First Week, First Post

Hi everyone!

First of all, I need to give credit to my new friend Matt who gave me the idea of writing a blog to share with all of you back home. Since I have been receiving many messages asking about my first week at school, I thought this would be a great way to update you on my new life! As of yesterday, I have officially been here for one week and it has definitely been one of the busiest weeks of my life! So without further adieu, here is a recap of the start to my university career!

Last Wednesday, Heather (my mom), Lauren, Jamie and I set off for the 8 hour drive to Sherbrooke, Quebec. We arrived here on campus on Thursday (back in the spring, I applied to be a part of the Residence Leadership Community and as a result, got to move in two days early) and moved all of my stuff into my new home aka my residence room in Abbott Hall. After two long hours, I was all settled in and the four of us went to an amazing restaurant called Fondue-folie for some, you guessed it, fondue! I spent my first night here in residence with my bogmate, Jocelyn and also got a chance to meet some of the other leadership members.

On Friday, the Residence Leadership Community and the Residence Eco Floor group took a day trip to Mount Orford, a popular place to ski in the winter and went for a climb up the mountain. There were 19 people in our group that day, including our staff advisor John Page and the two Resident Advisors, Lily and Maria. Hiking up the mountain was one of the toughest but most rewarding things I have ever done. During the entire climb, I couldn't help but think about the fact that a climb that was taking us two hours takes a mere five minutes to ski down in the winter. Nonetheless, I can now check "Climb a mountain" off of my bucket list and I made a lot of new friends along the way. 

My bogmate, Jocelyn and I climbing Mt Orford!

Posing at the top of the Mountain!

Saturday was the official move in day for everyone else so I spent the day with my family, as they stayed in Sherbrooke for a few extra days. There was a reception for parents, followed by a Purple Pride BBQ and then goodbyes. I admit, it was hard to say goodbye to my mom and siblings, but it helped that as soon as they left, "orientation week" activities started. 

Almost immediately, all of the new students that are living in residence were shuttled into Centennial Theatre. Hundreds of students wearing a t-shirt with the name of their residence made their way into the theatre where we heard welcoming speeches from many important people on campus, such as Principal Goldbloom, followed by a guest speaker, Jenn McMillan and then a performance from the incredible Boris. 

Boris is a famous hypnotist and he began by calling anyone who wanted to be hypnotized up on to the stage. I went up, but (un)fortunately was not hypnotized, however many of my new peers were. They had to do things such as paddle down the Colorado River, dance around the theatre and walk the cat walk. One of my friends was told that for the rest of the show he would be known as Chip and when saying his name he had to give a thumbs up. Much to his dismay, the name and action have stuck with him through our entire frosh week. 

The victims of the Incredible Boris

Following the hypnotist, we had the kick off of REZ WARS, a year long competition between all of the residence buildings. We had activities such as dodgeball, capture the flag, tye dye and a slip 'n slide and played well into the night. I am confident that Abbott will take home the Rez Cup at the end of the year! Let's go New Side!

So, I have decided that I will do my first week in two posts before this one gets too long! Check back again soon to hear about Bishop's Goes Hollywood: Frosh Week 2012!

Miss you and love you all! Erica xoxo