Global Village Receives Grant

It's very important for us to recognize when an organization is doing wonderful things to help others.  The Books and Beyond Project was recognized by the State Farm Bureau on February 22.  Along with their recognition, The Book and Beyond Project received a check for $25,400 to continue their great work.  The Books and Beyond Project is located in Foster Martin and involves students loving in the Global Village LLC.

The Books and Beyond Project is dedicated to helping students in Newark, New Jersey and Kinigi Rwanda develop stories that are gathered in a book.  The books will be sold in the United States with the profit being returned to Kabwende Primary School in Rwanda.

Celebrate Every Body

In a time when the media is saturated with an unrealistic view of how bodies should look,  it is important to be comfortable in your own skin.  Counseling and Psychological Service (CAPS) is working this week towards promoting loving your own body.  With this week being Celebrate Every Body Week this is one of many events happening this week.

                                                

On February 18, CAPS had positive body image stations at the SRSC, Hyper, School of Education, Wright Quad food court and Wells Library.

They had students write their favorite body part on a sticker to wear on their clothing.  On another piece of paper they asked students write why they loved their body parts and displayed those on a collage.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing eating disorders, depression, or any other psychological problem, please visit the CAPS Web site for more information.

African's Music Past and Present

Music has always had a special place in my heart.  Everyone has that one thing that puts them in a happy place and music does that for me.  On February 9, the Neal-Marshall Black Cultural Center had a program exploring Africa's past and present through music.  The program started with a presentation of the kings and queens that ruled over Africa.  So many people's impression of Africa are tainted by thoughts of only slavery and hunger that we forget about the great things.

The entertainment of the night started with traditional drums and traditional dancing.  As the drummers pounded away to a fast paced beat, a guy dressed in a tiger costume jumped out and danced to the beat.  He amused the crowd with backflips and turns but that was not all that was in store.  Next, a man on stilts dressed in a traditional African costume strolled and dance on stage.  Then he amazed the crowd by doing the splits in stilts!  That attracted a lot of responses along with when he managed to stand back up in stilts.

Then the crowd journeyed to the era of jazz.  A jazz pianist graced us with a few songs adding his own version of "swing".  Last but far from least, a spoken word artist finished the night with a poem that told the story of his personal history.

Hutton Honor's Ball

With a weekend free of important homework, I decided to attend the Hutton Honors Masquerade Ball.  I was very excited for the chance to get dolled up and dance with my fellow scholars.  Searching through my closet, I couldn't decide whether my outfit should be dressy or casual.  After much debate and a trial and error session, I decided to go with a simple mixture of both.  Even though it was freezing outside, living in Collins is the optimal spot for travel to the IMU. So that Saturday night , January 23, I headed over to Alumni Hall at the IMU.

When I stepped into the IMU I could instantly feel the vibration of the music beneath my feet.  There were crowds of people still making their way upstairs.  Some were dressed very casual in jeans but others took the opportunity to show off a "prom" look.  The array of big colorful gowns and classic black tuxedos made me feel slightly underdressed but I'll be more prepared next ball.  The dance floor was full of people and the tables had several stations to make your own mask.  You could decorate your mask with glitter, feathers, pompoms, chenille stems and gems.  Some bought their own already made mask and they got pretty fancy.

The deejay played a variety of hip-hop and pop.  My favorite songs were the old school boy band hits that made me reminisce of high school.  Also, it was funny to see how wild the crowd got singing *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys.  The night ended all too soon with the crowd begging the deejay for one more song.  He reluctantly agreed and the party goers danced out the door and down the hall.