Texastech 4 21 14 proof1

April 21, 2014 | Volume 3, Issue 13 | Lubbock, TX

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WHAT MY ALMOST-SENIOR SELF WOULD SAY TO MY FRESHMAN SELF PAGE 2

BLOCK PARTY page 3 FOUNDATION RETREAT: THE ONLY WAY TO KICKSTART COLLEGE page 4 CURRENT GREEK MEMBER PERFORMING ON MAY 3RD page 5

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Editor's note

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WHAT MY ALMOST-SENIOR SELF WOULD SAY TO MY FRESHMAN SELF 1. Put down your phone. Those status updates, vines, and selfies on Snapchat will still be there.

2. Don’t rush your parents out the door when they leave town. They might buy you lunch – and if you’re like me, you always end up missing them about five minutes after they leave.

3. Also, call your mom and dad. A lot. Every 30 minutes if your mother won’t file a restraining order on you (mine is borderline of this.) Kidding. But, really. Call your parents.

4. Stop texting guys who don’t give a shit – this includes a lot of them. Re-watch “He’s Just Not That Into You” if you must. Sorry, princess, but NEVER chase anything but your drinks and the bus. Hell, even 9 times out of 10 the bus won’t stop for you.

5. Your freshman boyfriend will most likely not be your senior boyfriend. It’s for the best.

6. If he cheats on you, or has a girlfriend back home (in my case), end it, like, yesterday.

Don’t waste your time or your heart.

7. Your freshman best friend might not be your senior best friend. That’s okat too.

8. The people you stalk on social media are probably the ones you should block. Cough, exes and the girls they cheated on you with.

9. Try to stop saying “like.” Like, now.

10. Your sorority is great, but don’t let it be the only thing that defines you. Get involved in other opportunities and organizations.

11. Don’t judge people based on the letters they do or don’t wear. Get to know them – then hate them if you must.

12. Sam’s Place West at 2 a.m. isn’t a good idea, but do it anyway and enjoy every bit

of those tasty little nuggets.

This goes for Whataburger as well. That #1 with a side of large fries isn’t helping your pretty little figure. Screw it.

Eat every single French fry.

13. If you want another sugar cookie with that yummy icing on top, have another sugar cookie with that yummy icing on top. If your best friend is going to judge you, is she really your best friend?

MALLEY RASCO

Kappa Kappa Gamma Editor-in-Chief Malley is a junior studying Advertising. You may contact her at malley.rasco@ttu.edu.

14. Lean Cuisines don’t make you lean if you eat for of them for dinner.

15. When you’re stressed ask yourself two things: “In a year, will it matter?” and try to think about something you were stressed about on that very day a year ago.

The time will go by much faster than you think. Have fun. Have a wild night that you can’t remember. Go out with friends on a Monday night. Drink wine while you study for tomorrow’s test. Do college right. Make it all count, and know that the next journey ahead is even better. It’s full of rich husbands, huge diamonds galore, glamorous vacation homes and money to buy out Neiman’s. Just kidding, it’s full of bills, screaming children and workdays that make you beg for a Happy Hour on a Tuesday. So live these years up and make them count!

THE ODYSSEY AT TEXAS TECH CREATIVE EXECUTIVE TEAM Editor-in-Chief Malley Rasco

Kappa Kappa Gamma

Photographer Zach Scott

Sales Executive Garret Cooper Kappa Sigma

Ryan Medellin Kappa Sigma

Phi Delta Theta

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The Odyssey is a private entity not associated or governed by Texas Tech University Greek life office. The views and opinions shared in The Odyssey are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Odyssey and Olympia Media Group.

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BLOCK PARTY Last week, Panhellenic at Texas Tech found a way to bond all the sisters in every house in more ways than just one.

SARAH MEACHAM Chi Omega

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where they had cotton candy. After a coke float and some cotton candy, we went to Alpha Pi where they were painting your hand to put on a poster for a good cause and also had some cold drinks.

How great of an idea that was to bring in a good cause to include all of Panhellenic.

After Alpha Pi we then went to Zeta Tau Alpha where they had “Bra Pong” to support their philanthropy, breast cancer. That was another great activity to inform us about how effective breast cancer is. They even had little flyers with information and handed out prizes to the winners of the game.

