A Summer to Remember

Hello Everyone! 

It has not been too long since I last posted on the blog, but I thought I would go ahead and start off the 2013-2014 school year with a post about my very wonderful and memorable summer.

My summer began with my internship at Envision Charlotte in the middle of uptown Charlotte.  The scariest part of starting my internship wasn’t the fact that I was going to be somewhere new or working with “high-up” people – It was the realization that I would be driving myself to the middle of a metropolitan city during rush hour when I did not have much previous driving experience.  Fortunately, after a few days on the job I got more confident with my driving (traffic was not as bad as I had imagined it would be), and I could make it to my internship site’s parking deck with minimal honking from the vehicles around me.

My internship was phenomenal since I worked so closely with both Envision Charlotte (whose focus is sustainability within Charlotte companies) and Charlotte Center City Partners (who organizes and facilitates numerous events in the community).  With Envision Charlotte, I worked closely with the air quality program and visited the big buildings in the uptown area to look at their standby diesel generators.  Let’s just say, I got to see a lot of basements during my 6 week internship.  I also attended numerous board meetings, socials, community events, and lunches during my internship as well as a scavenger hunt in “South End” during my last week.  It was simply amazing to become so connected and familiar with the city of Charlotte, and it was an experience I will never forget.

Board Meeting

View from my internship building (Can you spot the Panther's Stadium?)

In the middle of the summer, I was chosen to attend the U. S. Women in Nuclear (WIN) National Conference in Chicago, IL at the end of July.  While attending the conference I learned A TON about the nuclear energy industry and how it relates to sustainability and the world’s future energy resources.  I shook so many hands and spoke to dozens of the most prominent individuals within the energy industry, including William D. Magwood, the commissioner of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Bill Fox, the Senior Vice President and Project Director of the new V.C. Summer Nuclear Power Plant in South Carolina.  I built friendships with fellow engineering students from across the county and made numerous connections with individuals within the nuclear industry which I hope to use as I look for careers in the future.

Had to try some Deep Dish Pizza

On top of the Willis (Sears) Tower

Roommates!

My awesome mentor and I

Now I am back at UNC Charlotte, and my first week of classes is over.  I am working as an Engineering Teaching Assistant and a residence hall Eco-Rep, so I know I will be keeping busy throughout the semester.  It is wonderful to be back in the Queen City and to see all of my classmates and roommates again.  Christie and I even celebrated our return to campus with a rainy day bike ride on the Greenway.

Muddy after a great bike ride!

A memorable summer has come to an end, and I am looking forward to all of the new and exciting things my Sophomore year has in store for me.

Talk to you all later!

- Kaitlyn

Sweet Summertime!

Hello everyone!

I hope everyone’s having a fantastic summer…I know I have been. It’s been super busy, filled with work, conferences, and various adventures. I guess since I gave that little tidbit, I can fill you in on some more…

For the first part of my summer, I barely had a break, and after a few days of moving my massive amounts of belongings home, I was actually back on campus, leaving on a bus to Gardner Webb for a ‘leadership institute’ called LeaderShape. LeaderShape has been hosted by UNC Charlotte for over thirteen years now, and is probably one of the most awesome experiences I’ve ever had. Little did I know, complete strangers would soon become some of my great friends that will always give constant support, kindness, and friendship.  

I was sent to LeaderShape because of my position as Homecoming Co-Chair. Other organizations and groups like CAB, Student Government, Greek Life, UTOP, and more also sponsor students after an application process. I arrived and was paired with a random roommate, and assigned to a high-rise style dorm where we could all get close and personal. (Something I never even experienced before due to my freshman year in Witherspoon!) Every morning bright and early until late at night, we all got to participate in different activities within our ‘family clusters’ to which we had been assigned, small random groups, and the large group as a whole. These activities created our LeaderShape family, instilled trust, and helped everyone solidify dreams and goals that could be supported throughout this community. Throughout the week I was able to participate in Venture activities, games, panels and even intense talks. It was a wonderful time to grow as a person and helped me realize how much more I wanted and was capable to do in life! Everyone should have to opportunity to go to this awesome institution. 

