A FRESHMAN GIRL'S GUIDE TO BAYLOR

So what to do on the weekends?

We are in Waco, Texas, so what is there to do on the weekends you ask? This question has been stumping Baylor student for years. Thankfully, these same students decided that they must come up with something. So, after aimlessly driving around the streets of Waco, it was discovered. 

Starplex Galaxy 16 on South Valley Mills is the “happening” movie theater in Waco. There is nothing like grabbing all your friends and hopping into the car for a movie night, whether it is taking that boy you like to a scary movie or your new best friends to a chick flick. But what do you do after the movie?

Tortilla Tossing is a great Baylor tradition. Although it has nothing to do with the University itself, it is something Baylor students have been doing for years. The suspension bridge by the Hilton is not only known for formal pictures, but also for this fun activity. Grab your friends, a car, and a TON of tortillas! Once on the bridge, you and your friends can toss your tortillas, like a frisbee, onto the cement pillars in the water. These are flat, so if your tortilla lands on them, it has been said that those who make it will get married and live happily ever after and those who don’t, well, not so much. After all, your tortillas are either in the water being fed to the ducks or on the pillar. You must tie your bag to the bridge and then take lots fun pictures with your friends. 

The last piece of advice on your weekend fun in Waco concerns where to eat. Many students enjoy Katie’s Custard on Valley Mills, known for their ice cream and shakes. Another tasty place is the Czech Stop a little outside of Waco--about 25 minutes--where you can find some of the best authentic “kolaches.” The last and most recent hot spot is 3 Spoons Yogurt. With a cute slogan like “Come Spoon with Us!” why wouldn’t you go there? It’s cute and cozy and is thought to be among the best yogurt shops by Baylor students.

A FRESHMAN GIRL'S GUIDE TO BAYLOR

The Fashion

The fashion here at Baylor is what really makes this school unlike all other universities.. It’s safe to say that the overall the look that Baylor students have is very “casual,” especially for the girls. 

The typical Baylor girl is known for her distinct style. The unwritten rule is that upon admission to the freshman class every girl must buy at least one pair of Nike shorts. They come in all different colors, even custom Baylor versions from the bookstore. Girls wear Nike shorts wherever and whenever. 

The reasons for their popularity? There are a few. First, they’re very comfortable. When one has to walk around a campus the size of Baylor and with the heat of Texas, you definitely don’t want your clothes to weigh you down. Second, Nike shorts tend to make almost everyone’s legs look good. With female students usually gaining the “freshman fifteen,” it is the easiest way to help others not notice. Lastly, Nike shorts come in all different color combinations, making them fun and desirable.

But what do I then wear with my Nike shorts you ask? Once you are in a sorority, you will be receiving endless amounts of t-shirts. When you’re not wearing your sorority shirts, then most people wear either Baylor shirts or any other fun type of t-shirt.

Then comes the shoes! Although Nike’s most recent release, the “frees,” are very popular at the moment, freshman year is all about the “Toms.” Hearts and Crafts is a store located right across from campus next to Common Grounds. After every girl buys a hand-painted template with their name and “Sic ’em, Bears” on it, she then goes for a pair of Toms. But why at Hearts and Crafts? Because they custom paint Toms and nothing says first year at Baylor like some green and gold Toms. Plus, with every pair of toms you buy, a pair of shoes goes to a kid in need somewhere in the world.

After the outfit is complete, it’s time to finish it with a Coach brand sling. These are more practical than purses because they hold just the items you desperately need: wallet, Baylor ID, keys, phone and lip-gloss. The sling can look casual for daytime activities or nice enough for places such as church or dinner. It’s hands free, making the life of a college girl only that much easier, and looks super cute!

Now you are officially ready for Baylor. You will not only look the part, but also rock it. But don’t worry, even though it may seem like you will just blend in because all the girls are wearing the same thing, you wont because Nike shorts are now neon and it’s all the rage! 

