Lizzy's Online Journal

Beginning Again

lizzyd — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:42:31 +0000

Well, after a very quick summer, Fall semester is here again! My summer was full of work work work in the Admission Office here on campus. Although at times it was hard being inside instead of out enjoying some of the beautiful days we had here in Goshen, I had a great time meeting new and prospective students and their families as well as building some amazing friendships with the people I worked with. Many of my friends did some traveling, just spent their times relaxing and refreshing themselves for another school year here at Goshen College and enjoyed themselves! How about you? How was your summer? I hope it went well!

I do have to say, however, that it was difficult not having students here on campus. It is a completely different atmosphere and it seemed very lonely at times! Thank goodness for the rest of the students that stayed on campus! I was able to strengthen friendships and create new ones.

Now as this semester has come knocking, I am preparing myself for a once in a lifetime adventure! I am leaving for my Egypt SST tomorrow! With all the preparation and packing has come a mix of emotions and at times I feel very overwhelmed! This is something completely new to me and my Arabic is not very well after a summer of not much time for studying. However, I know that it will be a great experience! I am going with a group of others with similar emotions whom I don’t know very well but whom I am very eager to bond with.

The thing that keeps me going the most is remembering my work with the international students this summer. I was blessed to get the chance to interact with our incoming international students and at times I was one of the first people they saw coming into the campus. I could see their overwhelmed looks. I got to see some of them with their families spending as much time with them before they had to part. I remember thinking to myself, “How in the world are they going to do this!?” And yet, I continue to see these same students and they are surviving. Not only this college experience (which is new to ALL of us our first year) but also the culture shock and so many things that are new to some of them. That is what keeps me going and makes me feel like I can leave to Egypt and make the most of it! If they can leave all that they know and make Goshen College their home for the next few years, I can also leave this place where everything feels like the back of my palm and venture to new and exciting things!

I hope that everyone has a Blessed and amazing semester! See you in the Spring!

Indecisive

lizzyd — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:52:05 +0000

The beginning of my college career has been a roller coaster. I have had a heck of a time trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life. I have been carrying the pressure of feeling like what I major in will decide how I will spend the rest of my life. I came in thinking I wanted to be a Social Worker. I love helping others and it has been a passion of mine for a while now. However, I don’t feel like that path was the right one for me. Then I decided that I would like to be a teacher, and although that option is still not far from my mind, I don’t know if that is my calling. The list goes on: from nursing to business back to education to Peace and Justice and finally again at Nursing. I feel that all of the pressures around me and comments such as ” I can see you doing this” or “I can’t imagine you doing that” have influenced my judgments a lot. It makes me question my options and wonder if I myself can imagine doing “that”.

I have always been a laid back kind of person but this conflict has made me crazy. I become anxious, depressed, like a failure at times for not knowing what the rest of my life will be like. However, these last couple of days, I have reflected and I have realized that I can be good at anything I choose to do. And even if I graduate with a Nursing degree and find out that that was definitely not what I wanted, it won’t be the end of the world. Goshen College or any other college, for that matter, will still be around. I don’t have to be stuck. I can go back to college and be whatever else I want to be.

When you are confronted with something, try to always be optimistic. Try to find options or opportunities that will get you out of the ditch. Life is never as challenging as we percieve it to be.Especially when it comes to our own live or our own decision, we become very critical. Don’t get down. If you fall, get back up and keep walking… until you hit a rock and fall again…. just keep getting up and just try to avoid those obstacles.

Good bye Seniors

lizzyd — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:12:21 +0000

Though I have only been at Goshen for a total of 3 semesters and a May term, I have made many friendships and even acquaintances that I wish never to forget. Many of those relationships have been with Seniors here on Campus. Our Seniors have helped set examples for the lower classes and have been role models for many. My own sister, Rocio Diaz, will be a graduating Senior this month and it pains me to think about Goshen College without her. However, like many other Seniors, Rocio has helped to prepare me for the remainder of my college years.

