This is such a fabulous song...
"River Flows in You," by Yiruma
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Current Obsessions 2.
They say the sequel is never as good as the first, but you guys be the judge. Here's some more current obsessions:
1. Season 2 of "The City," premiering Tuesday, September 29, at 10:30 PM on MTV. The vicious fashion industry rears its ugly head. Better sharpen your claws, Whit...
2. The new Harry Potter theme park, opening at Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida in Spring 2010. New details have just been released, and it looks AWESOME!!
3. The artwork of Marilyn Minter. Her use of light, color, and the juxtapositioning of dirty and clean (in both the literal and figurative sense) is AMAZING.
4. Super-bright nail polish. Who says fall colors have to be dark?
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura
1. Season 2 of "The City," premiering Tuesday, September 29, at 10:30 PM on MTV. The vicious fashion industry rears its ugly head. Better sharpen your claws, Whit...
2. The new Harry Potter theme park, opening at Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida in Spring 2010. New details have just been released, and it looks AWESOME!!
3. The artwork of Marilyn Minter. Her use of light, color, and the juxtapositioning of dirty and clean (in both the literal and figurative sense) is AMAZING.
4. Super-bright nail polish. Who says fall colors have to be dark?
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura
Friday, September 25, 2009
Current Obsessions.
So I tried to post something really fabulous for everyone a couple days ago, but my internet freaked out and no one got to see it! Since I have to get ready to go to Hilton Head and really want you guys to watch some of the videos, etc., here's the basics: I'm obsessed with a lot of random stuff, and right now I have some obsessions that I want to share with all of you. (Click on the hyperlinks to hear songs and watch videos.)
1. Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga. The woman is a genius.
2. Peace. (Watch between 3:23-4:13 to hear my views on world peace and see me as a blonde.)
3. The Dawn Dishsoap commercial, and the song in it. (That little duck at the end is so cute!)
4. "Drip" by Charlotte Martin, and Upstate Carolina Dance Center's performance of it, choreographed by the wonderful Chad McCall, who I have had the privilege of working with.
5. "Chillin" by Wale ft. Lady Gaga. An awesome song.
6. Season 6 of "The Hills," premiering September 29th. I love "The Hills"! I can't wait for it to be back on again! Though I will definitely miss Lauren... :(
7. The What I Wore blog. Jessica Schroeder is my hero.
Well, have fun, gentle readers! I'm off to Hilton Head!
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura
1. Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga. The woman is a genius.
2. Peace. (Watch between 3:23-4:13 to hear my views on world peace and see me as a blonde.)
3. The Dawn Dishsoap commercial, and the song in it. (That little duck at the end is so cute!)
4. "Drip" by Charlotte Martin, and Upstate Carolina Dance Center's performance of it, choreographed by the wonderful Chad McCall, who I have had the privilege of working with.
5. "Chillin" by Wale ft. Lady Gaga. An awesome song.
6. Season 6 of "The Hills," premiering September 29th. I love "The Hills"! I can't wait for it to be back on again! Though I will definitely miss Lauren... :(
7. The What I Wore blog. Jessica Schroeder is my hero.
Well, have fun, gentle readers! I'm off to Hilton Head!
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura
Let's have a chat.
High school and college are two completely different animals.
In high school, it was cool to be bored with the world. You slept in class, complained about going to classes (even if you liked them), rolled your eyes at administrators walking by--you get the picture.
Here in college, things are completely different. Gamecock fans are like rabid, crazed creatures (I'm allowed to say that because I am definitely one of them). Yes, people sometimes skip class, but making a 4.0 makes people worship you. People pay to have lunch with the president. Your professors want to meet you.
As a student, however, I was more than a little intimidated about introducing myself to one of my professors. For that reason, I chose the least intimidating of the bunch--my fashion merchandsing professor, Dr. Sally Hook Boggs. I figured going to her office and talking about what I talk about every day (fashion) was the best way to get my feet wet, so to speak.
So, after my fashion class last Thursday, I went to her office. She wasn't there yet (she was getting breakfast, I assume, or packing her things), so I sat down in a chair outside of her office and nervously flipped through the latest issue of Vogue, which was sitting on a table next to the chair I was in. Unable to concentrate on any of the articles, I simply looked at the editorial spreads.
