The Spirit of Adventure E-term 2016: It’s Yoga Time

By Keith Ricks

Today was awesome; we started off with leaving the nation’s capital and it took almost 4 hours to arrive to Yogaville located in Buckingham, Virginia. My first take on this community was that everyone here was very open minded and free spirited, and I was right! After getting settled in we had orientation and it was long but informational. The instructor Shankari gave us everything we needed to know and she was very clear that this location is filled with vegetarians and shoes are not necessary. After the orientation we had a successful 2 hour long yoga session. In the session we were able to engage our spiritual and physical well-being. Even though it was very hot in the room the class still enjoyed the wonderful experience.

Dinner was not so appealing coming from nothing but a meat eater however, the salad was the best part. Trying out new things has been a wonderful experience but the only time I was able to truly connect with myself was during yoga. To wrap up a very interesting day, we had a lovely speaker who discussed health, wellness and spirituality and their connections. The class really seemed to enjoy it. The first day at Yogaville was eventful and we all look forward to this new opportunity to step outside our comfort zone and learn and experience new things.

The Spirit of Adventure E-term 2016: His Creation, Ours to Protect

By Anthony Konieczka

May 23, 2016 - Today the Spirit of Adventure e-term class woke up to go for a walk down Pennsylvania Avenue past the Capital Building to the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS). This building is one of the oldest on Capital Hill built in 1913. The General Board of Church and Society overlooks the Capital Building and the Supreme Court Justice Building (which was actually built after 1913).

Once we arrived at the GBCS we had an interesting lecture and seminar about some hot button issues that relate to our course. Spirit of Adventure, as I am sure many of my fellow classmates have explained, is all about finding ourselves in our own vocation through the soul searching adventures that we are a part of. First up was Aimee Hong, the Director of United Methodist Seminar Programs, and Amber Feezor, the Seminar Designer, to talk about the Social Principles and the Natural World. Through a film and discussion we really focused in on how the Methodist church helps on the global and local levels in some of the most need based communities. The examples ranged from West Virginia coal miners and the environmental danger of coal mining is, to Kenya and the change from tobacco crops to chili plants to boost farmer profit, to the Congo where a pastor helped build and manage canals to move stagnant water and thus dropping malaria by 70%.

After the discussion Shantha Alonso, the Executive Director of Creation Justice Ministries (CJM), came in to talk about what CJM is and what it does in the world around us. In short CJM protects, restores and serves Gods' works through four faith principles; justice, stewardship, sustainability and sufficiency. CJM is a collection of Christian religions that work together to help shape government policies. They have helped with legislation such as the Green Climate Fund which states that the U.S federal government has donated 3 billion dollars, and the Clean Power Plan which is a policy that will play a major role in energy conservation as our country moves toward renewable energy.

Our third and final seminar was on Climate Change with Rebecca "Reba" Elliot, the Executive Director of Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions in Northern VA. She really hit home with the shocking truth that climate change isn't just far off with the penguins and melting ice caps of the South Pole or in Nigeria where the desert grows by 40 miles each year. She showed us insight on how the increasing water levels are destroying homes in Miami due to the absorbing limestone rock that the city is built on. More importantly she taught us ways we can help, some of these ways we have already implemented in our Ferrum community with our energy saving contests. Just turning the AC down one notch helps!

After the seminar we ended with a great stroll through the beautiful Botanical Garden. I don't think I've ever witnessed so many gorgeous flowers and wildlife in one setting. This location housed every color, shape, texture and plant you could think of. It was truly a perfect gallery for all of God's artwork.

The Spirit of Adventure E-term 2016: Moonlight Memorial Tour

By Andrew Todd

May 22, 2016 - Today as a class, we had the rare luxury of riding the trolley for our own tour of the Nation's Capital. Our tour guide Barry aka Slim B was not only very informative, but he brought a unique enthusiasm to the tour itself. We drove by the Capitol building, Washington Monument, the Holocaust Museum, and many other interesting sites around the city. We got out to get a better look at the FDR and MLK memorial sites. This was at dusk, so the dimming light brought an ominous effect around the area.

