¡Hola! ¡Bienvenidos!

BY VANESSA, A PANTHER BLOGGER

There are a variety of majors and minors at Ferrum College. When I first came to Ferrum, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to major in. I looked into several majors, but Spanish was the one that captured my interest the most. Many would ask: “Your major is Spanish? But you’re Hispanic? Isn’t that cheating?!” but that is definitely not the case. There is so much more to Spanish then just being able to speak the language. It comes with knowledge in literature, art, geography, grammar and SO MUCH MORE.

All my classes consisted of topics such as Latin American Literature, Latin American Culture, Spanish (Spain) Culture, Spanish (Spain) Literature and Professional Spanish. It wasn’t until the fall semester of my junior year that I knew I wanted to pursue Spanish as my major and really learn about different cultures, traditions and grammar in my second language, Castilian, or what most like to call it, Spanish.

Dr. Patricia Suppes

During this time, Ferrum had appointed Dr. Patricia Suppes as the new Assistant Professor of Spanish. Dr. Suppes, or “Profe” as her students usually like to call her, has been my professor for the past 2 years. She has challenged me in ways I never thought possible when it came to my second language. Another great thing about my major is that I was able to study abroad. This past summer, I was able to study in Alicante, Spain for a month; it was an experience I’ll be able to remember for the rest of my life.

When it came to my minors, I had an idea of what I wanted to pursue. Like I mentioned in my last blog entry, Journalism was a definite choice after taking my practicum classes, and it was something I was really interested in doing. When I was able to take some neat English classes with some AMAZING English professors (you all know who you are), I then decided to also minor in English because I really enjoyed literature, writing, the different classes, and the English program itself.

Majoring in Spanish and minoring in Journalism and English has given me a great experience at Ferrum!

My friends & I with a mariachi band in Roanoke, VA

“You’re From Colorado! Why Ferrum?”

BY ANNELEISSE, PANTHER BLOGGER

Recently, I was given the opportunity to participate in the Panther Preview (Ferrum’s Open House), where I got to answer the questions of people who were interested in coming to Ferrum College. Once I announced that I was from Colorado, I found myself answering the question “Why Ferrum?” over and over. So why did I pick Ferrum and what is it like being an out of state student? I personally have found it to be a great experience due to the fact that it has matured in many ways, given me new friends, and has allowed me to live in a state that I never pictured myself in!

Going to college is always a nervous step into the future, but I feel that being away from home has made me mature more than ever. Finding help on campus is never an issue since there are many tutors who are free to help, and teachers always give you their office hours so that you can go see them if you ever need anything. Keeping yourself busy on this campus is no problem since there are so many clubs you can join, from team sports up to academic clubs.

Meeting new people is easy since the campus is small and the probability of seeing them between classes is high. Being away from home hasn’t been much of an issue because the breaks have allowed me to travel home; for the times that the break isn’t worth taking a 5 hour flight, I go home with friends. Some students would rather stay on campus and are allowed to depending on the break and if given permission by the school.

Some of my swim team members and me at a training trip in Florida

Virginia is a state that I had never been to and is very different from Colorado. Never did I picture myself here, nor did I ever know what to expect once I got to Ferrum. Once I was finally here, I learned that the people are very friendly and everyone greets each other. On my way to campus the first time, my mom and I noticed that every car that was going in opposite direction would lift up one finger as they passed us; we later learned that around here, it’s just a common way of saluting people. During my first year here, I have made many memories already and hope to make even more!

Boredom is Impossible!

BY JORDAN, A PANTHER BLOGGER

From playing lacrosse to writing articles for the Iron Blade to singing in the Collegiates Choir, I never get bored at Ferrum! I would not trade any of it for the world because of all it has taught me and how it has made me a better person.

My teammate and me at a lacrosse game

My lacrosse team is a great group of girls who work well together and constantly help each other become better players. Both of my coaches are the best!  I look up to them because they are both excellent leaders, positive, and they create a foundation for our team to constantly grow. 

