"But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine." -Jefferson 

Hey HOOS! My name is Sarah Pate and I am a second-year here at the beautiful University of Virginia. I am from Fredericksburg, Virginia (which is about halfway between Richmond and D.C.). I am one of those kids who has virtually no idea what she wants to be doing for the rest of her life . . . for now, I am taking several business classes. I feel like I always knew that I was going to be a Cavalier. I feel completely at home here at UVa! Charlottesville is so beautiful all the time! It is hard not to just stop and admire the architecture on your way to class.

Just look at that! That is what I get to see everyday here! It is literally like living the dream. I love everything about this University. I have yet to take a class that I haven't liked. I have taken some very difficult classes (*cough*accounting*cough*) but I really feel like I am learning useful information, which is great (especially compared to a rather dry high school curriculum). There are so many things you can be involved in here! You will never be bored unless you choose to be. I love doing community service, helping with VA Ambassadors, and being in the Cavalier Marching Band. 

Being it the marching band is such an amazing experience! Just imagine--you march/run onto the field from the tunnels where you have been "hiding" from the crowd. Then, you look out and all you see is orange and blue. You start playing and before you know it, the football team is running through you, not even ten feet away! Then you see the animatronic Cavman destroying the other team's mascot on HOOvision (which is always an awesome way to get revved up for the game). Next thing you know, you are up in the stands playing the Good Old Song because our team just got a touchdown. There is no where else I would rather be on game-day than Scott Stadium with my orange and blue band uniform on. 

I am the second one in from the right in the front :)

Hey, hey, hey, it's Fat Albert! Just kidding, let me introduce myself. My name is Ashley Patterson and I'm a second year at the University. I feel like now is the time where I tell you guys my major (undecided), where I'm from (NoVa- Northern Virginia, for those of you who aren't from Va), why I decided to come here (umm...), and what my favorite thing about UVa is (the trees on the lawn during fall). However, I'm not the most exciting person in the world (unless I've been in Club Clem until 2 a.m, and then my friends would say I am one of the most entertaining people to be around) so I would rather tell you about all the exciting thing that I get to do everyday here at UVa. From heading up to Carter's Mountain for apple picking, to Puppies and Pumpkins on The Lawn, to Lighting of the Lawn, UVa is full of events that unite the students and faulty and create a bond and family among thousands of unique individuals. My goal is to provide you guys with at least one event each week and give you something to look forward to within the next few years. Feel free to comment with questions or find out about events that might be going on when you're visiting. 

Now that I told you about these amazing events and activties that happen I want to take you to a place not to far from UVa, in Albermarle County, called Carter's Mountain Orchard. Almost as much a tradition as streaking the lawn, apple picking has become a favorite fall tradition of many University students. Just this past weekend my friends and I took a break from the stress of midterms and headed up to the orchard. The whole ride there my friend kept telling us about the "amazing views" that we should expect, but we were distracts by J. Biebs on the radio. However, as soon as we got to the top of the Carter's Mountain we stopped in our tracks, speechless. The view was unimaginable. When you go to school here it is easy to become blind to the beauty that surronds you, but heading up the mountain changed that. We stopped and took a few pictures and then headed into the trees.

Now I don't know if any of you have been apple picking before, but it is a lot harder than it sounds. For some reason I was expecting to find apples the size of the ones at the grocery store but there were only baby apples. We searched and searched for the big ones, but we finally settled on the delicious selection of small fuji apples. Now here is a little secret about Carter's Mountain, most people don't go for apples (shh!) As we emerged from the orchard, we headed (more like casually jogged...okay, okay, we full on sprinted) to the food stand where we ordered apple cider, apple pie, and apple cider doughnuts. Let me say that again, APPLE CIDER DOUGHNUTS!! They are the most mouthwatering thing you'll ever taste, in fact, your mouth should be watering right now just thinking about them. These doughnuts only come around once a year so we enjoyed every bite knowing that next year we will be a year older and year closer to not being able to enjoy these moments of apples, doughnuts, and fall with our close friends.

