Melody's Blog

This is What College is all About

MelodyA — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:33:00 GMT

So finals are finally over!! I am almost done packing! I just can't contain the excitement for Nicaragua! I know I'm using far to many exclamation points in a row, but I can't help it! I'm so excited!!

The team's worked so hard to raise the money for the trip and we finally get to go. It just won't seem real until we get to Managua on Thursday. I just sat back the other night with my best friend at Denny's and just thought about this past year, especially this semester. We just thought about all of the fun we had and all the hard work we did. Sure there were some downs with the ups, but the good totally out ways the bad.

I just can't believe all the things I did this year. Somethings I planned, somethings just happened, and everything made me the bulldog that I am. I've met new friends, don't see some as often as I used to, and got a little closer with others. This year has been a really big turn point for me. I have a better idea of what I want in friends, academic goals, career goals, post graduate plans, and understanding Melody just a little more. I mean, isn't that what college is supposed to be about?

With classes finally done, I am finally Junior status! I'm half way done. It's this exciting and scary feeling all at the same time. I can't believe commencement is only two years away for me! I used to be a little of afraid of going out into the real world, but after this year I'm really starting to look forward to it. I can't wait till I don't have to take another midterm or final! I'm all for continuing the learning process throughout life, but please...NO MORE TEST!

I'll still be writing during the sumer, because ya'll want to know how Nicaragua went, right? I just wanted to say thank you to everyone's who has read my blog this year. This was a lot of fun, and I hope the incoming freshmen and other prospective students found it helpful. If you see me around campus (which you totally will) don't be shy! COME SAY HI!! It will really make my day if you say hi! I hope everyone has a happy and safe summer! Adios for now Amigos!

GO DAWGS!! BARK BARK!!

Melody

Here are a few highlights of the year. My camera is finally working! ( a little to late...I know)

House sitting with 5 Great Danes! Picking up items for the Garage Sale! Meeting Coach Boone!

My team mate Krystal's wedding! Hanging out with my best friend in the whole world! Swing Dancing at Fountain Square!

Time to get Down to Business

MelodyA — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:10:00 GMT

We had our last workout on Tuesday, and we don't have practice for Nicaragua until after finals. I'll still hit the weight room a few times before then, but now it's all about the student side of being a student athlete. Today after I shoot my last story for advanced reporting they're having the student athlete's appreciation event between two baseball games. I hope I have a chance to make it. They give out awards such as: MVP of each team, the community service award, and the team with the highest GPA. The weather has been so gorgeous outside that I hope I can make it.

Just a few More Weeks Until Nicaragua!

MelodyA — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:27:00 GMT

So we're just a few weeks away from our service trip in Nicaragua and Costa Rica! We are so excited especially with finals coming around we all know how much we need this trip, and a break!

The garage sale we had last weekend was a huge success, and we're so close to almost raising the rest of the money for the trip. This weekend we're playing again and doing another fundraiser.

We're working at a children's carnival in Plainfield, and since the weather has been so nice lately we're glad that we can work outside. This weekend's tournament is at IPFW and it's our last one before we go on the trip. Next week we stop practicing and it's just in time so we can focus on finals.

A Busy but Beautiful Weekend!

MelodyA — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:18:00 GMT

Wow! I can't believe that it's almost the end of the semester! Just a few weeks left and then it's summer! I have to say I can't wait till classes are over. A break will be nice! I've been spending the past few days running around Indianapolis getting donations for the huge garage sale that the team is hosting this weekend! It's kinda fun driving around with my team mates (which usually means getting lost with my team mates ha ha ;) ) , still it's been a lot of fun! The garage sale is on Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon in Hinkle. We're also hosting a men and women's tournament that same night!

Fund raising is a little tiring, especially this time of the year, but we know it's all worth it when we are having fun in Nicaragua! Despite how busy I have been it's really nice that the weather is beautiful around here! A friend and I went to Holcomb Gardens for a picnic and it was such a nice break from everything. There are a bunch of relaxation events going on this time of the year. Let's just hope that we can get some of those free massages in Atherton Union again! Those were awesome!

Here's for hoping!! Go Dawgs!

Two Causes One Day

MelodyA — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:50:00 GMT

So today the team and a few other people cleaned up the new Plainfield High School. It was a lot of work, but we got a lot done while we were there. My team mate's dad
is in charge of the project and says he'll donate money to our trip to Nicaragua if we help out the next few weekends. Some people had friends come to help out too, which was nice and it helped make the work a lot easier.

