'Tis the Season to Pull an All Nighter

It's the most wonderful time of the year. The weather is beginning to change, ordering a hot drink at Starbucks becomes the norm again, decorations take over your environment, your roommate finally let's you listen to Christmas music, and break is right around the corner! In the midst of all this Christmas joy, Hope students are faced with the impending doom of finals. So, here is a little bit of advice from two of our greatest professors about balancing out studying and spending some quality time with good friends.

Professor Sirvent

"For a much needed break, take advantage of Sonic Happy Hour from 2:00-5:00. And make sure to buy a cherry limeade for that friend or classmate who's having an even worse week than you.

Professor Hewitt

"Finals week is not only the end of you academic semester, it's the last week you have to connect with all your friends before break. Some of the best bonding can happen when you're studying together or taking a study break together.

Recently, I watched "Finally," the the finals week episode from the television show FELICITY, which was on air while I was an undergraduate at HIU. I didn't watch the show then, of course since we didn't have a television in our dorm room. So, here I was watching it for the first time--fourteen years after my freshman year in college--and I felt such a sense of nostalgia for that time in my life even though, truthfully, I'd rather not do it all over again. Felicity is a good student, and most of the episode takes place in the library where she and her friends are busy reviewing, stressing and studying. (As an English professor, I love the moment where Ben tries to figure out the meaning of "Ode to A Nightingale" by John Keats.) Felicity is worried about doing well on her exams, but she is also anxious to know if things are going to work out with he guy she's interested in.

I can recall a similar finals week for me. It was during my junior year. After finishing my last exam, I walked into my dorm, dropped my books on the couch, and heard the phone ring (no cell phones then). It was the guy I had a huge crush on at the time. He was heading home for Christmas break that night, but he wanted to get coffee with me before he left. Three years later, I married him."

Although it is extremely important to prepare yourself for finals, don't forget to give yourself a break. Enjoy the season and know that Christmas is right around the corner. I hope the advice and stories that Professor Hewitt and Professor Sirvent shared can inspire you to end with a bang!

Fall Preview Day

This Thursday, Hope will be holding it's annual Fall Preview Day. I always get so excited for preview days because this event was a day that helped me discover that Hope was the university I was going to attend. It was at a preview day where I truly experienced what Hope had to offer. I was instantily welcomed onto the campus and into the community. I had the opportunity to sit in on classes and was encouraged to participate. Not only was I greeted at chapel, but I was prayed over by students and faculty around me. Fall Preview Day was a game-changing event for me. Don't miss out!

Risky Business

(Video: Michael Slider)

I am completely aware that Halloween has gone and passed, but this story is just too good not to share! It all started with a little friendly competition between our student activities team and the professors here at Hope. Our school puts on a carnival type event each year for local families on Halloween night called Happy House. This event always calls for a lot of volunteers and more importantly, a ton of candy! Student Activities goal was to have 1,000 pounds of candy donated for Happy House. With only four more days till Halloween, the goal had still not been reached. After receiving a little help from faculty and students, the goal was finally reached in time. It's safe to say that the students were more than excited to see some of their favorite professors dressed up!

P.S. Happy House was a complete success. Thanks SA and other volunteers for all of your hard work!

Being the Hands and Feet

When coming to Hope, one of the greatest struggles I faced was finding an outlet where I could serve. Like most students, I procrastinated finding a home church and an organization to serve in. Little did I know, there are so many opportunities in the Fullerton area. Here is a list of local organizations to get involved in!

