Hello again! 

I have some pictures from my adventure to Pinnacles Youth Park this morning. It’s about 13 miles North of Columbia on Highway 63 and has beautiful cliffs, overhangs, and a gorgeous river. It also has a few picnic areas, and some vague trails, so it’s more of a hiking park. Things are still a little frozen here, and the pictures I have don’t do it justice, but I’ll be sure to take more in the spring when everything is in full bloom!

Running and hiking on weekend mornings are my way of getting off campus, enjoying myself, and also burning off stress from class and work. There are many beautiful trails both inside Columbia, and on its outskirts. 

Also, trails are a great thing to kill some time in Columbia while waiting for a campus visit whether you’re a student, or especially for parents if their kid is here on an overnight visit!

Stay beautiful!

-Laura Kline (Vice)

Post by Ambassador Sydney Haven

When I first visited Stephens, I was intrigued by the idea of students leading the tours. I know now that it’s commonplace at most schools, but at the time I had no idea. By the time the tour was over, I had decided two things: 1) I wanted to come to Stephens, and 2) I wanted to be a Student Ambassador.

When I visited Stephens the second time and took the campus tour, I talked with the Ambassador who gave me the tour. She was a film major, and at the time I was on the fence between being a film major and a creative writing major. She told me all about the film program and convinced me to choose film as my major. I was impressed with how eager she was to talk to me and by how much she helped me. My desire to be an Ambassador was even greater than before. I wanted to be able to teach people about Stephens, to share with them the feeling of belonging I had when I first saw the campus. That’s why I became a Student Ambassador.

Post by Ambassador Ciara McCormack

It’s almost impossible to believe that the midpoint of February has passed us by. The first month of this semester at Stephens has gone by swiftly, especially for the dance department. Since day one of classes, we have been rehearsing for two to four hours every night and Saturday morning in preparation for our Spring Concert. It takes its toll on our energy supply- with the help of our homework, meetings, and cold weather, but we’re getting a lot done toward putting on a great show. Besides, we love it. Unconditionally. Dance, though it can be physically draining, is spiritual, emotional, and mental nourishment, and for many of us rehearsing choreography is the most exciting part.

Even so, we still have a lot to get done before we open in Macklanburg Playhouse on March 5th. The show will feature an excerpt from August Bournonville’s ballet Napoli, two pieces choreographed by modern pioneer Charles Weidmann, an original piece by department chair Carol Estey addressing the effects of war on the homefront, and two suites highlighting our new skills in beautifully subtle Japanese Kabuki dance and super fun Circus Arts. I have to say it: COME SEE THIS SHOW. I promise you’ll love it.

On a different note, I want to say that though we are busy, we are still able to make time for relaxing and socializing. The society we keep is not limited to the department, but we are as close-knit as they come. We eat together, go out together, and live close to each other. We have a strong network of support and trust each other in everything from working through injuries to getting through relationships. The reality is that this support system extends far beyond just the dance department and into the rest of Stephens. That is one of our greatest assets. No matter where you turn at Stephens, someone will have your back.

-Ciara McCormack

Post by Ambassador Sara Stoss

Hello! My name is Sarah Stoss and I am a first year Theatre student as well as a Student Ambassador. Originally, I’m from Salina, KS and my first visit was during Theatre Weekend. During my visit, I was impressed with the Ambassadors that I met. They all seemed to really love Stephens and willing to offer any advice or help even if it wasn’t their area of expertise. After choosing to come to Stephens and becoming an Ambassador, I too have that same love for my school.

This weekend is Theatre Weekend and the students who come to visit will be seeing a performance of Much Ado About Nothing. It’s one of Shakespeare’s romantic comedies and I hope those coming will enjoy it. I’m helping out with the show, working on “run crew” – costumes/wardrobe.

Since coming to Stephens I have been able to explore many facets of the theatre that I could never have imagined when I came to visit on Theatre Weekend. When I came to visit on Theatre Weekend, we enjoyed a performance of Anastasia – a little different from the Disney version – and spent the night with an Ambassador. The next morning we had breakfast and the acting students participated in a faux-class situation. Lamby Hedge, an acting teacher here, lead us in a singing exercise while Dan Schultz, also an acting teacher, lead us in other exercises.

