Thursday, July 31, 2008

Julie Townsend: O-leader

Hey everybody!

I hope you all are having an awesome summer!! I know I have been. Wow, last summer as a new freshman coming into Fox, I was really scared. I come from Phoenix, Arizona, and I didn't know anyone coming up to school. All I knew was my amazing admissions counselor and a couple people I had met at Genesis.

I went to the same school from Kindergarten all the way through my senior year of high school, so I had never changed schools. College being the first time was very nerve-wracking. My roommate and I had been chatting on facebook and email over the summer, so it was exciting to meet her finally for the first time.

Then Orientation Weekend came!! We drove up the whole 2 days, and finally got to school! The first couple days at school were really exhausting, but SO MUCH FUN!!! I loved Orientation Weekend as a freshman last year, because of Michelle and Sarah, who were the coordinators last year, and all the A-MAZING O Leaders they had last year. It was a great way to make new friends with people of all ages! I loved Orientation so much last year, that I want to be involved in it again this year.

I hope you all have as much fun as I did! I can't wait to meet you! Have a spectacular last month of summer!!!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Stephen Pick: O-leader

¡Buenos días a todos! (Good day to all) So we’re getting ominously close to the start of the school year and you know what that means… lots of preparations right? And uncertainties, questions, etc… If you are like me, you’re probably checking your Bruindata several times a day just to make sure all your forms are in and everything is taken care of. Do you feel like you want it to just be here already!? Yet at the same time, the thought of heading out of the house is rather daunting, isn’t it?

I remember the summer preceding my freshman year here at Fox. Let’s see, there were all those back and forth emails with my soon-to-be roommate coordinating the details for our living situation: color scheme, furniture arrangement, and of course who would be bringing the all-important mini-fridge! We even discovered that we used the same deodorant! Old Spice! There were also the shopping trips with the parents. Did I really need the extra long sheets? “I can’t remember, Mom, sheets are sheets!” “And why do I need laundry soap? You mean that I’ll have to wash my clothes by… *gasp* …myself?!”

There are a lot of nerves connected with going away to school. You wonder if people will like you, if you’ll do well away from home, or if you’ll enjoy your roommate and your classes. I encourage you to do your best to relax. Everyone else you’ll be meeting is either feeling those same things or remembers them from just a few years ago. So jump in and embrace meeting new people.

And one more thing... Many of you will be coming to Fox knowing absolutely no one, or at most only a handful of people. View this fact as a perfect opportunity to start over. Think about who you are now, and who you want to be. What kind of a friend do you want to be to the new people you will be meeting? How do you really want others to see you? What character traits and qualities do you wish were a bigger part of who you are? No one knows you; you have no history with the people you’ll be meeting. You have a clean slate. So take the chance to make the changes in yourself that you’ve always wanted to make. Fill that slate with the new and improved you! There’s no better time than now.

I’m looking forward to meeting you all this year!

Stephen Pick

p.s. We didn’t share deodorant, in case anyone was wondering.

Jessica Pryor: O-leader

Hi Everyone!

My name is Jessica Pryor and I’m going to be a sophomore majoring in Athletic Training. After college I hope to become a physical therapist. This next year I am living in Coffin, but my home is in Beaverton, OR.

Being at Fox has been such a great experience for me. I have met so many amazing people that have helped me grow stronger in my relationship with God. I love spending time in God’s creation…one of my favorite places is Multnomah Falls. Anything outside makes me such a happy person.

My family is a huge part of my life! I have four younger siblings; three brothers and a sister. My parents are wonderful people who truly desire to please God and their children!

I’ve spent most of this summer working my three jobs. I am a life guard at the local YMCA, work at a grocery store in the deli, and work for my Dad at his work. Other than working, I love to run and workout (so if anyone needs some running courses in Newberg, let me know!). I also love hanging out with friends and getting to know what other people are all about.

Hope you guys are all having an awesome summer (enjoy it while you can!). See you in a month!

Jessica

Monday, July 28, 2008

Mollie Honan: O-leader

Hello Orientation Peeps,

Let me begin by clearing up the general information about myself:
My name is Mollie Honan. I am a senior writing and literature major from Carbondale, Colorado. At Fox, I work in the library, run hurdles on the track team and watch TV shows (Scrubs being my all time favorite).

Now I am sure that you must have an abundance of questions based on those very interesting facts. Allow me to use my major to enlighten you. My name is Irish in origin and spelling, but no Saint Patrick's Day is not my favorite holiday although I do like the color green. Still with me? Good. There is a fish kind also named Mollie like Trout or Salmon. Kind of a cool fact.

