CollegeCandy » campus

For a lot of my life, I’ve been a religious person. I went on mission trips every summer with my church, I was on my church’s Youth Board, and I attended mass every Sunday (oh yeah, I’m Catholic). So when I got to college, one of the first things I did was to see what campus ministries were available. While other girls were rolling out of bed at 1:00 pm on Sundays and going for a hungover brunch, I was in the student cinema with about a hundred other students praising God.

Because I became so involved with my campus ministry, I met a lot of friends with my same beliefs and morals. While this shouldn’t be a problem in my life, it became one almost from the very beginning. Once people find out that I’m religious, they start to make a lot false assumptions about myself, as well as my friends.

Assumption #1: We are holier than thou

The first thing I always hear is that we are “holier than thou.” I’ve learned through my experiences that a lot of other Christians have trouble going to church. They say that if they went, it would make them feel like they have to act holy all the time. So this makes it even difficult for me to really express everything I feel about God. I don’t want people pointing out examples of how I’m not leading the most holy life. And I’ll be the first to admit, sometimes it’s easier for me to pick one persona or another. Either the quiet, Christian girl who won’t talk about her problems or the troubled party-goer. A lot of people will argue that it’s not worth going to church because all the pews are filled with a bunch of hypocrites. Sure it’s a valid point, but they’re forgetting why we go to church in the first place.

We go to church because frankly, we aren’t good at being a holy people. We need God (because we aren’t perfect), so we seek Him in church. My friends and I are just like you and we won’t judge you because you might make different choices than us. I have never condemned people for their life choices, because that is one thing the Bible tells us to never do. What it does tell us to do is love everyone. As a Christian, I try to view people as God views them – with unconditional love.

Assumption #2: We don’t party

Another annoying assumption people make when they learn I’m religious and very active in my church is that I don’t party. Although the Bible tells me to not drink in excess (and I don’t drink 24/7), it doesn’t mean that I don’t drink and don’t go to parties. I would even be lying if I said I haven’t gone to church with a hangover. Some of us party, and some of us don’t, but don’t assume either way. Rather, find out by asking us. Every time friends from class ask me what I’m doing during the upcoming weekend and I say I’m going to a party thrown by a friend from church, they laugh. They picture us playing Scrabble and cuddled up under Snuggies. Not true.

Some of my most fun parties have been thrown by my church friends. So yes I do go clubbing, I do go to parties. Just because I love God doesn’t mean I don’t also love to shout Gaga lyrics to the top of my lungs and dance like crazy while laughing and holding a Coors in my hand.

Assumption #3: We are all conservative

Finally, the assumption I face almost daily is people assuming that I’m conservative because of my Catholic beliefs. Not true. The fact of the matter is I don’t discuss politics. What I will do, is listen to what you have to say, and if you want to talk about whether I agree with you or not, we can talk in person about it. Heck, I don’t even mind if we don’t really know each other and you want to hear my opinion about something. Even if you do sit down with me and talk to me about stuff like that, I’m nice to everyone. Like I said earlier, I was taught to love everyone, regardless of different beliefs. If you ask me how I feel, I’ll tell you, and there is no way you will ever change my mind about the topic, but I will say it calmly and don’t mind getting into friendly debates. I will never shut you down because you disagree with something I believe in. Because peace is essential to Christianity, and as a Christian I know that isn’t the way to change someone’s mind.

Why do I go to church?

So why do I go to church while in college? As silly as it sounds, it’s really relaxing to go to church on Sunday mornings and have an hour that is worry-free. For that hour classes, exams, etc. don’t matter. The only thing that matters is I am celebrating God. So it keeps me grounded and gives me a short break from all of my stress. Church is also a great place to meet friends and I-wanna-be-more-than-friends. Through my campus ministry I found friends with similar beliefs, passions, and lifestyles. We’ve been able to get really close because we’ve participated in lots of different activities with each other on a weekly basis. I met my boyfriend through my ministry, and we get along fantastically because we already agree on fundamental things. I go to church because unlike my friends who say college is for taking a break from religion, you can’t take a short “break” from religious life. You can’t just put it on hold until you’re “ready.” College is a time for growing, and learning. I take it upon myself to learn more about my faith on my own and stop depending on my parents for pushing me to do so. I go to church because I know I need it; I know I still have a lot of growing to do.

