Fall is Fun & Fantastic!

Fall.  The weather is cooling down from summer, the leaves are changing, and midterm season is upon us. While a stressful time in the classroom, there are plenty of ways to reward yourself for a good grade, or to take a break from studying. I love the colors of the trees and the leaves floating through the breeze on my walks to class. The beauty of the season is almost too good to be true; so why spend your time inside studying when you can be outside studying or relaxing outside? UK and the city of Lexington has plenty to offer during the fall months when the weather is beautiful, or on a gloomy day when you want to have fun inside.

The UK Opera Theatre just presented The Phantom of the Opera at the Lexington Opera House. I must admit, I have never been to an Opera, and I didn’t get to attend this one, but the reviews were excellent.  It is on my bucket list and hopefully I can attend one of their future productions!  http://www.ukoperatheatre.org/  

Football season is my favorite time of the year! It is Homecoming Week on campus and there is lots of Wildcat spirit around.  This Saturday, our Wildcats take on the Georgia Bulldogs.  The Wildcats have been improving this season and are hoping for a win against the Bulldogs!  Go Cats!  For more details, check out UK SAB: http://www.uksab.org/  

Big Blue Madness is always a great time as we anticipate the approaching basketball season.  This is the first practice for the Men and Women's Basketball team, as well as an introduction of players to the fans. With anticipation built up from winning the 8th National Championship this past spring, students and fans were eager to see what the new team will look like, with hopes of bringing home banner number 9 this year.  

October also means thoroughbred horse racing at Keeneland.  The fall race meet is October 5-27th, and people from all across Kentucky and the world to watch these horses race, place their bets, and socialize. Make your way down Versailles Road in Lexington and treat yourself to a fun day of friendly betting. 

A lot of you may disagree and call me crazy, but Halloween is my favorite holiday. Take the changing leaves and add those scary decorations and I am a happy girl. Living in a residential neighborhood in Lexington makes this time even more exciting for me as I get to buy candy and wait for the arrival of the different heroes, princesses and little boogie monsters. The record number of trick-or-treaters last year was 32, so we are hoping to surpass that number this Halloween.  If anyone has suggestions on a costume, let me know!

The cooler temps also bring the need for coffee or hot chocolate.  What UK student wouldn't be obsessed with Starbucks when we have 4 locations on campus and other locations throughout the city?  There are also lots of local coffee places around the  Salted Caramel Mocha, and  Pumpkin Spice are just a few of the flavors that they have to offer. Treat yourself to a delicious hot treat and enjoy the fall weather.

However you decide to spend your fall, UK and Lexington has lots of great options.  I hope to see you out and about enjoying all that this time of year has to offer.

Gabrielle is studying Agricultural Education.  She is from Gamaliel, KY.  She is involved in UK Dairy Judging, and is an Ag Ambassador.   

Fall semester is underway- and there's lots to do!

It’s that wonderful time of year again!  Cars packed full of things, mom and dad eager to drop their child off, and students ready to start their journey full of independence and individuality.  The official new student move-in day for UK was Saturday, August 18.  Campus was buzzing with new students, parents, and returning students eager to help move-in the incoming freshman.   On Sunday, returning students moved into their dorms as well.  All in all, everyone is now settled into their apartments and dorms ready to start or continue their UK journey. 

Wednesday arrived and it was the first day of classes.  Campus was lively with students hustling to find their classes and relieved once they found their room and a seat.  It was great seeing friends and professors again, as well as meeting new students.

                One of the things I love about being back at school is football games.  It’s not a complete UK experience until you’ve attended a football game.  The aroma of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, playin’ corn hole, friends and families gathered, is an atmosphere you can’t resist! One of my favorite things about attending football games is standing in the student section.  I love being beside the band and shouting cheers at the top of your lungs.  The next morning, your ears will ring a little and you probably won’t have a voice, but it’s so worth it!

                Another great event in the College of Ag is the Student/Faculty/Staff Picnic being held next week as part of UK Ag Roundup.  It is for new and returning students and is free to attend.  It’s a great way to meet College of Ag students and you can meet your professors on a more personal level too.  There’s free food and there’s also a raffle with cool prizes you can win.  Last year I won a College of Ag sweatshirt and I wear it all the time!  Tickets for the picnic can be picked up in Ag North or Erikson Hall. 

                Once again, welcome back everyone!  I hope everyone has a fantastic semester. Go Big Blue!

 Erin is a sophomore majoring in Equine Science & Management.  She is from Cary, North Carolina.  Erin is an avid photographer and has future career plans of being an equine surgeon and horse racing photographer.  She is in her first year as a College of Agriculture Ambassador.