It was the Monday after Spring Break. My alarm was screaming at me to wake up at 7:30 am and I was in major distress. I wanted nothing more than to turn to my left, turn off my alarm and go back to the wonderful world of dreams and sleep. However, I got up and walked myself to class… a little less than enthusiastic for the first day of school after Spring Break. I thought after a week-long break I would feel fresh and rejuvenated, ready to bounce back into the finish line of my freshman year: work hard these next couple of weeks and crush my finals. However, after my second class I was beginning to experience what I had somehow successfully managed to dodge the entirety of this academic year: academic burnout. I was already dreading the homework load for tonight. A headache was approaching at the mere thought of opening my computer to read my assigned readings. Checking off my academic to-do list was going to require a lot more effort and grit than usual. Despite my homework taking much longer than usual and my slight inability to stay focused while studying, I still managed to get everything done. I know this week is going to be tough, but I plan to incentivize myself to keep me motivated (treating myself to Starbucks on Wednesday). For people out there that are experiencing a similar struggle to mine, I urge you to give yourself some grace and push through. You got this.
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MCL Top 5: Things To Do Before The End Of The Year
It may be hard to believe, but there’s only have one month left in your Freshman Year. Whether it feels like the clock is ticking down too quickly or not quickly enough, one thing is for certain: the end is near. So with the year coming to a close, here are the MCL Top 5 things you should do before the school year comes to an end.
5. Go to a House Event
When your house has an event every week, it can be easy to take it for granted; however, house events are an experience unique to residential colleges. While some of you many have managed to get into a res college next year, these next few weeks may be our last chances to go to a house event for a while. Especially with some houses doing big end-of-the-year events, this is the perfect time to take a break and enjoy some food in the company of your housemates.
4. Plan Your Classes Longterm
This one may not sound as fun as the others on this list, but it is a MUST DO before the school year comes to a close. This year, class registration was a whirlwind. Between getting used to life in college and being the last to pick our classes, just getting enough classes to reach the 12 credit hour minimum was a feat worth celebrating. Many of us did not even know what our majors would be: of course scheduling was going to be a struggle. But now, much of that has changed. Most of us have settled into our (tentative) majors, and we are no longer at the bottom of the totem pole in class selection. This is the perfect time to figure out not only which classes you will take in the fall, but also future semesters. This may seem daunting, but if you are in the major that is truly right for you, looking at your future classes will make you look forward to the future, not dread it.
3. Take a Walk
I have said it before and I will say it again: we live on a beautiful campus. Now that the weather is getting really nice, it is a perfect time to get outside and appreciate your surroundings. When most of us leave in May, we will not get to see these grounds again until August. Enjoy campus while you are still here.
2. Use Your Meal Money
Use it or lose it. Meal Money resets at the end of the year, so make sure to use it all up. Try something new, or go to Jeni’s for the 100th time: it does not matter. Whatever it is that you like to eat, treat yourself. Just make sure to enjoy your time and get some good meals.
1. Do that one last thing
We all have that one thing we have been telling ourselves we should do. This one will be different for each of us. It could mean finally going to a baseball game or the meeting of a certain club. It could be a personal goal that you keep putting off. It does not have to be something big. For me, it was lying outside in a hammock. For a few months now, I have owned a hammock, and I kept telling myself I would put it up and lie in it one day. Last week I finally did it, and it felt amazing. Whatever your “hammock” is, go for it.
MCL Top 5: Non-Mandatory Things I’ll Be Doing Before Spring Break
Spring break is fast approaching, and I couldn’t be happier about it! It’s certainly been a long few weeks, so I very much welcome the opportunity to relax for a full week. That being said, there’s quite a lot to get done before then (such as hiding all your contraband in the closet—I mean, taking out the trash so that you don’t get fined). But all that’s boring stuff, and I’m sure you all have read your emails. Instead, here’s five non-mandatory things I’ll be doing before spring break to prepare for my week back at home!
5. Using all my swipes
Look, I won’t proclaim to be the best about using every last one of my swipes every week, but for some reason I get much more motivated to do so right before breaks. If you see me struggling to hold four bottles of water and 12 bags of chips at the same time, no you don’t.
4. Making a list of food to eat once I’m back home
Donkatsu, soondubu, sushi… Whoops, got ahead of myself there. But wow am I excited to eat some good food without having to spend $20. My mouth is already watering at the thought.
