Summer Fishing

My favorite hobby during the summer (besides running/swimming/biking) is fishing. Since school let out I have already gone to Montauk State Park to catch rainbow trout and the Saline Creek for smallmouth bass. Both trips were major successes as I caught my limit of trout at Montauk within a half hour of the opening horn and landed three beautiful bronze smallies on the Saline. One of these three is shown in my picture--a sixteen inch smallmouth that I caught from my favorite spot on the creek. I'm partial to smallmouth and trout over the traditional freshwater fish such as largemouth, bluegill and catfish. This is most likely due to the fact that I prefer to fish in clear streams. These two species of fish are less tolerant of pollution and require water with higher oxygen content than other freshwater fish (IE you will find trout in cold clear fast moving streams). Hopefully I will find time this summer for similar successful fishing trips.

Summer Job!

I have officially gotten my work for this Summer figured out. After receiving twelve polite rejections for the various positions I mentioned in past blogs, I have finally been hired to work for Delta Companies this summer as the foremen of a seven man work crew. Interestingly enough, the sea turtle position I applied and initially did not get accepted to, came back and offered me the position a couple weeks before the job began in June. Unfortunately I could not accept on such late notice. Perhaps I can work there next summer. My job with Delta will last all of June and July while still allowing me to return to Rockhurst on August 4th for RA training which works out wonderfully. I was with Delta last summer and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My crew gets to work outside for 40 hours a week and the work is visibly rewarding after we finish up a project.

FINISHED!!!

As of today, I am officially finished with school for the Summer. I feel that my finals went well and hopefully my GPA will be in good standing with two semesters left before I apply for early admission at UMKC's dental school. Overall my first year of college was definitely a positive, learning experience from moving away from home to working my way through two semesters. I'm looking forward to many things next year including:

1.) Being an RA (thus having a dorm room to myself)

2.) Continuing my pursuit of a Biochemistry degree

3.) Training for a triathlon.

4.) Volunteering at a local dental clinic

5.) Getting acquainted with the incoming freshman class through programs like social mentors

6.) Running the KC half marathon once again

7.) Only having to get up for 8 o'clock classes three days a week instead of five.

Before I get to do all these fun activities I have the entire summer laid out before me to do pretty much whatever I please. Hopefully I will get a job working for the Parks Department (I'm still working on it). Besides that I will shadow some more dentists and continue blogging weekly! And sleep. Lots and lots of sleeping........

Crimson Ball

Last night I had a wonderful time attending ASA's Crimson Ball with Kim Patterson who thoughtfully asked me along. The ball was held in Kansas City's Hyatt Hotel which left me extremely impressed. At the top (40th floor) of the Hyatt is the "Skies" restaurant which slowly rotates to provide diners with a complete view of Kansas City. (It can be seen at the top of the building to the right). Kim and I slipped away from the dance for a few minutes to ride the elevator all the way to the Skies and take in the awesome view. Dinner was great and desert was even better as I (proper etiquette aside) couldn't help but finish off the leftover cheesecake from other people at our table. It was a fantastic night and the perfect distraction from the steadily approaching finals of next week.