SMC Connections

I Resolve

2010-02-02T09:56:00.002-05:00

SMC students were asked to share their New Year's Resolutions. Here's what some of our students hope to accomplish or achieve in 2010:

To become more passionate about God and serving Him - Anna Nusz

To get my gpa back to a 3.3 for next semester - Austen Woods

To become closer to God - Brittany Wiggins

Survive the freezing cold South Carolina winter and learn how to drive in snow - Danielle Enrico (she's from Florida!)

To give up fast food and junk food - Erica Ford

To excel at school work, extra curricular activities and commitments, faith, and friendship - Holly Atwood

To help Ben keep his New Year's Resolution - Jacob Durham

To make better grades. Learn how to use my time more wisely. Gain weight. work out more - Jamie McEntire

To get closer to god and also study way better in school and be a positive leader - Jordan Manning

To live life to its fullest - Kristen Dover

To stop cursing and exercise more - Laura Shields

To be healthier and to build a stronger bond with my God - Lindsey Allen

To make more time for studying and becoming a better CHRISTIAN athlete on and off the softball field of SMC!!! - Morgan Blanton

To stop procrastinating and get out of debt - Nicole Smith

To lose weight - Phoenix Puckette

To lose the weight I gained over the holidays - Rafael Guarin

To totally change my whole out look on life - Rebecca Harris

To read the entire thesaurus and learn one new word everday - Jasmyn Holliday

To stop cursing, lose weight and study more - Shawn'nay Bryan

To help out more in my community and make others who may be less fortunate have more - Taylor Cobb

To make Bible study and my relationship with God an everyday event - Tyler Bibb

Why Do You Worry?

2009-12-18T10:17:00.002-05:00

Phillip Cox

Sophomore

Spartanburg, SC

Worry. What an awful thing. If there is one thing that takes up our time, it is worry. Why do we worry? It consumes many people, especially around this time of year. Whether it is the stress of exams, or the holiday season, worry seems to consume more people at this time of year than any other.

Jesus, in Matthew 6, was talking to those around him about many things, including worry. In verse 27, he asked if “worrying can add an hour to one’s life.” He was telling them they had nothing to worry about. Paul tells Timothy in his second letter that “greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.” David was confident that God was with him, as he tells us so eloquently in Psalm 23.

You are God’s child. You are His creation. You are his “workmanship.” God needs you to tell people about his marvelous protection and friendship when everyone else is panicking. What a great testimony! Nothing makes God happier than when you believe in Him. You have a wonderful opportunity in a time when many are afraid to trust in God, “the one sticks closer than a brother,” and believe in what He said he would do. If you do that, you have nothing to worry about.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T11:04:00.006-05:00

DeShawn Clement

Greenville, SC

Freshman

With Thanksgiving approaching, students were asked to reflect on what they are most thankful for this year.

Things that I'm thankful for are:

1. God's love: God's love is what held him to the cross. He died for us. He sent his ONLY begotton son for us sinners. If that's not love, I'm not sure what is. God shows us love and expects us to show love to others as he showed us. Love one another. Love your brother. Love your enemies. Love your neighbor. Love is mentioned several times in His word.

2. My faith: My faith is what allows me to trust and believe in the Lord. God tells us all we must do is have faith the size of a mustard seed. Faith is believing and trusting in Jesus Christ. If you truly believe and trust in the Lord, He will be by your side.

3.God's grace: Grace is getting something we don't deserve. Because we are sinners, we don't deserve grace. We sin against God and strictly disobey God, but thankfully, this leads to #4.

4. God's forgiveness: God forgives us no matter what. When God forgives us, it gives us a chance to fix what we have done. God gives us a set of rules to follow, and that's in His word. If we disobey, we must repent. God says that we must also forgive others as our father forgives us. You gotta love the Lord.

5. God's sovereignty: God controls all. He knows all.

6. God's mercy: Wow, mercy. God shows mercy through forgiveness and grace.

7. The Bible: The Bible has all that we may need. God gave us His word to help us navigate through life and to help us find the answers we need.

8. Gods Truth- The truth that he stores upon us in life and His word.

The Special Olympics - In God's Image

2009-11-09T17:47:00.004-05:00

DeShawn Clement
Greenville, SC
Freshman

DeShawn volunteers on a regular basis with Special Olympics. The blog below is a reflection on a recent volunteer experience.