My awesome family cluster and our facilitator...go Anti-Gravity!

My sisters that were also selected to attend LeaderShape with me!

After getting back from LeaderShape, I started my usual lifeguarding job. However, it was time for my birthday present that I ‘received’ in March to be put to use. What is that present you may ask? Skydiving! Talk about the ultimate thrill. Falling through the air at 120 miles per hour was crazy, and actually felt like I was floating…not that rollercoaster-stomach-falling-gasp-gulp-drop that you would expect! Below are some awesome pictures!

Don't lie, you know you love my new hat.

Simply awesome.

Now back to working…I work waterfront, which is nice because I spend my day in the sun and with kids on the lake. I enjoy it! In the back of my mind though, every day, is MY SUMMER TRIP! For my next adventure, I will be traveling to Cape Town, South Africa, to work in a educational facility in the community called “Where the Rainbows Meet”. It’s a place where students of all ages can get all kinds of education, whether it be in language, basic school, sports, or my forte, computers. I’m very excited to share my knowledge of IT and help young adults build up resumes that can help them be more involved in their communities…it will be a great experience.

I just received my rooming assignment a week ago, and I will be living in a house that hosts volunteers often. I will be staying with three other girls who are also volunteering or interning through Project’s Abroad. We are in the valley of  Table Top Mountain National Park, about ten minutes from the beach, and twenty from the center of Cape Town. I have attempted to start packing, but it’s difficult to remember it will be winter when I arrive! Unlike my shorts I wear everyday here, I actually have to pack my winter boots and long sleeves!

Where I will be in less than a month!

So that is my summer thus far. Away from the crazy and bustling school life, and more into the relaxing working side, it can sometimes get mundane. However, I always try to look for adventure in even the smallest moments. Because after all, what is life but one big adventure? Remember…

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear…” –Eleanor Roosevelt

XOXO, Elizabeth

Happy summer! 

Getting Ready for Adventure!

Hi Everyone!

I just registered for my senior year of classes. Whoa.

I’M SO EXCITED!! It’s coming so fast and I’m going to miss everyone but I am more than excited to officially be called Nurse Caroline Brewer, RN BSN!

I hope everyone is doing wonderful! This semester has been the wildest by far but I wanted to stop by and update everyone a little with what’s been going on in life. Nursing school is tough but well worth all the work and will only a couple more weeks of school left this semester, I’m going to make it!

Ronald McDonald House is going strong. We have a meal coming up next week and Kevin, Alex, and I are all working hard to get it organized. Kevin is in charge of the menu (I’m trying to relinquish my control because like I mentioned, I’m graduating soon) and I am very happy with it so far. I really enjoy serving these people and spending time with the other Levine Scholars. If you’re looking for a great organization to work with in the community, check out your local Ronald McDonald House. They really do great things for the sick children and their families and it’s a fun service activity. Oh, and go get a Shamrock Shake at McDonalds. Proceeds from the shake go back to you local House. I think that’s a pretty good excuse to get a milkshake!

So my summer is about to be INSANE. I’m planning on spending a great deal of time abroad this summer and you guessed it, I’M EXCITED! And a little nervous…but mostly excited. In June, I am heading to Jerusalem with other Levine Scholars to work on the faculty-led Mount Zion Dig project. Basically, we are spending two weeks at an archeological dig site and exploring Israel. I’ll post the link so you can check it out. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to go to such a historic location and immerse myself in it for two solid weeks. Jerusalem is a critical part of what I personally believe in and I feel so blessed to get to go. Plus, I’m going with my Levine family so I get to share it with other people who I care about.

http://edabroad.uncc.edu/programs/europe/mt-zion-jerusalem-excavation

But this is not the craziest thing I’m doing this summer…

When I leave Jerusalem, I’m going here…

Yep, that’s Mongolia. Yes I said Mongolia. The country between Russia and Asia that many people don’t know anything about except that there was some not so great guy named Genghis Khan who reigned there. Well that’s where I’m going. I will spend 4 weeks working with the local midwives there. Now I know what you’re thinking because I get this a lot and no I’m not going to be living in a ger (the little white nomadic huts in the Gobi Desert). I will be living with a host family in the capital city of Ulaan Baatar. No, I don’t know any of the local language (Mongolian) because it sounds like a smash up of Chinese and Russian and there is no way I would learn that before I left.

