For which kids? Was the first thing that ran through my mind when I heard about Dance Marathon. One of my great friends, and sorority sister Rachel, had mentioned it once or twice while were still abroad in Madrid. She and another Adpi sister Kristen, wanted to start Saint Louis University’s very own Dance Marathon. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity to help my friends in this new endeavor that we knew would take a lot of work…who knew almost a year later what a success this event would become.

Dance Marathon is a fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network, which benefits local children’s hospitals. At the event we stand (and of course dance!) 12 hours straight, for those children who are ill and cannot. Through the process we met amazing miracle children, Children’s Miracle Network Ambassadors who we grew close to and participated in several family events throughout the year with

The day of the event was hectic. So much to do in so little time. But, with a few suprises and help from SLU and the Saint Louis community we were ready to put on the event of year. And we sure did. The night was truly unforgettable. Not only did we raise double our fundraising goal for a total of $30,000, we formed new friendships, and a united community, to help children in need. A powerful feeling to say the least. The event would have been nothing without the presence of the miracle children, each who were brave enough to get up in front of hundreds of people and tell their story.

Look out SLU, a new Billiken Tradition has just begun. This first Dance Marathon surpassed our wildest expectations and we couldn’t be more content. We know that it can only become bigger, better,and more influential in the future.

For the Kids and for all you Future Billikens,

Ashley

First semester of my last year of college. I can honestly tell you that freshman year I could never close my eyes and imagine myself 3 years later. What would I be doing? Would I still have the same friends? Would my major change? Would I know what I want to do with my life? It’s funny because a lot of these questions have been answered, likewise some still linger…

Even though it is my last year does not that mean that my schedule has gotten any easier with applications to law school and volunteer programs on top of class and extracurriculars, it seems to have gotten busier! The first month of school came with full force. With finishing my summer job, adjusting to classes, sorority recruitment, the beginning of student government and my University 101 class, it felt like I couldn’t get a breathe in, but as the past three years, it was completely worth it. I guess I seem to have gotten the hang of these things, after, you know, three years! Better late then never.

As a U101 instructor (an introductory class SLU offers on adjusting to college life!)  I had the chance to meet my students outside of class time. It was a fantastic experience talking to the first-years about what they would like to accomplish in the next four years. Everyone is on a unique path and so excited to embark on the new journey. As a senior, here I am again figuring out my post-collegiate life, and soon enough will become a “first year” of some sort again. It definitely brought me back down to earth and I couldn’t be more grateful. I can’t forget I still have a year here in which I must accomplish a lot, can’t wait!

I’ll leave you with a picture of my little and I from my (last) first Alpha Delta Pi event:

Until next time!

Ashley

As I sit here in my friend’s apartment, watching the bachelorette, and eating homemade cookies I reflect on my first month of summer…

So, I’ll be honest. The end of the semester was extremely chaotic! With finals and trying to find an internship there was barely time to breathe, but it was all worth it. I was very lucky to receive an internship with a government organization called the Small Business Administration. SBA helps people start their own small businesses and help existing owners grow their businesses. It is a fantastic organization and I am so grateful to have been chosen to participate in the mission of SBA. I am learning so much every day, definitely more than I bargained for (which is a great thing!)

Aside from 40 hours a week of work, the summer weekends have been better than ever. Most of my friends are also working in St. Louis for the summer, so this summer gang and I are having a great time. I look forward to the next two months of summer. I know that come August life will definitely be hectic, especially because I AM GOING TO BE A SENIOR. It is a really scary thought and I can not believe it has gone by so quickly, but the real world is calling my name and it’s actually not so bad…

Hope all of you have a great June!

-Ashley

Spring Break. A college students dream. You’ve worked so hard for midterms and they are finally over, and it’s time for fun in the sun. This spring break my friends and I were Alabama bound! Gulf Shores, Alabama was a great little beach town, perfect for out post mid-terms relaxation. After a week, some sunburn, a tan, and a whole lot of fun, it was time to return to school…

It’s always hard to transition from a break to school again BUT this is the home stretch! After spring break time always goes by quickly. Since it’s so close to summer, most college students are running around trying to figure out what they will do in the summer?! I took the opportunity to go to the career fair a couple weeks ago and it was a great decision. I am in the process of applying for a summer internship here in St. Louis, one I probably wouldn’t have heard about had I not gone to fair. SLU has some GREAT resources and administrators are always willing to go out of their way to make students successful. I have also been a recent regular at the writing center which also made a huge difference! So for all you future Billikens and current students, use these great resources!