O, what another great blessing to be awake to see all of God's creation. Today has been a great day, and tommorrow will be an even greater day. I'm working with Special Olympics. It is a blessing to see what God has created and to cherish it and love it. I see these kids from all over the state and how people judge them or better yet, tell them what they are and are not capable of, but in reality they are probably more capable of doing things than we "normys" are capable of. They just have a different way of doing it. I have learned that in God's eyes He sees us all the same. God loves no matter what, and we should as well. I'm so fortunate in so many ways, but it brings me back to Genesis where we find that we were all created in Gods image! What a great god we have.

A Reflection on My First Semester thus far...

2009-10-29T15:52:00.004-04:00

Roxie Lewis
Freshman
Spartanburg, SC

This semester has been a very interesting one. When I first set foot on campus, I have to admit I was really scared and nervous, like any other freshmen like me would feel; but as time progressed, I have met a lot of interesting people. I have gotten back into chorus class and even joined the yearbook staff, which is something that I never thought I could be in. In high school, I was just another student trying to get by. I never saw myself as someone who could grow and be a part of something, but now that I am in college it is like I am free to be who ever I want to be.

Mid-terms were a little rough. After seeing my grades, I know I have to work extra hard to achieve the grades I want, especially in statistics. I have always been not so good in math!

When I first came to SMC, my adviser told me to make sure I didn't get involved with people who are not in my best interest. When he said this, I thought to myself , "Oh boy, I hope I make some good friends." Thoughts of people who do drugs and get into trouble for fun started to run across in my mind. I started to freak out a little, but I don't think my adviser noticed my reaction to what he said (thank goodness he did not see my face). Since then I know I have made some good friends. They are always there for me and help put a smile on my face when I am frustrated about my personal life or school. I thank God that I have great friends. So far this year is going amazing, and I hope that it keeps going amazing.

Who God Calls Us to Be

2009-10-26T09:24:00.004-04:00

Phillip Cox
Sophomore
Spartanburg, SC

In today’s day and age, people are looking for something. Something that when found is priceless. That thing is a leader. Leaders are simply people who choose not to be followers, but decide they are going to be the ones who lead those who also have the same desire. Without leadership, it is very difficult, if not impossible to achieve a goal or overcome adversity. While God is the one true leader in our lives, he has called us, as His children, to also be leaders.

Take, for instance, the story of Joshua. Joshua prepared himself by being around other leaders. When his leader, Moses, disobeyed God, Joshua was ready, willing and able to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land. The problem that many of us face is we simply do not know how to be a leader. Many think that a leader is simply a person who bosses everyone around. That assumption could not be further from the truth. A leader is someone who listens to everyone, then decides to go forward with a decision that he or she has made based on others suggestions or opinions. It is up to the leader to ensure that what he has decided on succeeds.

Some of the greatest people in history were leaders. From the Bible: Noah, Joseph, Esther, Ruth, David, and Nehemiah were all great leaders. In modern history, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King all demonstrated great leadership. God has called us to be leaders, not followers. Wherever you are in your life, there is some way that you can lead. Whether it be taking responsibility for something, heading up a club or organization, or just doing what someone asks you to do, go over and above the call of duty and you will become a leader.

God's Love

2009-10-23T09:29:00.004-04:00

DeShawn Clement

Greenville, SC

Freshman

On Thursday nights, students gather in the chapel on campus for a worship service, an initiative organized and supported by the various campus ministry organizations represented on campus. This gathering is called Overflow. This week, the sermon was great. Before the sermon even was preached though, there was a short skit about how God takes or better yet washes us of our sin. Then, to top it off the Dean read one of my most cherished verses, John 3:16, probably one of the most important verses!

I nearly started crying. to be constantly reminded that our father in heaven sent his ONLY BEGOTTON SON to die for us, "sinners" at that. Sinners that don't deserve to be relinquished from sins, sinners that don't deserve to be forgiven, sinners that don't deserve Gods grace. How powerful that is when you know even though we are not perfect that God constantly loves? Just imagine, could you give your only son or daughter up for a stranger? Probably not, but the strength of that verse, overwhelms me every time. It's just WOW! We will never be able to repay God for His gift to us, but it's crazy how we are so quick to disobey God when He did all this for us. God asks nothing in return besides the fact He wants us to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

It gets to me each time how we have a God that's understanding, gracious, loving, patient, unfailing, and a God that tells us don't worry for he is all that we need. Pray for me guys, that I will learn to put God first.

