That is right. You didn't read the title wrong. Right about now, I am starting to get a little anxious and a little nervous about classes. In a way, I want to just finish the classes I have now and start on the classes that I have already signed up for for the spring semester. Part of the reason is that for whatever reason, this semester seems to be dragging along ever so slowly. It is like watching maple syrup go down a jar- painstakingly. I am glad that the classes I am taking now is for my Geography and Urban Studies (I am not declared, but I am praying that everything goes right for me so that I can declare as soon as possible). However, some of the classes I am taking are too frustrating or too elementary. There is no middle, really. For me, the fall semester is slower than the spring semester because the weather is turning cold and the options for preferable and required classes are now available as I would like it to be. Well, this is something I do not have any control over. I just pick that would be a good time for me and try to deal with the class as best as I can. In the spring semester, I am taking mostly History courses. I am so happy. Personally, I can't wait to take courses like Crime and Punishment in Modern America and Economic History (British History, if you were wondering the genre of the course). These courses are preferable and required, respectively. I am not the strongest writer but I am willing to give it 150% to a project. I am ready for a change in my classes.
I am typing this at 1:45 in the morning. I have class at 10 a.m. (Applied Statistics). Thanksgiving Break does weird things to me and I think the same sentiment is felt by most OWU students. I have nothing against my four classes and other responsibilities tomorrow but to be honest, I do not feel like going. It has nothing to do with receiving my test back in Statistics (I do not have a good feeling about my score, unfortunately) or doing homework for Power of Maps (why didn't I just do the homework over the break like I did the other homework and readings) or having to endure a grueling hour in Gray Chapel, singing Sanctus and Gloria (honestly, I was so busy doing other work, I didn't study the music; however, I am a good enough musician to recover from this, I hope) or the fact that I have to turn in a paper for Cultural Geography and unveil my plan for my part of the presentation for Bangladesh- all in the span of four hours (10 am- 2 pm). Eventually, when I am walking to class, my stomach will drop and I will have to play the endurance game of being attentive in all of the classes. Well, guess that? I probably will not have the pleasure of losing my attentive in class because my grade for the exam will probably penetrate to the cores of my being and shake my being into consciousness for the entire day. Yeah, I am preparing for the worst, expecting a miracle, somehow. Honestly, I am not 100% at Ohio Wesleyan. A part of me wants to go back home and attend to business matters back there. We all got business matters back at home. I'm here now so I might as well go and face the day.
I am anxious to see how the semester will turn out for me. So far academically, I have achieved in the above average range- not superior but better than your average student. If anything were to happen that I didn't anticipate, I will have to deal with that when the time comes. I am a man and I will have to own up to that and fix it. I will succeed and a bump in the road SHALL not stop me. The last month will be a roller coaster, for sure. Well, I gotta get some shuteye; it will be a shame if I miss my first class because I decided to stay up all night writing to you. I also have to study for an Environmental Alteration Thursday and turn in my research paper on Elizabethan Literature and the Experience of England for my Making of Britain soon after on Thursday. You know what they say: Life is (fill in the blank).
Hanging like I'm John McClain,
Hasani Wheat
Class of '10
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Three Weeks Later- I Know...
Wow. Has it been over three weeks since my last blog? I must admit that the lack of a camera has made it difficult for me to get topics that will stand out. The use of the camera helped me to remember that I have to send pictures in through to show people what was been happening with me visually. In addition to the lack of the camera, I have been swamped with reading, research, and dealing with everything else that comes with Ohio Wesleyan life- you know, fraternity life, work, student organizations, and other important obligations. I know-- it is still no excuse to follow the routine of posting regularly. I have more free time at work than in my organizations so I promise to fill you in on events in my life as a student on a regular basis- even if I have to sacrifice something. This is important. You, the reader need to know what is going on for me from my perspective. Bottom line: camera or no camera, expect to see a good amount of blogs from me in the next month.