I chose Writing and Literature because I like books. A lot. Ok, fine - books and I are pretty much an item but don't tell chocolate about us because it will get jealous. When I grow up, I want to be a librarian. I even have glasses now which makes me a qualified candidate for the job. During the school year I work at the campus library so if you have any questions about where to find that one book, just ask. I am currently reading a science fiction by Dan Simmons after which I will probably read Eclipse (who could resist a vampire love story? not me) followed quickly by the sixth installment of Anne of Green Gables. However, who knows what literary enticements might ensnare me.

Next year I am living in an on campus apartment. I am very excited to have my own kitchen to experiment with and my own living room to watch movies. I spent the last three years living in dorms and while they are fantastic and a great time to build community, I am ready to practice social independence.

While I could go on for quite some time about my interesting and highly entertaining life, I will wait to continue this conversation in person when I see you all at Orientation. If, however, you simply can not wait another month to talk to me you can always find me on facebook. Good luck with all your college preparations.

Mollie

Friday, July 25, 2008

Sarah Tremayne: O-leader

Hey all! My name is Sarah Tremayne and I am a sophomore Cinema and Media Communications major and plan on becoming a film editor when I "grow up".

I have lived my entire life in Everett, WA; a city about 30 minutes north of Seattle.

I absolutely LOVE being from Seattle. In a short drive you can get city, country, mountains, water, etc…I know Portland is kinda the same but Seattle's just better. :)

I love going to concerts or just listening to a few friends play some original songs. I’m mostly into indie/acoustic/punk/alternative but occasionally like to indulge into some Kanye West, Chris Brown or even the Jonas Brothers (I know…)

I work at an amazing coffee shop with some incredible people; I definitely appreciate a good white chocolate mocha and am a very generous tipper since I know what it’s like to receive them!

I am an Everett Silvertips (minor league hockey) fan and I am pretty sure I am the only one in the George Fox/Portland area.

My favorite TV shows are Project Runway; House, MD; The O.C.; Will & Grace; The Colbert Report; Everwood and am just starting to get into The Office.

I love the Little Mermaid and coincidently my roommate and I were both huge fans; in fact we both had Ariel bed sets!


I think one of the first things you will learn from being at Fox (besides the location and hours of every coffee shop in town) is the idea of community. It kinda shocked me since my high school was larger then Fox and had such a huge array of different cultures and religions. But there is something comforting about having great relationships with peers, professors and faculty. We laugh, cry, celebrate and stress together. We all play our own unique role at Fox and you will definitely be able to find your place.

Enjoy the rest of your summer—Orientation is quickly approaching!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Rebecca Whitley: O-leader

Hey, I’m Rebecca, and this will be my third year at Orientation (my second as a leader). I’m looking forward to meeting new people and seeing old friends as the school year begins.

When I came to college, I was a shy and quiet person. Up to that point, I’d spent my entire life in the same places around the same people. And then I moved over 400 miles away from it all. It has definitely been a learning/growing experience!

One of the important things I learned during the first few months here was not to be afraid of asking questions and to realize that I don’t have all the answers. Another thing I learned is that I could survive (to an extent) without a car. There’s a lot on campus: sports, concerts, plays, art shows, random late night activities. And off campus, there are many places to drink coffee, interesting stores, and community events.

My freshman year, I started working at Friendsview Retirement Center, which is right across the street from campus. I quickly discovered that there are many incredible people living there, all with stories to tell.

For me, college has been a giant combination of laughter, frustration, friendships, tears, tests (and not just the paper kind you get in class), silly moments, awkward moments, facebook, fun, and many late nights. I have to say that the most important thing I’ve begun to learn is how to seek and trust God through it all – to let Him be the center and focus above all the studying, whispering, deadlines, occasional sleeping, and adventures. Because unlike my constantly changing life, His steadfast love for us stays the same. Always.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Bryan Martz: O-leader

Hey! What’s going on everyone? I hope you’re doing awesome! Well my name is Bryan Martz and I get the great pleasure of being one of your many O-leaders. I am going to be Junior in the fall at George Fox. I’m an accounting major and after college I plan on going to Law School. Little side note about the whole major thing -- I have changed my major 6 times in two years; you could say I’m a little indecisive. But I think I finally found one. Maybe…

Anyway, I was born and raised in California in a really small town called Cottonwood, where the horses and cows outnumber the people. I wouldn’t have it any other way though. I love baseball and I am lucky enough to get to play at George Fox. I am a huge Yankee fan and you can either love me for it or hate me for it, your choice. Florida is my second home. Riding my mountain bike and road bike are two of my favorite hobbies. I love music, all kinds of music. I play the guitar, ok well I try to play the guitar but I’m working on that. I love having fun and making people laugh. And I love the beach.

