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The World Series is in full swing right now, and my boys aren’t doing too hot (and I mean how they’re playing -- of course they’re always hot :-P) I really had so much faith that the Phils were going to do it all over again – take the title and prove they deserve it. I just knew we could beat the Yanks. I mean, I have virtually become a shut-in for them – doing nothing but staying up late to watch them play. I didn’t even go out on Halloween because I needed to see every pitch! I wouldn’t be so depressed about how we’re doing, considering I am still high off of last year’s win, it’s just that it’s the Yankees! They’re my least favorite team in all of baseball. I just want to wipe the arrogant grins off of their faces. Who knows? The series isn’t over yet. Hopefully we’ll make a come back. Better yet, I know we will.

So anyway, November is finally here! There are only six weeks left of the semester and I am amazed at how quickly it is flying. I always say that though. It’s really sad to think that I am more than half-way done my college career. It doesn’t seem like over six years ago I was just getting acquainted with high school. I absolutely do not feel old enough to be immersed in the “real-world” yet. I guess that’s why I’m a junior and not a senior.

In other news, I register for next semester’s classes in a week. I am so excited! There is not much that makes me happier than sorting through the class options, finding ones I want to take, and putting them all together so they fit into a nice, neat schedule. I know I have to take two Creative Writing classes, but the rest are up in the air. I’m thinking about some fun electives. How cool would it be to take a beginning class in Chinese or a class in theatre just because I can? Well, you might not think that’s cool, but I do! I can’t wait to see where the possibilities take me! Widener just has so much to offer, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to figure it all out. We shall see…

--Ali

Posted by Widener University at 3:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

School is officially now in full swing. I’ve had over three weeks of classes and the work has been non-stop. That’s okay though. I’d rather be busy and learning than bored and accomplishing absolutely nothing. I feel a totally new drive this semester to stay on top of my work and actually read what I am assigned to rather then making answers up in class (I hope none of my English professors read this!)

This weekend though, I did nothing for school. I had a good reason though! I was in Florida with my best friend visiting our other best friend who goes to school in the Sunshine State. Thankfully, Florida did live up to its nickname. We went kayaking and saw a gigantic manatee! It was literally right under my kayak. I’m not going to lie, I was terrified that it was going to tip me over and I would fall right on it, but luckily that didn’t happen! We had a BBQ on the beach and went swimming in the Gulf. It was absolutely amazing!

Now I’m back at Widener. I did miss it terribly for the entire 48 hours I was gone. I’m glad to be home in my comfy bed!

Well, I’m off to go try to pop my ears (they still haven’t popped from the plane ride yesterday). I also have a tour coming! Can’t wait to show the students and their families my perspective of Widener University. I’ll check in later!

Posted by Widener University at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, summer is basically over, but that’s not a bad thing. I’m moving back into school in a week and I am very excited. I can’t wait to see my friends, start new classes, get rid of my parents…you know. I’m moving off-campus for the first time. That should be interesting. More freedom, less restrictions, but I’m also kind of worried. I loved living in the dorms -- walking down the hall and seeing everybody. That can’t happen in a house. At least I’ll have Michelle, Kim, and Rachel. I lived with them last year, so I know we’ll have fun!

So, anyway, I had many good times this summer, and I am sad it all has to end. I think, in total, I saw 11 movies. I rarely ever go to the movies, but for some reason, this summer, there were just so many titles I wanted to see. My favorites were probably The Hangover and The Ugly Truth. The Time Traveler’s Wife is up there too! I also went to New York and saw three Broadway shows within three weeks. I went to see Chicago and Wicked for the second time each, and I also saw 9 to 5. All were fabulous, of course. I truly believe you can never go wrong with Broadway. Oh, and guess what! Last weekend I went to the Brad Paisley concert at Susquehanna Bank Center. I am not a country music fan, but I am starting to appreciate it more, and let me tell you, Brad Paisley is amazing! I couldn’t believe my ears! I was so sad (and so tired) when it was all over.

I must go. I’m actually at work right now. I’ll update more later!!

Posted by Widener University at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, a month has already passed since I have been done school. I have to admit, it was a pretty long month. Summer really isn't "flying by," but I guess that is a good thing. I haven't been up to very much. I'm taking it easy after this past year. All of my grades are in...all As. I was really scared about a few classes. I sincerely thought I was going to get Bs, but I worked my butt off in the end, and everything worked out. And luckily, I found a job for the summer. I am currently babysitting for a three-year old and actually just got done sitting through the month of May for a twenty-month old little boy. He was so adorable -- occasionally whiny, but that's expected I suppose. I miss him already.

