UCA Admissions- Jessica

Homecoming :)

2009-10-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

This semester has been non-stop craziness!!! It has been so so busy! This week isn't going to slow down any either because it's Homecoming!!!! Everyone's school spirit is in full swing and they are buzzing about the week's events. There are lunches in the courtyard, clothing and food drives, and an awesome bonfire Thursday night! There will be tailgating almost all day Saturday and all sorts of events set up for the students and fans to participate in. One Greek organization is bringing out a car and letting people smash it with baseball bats to benefit a charity! It is going to be so much fun. You want to be there! And of course, with our awesome football team, we will be victorious in the game that night!

Last night, there was a Homecoming pep rally. So many organizations were there: the band, the dance team, the cheerleaders, all of the Greeks, the Bear den, and all sorts of other groups. You could feel the energy in the air! Homecoming court was announced and everyone was excited! There are so many great girls on court this year. I can't wait until Saturday to find out who got Queen!

This week continually reminds me of how much I love UCA. Everything about this campus is amazing: the students, the faculty, the events, and the atmosphere. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else!

GO BEARS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The End is Near

2009-04-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

Sooooooo finals are next week!!!! Which is just absolutely crazy. I can't believe that my freshman year is practically over. I honestly feel like I just moved into the dorm last month. I have met so many amazing people on this campus and I'm so sad to be separated from them over the summer. The end of this year is definitely bittersweet for me; bitter because I'll miss college life and new friends but sweet because i get to relax at home and have an amazing summer. I'm looking forward to no class all summer and just being able to be stress free. I love this campus and I am so glad I made the decision to come to UCA. I would never change that decision ever and I would definitely recommend this university to anyone.

UCA has so much to offer to any student, including all sorts of majors and plenty of student organizations to get involved in. The campus is gorgeous, and the opportunities are endless. I absolutely love UCA! I can't wait to spend the next three years of my life here!

Off to study for finals! I hope I can stay focused until the end of next week. Hopefully I'll have a positive update then! GO BEARS!!!

Big Week!!

2009-04-10T13:38:00.001-07:00

Hey guys!!

It's been such a crazy week! So many things have been going on in my life. I was elected the Student Government Association Sophomore President, made it into the UCA Ambassador Program, and was elected Secretary of my sorority! Leadership is one of my best qualities and I absolutely love to take the initiative. You only get out of college what you put into it, and I feel that I've put a lot into college life here at UCA. All of my campus involvements are the main reasons for why I love this university so much. You meet so many people and create new connections when you just take the effort to get involved. The interviews can be a bit nerve-racking, but they are definitely worth it in the end.

School is beginning to wind down with only 3 more weeks of classes left before finals. It seems like just the other day when I started school here at UCA in the fall. I can't believe that my freshman year is practically over. It is definitely bitter sweet. I'm ready to move on in life and become an older member on the campus but there is still something special about being a newbie.

I can't wait for all of you newbies to start here in the fall! I know you will all love it! Yay freshmen!!! :)

Back to Class

2009-04-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!! I had an awesome spring break and I'm sad it's over. I got to just sit back and relax the entire week. I didn't go anywhere spectacular, but I had fun staying right here in Conway. One great thing about UCA is that they leave the dorms open for students to stay during breaks. Not everyone wants to go home and this allows students more freedom to choose what they want. I celebrated my birthday over the break which was amazing! I slept late, opened presents, and ate out that night with my family. Even the simplest of days can turn out well.

But, now it's back to class, homework, meetings, work, and everything else. There is only one month of school left though! I have almost completely finished my Freshman year in college. That's definitely exciting. I'm starting to plan out my class schedule for next semester already. Sometimes it is difficult to choose which classes to take when and with which professor, but luckily I have a wonderful advisor to help me out. I'm trying to make sure that I take all of the classes necessary to get into medical school, so it's kind of stressful. Hopefully I'll get everything all worked out.

Okay, I have some very exciting news!!! I made it on SOS!! SOS is the Student Orientation Staff that works with all of the incoming freshman over the summer and during Welcome Week. They plan fun events for the freshman to participate in to get them more involved on campus. I am so happy that I made it onto staff! I really think it is going to be a great experience.

That's all I've got for now. Don't forget: EVERYONE looks good in PURPLE!!! :)

Spring Fever

2009-03-06T12:27:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!

The weather is finally starting to warm up and I am so excited! It feels perfect outside today: a sunny, warm, and windy 83 degrees. I love the spring time. It is my absolute favorite time of the year. What's also great about the spring is the beautiful campus here at UCA. I love all of the trees and flowers on campus that are finally starting to turn green and bloom. Also, there is just something about the way the buildings look in the sun that makes the campus so attractive. I sat outside and ate my lunch today for the first time in forever. It was so serene and wonderful. It's getting closer and closer to spring break, which I am super excited about. I don't actually have any plans, but I'm ready for some relaxation.

