9 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(04/11/19 6:39am)
Your cap and gown are ordered, degree audit signed and the days are ticking away until graduation. The end of spring semester is always a trying time for students and can be especially stressful for seniors.
It’s bittersweet as you prepare to move on to a new chapter of life, but have to say goodbye to your time at Mercer in the process. In these last few weeks before May 13, here are five things to do to make memories with friends and say goodbye to Macon.
Slide down the slides at Coleman Hill
If you haven’t done so already, sliding down the concrete slides located at Coleman Hill Park is a must before you leave Macon. The slides are located at the end of Bond Street. Make sure to take cardboard or a blanket to slide on. Bring some friends and even a picnic to enjoy as you look out over downtown Macon. This is a lighthearted way to enjoy time with your friends before parting your separate ways.
Ride the Bull
Another Macon must-do is riding the mechanical bull at The Crazy Bull, located downtown on Second Street. You’ll probably be there at some point before graduation, so why not give it a try? It might be embarrassing, but it will make for a fun memory and a good story.
Eat at Margs one last time
Between $1 tacos on Mondays and trivia on Wednesdays, Margaritas in Mercer Village is a Mercer staple. You’ve probably spent more money there over the years than you want to think about, but it’s a place we Mercer students take for granted.
The restaurant has seen you at your best, and at your worst - so pick a time to go and be conscious of it when you’re there. Take in the Mercer memorabilia, the delicious food and drinks and the friendly faces you’ve come to recognize over the years. No one will judge if you suddenly start crying over your chips and salsa. I promise.
Visit Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park
Formally known as the Ocmulgee National Monument, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park is a great place to enjoy the sunshine while taking a study break. If you haven’t already visited the Indian mounds for the yearly celebration or as a class assignment, don’t worry. Now is a perfect time to go, as it was just officially designated as a national park. The park is located at 1207 Emery Hwy and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Watch the sunset from the Mercer Landing Bridge
Macon has some pretty awesome sunsets that we’ve all seen while going from place to place, but have you ever enjoyed one in its entirety? Head up to the Mercer Landing Pedestrian Bridge one evening and camp out to watch as the sun sets over Mercer University Drive. It’s a perfect way to be in the moment and appreciate what’s around you.
We’ve been so focused on our future plans as seniors, that it can be hard to remember to slow down and enjoy the time we have left. Use this bucket list to make memories with friends and give your time as a Mercer Bear the proper closure it deserves.
(10/20/18 3:06am)
Fall break has come and gone, but Halloween is almost here! Halloween is a favorite holiday for many college students, as it provides a fun relief from classes in between school breaks. Whether you are dressing up, throwing a party or celebrating at home, here are some spooky and easy recipes to help you get into the Halloween spirit.
Witch Brooms
If you’re looking for an easy but creative Halloween treat, Witch Brooms are perfect. They are simple and cheap to create, making them ideal for a crowd.
Ingredients:
Peanut butter cups
Pretzel sticks
Directions:
Turn the peanut butter cup upside down and push the pretzel stick inside.
That’s it! Seriously.
Source: http://www.couponingtodisney.com/witch-brooms/
Meatball Mummies
Serve up a yummy Halloween appetizer by making Meatball Mummies! Since the recipe yields about eight servings, these are great for a smaller get-together or to enjoy on your own.
Ingredients:
24 pre-cooked frozen meatballs
1 can refrigerated pizza crust dough
Mustard
Wooden skewers
Marinara sauce for dipping
Directions:
Thaw frozen meatballs.
Put three meatballs on a skewer to keep them from moving around.
Cut the pizza dough into thin slices and wrap several pieces haphazardly around the meatballs. Don’t forget to leave space for the eyes!
Carefully remove the skewers from the ‘mummies’ and place them on a lined baking sheet.
Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until dough is golden brown.
Let cool slightly and put dots of mustard on the meatballs for eyes.
Serve with warm marinara sauce.
Source: adapted from http://freshlyphotographed.com/2014/10/meatball-mummies/
Black Widow Halloween Punch
Brew up a spooky drink by following this recipe. Toy spiders are put into the punch bowl to add Halloween flair, and you can even add food coloring to make the punch more red.
