Autumn Train Ride

Christina Tataryn, Western University

Creative Corner, Entry

Youth Camp in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Kathryn Cehrs, Iowa State

Life As a Vet Student, Entry

My most random job occurred in the summer of 2012. I lifeguarded for a week at an Armenian Orthodox Youth Camp in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California (Hye Camp). This might not seem unusual except that I am not Armenian, related to any Armenians, or in a relationship with an Armenian. I was one of 4 people in the camp who did not have dark hair. It was an odd feeling being the only non-Armenian in a camp with over 100 people. I felt very ignorant at first. I wasn’t even sure if Armenia was an independent nation (it is) or a region in a different country (not). I had a vague idea where the country was located (near Turkey), but I couldn’t find it on a map.

Despite being the odd one out in the camp, I had a great opportunity to learn about another culture. The Armenians are fiercely proud of their heritage, something I am not familiar with as my heritage is mixed and far removed from Europe. As a whole, they are very highly educated and high achievers. And their food is fantastic, even though my tongue hurt a little from the amount of lemon and garlic. They had backgammon tournaments, a history hour, cooking and dancing lessons along with the more typical summer camp activities. I spent most of my time down at the waterfront on the job, but still had time to participate in a lot of the activities. My favorite was the traditional Armenian dancing. It was a ton of fun and involved fast music and a lot of fancy footwork.

Overall it was a great experience and I learned a lot: about their culture, and also how to relate to people I knew little about.

 

Life as a fourth year isn't all that bad...

Andrew Martin, Illinois

Creative Corner, Entry

Mt. Baker sunset, July 31, 2014

"Slick"

Gabrielle Woo, Cornell

Creative Corner, Entry

Underwater In Grand Cayman

Eric Littman, Tufts

Creative Corner, Entry

Sun Anemone, Macabuca Reef, Grand Cayman White Speckled Hermit Crab and Mustard Hill Coral, Seven Mile Beach, Grand CaymanPeacock Flounder, Sunset Reef, Grand Cayman