Devin has wrangled up all of the details you need to know about events on campus this week, including a Women Owned Business Showcase, the MLK Joint Day of Service, and the Lambda Drag Show.
Archives for March 2022
Commons Conversations-Episode 16, “Defining Vanderbilt”
Recently, Vanderbilt University underwent a change in identity, but was the refresh more of a reset? This week’s episode features an in-depth look into what Vanderbilt means to fellow Commodores and their take on the re-branding.
Top 5 Cleanses To Go On
Time to bring up those New Years’ resolutions again!
This time of the year for some people is Lent, which is a religious event in which you give up a temptation of yours for a specific amount of time in order to practice self-control and to spend more time doing other things in your daily life. Even if you are not religious, this practice is beneficial for the mental and emotional health of practically anybody. So here’s a challenge: give up a craving of yours for a week and see how you do! Read the following for some ideas on what to give up!
- Sugar – For all my sweet-tooths out there, eat a salad. At the end of your fast, stop by Jeni’s and get all the ice cream pints to stock up in your fridge as you want. But for now, eat a salad. It’s healthier, and who knows? You might live longer. (;
- Complaining – This idea is trageted at myself specifically. When things do not go my way, I complain about it. It’s just a natural response for me. However, I forget that things could be way worse than what they are now. I have a lot to be grateful for, and yet, I tend to take all of those things for granted. So, the next time I feel like complaining, I’m gonna tell someone (EX: my study buddy in Calc) or something (my weekly 2301 bowl) that I am thankful for their or its presence.
- Coffee – Some people say they love coffee, but actually, they love the cream and sugar they ask for in their milkshake-like frappucinos. Anywho (sorry to rip into some of y’all), coffee is an addictive substance that can keep you awake but can also make you jittery and anxious. You’re better off skipping the daily morning drink, and… I don’t know, maybe GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP AT NIGHT?!?! Stop staying up ’til 4 am watching Tik Tok. Your body and brain will thank you when you can go to bed at 11 pm and wake up at 8 am every day consitstently.
- Procrastinating – This may be the most difficult suggestion on the list simply because it is such an easy thing to do. If you have an assignment that is due in a week, are you going to start it now? NO! You’re gonna get on HBO, and wait two years for the 3rd season of Euphoria to come out. Well, maybe you can plan out your schedule, so that you have small goals to accomplish each day towards getting your work done. With this less stressful approach to studying and homework, you can beat that procrastination monkey to a pulp! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arj7oStGLkU)
- Cursing – I respect your right to free speech, but cursing can be a bad habit. You do not want to be in the middle of an interview and accidentally drop your pen and instinctively yell out “@#$%!” That would significantly lower your chances of getting hired. I know, “YoU cAn’T hElP iT.” If you make it less of a habit, you’ll have better control of your language, and you’ll be less likely to slip up in inappropriate situations.
REMEMBER: Do not stress if you break your fast in less than a week! It’s okay! Be kind to yourself. You are trying. Trying takes effort. Putting in the effort proves that you are committed, and because of that, I’m proud of you! Go you!
Your #1 Cheerleader,
Elizabeth (:
CommonsCast Episode 100-March 30, 2022
It’s the 100th episode of the CommonsCast! On this special episode Dean Gresalfi discusses the importance of taking care of each other, Tait delivers the calendar of upcoming events you won’t want to miss, and Richard has a terrific interview with Vanessa Beasley, Vanderbilt’s Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Dean of Residential Faculty, and an Associate Professor of Communication Studies.
Commons Cupdate 3/30
Service Week. Volleyball Tournament. The competition coming to an end. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest developments in the Commons Cup.
Service Week
This year’s service, held March 21-25, week focused heavily on sexual assult prevention and awareness. On Monday, Project Safe hosted a self defense workshop. On Wednesday, Project Safe held a panel to discuss sexual assult. Throughout the week, Project Safe also tabled in the Commons Center daily and held lantern decorating events at each house’s signature event.
Volleyball Tournament
On Sunday March 27, all ten Commons houses competed in the Commons Cup Volleyball Tournament. To start off the competition, Sutherland held off Crawford with a 21-17 win. East also defeated North in a close 21-19 win.
The round of eight did not see the same closeness as the play-in did. West beat Murray with a 21-14 victory. Stambaugh then fended off Memorial with a 21-17 win. Sutherland then went on to knock out Gillette with a commanding 21-11 lead. Finally, Hank easily defeated East with a 21-12 win.
In the semifinals, Sutherland defeated West and Hank defeated Stambaugh. Both games were won by margins of 21-14
Unlike the other rounds, the championship was a best out of three series to 15 points. Although Hank won the first game, Sutherland rallied to win the final two and become the volleyball champions.
Podium
1st Place – Sutherland is in it to win it. This house has been playing to win all year and it shows. After many podium placements across different events this year, Sutherland is a major contender to win it all.
2nd Place – Hank is here to play. Like Sutherland, this house has podium placement across a variety of events. This house has been one of the best in athletics, so it is no surprise they made the podium one last time.
Looking Forward
Volleyball was the last major event of the Commons Cup. While the year-long Sustainability Challenge still has a few weeks left in it, the competition is just about over. Although we do not know exactly who will win, there appear to be some front runners.
There are four houses that have had three or more podium placements (among those tracked in previous Commons Cupdates this year). Crawford placed 3rd during Sustainability Week and Spring Trivia, and the house won the Table Tennis Tournament. West tied for 1st in Kickball and won the Jug decorating contest and Spring Trivia. Sutherland also tied for 1st in Kickball and had wins in Sustainability Week and Spring Trivia. Finally, Hank took 3rd in Kickball; 2nd in Sustainability Week and Volleyball; and won Ultimate Frisbee, Pool, and the Pull Tab Competition.
