Curry School of Education

Ah, February, the month of never-ending applications. What forms am I currently filling out? Applications for leadership roles, summer internships, fall study abroad, and the list goes on. To follow up Shelby’s post about the Comm school, I thought I would talk about one application I am currently debating whether or not to send in: the Curry School of Education.

I entered UVa knowing I wanted to study English literature, flirting with the idea of Comm school, and happily undecided about a major. It wasn’t until I started tutoring through Madison House (a great resource for community service that deserves a blog post all to itself), that I discovered my love for teaching and passion for education. And so I find myself, at the very last moment, rushing to take the prerequisite course and working on the application that is due February 15 during your second year at UVa (a mere 4 days from now!).

The Curry School offers a five-year program, at the end of which graduates receive a Baccalaureate degree from the College of Arts and Science (B.A. in English, in my case), as well as a Masters of Teaching from the Curry School of Education, complete with licensure and endorsement for the area of education in which you train. Course work begins third year, incorporating valuable field experience with Curry school classes. The general core requirements for the program differ depending on which area of study you choose (Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education), but everyone must enroll in one prerequisite class, titled Teaching as a Profession, and the accompanying field experience before entering the Curry School.

The application itself is simple compared to college applications. A transcript and summary of your academic progress at UVa is required, as well as four short essays focusing on your interest in education. They are looking for students who have successfully completed the prerequisite course with a recommendation from the course instructor, who display a high academic potential, and who have a passion for education.

UVa offers its students a plethora of options for achieving their academic goals. No matter what your interests, I promise UVa has a program for you. For most of us, the only problem is deciding which interests to pursue!

For more information on the Curry School, check out their website: http://curry.virginia.edu/

On applying to the Commerce School...

I now find myself in the midst of a very tense period of college life for many second year students here at UVa, the period of time waiting for an admissions decision to the McIntire Schoolof Commerce (aka the Comm School). I recently submitted my application to the Comm School on January 25, the deadline. I hope to receive an admissions decision by the end of spring break and I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Though the actual application process was not nearly as intensive as the application process for college (that was a real ordeal), I still did put in a significant amount of work toward this application. The application questionnaire required me to report any honors I’ve received since coming to UVa, as well as any leadership positions I have held. In addition, the application needed two short, 250-word, essays, a far cry from the demands of the Common App and UVa supplement, but it was tedious writing nonetheless. My first essay was about what I’ve learned through participating in a Christian fellowship group at UVa. I wrote my second essay about overcoming the challenges of two ACL tears and the subsequent reconstructive knee surgeries I went through as a result of high school lacrosse. Though the admissions department evaluates applicants holistically, I suspect that they give significant consideration to an applicant’s GPA. Achieving a respectable GPA is the element of the application process that requires the real hard work. Additionally, in order to even apply to the school, I had to take an introduction to business course, two semesters of economics, one semester of statistics, and two semesters of accounting here at UVa. Fortunately, I had already received credit for calculus through AP scores thus have not had to take any difficult math courses here in college.

I came to UVa last year with my hopes and plans firmly fixed on doing the Commerce school. Because the coursework for the Comm school doesn’t begin until one’s third year, I have had the opportunity to take classes in many different departments. In my three semesters here, I have really been fascinated with both my economics and religious studies courses. Consequently, my initial fixation on the commerce school has been slightly altered. Even if I am to gain entrance into UVa's very prestigious and highly ranked McIntire school, I may opt to double major in Economics and Religious Studies instead. It will surely be a daunting decision when and if I am fortunate to be faced with it. Regardless of the outcome, I am so thankful to have the many options our great university has to offer.

My wish for you, future UVa applicants and students, is for many options and for peace about the daunting decisions that await you. In the mean time, if you’re interested in the McIntire School of Commerce at UVa, please check out their admissions blog:

http://www.commerce.virginia.edu/admissions/undergraduate/blog/default.aspx

So when teachers want you to go around the class and introduce yourself, they also may add in the typical icebreaker question: "Give an interesting fact about yourself." Usually, students answer with a "I like to collect [insert something cool here]" or "I've been to [insert exotic country here] where I rode on an alpaca and wrestled with a chimp."

My answer usually is, "I have never driven a car. I don't have a license or ... even a permit for that matter." I'm 19 years old. And yes, that may or may not seem strange to you. The reason why is because I grew up in a city in New Jersey, a place where traffic and parking is the worst of your nightmares. In fact, the public transportation system (Bus, PATH train, and Lightrail) is pretty much amazing. And yes, you guys, this story has a point to it.

I went to an inner-city public high school which was continually top 5 in NJ for a pretty long time, so some liked to call it a "magnet" school. My school didn't have a football team (because honestly, where you can put a football field in the middle of ten-story buildings and brownstone houses) or any homecomings. It was unique. Everyday while on my way home on the lightrail, I would always pass by the the New York City skyline.

