Greek Week brings out chapter pride

April 15th, 2012  |  Published in Greek Life, Scene

Creighton’s panhellinic spirit was filling the air as chapters throughout campus came together to celebrate Greek Week 2012.

Fraternities and sororities alike were able to participate in a variety of Greek spirited activities which encouraged friendly competition and pride in their chapters.

A series of 60 second games in “ Minute to Win it” brought out the competitors in everyones chapters as participants were challenged by events such as sliding an Oreo from their forehead to their mouths, and racing to see who could empty a tissue box the fastest with one hand. Teams were eliminated throughout the games, leaving the brothers of Phi Kappa Psi to the claim the victory.

Chapters were brought together at Morrison Stadium to show off their letters and chapter pride in the Greek picture. Each chapter was represented with a group of their members, with many of them holding up their letters or symbols.

A greek week favorite, The Greek Pageant, allows chapters to select one member to compete against other chapters for the coveted title. Although everyone gave their best efforts, the women of Gamma Phi Beta nabbed the sorority title while the brothers of Phi Kappa Psi took home the fraternity win.

Perhaps the most creative competition of the week is the chariot races. Chapters must use their skill and imagination to build their own chariot to race down the mall against other chapters. The sisters of Theta Phi Alpha raced to the finish winning the sorority title, with the brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon finishing first among the fraternities.

Although the greek week activities are all in good fun, participants and supporters from each chapter were able to raise points for the upcoming Greek Awards. Held this year on April. 26, the Greek Awards reward each chapter for their hard work and dedication throughout the year in categories ranging from chapter involvement, new member education and the highly coveted chapter of the year.

 

Dinner at the movies?

February 20th, 2012  |  Published in Around Town, Scene

Shake up the traditional theater experience by having dinner at the movies with the ultimate cinema dining experience.

With its chic atmosphere and wonderful customer service, Marcus Midtown Cinema, located in Midtown Crossing, allows its customers to experience something pleasantly different while enjoying their film of choice.

Much like a traditional movie theatre, Marcus Midtown Cinema offerers a selection of the most recently released movies, along with the traditional movie snacks including popcorn, nachos and ICEEs.

However, there is something a little extra special about this popular Midtown attraction.

Unlike most theaters, Midtown Cinema allows customers to purchase reserved seating online before the movie starts to ensure the best seats and experience. Customers will come to enjoy the truly comfortable seats, as well as dim-lit long tables that spread across the width of the theatre.

Once seated, moviegoers are able to choose from a full menu and have their choices delivered to them by a waiter while they enjoy the movie.

The waiter is also available throughout the entirety of the film to check on your meal satisfaction and to take on any additional orders.

The in-theater dining service offers a variety of meal options from mozzarella sticks to a peanut butter and jelly marshmallow sandwich, which personally I think is delicious. The menu also offers a variety of pizzas made by Zaffiro’s with all meal prices ranging from $9 to $15, not including the movie ticket, which is an additional $9.

Aimed toward the young adult crowd, Midtown Cinema is the perfect hangout for Creighton students looking for a blend of relaxation and entertainment.

Whether it is a night out with the girls, hanging with the guys or the classic date night Marcus Midtown Cinema is the perfect combination of all things included in a typical weekend night out.

Check it out: marcustheaters.com

“ Hunger Games” lives up to hype

March 27th, 2012  |  Published in Movie Reviews, Scene

After months of anticipation and build-up, the highly anticipated movie “The Hunger Games” finally hit theaters last weekend.

The odds were ever in your favor if you were able to get a good seat as fans flocked to the midnight showing of the exciting premiere.

Business sophomore Morgan McVay felt the energy throughout the theater as she waited for the doors to open.

“At first everyone seemed kind of chill, quietly talking about what they hoped would be in the movie, but as soon as they opened the doors for seating, you could see the true excitement of everyone,” McVay said.

Based on the book series by Suzanne Collins, “The Hunger Games” takes readers into the future where a desolate North America, now named Panem, has been split up into districts led by the controlling Capitol.

After a rebellious uprising, the districts are forced to offer up one boy and girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system controlled by the capitol. The “tributes” must fight to the finish against one another on live television until one remains in the annual Hunger Games.

The movie focuses on heroine Katniss Everdeen, played by actress Jennifer Lawrence, who offers herself up in place of her younger sister.