Everyone would have us believe (even some of the writers on this website) that college is a constant party and orgy, but that isn’t so. College is about finding yourself, and becoming more of who you always were (but didn’t realize it). As college students, we are all wanderers, forced out of our homes and into the real world. We wander until we discover what it is we want to do with our lives, and we succeed or we fail. We move forward, whether we know where we are headed or not. So while I am always wandering, I am never lost, because my religion helps guide my college experience.

An Ode To Halloween

Colleen Leahey, Reporter — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:00:33 +0000

There are few things I love in life more than holidays. Perhaps that is unhealthy, but I do not care. And, amid the holidays that I passionately adore, there are some that rank higher than others. Halloween is one of my favorites. I love the autumnal weather, the unnecessary amounts of chocolate, and having one day to claim “my life is a masquerade” and not be greeted with WTF looks.

I love it so much, in fact, that I have decided to write a poem. Perhaps a sonnet would have been more appropriate, considering the extent of my obsession with Halloween, but an ode was what I came up with. So, read with care and enjoy.

An Ode To Halloween

‘Twas the night before Halloween and all through my house
Not a creature was stirring, except for our mouse.
The candy was placed on our porch with care
Awaiting the children that soon would be there.

My roommates were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of jagerbombs danced in their heads.
With my costume unfinished and I in my (thinking) cap,
I just couldn’t settle my brains for a nighttime nap.

When out on the porch there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter.
Away to my door I flew like a flash,
Grabbed the doorknob and threw open the hatch.

The crisp autumn air grabbed at my lungs,
And revived a spirit that made me feel young.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But eight drunken boys, dressed as Santa’s reindeer.

When they spotted me, so lively and quick,
They scurried away, like a bunch of chicks.
More rapid than eagles, the boys, they all ran.
Irritated, I thought, “Must be freshmen.”

I went back to my room, candy bowl in hand,
And snacked while I prayed I would never look like them.
Their costumes sucked, I hoped that mine
Would never be so grossly benign.

Suddenly an idea sprang in my head.
I ran to my desk and worked with some thread.
Feverishly I sewed, all through the night
Until my masterpiece was perfectly right.

As we got ready for the party, eyelashes in place
My roommates and I looked totally replaced
By wig-wearing characters with high, high shoes
With our costumes, there was no way to lose.

We arrived at the party and suddenly I saw
The most handsome Ewok, he had no flaws.
His hair was styled in just the right way
And looked at me like his sight was X-ray.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with vodka and ash soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And I fell in love when he opened his Northface backpack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His bag was stocked with 4 Lokos and Beer,
Not to mention bags of Candy… Halloween Cheer!

The stump of a cig he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a devilish face and a far from round belly,
That was so atypical of college boys—who usually packed jelly.

His smoking bothered me, but he was a cute nonetheless
And I laughed as we flirted, keeping me from becoming a drunken mess.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
Pouring and mixing for all with a smirk.
The music was loud, the spirit was right.
College Halloween was an awesome sight.

But my Ewok got too drunk, so I gave my team a whistle,
And away we all flew like the down of a thistle.
Instead of ordering Domino’s for a late snack,
We munched on candy from my Ewok’s back.

As we sat on our porch, laughing about the bash
We listened, on our iPod player, to Monster Mash.
We eventually went inside, but shouted before out of sight
“Happy Halloween to all, and to all a good-night!”

A Freshman’s Guide to Halloween

Alex- University of South Carolina — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 17:00:22 +0000

Halloween in college is a big deal. Major, really. You may have thought you hit your trick-or-treating peak in the 3^rd grade when you wrapped yourself in tinfoil and went out as leftovers, but think again. Unlike Christmas, the 4^th of July, and Thanksgiving, everyone’s on campus for this most hallowed of evenings and the booze will absolutely be flowing (perhaps in cauldrons).

From fog machines to technicolor jello shots, there’s a lot of stimuli to process and as a freshman it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But novice or otherwise, you’ve got to keep your head, wigged or otherwise, in the game. Here’s what you can expect as your favorite bars and frat houses become unrecognizable with silly string…

A General Lack of Pants
From dozens of Risky Business-era Tom Cruises to sexy cats/bees/fairies/mice, there will be maximum leggage come October 31^st. I’m not sure what it is about “everyone dress up crazy” that translates to things being purely pants-optional, but it’s a fact: ass cheeks will show, cellulite will be on parade, hairy man thighs will make a one-night-only appearance.

