This past week has been kind of a blur. A couple of games and rainy days was about all the week held. But I must say the weather has been on point these past few days. Yesterday we had our football Spring game and that was so much fun. Since last season, I’ve made friends with some players so I actually knew who was wearing what jersey this time around. I went with the same friends I always did for the fall games and it was a complete flashback to the beginning of the year. It just amazes me how much time flies!

For instance, the last time I played sand volleyball was the first day of Winter back in December (yeah, it was that warm.) Well, today the weather is a perfect 72 and I looked out the window and couldn’t resist heading back out to the courts. If you have a volleyball, I suggest you pack it because that’s about all of us leave for when school starts back up. Don’t worry if you have skill or not! We all play and joke about making fools out of ourselves.

Unfortunately I had to call the game a quick one since I have a 5 chapter Biology test coming up soon. Studying hasn’t been that bad because I’m pretty interested with anything that has to do with genetics. My only problem is actually sitting down and trying to retain all the information. I was having trouble with getting distracted last night so I was talking to my friend and she suggested to go to the library. I figured that was a pretty smart idea so I packed up all my things and drove over there. I walk up the flight of stairs to find the library closed an hour ago. I considered pulling out all my stuff then and there but I didn’t want to look like a creepy nerd so I just headed back to my dorm. So much for extra effort right?

However I went to the “learning table” in Gillespie. But it wasn’t an hour later till my friends walked down and saw me and that’s when I threw the towel in. So all of today has been dedicated to cramming and surprisingly I’m a beast at this stuff!

On the bright side, I’m one more week closer to Summer Break! But on the other hand that’s one more week closer to finals. Ugh. I’m trying really hard to ignore how stressed I’ll be in about three weeks. I’m so happy the CAB makes great efforts to have stuff for us to get away from the books and have fun. I’m too pumped for our Glow Dance they’ve got planned.

I know prom season is coming up. I’m not going to even pretend that I don’t miss it! I wish you all a fun and safe night. Have a great week readers!

-Kandace

I love this time of year. Pastels, the weather, Easter (the true meaning)…plus, the count down to Summer break begins! YYYYAAAAYYYYY! I’ve never got out of school before mid-May but this time I take my last final of the school year on May the 1st I’m pretty excited for next semester to start for a couple of reasons. Like, I will no longer be a greenhorn, new classes, new friends, and returning to my old ones. I know a few of my close friends are not returning next year and I hate to think about them not being here but I know they’re excited to get something new in their life just like me. However, they did promise to come back and watch a few football games like we always did. I’m also sad to say goodbye to my friends for the summer but I know that we’ll meet up some time or another.

I want to mention registering for classes for your Fall semester. I know was stoked when I finally got my class registration and financial plan in the mail. Yet overwhelmed when it came to actually reading and understanding both, figuring out what books to get, and if your a future student athlete, how to fit practice in if your classes are scheduled. First off, Dr.Broome is wonderful. If you have any concerns, feel free to let him know. I remember looking at my schedule at noticing the I had a later class that ended around 3 pm. How was I going to have time to make it to practice on time if it started at 3? I called Dr.Broom and he reminded me that I was going to college to get an education and my coach would completely understand. He does consider what sport you play so he knows if your in off season or regular season. Above all, trust him! He’s been here for years so HE KNOWS what he’s doing.

For your financial plan, make sure all of your scholarships are posted on your award letter. UC does a great job keeping you updated if you received a scholarship you applied for. Also make sure to send back the paper you are to sign. That lets the finance office know you understand whats going on. I’ll talk more about the last stages of finalization in a later post.

I hope ya’ll have a great week!

There’s nothing like feeling the warm sun shining directly on you when you open the doors to your Spring Break that has felt like decades coming. I couldn’t help be ecstatic when I heard the doors to the science building close behind me as I started my way to my room to get my things packed up for the 3 hour bus trip to University of Pikeville. I have been looking forward to playing my twin sister ever since I signed my letter of intent last April. I couldn’t wait to get to finally get to settle the sister rivalry. When we got to their field, all my teamates were asking which one she was and taking guesses. Once they spotted her they automatically knew. Of course, they were wondering what our family did in the meaning of support. The first game they were rep-ing Pikeville…big mistake. We won the first game, 6-5. Both teams played pretty well and I loved meeting some of the girls from the other team after the game. Second game, I looked to the stands, discovering my family whipped out their UC hoodies. Unfortunately we lost by 1, but it was still a fun game.