I know the class learned a lot from the tour, and the tour guide's unique expression added to the experience. Slim B offered unique facts like the significance of the number 38. A couple interesting facts are that the Korean War was fought on 38th parallel north formed which formed the border between North and South Korea and coincidentally lasted exactly 38 months. He offered a detailed analysis of the sites around the city. Many people have seen the Washington Monument and renowned sites around the city of DC, however, not many people know the stories behind the history of this great city. Our e-term class now knows a lot that we previously wouldn't have. Thank you Slim B for entertaining and informing our class during the Moonlight Memorial Tour.

Spirit of Adventure E-term 2016: The Spirit of Cherokee

By Matthew Shaw

Today we ventured into something that was new for all of us. We all drove to the Cherokee Indian Reservation and had a museum tour and listened to a speaker talk about how the Cherokees have lived throughout the years. We learned that the diseases from Europe killed 95% of American Indian people in the Americas from 1500-1650. After we walked around the museum and saw a bunch of the different artifacts, we went into the woods to see how these were made. We walked through the forest where the Indians had little huts set up to show the skills they use each day. At the end of the tour they showed us how the houses were made, and explained up to twelve people lived and worked as one.

Afterward, we all then took a trip back to the museum where two Indians took us outside and then explained to us how arrowheads were made. He said that it could take up to twenty years to have the skills to be able to craft a knife from flint. Then they broke off little pieces of the flint and gave them to everyone and that’s when we all had the chance to try and make our own arrowheads which was a great experience. The last part of our trip involved learning some of the dances that they did for spiritual and social reasons. This was very fun for all of us because it got everyone involved and we all ended up singing, dancing, walking around the class and having fun. Learning the culture of these Indians was very interesting, and one of the best experiences I believe we have been through. I would love to go back there and learn more about how they lived everyday life.

Spirit of Adventure E-term 2016: Life Begins At The End Of Your Comfort Zone

By Micaela Reddick

Today we went white water rafting and it was so amazing. We went around ten in the morning and experienced fifty-degree cold water but nevertheless we enjoyed every minute of it. While water rafting we worked as a team by paddling together in order to keep the raft headed down the course. The water rafting was such a good bonding experience, I got the chance to bond with people who I never thought had the same interests as me. During the water rafting, it was so peaceful and quiet. The sound of the water flowing was very serene and relaxing.

I was a little nervous trying something so different. I have had such a wonderful experience with trying different activities that involve water and nature. I’ve felt safe with life jackets and/or a swimsuit that prevented bacteria or creatures from touching my body. I also have kept bug spray with me wherever I go. The nature and spiritual feeling during this E-term has taught me to let go and just enjoy life for what it is, which is beautiful. I recommend everyone taking this E-term and explore adventures out of your comfort zone.

Spirit of Adventure E-term 2016: Jesus Walked on Water - I Can't Stand on a Board

By Lacey Fralin

May 12, 2016 - On the third day of the Spirit of Adventure e-term, May 12th, we started our day with some outdoor yoga on the second floor patio. Personally, I participated in gymnastics from an early age and danced from age 8-18 years old. That experience made it easier for me to do some of the poses because yoga is a lot of flexibility and balance. After that, we walked to the World Methodist Museum where we learned about John Wesley’s childhood and life: the Wesley family belonged to The Church of England, John Wesley wrote a book called Natural Physick about his natural cures and John was 15th of Susannah Wesley’s 19 children whom she held to a strict regimen of rules that in the modern day would seem extreme.

This afternoon, we put on our swimsuits and plenty of sunscreen and got a lesson in paddle boarding. We paddled out on our knees and when we felt secure or comfortable enough, we could try standing up. I fell as soon as I attempted to stand. The people at the fitness center also brought out some white-water kayaks that we could use to go out on the lake. This little boat was much easier to maneuver and I liked it much better because I could go fast. I even started chasing a duck and was gaining on him. Photographers wanted pictures of young people having clean fun on the lake and I guess Ferrum students fit their advertising needs. Lake Junaluska is beautiful, let's help show it off.

Spirit of Adventure E-term 2016: The Waters of Friendship

By Kaitlin Yachem 

May 12, 2016 - Today was the first official day on our E-Term adventure. We woke up to a great breakfast made by the cooking staff of the Lambuth Inn. With smiling faces and full bellies, we ventured on to the terrace and did morning yoga. It was an amazing sight to see twenty trees on one porch. Once everyone was centered and stretched, we headed to the World Methodist Museum. This is the home to many artifacts from beginning to modern day Methodism. The museum mainly focuses on John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, and how his beliefs and life intertwined into the history of the Methodist religion. After we finished the museum scavenger hunt we headed back to the hotel to get changed for paddle boarding.