Dry Ice
Is it edible? Will it kill you? Why did those stupid pledges have to go stick it in the jungle juice and ruin a perfectly good concoction? No, it doesn’t look like witches’ brew. And the fact that he’s 22 and just drew that connection makes you question his sanity.

Drinking on an Off-Night
This year Halloween falls on a Sunday, and though you’ll be getting Friday and Saturday usage out of your costume, you can’t retire it before the actual holiday. So in anticipation of this three-day face painted bender, don’t be your usual procrastinating self. Figure out what work you’ve got due Monday and do it. Yes, this is your mother speaking. And your econ professor. And your better judgment.

Cops, Both Real and Fake
If you’ve seen Hocus Pocus (AKA the greatest Halloween movie of our childhoods), you’ll remember the scene where the main kid approaches what he thinks is a cop to tell him that the town’s being haunted by Sarah Jessica Parker and Bette Midler. Well, take heed all you first-timers. On Halloween, not all cops are real and not all seemingly fake cops are fake. Before you pee on the side of that building or resist arrest, make sure you know what you’re dealing with.

Orange and Black Puke
More than welcome week, more than your first tailgate…November 1^st will hurt. A lot. And lest you forget what holiday it was you just celebrated, the orange and black Tostitos you consumed and subsequently puked up should tip you off.

Upperclassmen: Did we forget anything?

Candy Dish: The Campus Scoop

CC Staff — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 18:30:03 +0000

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Unusual careers for college grads

4 habits you should adopt in college

Best places to study

Dive bar or trendy bar?!

Should she apply to an out of state school?

How to get more exercise in college

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28 ways to clear an over-worked mind

Candy Dish: Everything College

CC Staff — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 18:30:15 +0000

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Candy Dish: College News Hot Off The Press

CC Staff — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 18:30:53 +0000

Sparknotes is the best study tool in the world

Campus fashion

How to save money on campus

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Top 10 Ways to Take Advantage of Your Senior Year!

Sara C - Fordham — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 22:00:44 +0000

Remember when going back-to-school meant a new box of crayons and a slammin’ new backpack (L.L. Bean. Initialed, obviously)? If you’re headed back to college this fall, no doubt this bit of nostalgia has probably crossed your head at some point or another. For collegians, a new year usually brings with it new housing, and more importantly, returning to the center of your social universe: friends, parties, and never-ending entertainment all a quad’s walk away.

But if you’re filling out your course schedule for the last time and pre-ordering your diploma frame, then back-to-school excitement may be dissolving into denial. It may seem as though the best years of your life are suddenly coming to a close, but there are still several months left before cap-and-gown season. Class of 2011, this one’s for you: follow these tips for a thrilling, guilt-free senior year, and go out with a bang!

1. Go to a game. Maybe you’re a college sports fanatic, and nothing thrills you more than tailgating on Saturdays with the Sig Ep boys. Maybe your school doesn’t even have an athletics department. The point is, your school is definitely good at something, whether it’s producing Heisman winners or putting on stellar performances of Hamlet. If you haven’t gotten yourself to a game or a show yet, go! Most likely, these events will be low-cost or free to students (never underestimate your access to free events, you’ll wish you had it later) and they’re great opportunities to take pride in your school.

2. Join a club. I know, I know, you’re a super-cool senior with a full contacts list in your cell phone—no need for clubs to make friends! But when the fall club fair rolls around for freshmen, take a look at what’s being offered. Improv club? Hey, you like comedy! Irish Student Union? Well, you’ve always wanted to get more in touch with your roots! Ultimately, consider joining a new club as an opportunity to really explore an interest you have that you may never get another convenient venue to do so. After college, you’ll have to pay for improv classes or a Hibernians Club membership. After graduation, your possibilities are limitless (which is both scary and exciting), and joining a new club may give you a new, or more focused, direction to pursue when that time comes.

3. Take a class purely for enjoyment. Sure, you’ve taken electives before. But you probably thought to yourself, “well, this Intro to New Media class will look good on my resume” or “Macroeconomics will put more credits towards a second minor.” No overachieving allowed here, missy. When you consider that, even if you’re on full scholarship, each and every course you take costs between hundreds (at a public school) and thousands of dollars, education truly is a gift. If you’re a full-time student, your annual tuition is probably purchasing these courses at a bulk rate, defraying the costs of taking four or five classes separately. Really pour over the course listings from different departments and ask yourself, “Are there any courses here that are offering material I want to learn but couldn’t imagine paying for in the future?” Maybe you’ve been on the straight-and-narrow path to med school since you started kindergarten, but you know you’ve always loved poetry. Now’s the time to join that writer’s workshop!

