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MCL Top Five

Top 5: Things I Will Miss About Commons

April 23, 2022 by Elizabeth Ebhogiaye

Photo by Pixabay

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

Filed Under: Features, MCL Top Five

MCL Top 5: Best Parts of Commons Ball!

April 19, 2022 by Devin Laye

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:


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.


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.


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!


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!


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…


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

Filed Under: Features, MCL Top Five

MCL Top 5: Moments of Harambee

April 19, 2022 by Stephan Bellamy

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.)

Filed Under: Features, MCL Top Five

MCL Top 5 Things to do Instead of Studying for Finals

April 19, 2022 by Daniel Sak

The end is near but there is still a lot to do. Papers’ due dates a hurling towards us and finals are less than two weeks away. It is going to be a long few weeks, and all of us could use a break from studying every once in a while. So whether you are procrastinating or taking a “well-deserved break,” here are the MCL Top 5 Things to do Instead of Studying for your finals.

1. Party at Rites of Spring

This Friday and Saturday April 22 and 23, the biggest event of the year will be held on Alumni Lawn. Artists like 2 Chainz, Miguel, Waka Flocka Flame, and more will be preforming right here on campus. This is an event you better be sure not to miss.

2. Attend the Commons Ball

Here’s another event this weekend that is worth stopping by. This year’ Botanical Ball will be held on Commons Lawn on Sunday April 24 from 7-10 PM. Make sure to check it out.

3. Go Somewhere You’ve Never Gone Before

Most of us only have a few weeks left on campus before we head home for the summer. If you need a break from studying, do some exploring. Whether it is on campus or around Nashville, there are still plenty of new and interesting places to find.

4. Watch the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

No, this isn’t an actual spelling bee; it’s a musical being preformed by Vanderbilt Off Broadway this weekend. If you still feel like you want more to do during the weekend before the final week of classes, this would be a great thing to go see.

5. Use Up Your Meal Money

It’s now or never folks. Whatever meal money you have left, spend it up because whatever you don’t use before the end of the year will be gone. Not to mention, there is nothing like a good meal to refresh you for several more hours of studying.

Filed Under: Features, MCL Top Five, Opinion

MCL Top 5: Fits from Vandy Vanity

April 12, 2022 by Stephan Bellamy

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!)

Filed Under: Features, MCL Top Five

MCL Top 5 Things to do Before the End of the Year

April 5, 2022 by Daniel Sak

It may be hard to believe, but we only have one month left in our 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.

Filed Under: Features, MCL Top Five, Opinion

Top 5 Cleanses To Go On

March 29, 2022 by Elizabeth Ebhogiaye

Photo by Keegan Houser from Pexels

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 (:

Filed Under: Features, MCL Top Five

MCL Top 5 Picks I Regret in My March Madness Bracket

March 22, 2022 by Daniel Sak

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.

Filed Under: MCL Top Five, Opinion

MCL Top 5: Places I visited in NYC

March 15, 2022 by Stephan Bellamy

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!

Filed Under: MCL Top Five

MCL Top 5: Memories From The Emerald Isle

March 15, 2022 by Devin Laye

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.


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.


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.


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.


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.

Filed Under: Features, MCL Top Five

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