Writing for the Iron Blade, Ferrum’s newspaper, has made me a better writer and a better leader. The responsibility of being an editor also helps me become a better writer and I learn a lot about different topics at Ferrum. 

Dressed & ready for a choir performance!

One of the other groups I am involved in is the Collegiates Choir, which is an elite select women's chorus group. The girls and my director, Sue Spataro, are my second family. We travel to different churches on Sundays to sing, and we also perform at the choral concerts. I love singing and the Collegiates make my experience at Ferrum so much more amazing!

Going Green?

BY CALEB< PANTHER BLOGGER

Hey Ya’ll,

As I stated in my last blog post, I am currently majoring in Environmental Science, which means I get to do a lot of hands-on research projects. One of the biggest projects I have been working on so far is helping plan and design Ferrum College’s new Eco-Dorm.

Riddick Hall

Now some of you may be asking what is an Eco-Dorm? Well the funny thing is that is the exact question my professor Dr. Stevens asked my Introduction to Environmental Science (ESC 110) class last semester; what makes it even funnier is that he really didn’t know. Now please hear me out on this one. Dr. Stevens is a amazing environmental science professor, so the college came to him and asked him to come up with a plan to create an “Eco-Dorm” on campus; the college wanted the Eco-Dorm to be a “green” building and use less energy but also still be comfortable for students to live in.

Starting the student-driven eco-dorm project

Instead of coming up with the idea himself, Dr. Stevens brought the question before our class and told us to think of what an Eco-Dorm was to us. This was our semester project, which we all worked on. The cool thing about this project was that it was almost completely student-driven. Once Dr. Stevens gave us the idea, it was amazing to see how the students just ran with it. We still had some questions, but for the most part, it was all us. At the end of the semester, we presented our idea to the college as a whole, and the really cool part to see was that they actually listened to us. The first steps to transforming Riddick Hall into Ferrum’s first Eco-Dorm are under way right now! Over spring break, turf block was placed outside of Riddick Hall, and they are also looking at replacing the lighting very soon. We are hoping that most of the major renovations will take place over the summer.

It is really cool to see all this happening and know that I had a part in making it all come true. I do not think I would have had this opportunity if I had gone to college anywhere else. This project has shown me two main things about Ferrum College. One is that the students here really do have a voice and the College does listen to them. Secondly, the professors want you to get involved in your education – not just read something in a textbook, but actually have the opportunity to experience it! This is what makes Ferrum home for me.

Hope ya’ll have a good one!

Campus Interaction is Up to You!

BY BRITTANY, PANTHER BLOGGER

The first thing many students say about campus life is that there is nothing to do, but in reality, there are a lot of activities and clubs. It’s just up to each student to find something that is within their interest. Through several forms of communication, including the Panther Press or campus e-mails, students can find out about academic clubs and organizations, fraternities and sororities, performing arts, religious organizations, sports teams, and work study opportunities. No matter what you are interested in, there is something for you around campus; it is just a matter of taking the step to get out of your room and interact with others.

The clubs and organizations on campus consist of over 60 different academic, honorary, social, and service groups that all host two major club fairs each year to introduce students to the variety of organizations available. One of these fairs is where I, personally, was introduced to Minds-n-Medicine and Relay for Life. The clubs meet according to the time that most members are available to get together at several different locations. As a team, students come up with ideas to promote that group throughout campus, as well as organize other meetings, schedule guest speakers, and go to other locations for further knowledge on a topic of discussion.

Relay for Life

As a part of Relay for Life last year, one of the first opportunities we had to spread the word about the organization was through the parade that went around campus on homecoming weekend. My friend and I blew up balloons, tied ribbons, hung signs, and used window chalk on every window of my car at the time. We spent all morning preparing for the lap around school that lasted about ten minutes, blasting our music and honking our horn. The theme for Relay for Life during that time was "WTF" meaning Win The Fight, which was our biggest slogan on the windows to try and get more attention brought to the group. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to represent such a great organization, and would do it again in a heartbeat if the chance comes again.