Luckily, I have some fun events coming up to keep my attention until spring break. This weekend is my sorority's semi-formal. It will be such a blast getting to spend time with my sisters and dressing up for the event. Next week is New Member King, which is where the new Fraternity pledges compete in a male pageant to be crowned the best new pledge of the year. My new member class has been working extremely hard to get this event together, and we're ready to show off all that work. The day after that is Spring Queen, where the new Sorority members compete in a pageant for the best new member of the year. Two of my new member class sisters are in this event and I am ready to cheer them on that night. I am so glad that there is always something to do on this campus to keep me interested. This is just another reason why I LOVE UCA!!! :)

Getting Involved

2009-02-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!
The semester is almost half way over and so many things are happening! The interview days for the Honors College are in full swing. It's really neat to see the new group of freshman that I'll be spending time with next year in the Honors College. It feels so weird knowing that I was in their place just last year. I feel like I've grown a lot as an individual and student since coming to college here at UCA.

All sorts of applications are coming out for the next academic year already as well. Ambassador applications just came out Monday and I'm really excited about applying. As an ambassador, you get to run tours for incoming students and tell them about the UCA experience. You work at Bear Facts Days, Presidential Scholar Days, and help with campus tours in general. It's a great way to meet new students and to help them feel more comfortable with the campus.

Student Orientation Staff, SOS, applications also came out this week. SOS is a group of students that help new freshman adjust to college life. SOS plays a large role in move in day and the first week of school. They put on a lot of fun events for the freshman and also give extra tours around the campus to make sure nobody gets lost. SOSers are always excited and enthusiastic.

Lastly, Student Government Association, SGA, applications are out for the next year. As the current Freshman Vice President of SGA, I feel like I've really learned a lot from my experience. I've also met many important people on campus that will allow me to network in my future. Also, for SGA, you have to campaign to get a spot, so it really is an organization chosen by the students.

On top of all of these applications I have to fill out, I still have a nice load of homework. Although I could easily be stressed out right now, I feel at ease. I believe that over these last two semesters I've really learned how to deal with all of these different aspects of college. I know who and what is important in my life and what I should focus on. I can only hope that I can continue to be involved on campus and do well in class without going crazy!

Until next time, GO BEARS!

Time Management

2009-02-11T11:06:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! School is going so well this semester! So far, I haven't had too many tests, but the ones that I have had went extremely well. I got a 99 on my Chemistry II test and a 107 on my Calculus II test! I am so excited! I have been super stressed and busy so far this semester and getting those grades makes me feel like I must be doing something right. If there is one thing I've learned from college, it is time management. I have some sort of meeting at least once a day and plenty of homework to go around. Not only do I have to organize things for Student Government Association and work part time in the Admissions Office here on campus, I now have to plan other various events for the sorority I just joined and a Freshman Leadership Retreat for my IDEAL Leadership Team. Luckily, I have amazing loved ones so I always have someone I can turn to for support. Friends and family are crucial when you are in college because they are an escape from stress. I honestly don't know what I would do without them. Managing my time does feel impossible at times, but it always seems to work out (thank goodness!).

There are a ton of fun events coming up on campus too. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Theo from The Cosby Show, is coming to speak for Black History Month. Greek Week is also coming up, where there will be a lot of activities for all of the Greeks to put on. David Cook is performing as well and tickets completely sold out on the first day! UCA is such an exciting campus to be a part of and there is always something going on. I absolutely love it! Go BEARS!!!

New Semester!

2009-01-28T13:54:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!!!

It is super crazy and busy already at the beginning of this semester. Christmas break was super long which was totally amazing! I also decided to go Greek this semester! I went through sorority recruitment right before school started, which was a lot of fun. You get to meet so many new people. I made so many friends in all of the sororities and with the girls that were going Greek with me. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything! Being in a sorority does mean a big time commitment, but the fun and memories make it totally worth it.

I also started brand new classes this semester. I was a little nervous about having to readjust to all of my new teachers, but I feel like the transition is going well. I love my classes so far and some of my professors are hilarious! My schedule this semester seems a lot better than last semester as well. Once you go through your first semester you learn what you like and what works best for you. I tried to plan this semester around my preferences and it worked out great! It's also really nice to see familiar faces in my classes as opposed to last semester when I didn't know hardly anyone. I just feel like this semester is overall going to be better than the last.

I'm still working in the Admissions Office and involved in all of the same student organizations. It feels really good to be back on campus and with my friends.

I love UCA!!!

Until next time, do it like a big bear!! Grrrrr!!!

Holiday Break!