After about ten minutes, she showed up. Fortunately, another girl was there simply to turn in some things for Fashion Board, so Dr. Boggs was settled when I walked into her office. She invited me to sit down, and asked what she could do for me.
I introduced myself, and I simply said that I wanted to come by and tell her who I was. She asked where I sat in the class and how I was liking Fashion Board. This small introduction quickly turned into a full-blown conversation, talking about everything from studying abroad, what I wanted to do with my degree, and talking about my favorite boutique in 5 Points. I was surprised to learn how much alike we were and how much she was willing to help me!
To anyone else who is planning on meeting their professor, I would tell them to not be nervous. Professors do actually want to meet you and help you! Meeting with Dr. Boggs was definitely a great experience, and I am so glad I did it!
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura
In high school, it was cool to be bored with the world. You slept in class, complained about going to classes (even if you liked them), rolled your eyes at administrators walking by--you get the picture.
Here in college, things are completely different. Gamecock fans are like rabid, crazed creatures (I'm allowed to say that because I am definitely one of them). Yes, people sometimes skip class, but making a 4.0 makes people worship you. People pay to have lunch with the president. Your professors want to meet you.
As a student, however, I was more than a little intimidated about introducing myself to one of my professors. For that reason, I chose the least intimidating of the bunch--my fashion merchandsing professor, Dr. Sally Hook Boggs. I figured going to her office and talking about what I talk about every day (fashion) was the best way to get my feet wet, so to speak.
So, after my fashion class last Thursday, I went to her office. She wasn't there yet (she was getting breakfast, I assume, or packing her things), so I sat down in a chair outside of her office and nervously flipped through the latest issue of Vogue, which was sitting on a table next to the chair I was in. Unable to concentrate on any of the articles, I simply looked at the editorial spreads.
After about ten minutes, she showed up. Fortunately, another girl was there simply to turn in some things for Fashion Board, so Dr. Boggs was settled when I walked into her office. She invited me to sit down, and asked what she could do for me.
I introduced myself, and I simply said that I wanted to come by and tell her who I was. She asked where I sat in the class and how I was liking Fashion Board. This small introduction quickly turned into a full-blown conversation, talking about everything from studying abroad, what I wanted to do with my degree, and talking about my favorite boutique in 5 Points. I was surprised to learn how much alike we were and how much she was willing to help me!
To anyone else who is planning on meeting their professor, I would tell them to not be nervous. Professors do actually want to meet you and help you! Meeting with Dr. Boggs was definitely a great experience, and I am so glad I did it!
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura
Lend a Hand, Part 2.
Middle school has a certain scent to it.
I can't really describe it--but walk into any middle school and you will immediately understand what I'm saying. Middle schools have this scent of cold air and paint and I don't know what else. Whatever that scent is, it takes you back.
Hand Middle School smells like that. When I walked in, I felt like I was 13 again. I felt like I should have braces and glasses and that I should be wearing capri pants and platform sandals and an Aeropostale t-shirt with a monkey on it. What made it even more like middle school was all of the artwork on the walls (I went to an arts middle school). It was almost intimidating, walking into that situation again.
What's more intimidating, though, is the thought of mentoring a girl who is as awkward as I was back then. It's exciting, yes, but it's still kind of scary. What if she doesn't like me? What if I don't like her? There are a million things that could go wrong.
But, as my boyfriend says, there are also a million things that could go right. She and I could really hit it off, and maybe I could really make an impact. I honestly don't care if I personally get anything out of this experience (though I'm sure I will)--I just want my mentee to get something out of it. I want them to be able to trust me and be able to see me as a friend, a sister, or anything else they need.
And so the journey begins...
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura!
I can't really describe it--but walk into any middle school and you will immediately understand what I'm saying. Middle schools have this scent of cold air and paint and I don't know what else. Whatever that scent is, it takes you back.
Hand Middle School smells like that. When I walked in, I felt like I was 13 again. I felt like I should have braces and glasses and that I should be wearing capri pants and platform sandals and an Aeropostale t-shirt with a monkey on it. What made it even more like middle school was all of the artwork on the walls (I went to an arts middle school). It was almost intimidating, walking into that situation again.
What's more intimidating, though, is the thought of mentoring a girl who is as awkward as I was back then. It's exciting, yes, but it's still kind of scary. What if she doesn't like me? What if I don't like her? There are a million things that could go wrong.