Forced to rely on her sharp instincts and hunting skills, Katniss becomes the ultimate threat to the other tributes. However, when fellow district 12 tribute, Peeta Mellark, played by Josh Hutcherson, confesses his longtime affection for her, she must choose between life and love.

The movie adaptation of the book completely lives up to the hype. From the beginning to the end, it is nearly impossible to take your eyes off the screen. The actors are the perfect fit for the roles, embodying everything one would imagine in the books. The combination of action, violence and suspense is the perfect mixture for making the book into reality.

Nursing junior Carolyn Frost gave nothing but rave reviews for the film.

“I’ve read the books before hand and because they were so good the movie had a lot to live up to, and I think it did,” Frost said. ” The movie followed the book almost flawlessly, which was really cool. It captured everything you felt reading the books and made it all feel real.”

The movie also depicts views from outside the arena, allowing moviegoers who have not read the books to understand what is happening throughout the movie.

Those who are fans of the books might be slightly disappointed by a few missing key moments and a couple of plot alterations. However, there is not much straying from the original story line.

“I thought the movie was wonderfully done,” Arts & Sciences junior Beth Kampschnieder said. “They did a great job of staying true to the book while adapting it to the movie screen. I especially enjoyed that they expanded beyond what was just happening within the arena to show the other aspect of the game.”

Not surprisingly, “The Hunger Games” shattered records with an opening of $155 million in box offices over the weekend, the third best opening of all time.

According to yahoomovies.com, production company Lionsgate will make three more films out of the series by splitting the final book into two films.

If you haven’t made your way to theaters to see the film, don’t hesitate much longer. “The Hunger Games” is a cinematic experience you will not want to miss.

From Campus to Crayons

By: Victoria Guadarrama

 

A young girl walks into her second-grade classroom. She has an oversized purple binder that holds all of her schoolwork, and her biggest concern is what grade she received on her spelling test. Fourteen years later, the same girl, all grown up, walks into a second-grade classroom. She has traded her binder for a grade-book, and her only concern now is the education of her students. 

 

She is no longer the student, but the teacher.

 

Merijke Coenraad, a senior education major at Creighton University, is spending her fall semester student teaching second grade at Castelar Elementary. She has traded writing papers for grading them and she cannot be happier. 

 

Required to be in her classroom at 8:45 a.m., Merijke sets up, writes the problem of the day on the board and eagerly awaits her 17 students’ arrival. 

 

“I stand at the door and greet my students as they walk into the room. I like doing this because it allows me to say hello to parents, and start the day off on a positive note with each student,” said Merijke. 

 

As her day progresses, she experiences both the good and bad of student teaching.

 

“Discipline is the worst part of being in the classroom for me. I do not like having to punish kids or take away privileges, but it is necessary to keep control over the class. I have learned that I don’t have to be mean, but I do need to be firm and I cannot be afraid to follow through on taking away privileges,” said Merijke, “Taking away privileges from one student causes a change in behavior for the entire class.”

 

Student teaching also has its fun times. Rather it be at recess, or in the classroom Merijke never goes a day without laughing.

 

“The thing that has made me laugh the most this year is my class’ obsession with volcanoes. They will turn anything into a volcano and I think that they secretly hope the answer to every question is “volcano,”said Merijke, “I love to laugh with my students after we celebrate a really great day. It is the best feeling in the world to go home knowing that my students not only had a really great day, but that it ended in laughter and smiles.”

 

Merijke has not always known she was going pursue a career in education. Though she has always had a passion for learning, and loves being around children she was unsure if it was the right path for her until her first class at Creighton University.

 

“Education is something that I love and being in the classroom is when I am the happiest. I can wake up in a horrible mood, but when my first student arrives with a huge smile, it is hard to be upset about anything. My days of teaching fly by because I am excited to do what I am doing,” said Merijke. 

 

Unfortunately, doing what you love has its consequences when you are still a full-time student. Student teaching requires a full-time commitment that leaves little time for anything else. There is a feeling of disconnect from campus life, as well as a constant juggling act to maintain friendships.  

 

“Student teaching has forced me to schedule friend time a lot more than when I was just attending classes. It forces me to be creative, but at the same time it leads to doing more things with friends that are off campus and planned,” said Merjike, “I can’t do everything I want to do, and I miss campus but I try to stay involved as much as I can.”

