MCL Top Five

All good things must come to an end! I can not believe that our freshman year is practically over! I remember move-in day like it was yesterday: throwing all my Command Strip Hooks in the trash because they couldn’t hold up a single decoration. Going to Walmart with my parents to buy nails to push into the walls. (Shhhhhh…don’t tell OHARE!) Pushing my parents out of the dorm once we were done, and last but not least, looking forward to the new and exciting year ahead. With that being said…let’s take a walk down memory lane!

5. The newness of everything

When you live in a new place on your own for the first time away from your parents, your life changes! Plus, the people you are living with are also excited to make new friends, try new things, and find themselves without things from their past holding them back. It is the most liberating thing. There is nothing like it.

4. Commons itself

From the dining hall options to the many spaces to study, we were all so lucky to have a building like Commons right next door made specifically for us.

3. My Commons Life, duh!!!

Making content for you all has been a dream come true. I am so glad I joined the My Commons Life family when I did. I have received nothing but support from my fellow My Commons Lifers, and for that, I am extremely grateful.

2. Having upperclassmen ask me, “You’re a freshman?!?!?!”

It’s weird when people not that much older than you are surprised with the way you carry yourself. It’s like they expected us to act like children, hahaha! I guess it just proves that we are exceeding people’s expectations, so go us!

1. My dorm!!

My room has been my sanctuary from the storm. From my unbelievably soft bed (thank you mattress topper!), to my view of the Nashville skyline from outside my window, and my floormates who have now become some of my best friends, I AM GOING TO MISS THIS PLACE SO MUCH!

I can confidently say that this has been the best year of my life! Thank you all for making my freshman year one to remember, especially the rest of the My Commons Life family. I will never forget the memories we made together and the fun we had! Years in the future, I will look back on all of this with joy, humor, and fondness. *Thinks to self, “Wow, that was really poetic, Elizabeth!”*

Anyway, I will see EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU next fall! Happy Summer! (:

Love,

Elizabeth

The best Commons event of the year is finally here — the Botanical Ball is this Sunday, April 24th, from 7:00pm to 10:00pm!

Commons Ball is an annual tradition planned by the Ingram Commons HPAC Presidents. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year marks the first Commons Ball since 2020. A Commons Ball is long overdue, and for many of our current first-year students, we also missed out on landmark dances in high school like prom, homecoming, and formals. With all of these factors combined, the Botanical Ball is a more special, monumental Commons Ball than ever.

One meal swipe is all you need for admission to the Ball. Cocktail attire is suggested, but you are free to come dressed however you feel most comfortable. All Vanderbilt students are welcome, but we are especially excited to extend an enthusiastic invitation to the Class of 2025. We hope to see all of our fellow first-years there!

This event is sure to be a ball (haha, pun intended!). Although there are countless activities and fun aspects to enjoy, I’ve selected the Top 5 things about Commons Ball that you should look forward to:

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1. The Presidents’ Dance

I might be biased, but The Presidents’ Dance is sure to be an iconic moment that will go down in Commons history. We’ve been practicing for months, and we’re fully prepared to throw it back on the dance floor. To celebrate the Botanical Ball hosts who have put so much time and effort into making Commons Ball great, come support the presidents as we either embarrass ourselves irreparably or succeed in legendary triumph.

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2. Delicious Food

I guarantee you: this will be the best food you will have on Vanderbilt’s campus this year. With shrimp cocktails on an ice sculpture, perfectly crisp bruschetta, savory charcuterie, lively mocktails, a rolling plethora of desserts, and so much more, your taste buds will be transported to a flavorful paradise.

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3. Mechanical Bull

Breaking News — a wild bull has invaded the beautiful garden! Although we’ll be enjoying an elegant Botanical Ball, what better way to get your adrenaline pumping than to take on the raving Mechanical Bull? It won’t be easy, but I feel confident that some of our Garden Gallivanters will prevail!

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4. Botanical Beaux Arts

If dancing, mini golf, and a mechanical bull aren’t your forte, there will be plenty of opportunities to unleash your creative side with the Botanical Beaux Arts! Commemorate the night by painting a pot and building your own succulent to go inside. Or, you can build a custom mosaic to place in your window and catch sunlight colorfully. If you’re a fan of art but don’t want to create it yourself, check out the caricature artist who will turn your portrait into a masterpiece. No matter your preferred medium, enjoy a garden-themed keepsake to remind you of the Botanical Ball for years to come!

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5. Commons Cup Winner Reveal

We’ve been competing all year — from ultimate frisbee to trivia to soda-can tabs… Now, it’s finally time to reveal the winner of the esteemed Commons Cup! Even if your house doesn’t win the whole Commons Cup, perhaps they won in a specific category (Academics, Community Engagement, Service, or Athletics). Alternatively, maybe your house won a superlative or character award. Who knows? I guess you’ll just have to come to Commons Ball on Sunday (April 24th) to find out…

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Disclaimer: Devin Laye, the author of this piece, is the President of Murray House and helped plan Commons Ball.

Recently, the ASU hosted the Harambee event, a cultural showcase with this year’s theme of “The Power of Words.” This year also marks the 21st anniversary of Harambee at Vanderbilt, and though all the performances were breathtaking, I have gathered my top 5 moments that made the night unforgettable.

5. Vibe

Here’s one way to kick off the showcase! Vibe filled the atmosphere with energy; one could not help but feel the need to march with the beat, even from one’s seat. The silhouettes, as with other sections, were also phenomenal! Every outfit, every movement, everything told a story.