Saturday we had another double header against UPIKE. We again won one, lost one. Funny how things work out right? After the game the whole team rushed back to pack our bags for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. No matter where I go, I always seem to bring my entire closet and then some. For that to hold true, I asked my parents to meet me in Somerset to get some summer clothes for our trip. I forgot how much I really did miss my parents. But I was back on the road ready to hit up the beach. Keep in mind that everyone was gone but a few students and sports teams. So when I got to the top of the third floor of Gillespie, my dorm has never felt so empty. But on the other hand, I felt like the king of the castle. Of course, sharing my power with Henrietta the ghost

The beach trip was a total success. The weather wasn’t too ideal but it was way better than the snow we got in Williamsburg. We won 4 out of the 5 games we had. Including a few D2 and Junior Colleges we beat. Here are a few pictures from the break….

These past two weeks have been full of games, reports, test, homework, and stress. But to be honest, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love working towards something that I know will only bear benefits. A couple of things you might want to consider when choosing a major…

Picture yourself actually doing it. For example, can you see yourself in front of a classroom but you have trouble taking charge? Or you want to run your own business but you have a passion for helping people? There’s an endless sea of options. When I first came to UC, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I decided to go with business just because my mom did the same. I started thinking about it and something in the back of my mind was screaming, “NNNNNNOOOOOO.” Then I looked back at all the classes I enjoyed in high school. One outstanding class would be Human Anatomy. It amazes me to think how God perfectly constructed our bodies to do a million different things.

Which brings me to my next point, what do you like? What kind of personality do you have? If you like helping people you may want to look at something in the medical field. If you like math you might like something in business. You may like evangelism and want to become a minister. I’ve always heard choose something you consider to be a hobby and not a job because you will be doing it the rest of your life. If you choose to be a business rep but you’re not a people person, you should probably think about doing something that doesn’t require much interaction with others.

Lastly, YOU HAVE TIME! Don’t panic and think you have to choose a major as soon as you get here. General Education (the classes you take your first couple of semesters) are here to help you discover what you might want to do. Like I said earlier, I had no idea what I wanted to do. But this semester has really opened up my eyes to become a Biology major. I like to be challenged and pushing myself to be the best. I want to make the most out of my time here. I advise you to do the same. You’ve made it all the way to college so why settle for second best?

Have confidence in the decisions you make. What do you have to lose? I know this is going to be nerdy but I love the speech the Jessica gives in Twilight  (and I probably just lost all my guy readers.) “This isn’t the time to make hard and fast decisions, its time to make mistakes. Take the wrong train and get stuck somewhere chill. Fall in love – a lot. Major in philosophy ’cause there’s no way to make a career out of that. Change your mind. Then change it again, because nothing is permanent. So make as many mistakes as you can. That way, someday, when they ask again what we want to be… we won’t have to guess. We’ll know.”

Have a great week!

-Kandace Gibson

This past week has been pretty busy. With softball season starting up, I’m covered in bruises and homework. I don’t mind though…it’s worth it. I was in the batting cage the other day and when I took my batting glove off I found a blister on my thumb that looks like a heart. A little reminder for my love of the game. For all you Spring athletes out there, good luck to you and your team this season!

For all the seniors, I hope you’re finishing up filing your FASFA. I know it’s pretty hectic with getting all your tax information together but trust me, it’s worth getting that chunk of the government’s money for your education. I just filed mine the other day. I was a little nervous since my mom took care of all that stuff when I was at home but things went pretty well. Thankfully there is a Kentucky Revenue Cabinet office in Corbin and they do FREE FILING for those who make less than 10K, (I think that’s what they said), a year. You can thank me later. But Mom still had a part in helping me! She got all my info from last year in a enevlope and wrote the address and phone number to the office. The drive was a nerve wrecking one though. You could get me easy to follow directions to the bathroom and I would still get lost. However, I am gettting better at reading maps but my somewhat ‘experience’ didn’t come through and I drove around Corbin a good twenty minutes before I finally saw the building.

I hope your college searches are going well. We just had our last Campus Discovery Day and I know it had to be a success. There were people everywhere. I wish I could’ve met you all but I had practice the same time I was to do the meet and greet. If you did attend I hope you had a wonderful time finding what UC is all about. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you all in the fall!

Have a great week everyone!

-Kandace

I’ve really taken to heart to the things we have been discussing in my New Testament course. Last week we talked about how to be strong in your heart, mind, body, and soul. But what does that mean? How are we suppose to use our strength for God?

