Au revoir Etats-Unis!

Well Friends Its official the next time we speak I shall be back in Canada... I decided as a little treat about my first semester I will show you some of the friends I have met and some fun I have had! This is a chance to see what activities and opportunities there are!

I wish all you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year! I hope to talk to you before then but I have a long Trip ahead of me so I hope to speak soon!

-NiK

ITS OVER!

Hello Faithful readers!

Sorry I have not been posting in a while as It has been a crazy month! Its funny how everything just seems to happen all at once! I am going to tell you about the Leadership Retreat I went on at the beginning of the month just to catch you up. We traveled south to Bastrop, TX where we were invited to a ranch and got to mingle with some cattle :). It was a great trip! We learned about team work, working with different personalities, had an opportunity to understand ourselves better, and participated in team building activities. This was definitely a great opportunity that we had and I encourage all of you to take advantage of any and all opportunities you can! When we arrived, we were greeted with some lunch and went straight into our workshops. The ranch was decorated with Christmas all around so it was a beautiful country scene. Great to get away and get to know some fellow classmates. We got a tour of the ranch, received really good business advice and lessons, and just some good southern hospitality once again. There was nothing but 500 acres of land and wide open spaces

Alyssa and I on the fence at the ranch.

 This is a picture of how wide open and nice out it was. There were a lot of cows grazing through the grass!

Daryl Caught a fish while we were fishing in one of the 5 ponds on the ranch.

I caught a fish but it was so small I'm not going to show you. haha!

Pedro befriending a cow.

These are just a couple photos of what we did in our free time. It was a great weekend. I learned alot about myself and other personalities. I learned how people need to learn to work together and what kind of leader I am. I also set new goals and had a chance to review what I have done the last couple of weeks. It was a really great opportunity.

I will check in with you all soon!

-NiK

Tis the Season

Happy December 1st everyone!

Its that time of year when everyone gets ready to go home for the holidays. Finals are coming up as soon as next week. It is a busy time for staff and students. Personally, I cannot wait to go home for my much anticipated month off! The leaves have fallen off the trees, and the cold is moving in...well for the Texans.. I am from Canada, the weather is just a brisk autumn afternoon to me. :)

My favorite thing about Northwood is the trees! It feels like an oasis in the desert, a nice get away from the hustle and bustle of the city!

As Finals approach, that is meaning for only one thing! A little holiday Cheer, on Tuesday the students were treated to a little comedy and cocoa.. It was a really great event. There is always stuff to do on campus. The Campus Activities Board (CAB) really keeps everyone entertained.
My fellow dorm mates and I decided to spread the Christmas spirit with some decorations we found in the hall closet.

Brittani and a couple others did a great job making our dorm look really inviting :)

My Cool Stocking that our Awesome RA made for us! It says Merry Christmas in Chinese!!! I wish you all a Happy Holiday as you get ready for this final Break!

Talk to you soon!!!!

- NiK

Making a Playoff Push

With five regular seasons games left, and three of them being division games; the Division leading Cowboys are trying to stay on top of the NFC East and secure a playoff berth. At 7-4, the cowboys cannot take any week easy because the NY Giants are right on their heels also at 7-4 so once again the NFC East winner could come down to a showdown in the Meadow Lands.



-J.E.S.

A Winter Freeze

Usually starting the month of November in Texas, the temperature starts to drop dramatically. And sometimes there's even a winter storm that comes along with it. With the temperatures dropping below freezing, its time for winter coats, hot chocolate, and other stuff. Stop by Jerry's Cafe for hot coffee or hot chocolate to warm you up this winter season.


-J.E.S.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Hello there readers! 

Jessica and I enjoying a Delicious Meal!

This is my first blog from Northwood so you are in for a little treat! I will be giving you the foreigner view of school and maybe a little about America. So if you are not from Dallas or even the North Texas area, I will give you a little insight.

Now that my intro is finished I will tell you about my Thanksgiving!! This is the first time I had gone to someones house for a traditional Thanksgiving. One of my generous classmates invited me to her home so I wouldn't have to stay on campus alone for the holiday. Let me tell you, if you are worried about not meeting people or being alone at college, Northwood is the place for you. The people are friendly and they are always willing to help you out. Within the first couple of weeks I had many offers for Thanksgiving so that I wouldn't be alone. My Thanksgiving was quite exciting. A couple close family members of my classmate really made me feel welcome. My favorite thing is to hear what people think about different topics so I spent my dinner talking to my friend's uncle about the health care policies and government. It really opens your eyes up to what it is like to be an American. There are stereotypes in every country and I like to find the truth and really get to know people. This was a perfect opportunity! Plus nothing beats the cooking in the south. :) I am truly thankful for the Lacks for inviting me into there home and being so sweet. I truly had a great couple of days.