But, as my boyfriend says, there are also a million things that could go right. She and I could really hit it off, and maybe I could really make an impact. I honestly don't care if I personally get anything out of this experience (though I'm sure I will)--I just want my mentee to get something out of it. I want them to be able to trust me and be able to see me as a friend, a sister, or anything else they need.
And so the journey begins...
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Lend a Hand.
Now that I've vented about that stupid LASSI test, I can concentrate on more important things...helping out the community.
For this class, we have to go and mentor 6th graders at Hand Middle School. We're just supposed to talk to them, be their friend, and guide them in the right direction, without telling them what to do.
Honestly, I'm really excited about this. My only concern is that my student won't like me. If my 6th grade self met myself today, I don't know that I would like me. This is probably how our conversation would go:
College Laura: Hey! My name is Laura, and I'm just here to hang out with you!
6th Grade Laura: Why are you so perky?
College Laura: I'm just having a great day!
6th Grade Laura: What's so great about it? There's all these annoying people everywhere.
CL: Oh, I'm sure some of them are nice! You must have some friends!
6thGL:Well, yeah...like 6.
CL: Oh...well, you all must be really close!
6thGL: Yeah, I guess. Hey, what's your major?
CL: Fashion merchandising.
6thGL: So like, you'd pay more than $15 for a t-shirt?
CL: Of course!
6thGL: And let me guess...you straighten your hair every day?
CL: Well, yes...
6thGL: And you probably wear Rainbows.
CL: Yes...haha, what's your point?
6thGL: You are so shallow.
CL: Oh...um...*awkward silence*
I remember what it was like to be in middle school. I can remember feeling judged every day and hating the pale skin, frizzy hair, braces, and glasses that I saw in the mirror. Middle school is rough.
My biggest hope for this experience is that I can help a student not feel so alone during this time, and maybe help them find a little bit of themselves in the process. Maybe they'll learn not to judge people. Maybe they'll learn to let their defenses down. Or maybe they'll just see me as a cool older sister. That sounds cheesy, I know, but that's what I would have wanted back then--someone other than my parents to guide me through those dark days.
Also, maybe someone who would have told me that putting feathers in my pigtails wasn't a good look.
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura
For this class, we have to go and mentor 6th graders at Hand Middle School. We're just supposed to talk to them, be their friend, and guide them in the right direction, without telling them what to do.
Honestly, I'm really excited about this. My only concern is that my student won't like me. If my 6th grade self met myself today, I don't know that I would like me. This is probably how our conversation would go:
College Laura: Hey! My name is Laura, and I'm just here to hang out with you!
6th Grade Laura: Why are you so perky?
College Laura: I'm just having a great day!
6th Grade Laura: What's so great about it? There's all these annoying people everywhere.
CL: Oh, I'm sure some of them are nice! You must have some friends!
6thGL:Well, yeah...like 6.
CL: Oh...well, you all must be really close!
6thGL: Yeah, I guess. Hey, what's your major?
CL: Fashion merchandising.
6thGL: So like, you'd pay more than $15 for a t-shirt?
CL: Of course!
6thGL: And let me guess...you straighten your hair every day?
CL: Well, yes...
6thGL: And you probably wear Rainbows.
CL: Yes...haha, what's your point?
6thGL: You are so shallow.
CL: Oh...um...*awkward silence*
I remember what it was like to be in middle school. I can remember feeling judged every day and hating the pale skin, frizzy hair, braces, and glasses that I saw in the mirror. Middle school is rough.
My biggest hope for this experience is that I can help a student not feel so alone during this time, and maybe help them find a little bit of themselves in the process. Maybe they'll learn not to judge people. Maybe they'll learn to let their defenses down. Or maybe they'll just see me as a cool older sister. That sounds cheesy, I know, but that's what I would have wanted back then--someone other than my parents to guide me through those dark days.
Also, maybe someone who would have told me that putting feathers in my pigtails wasn't a good look.
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura
LASSI, not the dog.
If there is one thing I love doing, it's surveys and quizzes.
They can be about anything--"What's your learning style?"
"How was your experience at McDonald's?"
"What Disney Princess are you?"
"What's your actual age?"
You get the idea.
So, because of my penchant for taking quizzes and surveys, I was actually somewhat excited to take the LASSI. The LASSI is a self-survey that rates your study skills, motivation, and various other aspects of your personality. Supposedly, it's a good predictor of how well you will do in college.