3. Packing up (most) of my winter clothes
It’s certainly been deceptively warm these days! I say deceptively, because we all know Tennessee weather is horrible and it’ll definitely get cold again at some point in the semester. But still, I probably won’t need all of the sweaters and jackets I have, so I’ll be taking them home to free up some closet space. The only issue is how I’ll fit all of it in my suitcase…
2. Going to the Boba Bar
Is anybody even surprised at this point? I go to this place religiously. Even some of the bus drivers recognize me now. I’m not addicted, I swear. I just kinda can’t stop thinking about their boba when I’m at home is all. Yup! Perfectly normal.
1. Doing my work in advance
I’ve saved the most depressing for last! I will be doing lots of work this week and I hate it!! Why is there so much stuff due at the end of this week. And the beginning of the week after break. And all the time. There is constantly something to do. Benjamin Franklin said that nothing is certain except death and taxes, but he forgot the third certainty of unending work. There is no escape.
Well, that’s all I’ve got for now! I hope everybody has a wonderful spring break! I, for one, will definitely enjoy ignoring the fact that I have three exams the week I get back. Toodles!
A Break-Up Letter to My High School Self
As I’m growing older and moving farther away from my past self, I feel like I need some closure with the girl that got me from age fourteen to eighteen. She did me well, and she’ll always be a friend of mine. But for moving forward, we won’t be together. It’s for the best.
Dear high school self,
You did well, I’ll start with that. On the surface, you were fully in control. You seemed to have the perfect life: you loved school, succeeded at anything you put your mind to, and were always talking to someone new. Looking back with rose-tinted glasses, sometimes I get jealous of you. But deep down, I know nothing was ever enough for you. Sometimes I wonder if I’m enough to you. Behind each smile, you were thinking of ways of how to improve and trying to hide everything you hated about yourself.
I want you to know that you’re beautiful. Part of the reason why we’re breaking up is because of that. I’m tired of looking at photos of you and comparing you to myself. I’m tired of competing with you. As I’ve gotten older, I have grown away from you. I hate constantly being reminded of that. It shouldn’t be an insult to not look like you. I’m different from you now.
I’m not walking away from you because you did anything wrong. I’m leaving you because the longer I stay with you, the more I won’t be able to accept my new self. All I’ll be able to do is be insecure about how different we look from each other.
Even though I’m leaving you, I want to say thank you. I wouldn’t be at my dream school if it wasn’t for you. You worked hard for me. That being said, we’ve outgrown each other.
Even though I’m leaving you, I don’t want to be sad. I’m welcoming in someone new into my life. She’s got some similarities with you, but don’t be fooled… she’s a completely new woman.
She’s been camera shy lately, because she’s scared she won’t be as pretty as you. She was afraid she wouldn’t have as many friends as you. She was hoping she could be close to as happy as you were.
But she doesn’t deserve to be in hiding anymore. Though it took some time, she is happier than you were. She’s met new people and learned so many amazing things. I know you would be proud of her.
I would like to formally introduce you to my college self. She’s more confident in herself, has so many new stories, and when she speaks up, she demands to be heard.
Like I said, she’s a whole new woman. So I’ll have to say goodbye to you in order to fully welcome her (I hope you can understand). For now, you’ll still be a friend. And I can assure you, it’s not me it’s you.
Thanks for everything,
Abbey
SEC Indoor Track and Field Championships: My Experience
Hi, I’m Santana and this past weekend I competed in the SEC indoor track and field championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Here’s how it went!
The Vanderbilt track and field team had officially taken over the Nashville International Airport. Well, not really…but we had practically invaded the airport Starbucks. We were on the way to SEC Indoor Championships and had all decided to fuel up with some Starbucks drinks. As I sat down in the gate with my teammates and sipped on my iced matcha latte with oat milk, I was bouncing with excitement (or maybe it was the caffeine???) for the four day competition trip.
Although the entire trip was an amazing experience and very fun, the first half of my days in Fayetteville were filled with nerves, drinking lots of water and electrolytes, and being disciplined about my meals, schoolwork, and focus. In the first two days of the trip I had to drink a ton of water to keep myself properly hydrated before my race. I was extra intentional about consuming healthy meals, even though the hotel cookie skillet with cinnamon ice cream (mouthwatering, right?) was incredibly tempting. When I wasn’t at the track preparing for my race, I was in the hotel room doing homework. Although I was tired of drinking water, intensely craving some dessert, and wanted to just sit down and scroll through tik tok, I knew my sacrifices would all be worth it. And they were. I ran a personal best and made major improvements in my race. I could finally order that hotel skillet cookie dessert, de-stress, and cheer on my teammates. Throughout the rest of the trip I was able to explore Arkansas with my teammates and even go to Lululemon! However, I still had to study and do homework, which was assisted by several delicious strawberry matcha lattes our hotel had in the lobby.
