Yesterday, the Auburn family experienced the loss of a bright young soul when we heard the news that former Auburn football player Philip Lutzenkirchen died in a car crash early Sunday morning. Most of us couldn’t believe it when we heard the news; as a recent and local alumni, Philip could be seen on campus quite often, especially during and around football season. Many of us here on campus had the opportunity to not only meet him, but to get to know him in classes and at social events downtown as well. Humble and modest, Philip would always stop for a picture or autograph for a fan or a friend. A beloved coach, teammate, and friend, his time came too soon at twenty three years of age.
The manner in which the Auburn family has come together to mourn the death of one of its members has shown how strong we are not only as a community, but as a true family. We at Auburn believe in and support one another from our first days on campus to our last days on this earth. We have once again come together as one united community, although sadly, to grieve the loss of a wonderful human being who we were lucky enough to call our own.
This tragic event really struck a chord for me personally when I heard the news of Philip’s death yesterday afternoon. Although I didn’t know him personally, I was immediately saddened and even more so affected by the news, because it really made me think about my life and how precious it is. It made me realize that anything can happen at any time, when we least expect it, and can change, alter the course, or end our lives in an instant.
Philip, you will forever be in our hearts and memory as one of Auburn’s most beloved members. You will never be forgotten, and may you rest in peace.
War Eagle.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Fifty Things Every College Girl Should Know
I found this article online and it was too perfect not to share with everyone. I know that every girl here on Auburn’s campus can relate to multiple bullets on this list at some point during her college experience. I feel like these are the best and most wonderful years to discover who we are as young women, living freely and spontaneously while preparing for our futures… but there are always certain limits and lines that won’t change or shouldn’t be crossed. These helpful tips were not only funny, but incredibly realistic about the expectations and norms of college women today. War Eagle!
Fifty Things Every College Girl Should Know
New friendships, old friendships, rude boys, cute boys, bad hair day, bad decisions, good grades and a good cry. Little things like that are learning experiences and can truly help you learn who you are.
1. First Impressions are never forgotten. So make it count.
2. Go to class and take notes. Nobody likes an unmotivated girl.
3. Taco Bell at 2 am won’t kill you.
4. Just because you are away from your parents doesn’t mean they still can’t find things out.
5. Go easy with the perfume because chances are every other girl is going to have some on too.
6. Regardless if you know her or not, help her out if she has had too much to drink.
7. Leggings are pants, but they don’t work for every occasion.
8. Save your hair bows for functions or mixers. Do not wear them every day, you are 20 not 5.
9. If you have to study on the same night as a big party then plan accordingly. If done right, you will have time to stop by that party.
10. If you are going to drink, don’t ever be “that drunk girl.” Drink responsibly.
11. Do something fun for spring break.
12. Don’t throw yourself at him.
13. “If he cared, he’d call.”
