As I have mentioned before  in my previous posts, I enjoy dancing. When I was in High School I did colorguard and that’s what sparked my interest in dancing. My freshman year of college I took a dance class called dance for the stage. I absolutely loved it and took it again the next year. At the end of each spring semester there is a dance concert that showcases student choreography. Luckily, I’ve being part of the concert since my freshman year and I’ve enjoyed each dance I’ve been in. This year I’m dancing to Rumor Has It by Adele. My friend choreographed the piece and my roommate and I are in it.

Come check us out and the many other dancers this weekend. You won’t regret it.

http://www.csustan.edu/theatre/EventsCalendar.htm

Marilu

This weekend was a memorable one. My oldest sister got married! What a beautiful blessing to see her finally start a new chapter in her life.  I’m so happy for her and her husband.  Below are some pictures.

As part of my position in ASI (Associated Students Inc.) I was able to attend the 18th annual CHESS (California Higher Education Student Summit) last weekend. It was a nice learning experience where I learned a lot about advocacy.

Here is the link if you want to know more about it.

http://www.csustudents.org/chess/about.shtml

I can’t compare last years Spring Break with this one. Last year, I went to New Orleans to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. It was a memorable experience worth every dime I spent.

This year I decided to go visit my family in Watsonville, CA so I can spend it with them since I hadn’t seen them for three months. Even though I had other options such as going to Socal with my line sisters and spend the week there.  I’m going to be gone for half of the summer in Spain so I wanted to make sure to spend as much time with them before leaving since I leave right after school ends.

It hasn’t been bad though I’m lucky to say that I live near tourist areas. Santa Cruz is about 20 minutes away and Monterey is about 30. These are beautiful areas to visit. Yesterday, I went to Monterey to the Farmers market where my mom and I got flowers for free! The lady selling them was about to throw them away but we asked her if we could have them instead. Later, we went to Fisherman’s Warf which was near the Farmers Market. We were able to get as many clam chowder samples we wanted and enjoy the beautiful scenary.

Now, I need to catch up on some reading and homework.

Thanks for reading

The month of March has being busy and it will keep staying busy. From midterms, homework, studying, work, ASI *Associated Students Incorporated), clubs, and sorority. There is a couple of events coming up. The main one is Mr. and Miss. Greek Universe. It is an annual event  that Lambda Sigma Gamma Inc., a sorority on campus puts on. This is a competition between all sororities and fraternities. The competition consists of four categories the casual walk, talent, toga, and formal wear. At the end of the night the new Miss and Mr. Universe is crowned. It’s a nice event where the Greek Community comes together to support their candidate.

This year is going to be different for me because I’m not going as an audience member but as a participant. I’m representing Alpha Pi Sigma  in the competition. It is very exciting yet nerve wracking.  I’ve never done anything like this before. All I can do is try my best and have fun with it.  Win or loose I know it will be a good time.

If you want to come out and support. It’s March 22nd in the Event Center at 6pm. Pre-sales are $3

Wish me luck!

Marilu Bonilla

“Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible. ”

~ Cadet Maxim

I love reading quotes like this. Their like little sparks of inspiration for oneself to go above and beyond.  When I started college I had a set of goals I wanted to accomplish. I haven’t accomplished them all but I can honestly say I’m on the right track. Here are some that I’ve accomplished so far. As a freshman I wanted to get involved as much as possible since I was very involved in high school. That’s what I did once club fair day came around I was there. I joined two clubs and ASI (Associated Students Inc.) Programming. I didn’t stop there. My second year I joined another club and my third year I joined a sorority (Alpha Pi Sigma) something I thought I would never do. Everything I’ve joined has been a good experience where I’ve learned a lot and has  made my college experience a million times better.

Second, was to get an on-campus job or work-study. I was blessed with two jobs my sophomore year. I remember thinking how cool it would be to be one of those tour guides and it happened. I got hired as a University Ambassador and still currently work there. Shortly after I got offered work-study and started working at the Teacher Education Department. The nice thing about working on campus is the flexibility both of my jobs have, They go with my school schedule and are very understanding. If I ever need to miss work because of school related activities or study time they understand. I’m also able to build connections with professors and staff that work on-campus.