I guess I will talk about my experiences in the last three weeks. I went to Culture Fest, which showcased talent from OWU's international students. A lot of my friends and classmates are from these countries and I came to show my appreciation and support. I also know that this is a time where I can bond with more people while enjoying the festivities. This year, Culture Fest was very surprised and unpredictable. Last year was fun but not too interactive. This year was very interactive-the Stick dance got everyone's juices going and ready for more. There was singing performances by artists from Sri Lanka, the Chinese Culture Club, and other countries. There were dance performances by Bonya from Kazakhstan (those dances moves were hot, I must say!), the Rafiki Wa Afrika dancers (nice job!), and other performers. The performers did things that were traditional and modern. Kevin Nguyen's rendition of The Calling's Wherever You Go was classic (I didn't know he could sing). I would say the last 15-20 minutes was the best of the night. Alex Paya (Ultimate!) did a performance with strobe balls that mesmerized the crowd... in the dark. A brief description- the balls seemed like they followed him. Why you ask? The ball were being swung by Paya and when it was dark, the balls were swung and it actually looked like the spirits were guiding him. It was awesome. You have to see it to believe it; honestly, I don't think that a digital camera would have handled the performance. The last performance of the night was by Sangam. I kinda figured it out as soon as they arrived on stage. They did their traditional performance and then out of nowhere, the party got started! They invited everyone in the audience (those that were brave enough to join them in celebration). Sounds sort of familiar? If you guessed the makings of a Bhangra party, then you would be right! That was fun! Seriously, I can't wait until the actual Bhangra party. Hopefully, there will be one this semester- I did it to rejuvenate my mind, body and soul. I will be ready, you know it. After all of the performances, the audience finally got something to eat. The food was as eclectic as the performers. There was food from Pakistan, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and other places in the spectrum of our international students. I was in heaven. Boy, am I glad to have picked OWU for its diversity in the student body! At the end of the program, I got my name in calligraphy. Two simple symbols is all it took. The symbols are now on display outside of my room and it has already become quite a hit.
I had an excellent time as always at the Culture Fest. I invite all OWU student to attend. Maybe you will learn something about yourself while you enjoy the festivities and educate yourselves about the cultures of others. "You think you know, but you have no idea." This wraps up this session. See you for the next session.
Until then,
Hasani Wheat
Class of '10
I guess I will talk about my experiences in the last three weeks. I went to Culture Fest, which showcased talent from OWU's international students. A lot of my friends and classmates are from these countries and I came to show my appreciation and support. I also know that this is a time where I can bond with more people while enjoying the festivities. This year, Culture Fest was very surprised and unpredictable. Last year was fun but not too interactive. This year was very interactive-the Stick dance got everyone's juices going and ready for more. There was singing performances by artists from Sri Lanka, the Chinese Culture Club, and other countries. There were dance performances by Bonya from Kazakhstan (those dances moves were hot, I must say!), the Rafiki Wa Afrika dancers (nice job!), and other performers. The performers did things that were traditional and modern. Kevin Nguyen's rendition of The Calling's Wherever You Go was classic (I didn't know he could sing). I would say the last 15-20 minutes was the best of the night. Alex Paya (Ultimate!) did a performance with strobe balls that mesmerized the crowd... in the dark. A brief description- the balls seemed like they followed him. Why you ask? The ball were being swung by Paya and when it was dark, the balls were swung and it actually looked like the spirits were guiding him. It was awesome. You have to see it to believe it; honestly, I don't think that a digital camera would have handled the performance. The last performance of the night was by Sangam. I kinda figured it out as soon as they arrived on stage. They did their traditional performance and then out of nowhere, the party got started! They invited everyone in the audience (those that were brave enough to join them in celebration). Sounds sort of familiar? If you guessed the makings of a Bhangra party, then you would be right! That was fun! Seriously, I can't wait until the actual Bhangra party. Hopefully, there will be one this semester- I did it to rejuvenate my mind, body and soul. I will be ready, you know it. After all of the performances, the audience finally got something to eat. The food was as eclectic as the performers. There was food from Pakistan, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and other places in the spectrum of our international students. I was in heaven. Boy, am I glad to have picked OWU for its diversity in the student body! At the end of the program, I got my name in calligraphy. Two simple symbols is all it took. The symbols are now on display outside of my room and it has already become quite a hit.
I had an excellent time as always at the Culture Fest. I invite all OWU student to attend. Maybe you will learn something about yourself while you enjoy the festivities and educate yourselves about the cultures of others. "You think you know, but you have no idea." This wraps up this session. See you for the next session.