Another Senior, Errick McCollum, has been a great role model around campus by being a good student both academically and socially. On the court, breaking school records, becoming a national celebrity with his incredible dunk, and being an outstanding teammate, Errick has set the standards high for our students to try to match.

Tim Blaum, also a Senior, has been seen all around campus. Although I’m not exactly sure what he does, he is responsible I’m sure for many events running smoothly. He is a one of a kind person and his smile and outgoing personality on campus will be very much missed.

John Tamrat, a graduating Business major, has done an excellent job in all aspects here on Campus. He is part of CAC, BSU, Soccer, Track, and many other activities on Campus. He is a great friend, student, athlete, and person overall.

These are just a few of the Incredible graduating Seniors that have helped make this campus shine. All of our Seniors, I’m sure, will do great in everything and anything they choose to do. And although they will ALL greatly be missed, I am grateful that they have been a part of Goshen College and I hope that where ever life’s paths take them, Goshen College will always be a part of their hearts.

To our graduating Seniors, you will be missed. God bless you all and may you be blessed with a happy and successful future. You ALL deserve it!

Obstacles

lizzyd — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:54:52 +0000

Many times in life, there are obstacles presented that are placed in our path. They create challenges that sometimes we feel that we cannot overcome. Always there will be people who wish to see us fail, fall down and not get back up. However, these people and those obstacles are what make us stronger and what help shape us into the people we slowly become.

As Finals rapidly approach, we may feel like things become to much, we stress out and begin to lose motivation and determination. But we’ve had tests and finals and final projects before and we have overcome them. We will survive and we will strive. We just need to have faith in the Lord and ask for His guidance, knowledge and wisdom. With that we can accomplish anything!

Egypt SST

lizzyd — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:27:40 +0000

A mix of emotions! As the first group of Egypt SSTers, I feel that we are going to be like guinea pigs in an experiment. Now there are advantages and disadvantages to this in my opinion. I think that we will have more of an opportunity to experinment and explore. We will get to do things that will set the standards for future SSTers. However, the disadvantage is that we will be going in to this with no idea of what to expect. We do not have former SSTers to tell us, “Hey, this works!” or “Aviod that by any means!” Our group leader will be Tom, and although this is new to him as well, it gives me comfort to know that he has been in contact with the Egyptians and that he is trying to make our transition into Egypt as best as he can.

This will definitely be a memorable learning experience. I go into this with feelings of excitement, dread, nervousness, confident, and so much more. Let the journey begin!!

Speedy Semester

lizzyd — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:11:23 +0000

This semester has been crazy. Now I look back and think to myself, “Wow! This semester has flown by.” But many days felt like the dragged on forever. Academically, it has been a struggle. I have had to my procrastination (losing many battles) throughout this entire semester. My social life has been fun though. How do I find a balance? Sometime its hard to manage your time wisely, it sure is for me!
I look back on this semester so far and I think of some goals I wanted to achieve and I also look at what I would like to improve for this upcoming academic year.

Before this semester began, I decided that my goal would be to grow socially. Since I live off campus, it is hard for me to get involved in college night life. But this semester, I feel like I have met my goal. I of course could still be more social but I think that my next step is to balance myself.

Hopefully, next year, I can learn to manage my time wisely, use all of my resources (such as tutors, writing mentors, etc.) and hopefully I can find a group of friends that I can study with and socialize at the same time…. A girl can hope can’t she!

Spring Break ‘10

lizzyd — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 02:40:29 +0000

I know that Spring Break was a couple of weeks ago, but I am going to write about my Midterm break experience.

