ELON THE PENDULUM | WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2011 | VOLUME 2, EDITION 2
t s a f g n i Fad
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY WILL ANDERSON
The summer learning gap: What do we forget during the summer months?
kate.riley
it’s almost time for summer vacation.
school year.
the beginning of each fall semester,
It’s almost time to leave Elon’s
dip toes into the salty ocean waves.
take a step back from the stress
it is not necessarily that students
walls of a classroom. It’s almost time
relatives or friends from home. Or
students forget during this three-
campus and explore life outside the
to have a three-month break from
projects, tests, quizzes and stress. And
what’s inside...
3
Which is better? Online classes or summer classes?
For some, this means a time to
For others, it means a chance to visit maybe it’s just a time to catch up on
television shows missed during the
5
Transitioning through time. Read about how students are preparing for the next stages of their lives.
Yes, summer is a sweet time to
of schoolwork. But how much do month mental break? When
speaking
about
6 Motivate your muscles this summer. Learn how to avoid an exercise lull.
psychology professor Katie King finds forget information, but that they have problems locating it.
“With the right prompt, you can
continued on page 4
7
The truth about your favorite treats. How healthy are they?
2
wednesday, may 4, 2011
do’s&don’ts
PHOTO BY WILL ANDERSON
DO:
DON’T:
Notes, books and tests from this semester’s classes may help you out in the future. Hang on to them so that they can be used as references in semesters to come.
Seriously. You are at risk for judicial action upon your return to campus in the fall if you have a run-in with authorities during the summer while off-campus.
Check out grouchyrabbit.com
Forget to keep in touch
This website provides readers with funny “information for successful living.” With categories such as Signs That Things Aren’t Going So Well and Realized, Grouchy Rabbit has the potential to be just the thing to entertain you when summer gets a little boring.
Sometimes just a Facebook message doesn’t cut it. Give your friends a call every once and a while to check in during the summer months. They will appreciate the extra effort.
Keep important materials
Get arrested
PHOTO COURTESY OF GROUCHYRABBIT.COM
PHOTO COURTESY OF FOTOPEDIA.COM
Take advantage of free time
Veg out all summer
Even though you may have an internship or a job, use your time away from classes to do things you wouldn’t be able to do during the academic year like catch up on some reading or take a few road trips.
Unless you're at the beach, be constructive with your time. Don’t let the summer pass you by. Make sure you have plenty of stories to share with your friends when you return to campus.
Attend a summer festival
Be frugal
Merlefest has come and gone, but chances are there is another music festival wherever you are living this summer. Try Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo or Warped Tour, and make sure you stock up on food, sunscreen and water before you head out.
Chances are you will be eating out quite a bit more during the summer months, so tip generously. Waiters and waitresses, just like you, are often crunched for spare change. If you have extra to spare, go for it.
Be a summer professional
Get distracted
A combination of hot weather and internships makes for some tough fashion decisions, so make sure you are aware of your organization’s dress code. Observe what your co-workers are wearing and dress accordingly.
If you’ll be driving a lot this summer, keep focused on the road. Vacationers and commuters try to text, apply makeup or attempt to read maps while they drive. This makes a trip down the highway way more dangerous, so don’t contribute to the problem.
wednesday, may 4, 2011
easily and inexpensively update your summer wardrobe
kyra.gemberling
With summer just around the corner, college students everywhere are trading in their winter boots and thick sweaters for a lighter, more colorful wardrobe. But students do not have to break the bank in order to keep up with the latest trends. Instead, they can easily and affordably transition their closet by updating their look with a few key pieces.
1
3
Floral prints
A big trend for summer is wearing anything with floral print, whether it is a puffy miniskirt or wedge platform heels. Floral prints are good for perking up basic pieces, but be sure to avoid going overboard and only wear one floral item at a time, such as pairing a flirty floral tank top with khaki shorts. Sophomore Lyndsay Burch said floral print sundresses are also a reasonable option because they are easy to accessorize. “A few floral dresses and a white dress can be nice to dress up and down,” Burch said. “Wear them with flip flops and these pieces can be day-time wear, put them with some heels and nice accessories and they can be nice for going out.”
Brightly-colored shoes and accessories Another way to dress up basic pieces is enhancing them with brightlycolored accessories, such as long necklaces, jewel tone handbags and colorful headbands. Brightly colored sandals and flats are also good for adding extra sparkle to a basic outfit, making them great to wear with darker tops and dresses worn during winter.
