YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST, AMERICA!

I am officially announcing my candidacy for Student Government Association President for 2013!

Voting will be held in Dimensions (a student body class every Tuesday @ 9:25 in LYCC) in less than a month. . . so let the campaigning begin!

I have been part of the Student Government since my freshman year here at the Webb and have been in Student Council since sixth grade! My Senior year of high school, I was elected Student Body President so I figured hey, why not try for collegiate Student Body Prez too?

I am shaping my campaign platform this evening with one of my politically savvy friends and I will also release my logo and catch phrase by this week’s end. It should be a competitive and interesting election based off the other two candidates I know who are running…

Gotta love election season!

If I am going to be President one day… this job will serve as an excellent prerequisite. The Gardner-Webb student body and all of America are pretty much the same, right?

I will keep you posted.. and if you have any ideas for campaign tactics, election ideas, or logo designs… shoot me an e-mail at kspiro@gardner-webb.edu !

Good Afternoon America,

Yes, indeed it is that time of the year again for the GWU Student Athlete Advisory Committee Casino Night Ball! This event is held every Spring and is on its way to being a G-Dubb #classic.

Offering traditional casino games, this event is a must attend by the student body. The prizes are INSANELY good– I’m talking like Beats by Drake, a flat screen TV, gift cards, gas cards etc.! My freshmen year, my roommate won a mini grill, perfect for our GWU tailgates!

Personally, the casino attire is my favorite aspect of the whole event. First off, Stewart Hall in Tucker Student Center will be completely decorated with craps tables, a neon dance floor complete with MC & DJ, a high rollers arena, and various red & black accents–making for the perfect casino-like feel (or so I would imagine since I am not 21 and have never been to a casino!).

Secondly, everyone is in glitzy outfits; the guys are in colorful suits, top hats, bow ties, and some even stuff their pockets with monopoly money! The ladies are dressed in sparkle dresses, black lace tights, red lipstick, high stilettos, and loads of glamorous jewelry! It is quite a sight to behold.

I have a track meet at Clemson tomorrow, but you can bet all your tokens and monopoly money I will be back for this annual GWU event!

Be sure to like/follow GWU Student Activities on Facebook and Twitter to see pictures and posts by current GWU students.

Disclaimer America,

Excuse me if I am a bit melancholy during this post… my pick to win Superbowl 57 did not come to fruition.

But what a game! It was exciting, dramatic, and when the lights went out… it was even suspenseful (yet ABSURDLY hilarious at the same time!). I could not help but exclaim, “See Washington, this is what happens when you don’t pay the bills!” My apolitical friends only snickered..

I spent the evening over at one of my Young Life leaders house’s in Shelby, the city closest to small town Boiling Springs (Check out this site to learn more about what Young Life is!) He has been a Young Life Leader at Shelby High School for almost 50 years and has quite the reputation among generations of students. His house is located only a mile from the Broad River Coffee Shop, a popular hang out for both high school and college students.

During the halftime show, we had our annual Young Life leaders placement! What this entails is revealing which Young Life leader ‘in training’ (a freshman at GWU) is being placed at which high school in the surrounding area. My team is at Shelby High School and we received two new female leaders– Jordan and Devin! I am so excited to have these two ladies on the team and I know they are going to be phenomenal Christian leaders!

As I mentioned I was going for the San Francisco 49ers.

I will be the first to admit that I am one of ‘those people’ who does not follow professional American  football till the playoffs start, but nevertheless I still greatly enjoy picking teams and all the comradery within playoff season.

However, this year I did not pick a team based on stats, players, or logistical ties…

I picked the 49ers because my boyfriend was going for the Baltimore Ravens since day one. Go ahead, judge me now, but this is simply how our sports relationship works. We are both competitive as anything and the first chance we get at making a bet or running a race, we take it.

So I lost the bet…. guess there is a first for everything.

Check back in a few days to see what consequence this earned me. It will be quite the story!

Over & Out,

K

Good Afternoon America,

This morning, I had Javelin practice. It. was. so. windy! Not a good combination for an early morning physical activity…

I am so excited about this Track & Field season! When I was in high school, sports were always centered around the prospect of collegiate athletics: breaking records to get headlines, joining recruiting sites visited by Division-1 coaches, editing film for highlight videos… everything was centered around the idea of reaching that next level!

I thank God everyday that my dream became reality at Gardner-Webb, but I am oh-so glad that that process is over! I can now fully enjoy practices, meets and be motivated by the love of the sport alone! I enjoy each and every day with my teammates and hope to be a conference champion within the next two years.

I do however, have some advice for the aspiring collegiate athlete:

1. Always believe you can do it. Be prepared for your peers, friends, coaches, parents, records, and competitors to count you out. Less than 5% of high school athletes move on to collegiate athletics, but be the exception to the rule. Believe in yourself and in your dream.