Well, think about the famous quote from Muhammad Ali, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” I believe this means to love all, be kind to all, and be the best person you can be. But don’t let yourself be walked on. Just like Jesus, he loved and cared for everyone, but when one tried to test or temp Him, he but His foot down and stood for what he believed in. You can be strong in your heart by not giving in to your desires or pleasures. As God asks us to, be on your guard. We’re all humans and we’re going to make mistakes. Even the people you depend on the most will letcha down from time to time. Be strong in your mind means to stay sharp. Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find it; knock and the door will be opened to you.” God promises us that He will give us what we need, regardless if that patients, wisdom, guidance, just anything we need to live through Christ everyday. Staying strong physically doesn’t mean start going to the weight room and max out every single day. However, we do need to take care of ourselves.

Besides these bodies of ours aren’t really ours….they’re Jesus’ temple. Don’t induce your body with harming aspects.  Not only is it pointless, but it dumbs down the wonderful characteristics that you possess. Soul strength is probably the most important strength to have. Wonderful things like faith, hope, and affection start from the soul. If you have a positive outlook on everything you do, it could make a huge difference in anything you do. One of the perks at UC is how personal we get. Whether it’s a religion class or not, professors encourage us to explore our religious faith. I really hope you do too.

Remember to sign up for Campus Discovery Day!! Campus Discovery Day

This post is dedicated to Anita Maulden & her amazing family.

-Kandace Gibson

Many things have going down at UC. For example, the huge ice storm that hit us at the end of last week!

I was told that when I stepped across the stage at graduation, I was giving up prom, easy A’s, and snow days. One out of three is better than none!  I have been told the UC has cancelled classes only once or twice since the early 2000′s. I was glad I got to take part in UC history by laying in my cozy bed and watching a marathon of Criminal Minds. But really though, I’ve never seen the ice so thick on the pavement. From the window it looked just like a typical rainy day. However, that wasn’t the case for some students who decided to leave the comfort of their dorm room and tested the roads out. Luckily for me, I got a front row seat to the afternoon entertainment – watching others bust their booties and laughing hysterically!

My coaches didn’t think it was a good idea to have us traveling on the icy roads so they asked us to stay on campus for the weekend. This set me up to do something wild and crazy with my teammates….

Some of us dyed our hair purple and others chose blue! My parents do not know about this (yet, so sssshhhhh!) I thought it was a great idea. Now if you come to our games you know which purple-headed girl to look for! For all you volleyball girls out there, my bravery was infectious.

Last year when I was still thinking about attending University of the Cumberlands, I found out they had a YouTube channel. I discovered they had this huge event that happens in the Spring Semester called, Cumberland Idol. Just like American Idol, there are try outs, performances, judges. We have the same thing but now it’s called The Spotlight. You think you know someone until you find them singing wonderfully in front of tons of people – then they either get critized or praised by the judges. It felt like sitting in the crowd on the set of American Idol, but with your friends rooting for people you actually know!

The judges were great. The most surprising to see on the panel was our Women’s Basketball Head Coach, Melissa Irvin. She was more like “Simon” of the group! But she kept the audience entertained and was more respectful unlike the unpleasant, British commentator we all know!

You can keep up with all the action by clicking>>>  Cumberland Spotlight

Don’t forget to register for Campus Discovery Day on Feburary the 16th. Register here >>> Discovery Day Registration

Ya’ll have a great week!

Kandace

This past week for me has been pretty busy with the same ol’ same ol’. Classes here and there, test this week, practice everyday, convo this night, project due this day. Don’t get me wrong, I love college and wouldn’t want to be any where else but sometimes it feels never ending. Makes me wonder how I’m going to feel my senior year filling out Medical School applications. One thing is for sure, once I look back at all I’ve done with my life, I know it will be the most satisfying feeling in the world.

I’m not sure if UC is the only small private school that requires its students to attend convocation but just a heads up, it’s a blessing and a curse. Just the other night we had a scheduled convo on the same night I needed to study for a Biology test, 2 papers due, and 2 chapters to read (the “curse” of convo.) Yes, it was my own fault and I do take some responsibility since I shoved just about all of it off but I’m glad I did get to attend. The speaker, David Nasser, shared his incredible testimony (the “blessing”!) A typical young Iranian mixed up in a religious rebellion forced his family to leave everything behind and move to the States to find who he was and who he wanted to be. With the help of the local churches members in Texas, David and his family discovered the true meaning of faithfulness and love. Just to see his heart full of passion for Christ was inspiring alone.   A week before Nasser’s heart-filled speech, UC welcomed University of Kentucky Alum, Dr. George C. Wright. Growing up as an African American in Lexington, Kentucky in the ’60′s presented many challenges. However, Wright didn’t allow his skin color determine his future. Instead, he majored in History and UK and finished up his Doctorate at Duke University. Not only was he an assistant professor at UK but also written 2 published books. UC obviously does a very good job at picking and choosing interesting speakers that encourage us! If you choose a university that list convocation as a requirement, you may want to ask what kind of events/programs are included!