Paddle boarding and kayaking was an experience we will never forget, between the pet lake snake and learning how not fall off of the foam board they said was “stable”. For most of the class this was their first experience paddle boarding and kayaking. So, it was a great chance to live out our title, Spirit of Adventure, and have a spirit for adventure. We were told to find inspirational or motivational quotes for this week’s trip, and the one I came across fit this adventure. Since, for many these were new experiences, I believe this quote would come in handy when talking oneself into something both terrifyingly wonderful, “I do not regret the things I’ve done. I regret the things I didn’t do when I had the chance,” Unknown. Our class fully embraced this quote because everyone tried both paddle boarding and kayaking, without blinking an eye. After everyone ate dinner and rested from a long day in the sun, we gathered as a group and began to grow closer as friends. God has a unique way to bring people together, and our story began in the water.

The Spirit of Adventure E-term 2016: Rest Stop Detox

By Jessica Turner

Rest Stop Detox

Today in the Spirit of Adventure we traveled to Lake Junaluska for the first adventure of this Eterm. Lake Junaluska is a Methodist retreat center and is the gathering place for the Southeast Jurisdictional Conference for the Methodist Church, which meets every four years.  This morning we woke up bright and early to leave Ferrum College at 7am.  On the trip we stopped at a rest stop to stretch our legs.  Some people were throwing the football while others stood outside of the van and talked with each other.  Before we got back in the van we found a grassy patch where Dr. Hardwicke led us in our first yoga lesson.  I found this very relaxing because sitting in a cramped van for 4 hours can be very stressful.  Even though the van ride was long it was a good time to get to know some of the other people on the trip that I did not know as well.

Once we got to Lake Junaluska we had our first discussion on the reading we did last night.  We talked about the Methodist’s view of nature and what we thought about out of their beliefs.  Dr. Hardwicke asked us to summarize the reading and basically what we took away from this was that God created the world that we live in, so we need to do our part to take care of it.  This passage we read fit very well with our trip to Lake Junaluska because we are going to be in nature the whole trip.  We will be meditating in order to get in touch with ourselves and the world around us.  We were also asked to write journals to reflect on the day and our feelings.  We are all very excited to try paddle boarding, white water rafting, zip lining and visit the Cherokee reservation in days to come.

The Spirit of Adventure E-term 2016: Watch Out World

By Kelsey Moseley

Lake Junaluska, NC

As we took off this morning everyone was on edge because we didn’t know how the trip was going to go.  Our first stop was gas, which was a complete workout.  Dr. Hardwicke couldn’t find the gas tank on our shuttle so after sitting there for ten minutes we finally discovered it.  We found an AUX cord in the vehicle and jammed out the whole way here. We stopped for breakfast at McDonalds and then stopped again for lunch at Pizza Hut.  By this time we are all tired and ready to be at Lake Junaluska.  Finally around 3:00 we arrived at the lake and checked in.  We had some free time before our class meeting and review session so we spent it doing some meditation, walking around the lake, and reading.

Tonight after class meditation and dinner we took a walk around the trail that circles the lake.  We really can’t get over how pretty it is here and how quiet it is because some of us are used to trains and other loud noises.  We took a lot of pictures today.  During the three mile walk around the lake we saw some swans and geese.  The sun was setting and it was the most beautiful thing I think I have ever seen.  We are really excited about the rest of the week and what it might hold.

The Spirit of Adventure E-term 2016: A Walk in the Woods

By Sarah Hendrix

Dr. Hardwicke and Dr. Nicholson-Angle are the professors for the e-term The Spirit of Adventure.  Today’s class consisted of class lecture, outdoor activities and a nice walk around Adams Lake.  The classes focus is spiritual wellness, faith among various cultures and how the natural world impacts our spirituality.  The class will be leaving Wednesday, May 11, to head to Lake Junaluska for about a week.  Our first class was mainly informative discussing expectations and what will be occurring during the e-term.  Additionally, we discussed some history behind the spiritual connections of Ferrum College to Methodism. 