Black Friday Shopping

On Friday after Thanksgiving, I decided to spend the weekend with my other friend Christen. We went out shopping! For those of you who are not aware, Black Friday is the day when everyone goes out at ridiculous hours of the morning to wait all night to be first in to a store to buy items extremely cheap! I got a fleece jacket for $5 dollars... however I did not wait in line :). I spent time getting to know Christen's family. Her Grandparents invited other families for a potluck just outside of the city. It was great to feel so welcomed and have such a great time. It made me really miss my family and makes me anticipate my trip home even more! I can't wait and I thank all the people who have made my first Thanksgiving holiday that much more special!

Christen and I made some decorative crafts after a family meal.

This was a great break and well needed. I look forward to more adventures and meeting more people here in Texas. People truly make you feel welcome even if you are so far away from home. There has been no greater definition of the phrase Southern Hospitality then this past week. I am thankful for the traditions I have learned and the people I have met and I cant wait for the exciting months coming up!

Talk to you soon!

- NiK

The Final Countdown

We are now 29 days until Christmas Day and Students at NU can't be happier to get the first semester here and done! At the end of a semester, it feels like an eternity because of all the projects and final exams teachers cram in, but students just get through them and keep focused on how awesome that whole month off of school will feel to spend the holidays with their families and loved ones.



-J.E.S.

Giving Thanks

In the month of November, students at Northwood are excited about the week off and eating turkey! This tradition is one that many cherish and appreciate all the things in their lives that help them through their daily lives.-J.E.S.

Presidential Election 2012

Republicans vs. Democrats: who will you vote for to represent the U.S. from 2012-2016 in office. Remember to vote for who will help the nation as a whole, not who will help themself!


-J.E.S.

Athletes in Action

Do you love God and Sports? 

If so, then you need to be apart of Athletes in Action. AIA is a organization that gives athletes knowledge about how to incorporate God with sports! This group is for anyone that would like to either know more about God or  just want to be apart of a group. Check it out when you arrive on campus to further your understanding about God and Sports.


-J.E.S.

NBA Champions Locked Out

                                    DALLAS MAVERICKS       NBA CHAMPIONS 2011


With the 2011-2012 NBA Season in jeopardy, all teams including the defending champs are locked out of their facilities.  Like the NFL Lockout, the NBA is no different; its the NBA Owners and Players association not agreeing with salary issues.  As one of the oldest teams in the league in terms of age, the Mavs definitely have a lot work to do, if the season does in fact start.  Before defeating the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals last year, you saw very few maverick fans, walking the streets of Dallas, but after their cinderella victory over the Elite calibered Heat, many fans especially here at Northwood are wearing either a Mavs hat or jersey of their favorite player; which goes to show the pride that NU students have for sports at Northwood University.






-J.E.S.

Dallas vs. St. Louis

                        vs.

                                                                       

 Sunday was a very anticipated weekend in Arlington, Texas for sports.  Locals, such as Northwood students, had the opppotunity to watch the Cowboys roll over the Rams with their rising running back and then tune in to the Rangers shutting out the Cardinals, later that night.  Through six games, the cowboys now have a record of 3-3 which puts them 2nd in the NFC EAST and with the Rangers winning, the series is now tied 2-2 in a best of seven series.  Catch Game 5 of the World Series tonight in Arlington and next Sunday night as the Cowboys face off with their division rival Phildelphia Eagles.



-J.E.S.

World Series

Game 1

VS.

Tonight is Game 1 of the MLB World Series, between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers in St.Louis.  Chris Carpenter will face off against Texas' starter C.J. Wilson, whats expected to be a fierce matchup tonight, may in fact determine who will win the title.  As millions will tune in on FOX, many Northwood Students will also gather around their televisions as they cheer on their hometown Rangers to victory. 

-J.E.S

Becoming a Knight!

Freshman class crossing over

A few weekends ago we had our annual Crossing Over Ceremony. This is part of our homecoming week festivities. Every year Crossing Over symbolizes incoming students coming officially into knighthood. It is also a big Alumni event. The first time you cross over you receive a medallion with a specific number and then you are put on the offical registery of knights. The second time you cross over you receive a blue ribbon to change out on your medallion. Every time after that you receive a knight's pin. You cross over our main bridge on campus. It is a really awesome ceremony filled with school spirit and makes you really proud to be a knight. Check out some pictures....