After 80 questions regarding how much I enjoy self-testing, taking notes, and staying awake in class, I recieved my results.
And they were complete BS.
I agreed with some of what they said...The test said I was motivated and had a good attitude about school. Those things are true. School is my number one priority--it's why I'm here, after all. It also praised me on my "Information Processing Skills" (my brain works, WOW, good job), my "Concentration" (that year of behavioral therapy paid off), oh, and we musn't forget--I am excellent at "Selecting Main Ideas." (I should certainly hope so. I've been selecting main ideas since what, 1st grade?)
They can be about anything--"What's your learning style?"
"How was your experience at McDonald's?"
"What Disney Princess are you?"
"What's your actual age?"
You get the idea.
So, because of my penchant for taking quizzes and surveys, I was actually somewhat excited to take the LASSI. The LASSI is a self-survey that rates your study skills, motivation, and various other aspects of your personality. Supposedly, it's a good predictor of how well you will do in college.
After 80 questions regarding how much I enjoy self-testing, taking notes, and staying awake in class, I recieved my results.
And they were complete BS.
I agreed with some of what they said...The test said I was motivated and had a good attitude about school. Those things are true. School is my number one priority--it's why I'm here, after all. It also praised me on my "Information Processing Skills" (my brain works, WOW, good job), my "Concentration" (that year of behavioral therapy paid off), oh, and we musn't forget--I am excellent at "Selecting Main Ideas." (I should certainly hope so. I've been selecting main ideas since what, 1st grade?)
But the rest of the test said that I needed to work on my study skills and time management. I completely disagree. I do not need to write my own tests or make flashcards to learn material. I simply go to class, read my notes, and do the assignments. That's what works for me. And as for time management, my schedule changes every day. I can't set out a "block of time every week" to study. Between ballroom, fashion board, and DZ, I'm always doing something different.
According to the LASSI, I should have flunked everything already. But guess what? I have a 4.0.
Stick that in your juice box and suck it, LASSI.
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura
Friday, September 11, 2009
Salke-what? (and various other involvement adventures)
The summer I was 14, I was kidnapped, held against my will, and taken to Piedmont, South Carolina where I was forced to do hard labor for a week.
I loved every minute of it.
It sounds strange, I know, but that summer was the first year that I participated in Salkehatchie Summer Service, a service camp done in South Carolina with the United Methodist Church. Teenagers and young adults go to a town in South Carolina (there are 40 locations across the state) and work on houses in need of repair for a week. The goal is to make the houses safe, warm, and dry, but honestly, there's so much more to it than that.
You get so much more out of the experience than you could ever possibly put into it. You put in blood, sweat, and sometimes tears, but more often smiles. The experience really is indescribable. You start with this old, run-down house that isn't safe or warm or dry. Often times, the homeowners have been praying for years for someone to help them, because they can't pay for repairs themselves. You look at it and think, "How on earth are ten teenagers with no experience going to fix this house in five days?" Yet, in five days, you somehow manage to fix the foundation, put on a new roof, put siding on, paint, and anything else you can think of. After a couple of years, my friends and I started to referring to it as "The Salkehatchie Miracle." (We say that it's like Christmas, only better.)
After my first year, I kept going back. This past summer was my 5th year participating. I kept going back for the people, the experience, and everything about it. The years have just started to feel like time between Salkehatchies. I'm planning on sticking with Salkehatchie until the day I die.
Here's the house we worked on this year (before we started). It doesn't look that bad in the pictures, but the roof was caving in, the foundation was sagging, and the porch had to be completely re-screened and painted. In addition, there was a shed in the back of the house that collapsed and had to be cleared away. 
And here's the house after we finished!
