Leslie Pitmans Blog

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

Like A Scene from All Those Movies

After a busy couple of months, and a tough schedule, spring break was a welcome sigh of relief. As wonderful as this campus is, we all need a break every now and then. Getting away for a little while was a lot of fun, and a break that everyone needed--students and teachers alike.

I went, with Natalie and Sarah, to Washington, D.C. where we stayed with Sarah's dad in Georgetown. We visited the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Air & Space Museum, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, George Washington University, the Georgetown area, and the metro stations. While I was in DC, I called my friend who is a student at GWU, and she showed me around her campus and pointed out some important DC buildlings, including the State Department. It's crazy to think she goes to school in the middle of all of that!

After a few days in DC (and one of shopping on M Street), we took at train to New York City! The ride was about 3 hours, so I was able to get some much needed rest and a bit of homework done. We arrived in NYC about 11 am, and started our trip off with a subway ride to Central Park and a speedy trip through the Natural History Museum. Wow. That place is incredible! Their exhibits are, literally, indescribable. I couldn't believe that it was my third time in NYC and I had never been to this museum before.

I met up with the senior class of 2008 from my high school who were in NYC last week. That was an odd feeling; it must have been only yesterday that it was my senior class who was in the city?! That day, Natalie, Sarah, and I spent some time in Times Square where Joey, Wes, and Eric met us; we took the subway back to Central Park, and Joey and I found our way to the United Nations.

At the UN, we took a guided tour, and then sat down and talked with Wes' godmother, Lorraine Martin, for an hour about what the UN is doing and how it is impacting our world. She is the Secretary of Sanctions in Sudan, and thus works directly with the people in charge of solving the Darfur crisis. She was very enthusiastic about talking with college students about world issues, and it was an  unforgettable experience.

Our last day in New York, we went to the Empire State Building where my friend Rebecca, who lives in Brooklyn, met up with me and chatted with a cup of coffee. Then Natalie, Sarah, Rebecca, and I went to Little Italy for lunch. After that, we made our way back to the hotel and then on to the train station where we laughed a lot and waited for our train.

We arrived back in DC late that night, and then, after brunch with Sarah's family, we drove back to school. We were greeted with some rain, but a still beautiful campus. All in all, I had a very fun and productive spring break, but I was glad to be back home.

Now it's time for business; I have 3 papers to write this week. Of course, there's Easter break this weekend, so I'll be home in Florida for the festivities. Happy St. Patrick's Day, and Happy Easter!

Fondly,
Leslie Virginia

The Month of Birthdays

At times, it seems like everyone was born in February.

And then I remember that this cannot be the case, as I was born May.

Nonetheless, there have been lots of birthdays this month and I have had fun celebrating with all of my friends! For Stephanie's birthday (see left), we went to an Indian restaurant and had genuine Indian cuisine. I ordered chicken curry with mild flavoring, and it was delicious. James tried their hottest flavor, and actually survived! The bread they served us with our meal was especially good, and unlike anything I've ever had before. It was a light and airy pita, I suppose, buttered with garlic and yummy spices. I would probably return to this restaurant just for the bread. It was that good, people. 

For Ashlie's birthday (see left), we took a late trip to Luisa's Pizza and crowded twenty of us into one small table. I ordered buffalo wings (because who gets pizza at a pizza restaurant?) and tried the hazelnut choclate gelato for dessert. In the middle of dinner, though, we had to all get up and watch the lunar eclipse! We all stood together, under the shadowed moon, and watched the phenomenon. Pretty spiffy, I think. I tried to take some pictures, but didn't have my telephoto lens; I couldn't get a very good zoom on it. My dad, at home in Jacksonville, FL, got some awesome photos though. I'm sharing one with you.

I went to see the play this weekend, starring another February birthday, Lauren. Lauren, Pat, Rachel, and John were the only characters in Proof, and they each did an excellent job. I am always impressed by our theatre department and am definitely looking forward to the April production of University, a series of one-acts.

My brother's birthday was the same day as Stephanie's (they both turned 20), and I sent him a package a few days before. Hopefully it has arrived, although I haven't been able to get in touch with him since he lost his cell phone. I bought his gift when I was in Charleston, SC at The Market, where the old slave market used to be held. He's a fireman and a cook, so he always makes meals for the guys in the firehouse. So I bought him some spices and hot sauce to cook with. Buying presents for people makes me happy!

The most important birthday this month is that of my best friend, Victoria. We are both going home tomorrow night (tomorrow is her actual birthday) so that we can celebrate together! We are both terribly excited about the movie release of The Other Boleyn Girl--a book we've both read multiple times. While it is highly unlikely that it will be as phenomenal as the novel, we do have high expectations and plan on being impressed! 