A FRESHMAN GIRL'S GUIDE TO BAYLOR

Greek Life?

Now that I am at Baylor, should I go Greek? This is the question most girls ask themselves, especially since they will be finding out that many of the friends they have made will want to be in a sorority. I am here to say, it is not for everyone, but if it is something you are considering then definitely go for it! 

In case you still can’t decide, let me give you the pros and cons of joining the Greek system. First off, Baylor is a pretty big campus, 13,000 students. Joining a sorority give girls a close group of friends that they know they can always rely on. If you are an out of state student it’s especially helpfully because you are meeting girls that you can go home with on the weekends or other girls from your state. It’s just one more way to feel connected.

Greek life is responsible for many of the events and activities on campus. The Greeks have their own formals, crushes, mixers and philanthropies. It is a way to serve the school, the community, and yourself. You’ll also have fun, and meet cute and “together” fraternity boys. 

There are some other things that you must consider though. Being in a sorority is a huge time commitment, so if your major takes a lot of your time or your grades are struggling, then Greek life may not be for you. If you don’t want to be around that many girls all the time and sisterly bonding is not really your thing, then maybe a more “Spartan” life would be better for you.

Being in a sorority does not end with college however. These friendships can last a lifetime, and take place all around the world. A sorority is a great way to connect to people, and even to network in your future career.

Baylor may not have houses and hazing, but the Greek life is still very strong and highly recommended, if you enjoy serving and socializing. If you want to develop strong bonds with other girls, would enjoy the opportunity to do works of mercy with them, and network with girls who will be friends throughout your life, then the Greek life is for you.

A FRESHMAN GIRL'S GUIDE TO BAYLOR

The Dorm Life

Oh, dorm life! Every freshman goes through it, and if you’re lucky, then maybe the pleasure will linger through your sophomore year  as well. Going from your lovely room at home to a dormitory with hundreds of other girls may not seem too appealing at first, but one must remember that it is where all your future friends are living and where all your greatest memories will be made.

Baylor University has a variety of different dorms, especially for girls. And even though it may not seem like it matters which dorm you will be living in, because they are all giant brick buildings with small rooms and gross bathrooms, I promise you they are not all the same. Each experience is different.

Dorms like Memorial and Dawson are honors dorms. If you are in any honors programs at Baylor you will most likely be encouraged to live in Memorial so that you can participate in honors-related activities together. Dawson is more of an AFROTC dorm or leadership dorm. They are located by Alexander and Allen, the boys honors and ROTC dorms. The Memorial dinning hall is also conveniently right there. 

There is however a catch. Dorms like these require a two-year contract, meaning that unless you have a really good excuse, you will be living in that dorm or at least on campus for two years. These dorms are known to be quiet, more studious, and I personally rarely see anyone coming out of them. Many times people say Dawson who? It may not be the most happening place, but if you take the honors track or are in ROTC it is probably the best way to go.

Then there are the girls dorms, North Russell and South Russell. These dorms are usually referred to as “NORO” and “SORO” for short. They may be the same building, but they were built at completely different times, so they are not connected, meaning they are two different dorms. North Russell is the dorm known as “you’re cute and funny, but you didn’t get into Collins,” so North Russell was your second choice, I understand. This dorm is not as social and loud as Collins and may not have its own dining hall, but the girls are sweet and you are right next to the library. Now South Russell is a little bit different. I have met very few people who’ve lived there. It’s definitely not anyone’s first choice, it is usually third but it is right next to Noro, so it gets the job done. 

Now Collins is usually where every girl wants to be. A lot of girls have had mothers and grandmothers that have lived in Collins. It has its own dining hall right down the stairs and the Panhellenic building is right across the street. It is known to have many of the girls that will go on to be in sororities. The girls are fun and social, and everyone knows everyone. People will just leave their doors open or run down the hall to see all their new friends. There is however, the sixth floor of Collins that has an earlier curfew than the rest, but, other than that, it is known as “the place to be.”