 

Director of student teaching, Chrys Townsend-Frey, has been mentoring student teachers for 27 years and assists each of them through this struggle. 

 

“I see my student teachers passion, intelligence, and professionalism,” said Townsend-Frey, “I get excited when they are excited about being in the classroom.

 

Fellow student teacher Rebecca Kruger feels that having a mentor like Chrys has really guided her through the transition process from college student to teacher. 

 

“She is not only concerned with making sure we have the tools and education needed to be good teachers but she is always so excited to listen to our experiences and see what the schools are like. After all of her years and roles in the different school settings she is eager to offer us suggestions and even come for a visit whenever possible,” said Kruger. 

 

The teacher the student works with also plays a big role in the student teaching process. They serve as a guide, and mentor that the student teacher picks up techniques from. 

 

“My cooperating teacher is irreplaceable in this experience. I have learned more from watching her teach and having her help me through the first few weeks of school than I ever could from books because she has done it for so long and lived it. I have really enjoyed working with her and having support as I dive into teaching,” said Merijke. 

 

Looking back, Merijke can’t help but remember her past teachers and think about how they have affected her. After being in the classroom for the past months and teaching on her own, she wishes she can go back and thank every one of them for getting her where she is today.

 

“Teaching is a lot more than just teaching students, it includes testing and differentiating for all levels of learners. It includes meetings and continuously learning new techniques and cooperating with other teachers. It is easy to forget about everything that teachers do on top of just lesson plans and direct instruction,” said Merijke.

 

Merijke cannot be happier about her future in teaching. Although some parts of student teaching have been different then expected, she cannot wait to get back in the classroom after graduation.

 

“This experience has been both the same and different than I thought it would be. I knew what it would be like to be in a classroom with students, but I never imagined how physically and mentally taxing teaching can be. I never thought about all of the little things that teachers do, but I have had a blast going through it all!” 

 

 

 

You’re Hired.

 

By: Victoria Guadarrama

As if finishing college wasn’t stressful enough, most college seniors are facing another daunting task: the job interview.

Most soon-to-be graduates on the job hunt know the basics of an interview. You need to know the employer, understand the job description, have a perfected resume, and hope that your skills and education will get you into the working world.

Today, you need to do everything you can to make yourself stand out for a job interview. Starting with what you wear. Your wardrobe is the first thing that will impress your potential employer, and with a larger number of college graduates hitting the job market, wardrobe is a sure-fire way to leave a strong impression.

Lisa Brockhoff Fitzsimmons is the associate director of Creighton University’s Career Center and has assisted students in prepping for interviews throughout her career. She can assist students with resumes, searching for jobs and give them outfit tips for the increasingly competitive job market.

“The job market has always been competitive.” said Fitzsimmons,”Applying for a full-time position isn’t like applying for a part-time job at Old Chicago. It takes three to nine months to find a job and there are many qualified candidates for every position. The application process can be a slow and lengthy process and students need to be persistent and not get discouraged. Most individuals don’t know how to properly look for a job.”

Although you might meet all the skills and qualifications for your dream job, interviewers need to see something that is going to make you stay in their minds. Regardless of whether you are searching for a job in a corporate environment like finance or accounting or possibly an artistic career, the key to dressing for an interview is keeping it conservative and professional without losing character.

“Not dressing professionally, or understanding professional dress, is one of the biggest mistakes students are making today. If you want to set yourself apart from other students dress professionally,” said Fitzsimmons.

For men, this task is fairly simple. Throw on a suit, shape up your hair, do your research for the company, head out the door and hope for the best. Although it is important for the shirt to match the suit and the socks to match the shoes, a man on an interview can always fall back on wearing a well tailored suit. For women, prepping for the interview is not as simple. They all face the daunting task of finding the balance between competent and chic.

A misconception that most women face in preparing for an interview is the need to wear a suit to every interview. Although it is the safest choice for a more conservative position, a suit can make you blend in with the crowd. In today’s awareness of style, a conservative dress that is appropriate in length can be pared with a blazer for a trendy look that will help you stand out from the other candidates.

“Women could wear a pant suit which would be a little more casual, but still very professional. “said Fitzsimmons,”It demonstrates your professionalism and that you’re taking the process seriously.  It’s always better to be over dressed than under dressed.”

