Off the bat, OhioLINK and the Integrative Studies program probably don’t sound very exciting, but I have a couple of anecdotes that I hope will drive home the usefulness of the former and influence the latter.

For my British literature class, I’m writing a research paper on the Seven Deadly Sins with emphasis on their appearance in Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queen. My thesis necessitates some information on the history and development of the Sins, and the instructor requires at least three non-Internet sources, so I went to the Courtright Memorial Library (that’s just fancy-talk for Otterbein’s library). While it carries plenty of literature about Spenser and The Faerie Queen, it has not a single book on the Sins. Fortunately, thanks to the OhioLINK (Library Information NetworK) program, I found and was able to check out a book from Mount Union’s library entitled The Seven Deadly Sins, which has a special emphasis on British literature through the fifteenth century.

Can you say, “SCORE!!”?

Now I have at least three non-Internet sources, one of which (in its glorious utter perfection) came into my possession thanks to the wonder that is the OhioLINK program. And for those of you who aren’t totally familiar with the program, here’s the gist: the OhioLINK program is one in which college libraries essentially share resources with each other. When a student at one college needs a resource that their library doesn’t have but another library does, the student can request the resource on-line and the school with the resource can send it to the student’s school within days. From there, the student just picks up the resource from the circulation desk, then returns it when he/she’s finished. The library will then send the resource back to its original home – all at no extra cost to the student.

Now, about the Integrated Studies program: at Otterbein, the IS (or INST) program is the liberal arts core that every student has to take regardless of major. So far, I’ve taking composition, history, psychology, and philosophy, and a lot more of the content from these classes have stuck with me than all of the information in the same classes in high school. It’s even gotten to the point where I’m even dreaming about the things I’m learning in my INST Philosophy and Human Nature class; the night after the lesson on Thomas Hobbes, I had a dream that I had done something “wrong” and my dad (who has taken to reading philosophy books, which is why I think I dreamed about him) was chastising me for it. In accordance with Hobbes’s philosophy, my dream-self proceeded to defend my actions by explaining to my father that the concepts of “right” and “wrong” do not exist outside of human society because they are strictly human constructs. Of course, after that things turned into dream-logic and therefore made little sense, but I distinctly remember waking up and thinking, “Wow – that was very Hobbes-ish.”

I also think it’s worth emphasizing that the things you learn in any given class are not limited to that class; in fact, what I’ve been learning in all three of my classes has been intertwining all year. For example, things we were discussing in my philosophy class would appear in the footnotes of our readings in British literature, and for my paper on the purpose of education, I’ve decided that education should aim to help students seek “eudemonia,” or self-actualization – a concept from Aristotle’s philosophy. Truth be told, my philosophy class with the highlight of my quarter, both because it was inherently interesting and because it enriched what I was reading and discussing in my other two (less enjoyable) classes.

So even if you think you don’t like history, philosophy, or psychology, please don’t underestimate what the Integrated Studies program can do for you and your education. Likewise, do try to utilize the library’s services to their fullest – they’re there to make your life easier, and they don’t disappoint.

Now, this will probably be my lost blog until we return next quarter, so I bid thee have a great (safe!!) winter break – and I’ll see you next year!

