Category: Fun

Colorado Bound: Sand Dunes, Waterfalls, and Wonder

Zapata Falls

by Cinthia Villarreal

Heading into the third state of our Southwest road trip, we knew exactly how to spend our time, starting with a hike at Zapata Falls! After our short hike at Sun Mountain, we now consider ourselves hiking aficionados.

As we embarked on our short but rewarding hike, Colorado’s natural landscapes rewarded us every step of the way by providing beautiful views of snow, forests, and mountains.

The hike consisted of roughly one mile covered in snow and ice. For our final approach to the waterfall, we made our way along a frozen river, which we traversed gingerly.

Walking deeper into the creek and on top of a few rocks, we were able to witness the power of nature. The delicate, yet forceful-looking waterfall captivated all of us, leaving us with no words. In fact, both Olivia and I audibly gasped at the sight of it.  

Being even more adventurous, we decided to carefully climb a step of the river into a magnificent cave where we could see the whole waterfall. Witnessing the power and beauty of nature startled us. The waterfall, once loud and unstoppable, stood still and completely frozen in time.  

Great Sand Dunes National Park

After the one-of-a-kind adventure, we headed to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. This was first time Olivia or I had ever visited a national park; to say we were excited would be an understatement.

We had to stop at the Visitor Center to buy souvenirs–and even our own National Parks Passport, which we stamped with a seal provided by the center. 

As we walked over to the dunes, we realized that the small-looking hills we saw on our way were misleading. The dunes were hundreds of feet high, and they towered over us.

With some determination, lots of doubts, and a huge amount of persuasion from Professor Yawn, Olivia and I walked one dune after another, getting higher and higher each time.

This was a true test of our endurance since our feet kept digging into the sand…

….with each step we took which would make us take even more steps and consequently tire us even more.  But getting to the top also made us feel something like champions!

We made sure to capture the moment.

Despite the unanticipated workout, we were overwhelmed by the magnificent features the dunes possessed, how thin coats of snow would rest them, and the golden, transcendental-like appearance the light of the sun would give it.  

As we started the long walk back to the car, the wind picked up to about 40 miles per hour, and, even though we were as cold as we had ever been, we were mesmerized by the way the snow would dance with the breeze on top of the sand, making patterns and moving through waves like it knows exactly what it is doing.

With sand in our shoes and frostbite on our faces, we were able to close out another successful day of firsts for us. 

102 Years of Tree of Lights

For the 102nd year, the aptly named Campus Activities and Traditions hosted the “Tree of Lights” last night. With music, dancing, speeches, philanthropy, and–of course–tree lighting, the night was full of fun.

Led by Rachel Valle, the event began with a pre-lighting festival consisting of music, a “snow globe,” a photography station, and other fun and games.

This was followed by introductions by the newly minted SHSU King and Queen; remarks by President White (and a selfie by her husband, Elliott!);

…the lighting of vigil candles;

…nice words by Director of the Good Shepherd Mission, Dave Smith;

…and performances by the Orange Pride Dancers and the SHSU Chorale.

There was also a speed ornament hanging for participating organizations–which included both LEAP Ambassadors and the Pre-Law Society.

Although it’s been done a hundred times (literally), this event remains fresh, and a welcome way to introduce freshmen to the best aspects of SHSU: service, generosity, and talent.

LEAP Takes on Fleet Street! Sweeney Todd

By Olivia Discon

Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd!

LEAP students experienced plethoric frightful festivities this ‘Halloweekend’, with some students left more spooked than others. To continue the fun, we enjoyed Theatre Under The Stars’ (TUTS) rendition of Sweeney Todd!

We ventured to our favorite food hall, POST Market, to taste an array of different dishes and cuisines. Similar to our fear factor, some students are more adventurous diners than others. The dishes ranged anywhere from coconut curry, tacos, shrimp alfredo, to a cubed biscoff croissant! This experience-for both newcomers and returning customers- was as refreshing as it was satiating.

Of course, while at Post Houston, we took advantage of some roof-top views for photos.

Our viewing of Sweeney Todd was highly anticipated, as Michelle and I had the chance to watch the Sam Houston’s rendition of the musical back in April. TUTS had a lot to live up to, considering the high standard set by SHSU’s performance.

The story, set in 19th-century London, revolves around the vengeful Sweeney Todd, a barber seeking retribution against those who have wronged him. The eerie plot, coupled with a hauntingly beautiful live orchestra, instilled a palpable sense of unease right from the moment the blade emitted its initial, spine-tingling screech.

There were touches of levity throughout the musical, creating a juxtaposition of humor and horror. The group particularly enjoyed “A Little Priest” and ‘By the Sea” for their wordplay and irony woven into the storytelling. A select few of us in the group found the wordplay extremely humorous, making it known to the rest of the theatre through our persistent giggling.

As we headed back to Huntsville, the group recounted their thoughts, including our favorite moments, plot twists that shocked us, and the characters that resonated with us the most. Personally, the conversation following a visit to a performance or art exhibition is my favorite aspect of the endeavor. While it is intellectually stimulating, it also allows for closer connections and camaraderie!

We had the opportunity to use the holiday as a learning opportunity; looking at Halloween under the scope of both civic engagement and the arts. Activities such as these, while already incredibly enjoyable, become triply important, serving to educate, offering a cultural experience, and providing a team-building exercise.