Monday, November 15, 2010

Delicious restaurants surround UNCW

Not being from Wilmington, I was extremely unfamiliar with the area as I began my college adventure at UNCW.  I didn't know how to find my way to the beach, let alone the closest Walmart.  My toughest adventure arose when I began my search for off-campus food.  I began asking others for recommendations and looking up restaurant reviews on the computer.  Over the time that I've been living here, I've come across some delicious restaurants!  Below, I've listed some of my favorites that you may want to check out.

Copper Penny-This pub/bar is located downtown on Chestnut.  Although easy to overlook and dimly lit inside, the food is outstanding!  I usually start off with homemade spinach artichoke dip no matter how hard I try to resist.  I've tried out the Greek Chicken Pita and Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.  Both were delicious and were accompanied by a mound of french fries.  It may have been a tad pricy, but I had a ton of leftovers.  They also have trivia depending on the day and a variety of beer specials.

Rafaellas-I passed this Italian restaurant numerous times on my way to Wrightsville Beach.  I had several friends work here and talk about all their favorite items on the menu, which made me want to stop in.  I went for dinner the first time and ordered the Tortelloni, which came in a cream sauce with peas and ham. I couldn't stop eating it! However, being a nicer restaurant, I didn't think I could afford to dine there regularly.  That's when I found out about their $5 appetizers!  From five to seven on weekdays and nine to eleven on weekends, delicious pizzas, mussels, bruscheta, calamari, and eggplant parm are offered for this reasonable price.  I've had the eggplant too many times!  Another reason I visit is for the endless, fresh bread and butter.

Tower 7-I like several Mexican restaurants in Wilmington, but this is the first one I came across. Visiting the beach on a regular basis, I tried out places close to the water when I needed a break from the sun. This restaurant is straight ahead after you cross the bridge to Wrightsville Beach.  It is a very laid-back, local place. It is somewhat small and surf videos are constantly playing on the TV's.  The food is always satisfying and I enjoy trying out the array of hot sauces that fill the restaurant. 

Friday, October 15, 2010

UNCW could be the college for you!

As my senior year of highschool was coming to an end, I couldn't get my mind off what college would have in store for me.  I anticipated the freedom that would be handed to me and the people I would meet.  Unwisely, I hadn't done any homework on finding a school that would fit my needs.  I eventually settled on UNCW for the sole reason that the beach was so close, but soon found out I loved many other aspects of it as well.  I've listed a few reasons why UNCW ended being a great college decision and why it could be the perfect place for you too!

1.  Beach/weather-As I stated before, the beach initially attracted me to UNCW.  After a long day of sitting in the classroom, I can ride down the road and relax on the beach.  I even take it to the extreme of wearing my bathing suit to class so I will be ready to go.  Also, because the beach is so close, there's always something to do.  Instead of going to the movies or the mall, everyone finds themselves socializing in the sand.  The beach is also ideal for those who like to surf and fish.

2.  People-When starting my first year of college, the people I would meet was of large concern.  Luckily, I seem to get along with everyone.  The student body and city itself is so laid back.  Flip flops and t-shirts are a necessity, unlike other schools who try to impress in preppy attire.  Everyone is just looking to have a good time and meeting new people is a breeze.

3.  Academics-UNCW offers a variety of courses to the student body.  They are well known for their School of Nursing and School of Education.  However, if this isn't the route you're seeking, other majors are available including:  communication studies, business administration, marine biology, art, etc.  Overall, the teachers are good at what they do and are willing to work with students if they need help.  Also, if you put in the effort, the workload is reasonable.

4.  Social life-Of course, college isn't just about class and preparing yourself for the future.  Students are concerned about having the best experience while enrolled.  UNCW has a great college town.  Although our frat scene isn't extreme, Fraternities and sororities are available to join.  There are lots of parties around town, which I found myself at more during Freshman and Sophomore year.  However, the bars/clubs downtown and at the beach offer alternatives to the party scene.  Downtown is loaded with different bars, shops, and restaurants.  You can go in the day and walk around the shops and then come back at night to dance.  With the variety of places available, there's something to fit everyone.  Bars can be expensive depending on where you go and if there is a cover charge, but are reasonable overall .  Thursdays, college night, are generally the cheapest!  The beach bars are more low key than downtown.  Restaurants in the day, and bars by night, there are only about five places to choose from.  I have found that I prefer the beach bars more when I'm just going to hang out.  They are more local, more casual attire, and I always run into someone I know.  However, when I want to dance I go downtown!

In closing, UNCW has been a great college decision for me.  I love the weather and social life and still have the time to maintain my grades.  Come here for an awesome time where there's always something to do!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Flying Fear

I am 21 years old, and until this morning, had never flown in an airplane.  Flying is like second nature to my friends and roommates, who were shocked I hadn't experienced it before.  When they refer to flying, their destination is where there adventure begins.  However, my flying adventure began with the packing of my suitcase.  Who knew it could take so long?  I had so many questions regarding what I was aloud and not aloud to bring.  Finally, I reached the airport, anxiously anticipating departure.

I must admit, I felt completely helpless wandering through the airport.  Luckily, my boyfriend was there to point me in the right direction.   After waiting patiently for our flight to be announced, we boarded the plane and took our seats.  The flight attendants secured the plane and we began our route to the landing strip.  As the plane increased speed and began lifting from the ground, my fear sank in.  I felt as if I were in a bad dream, being sucked back into my seat.  I avoided looking out the window as we climbed higher and higher into the sky. (My fear of heights was not beneficial to this experience).  Eventually, the plane leveled out and I began to feel at ease.  I caught myself staring out the window in amazement thinking to myself, "I can't believe I'm in the air right now."

Friday, September 10, 2010

UNCW Football Undefeated Since 68'

I have been a student at UNCW for the past three years. My college experience has been incredible. Yet, something is missing in the UNCW atmosphere that I experienced when visiting other schools. That missing piece is a football program. A football team is a major part of all major universities. There seems to be no concrete reason as to why we do not have a football team. There are many rumors as to why we don’t have a football team. One rumor is a major contributor to UNCW opposes a football team because his kid was severely injured while playing football. Another is that the chancellor just doesn't want to have a team.   
There is no clear reason why we do not have a football team. Title IX could be the only clear reason because we would have to have the same amount of budget in both women and men sports. 
   However, there are a bunch of positive influences that a football team would bring to UNCW and the Wilmington community. First, having a football team would be awesome for the campus of UNCW because it would drastically increase the school spirit. Our school spirit for sports is sub par.  Having a football team would give all of the students Saturday games to look forward to. A team would bring in an increase in revenue from many different areas.
  •                Ticket Sales
  •                Merchandise
  •                Concessions
  •                Increase in sales in Wilmington restaurants
  •                Increase in Alumni relations

A football team would also make UNCW more attractive to prospective students who believe a football team is a big part of their college decision. Overall, the benefits greatly outweigh the negative aspects of having a football team. We need to follow in UNCC footsteps and make prominent steps to getting UNCW a football team.