Just in case I haven’t already mentioned, I love football. Lucky for me, I came to a school who loves football just as much as myself. This weekend our team traveled to Barbourville, Kentucky to play Union College. The media team had our guys pretty pumped to win the rival game. You’ve got to watch this to understand…  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvIYiexddTA

At the half it was 7-42…makes me wonder if the mayor of Barbourville left early? I sure hope so because our team stayed focused and motivated to score another touchdown and win the game 14-48; 50th win for Head Coach Bland and Largest Victory in the Battle for the Brass Lantern. UC is now 3-0 and #14 in the NAIA!

I’m pretty excited for this coming week’s game since we play UPIKE…my twin’s university. Hopefully that will be another W in our conference.

This week is also my birthday; the first one away from home. A bunch of my friends have birthdays in September as well so it sorta feels like I’ve been in birthday mode for the past couple of weeks. It’s kinda cool celebrating a new friend’s birthday about every other day. However, I wouldn’t trade my mom’s cake and dad’s “Now you’re an adult…” lecture for anything! I remember last year I was so excited to think that next year I would be celebrating with new friends in the ‘Burg. I’m still excited and trying to stay optimistic since I’m away from my twin. I thank God for skype and snail mail.  Either way I’m happy for the both of us and if she is reading… HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

One thing I suggest you keep in mind next year is when and when not to do laundry. For example, unless you like waiting in line for a washer then waiting another 45 minutes to a hour for a dryer, I encourage you to not wait til Sunday to do your laundry. I kept putting it off and finally got to Sunday and I thought it was never going to get done. But you know me, I had to find something while I waited. It’s funny how somethings work out. Like how I just happen to notice a group of my football buddies out the window walking together and my brilliant mind quickly working on a prank. I picked up my car keys and waited til they got just about in front of my car and pushed the alarm button to watch them jump and freak out. I would call myself an evil genius – but I didn’t catch it on video and post it on here. Maybe someone can do it next year (hint,hint!).

For the past few days it has been pretty rainy and cold here. Having that said, comfty rain boots and an umbrella that can fit in your backpack is a must-have! The weather here is somewhat unpredictable so you need to be prepared for any kind of weather. When you move-in in August, even though it’s pretty hot, you’ll want to have a light jacket handy. Plus if you live far away you don’t want to make a trip back home to get a hoodie and pants. Then when the winter gets here it will be easier to change out your wardrobe. Of course, the store of all stores, Wal-mart, has your back. The one in Williamsburg isn’t up to par like the ones in Corbin or London but they have your basics.

Don’t forget to check out UC Discovery Day this weekend!! http://www.ucumberlands.edu/admissions/discovery/

Best Wishes!

Kandace Gibson

One of the main reasons why I choose UC is because of their morals and ethical principals. We have endless promotions of Chirst’s love through guest speakers who leads worship services and/or inspirational seminars with temporary christian music. Not to mention churches of every denomination on every street in the ‘Burg.

Not into the church scene? No problem! UC does not require you to attend church, only 8 convocations a semester and YOU get to choose which ones you want to attend. Some may think just because you’re not Baptist you cannot attend UC…wrong! We are affiliated with the Baptist Convention which means our school goes by Baptist beliefts.

No, no one is going to try to convert you from your religion. We welcome diversity! In fact, I met a friend the other day who was Lutheran. I got the opportunity to learn of another way to worship our King. Pretty cool huh? When I went for visits I kept in mind that what ever school I chose, I choose who they were, what they stood for, and choose what they promoted. So my advice to prospective students, where ever you may end up, make sure you’re ready to represent what your school endorses.

For example, we had a 9/11 ceremony next to the Hutton School of Business. There we have a standing piece of one of the falling towers that was saved from the attacks. The HSB’s yard was also covered in US flags to remember the fallen.

Another event that I’ve enjoyed is the festival in downtown Williamsburg – Old Fashioned Days! It’s probably the same little booths of snacks and goods that happends in your little town because that’s exactly how it was back at home. 

Remember our Campus Discovery Day is coming up September 22nd! More info at http://www.ucumberlands.edu/admissions/discovery/

Best Wishes,

Kandace G

To start off my holiday weekend, my roomate and I drove up to Lexington, Kentucky to find the Labor Day sales. It was worth the hour and half drive to get a arm full of shopping bags and a quick stop to Gigi’s cupcakes. I feel sorry for you if you have no idea what a slice of Heaven taste like.

Saturday was our first football game and the whole campus was pumped. This place was full of proud parents, prospective players, and Patriot pride. I came from a small school so I wasn’t use to seeing the whole stadium filled. But that wasn’t a problem at all…the humidity was my main issue. I thought my town had bipolar weather, but I was sure wrong. The game was pretty interesting to watch since I actually had a few friends playing. Although, it was kinda hard telling the players apart since they all decided to get mohawks. We had a slow start but earned a W over Belhaven, 21-10.

After the game I headed back to Horse Cave. Little did I know my parents wanted me to stop by Campbellsville University to watch my brother’s football game against University of Pikeville. It was pretty cool watching my brother and sister’s schools playing against each other. I was more excited about hanging out with my family after the game. Just like the “good ole days”, we shared a few laughs over dinner. While I was back home I got some homework and laundry done and doubled checked my room to make sure I didn’t miss out on any necessities like my hair ribbons for softball practice. It’s kinda funny how I’ve been gone for a little over two weeks and almost forgot I had my own room. Nevertheless, I was happy to be pulling back into the Gillespie Hall parking lot once more.