Mix, match and layer winter and summer pieces Layering is a good method for recycling older items. Stash the tights you would typically wear with dresses in the winter and go barelegged with a pair of peep toe heels. You can also pair light sweaters with camisoles and shorts or wear a light scarf with a spaghetti strap dress. “I do buy basic pieces, like one or maybe three spring outfits, and then I still wear my jeans and light scarves in the summer,” freshman Devon Clark said.
4
Add pieces that reflect daring trends
A few of the most popular trends for this summer are 70s bohemian, punk rock and nautical pieces, so shake up your wardrobe by choosing items that echo these styles. A navy striped T-shirt with skinny jeans is a good for a nautical style, while flowing maxi dresses will give you a bohemian feel. These pieces can be found at local vintage and thrift stores, so there is no need to blow your bank account at the mall. Junior Kelly Mead said she thinks it is important to remember that less is more in the purchasing process. “I have a job on campus, but it is much better for me to buy a couple of things instead of a whole new wardrobe because that’s kind of ridiculous,” she said.
Trends to expect for fall 2011 • • • • • •
Bold Red Ponchos Plaid High Slits Duster Coats Bright Pants
Information from shopinfluence.com
Online vs. traditional classes Which summer class style is best for you? lauren.ramsdell
Chances are you’ve at least considered summer
classes. Far from the days of high school when summer was for hanging at the pool, sleeping in until noon or
maybe making a little money, summer in college can be a way to get ahead of the game.
Elon makes it easy to take classes during the summer.
There are two sessions offered, one offered June 1 — July 1, and one from July 11 — Aug. 1. On-campus classes are offered both times, but online classes are
On-campus classes are good if you: • Are working on campus or nearby over the summer • Live nearby • Need structure or hate Blackboard • Can only take classes after July 1 • Need to take a common prerequisite class, such as college writing or statistics
is invaluable. Also,
online classes are run through Blackboard, so
if
you’re
not
familiar with or don’t
like its interface, you can
save
yourself
a headache by not taking it.
Another
benefit
of on-campus classes
Online classes are good if you: • Need to live far away from Elon during the summer • Need to work full-time • Like to work on your own time • Need a specific requirement, like an upperlevel GST or Society class • Can only take classes before July 1
is a temptation, but if
you easily overcome
it, online classes can
be a breeze. They are just as academically challenging semester
as
classes,
but you have more
free time during the
summer to devote to homework, studying
only offered during the first session. However, both on-
is they are offered during both summer sessions. If
and projects.
hour or $1,520 for a four credit course.
1. If you got shut out of common classes for one of the
knocking out a civilization or society class, many
are usually offered in the summer. Statistics, college
of checking with your adviser to make sure those
campus classes and online classes cost $380 per credit The condensed time frame makes summer classes
similar to Winter Term classes, where you can focus on one subject at a time. It can be hard to pick what kind
of class to take and not every class is offered during the summer. Here’s a guide to what kind of class you might
you’re busy, there is still time to take classes after July
popular majors or one of the core requirements, they writing and basic communications classes are typically available.
as going on a week-long mission trip, simply e-mailing
This is perfect if you frequently travel during the
On-campus classes are also helpful if you need
structure in your classwork. If you know you can’t do
assignments with an ambiguous deadline, having a
professor encouraging you to get work done on time
Online classes are also invaluable if you have an odd
take classes as long as you have an Internet connection.
class on campus. If interning, working on or off campus, class in person makes sense.
classes fit in your graduation plan.
summer schedule or can’t take class after July 1. Even if
No matter where you are in the world, you are able to
or if you live within a 30-minute commute, taking a
upper-level classes are offered online. It’s just a matter
Online classes through Elon are very simple to take.
want and what time you should take it.
Physical proximity to Elon is essential to taking a
If you want to jump ahead on requirements, like
summer or need to move for an internship or want to go back home. Online classes let you set your own pace
you have a conflict during your online class term, such
the professor whose class you wish to take and working out a make up work plan is easy as pie.
Regardless of what kind of class you can or need to
so you’re not squeezing your work schedule around
take, summer classes are a great way to further your
If you prefer to work on your own terms, there is
worked into a summer schedule. There are just more
lecture times, if you are interning or working full time.
nothing so liberating as an online class. Procrastination
education. Taking classes at a local university can be steps involved to transfer credit.