So, why UVA? Why Charlottesville? To name a few: Great academics, Check. Historical Tradition, Check. College experience, Check. Location, CheckCheckCheck.
I wanted to get out of the urban atmosphere and into a college town. While on my way down to visit UVA for the first time, I passed by lots of farms. Lots and lots of farms. I really wasn't used to it. However, once we got to Charlottesville, I knew this was the place I want to be. I took AP Art History my senior year of high school, and one of the sites we learned about was the Rotunda at the University of Virginia. It was so remarkable to see what I studied in reality. The campus or "Grounds" as we Wahoos call it, is obviously beautiful. With all the architecture of one style (Neoclassical), all of the buildings are uniform providing a sense of unity. Many people say that Grounds is really large, but I think it is a perfect size - If I can get from the Chemistry Building to the Art History Department on Rugby in 1o-15 minutes, so can you.

From the gray concrete sidewalks surrounding my high school to the fresh green grass on the Lawn at UVA, I would say it was a 180 (Okay, maybe not totally), but still. One of the greatest things about Charlottesville, is that it has its own little urban feel downtown: tons of great restaurants, entertainment, movie theater, boutiques and stores.

One of my favorite places it the The Flat: Takeaway Creperie. It's the perfect place to go for a Saturday or Sunday morning brunch. Just hop on the Free Trolley and you'll get there in a matter of minutes. They have a great variety of crepes for both those who have a sweet tooth or for those who don't! My personal favorites are the Spinach, Mushroom, Avocado, and Feta Crepe and the Nutella with Strawberries Crepe.

Essentially, I just want to say that there is a little bit of everything here. The city girl, the go green enthusiast - or anyone in between can make this place feel like home, just like I did.

The Spring Semester and Rush!

For most students, the fall semester is busy enough. Between classes, sports, volunteering, concerts and events culminating with the traditional Lighting of the Lawn, most students would agree they could only use more time.

Then comes the spring semester. Long-awaited classes and a return to dorm life confront all first-years riding down McCormick or Alderman. But about a mile off, Rugby Road is bustling too. Girls carry roses, boys strut across the streets, and the houses are decorated with tidings of welcome and acceptance. Just when you thought the hustle and bustle of the holidays was finally over, then comes Rush.

You may be wondering, what’s Rush? What is Rugby Road? What does it mean to be a part of Greek life? What’s a fraternity or sorority? Why in the spring? Or even, is it for me? Read on to get these questions answered.

No matter what University you attend, if there is a Greek life, Rush is the process first-years and some second-years go through to enter it. The Greek system is the group of fraternities or sororities at a college or university. A fraternity is a formal organization of brotherhood and a sorority, a formal organization of sisterhood. Usually, such organizations participate in and host philanthropic and social events affiliated with their chapter or college. There are various advantages and disadvantages to joining. For example, you meet a lot of people and have an extra safety net when you go out at night! However, it is usually expensive and takes up a lot of time. These and many other things should all be considered and weighed against one another to determine if joining the Greek system is “right” for an individual.

No, boys do not receive and carry flowers as girls do, but in less obvious ways, Rush is different for boys and girls! Typically girl’s rush is more formal with girls assigned sorority houses to attend in formal attire. Then, the girls and the sororities themselves rank their preferences and a new series of houses are scheduled for the following round. For boys, the process is less formal, as boys who are pledging simply visit houses they like and are invited or not invited back to events specific to that fraternity. For boys and girls, this continues until only one house is left, in which case he or she will receive a “bid.” A bid is an invitation to join that sorority or fraternity.

Rush is also different for students at UVA! A new trend for universities across the nation is deferred rush. This means instead of having first-years go through the process in the Fall, they are given the opportunity to adjust to independent, University life and make friends through other activities before doing so through Rush. Most students seem to favor the idea of deferred Rush and believe it helps to get acclimated to the University independent of Greek life.

So, what about you? Is Greek Life your thing? Whether or not you decide to go through the rush process and whether or not you decide to join a sorority, it’s important to keep in mind that here at UVA, over 60% of students are not involved in Greek life. Merely one third of students actually decide to join, while the others may occasionally attend date functions or participate in sponsored community service activities. If you aren’t in that 33%, does that mean you can’t have a social life? Quite the opposite! With more time to contribute to other activities, you can become a part of 87% of students involved in one or more of 800+ clubs! Volunteer with Madison House or Habitat for Humanity! Join Sailing Club or an intramural sports team! Give tours through the University Guide Service! Or, create a club yourself! The opportunities are endless.

"There is no more sincere love than love of food." -George Bernard Shaw

3-4 times a day, college students eat. 0 - ∞ times a day (depending on the student), college students drink coffee. Eating and drinking are fundamental parts of the college experience. Eating fuels the mind and the body for studying, exercising, and general activities. Drinking coffee (and also tea) is not only a way to socialize with friends, but also a way to give yourself a needed treat before a day of work, or an extra boost while studying.

Eating and drinking are essential - and often overlooked - activities that can define one's four years in a college town. The food provided by the University (for meal plans, etc.) is great, but many students will take advantage of options outside of dining halls. Fortunately for students interested in the University of Virginia, Charlottesville offers superior food and drink.

