This is the fourth episode of IQ, where we ask Vanderbilt freshmen intellectual questions. This week’s question is, “is American Exceptionalism justified?”
Archives for October 2016
Top 5 Events On The Commons This Week
Are you looking to get out there and involved this week on campus? If so, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Be sure to check out these Top 5 Events on The Commons this week … you especially will not want to miss No. 1!
5. The Dean’s Book Club
Make an appearance at the Dean’s Residence at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, to reflect on your transition to Vanderbilt and how it relates to The Commons Reading this year, “Strong Inside.” It is a great opportunity to discuss the book with your peers and faculty, and cookies will also be served!
4. Stambaugh Soiree
All students are invited to join this event featuring a talk from Congressman Jim Cooper. He is known in Congress for his work on a bipartisan budget plan. Stop by Stambaugh at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, to hear about his life and work in Congress.
3. North House Scary Halloween Movie Night
From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30, North House is hosting a scary movie night in its Seminar Room. Use the entrance on the Peabody Lawn side, and go own the stairs. Grab a blanket and a friend and head over.
2. Baila con Sabor
It is time for another Commons Mix-Up Event! If you enjoyed the “North House Wedding,” be sure to check out Sutherland House’s “Baila con Sabor.” This event will be held at The Commons Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27. There will be food, Latin dance lessons, and lots of fun.
1. The Upper Quad Block Party
From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, the Upper Quad is hosting its annual Halloween event. Sutherland House will have cookies and candy, Murray will have a photo booth, Stambaugh will be serving “mocktails,” and Crawford will have their annual haunted house. Make sure to stop by to get in the Halloween mood!
First Year First Person E4: Good Days
MCL Flashcast October 26th, 2016
Cortez wraps up the week that was, including Homecoming activities like Commodore Quake and the student media hall of fame induction ceremony. He also previews some Halloween events on campus.
Top 5 Inexplicable Things Overheard at Commons
Just like any other group of diverse people, Vanderbilt first-year students have odd experiences, which in turn lead to odd conversations. Here is a small sampling of the weirdness that takes place on the Vanderbilt campus. Note: You MAY find yourself somewhere in here. If you do, consider yourself honored!
1. The Stevenson Thing
Guy 1: Y’know, I know this dude who spent three days trying to find a classroom to meet a sophomore friend in one of the Stevensons.
Guy 2: No kidding! Why didn’t he just ask somebody?
Guy 1: Yeah, well he tried, but nobody he talked to had ever heard of this particular classroom either.
Guy 2: That is so weird. A classroom that is said to exist, but does actually not exist. Something very New Agey about that.
Guy 1: Ah, but here is the kicker: This sophomore guy evidently has a screwed-up sense of humor. He basically led my friend on a wild goose chase in search of classroom that does not exist. He made the entire classroom up! My friend only found out when the sophomore guy decided to have mercy on him.
Guy 2: Those [CENSORED] sophomores.
Note: Do not trust sophomores! Ever! They are only in it for the lulz!
2. They Came for Him
Individual 1: Have you seen Tony around anytime recently? I have not laid eyes on him for about two weeks. Strange, considering he lives down the hall from me.
Individual 2: All I know is what I have heard and what my dreams tell me.
Individual 1: Uh, and what may that be?
Individual 2: They came and took him away.
Individual 1: Who? His parents?
Individual 2: No. The Uranians did.
Individual 1: Wait, what, the Iranians kidnapped him?
Individual 2: No, you stupid person you! The beings from Uranus took him on a journey…
Individual 1: Ah, okay. (Shuffles uneasily away, while staring at Individual 2).
Note: Oh dear. I do hope Tony is alright, wherever he is.
3. The Graduate Bunch
Girl 1: Grad Students annoy me.
Girl 2: Why is that?
Girl 1: They act like they know so much more than me.
Girl 2: Well it kind of makes sense, considering they already have their Bachelor’s degree in whatever, and we’re just starting to travel that road.
Girl 1: They still annoy me though. Especially my TA. I want to smack her in the face.
Note: Huh? I thought everyone LOVED their TAs!
4. The Courageous Amongst Us
This Dude to Nobody in Particular: Last night at a party I was dared to eat a can of Purina dog food. And guess what? I did it! Now all my friends think I am both gnarly and awesome!
Note: Be afraid. Be very afraid.
5. Squirrels … The Bane of Mankind
This Girl: So I was just chillin’ on the lawn in front of the Wyatt Center with some snacks, and I decided to go really quickly to go grab something from my room. It didn’t even take five minutes, but when I got back to my spot, this squirrel was sitting on my blanket, eating my bag of Doritos! And, when I went over to shoo it away, it absconded with the bag of Doritos in its mouth! I tried chasing it, but it disappeared somewhere behind West. I feel really bummed about it.
Note: Evidently squirrels like Doritos. Who knew?
And that brings us to the end of this Top 5. How much of this is actually true? If only we knew … Anyhow, if you saw yourself somewhere amongst this chaos, congratulations! With such experiences as these under your belt, you are sure to have some sort of rare and legendary future in store. Questions, comments, threats? Stick ’em there below!
Uncommons Talent-Episode 1
This new video feature showcases first year Vandy students who have unusual talents. This episode spotlights the unique musical talents of Keaton Scherpereel.
Commons Cribs Episode 8
My Commons Life presents its newest episode of Commons Cribs, a mini web series that provides an inside look into the humble abodes of those who reside on the Vanderbilt Commons. This episode features freshmen Carolyn and Melissa, residents of Hank Ingram House.
First Year First Person E3: Fall Break
MyCommonsLife Podcast-Episode 6
Cortez sits down with fellow first year student Robert Blakes to discuss life at Vanderbilt after two months and Robert’s involvement with various campus organizations.
Top 5 Fun Things Happening Homecoming Week
Although you will be enjoying the next few days of fall break, when you get back, Homecoming week at Vanderbilt will be in full swing! With Homecoming comes a ton of fun and exciting things to do on campus. Here are the Top 5:
5. Blood Drive
Be generous this Homecoming season and donate blood in the Sarratt Student Center between Monday, Oct. 17, and Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is a great opportunity to give back to the community!
4. Experience Vanderbilt Homecoming Lunch
Join students, faculty, staff, and alumni on Central Library Lawn from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, for lunch. At this fundraiser, all people involved with Vanderbilt will be gathered to foster school spirit and celebrate Vanderbilt experiences.
3. VBP Homecoming Block Party
Check out the free food and entertainment put on by the Vanderbilt Programming Board at the Block Party. Grab some friends and head over to Kensington on Thursday, Oct. 20, from 7 to 10 p.m.
2. Commodore Quake
The annual Homecoming concert features Big Sean and A$AP Ferg on Friday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m. in Memorial Gymnasium. The Music Group of Vanderbilt’s Programming Board wants to do it BIG this year, so be sure to check it out.
1. The Homecoming Football Game
All of the Homecoming week events lead up to the football game. We play the Tennessee State Tigers on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m., so throw on your cowboy boots and make your way to the stadium!