What we see here may not tell the full story. Houses that consistently miss the podium may have outperformed those that did really well in some events and poorly in others. The Dean of the Ingram Commons Office also keeps the results of certain events and how points are calculated secret. We will just have to wait until the official Commons Cup Announcement to find out for sure.
MCL Top 5 Picks I Regret in My March Madness Bracket
March Madness: it’s the magical season when we all realize we are master sports analysts, declare to the world our infallible tournament predictions, . . . and then proceed to scream at the TV for three weeks straight. Like many of you, I crafted an amazing bracket. Although no one has ever come close to making a perfect bracket, it has to happen sometime, right? I knew this year would be the one, and the first perfect bracket would – of course – be mine. That was until Michigan upset Colorado State during the first game on the first day of the first round. So to all my fellow amateur analysts out there, I share with you my Top Five largest regrets in my March Madness Bracket. If you managed to avoid these errors, congratulations, and if not, take solace in the fact that you’re not alone.
5. Overestimating Auburn
I thought taking Auburn to the Elite Eight would be a good idea given the season they had. It seems they may have peaked a little too early. After an 18 point loss to Miami on Sunday, I wish I had knocked the Tigers out of my bracket a little sooner.
4. Taking South Dakota State to My Sweet Sixteen
I know. I should have known better than selecting a 13 seed to advance that far. Miracle runs for bottom-ranked teams are possible (look at St. Peter’s for example), but predicting exactly when and where they will occur requires greater precision than my strategy of semi-informed guessing can provide. The worst part is that I doubt the Jackrabbits’ defeat will do anything to stop me from making this same mistake next year.
3. Underestimating Houston and Purdue
I definitely missed the mark on these two. I had UAB knocking out Houston in the first round and Texas knocking out Purdue in the second. After watching the tournament unfold, I think both of these teams have a lot of fight left in them and a solid chance of advancing further. Houston is coming off a commanding win against Illinois and faces an Arizona team that struggled to fend off TCU. Purdue is in even better shape as they are now the top seed in the East and face 15 seed St. Peters in the Sweet Sixteen.
2. Taking Loyola to My Elite Eight
Can you blame me for this one? It’s usually fairly safe to assume that Loyola will make a run in the tournament. Even though it wasn’t technically an upset, I was shocked when Loyola got knocked out during the first round (and by a double digit loss nonetheless). Even with my (misplaced) confidence in this team, Elite Eight still seems like it may have been a bit too far.
1. Taking Kentucky to the Championship Game
We all knew this one would be here. St. Peter’s upset against Kentucky busted far more brackets than just mine, but that loss on the first day still hurts. The worst part is, when I picked my bracket, I actually considered the fact that St. Peter’s might upset Kentucky, but then said to myself “That’s ridiculous. Kentucky will be fine.” To be clear, I’m not mad I picked Kentucky to win that game (those upsets are too rare to try to predict); I’m disappointed that in spite of my concerns, I still took Kentucky to be the runner up of the whole tournament.
CommonsCast Episode 99-March 23, 2022
Dean Melissa Gresalfi shares some of the amazing things to do outside in Nashville, Elizabeth delivers this week’s Commons Calendar of upcoming events, and Richard sits down for a great interview with his fellow MCL producer Daniel Sak, a first-year student from the Metro Detroit area studying HOD, Communications, and Political Science.
MCL News Minute-March 23, 2022
Cheryl has the info you need to navigate a very busy week ahead on campus, with details about the Women in STEM Symposium, the Melodores Spring Concert, Cafe Con Leche, and much more!
Commons Conversations-Episode 15, “Another Round of Getting Courses (or at least trying to)”
It is about to be that time again! Class registration is fast approaching, and to help give you insight on how to tackle it like a pro for next semester, Maria and Stephan have some advice and reminders.
MCL Top 5: Places I visited in NYC
The Big Apple is quite the common destination Commodores like to visit during breaks. Spring break was the second time I went to the city, and from my most recent trip, I will highlight the top 5 places I visited. (PS I took all these photos 😉 )
5. The MET
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of those places you have to visit while in NYC. To put it lightly, it is a castle of history and culture that immerses you into another time with its artifacts. Everything is so captivating that you may find yourself staying here for hours at a time. And to show appreciation for all the art, you can always donate to the museum to support its mission.
4. Brooklyn Bridge
This bridge features some of the best views of NYC as you walk above the East River. The walk may consist of a beach-like breeze, giving you a perfect chance for the Marilyn Monroe moment of your dreams. The near hour-long walk will be nothing short of dreamy; there will always be something spectacular to see.
3. Central Park
For one of the best ways to reconnect with nature while in the city, Central Park features an extensive landscape adventure that is bicycle-friendly and even has a skating rink! This park is another extraordinary place for catching a breathtaking view of Manhattan. You’ll feel like you are in another world.
2. Chelsea Market
If you want to eat good (and I mean reeeal good), Chelsea Market is the place to be. It features a wide array of dining options along with shops for tiny, pretty things you may want to collect. My personal favorite restaurant was Los Tacos (featured above). Those tacos truly changed my life from the first bite.
1. Hudson Yards
What better place to splurge than at one of the most elegant spots in NYC, featuring plenty of name-brand companies to explore? I did spend a little more than I expected coming here, but I was far from disappointed with my purchases. This place is your one chance to revamp your wardrobe. And remember, no sales tax on clothes!