1. Solidarity: Solidarity's mission statement says, "Solidarity exists to glorify God by empowering believers to be dynamic followers of Christ, whose lifestyles marked by love will impact communities towards holistic transformation." Solidarity many focuses on low income communities and offers a safe place for kids and teens to receive help with homework and connect with volunteers. What makes Solidarity unique is that as much as volunteers pursue to develop relationships with the community, they are also encouraged to deepen their relationship with Christ. In a nutshell, Solidarity is about loving your neighbor. To learn more about this organization or to volunteer, visit www.solidarityrising.org/






2. YoungLife: YoungLife is an organization that is committed to providing leaders who's main focus is building relationship and sharing the Gospel with the youth. The three main clubs or small groups that I would encourage college students to look into is YoungLife(High school students), WyldLife(Junior high students), and Capernaum(Students with disabilities). To get involved or learn more about YoungLife, go to www.younglife.org/us.



3. Pathways of Hope: "Pathways Of Hope has been providing food, transitional living and support and prevention services to the hungry, homeless and less advantaged through assistance of local congregations, volunteers, businesses and grants from foundations and government agencies."Pathways of Hope seeks to provide and care for those who are homeless and struggling economically. To learn more, donate, or to volunteer, go to http://www.fies.us/.

4. Maple Elementary: First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton has adopted Maple Elementary, an at risk school in South Fullerton. Tutors are need for as  little as one hour a week. Not only Does Fullerton Eve Free Tutor at Maple Elementary, but they also hold an annual Thanksgiving dinner feast on Thanksgiving Day. Volunteers and donations are also needed for this event. Instead of hanging out on campus, spend Thanksgiving day serving a community in need. To learn more about serving through Fullerton Eve Free Church, go to http://www.evfreefullerton.com/grow/localoutreach_opps.html. 






Happy House: Looking for something to do on Halloween? Our Happy House team needs all the help they can get this Wednesday! The theme is the Superhero Factory! The Happy House team will be working from 5am till midnight. Be sure to stop by and help out or donate some candy! If you are available to volunteer, contact Michele Kleeman at makleeman@hiu.edu.  



I wish to encourage you all  in finding a way to serve in the Hope and Fullerton community. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I hope that this list of local organizations will be helpful in your search for servanthood! 

HIU NSO

 One of the best parts of a new year starting at Hope is the anticipation of New Student Orientation. Hope's awesome Student Activities team works hard to create events to welcome new incoming students for an entire week. Some of the great events put on this year were Humans vs. Zombies, Clash n' Bowl, Graffiti Party, Speed Friending, a drive in movie, and Waves and Worship. Thanks Student Activities for making our first week so much fun!

First Impressions

Carley (right) and I (left) working an event at Hope!

Let's go back a year or so to where this journey at Hope began. As a senior in high school I just assumed I would go to college with my best friends. That was the only logical plan in my mind. As the time to start applying got closer, I started seeking advice from my mentor and youth pastor. This is when I learned about Hope. I looked into the school online, liked what I saw and decided to apply. It wasn't long before I was accepted and granted a scholarship. At that moment I thought to myself, "I have never even seen this campus!"

Soon after, I signed up for Spring Preview Day, which is an event put on by admissions for interested students. We were given the opportunity to take a campus tour and sit in on classes and chapel.

I remember the first time I realized that Hope was the school for me. I was sitting in on a chapel and the speaker asked for the people around us to pray over us. I remember my parents and I were isolated, so they decided to pray over me themselves. As my parents prayed, I became emotionally and spiritually overwhelmed. I knew that God wanted me at Hope. From that day on, things moved extremely fast. Within a month I had my classes for first semester and my new roommates picked out.

Leaving the comfort of my best friends wasn't easy. Moving out wasn't easy. Going to a university where I didn't know anyone wasn't easy. But God provided like He always does. My freshman year was amazing. I was blessed with incredible roommates and new friends. I was also blessed with an on campus job. I was plugged into the community on campus quickly. Hope became my new home.
Now it's the beginning of my sophomore year and things are only getting better. I'm officially an English major, I still have amazing roommates and friends, I'm in an incredible small group, I'm the Senator of Housing on ASB, and I am still working on campus.

My name is Jessie and I made this blog to encourage incoming students and give them a glimpse of what  my life at Hope looks like.

Hope's ASB team of 2012

Some of Hope's incredible admissions team!