Citizenship

2009-09-23T10:18:00.002-04:00

Eden Brogden
Freshman
Hometown: Simpsonville, SC

The week of September 15-19, SMC celebrated Constitution Week. Students in the Leadership 101 class were asked to describe in their own words what it means to be a good citizen. Eden's response to this question is below.

First and foremost, I think a good citizen is someone who truly cares about his or her community and surroudings. True citizenship means you're glad to be a citizen of that community. Citizenship is being an example of how to run your community and how to treat everything your community entails. Citizenship is a key role in being a leader.If citizens see a leader treating the community right then perhaps they will as well.

Video Blog: Freshman Day of Service 2009

2009-08-31T07:20:00.000-04:00

SMC Day of Service 2009 from SMC on Vimeo.

Video Blog: August 21, 2009

2009-08-30T22:02:00.001-04:00

Move-In 2009 from SMC on Vimeo.

Relay for Life: Will You Be a Part?

2009-07-07T16:41:00.005-04:00

Courtney Tipton
Sophomore
Spartanburg, South Carolina

Relay For Life-Not just an Organization

Coming into the second semester of my freshman year of college, academically I had done well, but socially I was lacking. Being a commuter student, it was difficult to consistently interact socially with other students, because I was not there on a consistent basis. I would typically prefer going to Chick-fil-a for lunch instead of heading to the cafe, or I would have to work in the afternoons and wouldn't be able to hang out after classes. I really wanted to get involved on campus and was seeking opportunities to do so.

One of my girlfriends had been in Relay for Life since the beginning of her freshman year and had encouraged me to get involved, suggesting that they needed an accounting chair. At first I was a little skeptical and hesitant, because though I wanted to join, I didn't know whether or not I would have the time to commit myself or what I could do to help. She suggested that I come to one of the meetings and try it out for myself; and when I did, I totally loved it! There was so much to do and so many things that I could do in the organization itself that I was ready to jump in and get started.

Being the accounting chair allowed me the time to develop skills of accountability, consistency, and persistence. It was a lot of work getting everything ready and in order for the actual Relay night, but in essence it was so much fun and I enjoyed every minute. Keeping things like the correct paper work in order and getting it to where it needed to go kept me on my toes. Also, about every week letters would come in that needed to be recorded and communicated to the Relay accountant. These things helped me also in meeting new people, developing better communication skills, and developing relationships with others through the interworkings of an organization. However, I would soon learn that Relay for Life was more than just an organization.

Part of my job as the accounting chair was, as the letters came in for luminaries, to record the names in an excel spread sheet in order to recall them later. As each one came in I realized more than ever the role that cancer plays in lives everywhere. This part of Relay probably had the greatest influence on my life, because with each letter came an individual story of bravery, struggle, and hope. It was so beautiful to be a part of this process, because we, as a team, also made out the luminaries, placed the sand and candle in the bags, and placed them on the track the night of relay. It was a momentous experience to be sure, knowing that these are people who have fought the battle of cancer and have either survived or lost. To the ones who have survived it is an empowering story of courage, of bravery, and of hope. To the ones who lost, it is remembering their life as one of immense courage and their impact in all of our lives.

So whether you are just coming into the SMC community or you've been around a while it is never too late to join in a cause that will be sure to impact you and your college community. Relay for Life is more than just an organization, but a way of life dedicated to aiding in the fight and cure for cancer. Will you be a part??

One Year

2009-06-25T08:02:00.002-04:00

Brandon Hunter
Greenville, SC
Sophomore

One Year!

That is all it took for me to be done with my first year of college. One year! That is all it took for me to make new and great friends. One year! That is all it took for me to find new hobbies. One year! That is all it took for me to find myself. One year! That is all it took for God to break me.

Coming to college was something that I was ready for, I mean who is not ready to go to college? Once everything started and I got used to all of the great things college brought to me, I began to forget what I really lived for. In the beginning of my freshman year, I was scared. I didn't know anyone and was new to everything. The first thing I did was ask God, "is this where you want me to be?" I didn't understand what God was doing in my life. I didn't know if God had put me in the right place or not.