Greek Life

Sorority girls doing a bake sale

Greek life is a large interest on campus with quite a few fraternities and sororities, such as Omega Chi Sigma (OXE), Kappa Alpha Sigma (KAE), Mu Sigma Chi (MEX), Delta Phi Epsilon (DPhiE), just to name a few. They introduce students to stepping out of their social norm and going through several weeks of pledging to be initiated into the group, according to Corey Andrews, a pledge to OXE.


Intramural Sports
Intramural sports provide an active environment with interaction between fellow students and even some staff members. Teams include softball, volleyball, bowling, basketball, kickball, soccer, tennis, flag football, and powder puff football. Students get a group together and play several rounds of the sport until the “knock out” level to establish the final winning team. I am currently involved in an intramural volleyball team that consists of other students that all have a little background playing the sport but just want to have something to do for fun. It is a good way to get your mind off other stresses and have fun for awhile playing the best two out of three games. During the fall, I also take part in the powder puff football team in which a group of several girls get together and play another team at flag football. Yes, it is a football team of girls who can be very competitive, although many rules prevent students from getting too rough, like a normal football game.

Opportunities at a Small College

Work-study co-workers at the campus Starbucks

Being a smaller school, Ferrum allows for more opportunity to get involved with performing arts, religious affiliations, and work study. Samantha Franklin, a student interested in performing arts, says “There is more opportunity for underclassman to perform than they would at a larger school.” Religious organizations and activities are also available at different times of the week, including Bible studies and then church services on both Sunday morning and also on Monday night for anyone unable to attend the morning service. Work study is a grant program provided by Ferrum to students who have financial aid allotted to receive minimum wage for working for one of the departments on campus. It is a wonderful program to allow students to get introduced to the professional environment for when they get out of school and take part in a “real world” job.

Ferrum College, a liberal arts school, provides many opportunities for students to interact and get involved with various activities at different times of the week. It is simply up to them to take a step and find something they want to be involved in since there is always something to do. The time spent at this school will only be as interesting and meaningful as we make it for ourselves.

Springtime Sysco Food Show

Students, faculty, and staff gathered in Franklin Hall's Blue Ridge Mountain Room to taste a number of foods distributed by Sysco.

The whole campus tasted foods at the Sysco Food Show.

Natural soups from scratch were a hit.

Many types of foods were offered. 

Michael A. Martin, director of food services (left)

Michael A. Martin, director of dining services, notes that events like these — one in the fall from US Foods and this inaugural springtime show — helps plan out what the cafeteria carries. "Getting feedback like this [from faculty, students, and staff] on new products helps us stock cafeteria items that will be popular," he said.

Many of the products at the show were natural, organic, and made from scratch. Michael explains that trends shape these types of shows and there is increasing interest in the marketplace for natural and organic foods. This national trend fits well into dining service's long-term commitment to include more organic options into its menu.

This stuff here — the roast!

Logging likes and dislikes.

Donna Doss filling out a survey in between bites.

Opportunities with the Criminal Justice Club

BY VICTORIA, PANTHER BLOGGER

The Criminal Justice Club offers many opportunities for Criminal Justice majors and minors to gain experience and learn more about the different careers in the field. For example, when the club attends national or regional conventions, members are given opportunities to have ride-alongs with police officers, participate in mock crime scene investigations, and meet some very influential professionals within the criminal justice field.

The connections that club members like me make with the field professionals give us an upper edge in getting employed in the field after we finish our education. We can meet FBI agents, police officers, crime scene investigators, and many other members in the field at these conferences. We learn first-hand about the aspects of each of these jobs so that we can be more educated in making our career choice. Meeting these professionals and hearing what they had to say about their occupations has helped me to narrow down my choices in deciding what I want to do within the criminal justice system.

