My View from the Throne: Life in the Castle

So,

Even though I was technically on the "right" side, I still felt wrong. It was sooo hard to ditch my dear liberal arts college for another. Oh DePauw, I still love you, I swear! Well, as I mentioned in the last blog, I had many of my Wabash friends staying with me for Monon weekend. And boy oh boy, of all the colleges of Indiana, DePauw was certainly the place to be. We tailgated from 9am until game time. I wore red, for safety reasons of course :-) but I had my DPU shirt on underneath. See? >>>>>>>
There is my friend Rachel. Even though she goes to IU, she comes and visits often because she misses the feel of our small liberal arts college environment.

I felt like a traitor... but keep in mind: I took class at Wabash too, and lived with the guys for my summer, so I have a right to be torn. But at the game, I would cheer whenever Wabash was silent, and I got some mean looks. So, DePauw I'm still looking out for you! I risked my life behind enemy lines!







Here is a picture of a section on the DPU side. We surely came out in the masses to be such a small liberal arts school, huh?








And here's a picture of me on the "wrong" side. I had a blast either way, and I appreciate the rivalry. We are more alike than different. HOWEVER, one thing Wabash will never have: girls. Case in point, we win!

Monon: Mission Accomplished.


Forever Black&Gold,

Danni

Hello Everyone,

Two top private universities.
Two colleges of Indiana.
Two small liberal arts colleges.

Fighting for the beloved Monon bell. Who will win?

Well, as ya'll may know, I spent 4 weeks of my summer living with Wabash students for a program. I also took a 6-week class there last semester on teaching EFL and ESL--- needless to say, I'm torn!

I'm having a few of my Wallie friends stay with me for the weekend. They know that I am a tiger a heart though, always. I'm also sitting on the Wabash side... shhh, you won't tell will you? I reallllly reeeeeaaaalllly wanted to see the game and our tickets sold out in two days! Awful, right? The things I do!

:-)

Well, here is a picture of my summer Wabash group. I guess I'll have to cheer for both sides. I will keep you posted as to how my divided house will be this weekend. 


Over and Out--

Monon 2009, let's go Tigers!

I have a serious. . . serious case of the Monday's. But, thanks to the time change and the cancellation of my early morning class, I had one extra hour of much-needed sleep.

What keeps me going you ask? I am trying to study abroad. The application is over 20 pages with lots of specifics; however, the thought of spending next fall in the Dominican Republic is more than enough inspiration.
Can you imagine? I know what you're thinking: if you guys are such a small liberal arts school, how can students get these opportunities? Well we are also a private liberal arts college with a really strong alumni basis and support system, and they want to make sure that we remain one of the best liberal arts colleges in the nation (a top 50 liberal arts college to be exact). The professors guide their students and offer advice and support. And actually over 80 percent of DePauw students go off campus for some type of credit.

So, wish me luck. Santiago, hopefully I'll see you next fall. Chao chao, y nos vemos. Hasta pronto.

Peace and Love,
Danni

Monon in TWO weeks! Let's go Tigers!

Hi Everyone:

I suddenly had as really string urge to blog. So, here I am. I am sitting in Julian, our math and science building, and it's absolutely beautiful. It's newly renovated, open with natural lighting and comfy chairs. Basically, it's an ideal place to blog. It's actually named after Percy L. Julian who was the first black graduate from DePauw in 1928. He went on to get a PHD from Harvard, and win the Nobel prize. That's totally not my point.

My point is that I love my liberal arts college. A whole bunch. The titles Top 50 liberal arts college or best liberal arts college mean nothing if the student is not valued and at the center of the learning experience. Well, here at my beloved private liberal arts college, we are human beings with feelings, needs and we are treated as such.


I am a little bit geeked (really excited) because something reminded me how great our professors are here at DePauw. I wrote a Spanish essay of about 3 pages for an upper-level class. I was nervous because he is a pretty tough grader with high expectations. I speak Spanish. I speak Spanish really well, but there is a difference between discussing the new Aventura CD with friends and contrasting two works of 15th century Spanish literature in an academic setting. Get my drift? Yes, I can survive quite well in a Spanish speaking country for months at a time, but can I write a strong analytical essay with a thesis, argument, textual support and still maintain my personal voice in a language that is not my own? It's tough. Well, I managed to pull off an really high A and I am beyond geeked. It proves that unconventional learning styles like full-blown immersion are valid in the classroom. I learned to speak Spanish before learning to read or write it, which is kind of out of order. I started in 4th grade learning from friends. But my main point is that teachers offer constructive criticism that makes the assignment less about a letter grade and more about actually learning something. There is a dialogue. This is helpful. And for that reason and several other reasons, DePauw is the best liberal arts college. . . ever.