Ingredients:
6 oz frozen pineapple orange blend concentrate, thawed
12 oz can frozen berry punch concentrate, thawed
2 liter bottle ginger ale, cold
Ice
Toy black widow spiders
Directions:
Mix together in one bowl the two kinds of juice concentrate. If the mixture does not look red enough for your liking, you can add red food coloring.
Slowly add the ginger ale to the concentrate mix.
In a serving bowl, alternate adding ice and the spiders for decoration.
Slowly pour punch over the ice, and serve. Makes roughly 10 servings.
Source: https://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/black-widow-venom-halloween-punch/
(09/21/18 12:59am)
Temperatures are (slightly) cooler, the days are getting shorter and leaves are beginning to change colors - happy fall, y’all! Fall is a favorite time of year for many, as it means corn fields, pumpkin spice and treasured holidays like Halloween. To get into the autumn spirit, here are five local events to add to your calendars.
Ocmulgee Indian Celebration: Sept. 15 - 16, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Visiting the Ocmulgee National Monument at least once is a must, and a great time to do that is during the yearly Ocmulgee Indian Celebration. The festival is a collection of hundreds of artists, performers, storytellers and more who gather together to celebrate the rich history of the Ocmulgee Indians. Admission is $6 for adults, and the Monument is located at 1207 Emery Hwy.
Georgia National Fair: October 4-14
A favorite for all ages, the Georgia National Fair returns to the Perry Fairgrounds for 10 days, beginning Thursday, Oct. 4. While this event isn’t actually in Macon, the fair is well worth the half-hour drive down to Perry. Carnival-style rides, fair food, vendors, concerts, agriculture booths and a variety of displays are just some of the things available for visitors to enjoy. Admission prices are dependent on age and what daily specials are happening that day, so be sure to visit http://www.gnfa.com/ for more information.
Spirits in October: Riverside Cemetery & Conservancy
Held every year in October, Spirits in October lets guests tour Riverside Cemetery and hear the stories of those who rest there. Dates and prices have not been announced for 2018 yet, but tickets typically start at about $10 a person. Be on the lookout for more information on the cemetery’s website. If you are interested in volunteering at the event, you can sign up on their website, also. Riverside Cemetery is located at 1301 Riverside Drive.
Central Georgia Greek Festival: Oct. 19 - 21
Located on First Street in downtown Macon, the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church will be holding the Central Georgia Greek Festival the weekend of Oct. 19. Visitors to the festival will be able to enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, live music and dancing, art and shopping opportunities. Admission is free for all ages, and a full festival schedule can be found online.
Rock Candy Tours - every Friday, 7:30 p.m.
If you haven’t heard by now, Macon is a city of rich musical history. Rock Candy Tours will show you historic spots in the downtown area that played key parts in shaping music on both the local and national stages. While these tours are offered year-round, going in the fall allows you to take advantage of the cooler weather. At $15 a person, the “Free Birds and Night Owls” tour is offered every Friday beginning at 7:30 pm, but advanced reservations are required. Rock Candy offers a variety of other tours, also. Check out their website for more information.
Since most of these events are a few weeks out, there’s plenty of time to get all your homework done and make plans. Get some friends together and go enjoy fall in Macon!
(09/12/18 9:00pm)
Graduation is the most important event in our time here at Mercer. It’s a pivotal point of transition, where we receive our degrees and march across the stage into the next phase of our lives.
However, I’ve been hearing stories about graduation since I was a freshman. I’ve heard about how your family needs to arrive so early to claim seats in Hawkins Arena they might as well camp out the night before. I’ve heard that even though it’s indoors, the place is so packed with people, you might as well be outside in the heat. But most of all, I’ve heard how each graduate only gets four tickets for their family and friends.
During this past summer, I was already worrying about how I would utilize my tickets. Mine were gone by default to my parents and two siblings. But for me personally, my grandparents have also contributed financially to my Mercer education. How was I supposed to leave them out, when I literally would not be graduating without them? I was seriously contemplating telling my siblings they’d have to stay home until Mercer made the big announcement.