Until then,
Hasani Wheat
Class of '10
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Homecoming... need I say anything more!
Well, Homecoming was last week and I am still recovering from all of the events that took place. I was a part of the Student Homecoming Organization (SHO); the purpose of SHO is to provide students the opportunity to enjoy homecoming. Within the past couple of years, students were stuck on campus, doing school work instead of enjoying the festivities, which were mainly set up for alumni. SHO promotes awareness of activities that students can get involved in to celebrate the spirit of Homecoming.
Let me give you a rundown of all of the different events that took place last year that I was a part of:
Monday: Pie a Professor
All of the money went to Delaware area school for equipment such as parts for the school's AV center and for the classroom in general. The event was really pie a interim president or a public safety officer. If for some reason, you had or have an agenda with one of these people then you can oblige them with a pie to the face. Honestly, it was funny seeing the reaction on people's faces when these people got pied. I know some people were like, "Take that, Officer Mickens!" I liked the event and I believe the reaction on people was priceless. The day was also aptly named Pajama Day. Like people on campus don't arrive to class in their pajamas enough (especially after a long trip or a string of events that goes into 2-3 in the morning).
Tuesday: Rockstar/Celebrity Day
Truthfully, I didn't heavily promote this day. People dressed up and there are not much commotion about it. Therefore, I probably don't need to explain any further.
Wednesday: Hawaiian Day/Luau
This is the event that I chose to help out with. The luau was a promotion to get people really juiced for Friday. This event was the appetizer for the entree, so to speak. I arrived early to get equipment and other supplies to set the mood. Student organizations on campus had to bake a chocolate dessert and people on the committee judged the food. In addition to this, the homecoming court was formally introduced and they leied people who walked in the Student Center. I got leied a couple of times- it was fun. The winner of the dessert contest was something that looked and tasted like a pizza except that it had a chocolate dessert feel to it. The desserts were good.
Thursday: Prince/Princess Day
Nothing was really eventful on this day- I have no report except the hustle and bustle of classes wearing on me.
Friday: Bonfire/Homecoming Soccer Game vs. Wittenberg
This was my favorite part of Homecoming last year and this year. This is the best possible way to meet up with friends, bond with some people with you may not have touched bases with in a while, or to relax watching the bonfire outside and the big screen television inside. Obviously, there were a lot of people showing up. The soccer was a big help to our cause. People would either see the fire on their way to the fire and see what it is about or people would be returning from the soccer game and look for their friends in that area. There was dee jays from Alpha Sigma Phi, Chris Drover and Jerome Bucceri, driving the mood of the bonfire as well as hot dogs and hamburgers for people to eat while enjoying the music and the bonfire. My main job at the Bonfire was to help set up and tear down and to distribute the Homecoming t-shirts. There were so many people requesting t-shirts. I did that for about 90 minutes before I left for the soccer game. I had to go support the Men's Soccer team because there is only one Homecoming soccer game for men. The soccer game was exhilarating and I knew that the men's soccer team were going to win hands down. There were too many fans on our side for us to lose- plus the men's soccer team is just that good. GO BISHOPS!!! After the soccer game, I went to some parties and went to bed a satisfied customer.
Saturday: Pumpkin Run/Black Family Weekend/Homecoming Football Game/Costume Party
Okay. I was probably missing about a third of the events as Saturday is always packed with events. Somehow, I managed to get about two hours of studying in as well. I guess you can say I am a multi-tasker in a way. At 8 in the morning, I jogged over to Selby Stadium to prepare for the Pumpkin Run. Unfortunately for me, I have conditioned myself to adequately prepare for the 5K. I like running and jogging on a new path so I was confident and ready to take it on. I did okay- under 30 minutes- not bad for a guy who has not conditioned in a while. I saw teachers, students, and members of my church running in it so I was happy to see good crowd participation from all aspects of life and occupations.
After getting some fruit, I headed back to my house to shower and change for the Black Family Weekend brunch. The guest speaker was Dr. Naima Johnston, '93. She was also the speaker for the Leadership Conference for Minority Student Orientation for GLCA schools back in August. I saw many families and alumni back for the festivities. Gospelyres sung and Dr. Johnston gave us inspiring words of wisdom to take back to the OWU community. The brunch wasn't bad either.