As I went on asking God to somehow show me if this was the right place, He did better. He showed me that he will place me where He feels is best, and that He has a plan for me and that I need to trust in Him, because He will not lead me to the wrong path. There is one quote that I just heard that goes right with this point of my life.

“I tend to live the way I drive. I want to get from point A to point B in the shortest amount of time and by the easiest route possible. But I’ve come to realize that getting where God wants me to go isn’t nearly as important as becoming who God wants me to be in the process. And God seems to be far less concerned with where I’m going than with who I’m becoming."
--Mark Batterson

I know that I was living life in the fast lane. I was too busy worrying about other things and making more time for things that could wait rather than making time for God. The time I did spend with God I was asking Him what it was that He wanted from me. But as Mark Batterson puts it, where God wants me to go isn't nearly as important as becoming who God wants me to be in the process. If I would have seen this quote some months ago, I know that I would be closer to God. The course God has taken me on over the past year has put me in a spot that I would not trade for the world. This year, I have never felt so close to God. Out of all the things that have happened this year, and all of the homework and all of the extracurricular activities I have participated in, I have come to realize that God is bigger than anything that I do, and that I want to live for him more and more every day.

Over a year, I have completed college courses. Over a year, I have lost my best friend due to moving of schools. Over a year, I have had to step up to do things that I would have never done one year ago. Over a year, I have gotten to know a God who tells the wind when to blow. Over a year God, has opened a book for me that challenges me to live and not to worry.

Freshman Year Tips

2009-06-19T12:26:00.005-04:00

Paulia Hughes
Sophomore
Union, SC

These are some lessons I learned during my Freshman year at SMC. I hope they help you!

1. More than likely there is going to be someone @ your college that you attended high school with if you attend a school closer to home….(Yeah they had the same idea as you). Branch out from the people you knew from high school and try to introduce yourself to a new person every once in a while. Make friends. If you weren’t the person you wanted to be in high school, re-invent yourself. This is your opportunity to be the YOU who you have always wanted to be - maybe not necessarily the popular kid, but someone who is comfortable with him/herself. Most importantly, make friends. You may want someone to accompany you to breakfast/lunch/dinner/Wal-mart/library/clubbing (if that is your thing), etc. Have someone you can call on or talk to if you are upset or lonely and homesick.

2. Be careful with your finances. I know I sound like a parent right now, but now that I look back at all the money I spent getting my nails done, buying clothes, and eating at fast food establishments my freshman year…..I think "WOW, Paulia look at how wasteful you were." Now that our country is in an economic crisis, I see how hard it is for my friends to obtain a summer job and for me to even get suitable hours at my own job

3. College is not code for PARTYTIME 24/7. Yur parents didn’t send you here to become Paris Hilton; they want you to get an education. Students party, so go ahead have fun - most students do; just remember that you must plan time to study. There are students on the President’s and Dean’s List who are not nerds; they're just well-balanced. We….ugh... they go out and have fun too - it may not be extreme keg-stand type of fun but those people do have a social life. They do activities with their friends. Try to do homework between classes when it is fresh on your mind and study for tests a few days in advance; this will give you great practice for your exams during the end of the semester.

4. In high school, you could say I was the Extracurricular Queen! It seemed like I had a million honor cords during graduation, but college made me realize that if you are involved in at least one extracurricular it is okay, you have more important things to do. I thought to myself “Hey Paulia, college isn’t high school it may not be as easy” (I went to Union County. It isn’t a piece of cake if you get the right teachers) - you need to get your priorities in order: studying then extracurricular & athletic activities. Find your niche - something you are good at - and stick with it, have fun, and remember: school work first. I happen to be a bit of a yearbook geek, so that is what I primarily focused on extracurricular wise my first year of college.

5. College isn’t Fashion Week in NYC; you don’t want to primarily focus on your appearance. Your appearance is important, but waking up every morning caking on make-up and getting your hair brushed or gelled just right aren’t necessary, especially if you have an 8 o'clock class which is so gruesome. (Note to readers: get to your advisor quickly. You do not want an 8 o'clock class especially if you were that person pulling onto your high school campus on two wheels trying to make it before the bell). Buy some nice sweat pants, tee shirts, sneakers/Sperry boating shoes…whatever you consider comfortable walking around in; it is okay not to be runway ready every morning you are heading to class. (You will notice everyone dressing nice and being perfectly groomed the first couple weeks of school, after that BEWARE of pajamas or unruly hair in class!)