2008-12-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'm all done with finals and I had a successful semester! Good grades always make the holidays a bit better. I believe that I now have a solid foundation for the rest of my academic career here at UCA. I am so excited for Christmas break. I'm ready for good food, good presents, and good people. I love spending time with my family and friends. I also love being able to sit back and relax with no worries about school. I think it's really awesome that Christmas break here lasts longer than a month! In high school, it was definitely never that long. I truly love UCA and this semester has shown me that this is the right place for me. I don't think I could feel more comfortable anywhere else. I love the campus, my classes, my job, and the people. Now it's time for a long and overdue break. Have a Happy Holiday Season guys! See you in January! :)

Finals Week

2008-12-04T13:12:00.001-08:00

I am officially done going to classes for this semester!! I survived my first semester ever! I am so excited about the upcoming Christmas break, but before the fun can begin, I have to take all of my finals. Finals week is next week and I have a final almost every day of the week. I am a bit nervous about them, considering I've never taken a final in my entire life. I think I'll be okay; it'll just take some good ole' studying. This semester has made me feel like I am definitely capable of successfully getting through college. I started my college career out with a great semester that is a good foundation for the rest of my life here at UCA. All I have to do now is crack open the books and study study study. Luckily, I get a mini Christmas celebration today in my IDEAL program. We're playing Dirty Santa and I can't wait to see what I get! I'm also really looking forward to some yummy food.

Next time I report, I'll be done with the semester entirely! Have a great week! GO BEARS!!! :)

Thanksgiving!

2008-11-25T12:51:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of classes before Thanksgiving break! I am so excited for a break and some really delicious food. I get to spend time with my family and closest friends. I can't believe that there is only one week of classes left after Thanksgiving and then it's already finals time! I am a bit nervous about finals because I've never experienced them before. I've just gotten comfortable with all of my classes and now they're practically over. It has been a great semester so far and I'm really excited about the next one. I have met so many new people here on campus. I am so glad that I'm involved because it has allowed me to meet many important people. These people have really helped me out when I was in a rough spot. I love this campus but I'm definitely ready for a break. I believe this is the first Thanksgiving break in many years that I won't have any homework! How awesome is that? I hope everyone has a wonderful break and yummy food!

Until next time, be safe and GO BEARS!!!

Planning Ahead

2008-11-19T11:01:00.000-08:00

It is scheduling time here at UCA when all the students get to sign up for their classes next semester. Picking classes in college is so much different than it was in high school. I remember in high school we each picked out which classes we wanted and then ranked the electives in order of which we desired most. We were never guaranteed any class. In college, students get to register themselves for whatever classes they want or need. Students can go online and look at what classes are available, at what time, and with which professor. It's really neat to be able to plan my own schedule and pick the teachers that I want. You have the opportunity to ask upperclassmen which professors are best in each area of study. This is really helpful, especially when you're a freshman and haven't been around long enough to hear about each professor. Students can look at how they liked their schedules this semester and plan the next semester around their own personal habits. If you don't like waking up early, then you can sign up for later classes. If you like getting class out of the way right when you get up, then you can sign up for earlier classes. Sometimes the classes you want may already be full, but you can always try again the next semester.

That's all for now! Have a great week!

Fun on Campus

2008-11-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

I love that there is always something to do on campus. Last week, there was Greek Goddess, which is a pageant for ladies involved in Greek organizations. Tonight is Greek God, which is similar to Greek Goddess except for males in Greek organizations. This Friday is the Miss UCA Pageant which should be really fun as well. If you're the type of person who loves to socialize and meet tons of new people, these events are for you. UCA hosts plenty of events for its students to meet one another. They are a lot of fun and provide a laid back atmosphere. Also, Greek life at UCA is awesome and really offers a view of a different side of college life. There are meet-n-greets for all the girls interested in rushing and all of the girls are so friendly. There are also plenty of fraternities on campus for boys that are interested in going Greek. Although Greeks have a good role on campus, this doesn't mean that if you aren't Greek you will be excluded. There are many other events for non-Greeks and Greeks alike. I believe that UCA has so much to offer to its students. It really was the perfect choice for me to attend UCA.

UCA also has many job opportunities. Almost every office on campus is in need of student workers. I really love my job here in the UCA Admissions Office. The staff are extremely helpful and always a joy to be around. Hours are very flexible and offices on campus are great at working around a student's schedule. They know that students are here first and foremost to learn and they really take this to heart.

I love UCA!!! Go BEARS!!! :)
See ya next time!