It was a great way to give back, and also fund raise for our trip. I'm glad that we get to earn the money ourselves. It will make the trip much more enjoyable knowing that I worked hard for it! Our online auction was a huge success! I just want to thank all of you who placed a bid, and if you won I hope you enjoy your items!

Don't forget to check out BUNEWS for this weeks news cast! I helped do the clip about Blue's birthday, but there's also an amazing story about The Power of Children Project. It's a campaign going on to help raise money to build a primary school in Uganda. It's an amazing story that I think everyone should check out.

Healthy Tips

MelodyA — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:32:00 GMT

So break is over and we’re all back here at Butler trying to finish up these last two months. I can’t believe that’s all that’s left. If feels like the semester just started yesterday!

One of the biggest things I hear after breaks is about how people miss their family’s home cooking. I do agree that Atherton, Resco, and C-Club try their best, but their pork chops don’t come close to my dad’s.

There are two big lessons that you learn about food in college. The first is that no one is better than your parents. The second is to take advantage of your options to make healthy choices, so that you don’t get the dreaded freshman 15 or have problems later on that are a result of the choices we make today.

As an athlete I’ve learned how important nutrition is, and I’ve decided to share Melody’s top 4 tips about eating healthy on campus:

All of those Frappucinos, Cappuccinos, and sugary coffee beverages are wasted calories, and can be hard on your body after awhile.

It’s ok to have a latte or white hot chocolate (which is my favorite!) sometimes, but don’t waste all of your flex bucks drinking 4 in one day. If you are a frequent coffee drinker or just have that sweat tooth get a free cup of water with that house blend and drink it when you’re done. Tea is also a nice substitute for coffee, because it has less caffeine and cost less than a coffee

Water is your best friend!

Hydration is really important. It helps you keep water weight off, because your body knows that it will get plenty throughout the day. It’s also really good for your hair and teeth especially. Try having at least two cups of water with every meal you eat, and carrying a water bottle in class encourages you to drink more too. (Drinking water in class is also a great way to help you stay alert in class after studying late the night before.)

Salad is a great!

I know anyone with common sense knows that salad is good for you, but you don’t just have to chomp on just lettuce all the time to be healthy. On days that they have nachos or fajitas, one of my teammates adds the chips to her salad along with the onions to make a Mexican salad. I always see people do creative stuff like that with their meals. It’s also good to use the spinach leaves or romaine lettuce rather than iceberg, because they have more nutrients in them. It’s like my coach says “the greener the better!”

Mix and match foods that are available.

If you just don’t have a taste for veggies and salads just aren’t your thing try adding something to those veggies to make them more appealing. If you don’t the rough taste of the broccoli in Atherton try taking it to the stir fry station and have them steam it for you, then sprinkle a little cheese from the salad bar and stick it in the microwave. It puts a different spin on it and most find it more appealing and tasty!

I have plenty more tips where those came from, but I want to hear yours. What are some of your favorite healthy tips?

Stalker Alert!

MelodyA — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 02:15:00 GMT

There's something important that you all need to know. Yes, the rumors are true. I Melody A.... (creepy music begins to play)....have a stalker! I have read enough pamphlets in the counseling center to take control of the situation and confront my second shadow! Yes, Christina L I know you are following me. I mean how else can I possibly see you everywhere!

I know not that big of a deal right? I keep running into Christina L everywhere lately and told her that it would make a great blog. Ha ha ha. It's really not that unusual to constantly see some people over and over. It's part of the small campus concept that makes Butler have that close family feeling. When I don't constantly see people I sometimes get a little sad and hope their not studying to hard, or coming down with the flu or something. I actually only saw Christina L once this week, but that'll probably change when we get back from spring break next week since mid-terms will be over.

I'm so ready for these test and projects to be done. I need my regular routine to return, and see my second shadow's friendly smile again.

Update

MelodyA — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 03:44:00 GMT

The debate last night was great! There were so many people there it was ridiculous. I could barely find anywhere to set up my camera for my assignment. I think the candidates did a really good job of addressing the issues. The two big issues that were addressed were safety on campus and diversity on campus. The election is Monday, but I'll really be happy with whoever wins, since all of the candidates genuinely seem to care about the students.

I think that's something every student is concerned about. We want someone who will do a good job because they care, and not just for a nice position to put on their resume. I'm happy to hear so many people are excited about the election, and can't wait to vote on Monday!

If you want to see footage from the debate along with the rest of our newscast for this week check back for the link when BUMediaArts posts our next newscast.

News Alert!