If it were not for the Criminal Justice Club, I would not have learned as much about the different career paths within the field as I know now. The club fundraises throughout the year in order to obtain money to attend the conventions, which help members gain experience and knowledge that cannot be merely learned in a classroom. The conventions also give me the opportunity to travel to different parts of the country. So far, I have visited Nashville, Tennessee and New Haven, Connecticut with the club. During these trips, we have visited the University of Yale, the Mississippi River, and many other places. The club’s convention trips are an all-around great and beneficial experience!

Horticulture Students Improve Community through Design-Build Projects

BY ADJUNCT PROFESSOR - TRENDA LEAVITT

Cleanup of Wedding Garden – March 13, 2012:
Mitchell Hardbower, Jessica Foley, Deanna Reid, Hannah Quick, Patrick Scott 

Ferrum College Horticulture Majors have been engaged in design projects in the larger community and improvement of campus through design–build projects through the College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics’ Horticulture 411. 

Here's a look at what they've been up to this semester:

• Within the Landscape Design & Management course, the students are assisting the town of Gretna with two public park projects — their projects will be presented to town council in early April
• Students are touring related businesses in the region, including: Reynolds Clark Development in Gretna, VA, Duis Nursery in Bedford, VA, Seven Oaks Landscape & Hardscape in Redwood, VA, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of VA, and Evergreen Landscape Contracting of Chatham, VA
• Several spaces on campus have been designed by the group — these projects are in the construction planning stages under the direction of Jay Prillaman, director of grounds
• Emerson Creek Pottery is available for purchase at the Ferrum College Bookstore to fund campus design–build projects
• Students improved Community Arboretum Gardens (Wedding & Conifer) last week through weeding, mulching, and planting
• The horticulture program and community arboretum were founded by Dr. Bob Pohlad
• Ferrum College design team 2012 includes Jessica Foley, Hannah Quick, Deanna Reid, Mitchell Hardbower, and Patrick Scott

Site Visit and Tour of Gretna, VA:
Reynolds Clark Development’s Gretchen Clark & Tim Reynolds shared civil
& environmental engineering and planning with the group in Gretna, VA.

Completed Garden Improvements:
Deanna Reid, Hannah Quick, Jessica Foley, Patrick Scott, Mitchell Hardbower

Once in a while, the stars all line up...

BY GARY HOLDEN, SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR

It was just after dark — the bottom of the sixth in the second game of a doubleheader — and the Ferrum Panther softball team was deadlocked in a 2-2 tie.

The night had already been one for the storybooks, and it was about to become even more magical...

On Wednesday, March 14, 2012, Ferrum College softball team member Lindsay Etherton was playing her last two games with the team prior to deploying with her U.S. Army Reserves unit. She had been honored with a special Senior Day Ceremony before the start of play during the home USA doubleheader with Averett.  Her parents had surprised her, and the Roanoke Times had been there to record the story of her sacrifice for the nation.  Emotion was plentiful.

Lindsay started at designated hitter in the opener and went 1-3. Her lone base hit was a single in the bottom of the first inning that went to the left of Averett third baseman Chrissy Pickert, who then spun back to the right where shortstop Jenna Rudder could not field the ball.  Lindsay earned an RBI on the hit, scoring third baseman Brittany Barlow from second.  It was the final run for the Panthers that inning as they took a 5-2 lead.  The team went on to win 7-3.

In the nightcap, Lindsay didn't see the field until coach Vickie Van Kleeck brought her in to pinch hit in the bottom of the sixth inning with the game tied 2-2.  That's when the magic happened.  Playing under the lights on an unusually warm late winter evening,  Lindsay dug in at the plate.   Just then, a military jet did a fly-by so low you couldn't hear anything else.

Everyone looked up to see the plane's outline and the lights on the bottom of the plane. It looked, sounded, and felt like the jet was about 100 feet off the ground. It was too eerie that Lindsay was the player coming to the plate at that moment in the game. It made the hair stand up on the back of my neck, just as it did now as I wrote this.   Others said the same thing.  Someone in the crowd yelled, "That's a fly-over for Lindsay!"

