I have been on campus for 5 days now and have made tons of friends playing volleyball, killed it at paintball, jumped twice off a 45 foot cliff, and took around 3 trips to Wally World. Believe me when I say, UC does Welcome Week like pros. When I first pulled up to Gillespie I saw tons of people in red shirts wearing a smile and insisting they help you carrying your things to your room. I was so thankful to have to have them around due to staying on the top floor. I couldn’t imagine my parents and I hiking up 3 flights of stairs carring a mini-fridge.
That Sunday I attend the Main Street Baptist Church right on campus. It was pretty much like my home church except being a little larger. Reguardless, we were welcomed with hand shakes and the local’s support. That afternoon was followed my first volleyball game on the sand. I’d like to tell you I was okay but that would be an over-statement. However, I’m improving thanks to the Brazilians and my volleyball girls.
Monday couldn’t have came any faster. Why? PAINTBALL!! I’ve never played before but that sure wasn’t stopping me. Although I almost backed out when one of my friends came out with a massive welp on his neck, but I figured it had to be worth it. Anyway, they handed me a mask and a gun and wished me luck. I started thinking if it was too late to hand them their equpiment back but by that time I hear, “3, 2, 1, GO!” Next thing I know I was the last man standing and declared the winner. So you better watch your back next year since I have to defend my title.
One thing you HAVE to do before you die is cliff diving. It’s absolutely incredible! It took me like 12 trys and abunch of friends not allowing me to jump off a smaller rock, but I eventaully closed my eyes and jumped while screaming my head off. The second time was a bit easier but still pretty excrusiating. Again, cliff diving is must at UC. Locals can help you out alot!
Last night was the “Stock Your Dorm Game Show.” It was pretty funny watching grown men shaking their butts to knock over a can for a t-shirt. Sadly, I didn’t win anything but between me and my roomie’s things, it’s probably best we didn’t. Speaking of rooms, do not be freaked out when moving into Gillespie. I heard all kinds of rumors and I want to set the record straight….
Gillespie does not have air conditioner. Rumor! We actually have a really good AC and air purifier in every room.
There is a “ghost” that lives in Gillespie. Somewhat fact (depends on if you believe in ghosts!) In fact, Henrietta is my neighbor 
Yes, she has her own room. Now there are a couple of stories about how she ended up in Gillespie but I’ll let you decide on that one.
Gillespie rooms are tiny. Rumor! Dorm rooms are going to be dorm rooms. Meaning, they aren’t going to be as spacious but it’s really not that bad. Give and take with your roomie and you’ll be fine. One mistake I made was packing way too many clothes. But I’d rather be over packed than under packed. That’s why I decided what stayed and what went after I got all my things put away and sent the rest with my parents.
Please comment, twitter, or FB me! I will be more than happy to talk to you! Best wishes,
Kandace Gibson
I love the blog and I’m sure this is the continuation or the start of the previous blog that had the pictures. But once you get into paintball it is a lot of fun and we do paintball events for youth groups, colleges, sporting events, and parties all the time. So was really fun to read your blog on this.