So much better, yes? The only bad part of this year was that I sprained my ankle on Wednesday, so I had to stay on the ground the rest of the week. I found ways to help, though. I painted, cut roofcaps, etc. And it made for a good story. :)
And here's the house after we finished! So much better, yes? The only bad part of this year was that I sprained my ankle on Wednesday, so I had to stay on the ground the rest of the week. I found ways to help, though. I painted, cut roofcaps, etc. And it made for a good story. :)
Salkehatchie isn't the only service I'm passionate about, though. Leukemia research and stroke research are two causes that are very close to my heart. In 2005, my best friend Michael died from neuroblastoma, an extremely aggressive form of leukemia. Because of this, I dedicated my 16th birthday to Michael by having everyone donate money to neuroblastoma research instead of giving me gifts. In addition, one of the main reasons I joined my sorority, Delta Zeta, is because our chapter at USC has a local philanthropy project called Sweet Caroline, during which our chapter holds a huge blood and bone marrow drive. Last year they were able to add over 1,000 people to the National Bone Marrow Registry. In 2007, my father died from a massive stroke, which, as I found out later, is a fairly preventable disease, yet also one of the most devastating. Educating people about stroke and leukemia and doing things to help out are definitely things that are important to me, and I do everything I can to make a difference.
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
--Ghandi
Messy in a clean way.
My mother is an organization freak.
She's had a subscription to DayTimer since 1983. Almost every document that has passed through her hands since 1996 is filed away neatly in cabinets, accordian folders, and binders. Every thought she has ever had about a party or thank-you notes or shopping has been written down in a notebook or an a legal pad. Our dinner schedule for the week is done on an Excel spreadsheet.
I, on the other hand, couldn't really care less about organization.
Since coming to Carolina, though, I've had a lot more to think about. I have sorority bills to pay, social events to attend, and, of course, I have to work in time to study, complete assignments, hang out with friends, and go to the gym. With all of these things to keep up with, I've found myself constantly writing in my planner, making sure that I have time to do everything, and, if I don't have time, I have to figure out what can be cut out. With all of this stuff going on, my calendar has become my best friend.
I've also organized all of my school-related stuff. I have two binders--one for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and one for Tuesday and Thursday. I've been three-hole punching all of my handouts and worksheets so that all of my classes stay seperate. I can always find everything I need for all of my classes.
As far as my dorm room goes, my roomate and I are probably some of the neatest people on the floor. We have a place for everything and everything stays in its place. The only "catch-all" spot we have in the room is the bookcase (which holds no books, except on top). Our bookcase has everything--my shower stuff, cups, koozies, food, the microwave and coffee maker, dirty dishes, and my DVD collection (my roomate's DVDs are above her bed).
It hasn't been hard to stay organized at all. It's all just come very naturally with coming to college and being on my own. I guess I'm more like my mom than I thought!
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura
She's had a subscription to DayTimer since 1983. Almost every document that has passed through her hands since 1996 is filed away neatly in cabinets, accordian folders, and binders. Every thought she has ever had about a party or thank-you notes or shopping has been written down in a notebook or an a legal pad. Our dinner schedule for the week is done on an Excel spreadsheet.
I, on the other hand, couldn't really care less about organization.
Since coming to Carolina, though, I've had a lot more to think about. I have sorority bills to pay, social events to attend, and, of course, I have to work in time to study, complete assignments, hang out with friends, and go to the gym. With all of these things to keep up with, I've found myself constantly writing in my planner, making sure that I have time to do everything, and, if I don't have time, I have to figure out what can be cut out. With all of this stuff going on, my calendar has become my best friend.
I've also organized all of my school-related stuff. I have two binders--one for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and one for Tuesday and Thursday. I've been three-hole punching all of my handouts and worksheets so that all of my classes stay seperate. I can always find everything I need for all of my classes.
As far as my dorm room goes, my roomate and I are probably some of the neatest people on the floor. We have a place for everything and everything stays in its place. The only "catch-all" spot we have in the room is the bookcase (which holds no books, except on top). Our bookcase has everything--my shower stuff, cups, koozies, food, the microwave and coffee maker, dirty dishes, and my DVD collection (my roomate's DVDs are above her bed).
It hasn't been hard to stay organized at all. It's all just come very naturally with coming to college and being on my own. I guess I'm more like my mom than I thought!
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura
Friday, September 4, 2009
Get involved.
On move-in day, my brother offered up several bits of wisdom:
"Interested is interesting."
"Go to class."
"Go to the gym."
"Take lots of pictures."
And, of course, his personal favorite--"All men want sex." (He says this is one thing I should always remember.)
But he also told me that I should get involved. Naturally, I wanted to be in a sorority, so I rushed, and I pledged Delta Zeta. But, as any one of my friends will tell you, I cannot be in just one organization, because I have far too many interests--I love dance, fashion, art, music, acting, and musical theater, and I often get excited about random things. So, on Wednesday, I went to the Student Organization Fair on Greene Street.
