It's getting closer! :)

Just thought I would give you all a heads up of what you will be doing during Orientation. You will be doing lots of activities with your group and competitions against the other groups. Don't worry, you do not have to be athletic to participate. There is a Welcome Ceremony and a prayer walk, in which you can participate with your parents. Now I am not exactly sure what will take place this year, but this is what we did last year. On Sunday, we all went to church together and then went on our chosen orientation trips. Monday night we had a movie-on-the-lawn. Then Tuesday night there was a school-wide block party. There was a zip line, live band, and a cookout. One night, each group went to a professor's house to eat dessert. There was a scavenger hunt. During Orientation there is also lots of ice cream! All of these activities are to help you make friends and become more comfortable with your classmates and hall mates. I made some of my best friends during Orientation!

Once classes start...BE PREPARED TO STUDY. If you are taking 15 class hours, then plan on doing homework or studying for 30 hours a week. Yes...I'm serious. It sounds like a massive amount, but once you get started you'll see what I mean.

When you are not studying, don't be afraid to venture off campus. A popular place to go eat is The Creek right below campus. They have sandwiches, soup, coffee, and ice cream. This past year, Bonner hosted their coffee houses there about 3 times a semester. It was usually on Friday nights. Coffee house is a time when you can come showcase your talents such as singing, playing a musical instrument, or reading a poem. You don't have to perform though, you can just enjoy others' talents. There is usually a donation of about $2 for admission. That donation goes to benefit different charities each time, such as St. Jude's or Operation Christmas Child.

If you are staying on campus during the weekends, then you will need to find a church. There are many different denominations right around and on our campus. On campus, we have a Baptist, Presbyterian, and Methodist church. You can also carpool and go off campus. A popular small group for college students on Sunday mornings is hosted by Providence Church and is held at The Creek.

There are plenty of things to do on campus besides study. We have free concerts offered throughout the year. Homecoming festivities include a concert, parade, and game. Weather permitting, some Monday nights there are movies on the lawn (Henderson Lawn facing the field). For these, remember to bring a quilt or chair. Close to Christmas, we have a Christmas Tree Lighting in the music building. Intramurals are an extremely cool and fun activity in which to participate. There is anything from volleyball to basketball to Catch Phrase. In the MSAC, there is a weight room with weights, treadmills, ellipticals,  and bicycles. There is also a gym with an overhead track and basketball courts. Beside the gym is the swimming pool, and outside are the tennis courts. A great way to meet new people is to sit in the cafeteria with someone new each day or to hang around after you are done eating to talk. All around the outside of Butler-Blanc gym there are hammock stations, so bring your hammock. I highly recommend joining a Bible study group. Find one that fits you and don't worry, you don't have to be a Bible scholar. Lastly, join some clubs. There are many different ones to choose from and I'm sure that you can find one that you will enjoy.

This all of my advice! I'll see you at Orientation!

See you next week,
Natilee Ramsey

  

Let me back up and do something that I probably should have done first. My name is Natilee Ramsey. I am 18 years old and a sophomore here at C-N. I am from Morristown, TN. My major is Elementary Education. Carson-Newman has been my dream since I was in 8th grade. So I feel like I'm living my dream everyday. I enjoy anything outside such as running, hiking, and biking. I also love to read and play the piano. At C-N, I am involved in Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM), iYada (an all girls Bible study), Navigators (Bible study), Women Singers, Young Women of Promise, Eagle Reps, Alpha Lambda Delta, and an Orientation Leader.

I can't wait to meet all of you! If you have any questions about anything just let me know!

See you soon,
Natilee Ramsey