For the 2019 graduating class, undergraduate commencement ceremonies will be held at Five Star Stadium to accommodate the growing number of graduates. Students will now receive eight to 10 tickets for their guests. However, instead of it being held on a Saturday afternoon, graduation is now scheduled for Monday, May 13 at 8:15 a.m.
I am very thankful that graduation is now going to be held at Five Star Stadium, as that means more of my family can be there to celebrate with me. However, I also realize that since it’s scheduled for a Monday, others might not be as happy, as their guests may not be able to take off work.
Since Mercer gave us roughly a nine-month advance notice, the odds are higher that employers will be more understanding about taking off. If guests are worried about missing work due to financial reasons, there is time to work overtime to compensate, save up vacation/sick days or plan for it financially. But unfortunately when it comes to change, some will gain, and some will lose - there’s going to be a tradeoff either way.
Ideally, the Macon undergraduate ceremonies could be held on a Saturday at the stadium to offer the best of both worlds, and other graduation ceremonies could be shifted around. However, I’m sure there are lots of logistics considered in planning these graduations that might render that option impossible.
The administration said in a previous Cluster article that they decided this after talking to students and considering various scenarios, and we have to trust them on that. I hate for my class to be the trial run for this new arrangement, and I hate that some of my classmates won’t be able to celebrate with their entire families. Hopefully, Mercer studies the attendance of our graduation to see if it’s the most feasible option. But for now, it’s at least a step in the right direction.
(09/03/18 1:09am)
Ready or not, the beginning of fall semester is here! By now you’ve (hopefully) figured out where your classes are located, ordered your textbooks and are working on fixing your sleeping schedule.
While the first week of classes may seem easy, it’s never too early to prepare yourself for what the semester will bring, so here are some ways to start off your semester strong.
Get organized
Tips about organization in college may sound cliché, but it really is true - staying organized, especially with classwork, is crucial for success! Choose a central place to write down all of your assignments, exams and essays, along with any club meetings, social events and other obligations. Google Calendar is also a great option if you prefer an online planner over paper.
If you have a recurring assignment, like weekly quizzes or discussion questions, set a repeat reminder or alarm on your phone so you never forget.
Settle into a routine
The fall semester can be tough to transition into, as you have to get used to being back in school with a whole new schedule. Creating a routine (and sticking to it!) will help you adjust to being back on campus.
Try going to bed around the same time during the week, and even if you can sleep in some mornings, try getting up roughly around the same time, too. Also, delegating a daily time block of a couple hours for homework will cut down on late nights spent making up for procrastination!
Make at least one friend in every class
Having a friend or two in each class will pay off in multiple ways. Besides seeing a familiar face, they’ll help you out through group note-taking, study sessions, reviewing your work and more.
More than likely, you’ll also end up missing classes due to sickness or something unplanned. Your friends can fill you in on what you missed and provide you with notes. Utilizing your peers is one of the best ways to succeed, and you’ll both thank each other in the long run!
Think one step ahead
As college students, it can be hard to think about what you’ll be doing later in the day, much less the next few weeks. But trying to strategize about your coursework will pay off later on as it’ll allow you to focus on the big picture.
Thinking ahead will make sure deadlines and exams don’t creep up on you, and will make big assignments seem more manageable. It’ll also save you some stress and worry over the course of the semester.
Syllabus week may have you feeling more productive than usual, but hopefully, these tips will help you get ahead before the harder classwork sets in. The semester is just beginning, so you have plenty of time to make it yours. Good luck!
(08/24/18 9:30pm)
Congratulations! You graduated high school and are preparing to begin the journey that is college. Knowing you’re about to leave home and experience something completely new can be daunting.
While the internet is full of tips and tricks to make the collegiate experience easier, those articles are not always written from a student perspective. So as an upcoming senior, here are five things I wish someone had told me before beginning college.
Rent (don’t buy) your textbooks
Unless you are certain you’ll use them again, don’t waste money buying textbooks. Renting is a great option as it's usually cheaper than buying, but you can still highlight and markup the text. Sometimes it is actually cheaper to just buy, but don’t end up stuck with some obscure ancient history book you only used once.