One thing that really excited me when I participated in this is that the people who were teaching students, also acted with the students. Not only do they teach, but they practice what they preach as well. This was a comfort to me. Looking back, that weekend really secured my vote to come to Stephens.

I’m looking forward to another Theatre Weekend where I’ll be on the other end of the experience. Hopefully, those visiting will have as wonderful of a time as I did!

Post by Laura Kline

HELLO! And welcome to the Stephens Ambassadors new blog! I’m Laura Kline, the current vice president of Ambassadors. I’d thought I’d post a small quip about me, but I’ll be throwing lots of stuff up here in the next few weeks.

Like I said, I’m Laura! I am from Jackson, Minnesota. This is my second year at Stephens. I’m either a junior or a senior depending on how the day goes. I originally came to Stephens as a Theatre (Acting) major, but made my complete switch a semester or two ago from Theatre to Biology (Pre Med). “Wow, that’s a big switch,” as 96% of people say to me. In my opinon, there’s nothing I’ve learned from theatre that I haven’t applied to every day life, so it’s not really a huge change. But that’s one reason I love Stephens, both departments were super supportive of my switching. They didn’t want me to continue in a field I wasn’t happy in, and trust me, I’m very happy where I am now. I’m really involved with the Biology department and Tri-Beta, but I’m also still involved with directing projects and shop work on the mainstage.

There’s bit to tide you over. I’m big on building experiments, and I’ll be posting some pictures, or possibly even video footage on what I’m working on at Stephens. I’m also love running on trails, and either now or in the spring I’ll get some pictures up from the trails to give you a taste of Columbia, MO!

Have a beautiful day, ladies!

Laura Kline

Post by Emily Petrie

Dear Prospective Stephens Women,

           I would personally like to welcome you to this Blog, a new avenue for the Student Ambassadors to use, in order to give the most insight as possible during the months of decisions and anticipation of every woman applying to college. 

            This has been a year of change, around the world, the nation, and even here at Stephens College.  The College Democrats worked very hard to register voters for last November’s presidential election, Many campus organizations are working diligently to help with Haiti relief projects, and Stephens got a pres(id)ent that is all about us.  Dianne Lynch is just as fiery as her shoes, and has also jumped right behind the Student Ambassadors, making sure we have all of the avenues needed to show you just how magical Stephens College is. 

            Columbia, Missouri, was the LAST place I thought I would spend four years of my higher education.  In fact, during my own college search, I refused to look at schools in the Midwest, and focus more on the East or West Coasts.  Having lived in Los Angeles since birth, I am very partial to my hometown, the weather, the sights, etc. But even here, in a much smaller community, I have found a home that is irreplaceable.  By no means am I saying that I never get homesick.  I discovered video chat, so I can see my family friends and doggies, I ride my bike constantly when weather permits, just like I do at the beach at home, and I get involved off campus as well as on campus.  Being involved and generally busy, is my one piece of advice for any student, not as a resume builder (although it helps), but as a life experience builder.  Since my freshman year, I have been a class vice president for student government, helped plan a formal, put on an earth day concert, taken piano lessons, been a poetry editor for the literary magazine, Harbinger, recently took up roller derby, volunteered for film festivals, and been a student and student ambassador the whole time. 

            Now, as the president of the Student Ambassadors, I love Stephens more every day, and I get so excited about having given tours and hosting overnights to students that I bump into around campus, and know that I was able to be one of the possible reasons they wanted to come to Stephens College, besides the awesome small class sizes, easily walkable campus, and engaging professors, and the great women who are bound to become your best friends once you arrive.

            I hope this Blog is helpful in giving you stories, insights, and experiences of the Student Ambassadors throughout the academic year and you can get a sense of what we are all about.  Good luck on your college search, and I hope to see you on campus for a visit or as a student!