Many people think that Sarah is a sophomore studying sororities don’t like each other, journalism. You may contact her at sarah.meacham@ttu.edu. but that’s not the case. This past week, Panhellenic had an event for every day of the week. This included different activities, like a speaker, a block party, and even spirit day on Friday, when you wore your favorite sorority shirt. Out of all the fun and exciting days, I really enjoyed Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Panhellenic closed off all of Greek circle to throw a block party to support and hang out with all the other girls in Panhellenic.

Next, we went to Kappa where they had a cakewalk with music. It really just felt like a big fun filled party with a bunch of girls who all seem to have the same passion. As we continued to make out way around Greek circle, we then stopped at Theta where they had pancakes. At this point we were all getting full, but we wanted to go to every house to fill our card with stamps. After the delicious pancakes, we went to Alpha Chi Omega where they had pizza.

The block party started at 6:30 but we had to try and be there before 6 or we would have to walk a little bit because they closed off all the entrances and exits. When my Chi Omega sisters started showing up, I started to realize how fun this event was going to be. At every lodge, each sorority provided some kind of carnival food where you could go and get a card stamped to enter in a prize at the very end.

After we went to every lodge and enjoyed all the food and company from all 11 sororities, we entered our punch card in the prize box to try and win free movies at a theater for a year.

Chi Omega’s choice of a snack was coke floats. Who doesn’t like a yummy coke float on a warm day? As we started on our truck to other sorority houses, my sisters and I stopped by Kappa Delta,

With only three more stops to go we finished strong. After we stopped by Delta Gamma for some cookies and to make brail cards for the blind we stopped by Pi Phi and had some more cookies. We finished at the Tri Delta lodge with a cup of popcorn.

At the end of this amazing bonding experience, I took away that it wasn’t meant to be about the free food but to simply enjoy being in the company of all the other houses on campus and to learn more about what each house is truly about.

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Scene on campus

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FOUNDATION RETREAT: THE ONLY WAY TO KICK-START COLLEGE Are you an incoming freshman or transfer student to Tech? Do you know an incoming freshman or transfer student coming to Tech? If the answer is yes, I have two very important words for you: Foundation Retreat.

LESLIE MOSELEY Chi Omega

Leslie is a sophomore studying psychology. You may contact her at leslie.moseley@ttu.edu.

Foundation Retreat is a four-day Christian camp for incoming freshmen and is seriously the best way to kick-start your college experience. Before you even move into your dorm, you can feel at home with the new friendships you’ll create and the “foundation” (get it?) of truth you’ll need when you step into this whole different world of college.

Camp is lead by 96 Tech students, which makes it crazy fun and jam-packed with energy.

Foundation Retreat is all about getting freshmen and transfer students connected to life at Texas Tech through new friends, organizations to get involved with once you get to Lubbock, and a real relationship with Jesus.

When you arrive, you’re greeted with so much excitement in the air, you might just combust (in the best kind of way). Throughout the four days, you’ll have “in-depth small group time, nightly worship time and message, theme nights, free time, crazy team Rec games, and a Ministry Fair.”

I went on Foundation before my freshman year and I am blessed to have some awesome people in my life that did, as well. Here’s how a few of them described camp:

“Foundation was a great experience for me, because it not only helped root me in the Christian community at Tech, but it also grew my relationship with Christ even more!”

–Hannah Cleveland, Freshman “While I was able to find friends, I also found God and became closer to Him than I ever had been. I did not realize how far I had drifted from Him until camp… I know it sounds cheesy, but I learned so much while at camp and would not be the person I am today, had I not gone. I am a lot more confident in my faith and myself… I tell incoming freshman to go to Foundation, because it is an eye-opening experience. I loved every moment I was there and wish they had one for people who aren’t freshmen!” –Kati Macha, Freshman “Foundation was amazing. It truly showed me that having incredible fellowship is possible in college. I recommend Foundation for freshmen to set their paths for college.

They will forever have these friendships and will know the Christian community at Tech, which is so important!”-Ashlyn Roberts, Freshman There are two camps, Alpha and Omega. Alpha camp is August 9th-12th and Omega camp is August 13th-16th. Neither camp will interfere with Recruitment, the Goin’ Band, or move-in dates, so feel free to sign up for whichever camp works best for you.