Be prepared to rethink your time management skills
In high school, you probably juggled classwork from multiple periods each day on top of sports, clubs and other activities. While college classes don’t meet daily, professors make up for that by assigning more outside work.
College is also the first time you’re allowed to freely control your time, which can lead to poor time management decisions.
That being said, learning to manage classwork, clubs, sports and other organizations is not impossible! Use a planner, set electronic reminders, schedule routine study sessions and have friends hold you accountable - do whatever is necessary to conquer your busy schedule.
Keep an open mind
During your college years, you’ll be exposed to concepts, people and beliefs of all types. While you’re probably coming to Mercer with a set major and ideas of what to participate in, be open to all options.
Don’t let rumored stereotypes about people, organizations or classes sway you. The college experience is all about what you make of it, and the possibilities will be endless if you’re open to them!
Find a mentor
There will be times that you feel lost while in school. You might be struggling academically, unsure if you picked the right major or dealing with other issues. This is where having a faculty or staff member to talk to will be lifesaving! They have years of experience guiding college students to succeed and will help you choose the best paths to take. Mercer’s faculty and staff are there to help you, so take advantage of them.
Remember that everybody around you is in the same boat
Sometimes it’s easy to feel alone when surrounded by unfamiliar faces. The beginning of college can seem terrifying, but just take a deep breath and keep in mind that everyone around is just like you!
They picked Mercer just like you did, and are either new as well, or can offer you advice on navigating the ins and outs of campus. Either way, they are more similar to you than you think, which makes college seem less scary.
College is going to be one of the most interesting and transforming times of your life. While some lessons (like not staying up too late) are learned the hard way, hopefully these tips will help improve your time here, even just a little.
I hope that the next four years are what you want them to be, but what you need them to be as well. The class periods may drag on, but the years will fly by - enjoy them while you can!
(04/25/18 3:30pm)
The semester is almost over, finals are days away and your college career is ending. Graduation time is a crazy mix of emotions, including fear and uncertainty. How does one leave the campus they’ve grown used to for years and enter the “real” world?
Regardless if you have landed a job or not, here are some things to remember that will help becoming a real adult easier.
A career takes time to build
Your first job after graduation probably won’t be your dream job. That’s okay! Now that you’re out of college and putting that hard-earned degree to use, you may be bummed if your first job isn’t exactly in your field, or what you want to do forever. Keep in mind that your career is something that takes time to craft.
Clean up your online profiles
If you haven’t done so already, post-graduation is a great time to tidy up social media profiles. Delete or untag yourself in any pictures from parties, and make your profiles private so a prospective employer can’t see anything you don’t want them to. Also, create a LinkedIn profile that is up to date with your awesome accomplishments. After you’re done, Google yourself to see what comes up, and make any changes necessary.
Attempt to begin fixing any unhealthy college habits
Since starting college, our bodies have grown accustomed to unhealthy foods, crazy amounts of caffeine and the least amount of sleep possible. Graduating from college doesn’t mean you can’t ever have fun again, but a job is not a morning class that is easily skipped after you stayed out too late on a weeknight. Try curbing your caffeine addiction, sticking to a sleep schedule and eating healthier foods. Your body will thank you!
It’s okay to not have everything figured out
Throughout your time in college, you probably felt the impending stress of having life figured out after you graduate. What happens now if you’re about to walk across the stage and don’t know what’s next? The world isn’t going to end just because you don’t have a job set up yet, or you don’t know where your next step is. Life isn’t perfect, and your family and friends are still going to care for you even if you don’t know what’s next. Don’t compare yourself to others, everyone’s life will take a different path. Remember that you worked hard for your degree, and nothing can take that away from you. When the time is right, the perfect opportunity will find you.
Congratulations on surviving college! While this chapter is ending, a world of possibilities are opening up. Whether you’re about to enter the career field, going abroad, continuing your education or unsure of what you’re doing next, the real world is waiting. It sounds scary, but remember that you’ve got the rest of your life to figure things out. You’ve got this!
(04/04/18 1:41pm)
Now that spring break has passed, there are only a couple holidays left before summer. Since May is two months away, a day or weekend trip would be the perfect thing to escape the hustle and bustle of classes. If you need a taste of summer now or just a break from endless classwork, here are some short trip ideas from Macon.