Third, to be on the student spotlight in the school website. When people go to the university’s website you see the student spotlight section. I always thought it would be cool to be one of those students. This past summer I was able to be one of the student spotlights. It was very nice to get approached by people to tell me they saw me on the school website.

Fourth, meet as many people I could to create friendships and memories. Through this past three years I’ve met many good people. Starting from roommates, sorority sisters, classmates, and club members. I’ve been able to built beautiful friendships with some who have become a big part of my life.

Fifth, pursue dancing is some way or form and I have. My freshman year I took a dance class which was really fun. After we had a dance concert where I was able to perform. After I was able to perform at the Arts Festival in February for 2 years in a row. Then I took an Intermediate Jazz class and performed at the Spring Concert again.

Finally, one that is a dream of mine but I wasn’t able to pursue it when I wanted to. Now, I’m close to accomplishing it. This summer I’m STUDYING ABROAD in Spain. My friend and I officially bought our airplane tickets last week. Originally, I wanted to do it for a semester but due to several circumstances I wasn’t able to pursue it. I’m very excited yet nervous for this summer. I can’t wait to experience a new country with different customs, food, and culture.

As the quote above states about taking risks and dreaming has been a reminder to help me take the risks and overcome the challenges I’ve faced in college.

Wish me luck this summer!

Marilu Bonilla

This Saturday was so much fun because I got to spend time with my sorority sisters. We had a mini photoshoot. It was very nice taking pictures around campus especially since we have a beautiful campus. We had three outfits for the day. First black tops and jeans (as you can see on the picture below) then we all wore our official sweaters and ended the shoot with our red and gold chapter shirts. That day was full of good news as well.  My Big got engaged a few weeks ago and showed us her ring.  She also told us she’s pregnant what a surprise for all. After the shoot we went to eat together because we were all starving. Overall, it was a great day with my Alphas.

The Fab Five
Couldn’t have asked for better line sisters, love them <3

ΑΠΣ <3

Thanks for Reading

Marilu Bonilla

First week of  school is usually the easiest of the semester. You go to class, the professor goes over the syllabus and you get out early.  It can be a  little hectic though because most students are rushing to get their textbooks online or the bookstore depending on pricing. Personally, getting them online has suited me better because of cheaper pricing.  There are great websites that offer very good deals such as; Chegg, Bookrenter, Amazon, Direct Textbook, and more. Direct textbook, I barely discovered thanks to my friend Diana. It’s pretty convenient because it allows you to compare pricing among various renting websites.

A downside to ordering online is the shipping cost and time but there are websites that offer shipping for free. It can take a week or more for your book to arrive. Which can be bad since there might be readings or other homework you need to do. Depending on the course and section the bookstore or online might be better. Our bookstore offers various options such as; renting, used, or new books. If you want to go for the cheaper option go for the  rental option especially if it is a book you know you won’t ever use again.

Marilu Bonilla

This past weekend I discovered one of the most funniest movies I’ve seen. It’s going on my favorite list of movies,  Pitch Perfect!

I don’t know if you’ve heard of it but it is a must see!  Laughter guaranteed. It’s a musical comedy about an all- girls singing group competing to make it to Nationals. My favorite character is fat Amy but later on confesses to be named fat Patricia. Here are some of my favorite scenes of her and the trailer. Enjoy!

Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siEHekc-1oE

Meet Fat Amy

A great start for the month of January.My roommate Samantha and I went  to Vegas for the first time to celebrate Mapy’s birthday (our other roommate). I can honestly say it was one of the best trips I’ve taken because of the people I spend it with. My roommates, Mapy’s parents who I like to call Mama and Papa Pernett  because they were so nice and treated us like family, Mapy’s cousin, and our friends Sunny, Adam, and Victor who surprised us. We were there from Friday-Monday but these days flew by there was never a dull moment. One of the highlights of this trip was Saturday, Mapy’s birthday celebration. We went to a Cuban restaurant called Havana Grill with her family and friends. The food was delicious. We had cake and danced the night away.

(Left) Love my roommates <3