Taking a Leap of Faith

        Classes have commenced, activities have begun to get back in rhythm, and my schedule fills up more every day. However, as I began my third year in August, I made a pact to myself and to a few girlfriends that we would do more "new and fun things" both at U.Va and around Charlottesville. The pact began and has stayed in place as we explored the farmer's market, went to art museums at Charlottesville Fridays after Five in the Downtown Mall, and U.Va commencement activities including Rotunda Sing which brings dozens of the University's acapella groups to the Rotunda. However, of all of the adventures that have taken place thus far this year, the most bold and distinct would have to be Aqua Caving.

          I joined Greek InterVarsity this year in hopes of getting to know a different group of people within the Greek community. Bringing various sorority and fraternities members together to discuss God, religion, spirituality, and life in the Greek system, Greek I.V. provides an outlet to discuss deeper issues and ideas with a group of new people who share similar experiences at U.Va. So far, the group worships have included amazing speakers talking about friendship, life transformations, and finding what their purpose is both at school and in life. It motivates and regenerates me every Wednesday night to go and live intentionally, which is why when the opportunity to go caving in a remote area of western Virginia presented itself, I jumped.

           Driving to the cave, I didn’t know what to expect. I was with two of my best friends, daringly standing by me and my “new and fun” idea. We arrived and were directed by the lifeline staff members to wear our fleece and layer up- it was going to be dark and cold with water that would feel like ice. Ten minutes later, after hiking into the woods of some unbeknown Virginian hillside, we came to a small opening in the ground. We slid into dark, freezing water that came up to my neck. I reached for my friend who grabbed my hand, and I realized I was feeling actual “fear,” something I can honestly say I haven’t felt in a long time. It was a rush of letting go of all control and the anxiety that was to follow. I was out of every element and comfort zone that my college life has afforded me, stranded in a cave with no way out but a mile forwards.

         After two hours of climbing rocks and wading through bitter cold water with only a small headlamp to help one see, we reached high rocks and deep water. Lifeline is an organization that helps students to grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally as they experience nature and the outdoors. It combines adventures and inner analysis and helps participants to let go and just experience. Knowing this, I shouldn’t have been surprised when the leaders told my group that we were each going to jump off the rocks into the questionably deep water, all in the pitch black. One by one, we each took a leap of faith and let go of all control. As a college student who likes to control and overanalyze every situation, jumping off a cliff in the dark is not my cup of tea. However, as I stood on the rock by myself, I felt free. I felt like I was about to jump into a world without my brain meticulously examining and planning. Letting go of control in that cave has helped me to evaluate how I control my life. Although I know how much planning and intentionality my days need, I know going into this year that I want to be intentional about the right things. I am putting effort into my classes not for the grade but in order to learn, to challenge my mind to examine and create. I am putting most of my effort into my friendships and into being a good friend and person. I am using my time in a way that is fulfilling and will make memories. College is not a time to waste; it is not “the best years of your life” like so many say. College is the biggest challenging time of your life, it is a transition from child to adult, a time for you to grow and discover yourself. College should not be wasted; it should be embraced and enjoyed to the fullest, because schools like U.Va have so much to offer- they can challenge and guide you with the people that surround you and the activities and adventures they present.

 

My Hoo Story!

               As I embark on my first Hoo Stories blog post, I have decided to begin with a brief introduction. I feel in order to understand my stories to come, it is only appropriate I provide you with a bit of background about how I ended up at the Universtiy of Virginia and how it has helped foster my passions and interests in the past three years. Coming from a military family, I could never call a place home for more than two years. So many friends, so many schools, and so many homes had come and gone. When it came time to apply to college, I realized how big of a challenge it was for me to commit to a place for an entire four years. I had so many expectations from college: I needed a challenging academic curriculum, an engaging atmosphere and student body, a beautiful campus (that provided the typical collegiate fall weather that I had dreamed of all my life), and great people that I could just have fun with. Discovering if a school has all of these qualities is no easy task. College visits helped me determine the campus, the curriculum, and of course whether the fall weather would be up to par-- red and orange leaves were a must. However, discerning the types of young adults, the range of activities, and the way of life for students was difficult. Upon touring the University of Virginia for the first time in my Junior year of high school, I found the ease of the student population perfectly balanced with the exciting and stimulating activities and academics they were engaged in. The grounds were beautiful, and the leaves were falling perfectly off the trees into beautiful piles covering the lawn. I was home. 