While being a student-athlete can be difficult, it’s times like these, where you spend time with your wonderful teammates, celebrate everyone’s accomplishments, and share some airport Starbucks, that makes everything so, so worth it.
MCL Top 5: Things To Do While the Weather is Nice
Nashville’s weather is out of wack– tell us something we don’t know. However, we’ve had an abnormally warm winter this year, so here are some things you can do to further enjoy it.
1. Work Outside
Hey it’s technically still Winter and it’s not snowing and the sun’s been making frequent appearances, so be sure to take advantage of this perfect opportunity to get some fresh air.
2. Walk around Hillsboro Village
With Hillsboro Village not being a far walk from Commons, it makes a nice day trip with friends or on your own. Maybe do a little shopping, get some food or see a movie at the Belcourt– whatever fits your mood.
3. Take a Trip to Broadway
If you have yet to see Broadway at night, now’s your chance to right that wrong! While some of the places are 21+, there are plenty of options for you and your friends to enjoy such as the Legendary Milkshake Bar or the Wildhorse Saloon (just make sure they’re open first).
4. Stargaze
This one is for the night owls. On a clear night, you’re actually able to see the stars because there isn’t much ambient light. This would be the perfect setting for a soothing playlist, late-night convo, or maybe just thinking.
5. Visit Centennial Park
While parts of it are under construction, Centennial Park is still a beautiful place to visit. You’ll be able to get some exercise in, too.
MCL Humor/Satire Feature: Breaking News: Nashville Zoo Reveals that Vanderbilt University Will be its Newest Exhibit
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — An interactive experience is coming to Nashville sooner than you may expect.
In an unprecedented move, Vanderbilt University has partnered with the Nashville Zoo to bring their newest exhibit to life. Tour groups on Vanderbilt’s campus will now have the opportunity to stare blankly at real-life college students in their natural habitat.
This exciting educational opportunity provides a great insight into the fascinating walking habits of college students, and administrators from both organizations have expressed their gratitude towards the student body for their generous tuition payments that helped fund this exhibit.
In addition to the mesmerizing encounters with actual, literal, bona fide college students, this experience allows guests to block all the walkways on campus and get a feel for the many offerings they can take advantage of once they sell their soul to the Chancellor and agree to become a part of the exhibit themself.
A spokesperson for Vanderbilt University has emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “These uncomfortable, behind-the-scenes encounters are crucial in establishing a connection between Vanderbilt and the outside world. By allowing random people to stare at students as they walk by, we hope to cause interactions that will help foster an appreciation and care for our students across the world.”
To be clear, I have nothing against tour groups as a concept, but it is a bit awkward how they all stare at you the same way as you walk by. And the bridge bottleneck…….
The ABC’s of VU
We all know our ABC’s — it’s the first thing we learn in kindergarten. The alphabet is the foundation on which language, literacy, and education build.
Similarly, the ABC’s of Vanderbilt University are crucial for every new Vandy student to learn. Keep on reading to learn the A-Z list of what you need to know about Vanderbilt culture.
A – Anchor Down
“Anchor Down!” A friendly greeting amongst Vanderbilt students, a way to show school spirit, and a symbol paying homage to our Commodore pride. Simply make the letters “V U” with your thumb, index, and middle finger (which also conveniently doubles as the shape of an anchor), and get ready to anchor down!
B – Blair
Blair School of Music is one of Vanderbilt’s four undergraduate schools. From music performance to composition to jazz studies and more, Blair is filled to the brim with talent!
C – Commons
The Commons is Vanderbilt’s “freshman campus,” so to speak. Made up of ten residence halls called houses, Commons is an introductory type of living/learning community that helps first-year students transition to college and life away from home.
D – Diermeier
Dr. Daniel Diermeier actively serves as the ninth chancellor of Vanderbilt University. Born and raised in Germany, Diermeier was a first-generation college graduate. Before starting his position at Vanderbilt in 2020, Diermeier worked in a variety of higher education institutions, including Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Chicago.