Sincerely,

            Emily Petrie

            Ambassador President

            Class of 2011

Hey everyone! It’s been so long! I hope everyone is having a great semester! Finals are almost here, ugh! I know that nobody is all that excited for finals week, but we’re almost done!!!! Commencement is this Saturday and I would like to wish all the seniors good luck. On a special note I would like to let everyone know that Stephens College is having a Vespers service on Monday the 14^th.  This Vespers service is not spiritual or religious in any way, it is purely meant as an outlet for our wonderful president Dianne Lynch to talk to all of us students before we depart for Christmas and to help us relax before the major bulk of finals begin. The Vespers theme this year is “Hush: Stephens Unplugged,” students are asked to check their technology at the door and just spend a few minutes of quiet to relax and reflect. Afterwards, all students are invited to come and let loose at Midnight Breakfast! There will be a DJ and many of the faculty will be serving us students. It’s going to be an awesome time! We’re hoping for a great turn out! Finally I want to wish everyone not only a great finals week but also a very relaxing and blessed holiday season! Enjoy family and great food and see you in the New Year! Be safe!

Allison Fuemmeler

-Your friendly student blogger

I can’t believe it is already nearly the end of September! Time has just flown by! Even though we’ve only been in school three weeks it feels like so much longer. So far all of my classes are going well. I’m taking 18 credit hours which are definitely taking some getting used to. It’s harder than I thought. I’m almost done with all of my LBAs (or the literature, history and other non-major specific classes) which is great! I’m happy to get into the nitty gritty of my Marketing major. This semester I am taking Women’s Detective fiction (which is so interesting), 7 pleasures (art enjoyment), Principles of Management, Accounting 1 (confusing but fun), Writing for Mass Media, and Principles of Marketing. I have a full plate! My “new” room this year is really great. I’m in Tower this year and love the room decorations and the general location! Facilities have been absolutely wonderful! We had problems with our shower head and they were so nice and came in and fixed it the next day! I really appreciate facilities! All of our Stephens campus faculty and staff are absolutely wonderful and I’m so thankful we have them. Good luck to everyone on all of your classes and best wishes for this beautiful fall! Go out and enjoy the weather!

I’ve known that graduation was coming for years, but it finally hit me on Sunday during the Senior Banquet that I will be saying my final goodbyes to Stephens as an undergrad student. As my friend was giving a wonderful speech and faculty members were toasting us, I realized that I wasn’t as excited to leave as I thought I was. I’m going to miss class with my friends, participating in the student organizations and, yes, maybe I will even miss group projects a little bit. So my advice is to cherish every horrible paper you have to finish and every class that you don’t want to attend because it’s going to go by faster than you want.

But on a happier note, I picked up my cap and gown yesterday and it’s strategically placed in my closet to avoid wrinkles. I’m not looking forward to wearing the cap; it ruins hair…and on such a special day! I guess life continues, right? I’m still trying to figure out what to wear. The shoes are a big decision.

Job search/networking update:
-I called an alum in Denver the other day and we’re going to grab lunch when I get to Colorado.
-I’ve been invited to attend a Rotary Club meeting.
-I’m hoping to get involved with the Chamber of Commerce where I’m moving. The Columbia Chamber of Commerce has an awesome program for emerging professionals, and I’m hoping I can get involved with something similar in Colorado. I should hear back from them this week.

Life update:
I’m headed to California at the end of this month for an offroad ladies only motorcycle training program. I’m super excited for that! It’s a few days of training and then a camping trip to test out our new skills. Too fun!

Off to grab some dinner. Until next time…

Wow! I can’t believe this semester is already coming to an end. I only have 1 ½ weeks left of school. All of my classes have been great and I’m really going to miss the kids I work with in the Stephens College Children’s School. Last week I arrived to help with lunch time and a father of one of the students who owns a local restaurant brought in pizza and cookies for the children. The children were so excited! After getting their bellies full of pizza and cookies, and some fun on the playground, nap time was extra quiet. : )

During my practicum for Foundations of Teaching Principles I got the opportunity to observe student’s presentations over a self exploration unit that each student performed individually. I saw presentations over basketball, electricity, and horses. The students got to pick the topic they wanted to research and then presented their findings to the class. I was more than impressed with the presentations. I really liked observing the outcome of each student’s hard work. I would really like to implement this unit in the future. The students had to accept responsibility for their own work, meet deadlines, and report information that they researched. I also noticed the sense of pride each student had when they were presenting their presentations to the class.

Another fun and exciting happening for me here at Stephens was being the Stephens College Multiage Classroom “Mystery Reader.” Each week someone from the community is a mystery reader for the students. I chose a mulit-cultural book about a Jazz Saxophonist and read to the students. I really enjoyed this activity because it felt like I had my own class in my own classroom.