My First Day of School at UVa

 

           Now that you have some idea how I ended up in Virginia, I want you to know a little more about me. I am a third year in the College of Arts and Sciences getting degrees in History and the Studies of Women and Gender. I am also in the Curry School of Education getting my masters in Elementary and Special Education in their five year program for undergraduates at UVa. I have tried dozens of different activities in order to find the perfect groups for me. I participate in Sustained Dialogue, which discusses different issues relevent at UVa including "hook-up culture," race, the honor code, and stereotypes. It is the perfect way to meet a completely new group of diverse people looking to talk and share ideas. I work as the Undergraduate Intern in the Admission Office where I plan events and help out wherever I am needed. I'm in a sorority here and currently live in my chapter house. Finally, I participate in Greek IV which is a Christian group on grounds. All of these groups and friends I have made through them have helped create a home away from home for me.

This is my suite in Webb 310 first year

 

           Every week I hope to post an activity, adventure, or story that I have embarked on that week. From the Charlottesville Farmer's Market to Dorm Sing to adventures around Grounds with friends, I know it won't be difficult to come up with hundreds of stories in the months to come! I hope you enjoy my blog and please feel free to ask any questions about UVa or Charlottesville life!

One of my favorite times of the year is the first few weeks of the fall semester. There is this incredible energy on grounds as students get back from their summer endeavors—whether they were working at an internship in D.C., or traveling around the Mediterranean on a Semester at Sea trip.  Everyone is excited to reconnect on grounds, and go to a number of great welcome activities that take place in the weeks after move in.

The newly finished lawn, ready for convocation

One of my favorite events is the hypnotist Tom Deluca, who performs in the amphitheater each year. Students go all out to be one of the lucky few who are picked to go on stage and get hypnotized by Deluca. Hopefuls will wear bright colors, and sit on the shoulders of their friends holding quirky signs. Over the years students have formed love affairs with pieces of fruit, football players have been convinced they were cheerleaders, and one student decided to change the school mascot to “the mayonnaise jars”.

The activities fair is also a great event that takes place in the first few weeks of the semester. Every group you could imagine—from the Cavalier Daily (our student newspaper), to the Latino Student Union, to acapella groups, to the outdoors club—will be handing out information on what they do as a group, when meetings are, etc. It’s a great opportunity for new students to see what activities they might want to try out, and ultimately invest time in.

Other annual events to take place this coming weekend are convocation—the official welcoming of the first year class by President Sullivan—as well as the Welcome Back concert at the John Paul Jones. This year’s line-up includes K’naan and Flosstradamus. Next week’s events include a movie showing on the Old Dorms quad, and the annual Rotunda Sing—an awesome event where students will set up blankets and picnics on the lawn, while watching all of our acapella groups perform.

A warm welcome to the class of 2016! I look forward to spending this awesome time of the year with you all (and hopefully with all of you prospective students in the years to come).

Sam

What are some of the best places to spend time at on grounds? Hear some of the summer guides share their favorite "spots" at UVA:

PHOTO BY JAY KUHLMANN

My favorite spot on grounds is the steps of the rotunda, after dark, right after lighting of the lawn, before we all leave for winter break. The marble is freezing and you can’t stay for too long, but the view is incredible. Seeing all the way toward Old Cabell hall, with the twinkling lights illuminating the pavilions down the lawn is a great reminder of everything I love about UVA; the beautiful landscape and rich tradition that is entwined in the culture of our school. Nothing is a better study break than a quick walk over from my coveted spot in the scholars lab of Alderman Library and taking in the view.  

-Emma Petkofsky, 3rd year

When parents and prospective students ask me where my favorite “spot” on grounds is, they expect the grand: the steps of the Rotunda, a quiet bench in one of Jefferson’s individually designed gardens, lounging in the Amphitheatre or inside Clark library’s fantastic mural room. These are all beautiful places, characterized as “hot spots” of UVA. But, to be honest, my favorite spot is a chair. Tucked away in the back left corner, the blue leather seat a bit too saggy from excessive wear, sits “my chair” on the second floor of Alderman library in the MacGregor Room.

Let me try to explain: every day I sit in this chair after I finish with classes, steaming cup of tea in hand, prepared to take on the endless pages a week I have to cram down as an English Major. This is a simple chair; perhaps its style is a bit outdated, but the dog-eared pages, newly formed creases in book bindings, and blue-ink underlines of passages are experiences that can only be created in this chair. I am prepared to be judged for how nerdy this may sound: this is my daily study ritual.