The last week and a half I spent with my family who came out to visit me. I took a train to Paris and met them at the train station. My train got in 2 hours late because we stopped due to someone jumping in front of the train to kill themselves! That can go down in the books for a crazy European story! When I was finally reunited with my family I was so excited and it was great to see Paris for a weekend with them. It was like a piece of home was here. I went to class later that week while they did a day trip. Then we reunited to celebrate my roommate and other OC friends’ 21st birthdays. We all went out to dinner; one of the other student’s parents came out to visit as well. On Wednesday we left for a road trip through Germany where we stopped at small German towns and big cities and we ended in Austria where we spent 3 days. I separated from them at the airport when they flew back to America and I flew back to Maastricht.
I just got back from Sweden yesterday. After going to a ‘football’ game with some friends and then going to classes on Tuesday I was able to squeeze in a trip to Stockholm with my Otterbein traveling buddies. It was a nice visit, I couldn’t believe it gets dark there so soon! I did some nice shopping and saw a lot of the city.
In two weeks I am getting another visitor, this time from Otterbein. Since Otterbein does quarters right now the students have a 6 week winter break. On Thanksgiving, after finals week, my boyfriend is coming out for a 6 day visit. We are going to travel around Germany and Switzerland. I am very excited! In December my friend Jillian is coming out for her birthday to visit a high school friend and I will be able to see her when I meet her in Paris for two days! It will be great to see them, this time it’s like a piece of Otterbein over here. Which of course I miss so much, I go home in 34 days, and time is starting to fly by.
I have a midterm paper to write for my digital media class and a midterm exam in my sustainable development class, so I must start working on that this weekend. Although, I will take a break from studying tomorrow to see the Christmas festivities here in Maastricht. There is a festival in the main square and their ‘Sinter Claus’ comes down the river tomorrow as well. They take Christmas very seriously over here, lots of festivities, especially in the German towns…which are very close to me..and very visit-able.

This is the most bittersweet ninth week I’ve experienced yet. I’m SUPER excited about the break, don’t get me wrong, but I could use an extra week to bust out all this work I have to do – and don’t you tell me you couldn’t use it, too.

You know, when the quarter started, I intended to blog every Friday, but somewhere around…oh, say, week three?…I got a little busy and haven’t so much as logged on to WordPress until today. Granted, I could be doing aforementioned work, but that would only feasible if I had said work with me – and seeing as I’m in the Writing Center and not at home, I’m wanting for some academia right now. It’s all good, though – I could use a little non-academic writing time…and here it is!

So this past Saturday was the last Visit Day of the quarter, and I actually got to sit on the student panel this time around (mostly just to offer some out-of-state perspective to the prospective pupils). The last question someone asked us was about our best and worst experiences at Otterbein. I didn’t get to answer, but I’ve been thinking about it for a while now…

It sounds petty (because it is), but my worst experience at Otterbein was moving out last spring (and by ”spring,” I mean “mid-June”). I lived on the fourth floor of a dorm with neither air conditioning nor elevator, it was drizzling in that awful sticky-humid kind of way, and I didn’t own any legwear except jeans. So while I could say that I hated moving out because Otterbein felt like a second home and I was sorry to have to go for three months, the truth is that I was just grumpy because I was wearing jeans and the weather was disgusting and I had to drag all of my stuff down three flights of stairs before stuffing it into my grandfather’s van and then dragging it down another flight of stairs into my grandparents’ basement…. (This is where I gasp for proverbial breath.)

And when I realized that thatwas my worst moment at Otterbein, I likewise realized that I don’t have a hugely significant “best” moment.

*CHEESE ALERT*

This next part is going to sound like I’m getting paid to write this, but I mean this wholeheartedly. There are times when I’m leaving class and the weather is that perfect jacket-optional breezy beautiful and…I catch myself smiling. And it’s not because I just remembered something funny or because I’m out of class or even because it’s a Friday (as the case applies), but because I’m here. I’m smiling because I’m here and alive and thinking deep thoughts and feeling so good and it’s all just so perfect, and I know that I wouldn’t have been half as happy anywhere but at Otterbein. Of course, these moments vary in the specific details, from naps on a bench in Towers Plaza to walks in the snow while discussing literature with a classmate, but they all have that fundamental “I couldn’t be happier to be me, here, now” quality.

So, mystery question-asker, if you’re reading this and still care to know what my best and worst moments at Otterbein have been, this is my response. I hope it helps.

PS. I finished Sophie’s World today. If you’re at all interested in philosophy (or thinking in general), I suggest that you find a copy soon.