If you don’t want to drive far:
High Falls State Park - 76 High Falls Park Drive, Jackson, Georgia
About 35 minutes north of campus, High Falls State Park boasts the highest waterfall south of Atlanta, according to its website. Besides hiking, visitors can boat, fish, camp, swim or even play miniature golf. Some activities require a fee, so check on the website before going to make sure you bring enough money. Entry is free but parking passes are $5, and park hours are 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
If you’re up for a small road trip (two-three hours):
Wild Adventures Theme Park - 3766 Old Clyattville Road, Valdosta, Georgia
Off exit 13 on I-75, Wild Adventures is a cheaper alternative to Six Flags and has amusement park rides, roller coasters, animals, shows and concerts all throughout its season. Wild Adventures’ Splash Island Waterpark will also open on April 7. Day passes start at $39 if you buy a week in advance, but check online for more information. Parking also costs $12. To make the most of your trip, leave campus in enough time to arrive at the park’s opening at 10 a.m. For more information and to see concert and event listings, visit www.wildadventures.com.
Savannah and Tybee Island, Georgia
Even if you’ve already been, visiting the southern city of Savannah and its neighboring beach Tybee Island will provide something new for everyone. Explore Forsyth Park and shop on Broughton Street, and don’t forget about taking a stroll down River Street. Tybee Island also has its own area of shops and restaurants, and parking on the island is $2 per hour. If you want to make an overnight trip, check out Airbnb for places to stay.
If you’re willing to stay overnight:
Charleston, South Carolina
A little over 4 hours away from Mercer, the historic city of Charleston has an abundance of activities to do to make a one or two-night stay worth it. Visit the Fort Sumter National Monument, shop around in Charleston City Market and walk along The Battery, a scenic strip of lavish antebellum homes facing the waterfront. You can also stop for food at the Early Bird Diner, or Eli’s Table for a more upscale setting. Airbnb’s for a group of 5 go for about $75 a night.
Even though Macon is right in the center of the state, there are plenty of trip opportunities within a reasonable distance. Get a group of friends together to keep costs as low as possible, and enjoy!
(03/13/18 8:00pm)
The International Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Macon’s trademark events that runs from March 16-25 this year. The festival is comprised of dozens of events, most of them free to attend. Here are several Cherry Blossom events to add to your calendar if you’re on a budget.
Macon Open Air Market - Saturday March 17, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Macon Open Air Market has a collection of over 60 vendors, artisans and food trucks that are open for visitors to browse and buy from. The market is free to attend and will be held at 543 Plum St.
Annual Cherry Blossom Parade - Sunday March 18, 4 p.m.
The Cherry Blossom Parade takes place downtown on Cherry Street, rain or shine every year. It is free for spectators.
Sidewalk Chalk Festival - Saturday March 24, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
According to the Cherry Blossom website, you can take part in the “largest public art installation Macon has ever seen” at Tattnall Square Park. It is free to view all sidewalk chalk pieces, and there is a $10 fee for college students to enter the contest.
Central City Park Nightly Concerts - March 16 - 25, 8 p.m.
Every night of the festival, a different concert will be held in Central City Park. Though it costs $5 a person for park admission, the concerts are free with entry. Each night will host a band covering genres like country, pop, soul, classic rock, decades, motown and Southern rock. Central City Park is located at 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive.
Food Truck Frenzy - Saturday March 24, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. ; Sunday March 25, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Located at Mulberry and Third Streets, the Food Truck Frenzy will host food trucks from all over the South for visitors to sample and purchase food from. Live music and on-site beer sales will also be available, and the event is free to attend. There will also be an arts and crafts festival adjacent to the event.
Grand Finale Glow - Sunday March 25, 4 - 8 p.m.
To conclude the festival, there will be a hot air balloon glow held at Wesleyan College. Vendors will be on-site for food, but spectators can also bring their own coolers. The event is free to attend, and tethered balloon rides are available for $10.
For a complete listing of this year’s events, visit the Cherry Blossom Festival website at cherryblossom.com. While some festival events do come with a price tag, you don’t have to miss out on the food, entertainment and fun if you’re looking to save money!