-Sandra Menendez, 2nd year

www.uvamagazine.org

I spend a lot of time in Nau and Gibson, two of the newer academic buildings at UVA that house the History and Politics departments. One of my favorite “spots” on grounds is the space that connects them—known as South Grounds Commons. It’s a two-story study area, with huge glass windows looking out at the complex’s courtyard, on one side, and the South Lawn, on the other. On a cold winter day, with the sun shining directly through those windows onto the tables and sofas, there is no better place to study. You can even conveniently fuel your caffeine addiction, with a Starbucks inside that accepts the UVA dining plan. 

-Sam Atkeson, 3rd year

Over the past two years, I have found three different places that I consider my favorites. The first I discovered was the McCormick Observatory. Every other Friday the Observatory is open for a public night, where UVA astronomy professors give an overview of astronomical observation and currently visible planets and stars. Even without a telescope, the view from the top of Observatory Hill is phenomenal. Academically, I enjoy Gibson and Nau halls, which holds UVA’s politics and religious studies departments. As a science person, it’s always an experience in Gibson/Nau; I’ve overheard conversations about the political status of most of the countries in the Middle East, the various orders of the angels, and the Bible’s influence on William Faulkner’s writings. Every time I study in Gibson/Nau, I indirectly learn a few tidbits just from my eavesdropping! Lastly, my favorite view on grounds is the gravel walkways connecting the Lawn’s gardens. The flowering trees create a tunnel over the path and ivy creeps over the brick walls from the gardens. It’s especially beautiful now, at the end of summer so enjoy it while the flowers are still there. All of these places are lovely, and I hope everyone can enjoy them as much as I do.

-Blair Blanchette, 3rd year

Photo by Mark Rhodes

When it comes to my favorite spots on grounds, I have to divide my favorite spots into social areas and study areas.  When thinking of my favorite social spot, I have to say, I am pretty biased. One of my favorite parts of my week is going to University Singers with conductor Michael Slon. When 5:30pm comes, everyone in University Singers blasts out of the center doors of Old Cabell Hall headed to dinner, libraries, or events around grounds. Walking out of Old Cabell in the early evening, seeing the lawn, academical village, sunset, and the bustling student life, there is truly nothing like it. Another favorite spot of mine is the top floor of Rice Hall. Now, let it be widely known Rice Hall is the center for computer science engineering and my brain just doesn't work that way. But, that doesn't keep me from going into one of the newest and most innovative buildings on grounds. I love going to Rice Hall because there are great chairs, huge windows with spectacular views, and an added perk is that Rice is one of the most environmentally sustainable buildings on the east coast. There are so many great spots at UVa and I cannot wait to find more in the future.

-Keith Wilson, 2nd year

Hey guys my name is Phillip and I’m a rising 3^rd year at UVA Majoring in Government and Minoring in Drama. Since I’m minoring in Drama and the majority of my life outside of the classroom revolves around theatre, I’ve been asked to write a Blog Post about the Arts at UVA.  This blog post is a long time coming. I was supposed to post it back in July or perhaps June, I don’t know. I must admit at first I was overwhelmed because there is so much to write about. Every time I began writing I didn’t know what to include or I felt like I was including too much.  I believe the best way to talk about UVArts is through my first year experience.

I’ve been doing musicals since the 4^th grade. Upon entering UVA I knew I wanted to continue my passion. Unfortunately the UVA Drama Department conducts auditions the semester prior to the show’s official run. Therefore entering first years usually don’t have the opportunity to do theater in the Drama department their first semester. First Year Players (FYP) was created to help First Year students get their foot in the stage door of the arts.  FYP is a musical theater organization lead by students for students. Each semester FYP mounts a new musical that is directed, choreographed, and musically directed by upperclassmen.  The catch is only first years can be in the actually productions.

First Year Players shaped my first year at UVA. I was in two shows Carousel and RENT. Below are pictures of me with my two casts.  Once your first year is over the fun doesn’t stop. You can be apart of FYP in a leadership role. Last semester I was Assistant Director for How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying and that experience was just as rewarding as being in the cast. FYP creates an extensive network of friends that you can socialize with for four years. We party together, go to the beach together, camp together, and put on top-notch musicals together which solidifies our friendships.