I will keep you updated on my summer endeavors, until then!

After a whirlwind semester abroad in Madrid, Spain, it is finally back to reality. As all those who went before me said it would be , it truly feels like a dream. I am so happy to have been able to share all those experiences with you through my blog. Seven countries in four months was more than I ever could have asked for, the cities which included, Mallorca, Barcelona, Lisbon, Dublin, Galway, Prague, Munich, Zurich, Interlaken, and of course the beautiful cities of Venice and Rome.

Yet after an amazing semester abroad, I couldn’t help but feel like there was no place like home. My home with my family in Texas, but as well as my SLU family here in St. Louis. This first week of school has been filled with joy, seeing so many familiar faces after such a long time. Of course, along with being back, means a brand new schedule of classes, which fortunately I am enjoying very much! As a second semester Junior, I speak for all of us when I say this is our semester to decide “what we are doing with our lives..” Scary, believe me I know. But in the midst of MCAT  and LSAT courses, normal class, extra curricular activities, friends, and an LSAT test in my near future, I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to travel the world and now, thankful to be back home.

My roommates and I on our last night in Madrid! So bitter sweet!

Mountains. There is something so strange and mysterious, yet beautiful about them…This past weekend I was beyond fortunate to be able to stare in awe at the Swiss Alps for four days straight. It was a lovely start to this winter season! Since Europeans don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s straight to Christmas. Switzerland, the famous home of Swiss chocolate and cheese, snow and skiing, it’s the perfect thing to get you in the holiday mood!

The weekend began with a day in Zurich, chilly yet beautiful, it was a relaxing beginning to our extremely adventurous trip! The train ride into the mountains to Interlocken, was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Big lakes, with snowy mountains above them, the sun setting, and just a touch of snow falling. Needless to say, I plugged in my iPod and started listening to Christmas music!! I have never been more content. Once in Interlocken, my friends and I signed up to do, exactly what anybody else would do in our position…. TO SKY DIVE ABOVE THE SWISS ALPS. I can promise you I have always claimed that I would never be able to jump out of a plane, but my adventurous side was unleashed and I sure did it! One of the best experiences of my life, I am so happy I was able to over come my fears.

The Swiss have it right: chocolate, cheese, chocolate, chocolate, a little adventure,  more chocolate, and skydiving. The perfect combination for a perfect trip!

I can actually say that during some point of my life (probably somewhere around the age of 8 or so) I wished I had red hair and was Irish. Yeah I know…but it’s true! Finally, many years later, I was able to connect with that inner (want-to-be) Irish side when traveling to Dublin and Galway, Ireland. Thus far it has absolutely been my favorite place to travel, especially because of the people. I have never in my life met a more welcoming, hospitable and kind group of individuals. Everyone was so willing to help, asking us where we were from, and given us great advice on where and what to do in the city.

While In Dublin, we were able to find an 11 euro bus ride to Galway, a beautiful town just a few hours away. The highlight of Galway was our tour to the Cliffs of Moore, honestly, one of the most beautiful natural sites I have ever seen in my life.

Truly, all of Irelands landscapes are as beautiful as this view here. With breathtaking sceneries and wonderful people, I truly did come back feeling very Irish even though I am so not!

Until my next trip, Adios!

Ashley

So here’s the deal, I knew that when abroad I would see and experience things that would truly be extraordinary…but never did I think I would live to see a festival which included spraying fire all over the crowded streets of a city. Obviously I was wrong! This weekend I was fortunate enough to be immersed in a truly unique and cultural experience in the city of Barcelona.  In Barcelona, once a year, they hold a festival in celebration of the people who live there, they call themselves Barcelonians. This weekend included all sorts of bands and artists from around the world who come to perform for the people. It also included many human towers as well, which is basically around 20 people, included children and young adults ( who train) to climb on top of each other and form towers, with no protection underneath but other members of the group spotting them!

