Showing posts with label Laken. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Laken. Show all posts

Friday, January 30, 2015

The "G" Word

by Laken P., Panther Blogger

"You get a strange feeling when you're about to leave a place...like you'll not only miss the people you love, but you'll miss the person you are now at this time and this place, because you'll never be this way ever again."  - Azar Nafisi

Three and a half weeks into my last semester of undergrad, I can feel the unmentionable "G word" start to creep up on me.  Graduation.  It's something that my friends and I have chosen not to think or talk about as each day that passes is one day closer to walking across the stage and saying goodbye to everything we have come to know and love in the past few years.  We are all excited to begin the next chapters of our lives, but at the same time, the feeling hits us that we will never have these moments again.  Each big event becomes our last one, and the reality that our time is growing short gets a little stronger each and every day.  We got up for classes one morning only to realize it was our last first day of school.  I started my last sorority recruitment realizing that I will not be involved with the next class of girls come in.  The list of lasts continues to build, and the bittersweet truth is that in just fourteen weeks, I will be calling myself an alumna of Ferrum College.

This past week, I got my first graduate school acceptance letter!  I was excited to receive my letter since that is what I came to school for in the first place.  I came to Ferrum with the hopes of working hard, earning good grades, and that when it was all over, I would be ready to move on to the next step of my educational journey.  What I got out of Ferrum, however, was so much more than that.  I never imagined that I would grow so attached to people or a place in just three years, but now that graduation is nearly here, I can't imagine not living out the indescribable experience that Ferrum gave me.

I will be leaving this place as a person who has grown so much in the short time that I have been here.  I came to school not knowing a single person, and I am leaving with best friends that I will never know how I was able to make it the first 18 years of my life without.  I am leaving with professor mentors who I know will always be there for me if I need them, even if it is years down the road.  Above all else, I am leaving with stories and memories that will last for the rest of my life.  If anything, I can only hope that the legacy I leave behind at Ferrum is even half the size of the one it has left in me.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

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!

Friday, March 14, 2014

Huge Success for Lady Panthers Basketball!

by Laken P., Panther Blogger

One of the best experiences I have had at Ferrum was this past weekend cheering on the women's basketball team during the USA South Conference tournament. This year, the #1 seed happened to be the reigning champions, our very own Ferrum Panthers!  Games started Thursday afternoon and finished with the Conference Championship on Saturday afternoon, in which Ferrum took down Maryville.  The gym was filled with students, parents, faculty, and fans of each of the teams competing in the tournament with hopes that they would be the new champion.  At the end of the tournament:  a Conference title, championship rings, and a berth to the NCAA tournament.  The Panthers dominated the 2013-2014 seasons winning both the regular season and tournament championships and placing several girls on the All-Conference basketball team.


Standing on the sideline and cheering on the girls had no paralleled match in my cheerleading career here at Ferrum. The look on the faces of the girls, coaches, and fans with 2:00 minutes on the clock -  the moment of realization that victory was ours - was a priceless moment.  I will never forget leading the crowd into championship cheers and supporting the girls in their crowning moments. After the game was finished and the pictures had been taken, seeing the girls cut down the net was also an experience I will never forget.


Not only was last weekend a celebration for all Panther fans, but it was also the beginning of something bigger.  Ferrum not only won the USA South women's basketball championship, but they also won the bid to host the first two rounds of the NCAA regional tournament games.  Capital University, Christopher Newport University, and Eastern Mennonite University traveled to Ferrum for the games.  After hosting the regional tournament games, the women received Ferrum's first-ever NCAA tournament win!!

Unfortunately, we lost to CNU in the second round game, but the women can hold their heads high knowing that they have such a successful season behind them. For the seniors, they will be greatly missed and never forgotten as Ferrum completed a 3-pete of Conference Champions.  They made it to the NCAA tournament the last 3 years, won their first game this year, and had several players reach the 1,000 point mark this season.

Women's basketball tends to be one of the most popular sports at Ferrum, and one trip to a game can easily show why.  I have truly been honored and enjoyed cheering on the sideline for these girls and cannot wait to see what they accomplish in the upcoming seasons. Being a cheerleader gives the ultimate vantage point at games. We are right next to the action, we get to watch the fans interact, and we get to see the moments of pure joy and excitement as the women's basketball team continues to dominate the court. It is an experience that I wouldn't trade for anything.  Go Panthers!

