Hello all. Here is my first blog for Bethel. I am not sure how this is going to go, so here is the warning now. Let’s start with the logistics.

Name: Brooke Powers

Classification: Senior

Major: Dual in Athletic Training and Natural Sciences (emphasis in Biology)

Minor: Chemistry

Hometown: Too many places, I grew up military, but for the time being, let’s say Wamego, Kansas.

Athletics: Not anymore. I played softball for two years here at Bethel.

Music: Heck no, I am awful.

Now that the boring stuff is out the way, I will tell you the fun stuff. I grew up military, as I said before, which was the best thing ever. I mean I lived in Germany! I got to go to Disneyland Paris, hit the Alps, see too many castles to count, and so much more. I talk far too much (ask anyone who knows me). I am a serious book fanatic. I am the weirdo who loves the smell of libraries. I also am a sports fanatic (hint: this is why I like Athletic Training so much). My favorite teams are K-State, Notre Dame, the Green Bay Packers, and the KC Royals. I also follow NASCAR and am a fan of Dale Jr. (Yes, all they do is take another left turn, yet I still love it.) I got to go on an interterm trip this past January to Costa Rica. That was so much fun! I had the best group of people and the best professor. I will blog about that trip in a different post. This post is strictly for introductions. Let’s see — my favorite color is purple, my favorite meal is spaghetti, and my favorite saying is “God Bless America.”

Hope this has helped you get to know me a bit more and I hope this makes you want to read more. Although, I totally understand if you don’t. I mean, hey, I don’t know that much and don’t have that good of stories. I am only 22.

Talk to you soon, my new loyal followers.     — Brooke

(in the back of the cart, with the long hair)

Positivity amid the cold weather

Let’s be honest — I think everyone is tired of this cold weather.  Who wouldn’t like to be outside in 75 degree weather wearing shorts and sandals right now?  I know I sure wouldn’t mind.  Whether we like it or not though, this Kansas weather is beyond the realm of our control.  From the bone-chilling morning temperatures that bring snow to the warm sun that shines five minutes later, our best bet is to accept it and try not to let the weather bring us down.

I’ll be the first to admit that I do enjoy change.  New semesters that bring different classes, a haircut, or even a change to the background picture on my phone give me a new, fresh feeling.  Why not look at the weather the same way?  After all, not everyone here at Bethel comes from an area where he or she can indulge in the luxury of four seasons a year (or sometimes a day).  As someone who likes change, I’m always ready for a new season to arrive.  Back in October, I couldn’t wait for the snow to come, just for a change of scenery.  It was something new and exciting that I hadn’t seen in a year.  So even though I wake up in the morning and dread walking to class in the freezing temperature, I can rest assured knowing that spring is well on its way.  It will surely come in its due time, just like winter did.

By the time next fall rolls around, I’ll be wishing the snow was back on the ground again.  So instead of being bitter about the even more bitter temperatures, let’s enjoy the rest of the winter season while we can.  That way, when the leaves on the trees do decide to come back, we will enjoy the fresh smell of spring and the mornings we can finally go out without coats that much more.  –Kiley Varney