14. PDA is never cute.
15. Always charge your phone before you go out.
16. Manage your money.
17. You won’t meet your boyfriend at a frat party.
18. Get involved on campus. (It is a great way to get recommendation letters too)
19. Don’t send a snapchat you wouldn’t want someone to screenshot.
20. If he has cheated before, he will probably cheat again.
21. Everything your mother has ever told you is right.
22. Treat yourself or splurge on an item that will make you feel confident.
23. If you borrow someone’s clothes, return them in a timely manner.
24. Playing hard to get works, but don’t play too hard or you can come off as rude.
25. Use a planner.
26. Do not curse on social media.
27. Living in the dorm is unlike any experience you will ever have.
28. Keep your fingers and toes painted. Trust me, boys notice.
29. If you are not a natural blonde there is a good reason for that.
30. Don’t sleep in your make-up. You’ll regret it.
31. Don’t upload pictures with mass amounts of alcohol in them.
32. Don’t drink and drive.
33. Have a strong group of friends. They will always be there for you, even when he is not.
34. Make time to talk to your parents.
35. The best place to get advice from is the Bible.
36. Pictures. Take Pictures.
37. Look presentable for class. Nobody likes a girl that rolled out of bed with her greasy hair.
38. Respect yourself.
39. Stand firm for what you believe, even if you are standing alone.
40. Failure is a part of life, so learn from it.
41. Walmart make-up works perfectly.
42. If you are going to wear heels, you need to know how to properly walk in them.
43. Don’t post everything you think on social media. It’s annoying and nobody cares.
44. Stop using Tinder. It’s just plain weird.
45. Bandeaus are not tops.
46. It’s okay to cry. Sometimes you have to, but you’ll feel better afterwards.
47. Stay updated with the news.
48. Laughter is always the best medicine.
49. Pinterest is the best website when you are bored.
50. Find out who you are, it’s a part of the college experience.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Twenty-Somethings
“Twenty-Somethings”
To be in our twenties is said to be the most exhilarating and enjoyable time in our lives, experiencing what is known as being in our “prime” and living life to the fullest each and every day. As students, we are getting a small taste of the real world without being thrown into its depths as of yet, so we can dip our feet into it and slowly work our way in until we are ready to jump in after graduation. Even after our college days are over, it doesn’t mean that our “prime” years are over whatsoever! In reality, life after college can be even more fun than the old college glory days, and some would argue that the “prime” years of our lives begin when school ends and we make our trek into the world outside of our college campus grounds. It really all depends on the manner and mindset in which we approach these milestone markers in life, and with each milestone we are given the chance to start a new chapter in the book of our lives, with a totally blank slate.
So how do we make the most of this twenty-something period in our lives? I think the answer is found within us as individual young women. It is so important to use this time to figure out the women that we want to be physically, emotionally and mentally as we make our way towards adulthood. We can achieve that by trying new things, making mistakes, learning and growing through each experience we encounter. An impromptu trip to the beach or spontaneous semester backpacking in a foreign country with some friends? Go for it! The chance to experience a new hobby, craft or sport for the first time? Why not try it when you have nothing to do but gain a new experience that you might actually really enjoy! Figuring out who we are, what we like, and more importantly, what we don’t, is an essential part of maturing and forming lifestyle habits that we create at this age and carry with us for the rest of our lives.
During our twenties, many young women experience their first serious relationships, whether thinking, believing, or knowing from the beginning that they’ve finally met “the one.” Sadly, this sometimes results in heartbreak when that twenty-something guy proves that he isn’t quite mature enough and ready to meet the increasing standards of the twenty-something woman who is quickly escalating and making her way into the adult world. Do not be discouraged, ladies! With the support of friends, family, chocolate, and a few issues of Cosmopolitan, the fabulous twenty-something woman will be up and back on her game at no time! There is nothing wrong with being single during your twenties!
Now is the time to truly embrace the remarkable things this great world has in store for us. So go out with the girls on a random Friday night, join a gym or workout class, learn a random foreign language, meet new people and try new things. Most importantly, focus on YOU and what you want and need during this time in your life. This is the time to promote you and your well-being without feeling selfish. It’s all about you, so don’t be afraid to promote your own happiness. When you are a confident and happy young woman, people will flock to your confidence and positivity; it is absolutely contagious. So throw on that million dollar smile, your favorite pair of heels, and take on the world.
'Figure out who you are separate from your family, and the man or woman you're in a relationship with. Find who you are in this world and what you need to feel good alone. I think that's the most important thing in life. Find a sense of self because with that, you can do anything else.” – Angelina Jolie
To be in our twenties is said to be the most exhilarating and enjoyable time in our lives, experiencing what is known as being in our “prime” and living life to the fullest each and every day. As students, we are getting a small taste of the real world without being thrown into its depths as of yet, so we can dip our feet into it and slowly work our way in until we are ready to jump in after graduation. Even after our college days are over, it doesn’t mean that our “prime” years are over whatsoever! In reality, life after college can be even more fun than the old college glory days, and some would argue that the “prime” years of our lives begin when school ends and we make our trek into the world outside of our college campus grounds. It really all depends on the manner and mindset in which we approach these milestone markers in life, and with each milestone we are given the chance to start a new chapter in the book of our lives, with a totally blank slate.
So how do we make the most of this twenty-something period in our lives? I think the answer is found within us as individual young women. It is so important to use this time to figure out the women that we want to be physically, emotionally and mentally as we make our way towards adulthood. We can achieve that by trying new things, making mistakes, learning and growing through each experience we encounter. An impromptu trip to the beach or spontaneous semester backpacking in a foreign country with some friends? Go for it! The chance to experience a new hobby, craft or sport for the first time? Why not try it when you have nothing to do but gain a new experience that you might actually really enjoy! Figuring out who we are, what we like, and more importantly, what we don’t, is an essential part of maturing and forming lifestyle habits that we create at this age and carry with us for the rest of our lives.
