Spring has sprung!

Curry Hall CA, Danielle Scalise offers the following advice now that Springtime has almost arrived: It is a wonderful time of the year when the flowers start to bloom and the sun starts to shine! It is one of my favorite seasons and should be enjoyed! I think the best thing to do in spring is to spend time outside! Therefore, I wanted to create a list of fun spring things to do! They are great little breaks from studying and will be relaxing! Spring things to Do! 1.) Take a long walk with a friend 2.) Play some tennis 3.) Grab some friends and kick a soccer ball around 4.) Try playing some Frisbee 5.) Take a run outside 6.) Lay in the grass and look at the clouds! 7.) Take a stroll downtown 8.) Purchase some flower pots, dirt and flowers and plant! 9.) Get some yummy ice cream 10.) Plan a night out on the town with good friends! Try to enjoy your meal outside! Try some of these activities and embrace and enjoy spring! =]

Got the Semester Blues?

I think we all do! It is that time in the semester when you just want to be outside, hanging out with friends, or home with your friends and family! I totally understand and agree. It is so hard to concentrate and focus when the sun is still out at 7 pm. I think it is only 5 pm and realize I have been procrastinating all day. So I keep telling myself that in 39 days, I’ll be home bound! For most of you that will be shorter depending on your final schedules. The best thing to do now is work even harder. I know you don’t want to study for that exam, but you don’t want to throw all your hard work away now! So I have some tips to surpass the rest of the year! 1.) Keep going to class! 2.) Review your notes after class 3.) Make note cards or study sheets 4.) Form study groups 5.) Ask professors/TA’s for help 6.)Take breaks (like 20 minutes, not 2 hours) 7.) Get enough sleep 8.) Eat healthy 9.) Go to the gym 10.) Set goals for yourself I feel that these tips work for me! Try your best and study hard! It is only another 39 days! We can do it! Put your mind to it! Good Luck with the remainder of the semester! Danielle M. Scalise Undergraduate Student Curry Hall CA Major: Elementary Education Minor: Special Education The Pennsylvania State University

The Challenge

CA Shonna challenges residents to make the most of the remaining Spring semester:

"Today is 3/14/2011. There are only 35 days of school left...but who is counting...lol. While we cannot wait for summer break, it is important to realize that we still have 35 days of school left to complete. With that being said, I pose a challenge to you. I challenge you to give school your all, to keep your head in the books, to study on a regular basis and not cram the night before an exam.

I challenge you to get involved. This can be done by going to clubs.psu.edu or contacting your CA to find out information about different clubs. I challenge you to volunteer at PSU. Whether it is cleaning up the quad in Eastview Terrace or helping out with urban service development trips, try to volunteer for the betterment of our community.

I challenge you to meet your neighbors and come out to programs that your CA works hard on for you and your community! Lastly, I challenge you to live up to what a PSU student is. A PSU student is a hardworking, focused individual filled with pride and strives to meet new people and to get involved as much as possible. Spread love, it's the PSU Way:)"

THON raises $9.6 million.

Another THON has ended and the dancers and all of the volunteers are home resting their feet and happy that they worked together to raise $9.6 million. CA Shonna Graham shares some thoughts after participating in her first THON at University Park:

"This is my first year at Thon and I am overwhelmed with emotion. To see all these people come together for a common cause..to beat pediatric cancer....is amazing. It is wonderful to see everyone come out and really give it their all. It's important to realize that just because Thon may be coming down to it's final hours, it doesn't mean that we still can't help donate and raise money. I became actively involved in THON while I attended Penn State Mont Alto and I am proud to still be a member of THON. All those days of canning in like 4 degree weather, training, and getting myself mentally prepared for such a day was worth it. I lost my grandma to cancer so that initially was my driving force to getting involved with THON. I fell in love with THON. It was great to see all of the hard work that everyone did and to see that we raised 9.6 million dollars!!!!! I shed tears today but not of hate but of joy in knowing that we are here for these families and doing what we can to fight for the cure! For the kids!"

Happy Valentine's Day

On Valentine's Day, CA Shonna Graham shares these thoughts:

"On Valentine's day, I plan to spend time with my residents. Unfortunately, I won't be able to see my boyfriend because of time conflicts, but what better way than to hang out with my residents! A couple of my residents expressed to me that Valentines Day is a pretty sucky holiday and that Valentine's Day should really be called "Single Awareness" Day! We all plan on going out to dinner and then coming back and watching romantic/funny movies!

I enjoy skyping with my family and friends on Valentine's day when I am not able to see them. What most people don't understand is that Valentine's day is a day of love and showing others that you care about them. It doesn't necessarily mean it is just for couples. Spread love to everyone. Show your friends you are for them by making a personalized v-day card, show your parents you love them by actually calling them...lol and most importantly, treat yourself to something nice because you are a wonderful person!