Transportation is a walk-in-the-park (well, actually, it’s a crazy-fun shuttle ride that leaves from Jones Stadium). If you need to fly into Lubbock, someone will pick you up from the airport, too. You can always drive yourself, or have your parents drive you, straight to camp. Both camps will be in Ceta Canyon in Happy, Texas. (Not kidding…Does it get much happier than that?!)

To learn more about Foundation Retreat and how to register, go to http://foundationretreat. com/index.php. There, you’ll be able to see the all the past-camp pictures, testimonials, and more. By sending the link above to your friends who are coming to Tech, you’ll be just about the best friend you can be and could bless someone more you’ll ever know.

SUMMER IN THE 806 The summer sun is approaching us, folks. The end of the semester is in sight, with the beginning of Fratty Fridays and Cactus Courtyard opening marking the beginning of the warmer months sure to come. There are some pros and cons to staying in the 806 for the summer.

DANIEL GRACEN

Kappa Kappa Gamma Daniel is a junior studying Advertising. You may contact her at daniel.gracen@ttu.edu.

So, what if you are here in Lubbock to enjoy summer in all of its full glory?

The first thing you can do is find a friend. Friends to soak up the sun with are the best kind to have. Amidst the stress of work, summer classes, and trying to avoid the smell of the feedlot that takes over Lubbock, you’re going to need someone to share some magical memories with.

The next thing you can do is find something to do throughout the day. Student organizations aren’t in swing in the summer, so find an internship or a job so that you either don’t develop couch potato syndrome. Let’s face it, Lubbock isn’t that exciting during the daytime other than occasional haboob, so you’re going to need something to do.

A couple pros associated with moving out of your good ol’ apartment and going home for the summer are almost all food or money related. Pro: mom’s cooking everyday. Pro: mom can see how poor you actually are and pity you. Con: mom can see how poor you are from Starbucks and Whataburger trips on the daily and cut you off.

Lubbock is a great college town that can only be enjoyed for a few short years. It’s best to get all of the time that you can, while you can. The college experience can’t ever be duplicated. Some people like being home or have to go on an internship, but once they’re back they never want to leave.

Think that what happens in Lubbock in the summer stays in Lubbock? You’re wrong.

Other people are right here with you too, and that includes the standards chair. Just frolic around Lubbock—with a good head on your shoulders.

Senioritis can kick in, where you’re tired of Tech, Lubbock, life, being poor, etc. But the one thing people always will miss is the Lubbock atmosphere that the 806 is famous for.

A summer spent in Lubbock is one that is a rite of passage for every Tech student to go through, especially those in the Greek system.

The biggest downside to staying in Lubbock for the summer is the lack of bodies of water.

You’re going to be a pretty good distance away from anything boating or lake-related, but a weekend trip is not entirely out of the question. Other things to do would be golf, count down the days before rush-crushing, or hit up pie bar on a daily basis.

So craft on, future bigs. Your little awaits you when rush week begins. And power through, juniors, who are stuck here because you don’t want to go home and listen to your mom ask about your future careers that you may not have. You only have three summers as an undergrad, but if you do it right, three summers is just enough.

Scene on campus

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CURRENT GREEK MEMBER PERFORMING ON MAY 3RD Hunter Hutchinson was born and raised in Abilene, Texas and attended Wylie High School. He is an aspiring country music artist and is one of my very best friends.

TAYLOR TOWNSEND

Kappa Kappa Gamma

Taylor is a junior studying media strategies. You may contact her at Although I may be taylor.townsend@ttu.edu. considered biased, I am not writing about his work because he’s a long-time friend of mine. I chose to do this because I truly believe he has what it takes to someday be a star. He is currently a sophomore at Texas Tech, a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, and is extremely involved in the Greek community.

“From playing at sorority events with dozens of girls standing around to playing in a bar with 20 people have all been times I wouldn’t give up for anything,” he explained.

Hunter has performed the past 2 years at Delta After Dark, as well as Alpha Phi Chilifest, Blue Light Live, Firehouse, and numerous other places and events around Lubbock and Abilene. He said, “my first full band show was a crowd the bar said they hadn’t seen in a very long time. Being in my hometown and seeing the support from all of those people is quite amazing.”

