Lions, Tigers, Bears and Honor Students: Oh My!

So far, my experience at UNA has been incredible. The first weekend of classes, I took a trip with the Honors Program freshmen -as you well know. As if being tossed into new culture at UNA was not enough! we were thrown into the raging chaos that is Memphis, Tennessee. As a well-traveled woman, I can honestly say that no other big city I have ever visited had such unique people...and smells. 

My friends and I, as shown below, decided to eat at a barbecue place -after all, isn't barbecue a Memphis specialty? We all loved our food, I would say. It was a nice little place with old movie posters posted and a modern-day jukebox. 

Immediately after eating, we roamed around Beale Street. In case you didn't know, Reader, Beale street is a little nook tucked inside the heart of Memphis; it offers diversity in music, culture and beautiful urban decay (f one can picture such a place). On Beale street lie barricades. I wondered why the street was blocked off early in the day time, until the answer fell into my line of view. There were multiple men in their, oh say, early twenties? doing acrobatic flips, tumbles and "fulls" down Beale street. The Memphis natives seem to judge each other's stunts and then give rounds of applause suitable for the difficulty and execution of each person's performance. 

Before the day was done, the group went down by the river and took pictures, while contemplating the meaning of life... I am totally joking. We did take pictures, though. We talked about back home and our families, but mostly we made connections with each other. This is where most of the bond began for us. After a long, long, and -did I say long?- walk around the park, my friends and I went back to Beale street, got ice cream, and returned to the hotel for the night. That did not mean our fun was over, however.

Once we returned, the group decided to go down to the pool and swim. We discussed some of our absolute favorite literary works and movies. We made a comparative analysis of The Little Rascals: the show versus the movie. Again, this was an excellent opportunity for us to reach out and meet everybody.

The following day, we went to an art museum in which we took on the airs of "upper class intellectuals" and "artistic devotees." Though some may have actually known what they were talking about, I will admit it is always hilarious to see men try to impress women with their knowledge of everything. We proceeded to the zoo! This was a blast for all of us. We saw every kind of animal I had personally hoped to see. Better yet, the animals were responsive; they were active and playful, as compared to Leo and Una... No offense to our beloved mascots. It is, after all, a lion's job to sleep...all day...and never be questioned for it. 

The entire trip was just an amazing opportunity that I am so thankful to have had. The bonds we form now are sure to last for the next four years as we, the best kids on campus, take on our futures hand in hand. Roar, Lions!