My roommate Natasha and I

Alumni Board that "knighted" the knights

Monica, Natasha, Heather, Jessica

Natasha, Miguel, Jessica

Homecoming Week

Homecoming at Northwood can get pretty interesting. There was a different activity going on each night and they are a little crazy!

On Wednesday we had the Greek Games! This consisted of basketball, volleyball and a tug o' war challenge between the two fraternities on campus. Everyone had a blast and the Greek organizations were able to recruit some members to rush. 

My sorority Zeta Phi! 

Beta Phi Chi and Kappa Theta tug o' war challenge. Kappa Theta won!

Thursday was the first jalapeno and pie eating contest. I wasn't able to attend but from what I heard it was pretty intense. The winner ate 7 jalapenos in a minute. I don't know how that was possible but what a champ!

Tonight we had a "paint rave" dance party. There was a DJ and  glow in the dark paint was everywhere. I am a person that hates to get dirty so it was really hard for me to accept getting paint everywhere!

Nicola obviously had a great time!

Homecoming week is just an example of why it is IMPOSSIBLE to get bored at Northwood. There is always some event going on and we tend to have tons of fun! There was also dress up days for each day of school this week.

Overall homecoming is always a fun filled week with a lot of events! I definitely had a blast!

Senioritis

Hey Everyone!

If you are finishing up your senior year of high school you definitely know what I mean when I say I have senioritis. This is a common disorder that seniors (high school or college) get when they know graduation is approaching. I definitely suffer from this. The symptoms include: severe lack of attention and concentration, day dreaming, not wanting to go to class (even though I always go to class), thinking you are listening to the graduation march song, filling out your graduation application extremely early, repeat Facebook status about how you can't wait until May, ect... I think you understand that this is not a fun thing to have but yet really exciting.

I have officially survived the one month mark of being a Senior. Only 7 more months to go. Since I have 7 months I might as well enjoy them right? Well I absolutely have been! I am back on campus this year as a resident and there is SO MUCH going on! There are painting parties, game nights, homecoming activities and so much more. It has been impossible for me to get bored. 

This weekend is our annual crossing over as part of our homecoming festivities. (There will be more to come on that later.) But below is the shirt for the event and I think it explains a lot about my senior year.......

Stay tuned for my senior year adventures......

-Christen

First days and free stuff

Welcome back to the Northwood blog!

Classes officially commenced today on the Texas campus, and it was great to see everyone! It was even more exciting to be able to say this is my last first day of school - at least for my undergrad degree!

So much has changed on campus. Our newest dorms, Knight's Cove, are now complete and have residents. There have also been some changes around the landscape in front of Hopkins. Also, the Cafe is going through some renovations with a new serving line and the Student Government Association was able to finally show off their newest project: the renovated Butler porch!

The new Butler porch!

I had two classes today, and I was able to enjoy a free meal in the Cafe in Lambert Commons.

So healthy! :P

Oh, and let's not forget my free Redbull from the bookstore!

This is the reason why I'm still awake and so hyper right now.

This year is already turning out to be super busy! In Professor Lansing's class, we discussed all of our special events for the year. Everyone, get ready for Founders' Day and Iron Knights! It's gonna be EVEN BETTER than last year!

Again, I'll be working in Admissions and blogging for Northwood. This is in addition to classes and other organizations I'm participating in. I'm the Vice President of Royal Ambassadors this year, so I hope to see some of you at college fairs and presentations!

Hope everyone's first days are turning out to be fantastic!

--Erica

A Note from a Grad...

 On the morning of graduation, I made the exciting decision to accept one of my job offers. You are probably thinking, “The morning of graduation? Weren’t you a little busy?” Yes, I was! (In fact, I was enjoying a delicious breakfast with my family, some of whom had made the journey in from Canada!)

But that is aside from the point. Ultimately, this was about achieving a goal of mine: to graduate with a job. (Because, by golly, I needed to know where my life was headed after I crossed the stage to accept my diploma!) So, in honor of my achieving my goal, I made an exhilarating phone call to my future employer at TechRadium and accepted a position as a Sales and Marketing Analyst. 

Now fast-forward three months – roughly sixty-five days of work (minus Memorial Day and the 4^th of July) – and ask me how I like my job. Go ahead; ask me! 

