Jasmine's Blog

The hustle and bustle has returned to campus! Being one who stays here year round, I must say that I enjoy the quiet during breaks--there are no lines to wait in, it's easy to make appointments with people, and there is no wait for the elevators in my building. However, it is great when friends return and things get back to normal.

This semester is off to a great start! Why, you may ask? Here are just a few reasons:
1) The days are getting longer! I hate in the wintertime when it starts getting dark around 3:00. It makes me just want to go home and sleep. So now that the days are getting longer again, I have more energy and am more enthusiastic about doing things after my school/work/meeting day ends.

2) I love my classes! I am really getting into my major now, taking 4 communications classes and one industrial/organizational psychology class that I think I will love. I am feeling like I will get along well with my professors, and they seem to be pretty nice in general. Some even offer extra credit! The classes are all pretty full, so there are a lot of new people for me to get to know. However, one thing I am ELATED about is that I am taking my night class with two of my best friends, one who is fellow ambassador Thomas Toley (check out his blog). A 3 hour night class can go a lot faster when you sit with people you love.

3) Thomas and I are starting to get busy doing things with MCAE (pronounced MK). Every year there is a two day Multicultural Kickoff right before school starts for incoming freshman of color. Last year, we were emcees for the event, but this year we have a lot more added responsibility with regards to planning it, selecting leaders, training, etc. It is hectic, but fun and I am glad we get to have an impact on this year's kickoff. If you are interested in getting more information, you can go to http://www.mcae.umn.edu.

4) Voices Merging is planning on doing many big things this semester including our regular open mics on Monday nights, but also a hip hop/spoken word play and a poetry slam and lyricist battle. It will be off the chain--no lie. Plus, the first Open Mic of '09 is this Monday, so we are very excited about that. Historically, this is the biggest one of the year with at least 275-300 people in attendance, I'll give you an update on it on the next blog.

5) Spring Semester means SPRING IS COMING!!! Can't wait to walk outside and not freeze or have to bundle up with double gloves and socks, boots, scarf,long johns, etc. I love spring, it definitely boosts my morale so cross your fingers on groundhog day that winter ends right then and there ok? Haha, we'll see but until next time, BE EZ!