Looking back on my last two years at The College of Idaho, I feel a lot of gratitude.  Not only do we have a beautiful, active, friendly campus, we also have an incredibly safe campus.  Never once have I felt threatened or scared, or remotely in danger, which is pretty unbelievable considering I’m skipping through what is considered the city of Caldwell. But really, The College of Idaho has done a wonderful job in putting up some seemingly magic, invisible walls which protect the campus from all sorts of funky danger stuff.

In studying Elementary Education, I learn many different classroom strategies and management styles.  However, one thing that stands out to me is a method called Tribes, in which students learn in a classroom that focuses on human growth and learning, with an emphasis on creating a positive learning community.

Thinking back to this time last year I was knee deep in college applications and school work. If you are a student currently in this position you might be asking yourself; is this worth it? I certainly did. The answer (well, specifically my answer) is yes. Yes it is.

Advice to all of you incoming freshman: the more time you spend now finding scholarships, filling out applications, etc. is that much less stress in college. So do it! Acknowledge that you have to endure the rain to get a rainbow and that it will definitively pay off in the end.

I’m not sure if it’s because of the desserts in the Caf or the working heater in my dorm room, but I am stoked to be back at school for Winter Term.  I feel like I’m not the only one – the mood around campus seems cheerful and optimistic as students walk to class with new school supplies in tow and hug it out after being away from each other for three weeks. The holiday season was just what we needed to feel rejuvenated after a long fall term.