The hike that the Spirit of Adventure class went on today was led by Aaron Conover who is the Director of Ferrum Outdoors.  At the beginning he gave everyone a blindfold that they would need the whole time because some of the activities required it.  This also would mean that you would need a partner for some of the activities.  We were asked to walk through the woods blindfolded while guided by our partner.  There were trees, limbs, pinecones, etc. all on the ground, so we had to trust our partners enough and believe they would keep us safe.  Another activity required being blindfolded while your partner guided you to a tree and then the blindfolded person had to touch and feel the tree and the area that was around it.  After that the partner and the blindfolded person went back to the starting point where they could then take the blindfold off.  Then the person that was blindfolded had to go and find the tree their partner had picked for them.  A lot of people found their tree and that was because their senses were used to figure out what tree they had come in contact with.  The class really seemed to enjoy the activities and they trusted their partners, but they also used their senses, which will be needed all throughout the Spirit of Adventure e-term.

F-E-R-R-U-M

by Laken P., Panther Blogger

As I am caught in the bittersweet moment of my third and final year at Ferrum, I have truly realized how my short time here has greatly impacted my life as a whole. Facing the uncertainty of the future, along with the memories of the past has led me to think about what has made the past few years ones that I will never forget. A reflection of the life experiences I will take away with me at graduation can easily be broken into FERRUM -- a word that is more than just a school name but is also a major part of my life.

Family. There is a quote that reads, "Here's to the nights that turned into mornings, with the friends that turned into family."  Here at Ferrum College, the "Ferrum Family" isn't just a concept we tell potential students to sell them on our great school; it's an actual pure and raw state that can be felt from the first few weeks on campus and well into alumni status. The common bond of Panther Pride connects each of us, making Ferrum the tight-knit community that it is. Since I have been here, I have met so many wonderful people that make me wonder how I ever made it through the first part of my life without them. Whether it's my roommates, Greek family, club members, or study groups, the people I have met on this campus have truly become some of my closest friends. Every year, another graduation pulls some of us apart, but it is nice to know that we will always be a part of the Ferrum family and have each other to lean on for the rest of our lives.

E-term. One of the best experiences I have had not only at Ferrum, but in my whole life, was the opportunity to travel abroad with a Ferrum E-term (Experiential Term) class. I took an Environmental Science class where we traveled to Ireland to study the culture, heritage, landmarks, and natural history.  We flew into Dublin and spent time traveling around the entire country learning about the rich history of Ireland.  I learned more than I ever have in any other class because I was able to learn the material by visiting landmarks, meeting people from other countries, and experiencing life outside of America. Without this opportunity that Ferrum provided to take an E-term course, I probably would have never had a chance to visit and explore Ireland and Northern Ireland in the way that I did this past summer.  The class and trip are definitely something that I will talk about and treasure for the rest of my life as I hold close the memories of kissing the Blarney Stone, seeing Fungie the Dolphin, walking to the edge of the Cliffs of Moher, climbing the Giants Causeway, and feeding baby sheep - just to name a few!

Recruitment. I thoroughly enjoy being an Admissions Ambassador and Panther Blogger as they are both ways for me to personally connect with potential students long before they ever decide to make Ferrum their home. Sharing my stories and experiences allow me to open up and give potential students a glimpse of Ferrum that propels well beyond an official visit or a website of information.  One of the most important factors in choosing a school is finding a place you can call home, and I am honored that I am able to help future students make that decision. As an Admissions Ambassador, I have given countless campus tours, listened to personal stories and backgrounds, and answered any and all questions that arise. Watching a parent's eyes light up when they realize that their child has found a new home for the next few years is an experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. From athletic recruits, special guests, future students, and other special campus events, I gladly step up to tell everyone what makes this place so special. I sometimes have too much to say simply because I love this school and everything about it so much!

Responsibility. Everyone says a college is the time to truly discover yourself, learn what you are meant to do in life, and work hard to achieve your goals. When you pick a major, throw in extracurricular activities, meal times, hours of homework, athletic practices and time to sleep, sometimes it seems like you won't even make it through the day, much less the whole semester or year.  In my time here, I have learned that college is the place where the days drag on for what seems like forever, but the weeks and months fly by. It seems like only a few days ago that I was at home too excited to sleep because I knew I would be moving into my first dorm room the next day. Looking back on the short two years that I have been here, I cannot believe I am facing my senior year of college.  I opened my mailbox the other day to find an application for graduation; that's when it hit me that my undergraduate career is almost over. In the time since my first semester here, I have definitely noticed a change in the way I study, finish my homework, and schedule out my days ahead of time. I have used the skills and resources provided to me to work and ensure that I get a little better each semester. Responsibility is a skill that must be developed in each individual person, but Ferrum does an excellent job of helping guide students to their goals through Freshman Gateway courses, senior capstones, advisor meetings, and professional prep classes.