The highlight of the weekend was the parade. I knew something would special would be occuring when during the afternoon I saw people getting scarves, sweatshirts, and hats ready to go for the night. When we arrived we were shocked and in awe to see huge sparklers (that’s the best way I can describe it!) being flung into the crowd of people, who of course loved it. The entire weekend was an amazing experience, one that I will never forget.

When weekends like these come to an end, I can’t help but think how happy I am that I was able to have the opportunity to go abroad and through SLU MADRID!

If you have any questions about going abroad or SLU Madrid, please do not hesitate to ask. Until next time, adios!

So, although I am sitting in the Padre Rubio Hall Lounge typing this after my 9:30 Accouting class, I still can’t help but think I am dreaming…and then I remember the past few weeks, epecially the past couple of days and am so thankful this is actually happening

The first two weeks of school are ALWAYS chaos. Starting school, switching classes, reuniting with friends, meeting new people, and for members of the Greek community, Recruitment. As Alpha Delta Pi’s Formal Recruitment Chair, the past semester was filled of preparation for these first two weeks! Spirit Week aka veryyyy long practice week, and of course the actual week of recruitment. SLU was extremely proud to have registered about 365 girls this year, about a 100 more than last!!!! It was a little overwhelming at first, but in the end turned out to be fantastic for all of sororities on campus. Alpha Delta Pi welcomed 52 amazing women. (Shout out to all the babies!!) I look forward to spending time with all of them when I get back from MADRID. Yup…MADRID!

THis past sunday was Bid Day, when the girls receive their bid from a sorority. I woke up, packed up my last few things, ran to the BSC, helped out for the first few hours, welcomed the new girls, said my goodbyes as they were introducing themselves, ran back to my apartment, changed, and hopped in a cab to the airport…Needless to say it was hectic. But two days later I sit attempting to start a routine that will get me through an amazing semester abroad.

Madrid is beautiful. At this point, the weather has been perfect, classes are great, the new friends are amazing, and of course the familiar faces from SLU (and alll my Adpi sisters!) has been my comfort in a brand new world. I can’t forget Espy, the most wonderful Senora in the world. SHe has brought myself and three other roommates into her home as if we are family, not  to mention she is a great cook!

I am very excited for my first dance class today and I will tell you about it next time. Until then, ADIOS !!

Ashley

Summer has officially begun and the few weeks I spent back home in Texas were great!! Great weather, laying by the pool, friends, and a fantastic family wedding…but at some point in time we all have to go back into to the real world. Ok, so I am the first to admit that I have never had a legitimate job before. Of course the ocassional hosting at a restaurant but not anything more exciting than that. Its true, school takes a lot of time and alllll the extra activites don’t make it any easier, but I have always been content with just that. This summer was my chance…where girl finally meets the real world… 

I am currently working a 9 to 5 in one of the Vice Presidents office of our University. 9 to 5 was a bit diffcicult to get used to, but now its great! The people in the office are incredible and were so welcoming, I couldn’t have asked to be a part of a better crowd. I am loving learning the ropes and meeting new people, as well as interacting with tons of people I have met through student government. I look forward to the rest of the summer with the General Counsels Office!

This afternoon I was also fortunate to attend a SLU 101 activity fair for Student Government as well as Greek Life. Its always great remembering my first time here at SLU and then being able to help out and encourage all the new students that come through. I met some great people and I look forward to meeting a ton more at the many SLU 101′s to come!

Now for the big news…I have decided to….STUDY ABROAD IN MADRID IN THE FALL!!!  I am very excited to have this oppurtunity and look forward to blogging in Spain. It was a rush to get everything in on time, but it was truly meant to be, because everything worked out perfectly! I even get to room with two of my great friends Allie and Erin. Words can’t describe my anticpation for the fall but until then it’s work, recruitment, and summer fun!

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask! Talk to you soon!

Ashley