My answer? I LOVE IT. 

Aside from the fact that I do exciting work with great people in a new and dynamic industry, I honestly believe a huge reason as to why I love my job is because I was so ready for it. For that, I sincerely believe I have Northwood to thank.

When people ask me what I do, I typically will smile and ask them if they’d prefer me to tell them what I don’t do. Because I work at a small company, my position allows me to gain a greater understanding of not only my division (Homeland Security Programs), but multiple departments! My days and weeks have been filled with a variety of tasks – working with our graphics designer to develop a new website and logo; researching potential markets and current competitors; brainstorming ad ideas, tag-lines and catch phrases; drafting manuals, guides and policies; managing the social media and blog; etc.  

I am continually reminded of the things I was taught in school as I experience them in the workforce. It is such a rewarding feeling to know that all of my hard work paid off – the countless hours I spent online for research projects; endless group projects and brainstorming sessions; even things from my programming languages class! I know professors always tell us that we will use what they’ve taught us; and we want to believe them! But, in the back of our minds, we always wonder, “Am I really going to use this?” Well, my answer to that? I sure do.

So take it all in…from this Northwood graduate to you, a current student: I am telling you with 100% honesty that if you work hard and heed the advice of your professors, you will be prepared when it is your turn to walk across that stage. Ready or not, the “real world” is waiting for you when you are done…so make the most of your time preparing for it. 

 ~ Melissa

SWORD

This past Friday we had our very first SWORD or orientation day of the summer. SWORD stands for Student Welcome Orientation Registration Day. This is where we get incoming students accustomed to the university. They register for classes, take a tour of the campus, learn the ins and outs of Northwood, ect.... We had a great group of students come in and they were excited to get the school year started. We can't wait to meet the rest of our incoming students!

All the incoming students at the first SWORD

A couple of incoming students after registering for classes
with Ms. Patty Shaw our awesome registrar

During the campus tours at SWORD we were able to take a look into the new dorms. Here is a sneak peak....

Hallway of the girls wing in the new dorms!

If you are an incoming student and missed the 9irst SWORD you still have 4 more chances to attend. The upcoming dates are June 24th, July 15th and 25th and the last one is August 12th.

-Christen

A few more pictures of the progress on Knights Cove!

Hey everyone,

Yesterday I was able to stop by and get a few more pictures. Enjoy!

Have a great rest of the week!

-Erica

Just as promised...

Here is a picture of the progress for Knights Cove!

As you can see, the second floor is starting to really take shape. Before you know it, we'll have our new dorms! Also, I must give credit where credit is due. This picture belongs to a fellow blogger. Thank you for the picture, Christen!

Have a great week, everybody!

-Erica

By the way, I apologize for taking a while to put this update/picture up.. we've had some crazy weather the last few days! I was going to take a picture this morning, but there was a thunderstorm warning.

Summer update: grades, tours, and Knights Cove!

Hey everyone! I hope you are all doing fantastic!

I'm glad to say that I'm officially done with my junior year at Northwood, and I will begin my senior year this coming fall. This year has been crazy! I got really involved in different clubs and organizations, but I still managed to keep my grades up.

I'm so proud that I was able to get a 4.0 this semester! Here is a screen-shot of my classes and final grades.

Finals grades for my spring semester!

In other news, I gave a tour today to a group of students and their teacher. They were 8th grade AVID students from a junior high in the Arlington Independent School District. I went to AISD schools from K to 12th grade, so I was more than happy to have them on-campus! They all enjoyed the tour, especially the Student Activities Center!

Thanks to Javon, Tristan, and Chelsea - some of our Royal Ambassadors who helped out today!

Knights Cove update: I've gotten the opportunity to continue working in the Admissions Office during the summer, and the other day I noticed that the frames for our new dorms were up!

David, who works in the IT department on campus, went out a couple days ago and got these pictures for the blog!

As you can tell, things are getting built up fast! I was driving around the loop today after work, and I saw they were about half-way done with the frames for the second floor of Knights Cove!

I'll make sure I post a couple pictures tomorrow afternoon of the progress.

Have any of you applied for housing yet? Did you put Knights Cove as your preference? Let me know in the comments!

-Erica

Oh, I almost forgot! I got the okay to do blogs during the summer. So don't worry about us disappearing for three months! :) I will be keeping you guys updated on what's going on around campus as we wait for the 2011-2012 school year!