Tiger Pride
Peace&Love,
Danni

DePauw Never Sleeps. Ever.

So, I just got back to campus after a wonderful fall break at home in Chicago. I got to catch up with my family and old friends. I even visited some other colleges. It was nice to get away for a bit-- to not have to run from meeting to meeting to class to appointment. I missed my family a lot, and since I spent my summer in Ecuador, this was our first real opportunity to connect and catch up. Also, the home-cooked food was a plus.

With all that said and done, I am back at my beloved DePauw and I am once again a Tiger. I gave a tour early this morning, which proves that DePauw really doesn't take breaks. There's a football game today and tons of football recruits. I am just looking forward to our legendary Monon Bell Weekend (November 14)-- a football game against Wabash college. Yeah-- we're a small liberal arts college and we're a tiny college of Indiana, but we have the oldest college football rivalry in the country. Chew on that people. Being a liberal arts college does not make us any less athletic or involved.


After I visited other schools-- which happened to be huge-- I really do appreciate DePauw. Here people know your name. They speak to you even if they don't know you well and most of all you feel like an individual not just another moving dot in a humongous blob.




This is me-- I am Danni Roseman-- a student and individual who happens to be part of the DePauw Community. I'm not a last name, a number, a greek house, or any other generalization. And that my friends, feels great.




Tiger Pride
Peace&Love, Danni

*sigh*

It is that time of year. It is time for a well-deserved and much needed break. This week has been quite hectic with papers and midterms. I am in the process of editing papers and doing regular homework. However, I will not complain  because there is a light at the end of the tunnel: Fall Break! I am driving home with my best friend and we are going to just vegetate and sleep like we are in a coma. I am looking forward to it. Most campuses adjourn for a few days in October; however, DePauw sets the bar high as one of the best liberal arts colleges so we get 7 days off. We work hard, that is why we are a top 50 liberal arts college, but we need a break like the rest of the colleges of Indiana and students nationwide.

Sweet Home, Chicago! Here's too you! It won't be soon before long, DePauw. See you in a few days.

Peace and Love,
Danni

Hi All:

On this gloomy Thursday evening, I can't help but wish that it was summer again. I miss the days filled with sunshine, warm breezes and cool refreshing rains. Campus is especially gorgeous during the summer months. Even though we are a small liberal arts college, we have over 36 major buildings and our campus spans over 600 acres including our nature park. There are tulips, perfectly trimmed lawns, and large magnificent trees that exude history.


This brings me to my main question: what did you all do this summer?
One of the benefits pf attending a top private university and a top 50 liberal arts college is that we have opportunities that most students only dream of. I participated in a brand new DePauw program my freshman year called "DePauw in Ecuador Program." We spent 3 weeks on campus and 2 weeks in Quito, Ecuador. I met my best friend on the trip and discovered my love for Ecuador. After that I vowed to return.

This past summer I spent 3 and a half months in Ecuador teaching English, traveling, and studying Spanish. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I owe the opportunity to my favorite liberal arts college, DePauw University.


What was your summer like?
Peace&Love
Danni

So, you're a senior in high school and the next logical step is college. Easier said than done, right? Where do you begin? Do you want a liberal arts college? A college of Indiana? A small liberal arts college? A large liberal arts college? Do you even want a liberal arts college? Your head is probably overflowing with these thoughts?

My guess is that if you are reading this blog, you have some interest in a small liberal arts college and if you're interested in DePauw you're in luck because it's also a top 50 liberal arts college. I know how hectic this time can be, I did it too back in 2007, so not too long ago.

1. I guess step one would be to decide what type of college you are looking for and where/how you learn best. Are you easily distracted by the city, then maybe you should try a different environment. Are you looking to stay in your home state or go a little further out?

2. Next research the school. Go on visits, talk to students, see what the school has to offer you. Do they have interesting classes, fun clubs, your favorite sport?

3. Then get ready to apply, and apply to more than one school because having options is key. Get your personal statement edited and update your resume.

4. Breathe, and keep enjoying senior year!

5. Then wait patiently for the letter. After you find a school that really matches your personality and your future goals, start getting the specifics like financing, scholarships, housing, and how you are going to get  the the school (car, plane etc).