You also may want to take advantage of overnight stays with a student. It gives you the up-close and personal experience of the typical day of a college student. I know many colleges nowadays have the option. UC prospective students get to stay with a student, attend classes of your choosing, and if interested in athletics, possibly participate in practice. UC pays for your on campus meals so no money needed. I hosted my first overnight recruit this past week and we had so much fun! Please feel free to call Admissions at  (800) 343-1609 or (606) 539-4241. Not an overnight kind of person? No problem! We have a  Campus Discovery Day coming up on February 16! Click the link to sign up today!   http://www.ucumberlands.edu/admissions/discovery/schedule.php

Y’all have a wonderful week!

Kandace Gibson

Christmas & New Years came and went just like always. But this year wasn’t like the typical holidays I’ve been accustomed to. Like having more than a week or so off, only seeing my friends maybe a few times instead of everyday, and packing up all my belongings and stuffing my car like tuna in a can! Yet, it still feels great to come back to UC and finish another semester with my new friends and teammates. This semester also kicks off our Softball season! For months we’ve worked extremely hard and now our time has come to show the MSC and the NAIA teams what we’re made of.

Proof that less is more!

I always seem to pack more than I need. But I’m a girl who loves her clothes, so what can ya say? I don’t think I would have lived to see tomorrow if it wasn’t for my helpful friends moving me in. About 5 or 6 trips later, 6 totes, 3 armful loads of coats, and 1 giant suitcase was scattered over my dorm room. I couldn’t imagine packing all that up 3 flights of stairs! They have no idea how appreciative I am!

Today was the first day of the Spring Semester. My day starts at 9 AM with a Biology lecture. The class is a requirement for general education and a pre-physical therapy degree. After biology, I rush over to they gym for walking (yes, that is a REAL class.) Macroeconomics, then tops off my day. Tomorrow starts at 8 AM. That’s when the challenge of all challenges steps in. My high school didn’t even start till 8:25. So please enjoy it while you can!

My goals this semester is to make .3-.5 higher than last semesters GPA, attend more Campus Worships services, practice & play hard, and truly enjoy my life and have fun with my friends. I’ve came to find that stressing over the little things is a waste of worry and efforts. God has a plan for every single one of us so why not let him have control? Even though you may not be Baptist or even believe in Christianity, it’s very important to have faith in something.

I hope y’all had a wonderful CHRISTmas and New Years! Have a great start to your last few months to all you seniors out there!

-Kandace G

In high school, I didn’t have to study much when it came to tests – let alone finals. Reality checked in when each of my five professors handed me at least a three (front & back) page study guide and wished me the best of luck. The best of luck? How is that going to help me through a painful week of endless studying?

What did help was the university and Main Street Baptist Church’s efforts to make late-night studying fun. Kicking off the Sunday of finals week, UC had brunch available in the caf starting at 10pm and the church had home cooking at 8pm and they also had study areas set up. Monday, UC had a sea of Krispy Kreme Donuts that flooded the campus. Literally handed out the boxes to each student (some would take up 5, and there was plenty left!) That night, Main Street served up grilled cheese and of course, Krispy Kremes. Tuesday, the school provided Subway for a late night snack while the church whipped up your choice of a hot or cold mocha drink.

I was impressed that some professors attended both places all week long to encourage their students and answering any questions they may have. Wednesday was kind of a blur to me because that was my last day for finals and I was trying to pack up my things to head home. I do remember UC serving Fazoli’s for dinner that night. Nothing against baked spaghetti, but I was ready for my mom’s cooking!

One thing I did enjoy this past week was having just about all of my classes cancelled. Most of my professors had covered all their material and reviewed the final by this point. Besides, the professors knew we probably needed the time to study. So you get up whenever you want, study for a few hours, eat, study for a few hours, eat, study for a few more, sleep. That’s pretty much your schedule for the last few days of the semester. If you make it past finals, you’re offically done with the semester and have a month or so off.

I cannot wait to wake up and live out Bruno Mars’ Lazy Song.  My only plans for the break is to work, work out, and spend time with my family. My teamates told me that I will be lucky to get to go home this next semester 2 or 3 times, so my family spends just about every other night playing Apples to Apples, Monopoly, or the Game of Things. Or we’ll watch A Christmas Story and Christmas Vaction – what we call the “Gibson Classics”. I was so happy when Christmas Vacation came on the other day and most of my friends loved it just as much as I did.

-Kandace