Ashley Dilcher

Fall is here!

I cannot believe that we have been in classes for five weeks. It feels like just yesterday we were all attempting to find a seat in each class; now we are all into the main workload: homework, projects, exams and quizzes. The leaves are already falling and coffee shops now have pumpkin flavored drinks! I also noticed a few Christmas decorations on sale at Target and Wal-Mart! That's just CRAZY. It's not even Halloween! Needless to say I hope you are all enjoying the semester, but before we know it, winter break will be here.

My past five weeks at NU have been super jam-packed! Reality really set in last week as I sat down for my senior check. A senior check involves a meeting with your college's assistant dean or dean. During the meeting, you basically discuss the rest of the year, talk about graduation, sign graduation information and check your advisement card to make sure you are on track! It is a very helpful tool, but definitely makes you realize how crazy your life will be until the end of May! It's fun yet nerve wracking!

I also have been working at my family's restaurant on the weekends, interning and studying like crazy since I moved in on Sept. 3. I love the craziness though! I have met some awesome people since deciding to move to campus (I commuted all last year, but got sick of the drive really fast!). Now I live in the on-campus apartments with my roommates, Jen, Taylor and Amy! It's a different experience living on campus than commuting, but I am loving every moment of it! On Mondays, we have a bunch of friends over for dinner, so I have been surprising my family with my cooking when I go home on the weekends! I also decided to attend Zumba classes during the weeknights. Zumba is awesome and very challenging, but the instructors are amazing and so helpful!

I also began mentoring at the Niagara Charter School for one of my sport management classes. This is a such a great experience and I cannot stress enough that students should try and volunteer or mentor as much as possible throughout their college career. You learn so much from these experiences and you meet so many great people.

I wanted to end my second blog with some bullets that I think every student should try throughout their time at NU. Here they are:

• I know I said this before but I'll add it to the list: mentor or volunteer some of your time to various organizations or events.
• Spend at least one or two hours in the library a week (this may sound crazy but it's a great environment to get work done).
• Try to not spend too much money at the Fashion Outlets (I try to stay away from them, too many great stores).
• Go to a Late Nite Niagara event and/or a campus activity event, these are great ways to meet other students.
• Join a club/organization. Another great way to meet students.
• Attend a sporting event, we have some great Division I athletics here at NU.
• Just enjoy your time at NU, it goes by super fast and remember to study!!!

Oh yes, congrats to the New England Patriots on the big win this week! :) Also congrats to the refs for finding there way back to the football field! Have a great week, everyone!