I have also just been hanging out with my friends: road trips to the shore, six flags, New York. My two best friends from high school and I actually went up to NYC last Friday morning to see Taylor Swift on the Today show. We woke up at 3:00am with only an hour and a half of sleep from the night before. I decided that it would be fun to drive, and the way up to the city really wasn't that bad. It was the drive home that was torture...I cannot believe I didn't fall asleep at the wheel. But, anyway...we got to New York at 5:45 in the morning and the line to see Taylor Swift was already three blocks long! Needless to say, we didn't get into the gated section, but we did get a spot across the street. We couldn't see Taylor very well, and it was impossible for us to get her autograph, but we did hear her. It was pretty awesome!

Alright, I'm signing off. I'm very tired and have an early day tomorrow. I said I'm taking it easy this summer, but sometimes I feel like that is impossible.

Posted by Alison Whartenby at 11:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last week was spring break here at Widener! Instead of going to Mexico or Miami for a typical spring break vacation, I, along with twelve other students of the Presidential Service Corps, went to Jamaica to build houses for the less fortunate. We traveled with three faculty members, Dr. Harris (the President of Widener), Professor Cecilia McCormick (Executive Director of Widener), and Michael Bivens (Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations).

Our group was lucky enough to be able to raise enough money to build two houses! It was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. It certainly was life-changing. This trip helped me to discover that I am so fortunate here in America and that I should cherish everything that I have and be grateful every day.

Jamaica is a second-world country, which means that they do have the possibility of running water, but the poverty there was so great. The houses we built were no more than 10x20 feet, each with two small rooms, and neither had a kitchen or bathroom. But the families we were building the homes for were so appreciative and thankful to God. I have never been anywhere where there was such a firm belief in God and where the people had so much faith. This really struck me because the people of Jamaica are so much less fortunate than most of us in the United States, but so much more appreciative. Just seeing the smiling faces of the children and the families made the trip totally worth it.

Our last day there, Friday, we did have a chance to go to the beach at a resort area. The ocean was the most beautiful shade of blue and the weather was perfect! It was a great end to a wonderful week.

Here are some awesome pictures from the trip...

Posted by Alison Whartenby at 5:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Happy February! I cannot believe a month has already passed since the New Year! It is crazy!

It snowed all day yesterday and last night. It is the most beautiful snow I have ever seen. It is so white and perfect. Right now it is blowing off the trees and it looks like it is snowing all over again! I could watch it all day. I want to go outside and take pictures. This is my favorite time of the year. Looking outside, I don't know how anyone could hate this.

Anyway, this semester is absolutely amazing! I had the most horrible time last semester...my classes were annoying, my organizations were very time consuming...I just had never been so stressed. But, this year my goal is to stay on top of my work and not to sweat the little stuff...it is totally working! Everything is fantastic.

Last weekend was so much fun! Most of my suitemates went to visit their friends at other schools, so only my roommate and I were around. Instead of going out to a party or something, we went to the mall on Friday night! King of Prussia is huge! I love going there. I got the cutest spring jacket. Then we came home and watched "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days..." A classic chick flick!

Saturday, after Widener Day and a series of naps, we cooked dinner. Then we baked for five hours straight! It was awesome! We had a bake sale coming up and that was the only opportunity we had to bake! We ended up staying awake until four in the morning. We cleaned our entire apartment...I'm talking hard core cleaning! It felt wonderful!

Sunday was the Superbowl! My suitmates and I had hor-devoirs and watched the game together. I wasn't particularly a fan of either team, but I was cheering for Arizona. Oh well...that didn't work out. If only the Eagles had made it.

That's all for now!

Posted by Widener University at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, I am officially home for Winter break! It's weird. I was so looking forward to going home and just relaxing, but the second I left Widener I got really sad. I was already missing my roommates! Oh well. I am home now and have not done much relaxing yet, but I'll get to it soon, I hope!

These past few weeks have been crazy! No lie, I had SEVEN papers due my final week! Yes, SEVEN! Man, I was swampped. Luckily, I only had two finals though and they weren't that difficult.