6. Lastly, take a sigh of relief! You're on your way to your dream school!

Things NOT to do:
1. Not apply because you don't think you're smart enough.
2. Only apply to a school because of the cost. (There are grants and scholarships!)
3. Pick schools based on where your friends are going (college is full of new people. You don't have to forget the old people in your life to meet new ones)

Welp, as you all see, I chose a small liberal arts college in Indiana. I got here by car. I have Methodist scholarships and the support of my parents. I live on campus with some of my closest friends. I still talk to my friends from high school, but have met so many new people. DePauw matches my personality and will help me accomplish my goals for the future. Hope this helps.

Tiger.Pride and Happy Old Gold!
peace&love,
Danni

Hello All:

          It's a rainy and gloomy day in the town of Greencastle, Indiana; however, that doesn't mean that there is any less work to be done. DePauw students are like ants in a colony, constantly hustling and bustling to and fro. Well, this is the reality at a top 50 liberal arts college.


          As for current developments, I am putting on a talent show called: "DePauw's Got Talent" this weekend, It's Parent's Weekend and even though my parents aren't making the 3 hour trip from Chicago, there will be no shortage of proud moms and pops trekking through campus. I mentioned in my first blog that I am on Union Board. This organization puts on all types of cool events like concerts for students, hosts bowling trips, laser tag, paintball, and shopping in Indy. We also sponsor drive-in movies on the lawn, comedians and magicians... including a really cool chainsaw juggler. Since we are a small liberal arts college, all students get the royal treatment and no one is excluded from these campus-wide events. There will also be a campus bonfire coming up in early October. As for the talent show that I am putting on, it will include all types of campus organizations including XCELL, our dance team, DePauw Capella, Gospel Choir, some fraternities and sororities, poets, comedians, dancers, everything just to showcase DePauw's shining stars. I am also bringing a professional Break dancer and Tap dancer from Chicago to perform.

DePauw is a really close-nit liberal arts college(and one of the best liberal arts colleges if you ask me), so students can take on leadership roles, get involved very easily and make their mark. I am making  my mark as well. Wish me luck with the talent show and if you will be on campus this weekend visiting, make sure to stop in. Either way, back to reading. Thanks for your time!

forever.tiger.pride.
peace&love,
Danni

Hello Everyone:

    So, it's that time again: it is time to embark upon another week at my favorite liberal arts college, DePauw University. The week has started off with a bang.


    Monday, I had 3 classes including my Literature of Food class. This week the professor brought in pasta salad with farmer's market vegetables( there is a farmer's market in the Greencastle square where you can buy locally grown food), basil lemonade, and dark chocolate brownies with dried cherries. One of the students made steak tartare (I wish spell check could help me out there. I speak Spanish, not French) for the class (that's raw steak with egg yolk, spices, and lemon juice). We read two books for this past week: A Short History of the American Stomach and In Defense of Food. These books were really interesting and I highly recommend them if you like satire and sarcasm.


   
    Today, I went to a speaker who discussed Hip-Hop music and it's political influence in the age of Obama. Very interesting talk. I guess that is a perk of being at a small liberal arts college AND a top 50 liberal arts college: we have the opportunity to have talks with well-known speakers in an intimate setting.








I titled this blog "Mr. Congeniality" because I am dedicating it to President Casey. That man has so much personality! One of the reasons that DePauw is one of the best liberal arts colleges is because we have one great president. He is very approachable and down-to-earth which fits in very well with our school's atmosphere. Today I was walking to admissions to give a tour with my best friend Pat, (check out his blog too) and we saw B. Casey taking a stroll. As usual, Pat and I were being random in the quad trying to find the exact spot that echoes... the echo spot. Not only did President Casey stop and greet both of us, he encouraged us in our search for the echo spot. Now, this may not seem like a big deal, but our president a) knows what in the world an echo spot is, b) takes time to walk through  campus, and c) converses students. That makes us feel special. Now, you can understand why DPU is great. We have individualized attention in and out of the classroom. It's a beautiful thing.

Tiger pride. Here's to you, B.Casey!

Peace&Love,
Danni

Do you all remember getting book report assignments in high school or grammar school? Having to sit down and do summer reading which consisted of an 82-page Goosebumps book or a classic from the infamous Babysitters Club saga. Those were the days. Yeah, I complained and tried to cut corners by using comic sans font size 14, but no more. . . I am at a top liberal arts college. My days of cutting corners are over. I just hoped that the colleges of Indiana wouldn't know my writing secrets. . . I keep forgetting that I am at one of the best liberal art colleges in the country. Oops. Luckily, I adapt quite quickly.

Well, my point is that as a junior English literature major, I am now a professional book report writer. It's kind of like the good ole days, minus size 14 font. I read on average about 500-550 pages a week. Some times more and some times less. Normally it is very interesting. We have a 10:1 faculty ratio and most of our classes are discussion based, so it definitely helps to do the reading. Which I do, of course.