4. Take lots of food from the caf. “Stealing” is a strong word, but let me humbly suggest taking every opportunity you can to indulge in conveniently prepared food. I’d be the first person to tell you that caf food sucks, but weekly trips to the grocery store are a burden on my back and my wallet.

5. Get an internship/part time job. If you’re already wrapping up your summer internship, you’ve got this one covered. But if you haven’t taken on some kind of employment—even if, bless your little heart, Mom and Pops always foot the bill so you can “focus on your studies”—you could be missing out when it comes to the post-grad job market. You also don’t need to go to school in a big city to get good contacts; building meaningful professional relationships, no matter your locale, is always worthwhile. Best advice? Try asking around at local graduate schools to see if they need interns. If you’ve been considering another degree, working with professors in your chosen field can let you “try on” a degree in the same way a more traditional internship lets you “try on” a career. And chances are, those professors have connections to other universities and can write you a slam-dunk reference letter.

6. Travel in between semesters. This is perhaps my one regret of college—that I didn’t travel more. If you’re like me, you probably think to yourself, “I don’t want to study abroad and miss out on fun stuff on campus!” or “but studying abroad is so expensive and I’m already on work-study!” Those may be true, to an extent. But here’s a peek at life on the other side of pomp-and-circumstance: traveling post-grad requires a lot more planning and budgeting. Even if you start making enough money to fund that backpacking journey in South America, will your new job really give you more than a week off to do it? A solution I’d never considered, but wish I had, is to travel between semesters (or quarters, if you’re so inclined). You don’t even have to go anywhere exotic. Never been to the Pacific Northwest? Start researching plane fare now. If you’re really strapped for cash, your college can almost certainly put you in touch with a volunteer organization that can assist your travel as you assist them.

7. Make time with friends a priority. Senior year is prime time for getting distracted, but I don’t mean by Facebook or Thirsty Thursdays. You’re probably applying to jobs or to graduate school, studying for entrance exams, fitting in that last coveted internship, and your free time is slipping away before your eyes. You may not think you need to hear these words, but please: ALWAYS make time for socializing. By your fourth year in college, you might take for granted how frequently you have access to your pals, but they, too, may be moving across the country soon for their post-grad pursuits. Relish every moment you have with the girls (and guys!) who were there for you through it all. Take time for Sunday brunch or a late-night Law & Order marathon with your besties. Ten years from now, you’ll be looking back on these moments and realize they’re the ones that made it all worthwhile.

8. Dress really, really slutty on Halloween. Mean Girls, hereafter known as The Most Important Film of Our Generation, delivered to us the timeless adage that “Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it.” And it’s true, to a certain extent. In the years to come, you’ll probably dress like a hoochie on Halloween, too, but be forewarned that the Halloween ho-ho look has an expiration date, sometime after graduation and before you start applying anti-wrinkle cream with regularity. The ultimate message of this advice? Seize your youth! Now’s the time to let loose, because blaming drunken mischief on “my boss made me stay till 9 every day this week” doesn’t have quite the same ring to it as “those crazy college years.”

9. Do something unique to your college town. Remember when you were looking at those college-admissions packets and taking the tours and all the advisers kept promoting the fact that your school is “sooo close!” to X, Y, and Z? And you thought to yourself, “Gee, how awesome will it be to check out the Liberty Bell on my walk home from class in Philadelphia?” Well, how often have you taken advantage of those attractions? If there are any major landmarks left on your to-do list, make a point to cross them off now! If you go to school in a smaller college town, see if there’s an annual road race you could run or an arts festival you could visit. Make a pact with your friends to try out all of the local restaurants at some point before graduation.

10. Thank Mom & Dad. Not to get sappy or preachy, but you didn’t make it through college ENTIRELY on your own. Whether it was Mom and Dad (or Grandma and Grandpa) footing the bill, or your suite mates from freshman year forcing you to go to that ’80s dance during orientation, someone surely helped you make your experience possible. Hey, it might have even been that great professor who still gave you an A- even after you turned in your term paper 2 weeks late. Take some time to thank them and let them know they made a difference. Unlike astronomical tuition bills, gratitude is priceless, and its expression signals that you’ve truly become an adult. Even if you don’t feel like it…yet.