Hunter already has one album out on iTunes, called Texas Too. Not only is he a singer

and guitarist, but he is also a songwriter. A personal favorite song of mine is “Man Who Believes In Me,” which was written in memory of his dad. Hunter’s father passed away on February 20, 2008. Chuck was an amazing man and influenced many people throughout his lifetime, especially Hunter. Cancer Services Network’s Fashions for the Cure gave Hunter an opportunity to give back to the community in Abilene by singing the song he wrote about his dad. He sang in front of over 600 people and touched each and every one of them. I believe that shows a lot about Hunter’s personality. He doesn’t just have a passion for singing. He has a desire to write meaningful songs.

Currently, Hunter is in the studio working on a record that his “big bro” Aaron Watson is producing and helping him write. He illuminated by how blessed he is with the support of family and friends. I hope the Greek family can contribute to help his support group grow. To prove his willingness to succeed, Hutchinson said, “I’ve worked my butt off for this and won’t stop ‘til the top, then I reckon I’ll just keep working hard.”

“I have had the door shoved in my face many of times, but it seems shortly after an even bigger door will open,” Hunter said about his experiences as a musician. This can be demonstrated by the notification he recently personally received from Josh Abbott asking him to open up for a big show in Lubbock with Josh and Pat Green. He told me that the feeling still hasn’t worn off and has continued to keep a smile on his face.

That being said, let’s prove why Texas Tech has one of the strongest Greek communities among all and show our support for Hunter Hutchinson on Saturday, May 3rd at the Lonestar Amphitheater for the 1st Annual Spring Fest. Doors open at 6:00 and tickets and information can be attained at www.roadhousetickets.com.

GREEKS GO TO ELIFE All around Texas Tech, the Greek community is raving about Experience Life church Finding the right church to attend can be a struggle. eLife is the place to be.

KORTNI ROBINSON

The lead pastor, Chris Galanos, has a contagious energy about him. His passion for what he does truly stands out and makes a difference in his sermons. At some of the churches I have tried in Lubbock, I found myself becoming bored with the service.

This is almost impossible at eLife. Everyone has so much energy and is so passionate about what they’re doing. ELife is the place to be.

Kortni is a sophomore studying Journalism. You may contact her at kortni.robinson@ttu.edu.

I surveyed a few different girls I ran into at eLife about why they chose this church and what they love about it.

Delta Delta Delta

The transition into college can be a very exhausting process. Finding new friends and getting used to a new home is not easy! Finding your church home can be just as difficult. I think every college student who is interested in attending church goes through a system of visiting different ones on Sunday, working to find which one they really feel like “home” in. Visiting different churches can be exciting, but finding the one you like best is such a great feeling. Recently I visited Experience Life and I had this feeling.

Experience Life, or eLife, is located at 103 and Upland. eLife started in 2007 with only 330 people in attendance and, since then, they have attracted up to 3,500 attendees.

One of the main things I noticed while I was there was the number of Greeks in the crowd with me. Not that it was a surprise. I know many Greeks go to church on a regular basis, but I had never seen so many at once. It made my heart happy seeing such a large number of people I knew worshiping God, together.

Tuesday nights, from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., eLife hosts a college gathering. This was the night I decided to attend. At the moment, they are doing a Bad Dating series and the message is exactly what college students need to hear. I believe this Tuesday night gathering is what attracts so many young men and women. The time and day is perfect for college students with busy schedules. The messages they choose to cover are also very engaging.

Madi Goodwin of Delta Delta Delta said, “I have been going to Experience Life for a while, now, and I really love it. My favorite part is the worship because the band and the vocalists do an awesome job and they put everything they have into it. I have also been going to the college service on Tuesday nights and have really gotten a lot out of it. The messages relate to each person differently and affect their lives in a unique way!”

Krysta Lacy of Zeta Tau Alpha said, “Going to eLife is my favorite part about Sundays and especially Tuesdays. Even if I’ve had a bad day I know eLife can turn it completely around. I love how real they are with us. How they share their passion for Jesus is so amazing. The college service has taught me so much that I can use in everyday life.

I cannot wait to for more Tuesday nights!”

Amelia Milton of Kappa Alpha Theta said, “What I love about Experience Life Church is how upbeat and energetic the atmosphere is. The entire staff is on fire for the Lord and they do an amazing job relating to a college-aged student. Every time I’m there I learn something new and grow in my relationship to Christ. ELife has truly made my college experience better than I could have ever imagined.”

It is so exciting to finally have found a church where I can have fun and feel at home. Along with other Greeks, eLife is the place for me and I encourage anyone and everyone to go! They recently moved the college gathering to the City Bank Auditorium to be closer to campus and to house a larger audience. See you there on Tuesday at 9 p.m.!

