First Year Blog

Xairete!

Hope everyone is doing well and, if you’re a college student in the middle of midterms, that you’re keeping your sanity a little better than I am! Sophomore year started out busy, and just seems to keep getting more and more so. Over Columbus Day weekend, I should have spent my time home relaxing and catching up on some reading. Instead, I ran around like a crazy person visiting my friends, shopping, chauffeuring my younger sisters around, and going out to dinner. Amidst all of the craziness, though, I did have a blast. I drove to see my best friend from high school, Rachel, at her school in New Jersey, had dinner with Doctor Bender and attended one of his classes at St. Joe’s University, took my younger sister to my high school’s open house (quite the strange experience! She’s growing up too quickly!), shopped like a madwoman, and watched the Phillies move on in our second bid at the World Series in two years. All in all, a successful weekend.

However, I came back to a heaping pile of work which I really didn’t even realize I had until I checked out all of my syllabi and saw that I had a presentation due Thursday, a Greek exam Friday, a Sociology paper for Monday, a Government paper for Tuesday, and a Gov exam Thursday. I’m slowly but surely working my way through all of this and somehow living to tell the tale!

Besides these wonderful assignments and exams, I also have to get to work on my Study Abroad application. I’ve been mulling over the essay for quite some time and think that I am finally ready to put my thoughts down in a coherent form, but when I am going to find the time to do so I really have no idea. What I am most excited about is formulating my tutorials which I want to propose for Oxford. The school operates on a tutorial system in which one takes a primary and secondary tutorial for eight weeks at a time, meeting once a week and once every other week respectively. I’ve come up with a few exciting ideas for what I would like to study there, meshing my love for Classics and involving the British culture as well.

Unfortunately, I only got about 3 ½ hours of sleep last night, so I’m off to lunch, Greek, then taking a much-needed nap. Valete for now!

Xairete!

Hope everyone is doing well and, if you’re a college student in the middle of midterms, that you’re keeping your sanity a little better than I am! Sophomore year started out busy, and just seems to keep getting more and more so. Over Columbus Day weekend, I should have spent my time home relaxing and catching up on some reading. Instead, I ran around like a crazy person visiting my friends, shopping, chauffeuring my younger sisters around, and going out to dinner. Amidst all of the craziness, though, I did have a blast. I drove to see my best friend from high school, Rachel, at her school in New Jersey, had dinner with Doctor Bender and attended one of his classes at St. Joe’s University, took my younger sister to my high school’s open house (quite the strange experience! She’s growing up too quickly!), shopped like a madwoman, and watched the Phillies move on in our second bid at the World Series in two years. All in all, a successful weekend.

However, I came back to a heaping pile of work which I really didn’t even realize I had until I checked out all of my syllabi and saw that I had a presentation due Thursday, a Greek exam Friday, a Sociology paper for Monday, a Government paper for Tuesday, and a Gov exam Thursday. I’m slowly but surely working my way through all of this and somehow living to tell the tale!

Besides these wonderful assignments and exams, I also have to get to work on my Study Abroad application. I’ve been mulling over the essay for quite some time and think that I am finally ready to put my thoughts down in a coherent form, but when I am going to find the time to do so I really have no idea. What I am most excited about is formulating my tutorials which I want to propose for Oxford. The school operates on a tutorial system in which one takes a primary and secondary tutorial for eight weeks at a time, meeting once a week and once every other week respectively. I’ve come up with a few exciting ideas for what I would like to study there, meshing my love for Classics and involving the British culture as well.

Unfortunately, I only got about 3 ½ hours of sleep last night, so I’m off to lunch, Greek, then taking a much-needed nap. Valete for now!

See, I knew sleeping past my alarm would come in handy one day. Well…no, but I can pretend, can’t I? I’ve gotten into the nasty habit of hitting the snooze button in my sleep when my alarm rings at 8:30, and not actually getting up ‘til at least 9:00. Those of you still in high school probably think I’m weak for being unable to wake up by the time you’re sitting halfway through first period class, but—actually, there is no excuse; I am weak. It’s especially hard when you were having such a good dream beforehand. There was one time where I had this dream about an epic battle between dinosaurs and I just had to go back to sleep to continue it…but that’s a blog post for another time (or rather, never).

Anyways, on Friday I got out of bed at nine-something and went through my usual routine: bathroom, clothing, and hair-brushing while turning on my laptop to check my email and facebook (I am insanely addicted). I saw an email (which I would never have read if I woke up on time) about a prospective student who needed a host because her original one had canceled last minute. I mulled over hosting for a minute, looked at the time, and figured I might as well. My first time alone at Holy Cross had been for an overnight weekend program, and I had come late because I had an AP practice exam that day. Because I came in the afternoon, there hadn’t been anyone to pick me up, so I spent an hour or so by myself in Hogan reading. It was a nervous hour.

Clearly, there was no reason for anyone else to repeat it.

Aly the prospective was awesome. I really hope she comes here! I felt badly that she ended up sitting through my science classes when she wants to major in something humanities related, but I tried my best. I had never hosted before, and she was incredibly patient with me as I scrambled to figure out what aspects of HC would be most important for her to see. In the end, Clara, Cynthia, and I took her adventuring to all the most important places regular tours don’t show you at HC—the best bathroom on campus (located down the hall from Admissions), Fenwick Theater, O’Kane computer lab (I never learned where it was ‘til a good month into my first semester), Public Safety, various elevators, and out to eat in Kimball, to name some of the less obvious ones. I like to think I introduced her to nice people as well, like Goebel the Kimball captain and Debbie the Classics major.

Of course, introducing anyone to Debbie is generally a good life decision.