Mongolian Ger

See what I mean about the language...AHHH!

I chose Mongolia because of my passion for pregnancy and birth. I won’t go into it, but I have worked in an American hospital, an out of hospital unmedicated birth center, and I wanted to go somewhere that the culture of birth is very different so I could actually learn something new. So here I go to Mongolia.  It took some convincing to get everyone on board with me going here, but I have only heard wonderful things about the people and the country. I will be taking a ridiculous amount of pictures to share with everyone.

I think this about wraps up what’s going on in my life lately. It’s about Easter time and I just bought my Easter hat to wear to our family lunch. My grandmother and I wear the hats every year as part of our tradition. So I’m heading home in a few days to relax and recoup to finish these last couple of weeks. My pooch is still great and handsome and brings me great joy. Oh and I’m very excited that our new class of scholars is starting to form! I can’t wait to meet you all!!! 

Max says bye bye!

Trust me, I'm an Engineering Major

Hello Readers!

My Halloween Costume this year.
Women Engineers, "We Can Do It!"

 

 

My name is Kaitlyn Chapman and I am a freshman Levine Scholar at UNC Charlotte.  I am a Civil Engineering major in the William States Lee College of Engineering here on campus, and I have a hard time imagining myself anywhere else.   Because of my engineering major, I am bound to be pretty straightforward with you throughout this post (Bear with me!).  When I applied to UNC Charlotte, I had a difficult time convincing myself that I would actually enjoy the engineering program here.  Most of my friends were looking into science, math, and engineering majors at other more large and well-known universities across the state and country.  

 One of my favorite T-Shirts on campus!  Notice "Niner" highlighted within the word "Engineer."  

GO FORTY NINERS!

When I was accepted as a Levine Scholar, I barely knew anything about the achievements of and research opportunities in the college of engineering at UNC Charlotte.  Making my final decision between UNC Charlotte and another well-known engineering school was extremely difficult for me (just ask my family or any of my high school friends), but it all came down to looking at which college would offer me better opportunities for the future.  The Levine Scholars Program works very closely with faculty and staff throughout the entire university including the college of engineering.  With connections like these, I knew I would be able to get involved and thrive here at UNC Charlotte.

My first semester as an engineering major has been both fun and challenging (as it should be).  It is a great feeling to be able to walk around campus and tell people “I’m an engineering major,” and have them look at you like you are a celebrity or something (especially since there is not that many women in the engineering department in the first place).  Being an engineering major at any university involves a lot of projects, homework, studying, and math classes, but if it is something you really enjoy and are passionate about, you will be able to persevere through it all and do well.

My first engineering project as a student at UNC Charlotte.  Isn't it beautiful?

Testing out my beam design for the second engineering project.  Of course it was safe...

It turns out the engineering program at UNC Charlotte is growing and becoming more popular at a shocking pace.  Within the past year, construction was finished on one of the newest buildings on campus – EPIC (The Energy Production & Infrastructure Center).  EPIC contains some of the newest engineering technologies that can be used by students to have a better understanding of the energy industry throughout the globe.  UNC Charlotte’s goal is to use EPIC and other new campus facilities to train its engineering majors to become some of the most talented and knowledgeable graduates in the energy industry so they can move on to work in leading engineering firms across the world.  While environmentalism, sustainability, and energy are some of my biggest passions, UNC Charlotte also contains one of the best Motor Sports Engineering Programs in the country since we are so close to the Charlotte Motor Speedway and NASCAR has been so influential here.  Overall, the engineering program at UNC Charlotte offers many great opportunities and resources to its students, and I know I made the right decision by choosing to come here.  Trust me, I’m an engineering major.

If you have any questions about the William States Lee College of Engineering at UNC Charlotte, feel free to look through the college’s website: www.coe.uncc.edu

 A beautiful picture of the EPIC (Energy Production & Infrastructure Center) building!  My engineering class this semester actually meets in the ground floor here.