6. Sit in the front of your classes and look attentive. Trust me, professors will remember your name or face and will probably be more willing to help you if you are struggling in their course. I dub the front seats the “A+ seats”.

7. College has been the greatest experience of my life. I did not realize that I could learn so much while having so much fun. The friendships you will make will last a lifetime.

Freshman Year: A Look Back

2009-04-27T14:12:00.006-04:00

Will Luther

Freshman

Spartanburg, SC

As the year comes to a close and I start to prepare for finals and pack up my dorm room, I can't help but to think back throughout the course of the year. I arrived on campus for the first day of orientation, not knowing anyone really (yes there were the people I went to high school with, but I wanted to avoid them for the most part, lol). As I unpacked my boxes and got settled into my dorm room, my home away from home, I couldn't have been more excited. College was representing a new chapter in my life, a new start, and I was ready to grab the bull by the horns. Orientation continued until the start of classes, and as it did, I began to meet tons of new people and quickly became great friends with them. With the start of classes brought a whole new since of independance.... no one was goining to remind me that assignent was due and mom wasn't there to check up on my work once a week. That thought in itself was scary and exciting all in one.

As first semester got into full swing, I sometimes felt as if I was drowning in my school work. I soon realized time management was key. As I started my work on the fall drama production at SMC, I begin to figure out how to manage my time correctly and not a moment too soon, only a month left in first semester. The time flew, and before I knew it I was taking my first semester exams and going home for Christmas break. "First semester was a learning experience." That is what I told anyone and everyone that asked me how my first semester in college went. The truth is I loved college, I was meeting new people and trying to stay on top of my studies, but unfortunatly when I recieved my first semester grades they were less than impressive. So I told my parents, "I will try my hardest second semester."

Over Christmas break I got to go out-of-state to visit some great family friends, and then I went on the SMC ski trip to receive one of my PE credits. The trip was so much fun, and I had a blast without injuring myself. In mid-January I loaded up everything I had taken home over Christmas and made my way back to my second home. As everyone got back to school and started to catch up, classes got started. Here I was sitting in my first class of the new semester with a determined mindset that I was going to use second semester to boost my less that wonderful GPA. It was time to buckle down. As the first few weeks of second semester passed by, I started to notice some of the close friends I made during first semester start to change and drift away. I miss them and still care about them, but maybe it wasn't meant for us to be attached at the hip. Being involved in the drama department here at SMC, I decided to bury myself in my creative work. I had been askd to design the set for the spring production, and I took on the task and for the better half of two weeks, thought of nothing but my classes and designing the perfect set. In my eyes, I accomplished the mission.

At this point during second semester, I was doing pretty fair in most of my classes and had started the construction of the set while trying to stay attached to the friends I had. Before I knew it...SpRiNg BrEaK!!! I say it like I went to Daytona Beach and had a blast, lol. I went somewhere better in my eyes, I got on a plane and flew to Wisconsin to see some wonderful friends, who might as well be family. I had a BLAST!! After I spring break was over, I got back to SMC with a renewed state of mind. I was ready to finish the school year strong. I had the spring production coming up, as well as pre-registration for the fall. I am happy to say that the spring production went well, and I succesfully got registered for my classes for next year. I was now ready to bring the end of the semester home.

As finals' week quickly approches and my time as a Spartanburg Methodist College freshman departs, I can't help but think of all the wonderful people I met in my first year of college, not to mention the encouraging faculty and staff members I met. I can truly say I am ready for summer beak, but I am equally as ready to come back to SMC in the fall to see what my sophomore year here has in store for me.

How Do You Handle Stress?

2009-04-16T15:14:00.009-04:00

Brandon Hunter

Freshman

Greenville, SC

This week is Stress Awareness Week at SMC. We've asked some of our bloggers to tell us how they handle stress.

Wake up at 8:30

Class till 1

Lunch at 1

Work at 1:30

Meeting at 4

Working on different things for different meetings

Homework at 10 till about 2:30 a.m.

The day and the life of me! You know, if someone lived a day in the life of me, I know that they would be a little stressed. I know I have been there, but know I know how to handle a stressful day. JUST TAKE IT ONE STEP AT A TIME.