During our twenties, many young women experience their first serious relationships, whether thinking, believing, or knowing from the beginning that they’ve finally met “the one.” Sadly, this sometimes results in heartbreak when that twenty-something guy proves that he isn’t quite mature enough and ready to meet the increasing standards of the twenty-something woman who is quickly escalating and making her way into the adult world. Do not be discouraged, ladies! With the support of friends, family, chocolate, and a few issues of Cosmopolitan, the fabulous twenty-something woman will be up and back on her game at no time! There is nothing wrong with being single during your twenties!
Now is the time to truly embrace the remarkable things this great world has in store for us. So go out with the girls on a random Friday night, join a gym or workout class, learn a random foreign language, meet new people and try new things. Most importantly, focus on YOU and what you want and need during this time in your life. This is the time to promote you and your well-being without feeling selfish. It’s all about you, so don’t be afraid to promote your own happiness. When you are a confident and happy young woman, people will flock to your confidence and positivity; it is absolutely contagious. So throw on that million dollar smile, your favorite pair of heels, and take on the world.
'Figure out who you are separate from your family, and the man or woman you're in a relationship with. Find who you are in this world and what you need to feel good alone. I think that's the most important thing in life. Find a sense of self because with that, you can do anything else.” – Angelina Jolie
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
"Ok, this needs to be over with"
The encouraging words of Nelson Mandela “It always seems impossible until it’s done”, hung on my wall until the day of my half marathon. It was finally the time that four months of training would finally pay off.
I woke that morning with both excited and nervous butterflies in my stomach. Question after question, “Will I even finish?”, “What will my time be?”, “Will my legs cramp?”, spun through my head. I was mostly afraid I wasn’t going to finish before my goal time of two hours. To me if I couldn’t do that, then what was to show of all the hard work I had put in over these past few months?
Ten minutes before the race was about to start I was standing in my corral surrounded by 38,000 other people. Chills ran up my back. Here I was, about to accomplish something that for so long I told myself I couldn’t do, not only would I be stride in stride with an amazing friend but also 38,000 other amazing people. Everyone there was running for a cause and achieving their own goals. Once I started running it became clear to me that I could do this. During mile one I ran behind a man in the Army running with two prosthetic legs, and here I was telling myself “I hope I finish”. It was right then I knew I would finish, it no longer matter how long it took me to do it, finishing was finishing in my book. And no matter what my time was, I would be proud of myself. Up until mile eight was fairly “easy”, our pace was good and my body wasn’t tired yet. It was around mile nine when I started thinking “Ok, this needs to be over with”. It was painful to believe I still had five more miles to go. I reminded myself not to stop and to keep going. The constant encouragement of bystanders, the enthusiastic runners and those running as a St. Jude Hero were all the reasons I was able to finish the last five miles.
Crossing the finish line was a moment I will never forget. I did it. I can now say I accomplished something that at one point was something I deemed impossible.
Now, I know nothing is impossible.
I woke that morning with both excited and nervous butterflies in my stomach. Question after question, “Will I even finish?”, “What will my time be?”, “Will my legs cramp?”, spun through my head. I was mostly afraid I wasn’t going to finish before my goal time of two hours. To me if I couldn’t do that, then what was to show of all the hard work I had put in over these past few months?
Ten minutes before the race was about to start I was standing in my corral surrounded by 38,000 other people. Chills ran up my back. Here I was, about to accomplish something that for so long I told myself I couldn’t do, not only would I be stride in stride with an amazing friend but also 38,000 other amazing people. Everyone there was running for a cause and achieving their own goals. Once I started running it became clear to me that I could do this. During mile one I ran behind a man in the Army running with two prosthetic legs, and here I was telling myself “I hope I finish”. It was right then I knew I would finish, it no longer matter how long it took me to do it, finishing was finishing in my book. And no matter what my time was, I would be proud of myself. Up until mile eight was fairly “easy”, our pace was good and my body wasn’t tired yet. It was around mile nine when I started thinking “Ok, this needs to be over with”. It was painful to believe I still had five more miles to go. I reminded myself not to stop and to keep going. The constant encouragement of bystanders, the enthusiastic runners and those running as a St. Jude Hero were all the reasons I was able to finish the last five miles.
Crossing the finish line was a moment I will never forget. I did it. I can now say I accomplished something that at one point was something I deemed impossible.
Now, I know nothing is impossible.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)