Don’t forget prospective students/transfers that Campus Discovery Day is coming up on September 22! More info at http://www.ucumberlands.edu/admissions/discovery/

Best Wishes,

Kandace G

This weekend was my first weekend in the ‘Burg. Since a bunch of my friends went home for the weekend, I had to be creative to save myself from anti-social anxiety. Luckily, I didn’t have to try too hard since my twin sister came down. It was nice to see a familiar face again. Friday night I went to the Whitley County football game. It was so different rooting for a team that wasn’t my high school’s team. Looking around, I started thinking about all the cheerleaders, fans, friends, and families I didn’t know unlike my old school. But I realized that I have new friends who are like family to sit with at games and cheer on the greatest college team in eastern Kentucky.

Saturday was pretty interesting due to people meeting my twin. One thing I love about being a twin is seeing people’s reations. First, I introduce my sister and then mention we are twins and that’s when the light bulb turns on and people typically say something like, “Whoa, I can see it now!” or “I wish I were a twin.” Yeah, it’s pretty awesome being me but since theres two of me, I’m twice as awesome right?

Later that day we attended the UC woman’s volleyball game with some friends. Our girls did great regardless of the scoreboard. After the game we drove to London just for Daddy Yo’s frozen yogurt. This place is a must have! They have 10 flavors of frozen yogurt and probaby 20 topping selections. It’s also a great hangout spot and its right next door to Walmart, Rue 21, Goody’s, and a few other locally owned shops. Next we headed to the water park a couple of miles off campus. I paid only 8 bucks so they’re pretty reasonable. I had a good time until I discovered the wave pool broke off a pearl earring of mine.

On Sunday, I said goodbye to my sister and hello to homework. My advice…MAKE SURE YOU KNOW HOW TO DO BASIC MATH WITHOUT A CALCULATOR! I was so used to solving equations with a calculator that I completely forgot how to work without one. This forced me to Google and YouTube for an hour on how to long divide and multiply. But don’t worry about me, I figured it out and 2 hours later finished my last problem. Thankfully by that time all my friends came back home and I was saved from boredom. Maybe next time I’ll take them up on their offer of going home with them so it won’t be so quiet on Sundays.

Best wishes,

Kandace G

First convocation attended with my teamates

On Monday, UC had guest speaker, David Edwards, discuss the importance of not comparing ourselves with others along with some worship with a local church band. I went with a couple of my teammates and we had fun worshipping God while have some good ol’ quality time together.  Little did we know that an ice-cream social would be held afterwards so that just made our night 10 times better. The picture below is my view of the crowd. It was pretty cool being a gym full of students worshipping Christ. Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures of the hypnotist and I really wish I did! I’m not going to tell you all of his tricks but his show included mind reading (individuals and the crowds), figured out a random cell number from thoughts, called it, and it was the number of a girl in the audience, then made a black X transfer from one student to the another. He was pretty funny and great with the students. This week has been pretty busy with classes starting to get back in the “school mode” and practice every afternoon. I don’t mind because I hate to be bored. Having said that, probably the biggest difficulity I have faced so far is saying no to fun. Even though I have homework or maybe need a few more hours of sleep, if a late night trip to Huddle House or a quick game of volleyball comes up I cannot refuse. Thank the good Lord for 3 hour breaks and naps. I noticed UC has a Discovery Day coming up in September. I encourage all prospective students to come! I went this past Feburary and it was cold! So I suggest you come in the Fall when everything looks so vibrant with the colors and it’s a little warmer too. Hopefully I’ll see ya there!

Best wishes,Kandace Gibson

 

 

 

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

Hey there, I’m Kandace!

I graduated from Caverna High School located in Horse Cave, KY. More than likely you’ve never heard of my little town since most attention goes to Mammoth Cave; home of the world’s longest cave. Let’s see…I have an older brother whom attends Campbellsville University and plays football and a twin sister whom attends University of Pikeville and plays softball. Makes you wonder which team my parents root for, huh? You can catch me at any country music concert, on the lake, in a mall, or just chilling with some friends playing Catch Phrase.

Why UC? I fell in love with UC within the first 5 minutes I stepped on campus. I’m not over exaggerating when I say Cumberlands has the most gorgeous campus in the state of Kentucky, not to mention the most hospitable people. I did visit a few other schools but UC was, without a doubt, the best! What stuck out to me was how happy everyone was. You could easily tell the professors and staff loved their job and the students loved being there. I encourage you to take tour durning the fall. The orange and red mountains are breath taking. I choose a small university because I like the one on one relationship I have with the professors and the small town feel Williamsburg has to offer. Classes are not too big or too small, the campus is easy to walk, and the staff try their best to set you up for success.

Prospective Students - Keep in mind I was in your seat only a few months ago. I know the college selection process can be a little stressful but hopefully I can help you find what you’re looking for at UC. I hope you enjoy reading my blog!

Best Wishes,

Kandace G