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Self health & fitness

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WHY DATING IN COLLEGE IS TOTALLY EFFED UP

Relationships in college are a part of the whole CAROLINE c ol le ge exper ience: CAMPBELL friendships, relationships Kappa Kappa Gamma with your teachers and Carolin e is a s ophomore peers, and of course, studying public relations.

You may contact her at romantic relationships. caroline.campbell@ttu.edu.

But there’s one thing that no one told you before you entered the dating world in college: college relationships are seriously effed up, and I’ll tell you why.

There’s this idea that whoever cares less in the relationship, wins. Whoever texts the other person first, initiates hangouts, and expresses true feelings just looks pathetic and desperate. But why does it have to be this way? When did casual hookups and one night stands trump chivalry and manners and romance?

It has recently occurred to me that casually hooking up in college, especially freshman and sophomore year, is really no big deal. Walk of shames are now a running joke with friends. Pictures of public hookups at fraternity parties are plastered all over social media. Texting has become the primary form of communication in relationships. In fact, I have spent many late nights with my friends analyzing texts from boys and drawing absolutely absurd conclusions that don’t logically make sense. “So if he said this do you think he really means that? Do you think that means he doesn’t want to see me anymore?”

You know what I’m referring to. Everyone does it. This is not how it used to be. Something has changed in our society that seems to make all of these actions completely okay in the eyes of generation Y (aka us).

My freshman year, I went on a date with a guy who opened the car door AND paid for my dinner, no questions asked. I was completely and utterly shocked. The real problem is that I shouldn’t have been so blown away by these romantic gestures. I should come to expect being treated like this while

on a date. The problem with dating today is that simple gestures like opening the door, buying flowers and phone calls over texting are a thing of the past.

We no longer expect to be treated like we should be, because this makes whoever cares more look “weak.” Speaking on behalf of both girls and boys, I can promise you that any relationship in which you are not being treated with respect, is no relationship to be in. College is too short to waste time on stupid, pointless relationships that are ultimately going nowhere fast.

Also, what’s with this whole idea that “we’re talking” is an acceptable relationship status in college? Like, what does that even mean? If you like someone, and I mean genuinely have feelings for them, don’t make it seem like you don’t care. Don’t waste your time beating around the bush. I know couples who have spent months “talking” until one of them had the balls to come out and admit that they wanted an exclusive relationship. Don’t make it complicated, because that’s not how it should be. Honest and open relationships are the best relationships.

These are a few reasons why dating in college is so effed up, but it does not have to be this way. I’m certain that one day everything will drastically change and dating will magically transform back to the way it was when our parents are grandparents were “going steady.” The way I see it, the “dating” in college that we accept right now, is totally unacceptable. Take some initiative, people. It’s okay to care. It’s okay to tell someone how you feel. This goes for both boys AND girls. Don’t waste time making it seem like you don’t care, and don’t waste your time on someone who truly doesn’t. It’s time to change the way we date.

Just remember that there are still fabulous people out there who will treat you like they actually care. No games, no trickery. Once you get sick and tired of all the nonsense of (freshman and sophomore year mostly) dating, then you will be opened up to a whole new world of how dating SHOULD be. After all, nearly 70 percent of couples marry someone they met in college.

You never know, your recent hookup buddy could be the love of your life.

Probably not, but who knows.

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Ideas debate & discuss

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Self health & fitness

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LAST SEMESTER SENIORS The years of high school, wh e t h e r t o r t u ro us or glorious, seem to pass by at the speed of a snail. College, however, flies by at the blink of an eye. One day you’re a freshman just trying to make friends and pass your classes, and the next you’re a senior about to graduate.

LEAH HOFFMAN Pi Beta Phi

Leah is a senior studying public relations. You may contact her at leah. hoffman@ttu.edu.

But the moments in between are what most students overlook. So here are some tips for how to live it up (like a freshman) in your last semester of college.

So here are some tips of how to live it up (like a freshman) in your last semester of college.

1.) Attend every party: Now that you’re older, it seems like the last thing you want to do, but trust me, you’ll appreciate it. There is nothing worse than looking back once it is too late and realizing you should have gone, or looking around and noticing you are the oldest one. However, this is your last chance to have the “right” to be in attendance.

