I can have fun too.

Hey there. I know its been awhile but now I'm back and I am ready to live my life. I want to succeed academically and reinvent myself as a historian/scholar but I also need to understand that without some fun in my life, I will grow old very quickly and possibly die of a broken heart, alone in a cold asylum. On Friday, I decided to break that streak of working hard at my academics to go and play some sports. It was very invigorating for me; the experience rejuvenated the kid in me.

A couple of my friends and myself headed out to Delaware's Grace Brethren Church for a little excitement and competition. Now before you wonder why this happened, let me give you some background information. I'm a member of Campus Crusade for Christ at OWU. By strengthening our bonds as a kingdom of Christ through Jesus, we are able to do activities such as late night sports to get people interested in what we are all about. Not only do we do sports, we do other activities geared towards increasing the number of people in our family. Campus Crusade for Christ is an organization that promotes all kinds of awareness about people's walk in life with Jesus whether it is a teaching or a band playing their hearts out to the Lord. For me, this is one of the ways I need to be able to maintain a strong relationship with the Lord. I am very proud to be a member in His kingdom and by showing him praise, I am able to keep my sanity and serve Him with all of my soul. Hopefully, I do Campus Crusade for Christ justice in my blog as a source of advertisement for students that need a religious outlet in their search for a college (we are a Methodist college by name, that is).

I went to the Church and I expected the area we would be playing is outside. We go in and amazingly, the Church has been converted into a basketball court! The court was in the same arena as worship is held, which piqued my interest even more. The Church looked awesome and so did the courts. I was so blessed to be brought there. Back up in Cleveland at my church, this idea would have never been implemented, at least not in the place of worship.
While I was here, I played a variety of sports, preferably basketball and dodgeball. (By the way, in the two photos that was taken of me playing dodgeball, I am wearing all red, just to differentiate me from the others on the field.) I need the exercise and freedom; my work from college was starting to consume my brain and take over. I was also starting to gain more fat (I am a skinny guy, if you noticed in my pictures) and not enough muscle. What could be better- playing with my friends, getting away from the campus for a little bit, doing all types of sports. This part of the day verged on being in heaven for me; I want to do it again. I need to do it again.

I had to write about my experience at the Church. This proves to you readers that if you bond with the right people, they will take you to people and places you never would have dreamed of. I feel so comfortable around these people. You don't have to stay in a room all day working on the Odyssey, in fact, this is not healthy study habits for anyone, current or prospective students. Get out and enjoy life because you never know what will happen in the future.



In Him,
Hasani Wheat
Class of '10

Food is crucial to survival on this campus!

Okay. I have enough energy to talk about surviving at a college, particularly a small school such as Ohio Wesleyan University. Sometimes I have a energy surge around the midnight hour so I usually do some work or if I am really in the mood to write, I write something. I feel that I am most productive in the late night/early morning for some strange reason. I think it is a phenomenon here at Ohio Wesleyan; my friends are the same way.


Anyway, one of the things I have learned during my time here at OWU is to not solely depend on your food points. Your food points serve multiple purposes besides food and you can miss out on opportunities if you don't have any food points left (e.g. trips to the Circle City Classic, special events on campus, etc). What I have done is talked to my parents, siblings, and all of my aunts about sending me care packages during the school year. As you can see, I have stocked up quite nicely. That way, I will never run out of food (hopefully!). Food is essential to being able to concentrate in class and critical when you may need that extra energy boost for an exam. Stock up on everything you can possibly think of (especially non-perishable items).


I have a fridge and a microwave that I constantly use. I like to eat and when I have leftovers of all of the food I had (which is very rare), I store the food. My fridge can be very cold or very warm depending on what food is being stored at that time. My microwave is for items such as Ramen noodles, Chef Boy-R-Dee products, quesadillas, and other food items. I like to think that these appliances will help me maintain my sanity when I am snowed in my residence hall.




I made sure my fridge would be able to hold a lot of food and drinks in it. There are two fridges in my room; one is mine and the other is my roommates. However, he does not use it as often as I, so I always use his fridge to store the remainder of my items as I often have a surplus of drinks and fruit cups. I'm the kind of guy who drinks not because he is thirsty or that the drink goes with a meal but I feel a sudden urge to do so. Soda, kool-aid, fruit beverages- I store it all to get the satisfaction of that nice, cold feeling down my stomach. Oh yeah. Please, if you come to OWU, make sure you have a fridge to store all of your food in. You will certainly need it in case of an emergency or desperation.