E – E-Scooters
The infamous E-Scooters… if you haven’t had to dodge being run over by one, can you even call yourself a true Vanderbilt student? We all might be subconsciously jealous of the convenience of zipping across campus effortlessly rather than walking, but that doesn’t stop us from uniting in the universal disdain for e-scooter riders.
F – Free Laundry
Thanks to a VSG (Vanderbilt Student Government) initiative in 2020, we now enjoy the luxury of free laundry in residence halls across campus! No more collecting countless rolls of quarters to ensure you’ll have clean clothes to wear.
G – Greek Life
About 43% of Vanderbilt’s undergraduate student body belongs to Greek organizations, including sororities and fraternities. Rush, Greek Row, parties, and tailgates are all staples of Greek Life, and you’re sure to find evidence of these aspects on Vanderbilt’s campus.
H – Hawkins Field
Home to the VandyBoys baseball team, Hawkins Field holds up to 3,700 spectators. As a Division I team in the SEC, the VandyBoys are an extremely competitive team. Just a few of their many successes include five College World Series appearances and two National Championships.
I – Immersion Vanderbilt
Immersion Vanderbilt is a graduation requirement that encourages experiential learning, curiosity, and exploration. The four pillars of Immersion are experience, reflect, ideate, and create. Each student must choose to fulfill their Immersion requirement through one of the following: civic/professional development, creative expression, international experience, or research.
J – James Patterson
Did you know that James Patterson received his master’s degree in English from Vanderbilt? Patterson is a popular author especially known for his novels in the suspense-thriller/mystery genre. James Patterson has sold over 230 million books worldwide, and he has earned his spot as one of the wealthiest authors of all time.
K – Kissam
Kissam Center, conveniently located adjacent to Warren & Moore College Halls, has everything a college student could possibly need: a Munchie Mart, a dining hall, seating areas, seminar rooms, event spaces, and more! Kissam Kitchen is a campus-wide favorite for their açai bowls and made-to-order Kissam bowls.
L – Libraries
The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries offer nine locations across campus including Central Library, Eskind Biomedical Library, Peabody Library, Stevenson Library for Science and Engineering, and more. Central Library even has a Suzie’s Cafe, making it one of the favorite locales on campus. If you’re ever looking for a quiet place where you’ll undoubtedly be productive, the libraries are perfect for you!
M – Mr. C
Mr. C (short for Mr. Commodore) is our beloved mascot here at Vanderbilt. Ranked among the Top 3 “Sexiest College Mascots in America” according to a survey conducted by QualityLogoProducts, Mr. C is most certainly a fan favorite!
N – NashVegas
As we all know, Vanderbilt is located in the dynamic city of Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville, more lovingly called “NashVegas” by our students, offers endless opportunities for restaurants, shopping, live music, fun, and so much more. Especially on the weekends, NashVegas is a non-stop party!
O – OHARE (Office of Housing and Residential Experience)
With the residential experience as an integral part of life at Vanderbilt, OHARE works to ensure that our living communities are inclusive, comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Whether you’re living on the Commons, in a Residential College, or part of a Living Learning Community (LLC), OHARE is behind the scenes to create a smooth housing process.
P – Peabody
Peabody College is Vanderbilt’s School of Education, which is actually ranked #1 in the country! The Peabody campus is located right next to Commons, so the Peabody Esplanade is a great spot to set out a picnic blanket and enjoy the sun with friends. One of the most famous buildings on campus, Wyatt Center (the building with the dome) is a beautiful, picture-perfect addition to campus.
Q – Quarter-Zip
The quarter-zip is one of the most popular articles of clothing sported on Vanderbilt’s campus. With a preppy vibe and an athletic twist, quarter-zips are comfortable while still maintaining the air of “Southern Charm.” Every Vanderbilt student owns at least one quarter-zip with the school logo… sorry, I don’t make the rules.
R – Rand
Rand is a dining hall attached to Sarratt Student Center, right at the heart of Main Campus. Although Rand is only open for breakfast and lunch on weekdays, there are many food options to choose from. Chicken Shack, Fresh Mex, Randwiches, Mongolian Grill, 2301… the choice lies in your hands now.
S – Stevenson Center
Stevenson Center (which houses STEM classrooms, offices, research labs, and a library) is widely regarded as the most confusing building on Vanderbilt’s campus. I don’t know who decided how to number the different buildings within the center, but inexperienced souls who wander into this labyrinth get easily lost and might never emerge.
