It’s inevitable — we’ve got ourselves one beautiful campus. Whether it’s the great outdoors, the modern architecture or the historic landmarks that occupy Bethel’s grounds that make you fall in love with the place, I’ve got a few of my own favorites that I’d like to share.

1. The Sand Creek Nature Trail 

Of course, the diverse and refreshing beauty of nature around Bethel is probably what inspires me most about campus. Sand Creek Trail offers a nicely mulched walking/running path with countless types of trees and plants along the way (not to mention the critters that scurry about close to sunrise and sunset!). The creek that the trail is named after enhances the aesthetic of the area and the rushing sound after a big rain is one of the best sounds in the world. I run this trail usually several times a week for cross-country practice, yet it never gets old.

Need a study break or a breath of fresh air? Go check out the trail! 🙂

2. The third floor of Mantz Library

Yes, all of the third floor is really cool. But have you ever been way back in the corners where people don’t usually go, even further than the study rooms and NY Times room? Above the MLA, there are comfy couches and chairs tucked away in a cozy reading corner complete with lamps that give off a warming glow that’s perfect for studying, relaxing and the occasional between-class library nap.

3. The chapel

I’m not sure if it’s the stained glass windows, the rustic history or the beautiful organ that makes the chapel such an inviting place, but whatever the case, it’s definitely a spot that everyone should visit. There’s something about seeing the sunlight shine on the Wednesday morning chapel speaker’s face that seems to give me a feeling of newness and light. The chapel is somewhere I know I can go in the middle of my busy week and feel refreshed by God’s presence.

4. Thresher National Disc Golf Course

I am somewhat of a noob at disc golf, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t love getting out on Bethel’s very on disc golf course for some exercise and fresh air. My boyfriend Eric introduced me to the sport last January and I haven’t been able to get enough of it since! We’ve got 9 holes on campus currently, and 9 more tee locations will be added soon. While walking around from hole to hole, you really get a broad view of Bethel’s campus and the beauty it has to offer.

5. The Green

Our blog is so aptly named after this wonderful location! 🙂 The Green is a place you can do a variety of activities. Play Ultimate Frisbee, study for a test and, if you’re feeling like it, you could even throw up a hammock on a nice evening and relax. The Green is the central hub of Bethel’s campus, and it offers a picturesque quality that is second to none.

Kiley

 

 

 

I know this is what everyone talks about at the beginning of the year. You all are probably tired of hearing about each other’s summers by now, but I’m going to go ahead and tell you about mine 🙂

This summer presented me with a lot of opportunities I never would have dreamed could be mine.

One of the most notable experiences was getting to research with one of my chemistry professors for six weeks over the summer. I was shocked at the opportunity because I was only a freshman when I got asked to participate. That just goes to show the amazing opportunities that Bethel offers to everyone — not just upperclassman.

I also got to be a counselor at Bethel’s Summer Science Institute. This was a great job opportunity to earn some extra cash, but also to get some leadership experience with counseling high schoolers. I was a little nervous because I’d never done anything like that before, but it turned out to be a highlight of my summer.

Another high point of summer was going on a camping trip over 4th of July weekend. I played lots of disc golf, ate some of the best barbecue I’d ever had and went to the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City. The best part was sleeping in a tent and “roughing it” out in nature 🙂

Oh, and I also went kayaking for the first time. LOVED IT.

 

I along with some of my fellow Student Government Association members attended a conference in early August where we had a blast and learned a multitude of information. The SGA website was on my to-do list this summer as well, and as frustrating as some design concepts were, I’m glad I put the work into it.

As you can see, it was an eventful some and one to remember for sure.

Now that I’m back at Bethel and enjoying every second of it, I am in the process of making lots more exciting experiences and good times.

Until next time,

Kiley

Coffee and art!

As much as I loved Mojo’s Coffee Bar before, now I’m completely in love. I’ve noticed recently that the baristas bringing me my coffee are putting some nice latte art atop my drinks.

Especially during this stressful week of finals, a cute little heart on top of my cup of liquid motivation is just what I need to be inspired and hit the books hard.

Thank you, Mojo’s, for your beautiful and tasty drinks!

-Kiley

As I’m sure many of you have noticed, our campus is full of color! It seemed to happen almost overnight. Or maybe it was over spring break. Either way, we suddenly went from dry, crunchy grass and bare trees to a vibrantly colored Green and lush bushes that are bursting with color.

 

I hadn’t really noticed this distinct change until I forced myself to. A painting project required me to do a nature study, and as I looked closely for subjects to recreate, the beauty of nature awestruck me. (Side note: Do not try to paint intricately detailed flowers. I speak from experience — it will be the death of you.)

 

I implore you to take a closer look at nature next time you’ve got a few extra minutes on your way to class or headed back from The Caf. You will be pleasantly surprised and maybe even inspired.

 

 

-Ki

Despite popular belief, being a vegetarian IS 100% possible. It has its challenges and setbacks for sure, but for me, the benefits outweigh the consequences.

With that being said, it is significantly harder being meat-free in college than it is while living at home.  Being a vegetarian is a choice, and it is not for everybody. For my fellow herbivores, or for those possibly considering this dietary lifestyle, here are a few tips for going veg in college:

Keep food/snacks in your room. While The Caf does a fine job providing meat-free options at meals, you will most likely get hungry between meals and at night due to a lack of protein. One of my go-to options is a healthy granola bar. These are quick and can be eaten on the way to class or before practice. Try to look for ones with at least 4 grams of protein to fill you up. Peanut butter is also a great protein-packed snack.

“HOW DO YOU GET YOUR PROTEIN???” This is the question that vegetarians get asked on a daily basis. There are lots of good answers to this question. When someone asks me this, I like to politely and informatively let them know that there are several wonderful protein options other than meat. Peanut butter (one of my faves), walnuts, almonds, Greek yogurt, milk, cheese, beans and tofu are all fantastic protein sources — and that’s only to list a few.

Protein supplements. These are especially important for athletes who are not eating meat. I know I am usually ravenously hungry after practice, so if dinner didn’t quite fill me up, I’ll make a quick protein shake to ensure my muscles are getting the adequate nutrients for proper recovery. After all, protein is essential for building muscle as well as giving you enough energy to power through your workouts. Try to pick out a protein powder that meets your protein needs as well as other specialized dietary needs (carbs, vitamins, calories, etc.). I’m currently using Cellucor Whey Cookies n’ Cream protein powder.

Eat wholesome, nutritious foods. It is so very tempting to just eat French fries and cheese pizza in lieu of meat, especially in The Caf or when going out to eat with friends. While these foods are all right to eat in moderation, be sure to get some good stuff in your belly, too. Throw in a salad a few days a week to your lunch, or go for a PB&J sandwich on whole wheat bread instead of that bag of Doritos.

I am also a huge advocate of organic and local foods. Yes, it’s more expensive to eat naturally and support local farmers but it pays off in so many ways.

Stay healthy, Threshers!

And don’t litter.

-Ki