/or a Scholarships.com account and apply!  Yes, it’s time consuming and yes it can be boring, but would you rather pay it out of your own pocket later, or take advantage of the opportunities now?  People told me that they had tried and tried to find scholarships but that no one they had known had ever gotten awarded through these sites.  Don’t be discouraged.  You can find money!  I did!
A:  Talk to your high school counselors.  They will tell you about all kinds of college opportunities.

I really like OU.  There’s something very special and exciting about this place that I haven’t quite pinpointed.  If I figure it out, I’ll be sure to fill you in!  Until next time, PEACE OUT!!!