Most importantly, you need to keep in mind your audience while dressing for an interview. Fashionista and creator of blog Sequined Silver Lining , Natalie Navis, shares her knowledge on dressing for the occasion, with a little flair.

“When deciding what to wear to an interview the most important aspect is to take into consideration what type of job you are interviewing for. If it’s a more traditional job, you’ll want to keep your attire conservative. If it’s a more creative profession, you can get away with something a little less traditional. Either way, you can certainly infuse your own style and personality into your look.” Navis said,

“If you are interviewing for a job at a law firm, which is an example of a more traditional career, a suit is a must. You’ll want your suit to be very well-tailored, above all else. You can’t go wrong with a crisp black suit in a quality fabric. You can personalize your suit by pairing with a top, shoes, and accessories of your choice. Remember to keep these on the classic side, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish at the same time.”

Rocio Lozano, a senior at Texas A&M University, has already begun the interviewing process, and has an interview outfit that she is confident will land her the job of her dreams.

“I always wear a suit to my interviews, but not just any suit: a power suit.” said Lozano, “ A black suit with a bright pop of color in the shirt is my go-to outfit. I pair that with a set of conservative heels and I’m ready to show them what I got.”

A staple that every woman on the job hunt should have is a blazer. A perfectly tailored blazer is a valuable key in the workplace, as well as the in the interview process. Most blazers can be bought in a number of colors, and can be paired with a dress, trousers, or skirt. To make yourself stand out from the crowd, trade a black pencil skirt for a camel color. The color is not only sophisticated, but out o f the ordinary.

A common mistake most new graduate women make is dressing too provocatively. Leave anything that hits higher than just above the knee at home, and keep it simple with colors that are fairly neutral. No low-cut blouses or tops should be worn. Short and sexy is simply not professional.

An item most women forget about while prepping their job interview outfit is the last thing they put on: shoes. Shoes are tricky with interviews because of a list of standards. The shoes must be conservative and have a small to medium heel. Although neutral colors would keep the interview outfit safe, a pop of color could be the difference between blending in and getting noticed.

Lastly, you cannot neglect your hair. For men, it is important to have a fresh haircut that makes you look professional. For women, sleek is key. Nothing to out of the ordinary or over the top can be done with your hair on interview day. Simple and neat is always the best option.

Now that you have an interview outfit that will get you noticed, it is time to add the style extras that will get you the job. When if comes to accessories, sophisticated is key. A classic watch, and brooch can add a little something extra to you make you stand out.

“Accessories should be small, simple and limited.“ said Fitzsimmons, “Women should only wear one ring on each hand, small earrings  and only one in each ear, and a simple necklace.”

As for your technology, keep it far away. Phones should be left in your car, or on silent tucked away in a purse or briefcase.

“Women can carry a small professional purse and/or brief case and may bring professional folder.  These items are kept with you at all times and placed on the floor next to your chair while interviewing.” said Fitzsimmons,” It’s not likely you’ll need a briefcase unless your bringing several documents. A purse and the folder are your best bet.”

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Congratulations! You did it. You have your perfect interview outfit, you are ready to conquer the working world. However, the clothing dilemma does not end at the interview process. Once you’ve landed the job, you need to keep up the impression your first made.

The best choice is to dress professionally until you get a feel of the dress code in the office.

“Watch what others wear to work to understand the culture. Once again, be careful that you’re not too casual. People who want to get ahead should dress for the job they want, not the job they have.  Clothes worn to work are an investment and you should take it seriously. Always dress up for important meetings or presentations.” said Creighton professional Fitzsimmons.

Most offices will also have a casual Friday. However, the term “casual,” cannot be taken to lightly.

“Casual Friday doesn’t mean it’s your invitation to wear whatever you want.  You should still look professional. Be sure to have a clear understanding of what “casual Fridays” means,” said Fitzsimmons,” You never know when an important meeting will arise or a client might stop in, and don’t want to have to make excuses for your work attire.  Employees will often wear a shirt that has their company’s logo on it for casual Fridays.”

If ever in doubt about what to wear in the workplace, make sure to read up on the company guidelines. If you’re still not sure what to wear, visit the organization and watch employees coming in and out of the office to see what they are wearing. It might help you make decisions like skirt or slacks, blouse or knit top, or how formally you should dress on an everyday basis.