I am excited for orientation week it’s going to be a blast. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you and getting to know you better. I hope you all have a great rest of the summer and that your getting excited for school, I promise you it’s going to be a blast. Well, see y’all later.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Brittany Miller: O-Committee

Hello new GFU Students! I wanted to share a little bit about me…

Next year I will be a Junior Elementary Education major. I was involved in orientation last year as an Orientation Leader. This year I will be a part of the Orientation Committee and I can’t wait!

God, my family and friends are the three most important aspects of my life. I couldn’t live without those pieces.

I live with my parents and two younger sisters. One is about to start her Freshman year of college, just as many of you are. My other little sister is starting middle school. I’m excited for them.

Another huge part of my life is a camp called Tall Timber Ranch. I grew up going to that camp and have worked there the past few summers. My experiences there have really shaped who I am.

Some of my favorite…
- TV Shows: LOST, The Office, Arrested Development, Grey’s Anatomy, and Private Practice.
- Artists: Shane and Shane, Relient K, David Crowder Band, Switchfoot, Phil Wickham.
- Movies: 50 First Dates, Wedding Crashers and Elf.

Random Facts:
- I work as a teacher at a daycare right now where I’m called “Miss Brittany.” It is a lot of fun and a great experience.
- I was the Little Bruin Coordinator last year and will be again this year. (It’s a mentoring program and you all should be involved in it!)
- I love: Dance Parties, being adventurous, chocolate, mission trips, making lists, coloring, singing in my car, wearing sweatshirts and so much more!

I’m very outgoing and love to help people. I look forward to meeting you all and talking to you about the place I love. Yea GFU! Enjoy the rest of your summer and see you in August!

God Bless,
Brittany

Orientation Update + SYTYCD

Orientation continues to be put together by my partner in crime (Michelle) and me. We're excited with how things are coming together fast and can't wait for Orientation weekend. It feels far away but it's coming up fast. Mystery Bus Tour is looking great! But don't ask...I can't tell you anything! Just be excited :)

***

Ok - So You Think You Can Dance comments...

I'm sooooo sad that Gev got kicked off last week. He definitely was my favorite though I know he wasn't the best dancer on the show. Sigh.

Happy to say that Jessica is gone but shocked that Kherington got the boot. She was definitely being carried along by Twitch. Top 10 - anything can happen.

Top 6 - obviously Mark and Comfort are next to go - but not sure about the Top 4. I'm not ready for any one else to leave. I would have to say that I wouldn't mind Josh leaving, I'm less attached to him. Maybe Courtney too. Hmmmm....we'll have to wait and see.

***

Alright - that's all for now. Back to Orientation things. More of your Orientation staff members will have bios up soon. Be sure to read those and get to know your O-leaders and O-committee members. They are excited to hear from you if you'd like to comment or feel free to contact Michelle or myself and we can get you into contact with them. We should be placing students into groups soon and letting O-leaders know who is with who. New students, you will most likely be contacted by your Orientation leaders at the beginning of August to get to know them a little before you arrive August 28th!

We're super excited - just a little over a month until the Staff arrives and then it will be a fast track until school begins!! Let us know if you have any questions and be sure to check out the website for more info.

Best wishes and enjoy some sunshine!

Jessie Sarver
New Student Orientation Co-coordinator

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Sara Kelm: O-leader

Hey-o. I’m Sara Kelm, and I’m another one of those awesome Peer Advisors/ Orientation leaders who can’t contain her excitement about you all coming to Fox.

Tidbits about me:
Where I’m from…well, I went to high school in Vancouver, WA, but during my freshman year of college, my family moved to Calgary, Alberta. CANADA. So I guess Newberg is most like home for me.
I have a younger brother and sister who ROCK. And a boxer named Gracie. Who rocks almost as much.
I’ll be a Junior this year, studying Writing/Literature and Psychology. In my mind, they’re really the same thing—how people think and what they think. I read A LOT.
I’m working up in Student Life this summer. I make lots of bulletin boards. And make fun of administrators.
During school, I work at the Academic Resource Center (ARC). You can receive help with papers or other classes, and have an all-around great time.
I’m pretty quiet and socially awkward until you get to know me. Then I’m rad.
Journaling is almost vital to my life.
I don’t drink coffee, but I love coffee shops.
I really really love libraries. They’re genius.
Stage managing is my hobby (I enjoy being in control of the actors--HA!). Musicals are my favorite.
I love classic movies (Paul Newman = <3) and foreign films.
I really like the internet: blogs, Facebook (look me up!), Skype, webcams, youtube.
I listen to Switchfoot; Jon Foreman’s lyrics get me in a place little else does.
I also watch TV: So You Think You Can Dance (dance, dance) rules my summer.
I’m kind of strange. But I have a few close friends that love me, so that is lucky.
I don’t know what I want to do with my life. But I’m doing my best to hang in there with my Saviour and let Him take me where I’m supposed to go.

