What are the odds that the day before former President George W. Bush is scheduled to speak on campus, he finds himself at the center of attention for hanging out with Ellen at a football game.

The transition from high school to college was already difficult enough. Now try adding in the fact that I’d never even seen alcohol in-person before I came to Chapman.

Nine times out of 10, I will revert back to my comfortable place: Monica and Rachel’s apartment. Yes, I am one of the many out there who constantly goes back to watching “Friends,” even though there are about a million other titles to choose from. 

I don’t want to discredit and discourage those who are giving up straws – it’s a worthy gesture that no doubt has a positive impact on the environment. My concern is that people will think that small change is enough to make a difference. 

I’ve heard it all over the years, from people saying, “You would be so pretty if you smiled more,” and “I thought you were mean until I got to know you” to almost getting fired because my boss thought I didn’t look chipper enough while dusting coffee mugs.

The threat of midterms and major project deadlines are beginning to loom over Chapman’s 78 acre-wide campus. Everyone is slowly starting to panic and we all know that anxiety’s favorite hobby is complaining. 

There’s one thing I hate about Orange that hasn’t changed since I got here: getting around. Going from point A to point B. Parking. Anything that includes movement throughout the city of Orange is an absolute pain and I’m tired of it.

Two-hundred and fifty dollars. That’s how much money I was spending on coffee every month, totaling up to $3,000 a year.

For all the things my height brought me, I love it. For all the times I felt big, unlovable, uncomfortable, I love it for teaching me how to be strong.