Now, I’ve had a cold on and off for the past two months or so, and they were manageable. However, this past Friday, I threw up and had a fever all day-yet I still forced myself to go to my classes.

Bugs are always going around during this time of year, and missing classes because of it can be tough. I didn’t miss class, but if I did, I would’ve not had the chance to take my French exam or gotten the full schedule of my Music Theory I/Ear Training final.

Stress can play a part in one getting sick, so I recommend getting plenty of sleep (time management goes with that too-do important stuff earlier and get it done earlier, so you can go to bed earlier. Therefore, less stress. Yay!) . Vitamin C tablets are great as well, since they can help ward off colds. Eating regularly can help as well.

Keeping yourself as healthy as possible is an important thing-that way, one can finish tasks with more energy and success, and one can enjoy their free time not coughing up phlegm or burning up with a fever!

Since Gonzaga is a Jesuit university, there’s a University Ministry office in Crosby (you know, that one building with a statue of Bing Crosby in front of it…). If you came on a tour, you probably heard the phrase “God is between coffee and money,” due to the fact that the University Ministry office is between the Crosby Cafe and our branch of U.S. Bank!

Retreats are big here. They’re a great way to get away from campus and you meet new people! I loved retreats at my high school; in fact, I attended 5 retreats and led 4 retreats during my 4 years in high school. I always kept hearing about the ever-popular Freshmen Retreats held several times during the school year, so why not sign up and find out how retreats are done at the college level?

This past Halloween weekend, I boarded a bus with around 35 other fellow freshmen and headed to Bozarth Mansion, a real mansion that Gonzaga bought years ago and converted into a retreat and conference center.

A big element that makes retreats here highly enjoyable is secrecy. I had no idea what would happen on the retreat or what I would learn from others. So, unfortunately, I can’t reveal specifics about the actual retreat. You’ll have to find out when you go on the retreat yourself. 🙂

I met a lot of fun people on this retreat. Some were people I was already friends with, others were classmates that I didn’t know very well, and others I’ve glimpsed around campus from time to time. I was surprised at how we all bonded, especially during our free times during the retreat. I loved how everyone was making an effort to interact with each other and learn more about everyone’s stories, likes, fears, and other cool things. As a result, we all went on a Facebook friending spree and traded numbers!

If you do decide to come to Gonzaga, SIGN UP FOR ONE!!! Making new friends in college may be a scary thing to think about, but there’s many opportunities to meet new people. The Freshman Retreat is a great one to start with. And hey, I might even lead it! 😀 I plan on applying in the spring.

Heather, Class of 2015
English and Music Education double-major

Hello there! My name’s Heather, and I’m one of the student bloggers for Gonzaga University.

I’m a freshman from Walla Walla, WA, so I’m pretty familiar with certain aspects of Spokane, such as its *ahem* LOVELY weather and stores that I’ve only heard of. Coming from a small Catholic high school, it feels strange to not know everyone’s name! However, Gonzaga certainly feels like home to me.

I’m planning on double-majoring in English and Music Education, and I’m also planning on acquiring my teacher certification, so I have a lot on my plate! Along with that, I’m also in the Women’s Chorus, La Raza Latina, and RHA (Residence Hall Association). It’s a little difficult to squeeze in practice time for my violin, but time management is everything in college!

I’m hoping that many of you are considering Gonzaga. I love it here! Keep your options and minds open, and make careful decisions! It feels like a long time ago, but I remember being in your shoes just a year ago: hurrying to finish applications for scholarships, racing to finish the Common App, reading up on programs in different schools, visiting different campuses… Just a few words of advice, however.

• Write everything down, especially deadlines. Trust me, it helps.
• Don’t leave applications to the last minute. Procrastination is never good…
• Research research research! I found out about great scholarships after their deadlines had passed…

Once again, I hope you are considering Gonzaga!

Heather, Class of 2015
English and Music Education double-major