It’s the last time you can honestly say that you are not too old to be there, even if you are right on the cusp.

2.) Cards Against Humanity: Have you ever heard of the card game Cards Against Humanity? It is the new craze in late night entertainment, so go buy it. If you and your friends have had a night of drinking and want a nightcap, this is your go-to-game.

Although it can be a bit provocative at times, it is a game that will keep you guessing and on your toes. During this last semester of college it is important to keep yourself involved, as you are about to embark on a new chapter in your life that could possibly be intolerant of this kind of behavior. So get it out now, with your friends, while you still can.

3.) Take a risk: This rule is for people particularly like me. I didn’t have a crazy high school experience, never having done anything wrong or breaking the rules. College might have opened you up but there is still that safe friend who doesn’t exactly have stories that measure up to the rest. While not advocating anything illegal or completely insane, now is the time to take that risk you always wanted to take. Use this last semester of college to really break free and do something liberating and daring that allows the free spirit inside to come out and explore. It’s good for the soul, to let loose every once in a while.

As stated above, these tips are not meant to promote recklessness or irresponsibility, but instead they are meant to give a hint of encouragement to those like me who are more introverted and less inclined to break free from their comfort zones. Speaking from experience, it feels nice to let my inner free spirit roam about from time to time without reservation. Not to mention, it allows one to better get to know oneself in an unconventional way that is good for the soul.

WHO IS SAGE KOTSENBURG? What if you won the gold medal at the first ever snowboard slope style event in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics? What if you gained 29,720 followers on Twitter overnight?

Well, if you had, you would be the now superfamous snowboarder Sage Kotsenburg. He was not even expected to make the final rounds in the slope style event, and he ended up winning gold.

Unbelievably, before the big win, he tweeted “Whoa how random is this I made finals at the Olympics!!!” @sagekotsenburg After his gold medal crowning, he tweeted “WOW!! I just won the Olympics!!

Bringing back the first Gold here to the USA! Love seeing all the support from everyone YOU RULE!!” @sagekotsenburg Everyone in the snowboarding community adores this guy. They describe him as being “one of the most popular riders within the industry because of his laid-back demeanor, his creative style of riding and a vision for the sport that goes against the grain of what’s scoring well with judges these days” (nbc). He has been catapulted to fame because of his amazing come-back-kid win.

What is he doing now, you ask? Well, he just suited up for the first time ever (yes, he admitted to never Pi Beta Phi wearing a suit before and Bailey is a sophomore studying biology. You may contact her at had his friend tie his tie) bailey.bell@ttu.edu. to attend the U.S. Olympic Committee’s inaugural Best of U.S. Awards. There, he won another gold medal--so to speak--for being the top male athlete.

BAILEY BELL

He has finished up a media tour where he was featured on numerous talk shows.

He says that he is very unfamiliar with it all, and never dreamed that it would be him doing the things he always saw the likes of Shawn White doing (espn). He has remained humble throughout the time after his win. I can only imagine that he would much rather be in the mountains with an extra 10 pounds of fluff than in a suit.

Snowboarding has really blown up these past years and gained tremendous popularity. As a snowboarder myself, I can see why. I have never stepped foot on a pair of skis and do not plan to. Kotsenburg is one of the guys that has been there from the start and in my opinion, really deserved that gold medal. He was able to watch his sport grow like a child, and then finally his event (slope style) was added to the Olympics this 2014 and it was like his kid just became an adult. Now, people everywhere can enjoy the sport and event that these guys have been doing for years.

So hats off to you, Sage Kotsenburg, for winning gold and bringing it home. You rock!

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HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR FINALS

Well, ladies and gents, it seems that another school year is coming to and end.

For some of us, freshman year is almost over.

Hopefully, nobody dropped enough classes that they’ll still be considered a freshman next year too… But let’s not think about that just yet.

KAYLA CHANDLER

Kappa Kappa Gamma Kayla is a freshman studying Journalism. You may contact her at kayla.chandler@ttu.edu.

Get excited, because finals are coming in hot, and we only have a few more classes with those annoying professors and the 8 AMs we have to drag ourselves out of bed for.

But we have to remind ourselves of a few things before we get too pumped up for summer. For instance, even though we only have a few more weeks of attending class, we need to actually attend class. In order to get the grades that you want, you have to get up and go to class, learn the information, and then study it. We aren’t in high school anymore where we could just magically get straight A’s.