After the deafening noise passed, play resumed and Lindsay promptly ripped a single to center field to drive in the eventual game-winning run.  Averett's first three batters in the top of the seventh inning went down in order, and Ferrum earned a 3-2 nail-biter.

A better script could not been could not have been written and I count this as one of the most memorable moments of my 20 years at Ferrum.

·      The Roanoke Times was on hand to cover the day's events (read the article) »

·      See our photo collage of Lindsay's Senior Day Ceremony »

Lindsay leaves the week of March 25 to rendezvous with her reserve unit in Morgantown, W.Va.  The unit has already been informed they can expect to be back in Afghanistan by late spring or early summer. Lindsay is an amazing young woman and we pray for her safety, as well as the safety of all the members of her unit and all our troops all over the world

Religion, Ferrum Style!

BY GRANT, PANTHER BLOGGER

Many people have a major misconception when it comes to religion at Ferrum College. Because Ferrum College is a Methodist College, many people automatically think that the only thing that is present on campus is Methodist activities. The truth is though, that although Methodist activities are present on campus, Ferrum is open to many different denominations and religious beliefs.

I am the current president of Ferrum Christian Fellowship, a member of Mu Sigma Chi (Men Serving Christ), and I lead a Bible study on Tuesday nights here at Ferrum. Being involved in the campus ministries on campus, I can tell you personally that they will not disappoint. In the multiple Bible studies and at Monday Night Praise—which is basically church on Monday night—we do not teach philosophy or specify a certain denomination, but instead, we proclaim the Gospel and Jesus’s Holy Name.

Sanctus Real

The religious groups here on campus are not only greatly involved in Monday Night Praise and Bible studies, but we also participate in many other activities. Some of these activities include hosting Christian concerts, cookouts, tailgates, bonfires, pancake dinners, movie nights, car washes, game nights, Super Bowl parties, bake sales, Relay For Life activities, intramurals, and many other events. Last year, we had Sanctus Real come to campus for our “Big Christian Concert,” and this year, we are having The Afters join us.

In this week alone, we had Monday Night Praise, an intramural volleyball game and a Bible study at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, another Bible study on Wednesday, and we’ll be having a bonfire tonight and our typical Friday night game night tomorrow. This is just to show you a glimpse of a week here on campus regarding religious activities.

The religious group at Ferrum is literally like a family, and through it, I have experienced memorable moments and met people that will affect my life forever. Now, it is your turn to get the experience. Even if you are not religious, try it out, meet new people and have amazing experiences. Here at Ferrum, our motto is “boredom is a choice”; you have to go out and find things to do because activities won’t just come and find you in your room. Ferrum College is open to many different beliefs and ideas, and as a community, we are willing to accept many different things that each student brings to the table.

Black & Gold, Let’s Go Panthers Go!

BY ANNA, PANTHER BLOGGER

As you know, I am an athlete for Ferrum College. I love to be out on campus supporting all of our sports teams! I have at least one friend, if not more, on each team that I support, so watching them during a game or a match shows my friends that I care about them and support their extracurricular activities. By doing this, it builds a bond much greater than just hanging out with them outside of class.


Ferrum College offers so many sports for both men and women, and the growth of our athletics department is remarkable! From soccer to swimming, and cheerleading to tennis, our campus is flourishing with sporting events all year long! In order to help facilitate our healthy growth of sports teams, we are adding a new building to campus known as the Hank Norton Center, which will provide a work-out and training location for students and athletes. Learn more about our new Hank Norton Center on our website!

Our team at a conference competition in Georgia

However, when I say I am an athlete, I am an athlete! Most people don’t consider cheerleading to be a sport, but here at Ferrum College, IT IS! Unlike cross country, baseball, lacrosse, etc., our season goes all year long. We are present at every home football game and several away football games during the fall and we are present at every home men’s and women’s basketball games during the winter. We also cheer competitively against other colleges and universities in the USA South Conference, such as Christopher Newport University, Greensboro College, and Methodist College.