Unicorns. Of all my campus activities and organizations, my favorite is my sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon, whose international mascot is the unicorn. Being a sister of Ferrum's first national Greek organization has brought me some of my closest friends, helped me become a part of something so much bigger than myself, and allowed me constant opportunities to give back to the community. Within the sorority, I have found roommates, best friends, future bridesmaids, study partners, role models, and mentors all while being involved in something that has made me a better and well-rounded person. Delta Phi Epsilon chartered on Ferrum's campus in 2011 and has continued to grow each and every semester. Being a member of an international organization allows for the opportunity to network with alumni, find sisters all across the world, and work hard to raise funds for our philanthropies. We raise money and awareness for our official philanthropies, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) and Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), as well as to contribute to the campus and local community. I can't believe that I only have a semester and a half left on campus with my sisters and fellow unicorns, but I know that no matter where I am in the world, they will always be there loving and supporting me.

Mentor. I am involved in many clubs and organizations on campus, and I hold a leadership role in several of them. I am the Vice President of Academic Affairs for Delta Phi Epsilon, Secretary of the Minds-n-Medicine club, and a member of the Honors Advisory Council for the Boone Honors Program.  I also serve as a mentor for the Gateway seminar that freshmen take each fall. Through the opportunities that Ferrum has given me to step up and be a leader, I feel more confident going into the rest of my life with experience and knowledge. There are so many clubs and organizations on campus that allow students to be a member and/or student leader - there really is something for everyone. Becoming involved is one of the best ways to expand horizons, build resumes, and meet new people, and I'm so glad I have been able to take advantage of it all in my short time here!

Finding a Placement

by Rachel W., Panther Blogger

One of the best parts about earning a bachelor's degree in Social Work is that the opportunities after graduation are endless.  One of the most appealing things to me is that I can either start my career immediately after graduation or I can continue my education and earn a master's degree in Social Work.

I think that internships are a vital part of becoming a professional social worker.  The professors here at Ferrum College are amazing, but nothing can compare to the real life experience you earn from taking an internship. I am currently taking a professional preparation class where we talk about what we need to do after graduation and we try to find the best internship to meet our personal and professional needs.

Last semester, I lost a very close family member. Watching my loved one pass away was one of the hardest experiences of my life.  However, with the help of loving family members, wonderful friends, amazing nurses, and a devoted pastor, I learned that death can be a peaceful good-bye that leaves you with a sense of closure and relief.  Without the help of those around me, I would have never been able to experience such a sad life event and still come out with a positive mindset.  So, I wanted to know if there was a way I could help others through similar life events like this.

That's when I learned about Hospice from Professor West and Professor Bowling.  Hospice care is "a family-centered team approach that includes a doctor, nurse, social worker, counselor, chaplain, home health aide, and trained volunteers.  They work together focusing on the dying person's needs - physical, psychological, social and spiritual."

Me with Professors West (left) and Bowling (right)

At Ferrum College, we have what is called an Experiential Term, or E-Term.  This is a three-week class where you have opportunities to take internships, travel abroad, or even catch up on core classes.  I will be taking an E-Term class this May, and it will be an internship at a local Hospice agency.  I am so excited to experience the career first-hand.  I know that Hospice is something that takes a special person to do, and I am extremely thankful that I will have a "trial run" to see how things work and to see if this would be the right fit for me long-term.

Professor Bowling, the professor in charge of placements, takes a long time to make sure an agency is fully prepared and can provide each student with an educational and skill-developing experience.  She personally meets with those who will supervise students the agencies.  She makes sure that every placement is the best fit and that each student will get the most from this opportunity.

My goal with this internship is to go in with an open mind and find out if a career in Hospice care or something similar is right for me.  I'm excited that I have this opportunity and thankful that I am in a Social Work Program that takes no shortcuts in preparing students for their careers!