That's all for now. If you're one of the blessed people who was born this month: Happy Birthday to You!

Fondly,
Leslie Virginia

Homecoming and All That Snazzy Stuff

Hello readers!

This weekend was Scholars' Discover Queens and Homecoming! Talk about lots of fun and very little sleep. I had a prospective and Presidential Scholar finalist, Linsey, stay with me on Friday and Saturday night. After meeting some people, experiencing the dining hall, and briefly attending the Pi Kappa Phi mixer, the two of us called it a night; I had to be up at 6 for DQ check in and her first scholarship interview was at 8. Needless to say, we were very early risers.

Saturday was busy for all of us, Presidential Scholars and Ambassadors alike, as we smiled, directed, spoke, walked, and even ate with prospectives and their families all day long. I was relieved from my duties at 4, so Linsey and I returned to my room and each napped for an hour before we met some of my friends and their prospectives for dinner at the Lion's Den. 

And then it was time for...homecoming!

Finally out of our fancy clothes and high heels, a group of us made our way to the Grady Cole Center where we got to see the end of the girls' game (the team they played is 16th in the nation, and we lost by only one point: 63 to 64). I brought my camera and all of its lenses, so I was experimenting a little bit; I really wanted to be sure to get some good, close up pictures of the homecoming court. 

The boys' game started as soon as the girls' ended, and it was a fun and exciting game. We basically "rocked" the Trojans, and won by some ridiculous amount that I cannot remember.  The homecoming court looked awesome! Our freshmen representatives were Joey and Lauren--definitely the best looking couple.

After the homecoming game, Lauren and I went with Linsey and her prospective, Emily, to Ben & Jerry's. The guy working there, Joe Leonard, was an '06 graduate of Queens and the founder of the  Drumline. He gave us a discount on our ice cream, and told us to "have fun in Core" as we were leaving. It was the perfect ending to a Queens filled weekend.

Fondly,
Leslie Virginia

Scholars', Homecoming, and Valentine's Weekend

This upcoming weekend is going to be intense...

It's Scholars' Weekend!

As an Ambassdor and a Presidential Scholar, that means double duty for me. But I am secretly excited to be so busy for such an awesome reason. 60 prospectives in one weekend? It doesn't get much better than that. If you're coming, know that I am ecstatic and cannot wait to meet you.

Along with the big Discover Queens this weekend, we also have our first Core exam of the semester on Friday. This means lots of studying will be going on this week, even amidst all the excitement for...

Homecoming! Which is also this weekend. You're in for a huge treat if you'll be visiting us on Saturday. There will be so much going on, you won't know what to do with yourself! I'll be there to help you decide, though.

If you aren't much into basketball, Opera Carolina is performing "Love Notes," their Valentine's Day collection, on Saturday at Queens' Dana Auditorium. I recently saw their production of Aida, and it was magnificant. It's nice to know that, even with rock, pop, and rap as prevalent as it is now, the classic and timeless sound of Opera is not dying out.

Something else going on this weekend is Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre's visit to Charlotte. I'll be going to see their performance on Sunday afternoon. CUB, Campus Union Board, sold 10 $8 tickets; I wouldn't have missed that opportunity for the world! You'll hear a lot about CUB as you come to visit, and when you finally get to school here, because they do an incredible job planning events and bringing students together. Here's my shout out to all of you: I love CUB!

If you are coming this weekend, I am anxiously awaiting your arrival. If you are not coming this weekend, but haven't been to visit yet, be sure to check out the upcoming Connection Queens on March 29! We look forward to meeting you. :)

Fondly
Leslie Virginia

Dancin' in the streets, gonna take on the world someday

  The Queens Dance Club, of which I am the PR Person, is up to many exciting things this semester!

At the beginning of January, when we first got back to school, Stephanie, Lacey and I laid down a brand new marley dance floor that was generously donated to us. It took four hours and lots of hard work, but it was worth it in the end. We now have a beautiful, Harlequin floor to dance on--and this is only the beginning for the dance room! Up next, we hope to paint, install a sound system and air conditioning, and add a touch of character with drapes and pictures. I cannot wait to see the transformation.

Also going on with the Dance Club are our weekly programs, or dance classes. Every Thursday night, one of us (Stephanie, Lacey, Amanda, Lindsey or me) teaches a class; so far this semester, we've had Salsa, Swing, and Hip Hop, and each one has been loads of fun! If you're ever visiting, and you're here on a Thursday night, feel free to contact me (leslie.pitman@qmail.queens.edu) and come to class.