Finally, there is a solution to when you run out of food points but you don't want to go to the on-campus convenience store. OWU is next to a place where students call it UDF or as the picture spells out, United Dairy Farmers. No, it is not a diary based store (it does sell cheese and tons of milk). It is THE nearest and most convenient gas station in the vicinity. Students stock up on all kinds of items like cereal, chips, and other critical items that like college student very happy. I suggest all OWU with some moneys in their pockets to go to UDF and buy everything they need. This will be one of the smartest moves you can make; you spend less and buy more with what you got.

You cannot survive as a college student without food. It may be home cooked food that you can fall in love with but you can maintain your sanity by enjoying what you have for very little money or no money at all if you play your card correctly. I am surviving because of my large stash; I am saving money and still eating like a champion. This investment in food can help make your life at Ohio Wesleyan and at any college in the country an easier experience.

Take care,
Hasani Wheat
Class of '10

A new semester: Hasani is ready

Hi there. I am finally back at Ohio Wesleyan after a long and well-deserved break. I must say that my fall freshman year was a humbling experience. Now I know what to take and how to approach this thing called college. The Winter Break gave me a chance to rejuvenate myself and to re-evaluate my options after college. My second semester is as follows for me: I will not make the same mistakes and fall into the same hidden traps. I am determined to better myself in all ways no matter how hard the road is up ahead.

Now that I have said my peace about last semester, I will like to introduce to you the spring semester at Ohio Wesleyan. Everything was very fast-paced from the Monday I started class to today. It is crazy but I know this is more or less how the real world will operate. My books are on the right. Yeah, it is the amount of books that is required for all of my classes. This is not a pretty picture especially for those of you new to OWU or prospective students. Note to future students: this is the average amount of books for your classes. Do not let these books intimidate you from choosing your top school. The work will be done and the books will be read in no time if you stick to your guns.


Obviously, I have a good amount of classes that encompasses distribution credits as well as your major. I need all of the down time I can get. Two of the places where I can get all of my work done is in Hamilton Williams Student Center and in Slocum Hall. In Slocum Hall, there is a huge study hall where students who don't want to be involved in your everyday hustle and bustle of the campus can get away. I use it frequently because sometimes I need my space in order to succeed. After I finished my studies, I decide to enjoy the stained glass that adorns the ceiling. I took a picture of it as a reminder to myself to stop and enjoy where I am at. In Hamilton Williams, I chat with all of my friends and get some quick breakfast. This is where I get all of my important mail and invitations. I stopped to take another picture while I was taking a much needed break from my classes.


When I am finally done with all of my classes and my outside studies for the day, I relax by doing different things. Yesterday, I decided to go visit a couple of my friends and play a couple of rounds of Halo 2. I recommend everyone (professors included) to try Halo 2 and relieve some of that duress. Just relax and put school behind you by entering the battlefield and venting your frustrations in the game. There is nothing like it.





I like to study naturally so just before I go to bed, I like to review all of my notes to make sure it is in a good position to use in any discussions(which I have some). I do this with the intention that I am focusing all of my energy into completing the assigned work satisfactorily. I do this at any time- even if it is at two in the morning.


Well, I had to share my experience in dealing with the second semester. I am going through the motions and following the syllabii as closely as possible. I have to get over to Chi Phi soon for some rush events- today is Wings night (I am not missing that). In the meantime, I need to read a lot of books today and write some things (algunos en espanol). Enjoy yourselves.




Gotta split,
Hasani Wheat
Class of '10

But seriously... I'm a Clevelander

Previously on my blog, I talked about my neighborhood and how it has affected me to be a better and more knowledgable person. I discussed how my neighborhood has changed since I have been back in Cleveland and how this impact had an effect on me. Now it is the viewer's turn to experience Cleveland through my photos. This is an opportunity for some of us to look back upon some fond memories of Cleveland (or the suburbs of Cleveland since many of you already claim you are from Cleveland but are not technically Clevelanders). This is also an opportunity for those of you who are not familiar with Cleveland to get acquainted with some of its various landmarks. So enjoy the pictorals.