Phone call after phone call, name being called every 10mins...but you know what? I LOVE IT! I know that stress is a big thing at college. Sometimes people may do things that just are not safe, but let me tell you that is not COOL! Stress is something that I think people should not go through alone! I have found that once everything really gets to a point where I can not take it anymore I have to call my best friend! Your best friend is going to be the one who is going to listen to you no matter what! So when you are at a point in your life where you feel that too many people are asking you to do things, and everyone wants you to stop what you are doing for them, and your planner is full of ink marks, just stop and be thankful that you are able to serve others. If that doesn't work, talk to someone, it helps!

My Thoughts on Valentine's Day

2009-02-12T08:25:00.003-05:00

Paulia Hughes
Freshman
Union, SC

February 14, 2009...Paulia Denise Hughes is single.

Even though I am single does not mean I am not going to enjoy a fun filled day with my friends, males and females. Last year, I had a boyfriend to share this day with, and I honestly do not think it will be less enjoyable. My ex-boyfriend and I exchanged gifts and then proceeded to participate in our extracurricular activities. This year on Valentine’s Day I am just hanging out with my friends and enjoying my day. Personally, I have never really enjoyed Valentine’s Day because of its commercialism; it basically has no particular meaning. I think if you really want to show your love to someone, you should do so 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.

The Life of a Resident Assistant

2009-02-06T08:51:00.004-05:00

Christen Carter
Sophomore
Hometown: Rock Hill, SC

Have you ever wondered what keeps the Residence Halls from constantly being in a mass state of chaos? The answer is pretty simple: Resident Assistants. Even though the answer is simple, the job isn't always that easy. However, I figured if I was going to have a job on campus, I might as well have one that allows me to make a difference in someone else's life.

When I found out that I was going to be a 2008-2009 RA, I remember being so excited that I didn't even consider all the things that were eventually going to come along with the job. Sure, I knew what my RA had done during my first year at SMC. She just socialized with us, had duty every now and then, and got people in trouble, right? Wrong. What I saw of her job only scratched the surface. As a RA this year, I've been there for people when they needed an ear to listen, sat in my room for open door hours, had meetings, gone to classes, cut my vacations short for training sessions, changed my bulletin board once a month, created hall programs, and so much more. I've had the best time of my life doing it. It has all been very rewarding and taught me a lot about responsibility, but along the way, I've learned a lot about my true character.

RAs get a reputation for being "snitches" and the "bad guys," but all we're really trying to do is look out for the people we've all become friends with. Every night, there is a RA on duty who does rounds through their assigned building to make sure everything is safe and sound. Enforcing the rules can be intimidating at times, knowing that the next day we may have class with someone we just caught in violation of a SMC policy. There have been plenty of times when I've thought to myself, "This person is going to hate me eventually, but I've got to do the job I've been trained to do." I've given myself quite a few pep talks on different occasions! But, as difficult as that may be at times, most RAs would agree that it's even harder to manage our time.

Between meetings and programs, academics and extracurricular activities, there are some days when you just want to give up and say, "Forget it!" Those are the times, though, when the amazing friends who have become more like family step in to help you out. I've become best friends with some people I probably would have never formed a relationship with. All the RAs here at SMC come from different backgrounds, beliefs, and ethnicities, but we all come together to accomplish one common goal: to be the best resource and example that we can be for the people on our halls and on our campus.

My New Year's Resolution

2009-01-09T09:39:00.004-05:00

Brandon Hunter
Freshman
Hometown: Greenville, SC

Lets see...what is something that I would do for a year, something that I will not just say I am going to do and forget about tomorrow? Well, this year I really would like to focus on school. This last semester was okay. I couldn’t ask for it to change, I mean I got by with a 3.25 GPA. So I think that’s good. This year, though, I don’t want to settle for less! This year I want to not only put my focus on school, but I want to turn my focus to God and give it all to Him and not let myself take over. I want to be able to sit back and let God have all control. I know that the plan He has for me has a great outcome, and I want to give Him more than the praise that He deserves.

Also this year I want to run more. I haven’t run since I don’t know when. I want to try to live a healthier life!

This year I am ready to take on these tasks and more. I will continue to challenge myself as this year goes on. My new years resolution is to live an educated, Godly, and healthy life, without settling for less!

I Am Thankful

2008-11-25T09:53:00.003-05:00

Karim Elkady
Freshman

Hometown: Ladson, SC

I'm thankful for my family.