There were a few organizations I already knew I was interested in--The Gay-Straight Alliance, Carolina Ballroom, Fashion Board, and the Flying Gamecock Skydiving Club. This would be enough to fill up anyone's plate, but, being me, I wanted to see everything. I couldn't believe how many clubs and organizations there were! Bellydancing Club, Ultimate Frisbee Club, and even a Church of the Flying Spaghetti Club! It was absolutely insane. I went to most of the tables (which seemed to irritate my roomate a little bit), and all of the people were so passionate about their organizations that it blew me away.
I don't even know how many e-mail lists I put my name on. The only tables I avoided at all costs were the ones for various intramural sports (I hate sports). Oh, and the Outdoor Club (I'm allergic to grass). However, I think I'll be sticking with my original choices for clubs, plus I'll probably be doing the National Student Exchange.
I'm excited to be getting involved here at USC. What are you going to be involved in? Let me know!
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura
"Interested is interesting."
"Go to class."
"Go to the gym."
"Take lots of pictures."
And, of course, his personal favorite--"All men want sex." (He says this is one thing I should always remember.)
But he also told me that I should get involved. Naturally, I wanted to be in a sorority, so I rushed, and I pledged Delta Zeta. But, as any one of my friends will tell you, I cannot be in just one organization, because I have far too many interests--I love dance, fashion, art, music, acting, and musical theater, and I often get excited about random things. So, on Wednesday, I went to the Student Organization Fair on Greene Street.
There were a few organizations I already knew I was interested in--The Gay-Straight Alliance, Carolina Ballroom, Fashion Board, and the Flying Gamecock Skydiving Club. This would be enough to fill up anyone's plate, but, being me, I wanted to see everything. I couldn't believe how many clubs and organizations there were! Bellydancing Club, Ultimate Frisbee Club, and even a Church of the Flying Spaghetti Club! It was absolutely insane. I went to most of the tables (which seemed to irritate my roomate a little bit), and all of the people were so passionate about their organizations that it blew me away.
I don't even know how many e-mail lists I put my name on. The only tables I avoided at all costs were the ones for various intramural sports (I hate sports). Oh, and the Outdoor Club (I'm allergic to grass). However, I think I'll be sticking with my original choices for clubs, plus I'll probably be doing the National Student Exchange.
I'm excited to be getting involved here at USC. What are you going to be involved in? Let me know!
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura
Being a Carolinian means more than wearing garnet and black.
I was raised in Summerville, South Carolina, a town about 25 minutes away from Charleston. It's a place revered for its good schools, its football team (Summerville Greenwave!), and its "small-town charm."
I hate small towns, and I don't think they're charming.
Needless to say, I was pretty miserable most of the time in Summerville. I found things to do, of course, but I never really felt like I belonged there. My dreams were so big that I knew I could never stay there.
When I first started looking at schools, I considered places far, far away from Summerville, and far away from South Carolina. I looked at UCLA, NYU, and even Tulane. I wanted to live a fast-paced life, and I didn't think I could have that in my home state.
Shortly thereafter, though, my mother told me that I had to go to college in-state so that I could get in-state tuition. Frustrated, I settled on College of Charleston as my top choice. It sounds counterintuitive, I know, especially since I wanted more than anything to be far away from Charleston. It made sense in my mind, though, because not only would my (now ex-) boyfriend be attending there in the fall, but I could get a solid degree in International Business. Plus, Charleston has a great music, art, and fashion scene, which I love. College of Charleston was the place for me...or so I thought.
What I didn't consider in my plan was my brother, Dan. Dan graduated from USC in 2003, and he wasn't exactly happy with my not even considering Carolina. (Neither was his girlfriend, Claire.) Finally, just to get both of them off my back, I went on a tour of Carolina during October of my senior year.
I tried to hate it here. I wanted to prove my brother wrong--I wanted to show him that I knew what was best for me, and that he couldn't sway my decision. So I tried to find everything wrong with this place. By the end of the tour, though, I wanted to go here. Everything about it seemed right for me--it was far from home, but close enough for me to go home if I wanted to; there was an AMAZING fashion merchandising program; the campus was even prettier than C of C's, and, best of all, it was right in the middle of the state capital, which meant city living all the way.
