A month of school has passed already, I cannot believe it! It seems like only yesterday I was unpacking my clothes and decorating the room. Actually, that was still yesterday, I really must finish up with that Other than the usual bombardment of schoolwork, here is what’s been going on this week:

International Events

I ran two, yes two, International meetings two weeks ago. It actually worked out very well as I had a great turnout at both meetings and lots of ideas for the year. I think we may have too much on the agenda already, but I am willing to do as much as I can to make sure the club keeps active. In recent club news, we are working on various volunteer projects, fundraiser ideas and even a trip down to the Ohio state/Walsh men’s basketball match! If anyone is willing to give me ideas or suggestions of events, please let me know! juliakole@walsh.edu.

Adriana and I last year at bowling. Internatoinals did it again! (and had better scores this time too)

Tennis Time

Sunday the 27th was definitely not the day of rest for women’s tennis. We departed on a long and very country-scenic journey to the University of Findlay for our first team match of the year. All of the girls played very well and our freshmen experienced their first taste of collegiate tennis. Clearly they all liked it because we won as a team 6-3! Way to go ladies!!! Our next match was Thursday the 1st at West Liberty College, but more on that later. Two more matches to go for our fall season!

A glimpse of last year: The Rossi sisters and Jen Yost at a match in Kentucky.

In other Walsh news . . .

Requisition passed! Student Government generously gave us some funds for our Boston expedition. We have a full itinerary ahead of us, I can’t wait! Recent trips added: a tour of the Sam Adam’s brewery! Walsh took over at the Burner-Cox event last Thursday; we had the biggest turnout of students! It was a great evening, and I learned a lot about working in a Public accounting firm and internship expectations. If anyone ever has an opportunity to go to career events I say go do it! It will only benefit you and your decisions on your career field. And remember, sweatpants are strictly casual, they are not considered BUSINESS casual! Dress to impress is the key.

Chef Greg’s meals are well worth the wait. Whenever you see him cooking up a storm, line up! You won’t be disappointed.

Travel Tips and Tangents

I will give you a break from destinations and discuss a different issue this week: gypsies. Now the term gypsy (or gipsy) was a common term used to describe Roma people or “Travellers” around Europe. These people have accumulated certain stereotypes over the years and although they do not apply to all Roma people, some of them enforce the stereotype. Having encountered a few of these nomads through my travels in Europe, I have been inspired to write some badly ripped off poetry that brings their money schemes to literary life:

“One ring to trick them all, one ring to scam them. One ring shown to tourists, to get some euro from them”- when a woman tried to sell Keisuke and I a fake gold ring in Paris

“A pinkie held out is all I need, a pinkie and slick words. to make a bracelet out of string and charge an amount absurd” - when Keisuke paid way too much for a sad little bracelet at the Spanish steps in Italy

“Look how helpful I can be, showing you what to do. for all the work I did today, I take 2 euro from you!” - our first time in the subway, as a man helped us buy tickets at the machine but then took 2 euro from the change tray as “tip” in Rome

Many Roma people wait outisde churches and other buildings for donations.

Lesson learned: keep money out of sight and keep on walking! But all this was a minor detail, and I still defend that travelling is the best thing you can do if you ever have the opportunity to do so.

Now back to the educational grindstone!

Julia