Time is Moving so Fast

2008-10-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the semester is flying by so fast. It seems I hardly have a moment to spare with all of my schoolwork, Student Government meetings, and events held on campus. Although my life feels way too hectic at times, I'm glad I have so many options to occupy my schedule. After being in college a bit, I realize how important my friends and family are. It's always great to have a good friend to talk to when times are tough or to have a family member around to share a meal with. I'm glad I chose UCA as my college because it satisfies these things for me. UCA is close to all of my high school friends and family. I've finally realized how much I love this city. Growing up in Conway, I always wanted to get away when I went to college. Now that I'm attending college in my hometown, I am so thankful that I stayed here. I love this city more than most I've encountered. It's so convenient to already know where everything is located within the city. I can't even count the numerous times I've been asked where something was by one of my new friends from out of town. This city is big enough to offer plenty of stuff to do while still being small enough that the city isn't too overwhelming. UCA also has the best student body I could have ever imagined. The student section is packed at the games and all of the students are willing to help out with many different events on campus. After recent tragic events, it was amazing to see so many students gathering together to mourn our loss. Students organized candlelight vigils and prayer sessions all by themselves and brought everyone on campus together. I couldn't ask for a better student body.

What else can I say?
I love UCA!
GO PURPLE BEARS! GRRRR!

Back to Class

2008-10-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

Well, we're back to classes this week after fall break. I had an excellent break! I got to catch up with some old friends that I hadn't seen in a while and I also got to spend some more quality time with the new friends I've made here at UCA. The break was definitely too short but part of me is glad to be back.

Midterm grades were released and I am very proud of myself. I earned all A's for the first half of the semester and one of my goals is to keep that up throughout the rest of the semester. I think starting out strong is the best way to succeed in college. If you get good grades right off the bat then that motivates you to keep up the good work.

My tip of the day is to make sure you get plenty of rest. I never noticed until after I got to college how important a good night's sleep is. Anytime I get good sleep I always end up having a wonderful day. However, when I don't get adequate sleep I tend to have bad days. Sleep is definitely treasured now that I know its effect on me and my attitude in class.

Until next time, just remember that everyone looks good in purple!
Go Bears! :)

Fall Break!

2008-10-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Fall break is finally here! This Thursday and Friday I don't have to go to any classes. I'm super excited! Breaks in school are definitely important. Students just need a bit of relaxation time to get them reenergized for the second half of the semester.

I am just now realizing that my first semester in college is almost over. It feels like just yesterday I was moving into my dorm. Life has been flying by right in front of my eyes. I love all of my classes so far and haven’t had a single thing to complain about. All of my professors have been very nice and want to help all of their students succeed. Luckily, I didn’t have too many midterm tests and the ones I did have weren’t too awful. So far, my college experience has been excellent. I have learned to organize my time wisely. There has to be study time, homework time, student organization time, friend time, and me time. Sometimes it’s really hectic trying to fit everything in, but I’ve learned what works best for me.

That’s all I have to say! Now it’s time for relaxation and spending time with the people most important to me in life. Yay fall break!! :)

UCA Homecoming :)

2008-10-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

Life has been crazy busy! In between all of my on campus organization meetings, work, and classes, there has been no free time. Luckily, I love being busy and I’m having a total blast here at UCA. This week is Homecoming! GO BEARS!!! There is something to do every day and night on campus. You can feel the excitement in the air! Today is the Pep Rally and I’m definitely pumped about it. On Thursday there will be a bonfire, which I’m very thrilled about as well because I’ve never actually been to one before. The whole week is leading up to the game on Saturday night when the Homecoming Queen will be announced. As a freshman, I’m so happy to be a part of such a huge event on the campus. People look forward to this week every year and now it is finally my turn to experience it. I’ll definitely be at the game this weekend and I hope all of you close to town can come out and cheer the Bears on to victory!

Also, there is a new thing on campus that I recently discovered. SUSHI! I absolutely love it! Sushi is now sold in the student center along with all of the other great options we have. It’s really neat to know that there is such a wide variety of food to choose from. I feel like I learn something new about UCA every day. I’m sure I’ll have something new and exciting to share with you all next time. Until then, do it like a big bear! GRRRRRRRR!!!!!

The Beginning of a New Chapter in Life

2008-09-23T13:16:00.001-07:00

It’s back to school, but in a whole new setting. Being a freshman on campus is a total blast! There are so many things to do: football games on Saturdays, student organizations hosting events almost every night of the week, eating at the caf and new improved student center, and of course homework. I love my UCA experience so far! I’ve already gotten involved on campus and am so busy! I’m in the freshmen leadership group called I.D.E.A.L. which is a great organization to be involved in. We had a retreat where we learned all about leadership and team building. I met some really amazing people and can’t wait to see where it takes me over the next year. I also ran for Freshman Vice President on SGA, or Student Government Association, and I won!! I was so excited when I found out. We had our first meeting yesterday and I can already tell that it’s going to be a very exhilarating year ahead. I’m also in the Honors College here on campus. The professors and mentors associated with honors always have events going on for students in the program and really take a different spin on education. There are so many other organizations on campus for pretty much anything anyone could possibly ever want. I think it’s really awesome that everyone has a chance to get involved. I’m really busy, but I am so thrilled to be a freshman in college. The next four years are going to be crazy, hectic, and fun and I can’t wait to experience them.