When I first came here, I expected USC to be fun, but not THIS fun! USC has far exceeded my expectations in every way possible. Most of my classes are small, and the teachers are amazing--they're all knowledgeable and passionate about the subjects that they teach. The workload is easily manageable, and rushing for my sorority was the best experience of my life! I feel like USC is my home, and for the first time in my life, I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be.
Being at Carolina is more than football and greek life, though. Check out the Carolinian Creed:
The community of scholars at the University of South Carolina is dedicated to personal and academic excellence.
Choosing to join the community obligates each member to a code of civilized behavior.
As a Carolinian....
I will practice personal and academic integrity;
I will respect the dignity of all persons;
I will respect the rights and property of others;
I will discourage bigotry, while striving to learn from differences in people, ideas, and opinions;
I will demonstrate concern for others, their feelings, and their need for conditions which support their work and development.
Allegiance to these ideals requires each Carolinian to refrain from and discourage behaviors which threaten the freedom and respect every individual deserves.
Being at Carolina is about more than cheering for the Gamecocks and wearing garnet and black to show your school spirit. It's about more than making good grades and trying to get your degree. Being a Carolinian means striving for personal excellence in all areas of your life. It means learning from other people by keeping an open mind and respecting the differences of all people. If we do that, and we expect the same from those around us, we can make the world a much better place to live in.
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura
I hate small towns, and I don't think they're charming.
Needless to say, I was pretty miserable most of the time in Summerville. I found things to do, of course, but I never really felt like I belonged there. My dreams were so big that I knew I could never stay there.
When I first started looking at schools, I considered places far, far away from Summerville, and far away from South Carolina. I looked at UCLA, NYU, and even Tulane. I wanted to live a fast-paced life, and I didn't think I could have that in my home state.
Shortly thereafter, though, my mother told me that I had to go to college in-state so that I could get in-state tuition. Frustrated, I settled on College of Charleston as my top choice. It sounds counterintuitive, I know, especially since I wanted more than anything to be far away from Charleston. It made sense in my mind, though, because not only would my (now ex-) boyfriend be attending there in the fall, but I could get a solid degree in International Business. Plus, Charleston has a great music, art, and fashion scene, which I love. College of Charleston was the place for me...or so I thought.
What I didn't consider in my plan was my brother, Dan. Dan graduated from USC in 2003, and he wasn't exactly happy with my not even considering Carolina. (Neither was his girlfriend, Claire.) Finally, just to get both of them off my back, I went on a tour of Carolina during October of my senior year.
I tried to hate it here. I wanted to prove my brother wrong--I wanted to show him that I knew what was best for me, and that he couldn't sway my decision. So I tried to find everything wrong with this place. By the end of the tour, though, I wanted to go here. Everything about it seemed right for me--it was far from home, but close enough for me to go home if I wanted to; there was an AMAZING fashion merchandising program; the campus was even prettier than C of C's, and, best of all, it was right in the middle of the state capital, which meant city living all the way.
When I first came here, I expected USC to be fun, but not THIS fun! USC has far exceeded my expectations in every way possible. Most of my classes are small, and the teachers are amazing--they're all knowledgeable and passionate about the subjects that they teach. The workload is easily manageable, and rushing for my sorority was the best experience of my life! I feel like USC is my home, and for the first time in my life, I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be.
Being at Carolina is more than football and greek life, though. Check out the Carolinian Creed:
The community of scholars at the University of South Carolina is dedicated to personal and academic excellence.
Choosing to join the community obligates each member to a code of civilized behavior.
As a Carolinian....
I will practice personal and academic integrity;
I will respect the dignity of all persons;
I will respect the rights and property of others;
I will discourage bigotry, while striving to learn from differences in people, ideas, and opinions;
I will demonstrate concern for others, their feelings, and their need for conditions which support their work and development.
Allegiance to these ideals requires each Carolinian to refrain from and discourage behaviors which threaten the freedom and respect every individual deserves.
Being at Carolina is about more than cheering for the Gamecocks and wearing garnet and black to show your school spirit. It's about more than making good grades and trying to get your degree. Being a Carolinian means striving for personal excellence in all areas of your life. It means learning from other people by keeping an open mind and respecting the differences of all people. If we do that, and we expect the same from those around us, we can make the world a much better place to live in.
Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura
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