Senior’s Thoughts of Xavier’s Mission Thursday, Dec 3 2009 

The senior I interviewed was my mentor Kristen. As I asked her what she thought of Xavier’s mission, she responded  with: “It’s  great for St. Katharine to dedicate her life to others.” For Xavier University to encourage its students to help promote a safe and just society within their community is wonderful.  Xavier encourages its students to help the New Orleans community through the good education that is provided along with the responsibility that is learned throughout a Xavierite’s collegiate journey. Attending Xavier University is an opportunity within itself. It encourages personal growth. I think St. Katharine Drexel would be pleased with Xavier University’s academic success. Xavier’s alumni has created the great reputation Xavier has today. Considering the present doctors that have graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana, this college has attained academic excellence.

My Appreciation for Mrs. Jones Tuesday, Dec 1 2009 

Dear Mrs. Jones,

My freshmen seminar teacher asked us to choose a teacher that we appreciate most and tell them how much we are thankful for them, so I’m choosing you. I always wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you but I didn’t want you to think I was kissing up lol. But in all seriousness, you are the best math teacher I’ve had thus far. And it’s crazy because you’re the only African American math teacher I’ve had thus far. I love your teaching methods, your enthusiasm you show to the class, and the respect and consideration you have for your students. I respect and admire you a lot. I hope that one day I could be as intelligent and kind- hearted as you. You are the first African American woman I’ve met that has their bachelors and masters in math. Being in your class as taught me a lot outside of math. It has taught me responsibility, confidence, and difference ways of analyzing things. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the teacher that you are. If schools had math teachers like you, this world would be a better place. And everything I’m saying is in full honesty. So thanks again for all of your dedication and hard work. I look forward to being in your class again next semester.

Would St. Katharine Drexel Be Pleased with the Present Status of Xavier University? Tuesday, Dec 1 2009 

Katharine Drexel was born in 1858 in Philadelphia to her parents Frances Anthony and Hannah Langstroth Drexel. Katharine is what most consider very fortunate due to her being born into a wealthy family. However, Katharine’s family would be considered unfortunate as well due to them experiencing tragic and grief when Katharine’s mother died shortly after giving birth. Because her father, Francis,was not only left with the responsibility of raising a new born child on his own, but also his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, he felt the need to remarry. He felt as if remarrying would lighten his responsibility as both a parent and provider. He remarried to Emma Bouvier three years later after his late wife’s passing.  Francis was now the father of three daughters due to Emma giving birth to his youngest daughter, Louise. When Katherine’s father died, he left a trust fund to his three daughters in the amount of $15 million.

Katharine had spent her amount of the money traveling and helping others. Because her father had raised his children to be considerate, intelligent young women,  She was later ordained as a missionary due to her believing God’s purpose for her life was to help others. She later developed a Blessed Sacrament, followers who believed and strived for the same goals such as Katharine’s. Katharine ended up traveling around the world, helping minorities.
 Because her siblings, Elizabeth and Louise, had died prior to Katherine’s death, Katharine was left with the entire trust fund. Before Katharine’s death, she had desired for the money to be spend on her former Blessed Sacrament’s wishes.  Being that St. Katharine Drexel had dedicated her entire fortune and effort towards helping others, I do not think she would be very pleased. Xavier University’s yearly tuition is about 26,000 dollars for out- of -state students as well as in-state- students. St. Katharine would not want minorities to have the burden of paying such an expensive tuition to receive an education. She would want to see that everyone has a chance of receiving an education. Because the economy is in such a terrible condition, not everyone can afford to receive an education without taking on loans. Therefore, I feel St. Katharine Drexel would be displeased.

The People I’ve commented on Monday, Nov 30 2009 

Jasma Reese, demarkoc9, Tiffany, bjones8, Tiara B.

What Would Obama’s Father think of His Book? Thursday, Oct 8 2009 

I think Obama’s father, Barack Sr., would be so proud of President Obama’s success and all of his accomplishments that are revealed in the book. Because Obama’s father was not involved in his life like he should have been, he had to learn how to become a man on his own. Although he had help from his mother, grandparents, and friends, he had to teach himself how to become the man he strived to be. For Obama to have his biological father walk in and out of his life during his childhood, he has grown to be a wonderful man, husband, and father. Now days it isn’t common for African-American fathers to be in the same household as their children. However, Obama shows his love for his children on a daily basis and shows the love and respect he has for his wife. I think his father would be happy to know that Obama did not follow his footsteps by having multiple children by multiple women. His father would also be proud to know that Obama does not let his pride get the best of him. Obama is very humble and gracious. For all of the accomplishments he has made, like graduating from Harvard Law School and becoming America’s first black president, he doesn’t brag or show arrogance. He expresses his appreciativeness through his attitude and also through his actions. I love my President :)

