I've got some bad news, people. I hate to say it, but I'm pretty sure the world is going to end soon.
In the fall of 2003, at the beginning of my second year, I found myself jabbing away at my computer, venting my deepest frustrations with the male sex, dating in college and how someone as cute as me could wind up dumped and (what felt like) eternally single.
At first glance, it seems as if the University population has multiplied overnight. But a closer look reveals some unusual sights: students and parents turning maps of the University right and left, perplexed looks on their faces, massive tour groups walking from building to building, multitudes of people with bright orange shirts and name tags. Days on the Lawn is up and running and, with it, a seemingly innumerable amount of current high school seniors and their families crowd the University as they attempt to decide if this is the school for them. But while Days on the Lawn only makes its appearance for a few days each year, a great amount of planning and preparation goes into making the event a reality. The Office of Admissions, along with the help of student volunteers, puts on the event. Two student co-chairs are largely responsible for the volunteering side of the event, working to recruit University students and ensure that volunteers are at the places the Office of Admissions needs them. This year's co-chairs, third-year College student Sarah Strunk and second-year College student Stephanie Passman, said their duties as co-chairs are very different from their previous experience as Days on the Lawn volunteers. "It's been a lot more planning before the event and a lot more planning with the Admissions Office in terms of making sure that the interactions the volunteers have with the students are positive and are reflective of the purpose of Days on the Lawn, which is to give students an honest glimpse into the life of a University of Virginia student," Strunk said.
I'm not going to keep y'all in sus-pense, let's just say this: spandex. I know we're at that awkward time between midterms and exams, where people don't really want to wear clothes anyways, but I'm still traumatized by this experience so I thought I'd share.
"It doesn't matter how many times my friends tell me I'm skinny, I think I look fat," second-year College student "Julia," who suffers from non-purging bulimia, said. "Julia" is not alone.
Planning to go home for Easter? Think again. With the University in session on the Christian holidays of Good Friday and Easter Monday, students said they found the Easter holiday to be much shorter than it should be. "I think having the Monday off after Easter would be helpful for people who choose to go home," third-year Engineering student Mimi Krauss, who is Jewish, said. Third-year College student Davar Irvani, who is Muslim, said he believes there should be an Easter holiday for those students who wish to use the time for studying purposes. "It would be nice to have another short holiday in the spring," Irvani said.
Environment influences production. It's a simple formula, really. Artists are the obvi-ous example.
Afamous, learned statesman stands atop the Liberty Bell, observing the traffic passing by on University Avenue.
Now in his fourth semester teaching at the University, Computer Science Prof. Aaron Bloomfield has taught almost every Engineering School student from the Classes of 2008 and 2009. His class is a requirement for all Engineering students unless they tested out through high school Advanced Placement scores. "It is nice that I get to interact with so many students," Bloomfield said of his 356-student class.
Dear Inside Review Section of the U.S. Government, I am writing to ask for an extension on my tax forms.
Students gripe and moan about the dining hall food here at the University, but they still choose favorites -- even if their preference is less of a favorite and more the lesser of the three evils of Newcomb, Runk and O-Hill. First-year Engineering student Justin Chhabra said he prefers Newcomb out of the three dining halls. "They have a greater variety," Chhabra said.
When people read the words "beauty pageant," many different images come to mind. For some, beauty pageants conjure images of beautiful women who are justly awarded for their incredible smarts, great people skills and promise of unwavering leadership.
Yesterday The Cavalier Daily reported that the University's own Mock Trial Club won the Collegiate Mock Trial National Championship in glitzy Des Moines, Iowa.
The first time you saw it was probably sophomore year in high school. Guys who had just started shaving within the past year or two were finally feeling bold enough to take that next big step in their paths to becoming men -- growing out their facial hair.
A splash of color, the taste of spices, the jingle of anklets, the traditions of a country half way across the world -- this year's India Day. The event was hosted by the Indian Student Association in coordination with the Cultural Programming Board and the University Programs Council, showcased various aspects of the nation's culture last Saturday at the Martin Luther King Performing Arts Center. The show included an exhibit on various South Asian topics and a catered dinner in addition to the main feature -- a cultural show. From instrumental solos, singing and dancing to a fashion show and poetry, interspersed with comedic skits by the Masters of Ceremonies, India Day featured performances ranging far and wide. "We definitely had a different vision for this year's show," said Danielle Varughese, fourth-year College student and ISA president.
Celebrities are truly obnoxious. That doesn't mean most of us can stop ourselves from reading the covers of gossip rags while checking out at the Teet.
Few things about Italy can be easily explained to Americans. In the months I've lived in Milan and traveled the country, I've accepted the fact that there are aspects of the Italian culture that will forever mystify me. How can shops be closed all the time and stay in business?
When my friends asked me where I was going and I answered, "a CIAG dinner," they gave me a blank stare.
Days on the Lawn began this week and, at the same time, my graduation is just around the corner. Contemplating these two bookends of college life made me realize that I've seen a lot of change in my time at the University. I've witnessed the births of the new O-Hill and the John Paul Jones Arena.
Traveling the two hours into the glossy metropolis that is Washington, D.C. is always slightly strange to me.