MelodyA — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:33:00 GMT

Ok I said I would post the link to my package and it's up. The channel is BUMediaArts you can subscribe to us and see the newscast that we post every week! The newscast of the fashion show is up so take a look at it and tell me what you think. If you're looking into the media arts for Electronic Journalism this is probably going to be one of your favorite classes, since you get to put everything you've learned so far into use! This week I'm a reporter again for the Butler news segment, but next week I'll be producing the entertainment segment.

I'm really excited to produce next week, because that's what I really want to do in the industry. I either want to produce or work in media management. I've already started looking at grad schools and it makes me smile just thinking about it. My professors and adviser are really helping me figure things out, so that's always a plus.

Sorry for the short update, but I'll write again Tuesday or Wednesday night. I'm going to the SGA presidential debate. I'll let ya'll know how it turned out!!

Melody

Homework....a Reporters Work is Never Over.

MelodyA — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 03:17:00 GMT

So, as a Media Arts major I've gotten used to having unconventional homework. The history, science, education majors, and all the rest get to do their homework with a book in the library. My homework consist of my dragging around a camera and acting like I'm Barbra Walters, or maybe more recently Tyra Banks.

For my Advanced Reporting class I have to do a reporting assignment every week and then we put it together as a newscast, that people can watch on you tube (so go watch it!). I really wanted to make this weeks package really good because last week I was sick and it sort of sucked. This time I was supposed to do a story for the Butler News segment, so I reported on the end of BSU week. The Black Student Union hosted a fashion show for their closing event, and reporter Melody Austin was right there to report on it.

This year they had some really good scenes, like a politically motivated one with the Will. I. Am video playing in the background. They best was the last scene with the kids from the Kaleidescope after school program. The whole show was a big success!! Maybe next year I'll have time so I can be in it. I was a model last year and I had a lot of fun. It was really nice to be an audience member this year, especially when there was a chocolate fountain and a photo booth we kept taking pictures in. This year I had a wonderful date named Cory who just turned three! He's the son of one of my friends who was in the show. He had a great time, because he won best dressed audience member. He was the best date I ever had lol! :)

If you ever see me in this package I give you permission to laugh :) ha ha ha! I just went with it and had fun. It was great time and people were really great about giving me short interviews, so I think we all really enjoyed ourselves. People really liked the camera too, because the theme was Flashing Lights: A Red Carpet Affair. So the camera really helped boost the movie star theme. I wish I could post the out takes and bloopers for ya'll because they were way more funny than the footage I have to show. Who knows maybe you might see a link to you tube sometime.

Overall the night was so much fun! The music was good, the chocolate fountain was really tasty, and the cloths were fabulous (I went shopping the next day lol)! More importantly I got a really good story. I'll make sure to post the link when we put it up and tell me what you think!!!

By the way....How does everyone like the new Butler page? Doesn't it look awesome! I love it!! I have a morning workout tomorrow with the team so I'm going to sleep. Have a great night, and I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day!!

Cold's are More Contagious Than A's Around Here

MelodyA — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:56:00 GMT

I know I've been MIA lately but I've caught the flu that's been going around. I'm finally starting to recover and getting my life together ha ha ha :)

I finally have taken a moment to breathe and wanted to let ya'll know about Coach Boone's visit to Butler! For those of you who don't know who Coach Herman Boone is, you probably remember him best played by Denzel Washington in Remember the Titans. My teammates and I went and it really amazing!! Here's a little clip of how excited we were!!!

That night could have only gotten better if Chloe had actually passed out! lol! He gave a really great speech on a few different topics that were linked together with the theme of unity, gratefulness, and charity. My favorite point he made in the whole speech was about how the more we expose ourselves to diversity more of our problems that our society faces can be overcome.

It reminds me of how we always talk about diversity at Butler. I mean we talk about it a lot, but Coach Boone used some really good examples of how exposure to diversity has really changed things. It was such an amazing speech. I wish I could have recorded the whole thing!! If there's one piece of advice that I can give anybody after hearing the words of Coach Boone, it's don't miss the speakers. They just might change something in you.

iChat!

MelodyA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:04:00 GMT

The other bloggers and I had so much fun chatting with all of ya'll online last night! We had some great laughs and made some new friends ha ha ha :) Thanks for everybody that became a fan of us on facebook. In case you're not you should look us up on facebook!

If you still have questions that you want that just can't wait till next month's live chat ask your questions on our forums!

You can also always show us some love by leaving comments on our blogs too. I promise you...we get really excited when ya'll do!!! Well I better finish my homework now just in case we do have class tomorrow there's a rumor going around that we might not if we get enough snow. I guess I'll just have to wait and see :)

There's Always Something Interesting in the Digest!