4 ntion te re ng ni ar le e rc fo en lp he es gi te ra st g in Review wednesday, may 4, 2011
from page 1 access memories,” King said. “It’s all about activating prior knowledge.”
Students’ old memories need to be
stimulated in a proper way to recall information when reviewing work from previous classes, King said.
She said a key way to spark dusty
memories is to review notes before a class begins.
“If students were self-regulated
learners, it would help a lot,” she said.
Although
summer
vacation
is
coveted by many, students need to remember reviewing notes may be necessary. Successful students look over their notes daily, King said.
“The problem is that students often
don’t spend summer continuing to
learn, which ultimately is what they need to be doing,” she said. “It is not
always case of retention of material because
voluntary.”
learning
is
absolutely
King referred to what is known
as the relearning curve: the speed at which a student acquires knowledge.
“You take algebra and say you don’t
remember the material,” she said. “But then, as you are learning, you learn
quicker because you remember parts of the material. Spending the first
days and weeks of a class reviewing to
access this prior knowledge is really important. You can’t start a class without reviewing.”
Some students say the reviewing
process
isn’t
Sophomore
always
Ellie
an
option.
Erickson
and
junior Sarah Graves say they haven’t
experienced review sessions in many of their classes.
“My classes do not review at the
beginning of the year,” Erickson said. “We hit the ground running. But I
think that reviewing is a necessary part of learning.” Graves
agrees,
saying
classes
at Elon usually jump right into the
material of a course. But she said she
does feel it would be beneficial to
have review sessions after such a long break.
“I feel that a refresher would
definitely be beneficial in all classes,” she said. “Reviewing, I feel, will only help us in the long run.”
Some students have found the
tutoring services on campus to be a large help in bridging the summer
learning gap when class revision is
Graphic by Kate Riley not a part of the course syllabus.
they should continue to look at the
works the way it does. Those kids
Library, cater to students who need
do that, I think that they will have
pretty quickly.”
Tutoring services, located in Belk
help in a wide range of subjects, the highest demanded being mathematics
material,” she said. “If they don’t a rude awakening in college that
are going to be able to pick it up For
many
college
students,
things move more quickly.”
summer vacation is a time to lie
“The fall semester is busier than
students do not always have the
calculus equation learned the past
director of tutorial services. “Our
Therefore, it is up to students to
courses.
the spring,” said Laurin Kier, associate number one demand is Math 112, or general statistics.”
When students come into their
freshman year and are required to
As Graves and Erickson said,
option to review in the classroom. either push themselves or find an alternative, like that provided by the Tutoring Center.
“I think that the students that are
take statistics, many assume it is
pretty
Kier, therefore, the Tutoring Center
they don’t understand the formula,
going to be difficult. According to is the place they turn to. The same goes for other math classes during the semester.
In September 2010, the Center
well-prepared
understand
concepts better,” Kier said. “Even if
they understand why the formula
in the sun and forget the hardest semester.
But
students
should
consider reviewing a textbook or maybe something simpler.
“During the summer, you should
still be reading the news, reading books
and
conversations
having
with
intellectual
friends,”
Erickson said. “If you can keep that up, I don’t think there is a summer learning gap.”
Elon Edge staff
had 71 statistics, 48 accounting and
Editor: Sam Parker
three subjects make up the top three
Szewcow
39 calculus tutoring sessions. These
Designers: Kristen Case, Marlena Chertock, Lina Patton, Gabriela
most demanded courses, Kier said.
Photographer: Will Anderson
Kier agrees with King that students
should take a large part in the reviewing process.
“If a student were continuing
a subject from high school and he or she did not want to fall behind,
Copy Editors: Ashley Fahey, Eva Hill, Rebecca Iannucci, Kate Riley, Edith Veremu Contributing Writers: Sarah Dodge, Ashley Fahey, Kyra Gemberling, Anna Hirschbiel, Melissa Kansky, Katie O’Brien, Lauren Ramsdell, Kate Riley, Katy Steele
wednesday, may 4, 2011
it could be worse
5
Than replacing a few of your eight glasses of water a day ... with beers. Come on, it’s practically summertime. Than not knowing what to do with the rest of your life, even though you’re graduating in less than a month ... you know what they say, you always have the rest of your life to figure it out.