2. Work harder. If you want to be a collegiate athlete, you already know it is going to be tough. You must work harder, longer and better than not only those around you, but harder than you think you can. In the words of Drake, they will tell you the sky is the limit, so make the sky your point of view!

3. Be a student-athlete, not an athlete-student. Be a stellar student first and a superior athlete second. Enough said.

4. Register on the NCAA Clearing House. ASAP. Make your recruiting experience easy! Post your stats, contact coaches and create your athletic profile online. This is essential to any wannabe!

5. Communicate with your high school coach. If you want to compete in college, tell your coach so he can keeps his eyes and ears open for opportunities for you! Your coach ought know your competitive objectives and athletic goals better than anyone on your resume. Talk, chat and impress your coach with your dream!

There are so many tips and ideas for any aspiring athletes out there, but everyone’s experience is unique and different. If I could help you or clarify any of the five points above, please contact me at kspiro@gardner-webb.edu.

I had so many questions about becoming a collegiate athlete, but one thing I never thought twice about was the dream to become one. Shoot me an e-mail for a follow-up discussion.

Run hard, read harder!

K

Good Afternoon, America!

This past weekend, I attended the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C.! It was most certainly the poignant part of my political dream thus far… and I had an absolute blast!

Walking on a dream...

My journey commenced at 10 PM Friday evening from the Charlotte Bus Transportation Station. I rode down with my good friend Rachel who is one of my fellow Young Life leaders. We ate at Brixx’s pizza (we ordered Pimento pizza!) before she dropped me off at the station and wished me farewell.

One of the highlights and my trip was actually the journey up! This was my first Megabus experience and it was… interesting in every sense of the word! My bus partner was Canadian, the bus driver was British and over 3/4 of the best was filled with energetic Obama supporters headed to the Inauguration! You would have never known it was a midnight bus ride till 3 AM when the political discussions were replaced with snores.

My pre-inaugural weekend was filled with concerts on the National Mall, festivals in all segments of the city, and dozens diverse food spots catering to a crowd of 850,000! The metros were packed, the streets were virtually all blocked but the energy in the city was on max. Though I spent all last summer in Washington D.C. (and experienced July 4th on the lawn of the Capitol!), it honestly paled in comparison to the atmosphere I had with this historical American event.

The day of the Inauguration flew by, passing by with frosted toes, rocking performances by Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, and James Taylor (my favorite singer!), and patriotism like I’ve never seen. President Obama’s speech was short, sweet and to the point and offered rhetoric that will indeed be put on trial in the coming months and years. The crowds erupted in unity and joviality at the close of the ceremony.

I stood in long line to exit the Capitol lawn… and my hope and dream to sit in one of those top blue and red seats become a bit more of a reality. The coming hours I was in D.C. (after I un-thawed from the 20 degree weather!) were spent in deep reflection of my experience; what this event means for America, for my family’s future, and for my ambitions.

I had the experience of a lifetime and if there is one thing you take away from this blog… it is to truly be an active citizen of your country. Take pride in her and support her. Leaders change and policies shift but the future requires your attention for progression not silent passive aggression.

Spiro 2036!

Go Bulldogs!

Good Morning America,

This past week has flown by and today marks the one month anniversary of my return back to the Webb after spending a in our nations capitol, Washington D.C..

It was a phenomenal summer from every angle– professional, personal, academic, and spiritual. What a blessing though to be able to return home to the Webb came and continue my double life as an aspiring political journalist and a broke (but happy!) college student.

This weekend, I will be headed off to a Young Life camp @ Windy Gap with all of my Shelby High Girls! Like my double life between DC and BS (Boiling Springs), I will also be working “Dawg Days” this weekend.

How, you may ask? Let’s just say the ole Kia Forte will be racking up some mileage this weekend… but hey, if I wasn’t on the go, hitting a deadline, or barely making it– I wouldn’t be my normal self! Look below at the picture of my planner and keep in mind, classes, practice, labs, work, and Young Life contact work..are not listed!

As this proclamation suggest, my current state of the union is about as full as the dirty laundry Mr. Romney has been doing this week. Poor guy (well actually rich guy), he just can’t seem to get it right these days.. but what do I know, I am just 47% important.

God bless you and God Bless America,

Katie E. Spiro

My 2012-2013 Student Government Association Photo!

Name: Katie Elizabeth Spiro
Position: Executive Secretary
Class: Junior
Major: Political Science and Broadcast Journalism
Previous SGA Involvement: 6th-11th grade President; 12th Grade Student Body President; GWU: Freshman Senator 2010-2011, Executive Secretary 2011-2012
On Campus Involvement: NCAA Big South Intern, Young Life, Honors Student Association, Track & Field/Cross Country, Student Recruiter Ambassador
What is one thing you would like to see SGA accomplish this year?Increase student voter education and registration
What is your favorite thing about Gardner-Webb? The opportunities to lead and serve by faith are innumerable.  Vote Spiro 2024!