4. Nijala

Nijala became an immersive experience with African culture embedded in just about every detail. The program itself was so pleasing to the eye that Harambee had it featured multiple times throughout the show. Oh, and I cannot forget to mention that a fellow member of MCL is part of this masterpiece. Everyone say hello to Elizabeth in the top right corner!

3. Fashion Show

The Fashion Show included a wide range of striking looks that felt like the elite sequel to Fashion Week! This fashion show was anything but ordinary, with couples and trios adding a fresh taste to the presentation. Even more remarkable were the national flags of African countries that some models represented. The grandeur of it all had me on my feet with excitement and praise.

2. Majorette

One of my all-time favorite dances is majorette, so this category was already going to be one for the books. The sounds of trumpets and other pep-rally instruments brought back a rush of the feeling I often associated with sports like football. Every movement of the dancers captured the finesse that only resides in majorette. (Yes, Elizabeth strikes again on the far right!)

1. The Play

Of course, the play would be the one to string all of Harambee together! “The Power of Words” takes on a deeper meaning with the often comedic dialogues between the cast. Here are some of my favorites (roughly translated).

Introduction. A scene with mother and daughter about some devastating news.
“We are poor, daughter.”
“Wait, res college poor or Highland poor?”
“Highland poor!!!”

Here is a scene where the daughter’s boyfriend is not pleased with the news of her being poor.
“You were only with me so that you can get all this stuff.”
“MATERIAL GIRL!” (A friend on the sidelines).

A cue for heated fight scenes.
“You got the wrong one.”

A classic Nicki Minaj reference.
“Broke people should never laugh!”

Bonus!

I captured so many great shots of Harambee that I had to include a few more pictures! Enjoy all the takes as a condensed representation of Harambee. (PS, another MCL member made it to the camera! You can spot Cheryl in the top-middle picture with her hands raised high.)

In case you missed the premiere of the Vandy Vanity fashion show, I have you covered with my five (technically seven) favorite looks. And let me tell you, they all fit the theme of Our Heavenly Bodies to a T!

5. To the Left, to the Left!

Here bringing you all the sass is the model off-center. This attire is perfect for a night out in style. Also, we see you homegirl in the back! The draped top is the cherry on top of any vacation destination. Or one could keep it classy right at home.

4. Swag from Miss Morningstar

Leave a crowd awestruck with this stellar uniform! From the shoes on up, one could literally steal the night, the stars in the night sky becoming the canvas on which one would wear. While having a fantastic pajama-wear aesthetic, a fit like this can also rule the day with confidence.

3. Made You Look

Starting with the model upfront, we have the perfect apparel for both autumn and spring. The detailed crop top adds a dose of elegance, and with styled pants like these, you cannot help but feel bold and confident. The model in the back may be blurry, but the fit is nonetheless stunning! You cannot go wrong with a fierce tutu, and along with rocking some heels, one is sure to turn some heads.

2. Lights, Camera, Pose

This beige outfit is one for the books! Each intricate detail contributes to this exquisite look that is—ah!—to die for! Even in just one shade, one can rest assured not to be forgettable wearing this, making it perfect for practically any event.

1. One, Two Steppin’ It Up

The final outfit that finishes first is a striking look that gets even better in a pair. The twin models and their masterful pose exhibits how versatile the dress is. One could attend a formal or go about a casual day knowing precisely what it feels like to be ethereal.

Final Words

And that concludes my top five fashion fits from the Vandy Vanity showcase! For more information about the fashion show (and, hopefully, more to come) check out their Instagram @thevandyvanity

(P.S. Vandy Vanity was founded by a fellow first-year, Qwynn Foster! The fashion show was just a 1-minute walk from home, being located on Wyatt Lawn. Now that is what I call the Commons Experience!)

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!

1. 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. (;
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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)
5. 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 (:

Thank goodness for Spring Break! Right when we need it most, it’s always there to save us and rejuvenate us for that final push towards the end of the semester.

For my Spring Break, I decided to go on an adventure to Ireland (also lovingly known as “The Emerald Isle”). Words cannot even describe how beautiful everything was — from rolling green countryside to old stone castles to cliffs towering over undulating ocean below.

Although it’s incredibly difficult to choose just five of my favorite memories, here are some of the top highlights from my Spring Break on the Emerald Isle!

1. The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher completely took my breath away. With crashing waves, 9 miles of cliffs, and blue water that seemed to stretch forever, this is a certainly an experience I will never forget.

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2. Kissing the Blarney Stone

A trip to Ireland would be incomplete without a visit to the Blarney Castle! Legend has it that the famous Blarney Stone is good luck, so turning upside-down and kissing the stone granted me the Gift of Gab.

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3. Glendalough

Glendalough is a beautiful valley with two lakes filled from a glacial melting following the last ice age. In addition to a gorgeous hike in nature, Glendalough is also home to an Early Medieval monastic site.

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4. Jaunting through Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is nestled within the beautiful Ring of Kerry. One morning while staying in Killarney, I woke up at dawn and went jaunting through Killarney National Park! The views were absolutely unreal, and Suzie the Horse made an excellent guide.

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5. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up on Thursday, March 17th, but I had the privilege of visiting this patron saint of Ireland’s very own cathedral in Dublin! The stained glass was incredible, and I learned that the Guinness family (yes, as in the beer…) paid for the restoration of this monumental Gothic cathedral.