Michigan December

Welcome to my blog!

Hello friends, my name is Brian C. Peck and I'm a senior here at the University of Michigan. As I embark on my last semester here in Ann Arbor, I offer up this blog as a public testament to the wonderful and challenging experiences I have had as a Wolverine. Looking to the future, you will follow me as I take my last courses and prepare for life beyond the University. Furthermore, I hope to share the insight I have gained as a student who has been through the admissions process and who has worked in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. So, without further hesitation, I shall begin an overview on my current college life as I wrap up this semester's papers and get pumped for a trip to the Capital One bowl with the Marching Band!

Academic Life

As my biography states, I study sociology and urban and community studies. My interests lie in metropolitan politics and social justice, and because of the flexibility we have as undergraduates, I've taken related courses in political science, history and the Program in the Environment. Overall, I've enjoyed my academic career and grown as a person through my studies. I'll elaborate on my favorite classes and professors in subsequent blogs. Right now, however, I am taking History of American Suburbia, Metropolitan Politics, Psychology and Spiritual Development, and of course Marching Band. The course load is pretty light, but I should probably get working to finish my 3000 word research paper that is due on December 10. It is my final grade for a PolSci class and concerns an out of class project I've started in my hometown of Warren, Michigan. Other than that, I have only one exam, another paper and then I'm free for 2007!

Extra-curricular Activities

I can't believe my four years in the marching band are drawing to a close. This organization was a major influence in my life, bringing me in to the University and Michigan spirit. There is nothing more exhilarating than marching out of the tunnel on to the field for pre-game in front of 111,000 people! This year I was able to give back and lead as a rank leader for Rank H. It was a big responsibility especially because we got a new band director, so it was up to us to help carry on Michigan tradition. Overall, it was a great season, despite the team's losses. Even the OSU game was memorable, for there were many tears of joy as we marched to Michigan stadium for the last time. Now we are getting ready for the Capital One Bowl in Orlando. We already auditioned and are waiting for an itinerary on Monday. No matter how the game turns out, it will be great to spend time with all of the friends I've gained through the organization.

Spiritual Life

Yes, there is time for spirituality in college! In fact, I couldn't have survived these past four years without taking time to reflect and meditate on life. Additionally, I'm part of an incredible faith community here, St. Mary's Student Parish ( stmarystudentparish.org). It's a vibrant Catholic community and it's where I spend the majority of my free time, whether with friends, on retreat, at mass, or singing in the choir. Last year I directed and produced Godspell the musical with a friend and this year I'll be leading an Alternative Spring Break group to Nashville. I'll elaborate later on experiences with St. Mary's because they'll give you an idea of how dynamic and stimulating it is to be a member of the overall campus community.

In Closing

There is so much to share with you, but for now I leave you with the best part of my day. Classes were pretty long this morning and I had to wake up early to finish a reflection. We had to write our own chapter to the book, The Prophet, and it was harder than I anticipated. After sharing in class, I was finally done for the day, and had a chunk of free time with band now over. So I decided to wander aimlessly. In no time I found myself at the Arboretum (Arb for short and my favorite place on campus). Instantly I felt like I escaped to Northern Michigan; the sky was blue, snow covered the ground and I was alone in a forest by the Huron river. Even though it was freezing, I just laid in the snow and looked up at the tall white pines. Peace at last...Life is good...

While I'm still refreshed, I'll catch you later. Get your applications in if you haven't already!

Peace and Go Blue,

Brian