Leslie Pitmans Blog

Get Your Game On!

Homecoming was last week, and CUB did an awesome job with the events leading up to the big game! There was a campus-wide activity every night of the week, including Fast Food Hero (bite sized samples from various fast food restaurants along with Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist) and game night (Not Yet Wed, Jeopardy, and Deal or No Deal for cash prizes)!

Of course, all of the fun was preparing everyone for the most fun part of the week: the Homecoming Game on Saturday! The Royals played an awesome game of basketball against the Anderson Trojans, with a final score (after three 5 minute overtimes) of 112 to 107, Queens. 

My favorite part of the evening was the halftime introduction of the homecoming court. The court has been voted on my the student body, and it's always fun to see your friends representing your class and your school. I took lots of pictures, so enjoy them!

The Sunday after homecoming, I went to see the Broadway Tour of Rent, which was simply incredible! Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal, two original cast members, are touring, so having the chance to see it when them just made the experience even more amazing. The whole cast was wonderful, though, and it was my first time seeing it on stage, and although I like the movie, the theatrical experience is unbeatable.

It snowed again last night! Only a little bit, and it was in the middle of the night, but I woke up to a QAlert text message telling me my morning classes were not meeting due to inclement weather, so I was glad for a chance to sleep in!

Well then. I'm off to work in the Writing Center. Come visit if you need help with a paper!

Fondly,
Leslie Virginia

And four days later...it snows!

I have been sick and miserable since Saturday, but last night, I got a bit cheered up when three of my friends ran into my room to tell me it was snowing! I couldn't go outside because I was not feeling well, but I watched the snow fall from inside my room and took pictures of it this morning. Our campus, though always beautiful, is simply stunning when covered in snow.

Please enjoy the photos!

 

 

It Doesn't Snow Here; It Stays Pretty Green

Today it is 21 degrees outside! And I am hoping that the song lyrics (from the song River, sung by a variety of artists, most notably Joni Mitchell) I used to title this post end up being inaccurate! It snowed last year about this time, so perhaps we will get lucky again...

After a very restful Christmas break, it is good to be back on campus again. After only a week of classes, I am already full-swing ahead into the semester. I have already written a paper, read over 100 pages, and taken three quizzes. The good news, though, is that all of my classes are on topics I am interested in, so while there is a hefty work load, I am excited about learning the material.

Yesterday, Katie, Corrie and I went and taught our dance class at Alexander Youth Network. We started this program last semester in September, and it has been such a huge success. Working with these kids is one of the most rewarding opportunities I have ever had in my life, and just to see them smiling and having fun while dancing reminds me that this--sharing the joy of dance with children--is definitely something I want to do for the rest of my life. Yesterday, for the first time, we attempted to teach them actual ballet steps and terms, and put a few of them together for a little combination. I wasn't sure how they were going to handle it, but they did an AWESOME job. I even had a few of them shouting a little saying to remember the steps; they were having so much fun. I am so excited to see where this program, and where the implementation of dance into their lives, will take them down the road.

Also in terms of dance, the Performance Group is gearing up for their first, ever, spring dance performance on February 27, 2009. We are going to charge $1 for each ticket, and donate all the money we make to Alexander Youth Network. I am also choreographing a piece to dedicate to the children and the organization, and hopefully, some of the staff members who initiated this program will be speaking about AYN at the performance. I hope you all can come! It's going to be a lot of fun and very entertaining...and we are working really hard to make it the best it can be. So come out to Dana Auditorium on February 27th for a cultural and artistic experience!

I have lots more exciting news to share, but I'll save it for later, because now it is my lunch time! Have a fabulous weekend, friends. And please feel free to leave me and the other bloggers comments! It is much more exciting for us to write when we know you are reading. And we want to hear what you have to say to us! :)

Fondly,
Leslie Virginia

Give a Little Bit: Rosaloves.com

Another semester at Queens has come and gone. I cannot believe it.

After Thankgsgiving break, classes, projects and papers inundated my life and it all seems to be a blur now. I don't even remember where I was a week ago. Well. Actually. One week ago from right now, 2:35 pm, I was taking my British Literature exam. Phew--I'm glad that's over!