This year, as a sophmore, I participated in my first Spring Break Service trip. A group of us from Goshen College went down to Georgia to learn more about immigration and immigration issues. We lived in solidarity with a community named Alterna. During our week long trip, we had a lot of life changing experiences; we walked with the Dream Walkers, we did some service in the Altena community, we organized a small workshop for children on Bullying, we visited detainees at a detention center, we participated in a protest outside of a different detention center, and we helped out at a trailer park community with some nuns by cleaning up some landscape space, handing out clothes and eggs to a lot of families. It was a great experience. I was able to make friends with many new people as well as build a strong friendship with fellow GC students who I never would have bonded with if not for this trip. This blog isn’t a persuasive one by any means, but if you have the chance to participate in a service trip AT LEAST one time throughout your years in college, I strongly urge you to take the opportunity.

Our group will be having a Chapel on April 9th talking about our Service Trip experience and sharing many of the things that we learned throughout the trip. I encourage you to attend!

Can’t wait for the WEEKEND!!

thushanh — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:06:51 +0000

Wow! WOW! This has been a stressful week. Not just for myself but for many of us students, and even some faculty here at Goshen College. For some reason I feel like this semester especially has caused many of us to feel stressed. However, DON’T overwhelm yourselves. Find something that will help you relieve some stress.

In a CITL meeting I was in with some other CITL students, Rebecca Hernandez, and Suzanne Ehst, we talked about some helpful ways of relieving stress and the ways we each deal with stress. Some get angry when they are stressed, some feel sad and depressed when they are stressed, others get anxious, and finally others feel completely overwhelmed. Then we discussed ways to relieve it. People who become angry should find a way to vent, one thing might be to find something (WITH NO VALUE TO ANYONE) and break it! People who are feeling depressed or sad should find people to talk to. It is really helpful to talk about one’s feelings. If you are seriously depressed maybe you should go talk to Char! Other who feel anxious should do exercise and get some of their stress out of your system. And finally take SMALL breaks. When working on homework of studying for an exam. Take breaks. Maybe every 45 minutes, try to take a 5 to 10 minute break. Find a game to play with others such as spoons

I hope that these might be halpful to you. Try to stay healthy!! Eat right and try to get enough sleep. I know it’s hard to find time to sleep. Believe me I KNOW! But sleep deprivation will add to your stress!

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE as you sprint to the finish line! I believe in all of you!!

Stressful Week

thushanh — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:55:25 +0000

This Week started off really good! I came back from a fun weekend after attending the Halloween/Day of the Dead Party in the Connector. Everyone had great costumes and looked incredible. My good friend Sammy had a great impression of Johnny Depp from Pirates of the Carribean. Everyone seemed to have a great time!

However, my week got increasingly stressful. With 2 research papers to write (I am horrible at these!), a presentation coming up and a technical report due soon, EVERYTHING piled up on me. Nevertheless, I have tried to enjoy mine weekend as much as is possible! I keep telling myself that Winter break is less than a month away and that’s what keeps me going. Also, I have a GREAT group of friends and family that have been a great support team for me. They keep me going and encourage me to get back up when I fall. Also God shows me so many times that I am not alone and that He will help me when I think I’ve been conquered.

We all need something to hold on to when we go through rough patches. What keeps YOU going?

Sones de Mexico

thushanh — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:07:37 +0000

Last night was the Sones de Mexico concert at the Sauder Hall. It was a great night. As a part of CITL, some of us took part in the preparation and process of the concert. Some of us helped to translate, others to advertise, a couple to collect food for the Window and various other tasks. Last night, our very own Mayra and Sara were the MC for the Concert and most of the rest were greeters, ushers and ticketers. I would agree that it was worth all of the work because the concert was incredible.

The music filled all of our ears with waves of joy. People in the seats were getting up to dance with there children. Others would cheer and shout out phrases of praise and agreement to the performance. All of the audience seemed content.

I also enjoyed all aspects of the concert. I love the dancing and the music. It is as if it fills my heart with longing to visit the beautiful Mexico. The real Mexico. To travel into the cities that have not yet been Americanized. It is a beautiful country with many beautiful people and many beautiful customs.