Than deciding to get that trendy haircut ... and then wondering why you did. What am I supposed to do with this piece? It looked so good in the salon.
{ {
Than wondering how in the world most Americans obtained driver’s licenses. How did you possibly pass if you can’t remember to drive FAST in the FAST lane. THAN CONSIDERING
Than taking a nap right before you go to bed - you need the extra energy to change your clothes, wash your face and brush your teeth.
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS, BANANA NUT BREAD AND CARROT CAKE HEALTHY OPTIONS - THEY DO HAVE
FRUITS&VEGGIES IN
THEM ANYWAY, RIGHT?
THAN THINKING ALL THE ROYAL WEDDING COVERAGE WOULD SUBSIDE BECAUSE WILL&KATE FINALLY TIED THE KNOT. WHO KNEW NEWS ORGANIZATIONS WERE SO INTERESTED IN WEDDING DRESS DESIGNERS AND INVITATION PATTERNS?
Than watching reruns of the Royal Wedding every week from now until July ... you’re simply taking advantage of the history lesson.
Than thinking extreme couponers are crazy but secretly wishing you had the patience to search for 60 cent discounts every day. Who doesn’t want a $3 grocery bill?
Than running two miles a day - When is that “runner’s high” supposed to start kicking in again?
s e c n e i r e p x e w e n , r a e y t n e r e f Dif
Elon students prepare for academic transitions during summertime
anna.hirschbiel As the year comes to an end, changes are being
made throughout the Elon University campus. The
Class of 2011 is entering into the “real” world, while the freshman class climbs the collegiate ladder.
“It’s hard to believe that my first year of college is
almost over,” freshman Kensey Gooch said. “It went by
“Everyone says that it’s the best four years of your life
“It’s very bittersweet,” said senior Kimberley
and I feel like it is going by way too quickly.”
Campbell. “I have had so many amazing and unique
mandatory pre-internship seminars to prepare for
which makes leaving very difficult but it is extremely
Sophomore Christine Mavraganis has taken the
hers.
“I am really looking forward to doing something
that isn’t my forte to expand my horizons,” Mavraganis
experiences here and met so many interesting people,
exciting to be moving into the next chapter of my life.”
Campbell is graduating in May with a business
said.
degree.
Gooch will be continuing her education at Elon in
managing Twitter and Facebook accounts.
and the excitement and anticipation of venturing into
“It will be nice not to be the new kids on the block
experience, others are returning from their semesters
so fast.” the fall.
though,” said Gooch in regards to the upcoming
She will be working primarily with social media, While some students are about to embark on a new
“I feel torn between these incredible past four years
the real world,” she said.
With only a few more days of classes, the
abroad.
enthusiasm of summer and the changes that come
Some students are preparing for their first summer
sophomore Bridget Riley, who is finishing this
with exams around the corner and the pressure of
and entertainment major with a concentration in
love it here, it will be great to be back on campus in
semester.
internships. Sophomore Dean Coots is a media arts cinema and plans to intern at News 12 Connecticut as a local news journalist this summer.
“I wish I could just press pause,” Coots said.
“This experience has been life-changing,” said
semester in Ecuador. “However, despite how much I the fall.”
But while Riley still has time at Elon, some students
do not.
with it are stirring around campus. Emotions are high
finishing the year strong. But the expectation of what is to come keeps the student body moving forward.
“My future is completely up in the air at this point,”
Riley said. “But I can’t wait to see how it falls into place.”
6
t a e h r e m m Beat the su
wednesday, may 4, 2011
Keep motivation levels rising with the temperatures
ashley.fahey The end of the semester is right
around the corner: jobs, internships, summer courses and days of relaxation are taking over students’ brains. But
one activity students may be forgetting about is exercise. Between the craziness of juggling commitments and the laziness
of the sweltering summer, it is easy to
disregard the gym, despite its importance to every individual’s life and health.
One of the most popular excuses for
not working out is the unbearable heat and humidity.
“The heart works two to four times
harder to move blood into the vessels, which dilate as the body heats up,” said
Janice Zimmerman, professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. “Exercising
in the heat places extra stress on the heart and this can be especially dangerous for those with cardiac conditions.”