The program ended around 1 p.m. I headed directly over to see the first set of volleyball, who played Allegheny. I saw the OWU Volleyball team crush their rivals and I had to leave because I wanted to see the announcement of the Homecoming court and if the OWU football were winning against Allegheny. I was delicated to see they were. I voted for people for the Homecoming Court- some of the choices for the court that I selected got the nomination and others didn't. Still, I was happy to see that the stadium was filled to capacity and that people were having a good time. By the way, all of our teams won their matches. Everyone was so stoked after the Football game. If only I had time to breathe last Saturday!
I saw the Lacrosse team in action- more or less in practice with the alumni at 4 p.m. Then I attended the Music department's faculty gala at 5 p.m. in which I got to see my professor, Mr. Hiester in performance mode. I was thrilled to see him perform and even more so my friends that were in attendance. I had to leave near the end of the program around 6 p.m. and I just got the tip of the Minifest Program hosted by Rafiki Wa Afrika. I saw the performance last year so I had an idea of what would be happening. Well, at least I got to eat some of the delicacies.
I went to another lecture at 7:30 p.m. hosted by the Office of Minority Student Affairs. The host: Bakari Kitwana- former editor of the Source magazine. Mr. Kitwana is a hip-hop analyst who studies the role of hip-hop on society. The lecture was about two and a half hours long but the subject was pretty interesting. One of the alumni received a book from Mr. Kitwana but decided against having it. Being at the right place and the right time, I accepted Mr. Kitwana's book: The Hip-Hop Generation: Young Blacks and the Crisis in African-American Culture. Once again, I was ecstatic about the day and I knew that I needed to do more work before I could enjoy the day further.
I did some readings for class on Monday and I put on my costume for the party that was hosted by my fraternity. The house was packed with people and their personas- I had a very good time as I was able to chill out and relax before preparing for church on Sunday.
This concludes my report for Homecoming 2007. I think the events were awesome and I can't wait until this time next year. Seeing the alumni back for a day made my day and the festivities created a lot of attention and buzz amongst everyone. I am so proud of all of the members of the Student Homecoming Organization because you know what... we kicked butt this year. Now that Homecoming is over and exams are soon approaching, I got to get moving on studying and mentally prepared for this next phase in my academic life.
Hustling,
Hasani Wheat
Class of '10
Let me give you a rundown of all of the different events that took place last year that I was a part of:
Monday: Pie a Professor
All of the money went to Delaware area school for equipment such as parts for the school's AV center and for the classroom in general. The event was really pie a interim president or a public safety officer. If for some reason, you had or have an agenda with one of these people then you can oblige them with a pie to the face. Honestly, it was funny seeing the reaction on people's faces when these people got pied. I know some people were like, "Take that, Officer Mickens!" I liked the event and I believe the reaction on people was priceless. The day was also aptly named Pajama Day. Like people on campus don't arrive to class in their pajamas enough (especially after a long trip or a string of events that goes into 2-3 in the morning).
Tuesday: Rockstar/Celebrity Day
Truthfully, I didn't heavily promote this day. People dressed up and there are not much commotion about it. Therefore, I probably don't need to explain any further.
Wednesday: Hawaiian Day/Luau
This is the event that I chose to help out with. The luau was a promotion to get people really juiced for Friday. This event was the appetizer for the entree, so to speak. I arrived early to get equipment and other supplies to set the mood. Student organizations on campus had to bake a chocolate dessert and people on the committee judged the food. In addition to this, the homecoming court was formally introduced and they leied people who walked in the Student Center. I got leied a couple of times- it was fun. The winner of the dessert contest was something that looked and tasted like a pizza except that it had a chocolate dessert feel to it. The desserts were good.
Thursday: Prince/Princess Day
Nothing was really eventful on this day- I have no report except the hustle and bustle of classes wearing on me.