Monday, February 24, 2014

Snowpocalypse!

by Laken P., Panther Blogger

There is nothing that quite matches the level of excitement college students get at the words "SNOW DAY."  No, seriously - our actions and state of mind are probably equivalent to that of a five-year-old.  The inner child comes out in everyone as soon as the emails hit our inboxes and the texts light up our phones.

The spring semester has been known for its abundance of compressed schedules as the cold weather and snowy storms make it harder for students and professors to get to class on time, but "snow days" (when classes are completely canceled) are a rarity that students truly enjoy. 

There is something special about getting to act like a child and not have to worry about waking up for class the next day.  This past weekend came to students in the form of a four-day break as a foot and a half of snow brought the "Snowpocalypse" to Ferrum.

As the snow began to get deeper, our eyes became brighter as students jumped on the chance to go sledding, build snowmen, and hurl snowballs at each other.  There was even a snowman-building contest on campus sponsored by the school.  Since the weather brought the largest snowstorm many students had ever seen, everyone made sure to enjoy it as much as possible.

Once all the fun was over and the snow had melted away, we still had the memories of our 2 a.m. sledding adventures as we looked forward to our next strain of wintery weather.  Trudging all the way across campus in snow up to my knees just to take advantage of the biggest hills sounds like a crazy idea, but it will always be considered one of my favorite Ferrum memories.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

The Important Things

by Laken P., Panther Blogger

As the semester goes on, pages and pages of papers are typed, hours are spent studying for exams, sleep is hard to come by, and stress is evident on the faces of nearly everyone. Through all of the academic struggle we endure during the thirteen weeks that make up a semester, it is easy to forget about having fun.  We try so hard to earn every point, make the highest grades we can, and boost our resume in every way possible that the other college experiences are sometimes pushed aside.  As I am over halfway done with my short time in Ferrum, I can look back and say that perhaps the most important lesson I have learned so far cannot be found in any textbook or lecture - it must be experienced.  The best advice I could give to an incoming student is to learn this lesson quickly and value it the entire time you are here.

Halloween!
College is about getting an education and preparing yourself for the rest of your life, but academics is not the only important thing.  How many people can look back and say that they remember the grade they got on one of their mid-terms during their freshman year of college?  Now ask those same people about attending a formal, staying up all night laughing with your best friends, or going to eat at 3 a.m. because you just had to have a milkshake - their memory will be much clearer.  The friends we make and the memories we share will be what we carry with us for the rest of our lives. Don't get me wrong, the diploma hanging on the wall is key to your future, but what does it mean without some funny stories to share along the way?

Bid Day
The Great Fratsby

The amount of time that we are given in college is entirely too short, and before you know it, graduation will only be a few days away.  While it is easy to wish away all of the 8 a.m. classes after the 4 a.m. bedtimes from doing homework, losing these things also means losing the things that make college so special:  getting to live independently and surrounded by all of the people and events that will stay with you forever.


Friends in the Honors Program

Snowball!
This semester was definitely my hardest one to date, but at the same time, I also had some of the best times.  From attending Cirque Musica with the Honors Program to the Snowball, the Great Fratsby Celebration, holding events with the other Greeks on campus and going to Walmart at 2 a.m. to stock up on half-price Halloween candy, I have definitely learned to take in the experience as a whole. The push to have a 4.0 GPA is ideal, but it is not everything.  If you don't balance academics and fun and if you miss out on all that Ferrum and life have to offer, you will definitely regret it later on in life no matter how good your grades may be.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Happy Birthday, Ferrum!!

by Laken P., Panther Blogger

Homecoming is always one of the most magical times of the year, but this year happened to be extra special. Not only was it Homecoming weekend last weekend, but it was also Ferrum College's big Centennial celebration!  Not many students get to say that they went to a school as it turned 100 years old, so this Homecoming was made to be one that will always be a special part of Ferrum's history.  When looking back at the history of Ferrum, it is easy to see what great progress and advancement a century has brought along.  From a small Junior College founded in 1913 to the beautiful and close-knit family that is Ferrum College today, the school has seen a large change in academics, enrollment, athletics, and student life outside the classroom. 

