Journal for elarkins

I am finding that my second semester here at Willamette has been a great deal smoother than the first. I suppose that is to be expected though as I made it through the first semester where one is still acclimating to the new, much different lifestyle. And yet, today, while in the library, I came to the conclusion that there is always something to learn. I do not think that there is one moment in a freshman’s life that one can truly know everything that there is to know. I am not saying that to scare anyone or make myself feel better that I did not know, but simply because there is so much that one must discover and that is the fun part!
That long introduction is, essentially, my musings that were inspired by my lack of understanding of the university’s library. Now, I will have anyone who is reading this know that I am a very big fan of libraries. (No joke, I almost applied to the University of Washington simply because of the size of the library!) I love coming to the Hatfield library and trying out new tables and study spots in order to, one day, find the best location for hours of reading and studying. However, today I spent thirty minutes at one shelf trying to find one book which I ultimately found out was not there. Frustrating! I then discovered that for books that are held on reserve by professors, there is a whole different location. My point: learn how to use the library as quickly as possible, it will save one a great deal of time (which let’s face it, is precious!). More importantly, I have heard, countless amounts of time, that students are not using the library, which is such an easy, accessible resource that we have offered to us at almost any time of the day. I would encourage all current students and future freshman to take advantage of the wonder that is our library!

Posted by Emma L Larkins at 12:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

How many young girls go through a “princess” phase complete with a frilly pink dress, fuzzy crown, and shiny shoes? Well, I certainly did, but I have yet to grow out of my princess phase. As the granddaughter of an Oregon dairy farmer, I am able to participate in the Oregon Dairy Princess-Ambassador program which involves a year of traveling around Oregon doing classroom presentations about farm life and the importance of consuming dairy products and many other activities.
I was crowned several months before starting my first semester at Willamette. I remember being very nervous about how I would be able to balance out my role as the dairy princess as well as a full time student and extra-curricular activities. My first semester was busy, but I have come to understand that I am one of “those people” who is not truly happy unless overworked, over involved, and working on just a little stress. :) What I am trying to emphasize is that everyone comes to college with their own unique interests, aspirations, and activities. One’s studies are always going to be important and take time, but it will not be one’s whole identity while here at Willamette. I have found that it is hard to find a student who’s only role is a student. Activities, clubs, and leadership opportunities abound here at Willamette!

Posted by Emma L Larkins at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I am always amazed at how many ways there are to give back to the community here on campus. It seems like students are more apt to seek out service projects in high school simply because so many colleges are looking for well-rounded, caring students. And that is true. But, what I love about Willamette is that the service does not stop once students arrive on campus. The campus is continually providing students with service-learning opportunities. The hospital is located directly across from the school where students can volunteer in a variety of facets. Bush Elementary is also located next to the Kaneko dorms or just a quick walk over the sky bridge. During winter break, I spent a week in San Francisco with eleven students from a group on campus. It was an amazing week of working at the Alameda County Food Bank, various soup kitchens, and after school programs with children. While I had an amazing time and was able to see a beautiful city, it was a great motivator for coming back to school and finding a way to serve the community.
One does not need to travel to another state to give back to those who need help when there are so many deserving people even in Salem. With the three day weekend coming up, I am looking forward of taking advantage of the many service opportunities that are available because many will not be in classes on Monday. I encourage all potential students to find a cause, an organization, etc. that one will be able to carry on with even while at college.

Posted by Emma L Larkins at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)