Friday: Bonfire/Homecoming Soccer Game vs. Wittenberg
This was my favorite part of Homecoming last year and this year. This is the best possible way to meet up with friends, bond with some people with you may not have touched bases with in a while, or to relax watching the bonfire outside and the big screen television inside. Obviously, there were a lot of people showing up. The soccer was a big help to our cause. People would either see the fire on their way to the fire and see what it is about or people would be returning from the soccer game and look for their friends in that area. There was dee jays from Alpha Sigma Phi, Chris Drover and Jerome Bucceri, driving the mood of the bonfire as well as hot dogs and hamburgers for people to eat while enjoying the music and the bonfire. My main job at the Bonfire was to help set up and tear down and to distribute the Homecoming t-shirts. There were so many people requesting t-shirts. I did that for about 90 minutes before I left for the soccer game. I had to go support the Men's Soccer team because there is only one Homecoming soccer game for men. The soccer game was exhilarating and I knew that the men's soccer team were going to win hands down. There were too many fans on our side for us to lose- plus the men's soccer team is just that good. GO BISHOPS!!! After the soccer game, I went to some parties and went to bed a satisfied customer.
Saturday: Pumpkin Run/Black Family Weekend/Homecoming Football Game/Costume Party
Okay. I was probably missing about a third of the events as Saturday is always packed with events. Somehow, I managed to get about two hours of studying in as well. I guess you can say I am a multi-tasker in a way. At 8 in the morning, I jogged over to Selby Stadium to prepare for the Pumpkin Run. Unfortunately for me, I have conditioned myself to adequately prepare for the 5K. I like running and jogging on a new path so I was confident and ready to take it on. I did okay- under 30 minutes- not bad for a guy who has not conditioned in a while. I saw teachers, students, and members of my church running in it so I was happy to see good crowd participation from all aspects of life and occupations.
After getting some fruit, I headed back to my house to shower and change for the Black Family Weekend brunch. The guest speaker was Dr. Naima Johnston, '93. She was also the speaker for the Leadership Conference for Minority Student Orientation for GLCA schools back in August. I saw many families and alumni back for the festivities. Gospelyres sung and Dr. Johnston gave us inspiring words of wisdom to take back to the OWU community. The brunch wasn't bad either.
The program ended around 1 p.m. I headed directly over to see the first set of volleyball, who played Allegheny. I saw the OWU Volleyball team crush their rivals and I had to leave because I wanted to see the announcement of the Homecoming court and if the OWU football were winning against Allegheny. I was delicated to see they were. I voted for people for the Homecoming Court- some of the choices for the court that I selected got the nomination and others didn't. Still, I was happy to see that the stadium was filled to capacity and that people were having a good time. By the way, all of our teams won their matches. Everyone was so stoked after the Football game. If only I had time to breathe last Saturday!
I saw the Lacrosse team in action- more or less in practice with the alumni at 4 p.m. Then I attended the Music department's faculty gala at 5 p.m. in which I got to see my professor, Mr. Hiester in performance mode. I was thrilled to see him perform and even more so my friends that were in attendance. I had to leave near the end of the program around 6 p.m. and I just got the tip of the Minifest Program hosted by Rafiki Wa Afrika. I saw the performance last year so I had an idea of what would be happening. Well, at least I got to eat some of the delicacies.
I went to another lecture at 7:30 p.m. hosted by the Office of Minority Student Affairs. The host: Bakari Kitwana- former editor of the Source magazine. Mr. Kitwana is a hip-hop analyst who studies the role of hip-hop on society. The lecture was about two and a half hours long but the subject was pretty interesting. One of the alumni received a book from Mr. Kitwana but decided against having it. Being at the right place and the right time, I accepted Mr. Kitwana's book: The Hip-Hop Generation: Young Blacks and the Crisis in African-American Culture. Once again, I was ecstatic about the day and I knew that I needed to do more work before I could enjoy the day further.
I did some readings for class on Monday and I put on my costume for the party that was hosted by my fraternity. The house was packed with people and their personas- I had a very good time as I was able to chill out and relax before preparing for church on Sunday.
This concludes my report for Homecoming 2007. I think the events were awesome and I can't wait until this time next year. Seeing the alumni back for a day made my day and the festivities created a lot of attention and buzz amongst everyone. I am so proud of all of the members of the Student Homecoming Organization because you know what... we kicked butt this year. Now that Homecoming is over and exams are soon approaching, I got to get moving on studying and mentally prepared for this next phase in my academic life.
Hustling,
Hasani Wheat
Class of '10
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