My Leadership Skills Monday, Sep 28 2009 

I posses a great amount of leadership skills. However, I believe my greatest asset is my kindness I show to others. I always try to encourage others in whatever they attempt to accomplish. I also try to help others whenever I see them struggling. I believe that everyone needs a helping hand at some point. I  am a positive role model for my little cousins. I am striving towards becoming successful one day through attending college in purpose of earning my degree in Psychology Pre-Med. In high school I help positions in different clubs and organizations. In A.S.B. (Associated Student Body) I was inner clubs commissioner. In B.S.U (Black Student Union) I was the vice president for two years. I was also apart of the art club and best buddies club. I was a volunteer for David and Margaret Youth and Family Services located in La Verne, California. I also held positions at my church such as: youth event coordinator, youth master at arms, youth choir member, and being apart of the dance ministry. Here at Xavier, I plan to become a member of ASU (African Student Union) and other clubs that has my interest. I believe taking initiative and becoming involved in your community or in your school says a lot about you. Making steps in helping others leads to success.

My Favorite Class at Xavier Monday, Sep 28 2009 

My favorite class at Xavier would have to be “Introductory to Psychology,” taught by Dr. Elizabeth Hammer. This is my favorite class because you learn so much about yourself and how you interact with others. So far we have been learning about the important people in the subject of psychology, like Freud, Wundt, Calkins, Watson, and James. We have also been talking about stress, how it affects us mentally and physically, and how our memory works. I believe my favorite chapter so far would be “Memory.”At times I have problems with my memory. However, studying and learning about this chapter has given me advice on how I can improve it. Different ways of improving encoding (getting information in as well as forming a memory code) such as self reference, chunking, elaboration, and visual imagery can help by maintaing learned information. I look forward to learning more about the field of psychology.

How Poverty Has Benefited/Hurt New Orleans Monday, Sep 28 2009 

Although I am not a native New Orleian, I believe poverty has benefited this city in a significant way. Poverty has created the appreciativeness New Orleans’ natives have for their homes, families, and friends. As a result from Hurricane Katrina, more job opportunities are offered and rebuilding of the city has taken place. However, the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina has cost many to lose loved ones and their homes, causing them to relocate in other states. Having a chance to return to their homeland is a blessing. However, many had to rebuild their homes without any or little funding assistance, causing them to struggle financially or in some cases causing them to be homeless. Although they have lost their homes, they found other means in seeking happiness. These people have learned how to smile although their surroundings are corrupt. Although it looked like their was no way for a positive outcome to occur, they held their heads up high. Residing in New Orleans now has shown me something that I did not see at my last place of residence. It has allowed me to realize their is a way to finding happiness even when it may appear you have nothing to live for.

My Future Plans Wednesday, Sep 23 2009 

My plans for the future are to first graduate from Xavier with a degree in Psychology, attend a medical school of my choice, and establish my own psych ward. I have such a passion for helping others. I’ve been through a lot in my life. That is why I know how important it is to be offered help mentally. I believe God did not allow me to encounter all of my endevours for no reason.  My purpose in life is to be a helping hand.  Not a lot of people know the plan God has for their life. I believe that is why I am so infatuated in becoming a psychiatrist. Xavier’s mission is to create a humane and just society. Striving towards becoming a psychiatrist does just that. Psychiatry medically treats their patients in purpose by helping them in both their social and personal lives. If I can, I would like to medically treat them as well as counsel them. It will take dedication and hard work for me to fulfill my dreams. However, I believe God will supply all of my needs and the desires of my heart if I continue to put Him first in all that I do. I KNOW that I will make a great psychiatrist someday.

Why I Chose to Come to Xavier Wednesday, Sep 23 2009 

The first and foremost reason in how I became interested in Xavier was due to my eighth grade science teacher. He had recommended it to me when I informed him of my dreams in becoming a pediatrician. Immediately I took his advice and became interested in the school. While researching Xavier, I found out that it is the only Catholic HBCU in the nation. I value this fact because I consider myself to be a very religious person. Although I am Christian, and not Catholic, I believe attending Xavier will encourage and further enhance maturity in my spiritual walk. Because you can only learn so much from a website, I’d decided to critique the college for myself. My first visit to Xavier was April of 2009. It was then that I knew XULA was the right choice for me. I fell in love with the atmosphere, and the student/teacher ratio. I also appreciated how much they are dedicated in helping their pre-med and pre- pharmacy student. Although I have changed my plans in becoming a pediatrician, I would still like to pursue a career in pre-medicine by becoming a psychiatrist. I look forward to enjoying my college years here at Xavier.

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