Soon-to-be friends, I hope you enjoy the rest of your summers and are preparing yourselves (physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually) to come to Fox. Your first year at Fox will be a challenge; embrace it. Let God lead you toward the person He desires you to be.

Welcome to the random world of SaraKelm. :) I hope we become friends soon! Any questions, PLEASE come find me; I’ll be on Facebook. See you soon-ish!

Stacie Laughlin: O-leader

HEY THERE!
My name is Stacie Laughlin and I am going to be a sophomore here at George fox.
I love…
· God with my whole heart. I would not be the person that I am today without him in my life.
· Taco Bell. I can be found in the drive through most nights getting a bean burrito with no onions and extra sauce.
· T.V. My Monday nights are dedicated to One Tree Hill, Prison Break and Gossip Girl.
· My camera and pictures. I think I have over 3000 on Facebook alone.
· Weddings and Writing. I am double majoring in Cinema and Media Communications and Organizational Communications. I hope to become a Wedding Planner or a journalist.
· Forever 21. A weekly ritual I have here at fox. The money I have spent there could have easily paid for a year of textbooks!
· Sunglasses. If you get in my car, I have about 12 pairs in there alone.
· High School Musical. My dorm room last year had Zac Efron posters everywhere.
· My family and friends. They make up a huge chunk of my life.

Over Orientation week I formed life long relationships. My friends here at fox have become my second family. We eat together, live together, go to games together, cry together, laugh together, fight together and do absolutely nothing together. I don’t think I can ever forget even one moment of my freshman year at fox, the half hour drives to The Way (the best church in Beaverton), Rushing to Taco Bell at 1:50 just to get there before they closed at 2, Bonfires at the beach, making milkshakes at the bon, and celebrating birthdays at the Cheesecake Factory. I can’t even remember what my life was like before them. I have never once regretted my decision to attend Fox. Every day spent there was AMAZING!

If I had one word of advice, I would simply say get involved. At fox there is an endless amount of things to do to get involved. There never is a boring moment on campus. This last year, I worked on campus with the foreign exchange students. I loved it. I had never been introduced to another culture before. I also was part of the Cheerleading team here at Fox. It was an opportunity that allowed me to get involved and meet new people.

I became an O-Leader because I wanted to help each and everyone of you. My experience with Orientation was one that I will never forget and I want it to be the same for you. Plus I wanted to do the whole Orientation process all over J

Go enjoy the summer sun while it last because it’s all rain as soon as you get to school! Good Luck to you all and I can’t wait to meet each and every one of you in the next few weeks!

Andrew Griggs: O-leader

Hey! My name is Andrew Griggs and I am a 4th year student here at George Fox! I am majoring in Business Administration: Management. I am from Athena, Oregon, and yes Eastern Oregon is past The Dalles, contrary to popular belief.

During this summer I am working at the IT Service desk. I have a variety of hobbies which include: Hiking, Fishing, Reading, playing guitar, Video Games, Games, and chilling with friends.

This is my second year helping with orientation and I am excited to meet all of you as you begin the process of becoming your own person and living life!

Life is an adventure, and Fox has become the pivot point for my adventure right now. I pretty much live on campus year round. If you need someone to talk to I am there pretty much 24/7. I do go visit my family occasionally as I miss them. Believe or not...you will too...eventually, I did! :-D

I attend Grace Chapel in Wilsonville and think it is the best church ever! Need a ride? I will help you get there!

Fox is an amazing place with friends and support all around you. I have switched majors 3 times and am amazed at the support of the faculty in helping me find my way to want I want to do with my life.

Dutch bros is the best coffee ever : Large Double Torture blended ice!

New friends are a part of what draws me to this place that we all come to call home.

I hope that I will be able to help you in anyway possible to transition into this new experience! Have an amazing summer and hope to see you soon!