There are several key elements to
exercising outdoors during the summer: avoiding outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., avoiding direct sunlight,
wearing light-colored clothes, drinking plenty of fluids and gradually exposing the
body to heat may help it adjust better to the conditions, according to Zimmerman.
Another fact to keep in mind while
working out outdoors during the summer is how the body reacts to the climate.
PHOTOS BY WILL ANDERSON Above: Jake Goldsberry works on toning his legs while working out. Below Left: Taylor Shaw efficiently uses her workout time by combining cardio with reading for class. Below Right: Molly Jackson and Shaw add time on the ellipticals during their workouts.
“The hotter it is, the harder your
every day because that’s just not realistic.
and require dedication, exercise is still
10-minute increments several times
owner of Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego.
friends, you are more likely to keep it up.
“The best thing to do is to look for
way method, it is better than nothing.
body has to work,” said Todd Durkin, “This is where a heart rate monitor comes in handy. You can make sure
you’re not pushing yourself too hard in warm weather conditions, which can
up your risk of heat exhaustion or even
Also, as long as you make plans with
For the super lazy people, definitely do
something close by,” said Luihn. “You
it will work for about a day and then the
for exercise if you are busy, so try to do
not try to exercise on your own because motivation turns into procrastination.”
Psychologically, it can be easy to fall
heatstroke.”
into the mindset that summer break is
is too unbearable, other alternatives are
schedules of students during the academic
But if the dripping humidity of summer
available. A local gym is always an air-
conditioned option in addition to aquatic activities, such as swimming. Ice skating
and hockey are extreme ways to beat the summer heat while still being active and having fun.
If laziness is more of an issue when
it comes to staying motivated and being
a vacation from the normal, jam-packed
year, which frequently includes hitting the treadmill. It can easily get forgotten or associated as an activity
done at school, which is a dangerous trap to fall into,
because staying active is important year-round. A
third
challenge
is
balancing
active, then setting aside time just for a
students may face this
physical fitness occurs, even during the
commitments,
gym run is the first step in ensuring that sluggish summer days.
“Look for something that you enjoy,”
said Sarah Luihn, a sophomore exercise science major at Appalachian State
University. “Don’t try to go to the gym
important.
summer
such
as a summer job or an
internship, with physical activity.
internships are
While
and
both
jobs
time-consuming
don’t need to factor in three hours a day something small or light during the week like taking your dog on a walk or
throughout a day is not the most effective On the busier days of summer vacation,
it is still manageable to incorporate mild
exercise, from stretching to crunches, several times.
No matter what your summer plans
going on a nature trail. Maybe look for
may be, whether it is an internship or
community center because most of those
gym time several times a week because it
pickup sports teams through a nearby teams meet for pickup games at night.”
While breaking up workouts into small,
relaxing on the beach, be sure to factor in is important to stay active during summer vacation.
Summertime Exercise Facts and Tips - Avoid outdoor activity from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Avoid direct sunlight - Wear light-colored clothing - Drink lots of fluids before, during and after you exercise - The hotter it is, the harder your body works - Pay attention to air quality levels — smog and heat don't mix - Make sure to wear sunscreen if exercising outside - Pay attention to the signals your body is giving you — if you start to feel pain or discomfort, stop your workout - Check your pulse every so often Information courtesy of Janice Zimmerman and ultimatefitnesshealth.com
7
FACT or The truth about summertime treats wednesday, may 4, 2011
FICTION? katy.steele
Do you really need eight glasses of H2O a day?
With only a few weeks left of school, it’s almost
Dr. Heinz Valtin a Dartmouth College medical
time to head home for summer. You know what that
professor, says he’s debunked this myth. The
how bad are those treats? Check out this guide to
your individual diet and size. A more accurate way
means: cookouts, picnics, s’mores and more. But just
check up on our favorite healthy, and not so healthy, summer treats.
amount of water you drink is really determined by to estimate how much you need is to divide your body weight by 50 and multiply that number by three, says Wendy Bailey, a digestive health expert at Probiotics.org. If you weigh 150 pounds, shoot for around nine 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
PHOTO BY WILL ANDERSON Nitrite and other commonly used ingredients found in hot dogs are believed to be cause cancer.