I wanted to share some stories from my new Literature of Food class. This professor is amazing! She spent a year in Thailand studying Thai cuisine and has been all over the world. This is the first semester for this upper-level course that combines food and literature. We meet once a week and every week she brings some exciting treat. I guess that makes up for the hundreds of pages of reading. The first day, she brought stuffed red peppers, hummus and wheat crackers, mango-stein tea, and tarts with... get this: candied ROSE PETALS FROM PARIS. Are you just as excited as I am? This past week she brought lavender lemonade, Vietnamese carrot salad and banana bread with cinnamon frosting. . . mmm... But, back to the literature! We read this interesting book called How to Cook a Wolf about a woman's tricks for eating and surviving on a budget during the extreme rationing of WWII. I highly recommend it. We also read a funny play called "The Art of Dining." So far, the class is really interesting and I am enjoying myself. Luckily, I am at a small liberal arts college because there are only 20 people in the whole class, so we get more attention... and more food. That's all for now, hope you're not too hungry! 

Peace&Love,
Danni 

Of all the colleges of Indiana, I chose DePauw University. However, as the saying goes: "with great power comes great responsibility."

Now, don't get me wrong, I love my university and I am up for the challenge. But I look at it like this:Translation: work hard, because unlike at most schools, we have solid relationships with our professors, so there is no sliding under the radar.

My name is Danni Roseman and I have the honor and privilege to talk to you all about my experiences at one of the top 50 liberal arts colleges in the country, DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Needless to say, I am a) proud of my school and b) happy to reach out to others who are interested in DePauw.

A Few Odds and Ends:

This is my first time blogging, but there's a quote I remember that says: "if nothing changed, there would be no butterflies." Okay, so it doesn't address my amateur blogging skills, but it does inspire me to change and dive into new things. That is what college is about and that is what DePauw is about.

So, with that being said, I am open for suggestions and constructive criticism, because at the end of the day I am a student who wants to learn. In this particular situation, I want to learn how to serve you guys out there. If you have questions, topics, or issues you are curious about, let me know because that is why I am here. One of the best parts about going to a liberal arts college, especially DePauw, is the exchange of ideas and dialogue. I haven't had many classes where the teacher talked at me, rather we all talk together. In my opinion, it's more effective because it breaks down the wall between student-and-teacher and promotes interactive learning and a comfortable environment.

Now that you know that I am a "newbie" blogger, it might be nice to know who I am. Of course that is a very broad question, but I will do what I can in and give you a quick synopsis.

Name: Danyeal "Danni" Roseman--- I go by Danni
Hometown: (East Side) Chicago, Illinois--- I will forever be a city girl :-)
Major(s): English Literature and Spanish Language
Extracurriculars: Union Board Exec, Association for African American Students, College Mentors for Kids, TZ Spanish Tutor, Writing Center Consultant, Admissions Tour Guide, Greencastle Family Language Exchange Program, and recently added BLOGGER! How exciting, hence the capital letters :-)

Interests/ Hobbies: school, learning, Spanish, reading, photography, family, hiking, traveling, food, writing, fashion, art, Ecuador, diversity, injustice, vegetarianism, God, people, soccer, transcendentalism (big word, just thing Thoreau and Emerson) sarcasm, movies, service, organizing, making lists, cooking-- but mostly eating, and of course blogging as of this past week.

Note: This list to subject to change, seeing as how I am constantly changing, learning and growing. I hold the right to modify it at any time. :-)

Well, I am excited to embark on this journey with all of you and I hope that I can shed some light on college and clarify any doubts you may have. I will write about all of my experiences from the past 2 years, talk about my current life on campus, and "tricks of the trade" that helped make my college search and transistion easier. But more importantly, I want to have fun and show you that college is not all books, highlighters, lectures, and sleep deprivation. It's about getting involved, making memories, meeting new people and gaining life experience. There are some things that you just can't learn in the classroom. (like how to make Ramen noodles in the microwave, for example. College survival tips and shortcuts, coming soon). When you are 35 years old, will you remember your Calculus exam or the friends you studied with until 4 am? I hope the latter.

Another great perk of going to a small liberal arts college: they appreciate their students. You are not a number, or even a last name. Check this out: http://depauw.edu/acad/articles/?id=23936 (copy and paste the link. Promise, it's worth it...)


I would like to leave you all with this quote and remind you that you don't have to settle, because when the puzzle piece fits, it just does and you can't force it. Maybe DePauw is right for you?