The only way to discover this is to come and see for yourself. When you're taking an admission tour, be sure to make time for lunch or dinner (or both). Try something different. Something unique to Charlottesville that you can't find in your hometown (unless it's Chipotle, which I'm biased to). Come to town a little bit early and check out a coffee shop. Meet up with a friend you know in town, bring some schoolwork, or just hang out with your parents.

When I'm home on breaks, I desperately miss the food and drink in Charlottesville. Nothing quite compares. I lived in New York City this summer and, despite the occasional good meal, no where did I get the same bang for my buck. Nowhere could I find the authentic, local, down-to-earth cup'a joe and grub that I find in Charlottesville on a daily basis.

If you get to town soon (before Sunday!), you can make it here in time for Restaurant Week. $26 for a three-course meal at Charlottesville's most popular restaurants. Pretty cheap to "eat like a king." If not, be sure to check out some of the suggestions I've listed below. These are my personal favorites. Trust me, they've been tested countless times.

WARNING: Even if you don't end up attending the University of Virginia, I can assure you you'll be coming back to eat. Enjoy.

ON GROUNDS FOOD

Take it Away

Bodo's

Marco and Luca's Dumplings

Lemongrass

The Virginian

+ other options on the Corner

ON GROUNDS COFFEE

Para Coffee

Starbucks Coffee

Greenberry's

CLOSE TO GROUNDS FOOD

Bellair Market

Chipotle

Feast

Mono Loco

+ other options at the Downtown Mall and Barracks Road

CLOSE TO GROUNDS COFFEE

Shenandoah Joe

C'ville Coffee

The Mudhouse

'Tis the season...

Of finals.

While college students around the country prepare for the festive holiday season by listening to their favorite holiday music, going to tacky Christmas sweater parties, or buying presents for their Secret Santas, there is one obstacle that must be overcome: finals. Sure, finals may bring students closer together and give a sense of comradery, but in reality, it's tough. It's even tougher when you have a fever (which was my case). Luckily my exams were spread out (Thursday being the last) so it wasn't too bad. I just loaded up on herbal tea and lots of soup. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to spend a lot of time in the most happening place during this season: the library. But I will let you guys in on the Final Festivities.

Final Examinations this year started on December 9th and lasted until December 17th. The University has a strict exam schedule and policy that is posted even before students start registering for classes. The are two "Reading Days" in which no finals are scheduled and when the libraries are packed with students. It's impossible to find a nice place to study since all the good spots are taken, whether it be a cubicle in the Stacks in Clark, a table on the second floor of Clemons, or a nice nook in the McGregor Room of Alderman. I, myself, used to be a Clemons' girl last year but this year I've been finding myself in Alderman quite often- "room hopping."

One of my good friends (and future roommate's) birthday was on the 10th, just as finals started, and since we knew she would probably be stuck at Clemons studying for her Biopsychology Final on Monday, a bunch of friends and I decided to surprise her at midnight.

I tried to take a video of the Clemons library without looking creepy by recording everyone (as you can see it didn't work out so great.) In general, you can see how crowded the floor is on a Friday night during Finals. Some of the pros about studying in the library is that you may sometimes bump into your friends who are unfortunately in the same boat as you - pulling an all-nighter with a Starbucks Espresso Shot can in their hand. trying to bang out a paper. Various organizations and secret Societies also like to give out free food, have arts and crafts stands and other stress relieving activities. Apparently, last week a live Chicken was roaming around the first floor of Clemons. These spontaneous activities provide great study breaks in between long hours of studying.

I'm now home enjoying home-cooked meals and trying to fully recover from my fever. I hope you all enjoy the Holiday Season - Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Oh, and for all of you high schoool seniors out there - good luck on college applications!

The Holidays Come to UVA

Have y'all caught the holiday bug yet? Here in Charlottesville, we're in our last week of classes and the stress of finals week has definitely set in. But if Shelby's last post on holiday travels didn't clue you in to what's really on UVA student's minds, this video of one of my favorite UVA traditions will!

The Lighting of the Lawn celebrated its tenth anniversary last night, in an evening complete with music, steaming cups of hot cocoa, a humorous poem recapping the events of the past year, and approximately 5,000 feet of holiday lights. For me, events like this cement the fact that I belong at UVA. Somewhere between touring my friends' lawn rooms, singing along with the a cappella groups, and finishing the night with the Good Old Song (really, nothing "cheers my heart or warms my blood"- and trust me, I needed warming in last night's chilly weather- like the Good Old Song), I was struck by how incredibly blessed I am to be a part of such a wonderful community that celebrates the moments between libraries and loves to take the night off to honor and enjoy the traditions that make UVA a magical place.

Check out this video and join in the tradition! Sorry about the shaking, it's surprising difficult to sway to the Good Old Song and film at the same time. I know it's dark, but I hope you can get a good idea of how many people attend this event- the lawn was packed!