Until next time,

Kaitlyn Chapman

Levine Scholar Class of 2016

PS:  And since you asked for it, here are some more pictures!

Fellow Levine Scholar roommate and suitemate!

Exercising with all of my suitemates!

Levine Women's Intramural Flag Football Division Champions!

My roommate Christie and I being our normal, crazy, nerdy selves!

Making Philanthropy...Fun-lanthropy

Anyone who knows me, and, well, probably people who don’t even know me that well, know I love helping: helping kids, adults, animals, the less fortunate…the list goes on an on.  It’s the reason I docked hundreds of hours in high school at the Humane Society and hosted blood drives, and the reason that I continue my love of helping others even today. 

One of my favorite parts of being both a Levine Scholar as well as being Greek is the ample opportunities I have to help out locally and in the greater Charlotte community as well.  The Levine Scholars Program not only gets involved with James Martin Middle School and Ronald McDonald House, but groups of scholars also organize events on weekends together to help out in various different ways.  As for my Greek organization, Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi), our nationally philanthropy has been Ronald McDonald House since 1979.  To raise money we annually hold barbeques, pie-a-pi (just as it sounds, it’s very messy!), pop tab wars, and other fun events. However, one of the most exciting things is to get involved in other Greek organization’s philanthropies.  It makes raising money and supporting organizations more than just visits and donations, but a big event where you can meet people, a competition (by the way, I’m SUPER competitive…Koehler’s don’t lose), and a fun way to learn about other philanthropies while being involved for a great cause.

Getting pied in the face to raise money for Ronald McDonald House!

One of my talented sisters singing at our annual Boot Scootin' BBQ!

My big sister and I putting on our scary masks and makeup for our Haunted House with Chi Phi Fraternity.

A pageant I competed in last year through Sigma Alpha Epsilon to raise money for their cause, Relay for Life. 

Outside of one of my favorite places in the world, the Ronald McDonald House!

I was fortunate enough to be involved with multiple different events this year, and had a blast with all of them.  The first that Alpha Delta Pi competed in was Watermelon Bust, hosted by Lambda Chi Alpha to raise money and cans for the North American Food Drive.  Normally, as the name suggests, all of the events throughout the day involve watermelon: a watermelon eating contest, a wheelbarrow drive while pushing watermelons, a Miss Watermelon pageant, a watermelon toss…you get the point.  However, due to the competition being held late this year and frosts going rampant through South Carolina…dun dun dun…we had to use PUMPKINS.  Needless to say, it was a lot of fun, and Alpha Delta Pi won first! Whoo!

Alpha Delta Pi winning first at Lambda Chi Alpha's Watermelon Bust whoo hoo!

The winning painted melon (that we called a mini watermelon) I painted! 

Another event I got to participate in was Sigma Phi Epsilon’s “Costume Carve”.  It was right before Halloween, and each team was given a pumpkin that they were able to carve and/or paint. Donations and cans brought to the event were brought to Second Harvest Food Bank.  I loved this event for a few reasons: I love to paint and carve, and not only did ADPi win best pumpkin overall, but a group with some of the other Levine Scholars won a side award as well!  It’s always great to see Greeks mesh with other organizations.

ADPi starting on our winning pumpkin!

Bethany, Chloe, and Anna and their prize winning pumpkin too!

Finally, the most recent event I was involved with was with another Alpha Delta Pi chapter at Chapel Hill.  My big sorority sister's blood sister is the philanthropy chair for ADPi at UNC (so she's like my sorority 'twin'!) and was hosting a huge 5K to benefit the Ronald McDonald House called the Ron-A-Thon.  The run went through campus and had a great turnout, lots of goodies and snacks for the runners, and was a lot of fun.  I'm so happy I got to see how events at other schools are ran and got to help raise money for a place very near and dear to my heart! 

My whole big and little sister and me with the banner advertising the Ron-A-Thon!

From haunted houses, pageants, auctions, competitions and other fundraisers, being at Charlotte, being a Levine Scholar, and being Greek provides ample opportunities for me to continue being involved in my community and with my UNC Charlotte peers!

XOXO

Elizabeth (and Spike)