(From left to right from each row)

1st two pictures-

My first picture is of Moses Cleaveland, the person who founded Cleveland in 1796. It is good to know a little bit about the city. Cleveland seems to be thriving in a lot of areas; the population is over well 500,000 people.

My next picture is of the Cleveland Convention Center. On the building, one of the slogans says "Patriotism, Progress, Peace"- everything this country strives for. This building is every dear to me- this is the place where I had my graduation from my high school, John F. Kennedy. A lot of events happen in this building- speeches, graduation, proms, etc.

2nd two pictures-

The picture on the right of it is the enormous poster of LeBron James. This picture is quite breathtaking and the poster of LeBron always seems to give energy to the fans. The poster reminds me of Cleveland itself- big and full of impact. Seriously, you should go see it and then see LeBron in action.

My next picture is of Jacobs Field. This is where the Cleveland Indians play their home games. Back in the mid to late 1990's, this was THE place to be. The Indians were always going to the playoffs and they always put on an exciting combination of athleticism, confidence, and entertainment. I miss the old Cleveland Indians- Ramirez, Thome, the Alomars, Lofton and that guy whose temper was as big as his swing (Indians fans- you know who I'm talking about).

3rd two pictures-

Almost next door to The Arcade is the House of Blues. If you ever decide to stop in Cleveland and your favorite act decides to perform there, you will be in music utopia. Different acts perform there from all genres (from rap to rock). This is a change of pace for the individual who wants excitement and entertainment.

This classy place is called "The Arcade". The Arcade is very classy- its restaurants include Vivo and 1890 (top quality, I would say). The Arcade is an adventure in itself; there are many places to eat, shop, and to hang out with your friends or co-workers. The newest addition to the Arcade is the five star hotel, The Hyatt (for anyone who has been here, please tell your reluctant friend to visit- it is a wonderful choice).

4th two pictures-

The next picture happens to be across the street from Tower City. This is the Key Tower. The Key Tower is a corporate powerhouse, housing a wonderful business establishment. I used to always pass by there because I was a peer assistant for information for the Cleveland Scholarship Program recipient in the BP Tower across the street. Now I am a scholarship recipient from CSP. Attention: Juniors and seniors who want to work in Cleveland may want to network with some people in these buildings. Just a suggestion.

Tower City. You have not been downtown if you have not stepped foot in Tower City. Tower City is a mini-city in itself. There are two hotels attached to it- the Renaissance and the Ritz-Carlton (up-scale, $$$$ = well-worth the money, TRUST ME!!!) There is a post office, a shoe shine company, too many restaurants to name that suits all of your tastes, and numerous places to shop (including Gollands, a Timberland specialty with custom made shoes, dress and fashion-wise; only for the grown & sexy). Tower City also brings in an industrial boom- businesses thrive off people in Tower City. Remember that future entrepreneurs.

I LOVE TOWER CITY!!!!

5th two pictures-

Inside Key Tower. The biggest building in Downtown Cleveland is Key Tower. A huge corporation, it is linked with another major hotel link, the Marriott. (I've pictures of my stay at the Marriott, but I'll leave that for another time). I must say that the time spent in the Tower was out of this world. Go there for break, you will love it. Warning- up-scale rooms-$$$ 1/2.

Over this bridge is where the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center lay. Bordering Lake Erie, both of these places of interest have a lot of offer. If you are interested in doing your thesis on a specific topic such as The Rolling Stones, the Rock Hall will help you find some information... and more if you need it. The Science Center is a great place to discover your inner passion for biology, chemistry, physics.

6th two pictures-

The Cleveland Browns. I remember singing the National Anthem at the first game of the newly crowned stadium back in 2000. That was awesome for me. Now, I have to look at the haphazard Browns get demolished week in and week out. What a bummer.

MY last picture is of Quickens Loan Arena- for those of you not familiar with basketball arena, this used to be known as Gund Arena. Quickens Loan Area aka the Q is known for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Man, I want to be in the arena when playoffs start- that would make my year. There is nothing more exhilarating than rooting for a team that you actually feel a connection with. Vote LEBRON JAMES for MVP!!