Brooks College also has a two-year contract, so beware! Many of your friends will want to live off campus with you next year, but you can’t if you are still in a dorm. Brooks has a special application process, and is known for being a community. It is very religiously based, so it is really a big Christian community. They have Sunday night dinners and their own special events such as May Ball and Brooks extravaganza.

People say that the dining hall looks like something out of Hogwarts, and that people in Brooks hang out a lot with each other exclusively. The misconception, though, is that Brooks College is associated with Brooks Flats, but I’m here to tell you it is not. Brooks Flats and North Village are set up apartment style. North Village houses most of the engineers and athletes, while Brooks Flats has upper classmen and foreign exchange students.

So, in the end, from the boys perspective at least, the girls they want to study with are in Memorial, the girls they want to marry are in Russell, the girls they want to date are in Collins, and they girls they want to go to church with are in Brooks, so take your pick!

Fat Ho Burgers Anyone?

Businesswoman Lakita Evans, 23, has just recently started a controversy in the city of Waco, TX. She believes that her new cash-only restaurant Fat Ho Burgers, will draw in customers by using this gimmick as she was inspired by the movie, “Phat Girlz.” One opening day there were so many customers, that the place ran out of meat. The menu includes options such as the Supa Fly Ho W/Chz, the Sloppy Ho Brisket, or even tiny ho meals for kids. 


Business has been booming a the restaurant, but even though there are many who have enjoyed its humor, there are still a good number who have not.  Fat Ho Burgers, just does not sit well with many Wacoans and ex Wacoans. One former Waco resident has created a Facebook group asking Evans to come up with a different name for the business. The restaurant is also conveniently located down the street from Gospel Caf - a volunteer-run religious cafe and bookstore and has been receiving much criticism from there as well.


 Lakita Evans explained. "Sometimes black people, when they see something they'll say woo that is a big ho, that ho right there is tight," she said. "So it's catchy, like that."


The restaurant has now been featured on Fox News and has been talked about by Jay Leno. So although this little restaurant in Waco has been getting much press, will it continue to boom? Does everyone really get the joke, or will most just find it offensive? It is definitely a hit with the Baylor students.

The restaurant is located on South 11th Street near Interstate 35. 

Want to Get Rid of That Freshman 15? Or Even Sophomore Slump?

Summer is just around the corner, and all the girls know what that means... bikini bodies! With the weather being this nice lately, it only makes us want summer to come faster. Unfortunately for some of us, we need some more time. I don't know about you, but I not only gained the freshman 15, but also have the sophomore slump! If I want to look rockin' this summer and get that ring by spring, I am going to need to make some changes, and fast. So if your looking to loose a little here and there Baylor girls, let me tell you how.

As college students we are always stressed out and up late studying, it's just what we do. I understand this problem is quite unavoidable, but late night snacking isn't. To avoid any more weight gain, one must kick the midnight munchies. By eating at night, you are only adding to your total calorie intake for the day. During the day people eat and they are awake and active, burning some of it off. At night, the food will just sit in your stomach as you sleep. The best thing to do is to eat more during the day so you wont be hungry at night. If you must eat at night though, just eat healthier foods, not junk. Don't be the nightime nibbler, because it only leads to regret later.

It is not always when you eat however, but also what you eat. The saying, "you are what you eat" may seem a little ridiculous at times, but it's true. Of course it is hard to eat healthy with dinning halls, meal plans, fast food, and the budget of a college student. My first word of advice is to just stay away from Penland. They may have cute boys, but not the best food options. My second word of advice is to just make sure that your eating healthy foods. It is always better to go with natural foods, not processed and to stick to the portions of the food pyramid. It is very bad to skip meals, and keeping a consistent diet can only help. It is suggested that a person eats five meals a day, three main and two snacks, and breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Even if you have that 8:00 a.m. class, you must eat breakfast. Your body will thank you for it.

