Course takes first-year on hunt for microinvertebrates

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natalie sportelliEarlier this week, my Biology 211 Lab group took a trip to two local stream outlets to collect samples of aquatic microinvertebrates.

Wading knee-deep in streams in nearby forests was a great change of scenery from working at lab tables. The class seemed to enjoy being able to get out in nature and examine firsthand the different species of organisms we have been studying in class.

Vera House, located in Syracuse, is an organization that dedicates its resources to helping women affected by domestic and sexual abuse. I was proud to support the White Ribbon Campaign, a fundraiser put on by the Sorella Society, Beta Theta Pi, the Network, Advocates, and SORT.

This annual event features a speaker from Vera House who discusses the good the organization does for women in the community. I am always happy to see Colgate reach out to international charities as well as give back to local programs, especially ones like Vera House.

With only a few weeks left in the semester, students are feeling the pressure of putting their best effort into the final stretch of classes. It is hard to believe that I am beginning to receive my last assignments for papers and final exam information.

This semester has really flown by, and I am so surprised by how quickly my first year at Colgate has gone. As I enter into the last few weeks as a first-year, I am planning on working hard to finish the semester off strong.

Already knowing my classes and housing for next year, I am going into the summer worry-free and filled with anticipation for my sophomore year.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Colgate Day last Friday! The campus came to life with students, faculty, and visiting alumni showing their Raiders pride all day long. I really enjoyed hearing President Herbst’s dialogue with Sir Richard Branson; I thought it was great that a group of students danced to welcome our speaker and that the on-campus rap group Swagged Up Squad performed its hit single, Colgate, for the audience. Do not forget to celebrate the next Colgate Day, coming up in July.

Today, Colgate’s annual Spring Party Weekend begins with a much-anticipated concert featuring Avicii. Students are very excited to see this internationally known, chart-topping, performer take the stage in the Sanford Field House tonight. I wish all Colgate students an enjoyable Spring Party Weekend!

Look every Friday for my blog entries about what is going on at Colgate.