MelodyA — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:55:00 GMT

I was looking through the Butler Digest today and saw that there were a few great deals with the theaters in town. One is for the play "Doubt" Indiana Repertory Theater and the other is for the play "The Wedding Singer" at the Murat in downtown indy. I got really excited because I saw Doubt in New York on Broadway and it was amazing. I'm playing to take total advantage of the deal and go with some friends! I really like how Butler presents us with opportunities that expose us to different experiences. It's great because I'm always talking about how much I love this play, and now my friends can see for themselves.

That's the great thing about the digest. Whenever I need to know what's going on at Butler I can always count of the digest to have something interesting for me to do. I found out about quite a few different workshops too through the digest. There's one that I plan on attending about apply to grad school. The description sounds really interesting and is good to help me decide about whether that is the path for me.

There's a lot of other information in the digest too. There are building service tips, open on-campus employment positions, volunteer opportunities, and fund raises that campus organizations are holding.

People are always asking me what is the most useful service that Butler provides. Other than the dining hall I would have to say that it is the student digest e-mails.

Is the DC Right for You?

MelodyA — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:39:00 GMT

No, I am not talking about the capital of the country. I mean the Diversity Center in Atherton Union. I've recently started studying down there and have found it a fun place to study. If you're like me and can't study in quiet library style settings, then the DC might be for you? Here are a few questions to help you find the perfect place to study on campus.

Answer yes, sometimes, or no to these questions.

1. I think better when other people are not only studying (Example: chatting over starbucks, watching t.v., ect...)

2. I don't like studying in a room by myself.

3. Some comic relief is a nice destraction when I'm studying.

4. I like studying somewhere I know that people who have or are taking my class will most likely be...in case I need help.

5.I like studying somehwere that gets general student traffic...so I can run into my friends I haven't seen in a while.

If you answered yes to all of these questions:

You are most likely the type of person who studies best when other things are going on in the room. If you tried tot study at the library or in your dorm room alone with the door shut you would most likely fall asleep or start procrastinating. Your best places to study are Starbucks, the lounge in your dorm with your friends, or the amazine Diversity Center!!

If you answered sometimes to most of these question, or yes to a lot of these:

Your the type of person who either can't study in the same place for a long time, or distractions cause you to procraste more than you would like to. If this is the case you may want to try studying in your room with the door open so people can stop by, or maybe in the evening at Starbucks when it's not as busy. Your key thing is to change it up so you don't get bored with one spot. You might also find that you study certain material better in certain areas or conditions (once I realized that studying got a lot easier for me.)

If you answer no to most or all of these questions:

you're the type of person who likes the traditional quite setting by yourself clear of distractions. One of the tips I learned from a workshop held by the learning resource center that might help you out is to not study in your room. If you really like to do that though you probably shouldn't study on the bed. Studies have shown that it can really mess up your sleeping patterns if you study on your bed, and it makes you more tired while you are studying than if you were sitting at a desk or anywhere else. Another tip if you study at the irwin library. If you like true silence you most likely should study in the back of the library on the very top floor. The fountain on the first floor drives some people crazy ( like me!!)

Well I hope this little quiz can help make you a better studier. If you ever want more tips you should check out the learning resources website, or stop by their office on the first floor in Jordan Hall. They can help out with anything and they've made some great progress. Recently I just heard that last semester 100% of students who went to the LRC for help raised their G.P.A by at least 1%! That's pretty impressive. There're also love to hear student suggestions as well. Do any of you have some really good study tips?

New Year, New Semester!

MelodyA — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 03:04:00 GMT

This break went by so fast. It seems like I was packing to come home yesterday, and now I'm on my way back in just two days! We scheduled an event for volleyball fund raising so I'm going back a little early. It's fun being there when a lot of students aren't because usually it's just athletes and international students that are hanging around for. This time there are going to be a lot more people because I believe it's the end of rush week for the greeks.

I don't know a lot about greek life. If you have questions and are curious about greek life check out Christina's blog!

This semester is going to be a busy one. Between fund raising for the volleyball team's trip to Europe, class, and trying to find a new a job. I'm sure I'll have lots to tell ya'll about this semester. I'm glad that I'll have a little more time to myself because practice is in the morning, so that leaves me more time to write and answer all of ya'lls questions. Hopefully my camera will stop acting up so I can post some pictures of my adventures that await me, lol!

Everyone is going crazy down here because of LSU's victory over Ohio State (38-24)! As we say here in the Big Easy "Lalssez les bon temps rouler." That's creole for "let the good times role!" Well I'm sure they certainly will for me and my friends this semester!