I'm thankful for my friends.

I'm thankful for all the crazy adventures that have happened to me.

I'm thankful for all of the relationships and pretty ladies I have met.

I'm thankful for my first car.

I'm thankful for my pets.

I'm thankful for my heritage.

I'm thanful for the roof over my head.

I'm thankful for the education I have received over the years.

I'm thankful for being at SMC.

To sum it up...I'm thankful for all the things life has given to me. Everything I have and have been through has made me who I am today.

Election 2008

2008-10-30T16:23:00.007-04:00

I'm Casting My Vote For...

Chassidy Sistrunk
Sophomore
Hometown: Swansea, SC

I am voting for Barack Obama because of what he wants to do for our society. He wants to raise teachers' salaries, provide more funding for college students, and cut taxes. To me he seems like the best candidate because he is focusing on what needs to be done in the United States in order improve our way of life, and not just focusing on affairs in other nations. Even thoughI may not agree with every single thing that he is talking about, I agree with the majority of his concerns.

Christen Carter
Sophomore
Hometown: Rock Hill, SC

During the Presidential Primary debates, Fred Thompson told potential voters that they should ask themselves who they would want negotiating on America’s behalf with some of its most dangerous enemies and then vote for that candidate. For me, that person has been John McCain from the very beginning. His obvious loyalty to and commitment to defend the United States, along with his consistency while in the Senate are the two biggest things about McCain that stand out in my mind. While his democratic counterpart may be somewhat successful in his short-lived political and business experience, McCain’s years as an officer in the United States Navy and experience as a Prisoner of War impresses me more than anything Obama or the other third-party candidates bring to the table. And while McCain may be a little bit more conservative than I’d like, his consistency is something to be admired. He has always been pro-life, always voted against wasteful spending, always supported the right to bear arms, always supported a free-market economy, and always supported competition in education and healthcare. Even if someone disagrees with McCain, everyone always knows where he stands on the issues that have become very important in the 2008 election. That is why I am voting for John McCain on Election Day.

Gas, Gas, and Less Gas

2008-10-07T13:29:00.003-04:00

Name: Kristen Swain

Age: 19

Hometown: Woodruff, SC

Gas prices and shortages have been in the news a lot lately, especially when the storm hit the coast a few weeks ago. Being college students, my classmates and I are being affected by these prices in many ways. First of all, in many cases being a college student means not having a lot of money. This could be because of a heavy work load, sports, or not being able to get a job because economic decline. So being “poor college kids” we are not able to have the full college experience simply because we cannot afford/find the gas to drive there. And it’s not just college students; almost all American families are feeling the financial stress. If the economy is suffering why not use some of the oil we have here? Take the burden off the people that are trying to support their families.

The First Week: Holly Atwood

2008-10-07T12:01:00.002-04:00

Name: Holly Atwood

Age: 18

Hometown: Goose Creek, SC

The first day, when all the freshmen were moving in, was so hectic! I was worried that my suitemates in Bridges were not going to like me or that we were going to have a lot of differences. Although it was nothing like that! My roommates are so fun to hang out with! I just could not believe how well we clicked; we are having girl’s nights all the time, and even helping each other with our homework or our stupid computers! The first couple of days were hard though, none of us knew anybody, except for two or three girls. So we seriously felt out of every single loop. I think when we met our PACK teams, it helped a lot though. I love my PACK team! They are so fun to hang out with, and easy to talk to. My pack leader, Awesome Al, as we call him, will not let anything bad happen to us. He really cares about us, and we love to make jokes on each other. Man, do we have fun in our PACK team! GO ACTION PACK!!!

So when Brittany, Ashley, Kristin, and I came back to the dorm and went to dinner, which was when the fun started! I am not the person to walk up to someone and introduce myself, but that was not the problem when I came to SMC! I walked up to so many people and introduced myself to like thirty or forty people in only the first three or four days. I think some of the people thought I was really odd, but even now they talk to me and we all have so much fun hanging out! I was never the outgoing person like that, although I always wanted to be. I think just being at SMC, made me have the confidence that I needed to introduce myself. Even after these past few weeks, I still introduce myself to others. Just by asking them to come eat lunch with me and my friends, that way they don’t eat lunch or breakfast alone. I mean come on, who wants to eat by themselves? I definitely don’t like to, so why should I let anybody else do it too?