My friend & I on the field at a Virginia Tech game

Just like any other team, in order for us to compete and travel, we have to fundraise a bit. Our fundraisers, however, are unlike most. This year, we got the chance to work at the Martinsville Speedway on Race Day in the fall and work at some Virginia Tech football games. For me, these were amazing experiences and network-building! With just these two fundraisers, I got the chance to watch my first race and to stand down on the football field in Lane Stadium for the Virginia Tech vs. Miami game for the final touchdown of the tied game with 1 minute left!

We're doing a two and a half high pyramid at a home game

We strive to show our support for Ferrum Athletics the best way possible, and I believe actions are louder than words. We not only cheer on the sidelines to keep the spirit among the crowd involved but we also stunt. We throw girls as tall as two people high in most pyramids to where it is required that you possess skill, technique and poise to place yourself in precise positions and situations. As I always say, “With most sports, you are either catching or throwing a ball. However, we cheerleaders are catching and throwing a body!” To be loud and proud about your support for someone is one thing, but to actually be present and in the action is much better in my eyes.

The Science Programs at Ferrum Open Doors!

BY DARRYL, PANTHER BLOGGER 

Hey everyone, Being a Biology major, a chemistry minor, and forensic science minor has opened almost every door in the science community. Biology is an extremely broad field and you can take it anywhere from studying rocks to studying whales. It is also a great foundation for any professional field in health care.

The Biology program here is extremely detailed. You aren’t just learning information to forget it after you take a test. The information builds on top of itself, and you have to learn how to apply it in real life situations.

General Biology is just that, general: you get a broad base of what the science community has to offer. After that class, you can focus on courses that interest you from anatomy (if you want to work with people) to vertebrate zoology (if you like to study animals) and so many others. All of the Biology labs have been revamped to be more exciting and hands-on. We are also one of a few schools that allow the use of cadavers in anatomy labs. Most undergraduate programs never see a cadaver, let alone work with one. Ferrum definitely prepare you for your future studies if you chose to continue your education. Biology is an incredible field to go into, especially if you’re not sure what you want to do in the science field. Biology is definitely the way to go because all doors will be opened.

Chemistry and Forensic Science are very similar: a lot of chemistry. These maybe difficult subjects, but the professors are top-notch and will do everything in their capabilities to help you succeed. They also just got all new equipment. It is brand-spanking new—you can even play with the bubble wrap as they unpack it!

The labs are extremely fun; the aspect of making something out of two seeming less ordinary products is fascinating. Forensic Science is definitely more hands-on; we do labs that a forensic scientist would do in the field and in labs, like make a casting of a foot or fingerprinting. Maybe I’m just a science nut, but I’m okay with that.

If you guys have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer them for you.


Thanks for reading,

Darryl

There’s no “I” in Team!

BY VANESSA, PANTHER BLOGGER

Being a part of Ferrum’s newspaper, The Iron Blade, and the Ferrum Women’s Lacrosse team has been remarkable. I first became interested in The Iron Blade when I picked up the journalism practicum class my sophomore year. I’d had really great English professors that made English so much fun to learn. I was a bit nervous when I first walked into my journalism class because I thought, “what am I doing? I don’t even know how to write in this format! And now the whole school is going to see my writing skills.” I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. At the time, my professor and advisor for The Iron Blade was Dr. Lana Whited. She made journalism so enjoyable to learn that I stuck with it. It wasn’t until my senior year that I was asked by our newly appointed Iron Blade advisor Dr. Karl Roeper if I could be a part of the editors group where I was named News Editor. It’s a great responsibility to have and from which I’m still learning each day. Check out our most recent issue of The Iron Blade online newspaper »

Photo by Gary Holden

The Ferrum Women’s Lacrosse Team is like my second family at Ferrum. A big part of me staying and really enjoying my experience at Ferrum to the fullest has a lot to do with my team and coaches. The variety of personalities and ideas on this team is quite remarkable. I have seen great women graduate and join our lacrosse team here at Ferrum for the past 3 years. All of us have shared so many memories together and to be able to share something special with each one of them is a big deal to me. As part of the NCAA Division III USA South Conference, we were able to travel to many places, such as Georgia, North Carolina and different parts of Virginia. Traveling together was a great way for our team to bond and then bring that bond and connection out on the field. Hard work and dedication has brought us a long way since my freshman year in the program. I’m definitely going to miss my head coach, Karen Harvey, our new assistant coach, Mary Cuddihy, and my teammates/sisters.