Also, for ballerinas, we have an advanced ballet class every Wednesday. All of us are working really hard to grow the dance program and dance opportunities at Queens, so get excited! Because we sure are.

The best part about the dance club is that you don't have to be a dancer to participate. You just have to be willing to try new things and learn new stuff. Also, unless you're an officer, it doesn't require a huge level of commitment. Come to whichever classes you want, and join us, if you'd like, when we go to see local dance performaces at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. We just bought $8 tickets from CUB to see Alvin Ailey American Ballet Theatre this Sunday!

That's all for now.

Fondly
Leslie Virginia

Professionalism, Honesty, and Integrity

This semester, after an application and interview process, I was selected to be a Queens Student Ambassador!

If you have ever been to visit our campus, you met an Ambassador. We are the ones who give tours, host overnight students, and help out in any way during important weekends like Experience Queens, Discover Queens, and Connection Queens.

I am so excited to be a part of this program, because it means I get to tell even more people about my amazing experiences here. I am still a "JA" or "Junior Ambassador" and am undergoing some training. This week, and then again in 2 weeks, I'll be shadowing a Senior Ambassador during a tour. I'll be able to learn what to say when, what not to ever say, how to answer questions, and the tour route. Hopefully, by the end, I'll know the school extremely well!

I wanted to be an Ambassador since before I got to school here, because I had such a good time with mine during my visits to Queens. Also, I love this school so much and want to tell as many people about it as I can. Feel free to ask me any questions; I should be even more equipped to answer them now that I am a JA.

One of the coolest things about the Ambassador program is that it's students. Students are the ones giving tours, so prospectives (you) have a chance to connect with them on a level that would be different if you were with, say, and admissions counselor. You and I are at somewhat similar places in our lives; or, at least I remember what it was like to be in your place, because it was only a year ago for me. We are all about the connections here at Queens, and as an Ambassador, I have a great opportunity to connect with visitors--and that is really exciting.

I've also come to the conclusion, with the help of a friend, that I say "awesome" and "excited/exciting/excitement" too much. Forgive me!

Fondly,
Leslie Virgnia

There's Snow on My Eyelash!

It snowed!

Wednesday night, I was settling in to do Spanish homework when I got a phone call from a friend. I couldn't understand her excited rambling at the time, but about 5 minutes later, I realized what she had said: it was snowing.

Homework could wait, but this Floridian plus falling snow could not. I grabbed my camera, threw on some jeans and a coat over my pajamas, and ran outside in the precipitation.

I got the question "Have you never seen snow before?" more than five times, and the sad truth is that yes, I had seen snow before. But there's something completely spectacular about living in a place where it snows--at least when you have lived in Florida your entire life.

We played in the falling snow for a couple of hours; I think that half the school was in the quad doing the same thing. Keep in mind that it didn't start snowing until nearly midnight, so we were all planning on classes being cancelled the following day.

By the end of the evening, I had taken over 100 pictures. I wish I could share them all with you here, but I might make the bandwidth provider explode. Nonetheless, it was a lovely first snow in college experience, and I am anxiously waiting for the second.

I forgot to mention: we had classes the next morning. I was very tired!

Fondly,
Leslie Virginia

Ringing in the New Year (Cliche Style)

Hello all!

Christmas break has come and gone, and I'm on campus getting back into the swing of things. Classes started this past Monday, so we have officially made it through the first week! My break was lovely: very entertaining, relaxing, and rejuvenating. I spent a lot of quality time with family and friends, and really enjoyed being in Florida, despite the lack of Christmasy weather.

But, by the time the new year began, I was ready to return to Queens. I missed residential life, I missed eating with massive amounts of friends, I missed the people that I was used to seeing everyday, and I missed the general, comfortable atmosphere of the campus. 

Don't get me wrong. I loved being at home. But there is something so special about finding a college that becomes another home. There is something awesome about leaving home only to come back to a different home. Each one serves a very different purpose, but each has a special place in my heart.

Could this post contain any more cliches? For your enjoyment, I've bolded all of them.

I am very excited about my classes this semester. I like all of my professors, which is a huge blessing that I am not about to take for granted. My favorite class, by far, is Intro to Lit Studies, with Dr. Morton. I am an English major, so that seems logical. But it has surpassed my expectations, and it's only the first week! I'll keep you posted on how the class progresses.

I hope this post finds you all enjoying 2008 thus far!

Fondly,
Leslie Virginia