Rockhurst Insider

Renovation or Bust!
By Allie Krumel

This may already be clear, but I’m going to state the obvious; Xavier-Loyola hall is in desperate need of renovation. Coming from a Resident Assistant who makes every effort to be positive about residence life and residence halls, I can honestly say that the conditions in XL are nothing short of appalling.

Sure, there are many good things about XL; I like to describe Xavier-Loyola Hall as a decrepit old man who everyone loves, but who also disgusts everyone to a certain extent. However, despite the crappiness of the building, there is a definite atmosphere of community in XL. XL is a place with a friendly, laid-back attitude where people are always visiting their friends on other floors, hanging out in their rooms with their doors open, playing ping-pong till all hours of the night, and ordering late-night Chinese or pizza in the lobby while cuddled up watching a movie. Overall XL is a very pleasant place to live, but this is mostly due to the people who live there and the friendships they’ve built with other residents.

The only thing that needs to be done to improve XL is to renovate it. As much as I enjoy the asbestos in the ceiling, wood paneling and décor a la 1970s, and occasional creepy-crawler in the basement, some updates would do so much to help residents feel more at home. The conditions make it clear that it has been decades since XL was renovated, and students deserve a comfortable, clean residence hall for what they’re paying. If Rockhurst administrators would move XL up on the to-do list, students would be more likely to live in residence halls longer, and would be much happier with their home away from home. As a person who genuinely enjoys living in Xavier-Loyola Hall, I must say that I truly wish Rockhurst would take care of it and take care of its students by renovating this ancient residence hall.

To Study or To Procrastinate?
Ten reasons why studying is the Answer
By Lauren Pennell

With the end of the year fast approaching and finals with it, Rockhurst students across campus are being forced to acknowledge the necessity of studying, studying, studying ‘til no more studying can be done. But who really wants to study with Thanksgiving break just behind and Christmas break so close that sweet, sweet freedom is almost tangible? With papers, projects, and tests cluttering up students’ last week of classes, it is nearly impossible to find true motivation and productivity among the student body. Regardless, finals are looming resolutely, ever closer, taunting us with their simultaneous promise of impending anxiety and ultimate freedom. To aid you in your decision between procrastinating further and actually, finally getting around to studying (meh), here is a list of all the reasons you should crack down and get to work even though it’s the last thing you want to do.

Studying gives you a sense of purpose. Sure, so does sleeping, eating, socializing, and watching movies on Netflix, but just think of how rewarding studying really is. Nothing beats that bleary-eyed, fuzzy-brained, emotionally drained feeling of accomplishment associated with a good, hard study session.
Studying is a stellar group activity. Of course it’s easy to get distracted and strike up a conversation with your fellow study companions, but when did a study break ever kill anyone? Having others around to commiserate with and even join in on your finals-induced panic attacks is always comforting and gives you the encouragement to continue with your studying.
Studying allows you to realize just how much you learned (…or didn’t learn…) all semester. It’s amazing to think about all the knowledge rolling around in your noggin after a mere few months. It’s surprising there’s room for anything else in there, really.
Studying gives you an excuse to opt out of the plans your misguided friends try to drag you into. You didn’t really want to go out and have fun on the weekend before finals anyway. Much preferable to stay in, alone, and stare hopelessly at your textbooks.
Studying negates any sort of caloric intake. Eat that ice cream, my friend. Chow down on those potato chips. Now is the time.
Studying introduces you to the classmates you hadn’t ever paid attention to before. You never talked to half the people sitting beside you in class until you realized you know absolutely nothing and need them to hit you with their wisdom to pass your class. You wouldn’t turn up your nose at the prospect of new friends, would you?
Studying diligently makes you a more well-rounded person. You can’t go through a whole week of sleepless nights, sporadic meals, high-running emotions and long hours of making notecards, reviewing information, poring over texts, and stressing over grades without coming out a better person in the end.
Studying brings out the honesty in people. As tensions mount higher and higher and emotions run wild, friends are sure to speak their minds regardless of the consequences. You were probably due for a good, healthy fight anyway. Let the angst and drama begin.
Studying gives you the chance to achieve that A. Or that B in some cases. Maybe C, depends on how focused you were the rest of the semester. At the very least, it helps you achieve a stress-induced meltdown. Always good to get that out of your system.
Finally, studying allows you to learn about yourself and what is most important to you. Do you put more of an emphasis on personal enjoyment or doing well in everything you do? Are you devoted to growing and developing as a person despite all of the seemingly unsavory aspects of studying, studying, studying some more? Can you make the right decision for yourself and delve into something mildly unpleasant with the knowledge that it will bring you ultimate satisfaction rather than thoughtlessly pursue instant gratification? Is it possible for you to remain patient and kind in the face of intense pressure? The times that we are stretched the thinnest and nearest to breakdown are the times that we come to terms with our true identity as a student, friend, and loved one. Committing yourself to studying will assist you in attaining self-actualization.

