Plants and Peoples (and Friends)

There are a few classes that I have to take simply to fill graduation requirements, including classes completely outside of my interest like math and science. Don’t get me wrong, I am not bad at math or science. I willingly took lots of science and math classes in high school. Now though, I prefer the math skills needed to grid a painting or the science abilities necessary to make things in my garage over actual classes.

I am currently finishing up my class, Plants and Peoples, to complete my lab science requirement. I wasn’t sure that I would enjoy the class because, to be honest, four days a week of science did not sound appealing. However, lots of our labs have been field trips to awesome places: Draper’s Apiary, Cornell University, the green roof on the Steele Memorial Library, the USDA site in Big Flats, and a local winery.

The past two weeks we have stayed on campus for lab rather than going on a field trip, but it meant we got to eat and make things! Last week, the lab was about sweeteners and beverages. There were taste test to see if we could identify different teas (including green, twig, oolong…), decide which sweeteners are the sweetest (including Stevia, cane sugar, Splenda…), and tell the difference between chocolate and carob chips.

One day in class, rather than a lecture, we had a mini lab on fibers. After seeing different plants that textiles are made from, we got to spin wool and make rope. Let’s just say that Kelsey and I did pretty well making rope, but we would never make it spinning wool (our sweaters would be pretty lumpy and inconsistent).

Finally, during Tuesday’s lab, we made hand cream and salve. Sadly, I didn’t take pictures in class while we were working… I couldn’t see anyone taking us seriously as we made hand cream wearing safety goggles. After mixing ingredients, heating them, refrigerating them, and then blending in final ingredients, we got to pour them into little jars and take them home.

Even though science isn’t my favorite subject and I couldn’t be a chemistry or biology major, I have learned some awesome things in Plants and Peoples. If the whole art thing doesn’t work, I think I could open a spa… tea, chocolate, lotion, but someone else will have to make the robes…

The Place To Be

This November, Speidel Gymnasium became the stage for two events that I couldn’t miss. OAR made their second appearance to Elmira College by performing this month. The gym transformed from a basketball court with bleachers to a full stage with dozens of lights and speakers. Even though I only know a few OAR songs, the concert was a lot of fun. My friends and I arrived as the opening act was finishing. We listened to their last song and waited while the stage was prepped for OAR. Eventually they came on stage and began playing. I attempted to get a picture of the concert, it turned out a little blurry, but I will still share it with you.

Last Thursday, Speidel was the center of EC spirit as the basketball season kicked off with Hoops Hysteria. Men’s and Women’s basketball teams came out to show off their skills on the court. The EC cheerleaders and dance team made sure the crowd was ready to cheer on the teams. As a bonus, there were free t-shirts and raffle items including a flat screen tv and tickets to a Bills game. The amazing picture is courtesy of Amanda LeBoeuf ’13 who graciously helped me out after I accidentally deleted everything my memory card.

It's less than one week until Thanksgiving Break and I am looking forward to going home and catching up on sleep. When I return I will be ready for Holiday Weekend!