October 26, 2009

The highlight of this week began on Wednesday with “Landscape Painting in Tuscany” Information session. Images about what this trip would entail have been running through my head since I first heard about it. Well, those ideas were far exceeded during this meeting led by professor Marty Avrett. The three week long, on site, intensive landscape painting opportunity based in Spannocchia, Italy, promises a truly unique experience. I would earn 3 hours of credit toward my degree, while living on an estate that is home to the Etruscan Foundation. Also, the weekends are considered our free time, which would allow me the chance to tour other parts of Italy! I could continue with many more exciting details; I'm sure my eyes were wide open with enthusiasm as Mr. Avrett spoke. Now, it's obviously not cheap to study abroad, but this program in particular is significantly lower in price than some I've looked into. In order to fund this journey, I am applying for numerous scholarships and on the hunt for more. Unfortunately, I won't know the results of those applications until after I've commited to the class, but I'm hoping it's a risk that will pay off. Nevertheless, I will be returning May 31st, so I will have the remainder of the summer to work. An experience like this, which truly combines everything that I love is something I feel I cannot pass up. I'm going to do what it takes to make it work!

Thursday, the OSU Student Foundation held a Donor Dinner, one of my favorite type of events! We wanted everyone to have an opportunity to get to know two of STUFU's greatest supporters, Mike and Anne Greenwood. I personally learned a lot about some exciting new service opportunities for the organization, and always enjoy the conversation in general, at these events. At the end of the dinner, the Greenwoods made an incredibly exciting announcement: they were going to be Cowboy Spirit's very first donors and they also offered to help with start up costs. If I haven't reiterated this point enough, Mike and Anne are honestly two of the most giving people I've had the pleasure of meeting. They give because they love to help others, but it's more than that; something about their acts of giving, whether small or large, come from their heart, mind, and soul. I know I speak on behalf of STUFU when I say that we are thankful to the Greenwoods for all that they do. Here's a picture of some of the STUFU members that attended.



On Friday after class I was off to Denton, Texas, for the Circle K International Fall Retreat at Camp Copass. Truthfully, in the beginning of the week I was stressed out because of all the projects I have due this next week, and being gone from Friday to Sunday isn't conducive to large amounts of homework. Although, when we got to the camp and I saw so many familiar faces that I rarely see, and started meeting tons of new people, my worries faded. Throughout the weekend we participated in numerous team building workshops, two group service projects, raised over $250 in a contest for the Six Cents Initiative, choreographed an original dance, wrote warm fuzzies, and had a costume party - quite an eventful weekend! There were students from CKI chapters all over Texas and Oklahoma. Now I'm looking forward to District Convention in February so I can reunite with all my new friends! One thing I enjoy the most about these events is the service; it re-inspires my passion for service. I love the excitement that was present during the service projects. Helping others is so much fun and on occasions like this weekend that's what everyone is all about! Here are a few pictures from the weekend

My team at Fall Retreat!	Costume Party! I was OSU's #1 fan. Ok, so I didn't really have to dress up, haha. Kidding. And a fellow OSU CKI'er as a scarecrow!
One of the workshops about the dangers alcohol abuse.

GO POKES! 6-1! Look out Texas, here we come!