So for this Valentine's day, get off of your bed and get out to spread the love!"

How do you plan to spend Valentine's Day?

A New Semester

This picture was taken by Senior Coordinator Tracy Shadowens when she interviewed at Penn State in May 2006. Tracy will be leaving Penn State at the end of the semester. She is looking forward to making the most of her last days at PSU and can't wait until the campus is beautiful and green like this picture again.

As a new semester gets underway, CA Danielle Scalise shares some thoughts about her first semester at University Park.

"I look at the calendar now and I am truly amazed at just how quick this past semester has gone for me. Upon transferring to University Park this August, I was unsure of what was to come in the future. Well, I absolutely love it here! Every aspect of this campus has fulfilled my wishes. The campus itself is so pretty and I enjoy the mile walk to class every day. I love seeing such large crowds of people no matter where I go. I love stepping off campus and knowing we have a downtown! There is always something to do or go see no matter what time of day. This campus is alive and fun. The only regret is that I did not start my college career here. I will never regret my time spent at Penn State Behrend, but wish there was more time to have here at University Park. This first semester of classes have been fun since I am an elementary education major. I have realized once again that group work is a great thing, but eventually it does get old. Anyways, I love this campus and definitely continuing my position in Residence Life has been a great decision. I have made new friends in many different areas and enjoy these new friendships."

What are some plans you have for the upcoming semester?

Time for the Holidays

Winter break is almost here. CA Danielle Scalise shares some thoughts about the holiday season:

As classes wrap up this week and I look ahead to my only final. I cannot help but get excited for Christmas knowing I only have one final! This is absolutely my favorite holiday of the year. It is not only my favorite because of Christmas Day, but all the preparation prior to Christmas. My Mom takes off a week to decorate our entire house. It looks gorgeous and is very enjoyable. We also take part in a cookie exchange every year. It is with some of my mom's family and friends. They each make two kinds of cookies and give away two dozen of each. Over Thanksgiving, I helped my Mom with "Grammy Fancy's." This cookie has been a tradition since the 70's when my mom baked them with my grandma. My grandma is unable to complete these cookies, so my mom has taken over. This is a long process of mixing, rolling, cutting out, and icing the cookies and decorating. They are very yummy though. Some other aspects I love are wrapping and the last minute shopping. Also the food preparation is fun. Finally, Christmas Eve rolls around and we start the celebration with my little brothers birthday and then of course Christmas. I love the holiday season and cannot wait to go home!

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

Thanksgiving Break

Eastview Terrace will be closed from noon on Saturday, November 20th until 8am on Saturday, November 27th. Enjoy the Thanksgiving break!

CA Danielle Scalise writes about Thanksgiving and the popular Black Friday shopping mania:

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful of course! I know this is corny sounding.. but it is so true! It is the much needed break in the semester where you get to be around the ones you love. I love being home for a nice long weekand just getting time to relax. It is also really nice to spend time with my family and friends that I love. Thanksgiving is great to get to see all your distant family. Also of course to enjoy a fabulous meal and give thanks for the food.

My favorite thing that I am super thankful for, is BLACK FRIDAY! I love bargain shopping with a passion! My mom and I go out every year around 3:30 am! It is so much fun!

Why it is important to eat breakfast before Black Friday shopping!-- I do not really like Thanksgiving foods, so therefore, I did not eat much for dinner. My mom and I then got up early and went shopping. It was hot and crazy of course. We went from store to store and bought lots of items. Then around 7 am we hit Bath and Body Works. This was awful! It was hot and super smelly! I usually love this store... but not today! We picked out our items and my mom wanted help looking for coupons. I was just agreeing with her and not really helping. I then told my mom that I was feeling funny.. and with that I fell over and passed out in the middle of the store! People came running and some guy threw a really expensive rug at my head! I have never seen so many doctors come over before! Security came and got me some orange juice. It was a short trip. This was only about 7 am! Moral of the story... eat before shopping or it could turn ugly!

Be thankful, healthy and happy.. its the best thing to do! Have a thankful holiday!

Spoooooky

Halloween is more than a chance to eat way too much candy. For many students, it is a time to celebrate family traditions and to be creative. Senior Coordinator Tracy Shadowens shares her Halloween picture from 2006. She wasn't very creative but she did scare a lot of people!