Good Afternoon America,

Tomorrow morning, I will be flying out to the great state of Missouri!

During school, you ask? Yes, indeed– actually for school (well, kind of)!

Each year, the GWU Student Government Association Executive Members attend a national SGA Conference… and yours truly is the Executive Secretary! Myself along with our President, Treasurer, and Staff Adviser will be flying in St. Louis tomorrow morning and attending the 34th Annual National Leadership Conference on Student Government!

Last year, we were able to attend the American Student Government Association Conference in Washington, D.C.– and we had an absolute blast! We learned about effective ways to serve and lead a student body, overcome apathy on campus, pinpoint areas of improvement etc.. It was both a professional and personal development experience for me last year and I expect this year to only enhance those skill sets!

Do you want to know the coolest thing about this whole gig though? It is 100% free of charge! The GWU SGA budget provides the funds for this invaluable experience and offers all 5 Executive Members the opportunity to attend, fly, and eat– at no cost to the member.

I know, right? What an absolute blessing!

Just another way GWU is developing, enhancing, and enriching my world.

What would I do without you, GWU?

Thank you and God Bless.

Miss Katie E. Spiro

GWU Cross Country/ Track & Field Coach Brian Baker & Me!

Hello America,

This is my coach, Mr. Brian Baker—the 3200 M National Champion and Olympic qualifier (nbd).

I spend approximately 1/5 or 20% of my day with this guy between 6:45 AM morning runs, 3:30 PM workouts, and 5:00 PM weight lifting.

Yes, we are indeed buddies!

Coach Baker is one of those people you will always remember in life, and often randomly turn to for advice—in all areas of life. To many, Coach Baker may appear as a Father figure for the team, but to me—he is like that one Uncle you can tell anything to that will always take your side and give you exactly what you need every holiday!

This guy has been through the ringer with me. Freshman year: I was a heptathlete. Sophomore Year: I ran Cross Country for the first time and went mid-distance. Junior year (currently): I will be long, mid-distance and javelin… yeah—go figure that one out!

Conference is in three weeks and Coach has been hitting is hard with workouts. He is a tough cookie to swallow on days when it decides to rain just as practice begins or finish right before practice starts… but Coach knows best. If I show up, Coach knows how to motivate me to get better and work harder. I am stubborn I’ll admit, but I truly believe the mark of a good Coach is not someone who knows what is best, but someone who knows best what is good for his athlete.

Meet Coach Baker.

Thank you and God Bless.

This weekend, I gained two sisters in my 2.2 billion sized family.

At Windy Gap Young Life camp in Weaverville, North Carolina– two of my Shelby High friends opened their hearts to the love of Jesus Christ. It was absolutely breathtaking and by far one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed.

The weather could not have been more ideal! It ranged between 70-80 every day and the clouds were just enough to offer a refreshing shade every now and again.

Young Life is a massive part of my life. The relationships I have built over the years have shaped me in ways I can only scarcely recognize in myself because they have become so cognizant with my being. The best way I can tell you about my weekend… is by showing you. . . 

Good Morning America,

As my first post of the year, I found it exceedingly appropriate to begin on September 11th, 2012-- 11 years after a day America will always remember and a tragedy we will never forget.

This morning, Gardner-Webb undergraduates, professors, and community members gathered at the LYCC ( sports arena) for a program called Dimensions– a weekly program for the students of the university where opportunity for spiritual growth, intellectual and cultural enrichment, and relationship building occur.

Each week, a different speaker addresses the university community and today’s speaker was Tom Bowen, a New York firefighter who served under FEMA and the USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) at the World Trade Center following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

He. was. phenomenal.

Bowen spoke of his experience during the rescue and aftermath of 9/11– which in itself is a deeply sentimental and heavy-hearted recount, but he also spoke about his two-year-old son, Ben.

Ben died of a rare brain tumor a few short years after 9/11, sending Bowen’s world into another state of shock. Silence washed over the arena and faces and eyes began to flood with emotion. It was a sight to behold.

I was in forth grade when the terrorists attacks on 9/11 occurred that day 11 years ago. I knew next to nothing about the logistics of the world, government, or terrorism, but what I remember quite vividly was the affect this tragedy had on everyone around me.

Out of all of this ruble, distress, and sadness–> came love. People clung to one another, supporting any and all around them, and many took refuge in the Lord.

Now as a junior in college, I have learned to recognize love in its many forms. 9/11 has been written into the pages of history books and encyclopedias, but the love and absolute faith that has transpired from men like Tom Bowen will forever remain alive and worth sharing.

It was a great day here at the Webb. Take a moment today to slow down and acknowledge the significance this date plays in the life of America.

God bless you and God bless America,

Katie E. Spiro