Are hot dogs really that bad for you? Hot dogs tend to get a bad rep. A
1994
study
linked
children’s
hot
dog
consumption with an increased risk for childhood
leukemia. The reason? Nitrite. Nitrites give hot dogs their pinkish color, help preserve the meat and add flavor. But the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food
Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) says these
nitrites react with amines in human stomachs to form
PHOTO BY WILL ANDERSON
nitrosamines, which are known to cause cancer.
Even though frozen yogurt is made with non-fat milk instead of cream, a 4-ounce cup of it has the same amount of calories as one scoop of ice cream at TCBY.
Many hot dog brands have nitrites listed on the
ingredient label, but the Cancer Prevention Coalition
Is frozen yogurt actually better for you than ice cream?
PHOTO BY WILL ANDERSON
Nina Marinello, sports nutritionist at the University
of Albany, says not necessarily.
Frozen yogurt actually has a lot of the same
Although you only save approximately 30 calories per bag, the reduced fat content of baked chips versus regular chips accounts for their healthy factor.
ingredients as ice cream, but instead of being made
Baked chips versus regular chips?
both 4 ounces of frozen yogurt and hand-scooped ice
chips might be the winner. Baked chips have all the
But the frozen yogurt has zero grams of fat, while the
serving, about 15 chips, of Baked Lays has two
with cream, it’s made with non-fat milk. At TCBY,
cream will get you the same amount of calories, 110. ice cream has three. Of the two, ice cream will almost
always have more fat, but frozen yogurt often has the
same or more sugar, especially when it’s doused with toppings. No matter which frozen dessert you love, just remember to enjoy it in a reasonable portion.
As far as nutrition goes, it looks like baked
crunch without all the fat of regular chips. A 1-ounce grams of fat compared to 10 grams of fat in regular
chips. Although you’re only saving about 30 calories,
the lower fat content definitely makes baked chips healthier. Try them with vegetable salsa to add back some of the flavor.
recommends consuming only nitrite-free products like Oscar Mayer’s Select brand of hot dogs, which are labeled as “No nitrates or nitrites added.”
Other ingredients are also questionable. The first
three ingredients in Oscar Mayer hot dogs are listed as, “Mechanically separated turkey and mechanically
separated chicken and pork.” This mechanically
separated meat is a paste-like substance made when bones with attached edible meat are ran through a
high-pressure sieve. The FSIS said bone marrow, spinal cord and fine bone particles are included in
the final product. The substance was declared safe by the FSIS in 1982, but to avoid it altogether, opt for a brand like Hebrew National, made with 100 percent kosher beef.
Advice from “Mom”
ral t in natu r fo m o c Take
The end of the movie "Grease"
Even if we don’t go through the
is cliche, but it’s true for me. Every
transformations we plan to, we are
hang out with my girlfriends, do
life.
summer, I always promise to
everything I didn’t have time to
constantly forced to transform in The more obvious transitions
do during the year while the kids
often have greeting cards made for
having an eventful three months.
Grad!, Happy Mother’s Day, and
were in school and look forward to And although ambition is a good
trait, it doesn’t mean it's a reality. At the end of every August, I
realize I didn’t see my friends as much as I wish I had and I didn’t do everything I wanted to. I feel like I wasted my entire summer
being unproductive while failing to
advance myself either academically
them. Happy Birthday, Congrats
Sorry for your loss are just a few. For example, you might say,
“I’m graduating.” But I bet most
we have today, it takes thousands
traveled to different continents. I
out exactly who we want to be.
to college, lived on my own and
don’t look like I did in fifth grade,
and I’ve switched all my Madonna CDs over from my Discman to my iPod.
The beauty of unrealized
transitions are that they enable us to grow unknowlingly.
Just like the metamorphosis
of ideas throughout history, we
changes are. Most of the time, we
things that don’t jive with us while
are too caught up in the moment to realize the overall affect.
This is something that I have yet
or socially.
to grasp, even after a marriage and
same.
feel the same as I did in the fifth
But the truth is, I'm not the
grade. But since then, I’ve been
of the time, you don’t realize how impactful graduating or other
two kids. I often tell people I still
change
are able to naturally weed out the
we are able to carry the things that
are important to us throughout our
of tries in our own lives to figure
Hopefully, after multiple attempts,
these instances not only affirm, but fossilize and immortalize what we think is most important.
So as you go into this summer
thinking about all the things you’re going to accomplish, remember
that many changes worth keeping will happen naturally. You don’t
have to make an intentional note to
transform yourself. Transformation will come with time.