Well, for anyone who would like to come visit Cleveland, particularly the downtown portion of Cleveland, I highly recommended. In fact, I encourage you to go so. For those students who are thinking about attending Ohio Wesleyan, consider this. Cleveland is only two and a half hours away from Delaware, Ohio- if you bring a car and you ever feel the need to leave Delaware for a night or two, go up north for some fun and an opportunity to enjoy life as a college student. I guarantee you will grow to love Cleveland as much as I do. I am giving you the extended version of what the admissions office will introduce to you in the brochure. I put my stamp of official on it. Go and experience people.

Until next time,

Hasani Wheat

Class of '10

A little taste of home life

Happy new year! I hope that everyone is starting off the new year on a good note. My dad purchased a refrigerator for my room along with some food items for my care package upon returning to Ohio Wesleyan in a week and a half. My roommate's fridge stores a lot but considering my appetite, I need to buy a lot of beverages and food to keep me full. This week, I didn't do anything spectacular but I wouldn't mind showing you a couple of pictures of my neighborhood. Anyway, let me explain something that is somewhat on the serious side.


Showing you these pictures of my neighborhood probably tells you that I am proud of where I grew up. I know that remembering my neighborhood can help guide me through my college journey- despite any problems I may face there in the past, present, and future (and I know I will so I am not going to talk any jive). Looking back, I feel very humbled of all of the accomplishments I have achieved and I know that I will achieve many more as long as I focus on my goals. To anyone reading this, know that you can look back and use your past as your fuel to your future successes. Taking these pictures of my neighborhood has made me reminisce about the past in a good way.

The streets that I walk on has built me to be a part of who I am. I have learned a lot from these streets because these streets have stories that will stick with me until the day I die. Most of my childhood friends hail from these areas and we still conversate when time permits us. I wasn't a street kid but I know that without knowing the dangers of the streets beforehand from my brother and my parents, I would have surely succumbed to it. I have acknowledged that the streets here have made me more aware of the dangers of the world.



These streets have led me to the playground. The playground that was once abandoned by the city of Cleveland that now thrives off of my councilwoman's Nina Turner's support to rebuild my neighborhood. I believe that the condition of the playground mirrored the condition of the neighborhood. Several years ago, the playground was dead, looking that it would never return to its old glory days back in the late 80's and early 90's. I took this picture of this new jungle gym because this tells me that the neighborhood is back on the rise, that it will be revitalized by generous support of its inhabitants. I know that it is only a matter of time before the economy in my area will change. This belief has made me a lot happier about the area that I grew up in.

I also realized that I needed to revisit my new elementary school, Emile B. DeSauze. The school was a building block for my future success everywhere I went and became a part of. I was aware of this before but this seems to be much more eminent when I set foot at Ohio Wesleyan. Desauze was in walking distance of my house and what better way to learning than right around the block with your family a few houses down the street. Hopefully, I can go back to my high school, John F. Kennedy and visit some old teachers that directly or indirectly shaped my life. Kennedy starts school a week before I leave to go back to my second home. Look forward to me posting something about my visit to the high school if I do get the chance to do so.

My house- the place where I have lived all of my life. I am so blessed to be able to live in a house. Sure, the house may look archaic and a little scary (being that it is sitting on top of a hill), but this is my first home. I have so many memories in this house, it would literally take a day to list them all. I don't feel ashamed of where I grew up because look where I am now. The kid that lives in the house that sits on top of a hill is now in college.




God has blessed me beyond belief; it is unfathomable how much He has blessed me. I feel so humbled by the past that I know that the past will lead me to victory- in college, in the real world, and beyond. Writing this and taking these pictures of these things that has and still have importance in my life- all I can think of is "Wow."

For everyone, especially people who will be attending college, don't EVER forget where you come from. This is an integral piece of who you are. Without this piece of knowledge, you will become lost and forget everything you have struggled to fight for and to become. This piece of the puzzle must be intact whenever you are struggling and when you just want to give up. Remembering the past and where you grew up will humble you and from there you will realize that without the past, there will be no building upon a future. Just because it is a new year doesn't mean that we as people can forget those years that have made us who we are. Just keep that piece of advice in mind.




Everyone, let's just reminisce,
Hasani Wheat
Class of '10