Last week was Homecoming here at Otterbein. When I think of Homecoming, I still can’t help but think about high school and how Homecoming worked back home. Well, I think there are two big differences between the two…
Back in high school, the main focus was on the big Homecoming Dance. Well, here at Otterbein we don’t have a Homecoming Dance (we have our winter formal titled “Music and Romance” for that), but instead we have a HUGE parade that goes up and down Otterbein’s campus the Saturday morning of Homecoming. Every major organization has a float in the parade. Everyone from WOBN and FreeZone, to almost each and every one of the Greek chapters are represented in this parade. Of course, I could spend time on here describing each of them, but I’ll let you see them for yourselves @ http://www.otterbein.edu/photoalbums/2009-Homecoming/index.html. Definitely make sure to check out my chapter’s sweet pirate ship, haha.
The other major difference is the football game. While we definitely had a football game for Homecoming back in highschool, the big difference here at Otterbein is that our football team is really impressive and always put on a good game. This year’s game was against our rivals down the road, Capital University. This was such a big deal that they even had the game ball parachuted in during pre-game! Through a nail-biting game, Otterbein trailed Capital until the last moments of the game when a “Hail Mary” pass was caught in the endzone to put Otterbein up 35-34 over Capital. After a failed 2-point conversion, the Cardinals held the Crusaders from gaining any momentum and claimed victory putting us at a 7-0 record. The RedZone (the student cheering section) went wild as the team rushed the field when the clock ran down.
Whether this past weekend was spent in the parade, on the field, or just hanging out with alumni, Otterbein Pride definitely shone through all over campus through each person wearing their tan and cardinal apparel.
Needless to say, this was a fantastic weekend to be a Cardinal!
Also, make sure to check out http://www.otterbein.edu/photoalbums/2009-Homecoming/slides/DSC_0557.html and try to find two of the Otterbein Bloggers (Me and Anna) on Homecoming Court!

I wish I could have done both. After completing my art final last Wednesday my roommate and sorority sister Megan and I hopped on a plane to Dublin, Ireland. We scheduled a three day tour so we could see as much of the country as possible. And boy did we! I kissed the Blarney Stone, saw the Cliffs of Moher, and monasteries and churches out the wazoo. Our tour guide an Irish guy about our age so he made it really fun. I believe going on tours in the best way to travel. I have learned so much about the countries and cities I see by doing that. We even stayed in bed and breakfasts so that was a nice break from hostels! Our last night we stayed with another Otterbein student studying in Ireland, so we saw her for a short time, it’s always nice to find other OC-ers in Europe.
One setback–missing homecoming. When I decided to officially study abroad this fall my first thought was, “shoot I will miss the parade, the Capital game, making a float, and the bonfire.” Those things seem simple but when I look back on college memories I will have missed a big one. I have been realizing though that those memories are instead filled with redheads, pubs, and beautiful sights of Ireland. And I am ok with that. I will be the first one at Homecoming next year!
New classes started this week here in Maastricht. I am in Digital Media and Sustainable Development. I am so excited to take a class involving my major. I actually am driven to pay attention! I have no interest in doodling! The science class may cause me to doodle a bit though. I am leading both discussions this Friday for my classes I volunteered first to get it over with. Hopefully that wasn’t a dumb idea.
My family is currently riding a plane crossing the Atlantic right now! I am taking a train tomorrow to meet them in Paris and we will spend the weekend there. I am so excited to see them this week, and to see what American food they have brought me! Hopefully macaroni and cheese..and peanut butter m&m’s. During the week I will skip one class and travel through Germany in the car they rented and then go to Austria. I want to see where the Sound of Music took place!
Well I am going to get back to reading for class tomorrow, I have to seem smart since I am leading the discussions!