Never change because you
journeys.
feel you have to. You are perfect
revisions and copies that it takes to
getting better.
But like the thousands of
make the semi-finalized doctrines
the way you are, and you’re only
Love, Mom
8
wednesday, may 4, 2011
: y r t n u o c e h t g n Crossi Two Elon students spent one summer biking across the United States together
melissa.kansky The connotation of summer is no
work, but with internships, jobs and travel
programs,
students’
summer
vacation plans are rarely relaxing. Elon
University sophomore Sarah Davenport
and junior Margaret Spotts further defied the definition and fit an entire nation into their summer plans.
The two girls biked over hills in
Savannah, through flat planes in Kansas,
up 30-mile mountains and after crossing nine states, ended their six-week journey on the shores of California.
“It’s really hard to describe my biking
trip because words don’t describe it,” Davenport said. “We finished at the Santa
Monica Pier. We got there and we dressed in red, white and blue because we had just
Photo by Will Anderson
biked across America, and we screamed
as we drove down the last road, which was 15 miles.”
When arriving at the beach, the bikers
Photos above and below submitted
removed the front tire and ran into the Pacific Ocean.
“I think the trip was mostly about the
hidden surprises that came up along the way,” Spotts said.
Although Davenport said she expected
biking over the Rocky Mountains to be
the most difficult part of the trip, she said the hills in Georgia and the marathons of flat areas were the biggest challenges.
“It was the hardest thing I have
ever done, by far, but it was the most rewarding,” Davenport said.
Davenport recalled waking up at 4
a.m. to pack up the campsite and biking approximately 75 to 80 miles until
reaching the next site at 5 p.m. Davenport
and Spotts traveled with a group of 13 students and two leaders as part of the
American Challenge, an Overland Bike and Tours program.
The leaders motivated the participants
and pushed them past their boundaries, Spotts said.
“One of the leaders put a bell on my
bike and one of the hardest moments was when I looked down and the bell was
gone,” Spotts said. “Just by looking at the bell, I found encouragement.”
The leaders showed that although
the journey is hard, the sense of accomplishment outweighs the struggle, Davenport said.
Although their dive into the Pacific
Ocean signaled their achievement, the
leaders’ encouragement still resonates
Top right: Spotts on her bike. Spotts, with Davenport, spent her summer biking across nine states through a program called the American Challenge. Top left: Davenport’s brother did the same trip three years ago and came out to visit her in Santa Monica as she finished the trip. Bottom right: The entire group together at the Santa Monica Pier after finishing their cross-country journey. Bottom left: Davenport and Spotts on the last day of the bike ride.
with them.
“I really learned so much about
of their comfort zone and make sure they
be a leader and I can achieve all of these
Although her summer job is not a
“I am working for the company this
myself doing the biking trips like I can
leaders were just so remarkable that I
things and that people like me for who I
traditional one, Davenport’s experience
so much about myself through those
aspirations.
summer and the reason is that the want to give the same experience that I had,” Davenport said.
Overland hired Davenport to perform
administrative tasks for three weeks and
to lead three one-week biking and hiking
really am,” Spotts said. “Having learned
trips, I really wanted to help those kids find themselves.” Although
the
physical
challenge
trips for fourth and fifth-graders.
initially attracted Davenport to the
seventh and eighth-graders and is leading
opportunity to leave her corner of the
In 2010, Spotts served as the leader for
a bike trip for high school students this
summer. Even while participating, Spotts
program,
she
strongly
values
the
universe and push her limits, she said.
Davenport attended the same school
said she always made a conscious effort
for 14 years and went to the same church
Davenport recalled Spotts comforting
allowed her to meet and interact with
to motivate her peers.
her during an especially challenging day and staying in the back with those who were struggling more.
try something new,” she said.
with Overland contributes to her career “My
major
is
sport
and
event
management, so after college I want to do something in the recreation business,” she said. “My leader from American Challenge does work for Overland full time, and that is something I would like to do.”
Spotts’ service as a leader for Overland
also influences her career goals.
“I always wanted to be a teacher, so it
her entire life. The American Challenge
hasn’t influenced me one way or another,”
new people in an unfamiliar setting.
I love working with kids and teaching
“That’s what I want to do for the
fourth and fifth-graders: push them out
she said. “But it has made me realize that
them to be who they really can be,” she said.