Lacrosse team photo by Gary Holden

Greetings from Ferrum College Student Blogger, Addissew!

BY ADDISSEW, A PANTHER BLOGER

My name is Addissew, and I’m a freshman majoring in biology and minoring in psychology.  I’m originally from Ethiopia. I came to the United States about a year ago.  I moved with my family to a city called Falls Church in Virginia. I had moved in the middle of my senior year of high school and was able to graduate by the end of the academic year. I found out about Ferrum College through the help of my College and Career Advisor, who helped me in applying to the college before the deadline passed since most of the deadlines for other colleges had passed.

I got an acceptance letter and a scholarship from Ferrum College, as well as from the other colleges I had applied to. The location of Ferrum College attracted me since it has an isolated campus which is beneficial to concentrate on school work and there are fewer distractions compared to a campus located in or near a city. Both the drive to Ferrum and its campus have beautiful scenery! One feels close to nature in Ferrum with the fresh air, lots of trees, a pond with different types of ducks and the occasional sight of deer grazing.

The teacher-to-student ratio is effective in that a teacher knows all his/her student and is able to help any student having troubles with the course material. Additionally, the Writing and Math Centers aid students with their course materials when the professors are unavailable.  Academic assistance is abundant at Ferrum.

Greetings from Ferrum College Student Blogger, Grant!

BY GRANT, A PANTHER BLOGGER

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Grant, and I am a sophomore here at Ferrum College. I am currently working towards getting a Bachelor’s of Science with a Biology and Pre-professional Science major along with a Chemistry and Business minor. I also am working on an independent research project with Dr. Gazdik to determine gene regulation of M. smegmatis as a model for tuberculosis. I am originally from Georgia where I was born in Savannah and have lived in Augusta and Atlanta, GA. I spent my middle school and high school years in Chesapeake, Virginia and have recently moved to Greenville, South Carolina.

I plan on graduating in May of 2014, and hope to go on to the University of Georgia and get my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine as well as my Ph.D. specializing in infectious diseases through the dual degree program that the University of Georgia offers.

Christianity is an integral part of my life, and there is no exception when it comes to my involvement in the campus ministries here on Ferrum College’s campus. I am an active part of Mu Sigma Chi (the Christian fraternity on campus), and I am also the president of the Ferrum Christian Fellowship.  Along with attending Monday Night Praise, I lead a Bible study every Tuesday night at 8 p.m. in the Lighthouse behind the Hank Norton Center. I am a regular attendant at one of the many local churches as well. My involvement on this campus stretches further than the campus ministries, though. I also am a member of the Minds In Medicine Club, the Ferrum Outdoors Club, the Boone Honors Program, and also act as a PAL tutor for biology. Some of you may see me on your visit to Ferrum because I am a Student Ambassador, too. 

 

One question many people ask me is, “How in the world did you find Ferrum, and what about it keeps you around?” My answer to them would simply have to be that my high school football coach suggested that I look at Ferrum because it is his alma mater; I would also say that at Ferrum, I have never felt like a number, but instead, a human being. Due to the smaller number of students here at Ferrum, I have had the opportunity to experience things that I never would have at a larger university.

Since my first visit to Ferrum, I have always felt at peace and right at home here. Just as an example of the homey feeling that Ferrum exudes, one of my favorite memories at Ferrum is sitting around the small Christmas tree with all my roommates and friends opening our Secret Santa presents while eating a Christmas breakfast. These are the people that you meet and experiences that stick with you the rest of your life. Hopefully, you will read more blog posts and get some sense of the truly wonderful Ferrum experience.