You have to work hard to reach your goals. Plan your schedule correspondingly and set reasonable expectations. In order to ensure you will wake up for your classes that you shouldn’t be missing, go to bed early. Get rest and sleep. The new episode of your favorite

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television show will be on Hulu within the next couple of days. It can wait. College is demanding and all-nighters are going to become a usual thing during finals week. But, in order to help your brain function properly, you need sleep--at least eight hours a day.

So take a study break or two so you can catch up on some sleep.

Not to bring up health and fitness, but a lot of the energy you gain to study is from working out and eating healthy. What you eat determines your energy level throughout the day. When you have more energy, you are able to be more productive. Just like exercising, it releases endorphins and makes you feel better about yourself. Being energized is definitely a better frame of mind to study in, instead of wanting to pass out every few minutes, don’t you think?

Although college can be extremely overbearing at times, you have to learn how to enjoy your college experience. You can’t go through life without having a good time. This is the main reason that we encounter stress. We forget to balance our busy lives with a little bit of fun. Even the most prestigious college students can be taken for a spin during finals week, so plan accordingly and don’t let this week be a pain in your brain this year. Just remember, you can’t rock that chemistry final if you’re sleep deprived, wearing the same clothes that should’ve been washed a week ago, and coming down with a cold. Make sure you’re at your physical best if you want to perform at your mental best.

And don’t forget to use the resources given to you. You don’t have to be failing to get help, study in groups, and ask your professor questions. Don’t let the last lap of the semester turn into a sleep-deprived, caffeine-fueled, stress-inducing cram fest.

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Humor lol

missing

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Humor lol

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500 words on music

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MARLI & ME

A man’s best friend is a dog…or in my case, a woman’s best friend is a dog. In my opinion, dogs are like people, and are funny, loving, compassionate, and downright just happy beings. Sorry to all the cat lovers out there, but you just can’t compare cats to dogs. You can do so much more with a pet dog than with a cat.

Having a dog comes with a lot of perks, whether you realize it or not.

I personally am a big dog person. I am a proud owner of a golden retriever named Marli. Yes, I said Marli, not Marley the boy dog. And no I did not name Marli after Marley & Me. Lucky for me, I am from Lubbock, so I still get to go home every day to see my dog and play with her.

Having a dog teaches responsibility, which is actually one of the perks, whether you would consider it a perk or not. You have to train your dog to behave and listen and learn the house rules. This may require a lot of patience and time, but it will all be worth it.

you

KRISTEN FOUSE Chi Omega

Kristen is a freshman studying accounting. You may contact her at kristen.fouse@ttu.edu.

you to make sure your dog is getting the appropriate amount of exercise they need daily and weekly.

Dogs are also great listeners if you are having a bad day. As cliché as that sounds, it is actually true. Obviously they don’t converse back with you, but they seem to have some sort of understanding of what you are feeling. Marli can always tell if I’ve had a stressful or bad day because she just comes up to me with her wagging tail and sits next to me or on me and just pants and smiles and gives me plenty of kisses. Marli never fails to make me laugh and brightens my day in some way everyday.

Marli was literally a replica of Marley from the movie Marley & Me. She would get into anything and everything, and was ornery to the bone. I will admit there were times when I thought about giving her away, but then she would stare at me with those big brown eyes of hers and I just fell in love with her cuteness all over again. Needless to say, Marli has been quite the entertainer in my life for eight whole years. I wouldn’t trade her for anything in the world.

Another fun activity to do with your beloved dog is to take them on a car ride to Sheridans and get them a FREE (yes I said free, college students) puppy cone. The puppy cones are only free for dogs, not people, but that shouldn’t stop you from joining in on the fun treats with your dog. Marli enjoys car rides and will stick her head out of the window and let the wind run through her golden hair and open her mouth and just pant and smile at everyone. Marli might be one of the happiest dogs I have ever met.

Another perk of having a dog is that you have to exercise. For some this may be a chore, but I love taking Marli to the park and running and walking with her. If you like going on night runs, a dog is the perfect companion and also makes your night run a little bit safer. All dogs need exercise, so it is up to

A definite perk of having a big dog is the fact that you can wrestle with them, lay on top of them and cuddle with them without worrying you are going to hurt them.

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500 words on entertainment

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