T – Todd Chemistry
I personally think Dr. Todd is a gem, but her class is no joke. Gen Chem is notoriously hard at Vanderbilt, and students all across campus dread the prospect of tackling this course.
U – UCC (University Counseling Center)
As the main center for mental health care on campus, the UCC offers both drop-in hours and scheduled appointments. If you’ve never worked with the UCC before, it’s important to first schedule an appointment with the OSCC (Office of Student Care Coordination).
V – VUceptor
The VUcept program is a mentorship organization that matches each incoming first-year student to a faculty VUceptor, a student VUceptor, and a Visions group. This program serves to introduce new Commodores to the Vanderbilt community and help them through the transition from life at home to college.
W – Wond’ry
The Wond’ry is Vanderbilt’s Center for Innovation, located in the ESB (Engineering and Sciences Building). The Wond’ry offers a variety of different makerspaces with resources such as 3D-printing, virtual reality labs, workshops, and more that allow creativity to come to life. If you have an idea, the Wond’ry will help you make it a tangible reality.
X – Xfinity On Campus
Xfinity On Campus is available through OHARE, allowing students to stream live TV, watch on demand, and even access HBO Max. Just log into Xfinity using their “On Campus Students” sign-in portal, and you’re good to go!
Y – Y‘all
If you haven’t slipped this Southern classic into your vernacular, can you even claim to go to a Nashville, Tennessee based school? This fits every situation, like “did y’all have fun at Commons Ball?”, or “Y’all, I am struggling this week”, or our personal favorite, “All y’all need to be checking out MyCommons Life every week”.
Z – Zeppos Tower
Named after former chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos, Zeppos Tower is a famous landmark part of the Zeppos Residential College. The tower is easy to spot all across West End, almost serving as a lighthouse that guides our students back home. Although undergraduate students don’t have access to Zeppos Tower, seeing the view from the top is on every Vandy student’s bucket list.
A Changed Woman: What Waking Up Early Has Done for Me
Rushing to brush my teeth, barely having enough time to do my hair, my legs burning as I half speed-walk and half jog to class…these were how my typical mornings went in the beginning of the semester. One day, as I sat in my Nutrition class, chest heaving from attempting to make it to class on time (which failed), I realized this rushed and exhausting lifestyle just wasn’t for me. I needed to wake up earlier. The next day I woke up for my 9:05 class at 7:46. I was a changed woman. I was never going back to waking up thirty minutes before my class starts again.
Waking up early has been life-changing. I now have time to do my full morning routine, and even make a morning matcha latte (some days) . I’m no longer tumbling out of bed and stomping into my poor slippers to make a beeline to the bathroom. It’s relieving to take my time and actually breathe as I get myself ready in the morning. I even purchased an ice roller to implement into my skincare routine. I now look forward to ice-rolling my face in the morning, which gives me extra motivation to wake-up early. Instead of inhaling a protein bar on my walk to class for breakfast, I now have time to sit down and eat at Commons or Rand. No more embarrassing stomach growling interrupting class lectures. Walking to class is now peaceful and therapeutic, not a cardio workout anymore.
Setting my alarm for 7:30 in the morning has honestly brought me so much joy in the past two weeks. Yes, I still have days when I want to press snooze and get some extra sleep, but I love that I can start my day with a lot more tranquility and a lot less stress.
MCL Photo Feature: Round Animal Appreciation
Okay, the title is slightly misleading—this article’s mostly about squirrels. I mean, how could it not be that way? There’s just so many more of them than anything else here (including all of us students, according to rumors). Anyways, I think the best part of this campus is all the chunky animals that I get to encounter on my walks across campus. They give this place so much life, and frankly, I think it would be a lot more depressing without them here. Now, I don’t claim to be a great photographer in the least, but I’ve gotten a few shots that always make me smile when I look at them. And this is important! I’ve had a busy few weeks, so anything that lifts my spirit is quite welcome. If you’re also in need of a pick-me-up, I hope this helps you out. Without further ado, here are some small, (mostly) rotund friends!
And because I couldn’t help it, here are some photos of my favorite good girl 😀
Alright, that’s all I’ve got for now, but perhaps I’ll do one of these again once finals season rolls around. Only two-thirds of the semester to go! We’ve got this, everybody. See ya next week!