  It's true though; so much happened over the two weeks in between Thanksgiving and Christmas break that it   feels like it was over a month. All of the Queens Christmas traditions were packed into these two weeks, including Boar's Head, Moravian Love Feast, Midnight on Ice, and Exam Break Breakfast. All of Greek life was also having their semi formals, so everyone was having to balance, precariously, study time with social time.

But we made it!

And now I am home, in Florida, for the break. I have to say, it's pretty sad to leave the crisp, cool weather that feels so much like Christmas and come home to 80 degree afternoons and weather so warm we actually contemplated going to the beach. Yikes! It definitely does not feel like Christmas, not physically or emotionally.

Today, however, in the spirit of Christmas, my family and I went to a neighborhood known as Hollybrook and helped less fortunate families Christmas shop for each other. All the parents in the complex get to come in and choose one present for each of their children (all the toys are new or in good condition and have been donated from members of River City Church). And then—my favorite part—the children get to go in and choose presents for their parents! I was stationed downstairs with the wrapping paper; once everyone picked out their gifts, they brought them to us to be wrapped…with love. It was a really fun job, especially when we had to wrap things like a lamp, a VCR, a stereo, and a vacuum!

It’s important to remember the significance of giving, not just at Christmastime, but especially now. So, I would encourage you all to spend some amount of time over the break (or season, if it’s not a break for you) giving to someone in need or giving back to someone who has given so much to you. It is such an incredible experience, and one that should be started at Christmas, and then constantly carried throughout the new year.

 

Of course, Queens and the opportunities surrounding the University certainly cultivate this idea of constant giving. Not only does their motto—not to be served, but to serve—reflect this, but also the activities of the students, the overwhelming population of the student body who chooses to volunteer, and the staff and faculty who get so readily involved in student-led projects. I am honored to be a part of a community that enables its members to participate in the lives of those who are less fortunate or are simply unloved. Be sure to check out all the volunteer and service opportunities available at Queens here.

So spend some time, not money, and, as the Goo Goo Dolls said, GIVE A LITTLE BIT!

Fondly,
Leslie Virginia

P.S. A wonderful way to give doubly this holiday season is Rosaloves.com. The proceeds of the custom-designed shirts they make go directly to the story that each shirt represents. Check out the website for more information. And buy your loved ones a rosaloves t-shirt knowing that you are giving them more than just a shirt!

Can Anybody Fly This Thing Before My Head Explodes?

Hello, friends!

I cannot believe it is already November and this semester has almost come to a close. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time passes.

I have to say that it was pretty amazing to be on a college campus during the Presidential election. In my dorm, my RA threw an election party; everyone sat in the lobby and waited with anticipation for the results as we drank sparkling grape juice and ate cheese! It was just neat to be a part of a community like that, even though some of us were divided by our beliefs. We all came together to watch and celebrate the future of the nation that we are all thankful for.

This past Saturday was Casino Night--a huge event that CUB has put on every year. It's basically a campus wide semi-formal that includes snacks, dancing, casino-like card games, and the chance to gamble with fake money to win raffle tickets to hopefully win a prize! The prizes this year included iTunes gift cards, iPods, and a Nintendo Wii!

It was a special event for me this year, though, because Photography Club--of which I am a founder and a member--was employed as the event's "official photographers." We had to take everyone's portraits as they came in, and also take photos of the actual event. It was an incredibly difficult job, but four of us worked together to accomplish our goals! We had so much fun taking pictures and it was an awesome learning experience for all of us, who are aspiring professional photographers. Here is a picture that Geoff took of my friends and me during the portaits! 

Also, an update on the dance classes Katie, Corrie, and I have been teaching at Alexander Youth Network: they are going really well! It is such a challenge, but is so rewarding to see the kids smiling and having a good time. At class last week, one of the children gave me a hug and said "Praise  the Lord for you! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't dance." It is such a privilege to be a part of their lives.

Lately, I have just been busy with wrapping up the semester.I have dance rehearsal every Thursday and Friday, as well; we are practicing for our performance at the 76th Annual Boar's Head event in December! Lacey is choreographing a beautiful piece, and we are all having so much fun learning it together. Hopefully President Davies will enjoy it, as well!