I don’t know how everyone else’s classes are, but mine are really not that bad. My English class is a little hard, but the conversations that we have during class are quite interesting. My math professor, Mrs. Haller, she is always dropping jokes, and tries to get us into her class, it is too funny. Sort of like Mr. Ward, he did a cartwheel and two toe touches the first day of class. There isn’t a dull day yet in his classroom. My classes aren’t that hard, it is just endless. Which I guess is just like everyone else’s schedule. OH WELL!

I miss home so much! I wish I could go home every weekend because there is nothing to do on the weekend but go shopping. Lord knows that I do not need to go shopping! Also I can’t go home because of gas prices and I would only be staying for less than a 24 hour period. I would love to see my family, just like the next guy, but it would be altogether a waste of my time, my gas, and my time. You know, if I could I would totally change one thing about Spartanburg. I wish I could change how long it would take to get to the beach from here. At home I can be at the beach in less than half an hour. Oh I would be at the beach everyday right after my classes if I could, but it is so far away from Spartanburg. That is all I thought about back at home; I always wanted to go to the beach on the weekends during high school and I went unless I had a ton of homework. Although I love the beach so much, I wouldn’t trade Spartanburg Methodist College for anything. If it wasn’t for this college, I would never have met the wonderful people that I have met.

Thank you for reading my blog, I hope you can respond to me through my email, atwoodhm@student.smcsc.edu or respond by commenting on this blog! Don’t forget to read Brandon Hunter’s blog as well!!

The First Week: Brandon Hunter

2008-10-07T11:38:00.005-04:00

Name: Brandon Hunter
Age: 18
Hometown: Greenville, SC
High School: Greenville Senior High School

A New Beginning
College! Yes I am here! I can’t believe that I have made it to college! I am so glad to be out of the house and to be on my own. I am scared. I don’t like seeing new faces and going to events alone without anyone. I want to go home! The first events went well, not the best being alone. I have said almost 20 words at every event. My Pack Team thinks that I don’t talk at all! I like to talk I am just scared out of my mind. I don’t know anyone. I just want “My Mommy.”

2nd thoughts: I want to be back at home! I am not sure what God was thinking. Why am I here? What is the point of me going here? I want to know why I am here, and what God is doing in my life. I am at the point where I’m mad at God. I can’t believe that He would put me here all alone! I want to know what I have done to him that I have to be alone! I am at the point where I am ready to pack up and leave! Now I want to kick myself in the face for being dumb and thinking that! I know that God has a plan for me. I know that He put me here all alone at SMC for a reason! I think now that it is just time for me to sit back and just run the race as he has set for me and not try and take over! "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

After some days
These days have been the best of my life! College has been great! College is what I thought it would be and more. It has been great being able to get out of my box and talk to people. I love going to SMC. It is great not having to be at a HUGE college and having to worry about trying to get into people's groups! I love seeing the same people at every event and not new people every five seconds. The upperclassmen are nice; I have one as a roommate! Not really knowing anything about the campus, the teacher, and the good places to eat in town, he will give the scoop. I know now that I have found family at SMC! I have found HOME! Everyone is caring and fun to be around

Classes!
I don’t know what to think about classes at this point. It is just a little to early to tell. I have been out of school for how long now? Over 2 months? I don’t want to be in class. I want to go back to the first week of school! I want to be back at the BLOCK PARTY, better yet I would rather be doing my freshman day of service project, What I wasn’t looking forward to it at all turned out to be a great day! I want to go back in time to that day! After being inside a classroom here for a week it has been great! I’m able to talk to my teacher one on one, go by their office, or email them! I love not being a number here! I am a student. I am a student with a voice! I know that my teachers don’t just know me by my student ID number; they remember my face, and my name!

PACK TEAM!
As a freshman we have to take SMC 101. All schools have classes like this for their freshman. I didn’t want to take this class at all! I was dumb for thinking that! I know the b est people now! My pack team is my favorite class ever! “ACTION PACK” I hate that we only m eet one time every Monday! My Student Ambassador, Al, has made me feel very comfortable in the change from high school/being at home to college. I play tennis every night now, with people from my pack team!

Cant wait!
I can’t wait to see what God has planned for me! I think that this beginning has changed me so much in many ways! I know what it feels like to be alone and to think I have no one! If you have any question just ask me! Hunterbt@student.smcsc.edu