Month: December 2021

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‘Twas the Week Before Finals

Dead week means different things for different people. Some students just have a few finals to study for, while others are scrambling to finish final projects and essays. Though finals still loom ahead, we made it through dead week, and classes are officially over. 

Online finals are becoming the new normal, but some in-person finals are back. Celeste Douglas, a sophomore from Texas, gave her study tips and habits for finals week.

“I really didn’t have finals last year cause COVID,” she explained. She said in many ways, she still feels like a freshman. However, she knows what study techniques work best for her.

“I like to make flashcards, and then I try to at least have a few study sessions with friends in classes, and then reviewing notes and rewriting my notes in colors.”

Celeste’s best study tip is to make your own study guides. She also likes to make sure she takes breaks between studying for each class.

“I’ll just take thirty minutes and go for a walk or go to the gym or eat some ice cream.”

Rewarding and taking care of yourself are important parts of a successful finals week.

Though not everyone is going home for the entire break, the prospect of going home after this week is the light at the end of the tunnel for many students. 

“I definitely miss my family and my animals, and I’m ready to see my best friend from back home,” Celeste said.

Whether the semester has flown by or dragged slowly, we have almost reached the end. Merry finals to all, and to all a good break!

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Football > Finals

When OU’s football team faced the drama of losing a head coach and several key players right after a bedlam loss, finals seemed like a welcome distraction. Now that dead week is here, however, football has sparked new excitement and new hope to boost campus morale. On Sunday night, the new head coach of the football team, Brent Venables, arrived in Norman by plane. Bright and early Monday morning, the university hosted a press conference to welcome Coach Venables. Students were invited, and those who were lucky enough to escape the dead week responsibilities of class, projects, and studying were able to witness the exciting event.

Clayton Chiariello spoke with me about the event.

“It started off really really slow,” he admitted. However, when the band started to play, the energy in the room grew. 

“It started getting crazy, and they showed this video of Bob Stoops…then the new coach walked in, and everyone went crazy.”

Bob Stoops may not have been there in person, but quarterback Caleb Williams was, which is very encouraging to those who have been worrying that he, too, might decide to end his time at the University of Oklahoma. The loss of Lincoln Riley was one thing, but losing players and commits was also disheartening. 

Clayton said losing wide receiver Jadon Haselwood hurt the most. 

However, Coach Venables came prepared to usher in some much-needed joy just in time for the holidays.

“He shot a little cannon of confetti,” Clayton described. “And then the fire went off.”

Yes, flames shot out of the stage to welcome the new coach. We can always count on OU football for dramatic theatrics. 

Clayton is confident that Coach Venables is qualified for the position.

“Nine years with Oklahoma, three national championships, eight championship appearances,” Clayton listed. “Never had a losing season as defensive coordinator.” 

Clayton described the “people first” mentality that Venables discussed in his speech.

Still, Clayton acknowledged the transition.

“He’s going to create a different culture.”

The OU team has long been known for their offense, but Venables is expected to bring an emphasis on defense. 

However, as Clayton pointed out, “he has a lot of alumni backing him.”

Hopefully this, along with the support of Bob Stoops, will help ease the transition. 

“[Bob Stoops has been] pivotal in helping everyone maintain confidence in the team,” Clayton said. Now the torch has officially been passed. With the Stoops stamp of approval, the University of Oklahoma is proud to welcome Brent Venables back into the Sooner family.

Photo Credit: Clayton Chiariello

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Kaitlyn at Cross

An important part of the freshman housing experience is made possible by resident assistants. As my peers and I are beginning to look at housing options for our sophomore year, many are choosing to apply for positions as RAs. Today I talked to Kaitlyn Reichenberger, my RA for freshman year. 

Kaitlyn is a sophomore from Dallas, Texas. Her life on campus includes studying psychology, organizing Campus Activities Council’s Film Series, and working as an RA in Cross. As with many students, becoming an RA was a good option for Kaitlyn to pay for housing.

“I was working as a room and board student,” Kaitlyn explained, recounting her freshman experience. “I worked in Headington Hall, and I hated it.”

Becoming an RA was a better option than working a scheduled job in housing and food. 

Kaitlyn’s interactions with her RA as a freshman also contributed to her decision. 

“I had a good relationship with my RA,” she said. “I learned how to do my job and not be up in everyone’s business.”

Katilyn felt equipped for the position thanks to some of her other freshman experiences as well.

“Just dealing with a lot of issues,” she said. “My roommate complained to me, and I would be like, ‘oh, you should do this’.”

The position matches up with her personality, too.

A self-described “helper”, Katilyn loves her role as an RA.

“I take care of people. I’m a big sister. My siblings, I’m like their mother, and it’s fun to have that here too.”

Kaitlyn is happy living without a roommate. She likes having her own space. The people on our floor make her job more enjoyable as well.

“Our floor is the calmest floor in Cross,” she reported.

One downside to the job is dealing with parents. 

“I get calls at the desk all the time from parents.”

Sometimes this is over things as small as a mom worrying that it’s already eleven o’clock in the morning and her son still hasn’t texted her back.

“Either that or having to deal with loud people,” Kaitlyn added. Luckily that does not happen too often on our floor. 

Another fulfilling part of the job is the connections Kaitlyn has made with other RAs.

“There’s some people in Cross staff that I have a great relationship with…it’s nice having friends that you work with.”

The girls on Cross 4A are definitely lucky to have such a friendly upperclassman looking out for us!