Baylor Hot Spots: Common Grounds

My first year at Baylor, I spent more time at Common Grounds than in my dorm room.  I found it comforting because it had an “Austiny” feel.  I grew up in Austin around live music and hip coffee shops, so the atmosphere of Common Grounds was exactly what I needed to feel at home.  I spent many homesick nights under the colorful lights and wacky decorations the unique coffee shop provided.  

            CG is the venue for several bands each month.  Just this last Tuesday I went to a Drew Holcomb concert there.  It was great to be able to take a break from reality for a night and listen to one of my favorite bands play.              

            Along with awesome bands, Common Grounds has exceptional coffee.  Considering the fact that I drink more coffee than water, I appreciate the wide variety of flavors.  Although CG has a fun atmosphere, many students choose to study there. 

            Common Grounds really has impacted my experience here in Waco in a positive way.  It’s like a small slice of home but also mixes in the great community service opportunities found here in Waco.  You can find information on organizations such as Waco Arts Initiative in the shop.  CG really attempts to get students involved in the community.
             My personal favorite coffee found at Common Grounds is the Hotrod.  They have three new flavors to choose from everyday.  The Hotrod is made with skim milk and is best served hot, hints the name...I would recommend that every Baylor student and visitor stop by Common Grounds for a coffee or to just experience the awesome atmosphere that it provides!

The Joys of Wildlife Ecology

Being a Journalism/ English major comes with a few perks; not having to take real science classes is one of those.  So far in college I have examined rocks, stars, oceans and this semester I have the opportunity to explore the world of Wildlife Ecology.  To my extreme surprise, I've actually enjoyed this class so far.  Today in the lab we are going to the Marina to search for turtles.  We will be able to take out canoes and float along the Brazos.  I really enjoy all outdoor activities, so for the first time in my life, I'm looking forward to a lab. 

           

I love that Baylor offers us so many different activities around campus.  The marina is such a great place to spend a beautiful afternoon.  Both of my roommates work for Campus Recreation so I've spent several days hanging out at the Marina, keeping them entertained.  I also think it's great that the Marina is so close to campus; it's just a short walk across University.  I would encourage all Baylor students to go check it out.  School can become so repetitive and tiring, it's nice to have a place to relax and spend some time having fun.

Kappa Alpha Theta's Denim Dash

Today, Wed, Mar. 2 the Kappa Alpha Theta's of Baylor University held their annual Denim Dash Trunk Show. Denim Dash took place in the Theta Chapter Room in the Stacy Riddle Forum from 10-5 p.m.

The trunk show consisted of top designers who showed their newest designs consisting of; Plum, Stella and dot, charity denim and rock bottom boutique.

 10 % of all money raised will directly benefit Theta’s philanthropy, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).  CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group or foster homes. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives.  Theta has chosen this organization to support and help provide children with the voice they may not have alone.  

The event went very well and had a great turn out.  Since I'm a Theta I'm also very passionate about CASA. I've had the opportunity to learn exactly what CASA stands for and have been given several opportunities to raise money for this special organization.