Judson College :: Academics/Digital Judson

The past two weeks have been pretty busy for me. I arrived back at school early for LAMP (Leading and Mentoring Peers) training. As a LAMP my job for the first semester is to help new students adjust to college life. Meanwhile, I’m trying to readjust to being at school.

The first Sunday back LAMPs, Ambassadors and some of the athletes helped new freshmen move in to their dorms. It was refreshing to meet some new faces after being at home all summer. I found out this past summer that most of my friends from high school have moved away from the Tampa Bay area or are extremely difficult to find. So, this summer I spent a lot of time with my family. Which is not a problem, I’ll have you know! It was great to see my friends back at school and make some new ones.

The first week I spent meeting with my group, discussing Judson and answering lots of questions. Classes started that Wednesday, so I also spent plenty of time in class, tweaking my schedule and getting all of my books together.

The first Friday of fall semester the students of Judson College get together for an afternoon of volunteer work. Students get to choose from several projects and then head to the site with their groups (this year I helped clean up the graveyard, home of the pretty little guy in the photo). It’s a great chance to help out in the community and get to know other students. I hope it also serves as an encouragement for everyone to help in future projects in Marion and Perry County.

This week my classes started picking up speed. I’m sorry if every time you’ve seen me this week my nose was buried in a book. I am happy with my classes though. My teachers all do a good job of making information interesting, even physics!

Next week the sophomores start Pageant practice. Time for me to start making some signs for my little sister.

FYI: Pageant is a play that the junior-soph class puts on every year for their big sister class. The Jr/Sophs are supposed to keep the play a secret from seniors but that doesn’t stop some of us from trying to find out!

This past weekend marked Rose Sunday here at Judson. Rose Sunday occurs every fall on the first Sunday of the new semester. In this tradition the senior class leads the rest of the student body to Siloam Baptist church for morning worship. This year marked my third Rose Sunday, but my first ever as a senior! Boy was I ever glad that a nice breeze picked up. Caps and gowns are warm!

Lots of pictures were taken that morning – photos with my little sisters, big sister, roommate, best friends and on and on and on… I think a cheesy grin froze on my face. Aw, it wasn’t all that bad. It’s nice to have photos of my memories. I think I finally really felt like a senior when my little sisters pinned a rose to my gown and my classmates and I walked out of Jewett towards Siloam. I really hope my family will be able to come to my last Rose Sunday next year. I want to share all of the traditions here with them, but sometimes it’s hard to explain what traditions mean. Some things you just have to see.

When I think back on my first Rose Sunday, as a freshman, I realize that I didn’t fully understand the significance of this tradition. Honestly, I thought it was silly to wake up early Saturday morning, weave two huge chains of ivy and walk to church the next day in mass. It was hot you know! Over the years I’ve come to appreciate how the ivy beautifully symbolizes the sisterhood that, over decades, binds together the classes of Judson. By walking to Siloam Baptist we honor the congregation’s role in Judson’s history. Rose Sunday, like every other tradition I participate in at Judson College, has become very dear to me.

Hey everyone, my name is Amber and this is my blog! I'm a 20-year-old, third year student at Judson College. I'm from Tampa, Florida where I live with my family and lovely pets. I love to read good books, and enjoy nature, art and photography. Hopefully, I'll get to share lots of photos from my days here at Judson with you all. I'm a biology major who eventually wants to attend veterinary school, so I spend lots of time in the science building.

I came to Judson first because I was interested in attending a small women's school. Once I got here I fell in love with the school's godly focus and friendly environment. Attending a christian college has given me opportunities to expand my faith that I would not have had at any of the larger schools I had considered. In the past years I've fallen for my school, its history and traditions. I'm proud to call myself a Judson girl.

Now, I'm from a state that's in the south, but I am by no means southern. I did suffer from a bit of culture shock. I remember my first trip to the store when my friend asked me to get a "buggy" for us to use. I blinked a couple of time then asked her if she wanted a shopping cart. Moving from a larger city to Marion, Alabama was a big change. When I think about how friendly and welcoming people are in this small town though, not having a Walmart a few minutes down the street doesn't seem like such a big deal. I feel like the people I've met in church, the community and my friend's families have adopted me.

I do miss my family, but we keep in touch over the phone and Facebook. This year, I'm even going to try to get my mom to attempt some online video chats. I'll keep you all updated on the progress.

So, here's to a new year at Judson. I hope you all enjoy sharing my experiences!