That's all for now. I'm off to Bible Study. Talk to you soon!

Fondly,
Leslie Virginia

So Little Time!

Hi, friends!

I realize it has been a while since we've talked. But I have been so busy! Which is good, because I have lots of exciting things to tell you about.

For starters, this past Thursday, Queens hosted a very special guest: Philippa Gregory, author of The Other Boleyn Girl. She came to speak about Mary Queens of Scots and her new book, The Last Queen. This is exciting, of course, but even more exciting because she is my favorite author! I have also read The Queen's Fool, The Virgin's Lover, The Constant Princess, The Boleyn Inheritance, and The Wise Woman...and have loved every one of them. I highly recommend Mrs. Gregory! And definitely read the book before you see the new movie of TOBG. She did a wonderful job speaking, and even gave us time to ask her questions. I, of course, asked one--which was extremely nervewracking because I had to use a mircophone in front of a crowd of people. And I, typically, am I writer, not a speaker! After her talk, she did a book signing, which was neat; I brought my worn copy of The Other Boleyn Girl and also bought her new book, and got them both signed. It was such a treat! As students, we got free tickets, which was an added bonus. Here is a picture I took during her talk!

Also, I want to tell you about the new volunteer program I'm doing! Two other members of the dance club, Katie and Corrie, and I go to Alexander Youth Network every Monday afternoon to teach dance to kids! It's a bit of a challenge--well, a lot of a challenge--because these are "at risk" children, or behaviorally and emotionally damaged kids. So far, we've just done basic stuff with them (Cupid Shuffle, Cha Cha Slide, Macarena) just to get aquainted with them and break the ice. But I'm really hoping to share the gift of dance with them so they can use it as a means of expression and as an emotional outlet! This is such an amazing opportunity.

That's not all! A group of us decided to start a Photography Club this semester, and we are already booked to take holiday portraits for faculty, staff, and their families! Janet, our advisor, is a professional photographer and is super awesome, and is helping us SO much. We're also going to be the official Casino Night photographers--how cool is that? So look for some crazy awesome pictures soon!

That's all for now. I'm off to rest during fall break. See you back in a week or so. Hope your week is going well!

Fondly,
Leslie Virginia 

New Year Means New Faces

So the summer is officially over. Classes started on August 25th, and we have a long Labor Day weekend before actually getting into the swing of things. I've already felt some of the homework load, though, having to read 60+ pages in one night. But, hey, that's the joy of being an English major.

It is so wonderful to be back on campus and see everyone again. The summer was relaxing--mentally, spiritually, and physically--but I was definitely ready to return to the spontaneity and excitement of Queens.

I got back to school on Friday, August 15th. Classes didn't start for another ten days, but I was there early to be a Peer Resource for Orientation. Being a PRO was an amazing experience in which I got to personally interact with the incoming freshman and get to know all the new faces on campus.

Reasons being a PRO rocks:

• Coming back to school early.
• Getting to know the freshman a bit before classes actually start.
• Participating in orientation...again.
• Connecting with peers on a leadership level.
• Working for Mary & Tyesha.
• LASER TAG AND BOWLING.
• PRO babies. 'Nuff said.

At the end of orientation, once the upperclassmen got back, we have the Street Fair and the Welcome  Back Party, which consisted of lots of vendors and free stuff as well as a rock wall, a huge water activity slide, and a DJ. I put up some pictures for you to see the fun that was going on.

This weekend I'm visiting my best friend at Clemson, but I'll be back on campus on Monday ready to begin classes "for real" and get down to business. I'm going to be SO busy this semester with all the various organizations I'm involved in, but I will keep you posted on my happenings and let you know how everything is going!   

Fondly,
Leslie Virginia

It's All So Beautiful, It's Unbearable

It's the beginning of post-freshman year summer. And I cannot believe it's over.

College, thus far, has been an amazing experience. I have loved almost every minute of it; of course there were those that I would not want to relive, but the good times greatly outweigh the notsogood times.

Anyway. Moving on.