Andrew

Monday, July 14, 2008

Lauren Blas: O-leader

!Hola nuevos estudiantes (Hello new students!)! My name is Lauren Blas and I am one of the many orientation leaders and peer advisors for this year! This is my first time participating in any of these events and joining the orientation crew! Allow me to tell you a little more about myself.
I will be a senior this fall and am majoring in Family and Consumer Science with a concentration in Interior Design and getting a minor in Spanish.
I am from Gig Harbor, WA (which is south of Tacoma, for those of you who don’t know where it is located geographically).
I have a younger sister, named Alyssa and she is going to be 16 in November, and loves to dance with all of the passion in her heart.
I love to travel and over the years have been to a few amazing places (ask me if you want to know where I have been)
My most favorite hobby (besides shopping) is singing, if I am not listening to something, I am singing a song in my head. I also love to knit and cook! My favorite dishes to cook are desserts (and I make the best apple pie in the world)!
I am working two jobs this summer in order to make money for tuition and books. I work at Ann Taylor Loft (a women’s clothing store) and have been working there for a year, and during school, I work at the one at Bridgeport Village in Tigard. My second job is at my church and I am the Children Ministries Intern. As of now, I am helping with our church’s annual VBS, planning events for the little kids, and planning the lessons for Sunday school.
I am very excited to get to know some of you this next year and I can’t wait to meet you! I hope that your summers are going well and I can’t wait to hear your stories! Stay safe and I will see you all in September!

Danielle Baker: O-leader

Hello Everyone! My name is Danielle Baker and I am a Sophomore majoring in Youth and Missions and Psychology.
I am from Silverton, OR but was born in the desert of California and Arizona.
This summer I am hanging out in Newberg living with an amazing family and their two adorable kids.
I love to meet new people and hang out with them and hear their story over a good cup of coffee or Pumpkin Pie Chai.
If you ever want to find me and I am not in my room or in classes, I am most likely at Chapters.
I love to laugh.
I seriously wish that life was a musical and we could burst out in song and dance whenever we felt the need to!
I love my Mac Book and I love taking pictures on Photo booth.
I love God with everything in me and strive everyday to live for him.
Fox has become my second home and I love it here. God has placed me and you in an amazing place to grow and be challenged to not stay the same.
I love Gilmore Girls, 24, The Hills (guilty pleasure), and Phineas and Pherb (Best show EVER)
Pretty much I am laid back and excited to get to know some of you and help you get to know what Fox is all about.

My advice to you is get involved not only on campus, but around Newberg. Find a church that you connect with and serve in some way there. It may seem like a lot at first, but I think it is so important to have connections with people outside of Fox as well. The church body in Newberg has an amazing heart for service and there are ways all over to get involved.
Well I hope to get to know you and hope you have an amazing first year and Orientation weekend. We are so excited for you to get here. YEAHHHH FOR ORIENTATION!!!!

Introducing....your Orientation Staff!!

Orientation planning continues...

Genesis is officially over. Almost all of the new students have registered for classes and are preparing to come to Fox in the fall. That means there is work to be done! Soon Michelle and I will be placing students into groups for Orientation, placing them with their Orientation leaders and possibly one of their First Year Seminar Peer Advisors. If you are a new student, within the next few weeks you should be contacted by your leaders as they introduce themselves to you, get to know a little bit about you, and make themselves avaible to answer any questions you may have before venturing to campus.

The Orientation Newsletter has been finalized and will be in print this week. In the newsletter you will find articles from Michelle and myself, as well as the Orientation Director (Joel Perez), the Serve Day Coordinator (Kayin Griffith), your Orienation Committee, a current George Fox Parent and a George Fox Alum. Each person has written an article to provide you with important information as you prepare to come to Fox. Read each article and then pass it along to your parents so they have the information as well. Michelle and I will be sending that out to all of you at the beginning of next week, so be looking in your mailboxes for those soon.

Things are warming up here in the Berg. We've officially gone at least five days without any rain, crazy! However, the quad looks beautiful with the flower pots blooming and the trees full of life. This weather makes me excited for the first few weeks of school as the quad becomes alive again with students. Not that I'm ready for school quite yet, but there are a few things that I miss.

I haven't watched So You Think You Can Dance in two weeks...so I have no updates or comments currently. Check back for those.

Well, seeing as how the blog currently consists of only Michelle and I's writing, we decided that it would be a good idea to give some others a chance for you to get to know them. We have asked the Orientation Leaders and Orientation Committee to write a little bit about themselves for the blog, helping you get to know them more and be familiar with the people that will be here to greet you when you arrive in August. We will be posting from a few new people every few days or so. Keep checking back and reading what the Orientation staff has to say to you!

More updates to come. We hope that this blog has been a good resource for you. Let us know if you have any questions we can answer!

With love and smiles --

Jessie Sarver
Junior Orientation Co-coordinator
jsarver05@georgefox.edu