If that didn’t inspire you to study, nothing can. Now, go forth and own those final tests and projects. Drink lots of water, eat something healthy at least once a day, and do your best to focus. You’ll be glad you studied in the end. Good luck Rockhurst, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

A Life in the Service of Others

Why you should learn more about service trips at Rockhurst
By Lauren Pennell

Culture. Education. Friendship. Gratitude. Spirituality. Service. Rockhurst University provides students the opportunity to attain all of this and more through the service trips offered each year. With the heavy emphasis on service learning here at Rockhurst, there are innumerable chances to give back to the community and serve others. Sure, it may seem a little risky and nerve-wracking at first, but everyone should take advantage of the many opportunities to do service—not just to build up a resume, but to become more well-rounded, cultured, and grateful for the things we’re blessed with in life.

Sophomore Sarah Crudden has already had the incredible experience of going on a service trip to San Lucas, Guatemala in the spring of 2013. “The trip was rather educational - unlike any service I've ever partaken in,” said Crudden. “We did simple things - most of the time requiring minimum levels of skill. The main purpose is to humble the volunteers, while doing the work that the Guatemalans really need the most. Tasks included sorting bad coffee beans from good coffee beans, hauling massive bricks up a mountain to build a wall for a man, fixing and installing ovens in homes, and some construction work to convert a home into a school office/directory.”

Preparation for her trip included meetings devoted to ice-breakers, team building, and reflection. The trip did cost money, but the payments were broken up and Rockhurst covered a significant amount of the cost.

Crudden had the privilege of growing as an individual through her experiences in Guatemala. She was able to learn a lot about the culture there as well as about herself all because of the service she did.

“I really was humbled with the tasks that I did in Guatemala,” she said. “My eyes were truly opened to the extremeness and reality of impoverishment. I also fell in love with the culture.” While on their way to a mission site, they came upon a tree that was blocking the road. A man in another vehicle happened to have a chainsaw and took two hours taking care of the problem as the cars waited at a standstill. In America, someone would have called a service and the issue would have been resolved almost immediately. In Guatemala, they have to do it themselves, there is no service to call. Exposure to the disparity between cultures was a learning experience for Crudden. “I saw the intimacy of the culture and community and the personal responsibility that Guatemalans hold for themselves. I feel like we've lost that sense in the U.S. as a consequence of our advancements - and we've lost that warmth in society.”

Although service is rewarding, students may be subject to sad situations while learning about and taking part in another culture and way of life. Crudden did see some things that somewhat upset her during her trip.

“One thing that did disturb me regarded the garbage issue in Guatemala,” she said. “The country is so beautiful, but without a system to arrange for garbage control, the Guatemalans have resorted to throwing their trash in the streets and allowing it to accumulate in their lakes.”

Fortunately, the positive experiences far outweigh the negative. Crudden details a plethora of stories and anecdotes of experiences she had while in Guatemala which transformed her way of thinking and filled her with humility and gratitude.

“My favorite experience was climbing a mountain one dawn,” she said. “ It was so much harder than I expected, but such an amazing experience. We passed a few Guatemalans on the way up back down the mountain. My favorite was when I traded no more than some eye contact and a warm smile with them. I felt like I had made such a deep connection with the people despite such different lives. I would go again in a heartbeat!”

Those going on trips this year have already begun preparation and students participating are already feeling the excitement.

“I am looking forward to the experience in general,” said sophomore Shauna Krause who will be doing service in Belize this spring. “I think it will be a really exciting and eye-opening opportunity to go to Belize and get a chance to kind of see and experience the culture as well as be able to ere the people that live there for the short amount of time I’m there.”

Groups will be going out to New Orleans and Nicaragua in the winter and to South Dakota, West Virginia, Guatemala, Belize, and the Dominican Republic in the spring. The service trip participants have already been decided for this year, but you should definitely consider taking a chance and embarking on a life-altering, self-actualizing journey devoted to the service of others. All it requires is an application and short interview and you may be selected to work for the betterment of humanity rather than for selfish goals and ideals.

You’ll never be the same again, but you won’t regret it for a second. If you’d like a glimpse of what it may be like, attend the sendoff blessing at 6 o’clock mass this Sunday, Dec. 8^th at St. Francis Xaver.