The most important factor for weight loss is exercise. It is almost impossible to stay healthy without exercise. Whether it is the conscious choice of taking the stairs, or running the bear trail, it must be done. Sure we all have that one friend who can eat whatever he/she wants and still stay skinny. The fact of the matter is, your not that friend. You need to exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes at the minimum. By doing this you are not only loosing weight, but you will have more energy throughout the day and feel better too. Baylor has such a huge campus, and everyone makes the walk from to the Baylor Science Building sometime. It is all just a matter of actually going out there and doing it.

With the right foods and exercise you will be on your way to your summer bod in no time. Say goodbye to the freshman 15, or in my case the sophomore slump, and hello to feeling great. As college students we eat in cafeterias, fast food, are stressed and never get enough sleep. We cope by eating junk food or even use it to be social. The truth is, your not going to be burning anymore calories by siting in front of the television with your roommate while eating chips and candy. Even if it just means dancing in your room, walking the bear trail, or having a salad once in a while, it will be worth it!

There's an App for That!

When I applied to colleges my Junior and Senior year, I logged onto my computer, pulled up the website for that school, searched for the application and started a long grueling process. Page after page, blank after blank, question after question, and essay after essay. It started to become a bit monotonous and very overwhelming. Those Saturday afternoons that I dedicated to college applications, they were not fun at all, and the anxiety of waiting for that response letter, was even worse.

Of course these days, technology is increasing by the minute. Facebook has recently launched a new app called Admission Splash. The idea is to make the application process easier and less stressful for students. When a prospective college students uses this app, they are able to see what their chances are for getting into any school. The app will ask for the student's basic information, from there it will ask for test scores, addresses, and whether they volunteered or played any sports in high school. After this, the app will then give the student a rating that ranges from "very poor" to "very good" of getting into that school. 

Of course however, getting into a college is not always based on academics. So although the application may be able to give one an estimate on their chances, it can only tell part of the story. Essays are always a huge part of the college application process, and colleges weigh them pretty heavily. This app is not based on the essay, so one should still apply even if the results say differently. 

With there being over 2,000 colleges these days, apps like these can be very helpful. The first step in applying to college is picking which colleges to apply to. So with the Admission Splash application, one can start to narrow down that search by seeing what schools are possible for you!

Should Guns Be Allowed on Texas College Campuses?

Texas is getting ready to give college students and professors the right to carry guns on campus. More than half the members of the Texas House have signed on as co-authors of a measure leading universities to permit concealed hand-guns. Texas is already known for its gun culture and its size. This would mean that 38 public universities with more than 500,000 students would have the option of carrying a gun with them onto campus if licensed with a concealed hand-gun license (CHL). 


Those that support the legislation argue that people will now be able to protect themselves, for campus violence can be an issue. Especially after the Virginia Tech mass shooting in 2007 and the Northern Illinois in 2008, allowing guns on campus would strictly be used for self-defense. Others believe however, that allowing concealed weapons on college campuses will do nothing but create a more dangerous environment. 


Baylor University has just recently considered this legislation. Because Baylor is a private school, if passed this law will not apply. Student Government has been speaking to various groups on the campus for why they are in favor. They have claimed that the call boxes placed around campus have been noted by students as useless for most do not work, and that the average time for the police to show after an urgent call is about 8 minutes. They have asked students to sign a petition in hope that Baylor may become part of this bill. They believe that by allowing those with a CHL to have a gun while on campus, that Baylor University will become a safer place.

I personally do not believe that it is at all necessary for those with a concealed hand-gun license, to have the right to carry a gun with them on campus. The Student Government claims that one must go though a process, including an interview and a test of questions before given the right. I think, however that 50 multiple choice questions cannot determine whether someone is safe with a gun on a college campus.


After hearing this news about Texas schools and then later about Baylor, I only found it fitting to blog about it since it has become such a concern. Now that I have voiced my opinion, I want to know yours!


http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/21/texas-ready-to-allow-concealed-weapons-on-college-campuses/