This past weekend I went to Kentucky for the first time I went with my girlfriend Dana to go rock climbing at the Red River Gorge. I had such an amazing time.  It was probably the best weekend I’ve had so far this school year. It was good to get away from technology and schoolwork. I really liked not having my phone on me and not having to worry about checking emails or getting an assignment done. It was also great to get outside and away from all the illness and swine flu scare. We left late Friday night and got to our campsite around 11pm. All of us were tired so we set up our tents and went to sleep as soon as we could. Saturday we woke up early and went to a place called Miguel’s Pizza in Slade, KY. It was a small hole in the wall type place where you could get hot food and climbing gear but it was packed full with climbers! My first outdoor climb was in Muir Valley on a very aptly named Johnny’s Wall. It was pretty cold out, even for a North Dakotan, but we stayed out and climbed until dusk. That night the temperature got down to 27 degrees! A very cold night but the climbing was totally worth it.

This Friday is the Inauguration of Otterbein’s first female President. The orchestra, choirs and bands have been working hard on all the music for the ceremony. We have a couple mass rehearsals left before the big day, so that’s were most of my time is going this week. Midterms are over now so I finally have time to practice again. I love this fall weather, but I can’t wait for winter to come.

We seven Otterbein students are entering the week of finals here in Maastricht. We each took two classes this period (which lasts 8 weeks) and during the 8^th week we have finals. Apparently finals here are very strict. You have to get to the room exactly on time, if not they lock the door. Finals are in rooms all over the city that we are unfamiliar with. Instead of sitting in the same seat of the same classroom that you have the class in like Otterbein, we are sent to convention centers and big halls anywhere in Maastricht. This situation is sort of nerve-wracking, students are nervous for finals and for finding them and for getting there on time. Finals are worth at least 50 percent of our grade, yikes. In my art class I have a test made up of essay questions and in religion I have a paper that I can take home and work on. I have about 200 words left to write on it but I have nothing left to say, I’m not a huge fan of papers set by a certain number or words.

When my roommate and I finish our art final which is on Wednesday we are flying to Ireland until Sunday. I am soooo excited. Ireland is very high on my countries that I want to visit. We scheduled a three day bus tour through southern Ireland to see the cliffs, castles and kiss the Blarney stone! It will be so nice to go to a place where English is the first language. Meaning that signs, brochures, and menus all will be readable! When we visited Scotland early on in our trip I got a little homesick because I was hearing and seeing English so much. Sounds weird I know…

Well I am off to the grocery store; I am getting low on chicken, pasta, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. That is all I eat here by the way. We have to walk or ride out bike to the store and carry everything back in a bag we bring. So I am limited on what I can get. Homecoming is next week at Otterbein, I am so sad I am missing it!!

This past week was a very busy but interesting one for me. I spent a lot of time driving to different places and being busy with campus activities. My first jazz combo concert of the year was on Friday and it went extremely well. We had a great turn out and I can’t wait for out next concert winter quarter. Saturday was Bass Day at Otterbein. The school hosted bass players of all ages for an all day event that included master classes and mini concerts. That night I went into Columbus to see some of my teachers perform Beethoven’s 9^th Symphony in the Columbus Symphony. I love that there is high quality professional symphony in the heart of Columbus 15 minutes away from where I live. We didn’t have school this Monday I went out pumpkin and apple picking on Sunday at a place about 20 minutes from here. Since I had a very eventful week I figured that I should shed a little light on what there is do to off campus at Otterbein.

There are tons of different things to do and experience around Westerville and Columbus. Around the college there are lots of restaurants and shops within walking distance if you decide to venture off campus. Some of the local restaurants are absolutely amazing and very reasonably priced. The Dog Joint, an all hot dog restaurant, and Pasquales, a traditional Italian restaurant, are my favorite places to eat when I’m looking for a cheap alternative to Campus Center dining. There are tons of different shops within walking distance also including two music stores, lots of antiques, and a bike shop. Pretty much anything you need can be found around Otterbein.