The spirit of Ferrum's growth and the promise of the future inspired this Homecoming celebration to be one that I will never forget. Panther Pride definitely rang true in every heart across campus as alumni, family, and friends all joined to not only watch the Black Hats on the field, but also celebrate a place that holds a large part of their heart.

The activities on campus included a parade and fireworks, cookouts and a large tailgate, concerts, poster-decorating, dedications and initiations, dress-up days, the crowning of the Homecoming Court, and of course every Panther's favorite occasion:  a Ferrum win!

Friday night kicked off the celebration with a BBQ dinner and a parade.  All of the clubs and student organizations took place in the parade, along with distinguished alumni and outside community groups. All of the student organizations had the opportunity to design and create a banner to enter into the contest, and each of the banners were carried in the parade to display all of the designs.  Once the parade was complete, there were several concerts ranging from local cover bands to a hip hop violinist. After the concerts, the night concluded with a big fireworks show over the lake!


Day two of the Centennial Celebration brought the Homecoming game.  The morning started with the Panther Tracks 5k run to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. After the run, the tailgate began in Bassett Field. Food, family, and fun were the center of the tailgate as many students, sports, and clubs gathered to prepare to cheer on the Black Hats. There were also several alumni games hosted by various sports teams. At 12:30 p.m., a time capsule was sealed and buried to be opened at Ferrum's Sesquicentennial at the Homecoming Game in 2063.  The capsule included a photograph of current students, faculty, and staff, a donated National Championship Football ring, and several other items that hold a special place in the heart of the Ferrum family.  After the ceremonies ended, it was time for the real center of the weekend to begin - Ferrum football!  The Panthers pulled out a win in an exciting finish to beat the Pride of Greensboro, 31 - 21!


It was such an experience to see so many past Panthers gathered in once place to cheer on the current students and athletes in celebration of the Centennial.  I had the honor of meeting the Sports Hall of Fame inductees and the members of the National Championship football teams, all of whom still say that they will always call Ferrum home. The memories of this weekend have been in the making for 100 years, and it was definitely an indescribable experience to be able to cheer on the sidelines of such a meaningful game!  I will never forget the importance, remembrance, and celebration of this weekend as I think of all the Panthers before me and look forward to those who will come after.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Not Self, But Others

by Laken P., Panther Blogger

This summer, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Remote Area Medical Clinic at the Bristol Motor Speedway.  The event is used to provide free dental, physical, and eye care to people in rural areas who have little or no health insurance.  After working in patient registration and blood pathology for the weekend, I not only helped thousands of people receive free healthcare, but I also came out with a changed outlook on life.

The Ferrum College motto is "Not Self, But Others."  I saw this exact philosophy put into action when doctors, dentists, nurses, technicians, office workers, and average people came together from all across the country to donate a few days of their time and services to help others. As I worked the front registration tables, I witnessed thousands of people camp out in their cars and tents for days to attend the clinic. For some of the attendees, the clinic is the only form of healthcare that they will receive all year.  I thought about how frustrated and aggravated I get when I have to sit in the doctor's office waiting room for longer than I want to be there, and I realized that I really am fortunate that I am even able to go to the doctor at all.


By giving up a weekend of my time and contributing some of the skills I have learned in Ferrum's pre-med curriculum, I was able to do my part to help in a significant way. Knowing that a few thousand people were able to get their teeth cleaned, receive a new pair of free eye-wear, or get a thorough physical from a doctor was one of the most indescribable feelings I have ever had. Volunteering at the clinic helped put life into perspective and gave me the extra push to realize beyond any doubt that becoming a doctor is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

At Ferrum College, the curriculum is designed to not only help you reach your career goals but help shape you into a better, well-rounded person who is able to become involved in the community. By working at the clinic and witnessing a smile on the face of someone who is sick and hurting, I truly say that "Not Self, But Others" comes to life. Sure, I had to wake up at 4 a.m. and work extremely long days while sitting out in the cold rain, but I was not there for myself. I was working at the clinic to put others first and use the opportunities I have been given to help the less fortunate.