Leaving Charlotte was a bit rough for me. Not depressing, I suppose. Not even sad. But strange. I said goodbye to my friends at school (most of whom left before I did; the only ones left by the time I went home were JBIP participants, graduating seniors, and residence life), said goodbye to my family at City Church that has been an amazing blessing in my life, and said goodbye to the kids I babysit for every week. The looks on their faces when I was leaving matched what I was feeling; I sure hope I get used to it since I'm going to have to leave them three more times!

It was very interesting to me that the day I returned home (Friday, May 3rd) was the seniors' last day at Providence, my old high school. It made coming home from college even more of a shock. The end of my freshman year meant that it was the end of their senior year--a place I remember being just yesterday. Oh, wait. It was a year ago. That's almost unfathomable.

High school will always be a precious memory in my heart. Providence was a fabulous place for me to grow up and build a foundation. It definitely prepared me (along with my parents, of course) for the world, at least as far as I can see it--that is, college. I don't want to go back to high school, though. College is a fabulous place to be in life, and I couldn't ask for a better university to be at such a time. Queens, though it is not perfect (as Providence was not, either) is so clearly where I am supposed to be and I feel blessed every single day I am there.

It's hard being away from it. I have two homes now, and, as my best friend pointed out, "No matter where I am in life, I will always be missing a set of people."

I guess I better get used to it.

If you would like to read more updates from me this summer, check our my personal blog (not associate with Queens University and does not necessarily reflect the views of Queens University)!

Fondly,
Leslie Virginia

Celebrating Spring

The weather has been so lovely here, lately! There have been a few randomly cold or rainy days, but for the most part, the sun has been shining and the quad has been bustling with activity. 

Yesterday, we had the International Festival and the Spring Carnival. On Thursday, I think half of the students were playing games in the quad because it felt so nice outside. Everyone was laying on blankets, or throwing frisbees, reading a book, or, unfortunately, studying for exams.

Exams being this coming Wednesday! But these last few weeks of school have been lots of fun and very eventful. I am flabbergasted that my fresh man year of college is coming to an end! It is really  hard to wrap my mind around that, so we'll get to that later.

Last Thursday, a bunch of us took a trip to the conveniently located Freedom Park--which is within walking distance from campus. It was actually my first visit there (much to my friends' shock), but I will definitely be back! It's a beautiful park, with lucious grass and a gorgeous pond. We were also finding canker worms all of the place and kept getting caught in their silk  webs. One of the joys of Charlotte in spring time!

I have been taking so many pictures lately, so I'm going to share a few with you. Hope you enjoy, and hope you are enjoying your last few moments of school. Don't take any of them for granted, because they pass by so quickly!

Happy spring, everyone.

Fondly,
Leslie Virginia

They aren't; They're not; They are not

I realized today, in my typical English-major way, that there are 3 ways to say "They are not". There is the original, conventional way, and then using contractions: "They aren't" or "They're not". What this has to do with anything, I know not. But I just thought I would share my realization with you all.

Connection Queens was this weekend, and what a wonderful success it was! I had a lot of fun, but more importantly, I think the prospective students had a great time. It was bit of a cold and dreary day, but we all made the best of it, and made some good friends. It sounded like many people found roommates for next year, and they also already took their placement tests AND registered for classes! Fall 2008 is just around the corner.

Beyond CQ, I also went and saw 21 with some friends on Friday night; what a great movie! I definitely recommend it, especially for Across the Universe/Jim Sturgess fans. It's an excellent film. On Sunday, though, was room selection day. The process went much more smoothly than I was expecting (Residence Life is amazing), and Lauren, Lauren, Jessica and I will be suiting together in Hayes next year! We are pretty excited.

Class registration is going on right now, as well, so I figured out my schedule last week. I'm thrilled, because I will be taking three English classes. I know...I'm a dork.

Anywho, hope you are all doing very well and enjoying the last few months of school! If you are a parent reading this, I hope that you are encouraged by my stories and ramblings; college is a great experience and it is our goal (by our I mean the student body) that your future student finds Queens as wonderful as we do. I'm here to help make that happen, so feel free to drop me a line if you would like to put in a special request! For those of you who are students reading this, I cannot wait to meet you guys, or to see you again if we have already met. You, also, may feel free to email me or comment here and let me know of concerns or questions you might have. I love talking to y'all, so don't leave me hanging!

Happy Monday. :)

Fondly,
Leslie Virginia