2007-2008: Holly Black

Last week of classes

Hi everyone,

It is indeed the last week of classes.  I've been writing papers like it's my job for the past week.  I hope to be done soon!  My last 2 papers are due on Thursday, so my pile of homework to do is coming to and end.  I also have 3 tests this week.

I will be spending most of the weekend studying for my chemistry final.  I'm not too worried about it because I've gotten A's on all the tests except for a B on the first one.  I find chemistry a lot easier than last semester's biology class.  I also think it's a lot more interesting because it is living chemistry--poisons, drugs, cleaning products, etc.

Last Friday I took a trip to Newport, RI to play with the shiphandling simulators with the Navy Department.  It was a lot of fun, but it was a long bus ride to and from RI for such a short trip.  I wish we could've stayed the night there and actually toured Newport because it is a such a pretty place.  Maybe I will get the chance one of these days to go back there and visit at my leisure.

I will be attending a couple of parties for the clubs I am in at school this week as well.  I'm excited for the NUEMS party on Friday.  I have met a lot of good people through NUEMS and I've had a lot of fun training.  I recommend joining NUEMS for any nursing majors, as well as those interested in emergency medicine.

I had applied for a job in Headquarters next year, but I didn't get it.  I was pretty bummed because that's the first time I've applied for something or tried out for something and didn't make the cut.  My dad tells me all the time that life is full of up's and down's.  Maybe it'll work out for the better.  If anything, I'll have a really hefty courseload next semester.  Clinicals will also make my academic experience here at Norwich change dramatically.  The more that I think of it too, I want a cadre slot junior year.  Although it seems like a pain in the butt to be a cadre member, I think it would be worth it to see how the freshmen who you are in charage of progress throughout the year.  We'll see what happens.

That's about it for now.  It is a cold and rainy day here in Northfield.  That means it is good weather to stay inside and study for exams and finish papers.

My final post of the year will be next week.  Didn't I just start writing on this thing?

Until next time,
Holly 

Junior Ring Weekend

Hello everyone,

After a busy week at Norwich, it became a crazy weekend.  It was Junior Ring Weekend where all of the juniors get their class rings and the entire weekend is a huge celebration.  The Norwich class ring is an important tradition here.  Anyway, we had a parade on Friday afternoon that ended with the junior class marching down to Plumley to get their rings.  After that, they came back onto the Upper Parade ground where pretty much the entire school was standing outside.  There was clapping, cheering, yelling, and a whole lot of smiles.

There was a concert on Friday night and Reel Big Fish played in the Fieldhouse.  It was fun, but I was pretty tired from the week--so I ended up leaving the concert early to sleep.  Everyone who stayed until the end said it was a great show.  Freshmen and sophomores had Cinderella leave this weekend, so I had to wake up and go to formations at 0100 and 0900.

Saturday was a relaxing day for the most part.  It was sunny and warm outside.  The school hosted a big cookout outside of the Wise Campus Center with burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and more music.  After that, it was time to get ready for the ball!  I was really excited to dress up & I had a great time dancing and hanging out with everyone.

Following an eventful night, I didn't sleep very much.  In fact, most of my sleeping was done after the 0900 formation yesterday morning.  I ended up waking up at 1300.  After that, a few of my friends and I went and got subs at a place nearby and drove up near the high school and had a picnic.

Well, that was the weekend.  Now, here I am, awaiting the next 2 weeks to fly by so I can get out of here for the summer.  The snow is finally melting and there is only some left in the shady areas.  It's amazing how everything went from cold & snowy to warm & green in just a couple of weeks.

In my last few days here, I plan on compiling a list of to-do's and not-to-do's for the incoming rooks.  I will post it soon.  To those coming here in the fall, be advised:  graduation, graduation parties, and the summer--will absolutely flash before your eyes.  Enjoy what you're used to at home.  However, be ready for change.  Everything changes once you get to college:  friends, routine, and you.  This is especially true in the Corps of Cadets.  It amazes me how much things have changed since I arrived here as a rook without a clue.  Yet, I can proudly say that I wouldn't change a bit of it.  I have loved every minute here, despite my gripes and complaints.

Until next time,
Holly

Foxtrot Dining Out, Navy PRT, NU101, and a whole lot of work

Hi everyone,

Just like the end of last semester, this home stretch until the end of school is truly filled with a lot of work to get done!  I've spent the past week taking tests, writing papers, and organizing things to study for finals.  I'm trying my best to stay on top of things, but the list just keeps piling up!  This will be a challenge, but I'm ready.

Junior Ring is coming up this weekend.  I had morning calls this morning and sounded off with "There are 3 days until Junior Ring."  3 days?  I could've sworn I was just yelling 213 or 150--now the countdown is finally in the single digits!  It should be fun.  I got a really cute dress to wear on Saturday night to the ball.  I'm ready to dance!

Anyway, last Wednesday night was our company dining out.  The food was good and there were a lot of laughs.  I'm happy though that I don't have to worry about planning it any more.  It was a lot of work, so I feel relieved.  I would like to thank my rook buddies who helped with the planning/executing of the night.  Thanks, guys!

The Naval Battalion PT test went well on Saturday.  I improved my push-ups and my run time, so I was pretty motivated after that.  Meanwhile, there were over 100 prospects on campus for NU101, so we had 4 girls staying in our room on Friday night.  It was insane.  That's it for Open Houses for the year though, another sign that the school year is coming to an end.

Until next time,
Holly

Weekend at home, but not to relax!

Hi everyone,

Friday's weather was absolutely miserable, so I was really excited to leave for the weekend.  However, going home wasn't to relax--but instead to finish up our company dining-out plans and to get my dress for Junior Ring.  I didn't sleep much and I'm pretty much convinced that I spent the whole weekend going from store to store.

However, I did get to see my family & eat some good food.  My mom made a baked ham with my super favorite popovers for supper last night.  Also, on Saturday I went to Lawton's HotDog in Lawrence, MA.  It is a little hole-in-the-wall place that has great burgers, hot dogs, and fries.

Anyway, I came back to a warm and sunny Vermont.  It's in the 60s today and it is certainly a nice change!  The weather is supposed to be really great all week.  I can't wait until summer!

Speaking of summer, the school year is really starting to wind down up here at Norwich.  I have final projects being thrown at me, plans for final exams, and class registration for next year.

As a nursing major, freshman year is similar to high school.  There is English, Math, etc.  However, sophomore year is a complete change!  Next year, all of my classes will relate to nursing and I will also begin clinicals!  I'm really excited.  I came here to be nursing major and I can't wait to actually learn some stuff that I'm really interested in!

That's about it for now.  I have a PT test coming up with the Naval Department on Saturday morning.  That conflicts with participating in the NU101 Open House--but we'll see!

Until next time,
Holly