Not only is the education at Ferrum one of the best you can get, but sometime during your time there, you will see that not only do you grow academically, but you also grow as a person. Community service and helping others will no longer be something you have to do; it will be something you want to do.  I can't wait until next year's clinic, and I plan to make volunteering an annual tradition for me, even after I have a medical degree added to my name!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Lobbyist for a Day

by Laken P., Panther Blogger

The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) is money awarded to Virginia residents who attend a private college in Virginia. The grant was created with the purpose of keeping students' education in the Commonwealth while offsetting the cost between private and public schools. This year, the governor has created a proposal to raise the VTAG amount, allowing students of Ferrum and other private colleges in Virginia to attend at a cheaper cost. The money is a free grant that students do not have to pay back, making the decision to attend Ferrum a little easier financially.

On January 28, I traveled to the state capital in Richmond with the Ferrum Financial Aid Office. We took a trip to visit with state senators and delegates to deliver thank-you letters for support of the VTAG program. The week before we went, students took a few minutes to write a short note to the representatives of their home district to thank them for working to keep the program in action. The goal behind the notes is to show that students are truly appreciative of the grant, and would like the government officials to keep the program in mind when they are voting on the upcoming budget.

 
While on the trip, we got to act as true lobbyists for our cause while experiencing the state government on a personal level. We personally visited several of the state's key legislators, which was an experience that I truly enjoyed. I have always been interested in how the government works, so having the chance to not only see it in person but also help current and future Ferrum students was an opportunity that I was very thankful to receive.


Not only was the trip educational, but I also enjoyed the opportunity to get away from campus for a couple of days. I love being at Ferrum, but sometimes it is nice just to take a break and get away for a few days.  Shopping at Short Pump and eating at the Cheesecake Factory was a well-appreciated break from class and homework. I had a great time on my trip, and I hope that because of our efforts, legislators will fight to not only keep the VTAG in act but also increase the amount to help students in the future.

Monday, December 17, 2012

It's All Coming Down to This

by Laken P., Panther Blogger

After thirteen weeks of hard work, sleepless nights, memories I will never forget, and new faces that I now proudly call my friends, it is time to say that I survived my first semester of college. At the beginning of last week, the only thing that stood in my way of a trip back home to spend my favorite time of year with my friends and family was the ever-dreaded finals week. Final exams only bring on the inevitable:  nights with little to no sleep, hours of time spent in the library, caffeine, junk food and an incomprehensible amount of stress.  The pressure skyrockets as students often realize that everything they have worked for over the past semester rests in the fate of this one week. While I have spent the last few days in the library with limited contact to the outside world and a seemingly endless supply of chips, candy, and Starbucks, I have come to realize that while finals are important, they are not the defining moment of a college career.  There are many other activities and events going on throughout campus that not only help eliminate some of the stress of finals, but they also become the nights that we will never forget.




On December 7th, Ferrum hosted the annual semi-formal Snowball dance at a hotel in Roanoke. This year's theme was "Everything is Better in the Dark," and there were glow sticks and black lights everywhere. The dance was a chance for students to trade in the struggles and stress of college life for a chance to get out and have fun. I enjoyed being able to dress up, go out to eat, take pictures, and dance with my friends. It was almost like getting to relive the high school prom experience, in a little less formal setting. I know planning has already started for next year's dance, and I can't wait to make it one of my FC traditions.



Another big escape on campus is all of the Christmas-themed events. Every aspect of the Christmas spirit can be found somewhere on campus through tacky sweater parties, gift exchanges, coloring Christmas cards to send to children in the hospital, making ornaments, caroling and Christmas-themed dinners in the Caf.  Dorm rooms are decorated with lights, garland, and ribbons while small trees glow through the room windows, showing that just a few more weeks to go until the most wonderful time of the year.