Since the school is only about 15 minutes away from Columbus a lot of students go into the city for different activities. There’s tons of live music, theatre productions, and festivals that go on all time in Columbus. Also one of the biggest malls in the US, Easton, is just a few minutes down the highway. I love the location of the school and I always make sure to point out how conveniently located it is.

This weekend was Otterbein’s first visit day for high school students from around the area. As an intern in the Admission office, it was my job to make sure all the routes for the tour guides to follow were complete. That was hard for me to get done due to the fact I had the flu during the week. I managed to get into the office on Friday and finish all the routes. I was nervous that they would be bad, but it seemed like things went pretty well. For students interested in the college, this is a great way to get a chance to come visit the school and get a feel for what it’s like. I would recommend though coming back and taking another tour, talking to a counselor, and even staying overnight on campus to see what that experience brings.

After the visit day I layed around most of the day and we had people over to our house that night to watch the OSU game. It is always nice to have people just randomly stop by the house. It’s a common occurrence due to the fact that we have an open door policy (meaning anyone can really come over to the house whenever they want). The best part about the night came later when I feel asleep around 12:30 to my roommate playing his guitar. About an hour later I woke up and he was asleep with the lights on and his guitar next to him. He finally woke up around five and was shocked to see everything still on. He made it to his bed and shut the lights off and everything.

I woke up Sunday morning to even more college fair excitement!! I was able to observe the Suburban fair and got a little bit of a better understanding of what counselors do when it comes to fairs. The fair offered 205 different schools from around the country and I can’t even beginning to guess how many families we had stop by the fair. I actually went around to some schools to look at grad schools for programs having to deal with admissions and higher education.

Hopefully this week goes better and I am not sick. I am going into the doctor to get my MRI looked at to determine whether I have a stress fracture or not. I sure hope I have good news to talk about later.

So, I’m just not sure how to avoid a bland introduction for this first Otterblog. How to cover the bases in an exciting, liberal-arts-y manner?!
As a senior Musical Theatre BFA major, I don’t want to exclude the multitude of prospective students in countless other fields.
As a native of Haddon Heights, NJ, I don’t want to exclude the other 49 states…or countless countries…or boroughs/townships/cities in the Garden State.
As a tour guide, I don’t want to exclude those with Phone-athon, Box Office, or Library Assistant aspirations.
And as a… oh, let’s not get too personal on the first date….

I guess all that’s left is to say that my name is Andrew Betz; I’m a Virgo; and I’m here to organize a River City Boys’ Band*.

And so I begin the whirl-wind that is senior year as a Musical Theatre major at liberal arts Otterbein College in Westerville, OH, my home away from home…a sort of cyclone I suspect will pick me up in central Ohio, spit me out in Times Square, and leave me with nothing to say but, “Toto, I don’t think we’re in college anymore.”
I have a lot to look forward to this year, though. And lot of responsibilities to keep in check! Lots of lists, I fear…
This fall, we hit the ground running rehearsing Rodgers’ and Hart’s Babes in Arms, Otterbein Theatre and Dance’s fall musical guest-directed by James Brennan.
We also audition for New York Showcase, which will be presented in NYC in April for a bunch of New York casting directors and agents.
We also arrange internships with casting agencies in NYC, LA, or Chicago and wow the show biz muckety-mucks this winter…if by “wow” one means, “file headshots for, make appointments for, hopefully sit in on auditions with, and thank immensely for allowing us some great insight into a crazy world.”
All this plus helping friends with Distinction Projects, giving tours, GOING TO CLASS, dealing with mold issues in one’s off-campus apartment, figuring out why one doesn’t have hot water in one’s off-campus apartment….
Needless to say, the list is long and rather overwhelming…
But what better place to push oneself to—and sometimes beyond—one’s intellectual, artistic, and physical limits than a safe, supportive environment? Before they plunge this sponge into the cold, cruel talent pool that is the real world, he’s going to soak up as much of warm, welcoming O’bein as he can…

*Name this musical that beat out West Side Story for the 1958 Tony Award for Best Musical!