Laura

My cross cultural experience:

I went to Swizerland and Italy for my cross cultural. The Cross Cultural program is one of the main reasons I decided to attend EMU, and it was totally worth it. During our cross cultural I was able to emerse myself in a culture similar to America’s, yet so different. I had the opportunity to travel for two weeks with 3 other friends. These two weeks were two of the most amazing weeks as we tried to figure out train schedules, book hostels, and see places I have dreamed of visiting. During the course of the semester, I was in 9 countries ranging from Northern Ireland to Greece. These were three of the most educational and fun months of my college experience. My experience in Europe has made me want to travel around the world!

My favorite intramural season:

There are so many fun intramurals here at EMU, but my favorite are floor hockey and volleyball. Floor hockey is so much fun because few people are actually hockey players. So games are competitive but on a more equal scale. I love paying under the lights with the brisk fall air! Volleyball is another favorite intramural sport! I played Varsity volleyball in high school but decided not to play here at EMU because of time. So intramurals is a fun way to continue playing volleyball competively without the practices.

Intramurals is a great way to get involved here at EMU. It has helped me to connect with many different people in a more relaxed, fun atmostphere. The team spirit shown in intramurals is so fun! Teams will often make team shirts or wear crazy outfits to games as each team seeks to win the prized Intramural Champions T-shirt!

My favorite residence hall:

MAPLEWOOD! I lived in the Woods my first two years at EMU and absolutely LOVED it! The Woods really creates a sense of community among the dorms. With 3 dorms all in a close area, there is almost always something going on whether it is kickball in the Quad (the grassy area in between the 3 dorms), snow football, frisbee, or people hanging out in between classes.

My favorite campus activity:

I love the CAC sponsored Barn Dances that are held every Fall and Spring. Holding true to the true Mennonite characteristics, I am not a good dancer. So the barn dance is a fun place to let loose and be crazy because no one really knows what they are doing. Plus, with a caller telling you every step you are supposed to do, it makes dancing easy. The barn dances are also just a great time to spend with friends and people you don’t know.

My favorite reason to get off campus:

Sometimes it is so refreshing to get off campus and away from my normal setting. It’s always fun to go out to eat with some friends, or go out to Kline’s for some amazing ice cream. I also love going on little road trips to with friends to Charlottesville or Baltimore for a different atmosphere than Harrisonburg. Then, when coming back to campus, it feels so good to be back!