I often say to myself that I wish writing papers for class were near as easy as writing my blog posts. I get so excited to tell everyone all of the great things that make Ferrum so special, and before I know it, the page is nearly filled. Even though I have only been on this campus for a few months, I have already met so many wonderful students, professors, and advisors who are willing to do whatever they can to ensure that I succeed. From eating everything in sight to try to use up all of our dining dollars, dressing up for Snowball, sitting in the library studying and writing papers, driving to the gas station just to make milkshakes in the machine, and attending Christmas parties with various clubs and organizations, I can honestly say that I wouldn't trade any moment of my Ferrum experience.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

by Laken P., Panther Blogger

Fall has always been a favorite season of mine for many reasons, but since experiencing it in true Ferrum fashion, it is clear that it seems to be a favorite of almost everyone. There is always something to do on campus and the location of campus makes it a prime example of the beauty in God’s work.

Fall brings one of the most anticipated events on campus: Fall Break. Between all of my extra-curricular activities and honors classes, the stress of adjusting to college life can sometimes be overwhelming. I was very appreciative for the break where I was able to go back home for a few days. Getting the opportunity to see family, friends, pets, and eat at hometown restaurants on top of having a break from classes was more than welcomed. I enjoyed being home for a few days, but at the same time I missed my new friends that I have grown close to in my first two months on campus. Now that Fall Break is over, it is time to get back into the middle of all the beauty and activity that Ferrum has to offer this time of year.

Being a student athlete and a sports fan, fall is the perfect season for me. Football is in its prime, meaning that there is plenty of school spirit radiating across the campus nearly every weekend. While our boys are continuing on in search of a championship, the rest of the fall sports are wrapping up their seasons and making their way to playoff games. The winter sports teams are beginning to practice and prepare for the upcoming season, which is sure to bring continuous success to the athletic department this year.

Cheerleading pumkin-carving contest!

Not only are athletics in full swing, but so are the fall-themed activities. From the pumpkin carving contests to the Halloween parties and costume events, these days are very busy with scheduled campus events. Take a glance into a student planner and you will quickly find that the falling leaves are not the only sign that the fall season has arrived. There are so many events, seminars, and games to choose from that boredom is simply not possible in the upcoming weeks.

It is hard to believe that the semester is more than half over already. I can now successfully say that I survived my first midterm week, and however hard it is to believe, I am 1/10th of the way through with my undergraduate career! Time is flying by, but I am loving every minute of it. Ferrum has definitely grown on me, and the fall backdrop has only increased my love and Panther Pride.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

My First College Homecoming

by Laken P., Panther Blogger

Cheering on the sidelines for my first college Homecoming game is a feeling I will never forget. Between the pre-game tailgates, the spirit of the fans, and the joy of defeat, I was easily reminded of how much I love Ferrum. I enjoy being able to be on the field to cheer on our boys, keep the fans involved in the game, and “wow” the crowd with our pyramids and tumbling. The experience of a college football game is not one that can merely be described; it must be experienced.

Any given weekend this time of year is an opportune time to enjoy the full atmosphere of college football, but no game is as magical as Homecoming. Saturday afternoons are all about Ferrum pride, and on Homecoming weekend, the heart of the Black and Gold radiated across campus. Perhaps it is the anxiousness of the crowning of Homecoming Court and the collection of alumni sprinkled throughout the stands; maybe it’s the beauty of the mountains and autumn colors that surround the football field. Regardless of the factors that make it so special, Homecoming never fails to be the biggest game of the season. 

Not only will it forever hold a special place in my heart because it was my first college Homecoming, but it was also the biggest victory of the season! The Ferrum Panthers defeated the North Carolina Wesleyan Bishops with a final score of 51-35. In a game that began with a rough start, the Panthers were able to press on and reach a victory in a huge conference match-up. Winning the game has helped propel the Black Hats to be ranked as one of the top teams in the USA South Conference.


Because the Panthers were so successful in their pursuit of a win, the bookstore backed up the team with their tradition of “Pigskin Payoff.” Every Monday after a game, the bookstore will give students 5% off Panther merchandise for every touchdown that is scored up to 25%! Because the football players were so dominant on the field Saturday, we all received 25% off of some already great deals!

The big win at Homecoming got both the players and fans seeking more. The Ferrum Black Hats football team has three more conference games to close out the regular season. If you get the chance to schedule a visit, come support Ferrum as we move our way toward a conference championship. Let’s Go Panthers, Panthers Let’s Go!