CA Shonna Graham from Harris Hall shares this memory of her childhood Halloween traditions:

"In my family, Halloween was a huge deal. Every year, we would pick a theme and dress up accordingly. Some of my favorite themes included Aladdin, High School Musical, the Smurfs, Space Jam, and my ultimate favorite, Michael Jackson's Thriller. My house was known for having the best decorations too! We would make a graveyard setting with fog and fake gravestones. We were one of the houses on the block that people were actually scared to come to. We are a firm believer that no matter how old you are, you have to dress up for Halloween!!"

What was your favorite Halloween costume?

Happy Valley Fall

CA Danielle Scalise of Curry Hall writes:

"September is just about over and we have now welcomed autumn. This is one of my favorite seasons. It starts with the bright colorful leaves, to the crisp red apples, the sweet caramel and yummy apple cider. We have pumpkins, candy corn, kettle corn, and many fall fests. The season is so pretty and filled with delight. We have our wonderful season of fall for great football and Halloween fun! The days start to grown chilly, but this is the weather that makes me happy!"

What are your favorite things about the Fall season?

Are you Ready for Some Football?

There are a lot of great things happening at Penn State all of the time but in the Fall there is one clear king on campus...football. During seven Saturdays this semester, 107,000 people will crowd into Beaver Stadium to cheer on the Nittany Lions. They say that State College becomes the third largest city in Pennsylvania every home football weekend. Just try to walk around campus or get a ice cream cone at the Creamery and it is evident that the population has doubled, maybe even tripled.

CA Danielle Scalise (Curry Hall) wrote this post after attending a recent football game:

"It's football season! This is my first season to attend games at Penn State! Let's just say.... AWESOME! It starts from early in the morning when you see fans lining the streets downtown shopping, eating, walking, and just hanging out! Then on campus you see old and young alike all dressed in blue and white. Tailgating is the best sight to see! Trailer after trailer, car after car, and most importantly die hard fan after die hard fan! Food galore and I'm pretty sure you could find just about ANYTHING! No matter what happens in the game, we always support the good old blue and white! My favorite part is seeing the never ending line for the Creamery! =] At the game, there is nothing like screaming and cheering whether a play is good or bad! We are proud to be Penn State Students. And Penn State we will always be! =]

Here are some Penn State football pictures featurning some photos taken by Danielle and Senior Coordinator Tracy Shadowens.

For more information about Penn State football, check out: http://www.gopsf.com/

Campus Beauty

Danielle Scalise is the CA in Curry Hall. She provided the following answer when questioned about her favorite space on campus:

"My favorite thing about our campus is its simple beauty. No matter where I walk, I always find a new place that I love. Whether it is sitting in the grass by Eastview, walking by Old Main, or simply reading outside the library, I always enjoy the surroundings. I love exploring and walking so this is the best campus for me. I love the hustle and bustle during the day. The night brings a peaceful place of wonder. My boyfriend and I always take a walk at night and each time I find a new favorite place. Take advantage of the beauty Penn State is providing. Get out enjoy the sun and lay back and watch the stars at night. =]"

This beautiful picture of Curry Hall was taken by Esra Camci, the CA in Nelson.

What is your favorite space on campus?

Community Builders!

Fun activities are happening in Eastview. To find out when your CA is hostong a community builder, check out your building bulletin boards or log onto ANGEL and look in the "Things To Do" folder.


These pictures are from a Cookie Decorating Community Builder hosted by Esra Camci, the CA in Nelson Hall. Esra was also the photographer at the event.

What is a CA?

In Eastview Terrace, each building has a CA (Community Assistant). If you lived on campus before, you might have had an RA. The CAs are like RAs. You would go to your CA for the same reasons you would go to an RA.

Here's some more general information about the CAs in Eastview Terrace:

• CAs are undergraduate or graduate students who have served as a Resident Assistants (RAs) or have applicable experience. Three CAs are grad students this semester.


• There are eight CAs in Eastview - one per building except Harris Hall which has two.


• In an effort to provide the residents with an identifiable resource person, CAs can give
  information and assistance, and refer residents to appropriate campus and community resources.


• Community Assistants are at the core of the Residence Life program.


• You should talk to your CA if you have questions about campus, the residence halls, or need any type of assistance.


• CAs plan community builders throughout the semester to allow residents an opportunity to take a break from studying and to give residents a chance to meet and interact with each other.

This is Mark Gardner. He is the CA in Brill Hall.

Welcome to Eastview Terrace!

Eastview Terrace is a Residence Hall community at Penn State University. Eight hundred and eight residents call Eastview home during the academic year. Each student lives in a single room with a private bath. Eastview Terrace features include:

Climate control

Ethernet

Bike rooms

Laundry Services at no additional charge

And much more

For more information about Eastview Terrace, check out the Housing webpage at: http://www.hfs.psu.edu/housing/undergraduates/eastview/default.shtml