I am going back to Widener on Saturday morning. Me, President Harris, and a group of other students are going to deliver Christmas presents to families in the area who are in need this time of year! I am so excited. I hear it is a lot of fun!

And next Monday I am going to my absolute favorite place on earth with my best friends from high school...New York City!!!! We are going to see "Spring Awakening." We usually go to NY to see a show instead of getting each other gifts. It is so much fun!

Okay--I must go. Off to babysit. Hopefully I'll have time to read tonight! I have to read seven novels for my one class next semester. Looks like seven is my lucky number. I can't complain though...I did choose to be an English major and I love it!

I'll update again soon!

Posted by Alison Whartenby at 5:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I cannot believe that I am half way through this semester already! Time is really flying! School is going well. I just got some of my mid-term grades and everything looks great! Unfortunately, I am so incredibly tired all of the time. Life is just a little too busy right now. Being President of RHA is very time consuming. I love it, but it's much more work then I thought it was going to be. I have so much reading for my classes and so many papers to write. Then there are all of the other organizations that I am a part of and my two jobs. Plus, I just broke up with my boyfriend, so I am in no mood to be happy right now (and I am usually always happy).

Okay--so now that I vented--everything else seems to be going okay. I am so excited for Halloween this coming Friday! I am not sure what I am doing yet, but I know I need to have a fun weekend with my friends to get everything else off of my mind. I am thinking about being Tinker Bell. She is totally my favorite!

Last week the President's Office sent me to a Bonner Leadership Conference in West Virginia. That was a lot of fun! In case you don't know, Bonner is a community service based organization. On Widener's campus it is also called the Presidential Service Corps (PSC). The conference was great! I learned many new ways to do service and met a great deal of people that I hope to see again at future conferences! I have so many ideas of what I want to do on campus and around the community now. I cannot wait to get everything started!

Oh, and the Presidential election is 6 days away!! I am so pumped! I have voted before for mayor, but never President! This is a big deal! Obama was on campus yesterday. While I don't think I am voting for him, it was wonderful to hear him speak and an experience I will never forget!

Okay--must go. Hopefully I'll update again soon.

Ali

P.S.- Cannot wait for snow!!!

Posted by Alison Whartenby at 2:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, I am officially back at Widener! I am very exicted. I had to move in a week and a half early because I am doing CREW (Committee Responsible for Enhancing Widener), which is a club that helps with Freshmen Orientation. So far the training has been a great deal of fun. I can't wait until Monday when all of the new students move-in! Then, classes start on Thursday, and I am actually very excited for that as well.

It is crazy to think that summer is already over! It flew by, probably because I had so much fun. I went to Florida with three of my friends right when finals were over. We went to Clearwater and stayed at a hotel right on the beach. It was so nice to just relax for a week! I also had an AWESOME job at a law firm in down-town Philly. It was absolutely amazing! Somehow I loved every second of it, but it certainly kept me incredinly busy. I went on a family vacation to Canada for the Fourth of July (I know, very patriotic of me, right). I also spent some time down the shore with my friends and family.

So, now I am back at Widener and I am very happy. This year is going to be awesome, I can just tell. However, it will be hard to compete with the amount of fun I had last year! We'll see!

Posted by Alison Whartenby at 4:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, I was just looking at my calendar and realized we only have three weeks of classes left. It is so crazy how quickly the time is flying! I feel like just yesterday I was moving in to my dorm room and now I am practically moving out. Hmm...it kind of makes me sad. But, I just found out that my friends and I are going to Florida the week after finals. I am so excited! I think it will be tons of fun.

I am really tied down with a great deal of work right now. I feel like I have a paper due every day. I don't mind writing papers, but sometimes I don't have time to do them. Luckily, I haven't pulled an all-nighter yet this year. Hopefully I won't have to. I am also planning a spring formal for the campus. I think it will be a success once the event happens, but planning it is a lot of work. It's next Saturday. The theme is "star struck." I cannot wait to dance the night away.

So, anyway...two weeks ago I went to a Phillies game with Widener. It was so much fun, even though the Phillies lost. Getting discounted tickets and dollar dog night was awesome! Last Saturday night my friends and I also went to a Philly Soul (Arena Football) game. Thankfully, they won.

Here are some pictures of my friends and I. Enjoy!

Posted by Alison Whartenby at 9:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)