Summer @ D-Son

Hello, my lovely Richers!

So I'm already halfway through my summer job here on campus, which is absolutely insane. Where have the past five weeks gone? You've got me on that one. But summer at Davidson has been pretty nice thus far, I must say.

First, I lived in Rich after everyone but three or four people had left. It was incredibly depressing. Then I moved into Flowe and lived with roommates that I essentially never spoke to. But it was nice to live in an apartment, cook for myself, and just generally feel kind of like an adult (I know, crazy, right?) Then for the past two-ish weeks, I've been house-sitting for Professor Thornberry, who just retired from the PoliSci department. And on Tuesday, I will be moving into Dr. Christian's house from the Physics department (his nickname is Wolfie--totally adorable), and will be house-sitting for him for almost the rest of my summer here. There will be a few days at the end where I'm homeless, but I'm sure that will be... interesting. Haha.

So that's where I've been living, but what have I been DOING all summer? Good question. You're such an attentive blog reader. I've been working as a research assistant for Dr. Lewis in the English department. She's been working on a book about sports and Shakespeare. (Yeah, I know, it sounds weird. It is.) Basically, I've been reading Shakespeare plays and then doing the corresponding sports researching. Thus far, I've researched Joe Namath and Super Bowl III, Marion Jones, Jose Canseco and a bunch of other 'roided up baseball players, Lance Armstrong, Mickey Mantle, and, beginning now, Andre Agassi (whose autobiography is actually quite compelling!) I've also done some other random tasks for her, such as ordering library books (yay fun) and searching for an idea for her to start a blog around... She also recently revised an article she wrote about the culture of debutante balls, which I did some research for--actually pretty fascinating stuff. And she's also wanting to start an article about virtual role playing games (of sorts) like The Sims and Second Life, and how people want to become their characters (or avatars, or whatever), so I've been researching that. There are some crazies out there, let me tell you. So basically I've been learning about interesting stuff all summer and getting paid for it. Supa fly.

I've also been taking care of some animals. Of course there's JP, my darling husky, and Milky White, the best, most badass cow ever. But I've also been walking a (real) Siberian husky named Sasha for Dr. Bory in the dance department, and I'm currently watching Princess, Professor Thornberry's dog. Wolfie also has a dog, but I can't currently remember the name. I think it has something to do with a coffee, or a caffeinated beverage of some kind. Anyway, it's nice to have some animals to tend to. (After all, my name's not Noah for nothin'.)

Outside of work and animals, I generally chill at Lake Campus, read, Netflix (yes, that is a verb), or hang with the few people I know on campus this summer. Sometimes it's kind of boring, but I guess I should relish in that fact whilst I can. *sigh*

Well, that's all I've got. Hope you're all enjoying your summers!

<3 Christine

Hey Richers!

Hey everyone!

It's been awesome to read about how everyone is starting their summers! Just wanted to say hey, and tell you about what I'm getting myself into this week. As a member of the US National Whitewater Slalom Kayaking team, I travel extensively during the summer for races in Europe. I keep my own blog and YouTube Channel that you guys should check out! Click here for the blog.
Click here for the YouTube Channel.

Enjoy! I look forward to reading more about what everyone is up to :)

LOVE, Caroline

Hello, Rich!

I just enjoyed reading about everyone's adventures so far. They sound lovely and make me miss you even more!

I was one of the final 2 people living on 1st, and I may or may not have cried a little bit when I finally had to lock my door and leave. I wonder how many RA's check out tearfully nostalgic freshmen. Fortunately, my summer housing arrangement has worked out nicely. I moved into Ryburn 203 with Catherine Hare, Allen Rigby, and Julie Coursen, and I have since been enjoying abundant opportunities to cook, the luxury of multiple futons, and an air conditioning system that really works. My typical day consists of waking up, going to work from 8:30 to 5, working out, cooking dinner, watching TV/reading, and going to bed. Some might call it mundane, but I call it relaxing.

Since I am working in the Admissions Office all summer, you all probably have a good feel for my surroundings. Not much has changed-- the average high temperature lingers around 95 (not fun when simultaneously walking backwards and yelling), and apart from some minor exterior renovations on Belk, the campus looks the same. I would include photos, but I think most of you know what summertime in the South looks like by now.

This job has already taught me that office work will not be in my future, but I'm grateful for the experience and learn something new most days. Obviously, I have a lot of spare time, considering that I'm writing this blog entry from the office. Tours are always interesting and filled with insightful inquiries ("Isn't this a smart kid place?" "Do you like Coors Light?"). One of my favorite parts of tour guiding is the opportunity to share my love for Davidson with prospective students and their parents. Of course, I always spend more than the average amount of time gushing about residence life when I point to Rich!

Apart from spending long afternoons at Lake Campus or mornings at the Farmer's Market, I have had several chances to go home on the weekends. I finally got a car a couple of weeks ago and have enjoyed exploring this area and taking a few road trips. Last weekend, I was in San Antonio for my cousin's wedding, and I'm going to see Chicago (oh hey, Quincy) this Saturday at a theater in Western NC.

Campus isn't the same without y'all, and I can't wait for some more people to start trickling in for July Experience/Odyssey/etc. Continue to explore and grow, and I'll look forward to seeing you for Round 2 in the fall!