In the end, she had to go to her interview with admissions, but I wish her and everyone else applying the best of luck!

I can’t wait to host again!

See, I knew sleeping past my alarm would come in handy one day. Well…no, but I can pretend, can’t I? I’ve gotten into the nasty habit of hitting the snooze button in my sleep when my alarm rings at 8:30, and not actually getting up ‘til at least 9:00. Those of you still in high school probably think I’m weak for being unable to wake up by the time you’re sitting halfway through first period class, but—actually, there is no excuse; I am weak. It’s especially hard when you were having such a good dream beforehand. There was one time where I had this dream about an epic battle between dinosaurs and I just had to go back to sleep to continue it…but that’s a blog post for another time (or rather, never).

Anyways, on Friday I got out of bed at nine-something and went through my usual routine: bathroom, clothing, and hair-brushing while turning on my laptop to check my email and facebook (I am insanely addicted). I saw an email (which I would never have read if I woke up on time) about a prospective student who needed a host because her original one had canceled last minute. I mulled over hosting for a minute, looked at the time, and figured I might as well. My first time alone at Holy Cross had been for an overnight weekend program, and I had come late because I had an AP practice exam that day. Because I came in the afternoon, there hadn’t been anyone to pick me up, so I spent an hour or so by myself in Hogan reading. It was a nervous hour.

Clearly, there was no reason for anyone else to repeat it.

Aly the prospective was awesome. I really hope she comes here! I felt badly that she ended up sitting through my science classes when she wants to major in something humanities related, but I tried my best. I had never hosted before, and she was incredibly patient with me as I scrambled to figure out what aspects of HC would be most important for her to see. In the end, Clara, Cynthia, and I took her adventuring to all the most important places regular tours don’t show you at HC—the best bathroom on campus (located down the hall from Admissions), Fenwick Theater, O’Kane computer lab (I never learned where it was ‘til a good month into my first semester), Public Safety, various elevators, and out to eat in Kimball, to name some of the less obvious ones. I like to think I introduced her to nice people as well, like Goebel the Kimball captain and Debbie the Classics major.

Of course, introducing anyone to Debbie is generally a good life decision.

In the end, she had to go to her interview with admissions, but I wish her and everyone else applying the best of luck!

I can’t wait to host again!

Salvete, all!

Long time, no post! So much has been going on in these last couple days before I go home for a little break over Columbus Day long weekend. So much to update you on!
Last Wednesday was one of the most interesting and inspiring moments of my Holy Cross career so far. Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, came to speak to the Holy Cross community for our 2YO program (Second Year Opportunities). I actually had the privilege of meeting Mr. Mortenson at the dinner held in his honor, which a few members of the Class of 2012 were invited to attend. I spoke with him briefly and was struck by the fact that he did not seem like a “larger than life” celebrity. On the contrary, he was a very down-to-earth, shy, and kind man who has done some extraordinary work with education in Afghanistan and Pakistan. His lecture was wonderful, and he was (almost surprisingly) a fantastic speaker. I will cherish this memory of my sophomore year as one of the most amazing experiences I have had at Holy Cross.

In study abroad news, the debate between Rome and Oxford is still raging. I am applying to both, but what I actually end up choosing is still a huge mystery even to me. Every day I feel like I wake up and favor one or the other. I have decided that in order to make this decision I am going to give my mind a break from thinking about the possibilities and options so much. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the technicalities of going abroad—cost, courses, credits, etc. etc.—and to miss the main point here (which Professor Joseph pointed out to me in our meeting last week): anything I choose is going to be an amazing experience. I just have to discern which will fit me best.

This week is hectic beyond belief—I spent another 11 or so hours at Kimball last weekend, and have a presentation in Latin tomorrow and one in Greek on Friday. But after that, I’m free until next Wednesday, both from Kimball and schoolwork. My parents are planning on driving up late Friday to get me…yes, I will most likely get back to Philadelphia at around 3 in the morning, but I just need a break from work and homework and applications! My friends are all feeling the same way, but we did manage to go to Panera last night just to get away and have some non-Kimball food.

Valete everyone! Have a wonderful weekend. I’m sure I’ll have some interesting stories from my time home!

Salvete, all!

Long time, no post! So much has been going on in these last couple days before I go home for a little break over Columbus Day long weekend. So much to update you on!
Last Wednesday was one of the most interesting and inspiring moments of my Holy Cross career so far. Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, came to speak to the Holy Cross community for our 2YO program (Second Year Opportunities). I actually had the privilege of meeting Mr. Mortenson at the dinner held in his honor, which a few members of the Class of 2012 were invited to attend. I spoke with him briefly and was struck by the fact that he did not seem like a “larger than life” celebrity. On the contrary, he was a very down-to-earth, shy, and kind man who has done some extraordinary work with education in Afghanistan and Pakistan. His lecture was wonderful, and he was (almost surprisingly) a fantastic speaker. I will cherish this memory of my sophomore year as one of the most amazing experiences I have had at Holy Cross.

In study abroad news, the debate between Rome and Oxford is still raging. I am applying to both, but what I actually end up choosing is still a huge mystery even to me. Every day I feel like I wake up and favor one or the other. I have decided that in order to make this decision I am going to give my mind a break from thinking about the possibilities and options so much. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the technicalities of going abroad—cost, courses, credits, etc. etc.—and to miss the main point here (which Professor Joseph pointed out to me in our meeting last week): anything I choose is going to be an amazing experience. I just have to discern which will fit me best.

This week is hectic beyond belief—I spent another 11 or so hours at Kimball last weekend, and have a presentation in Latin tomorrow and one in Greek on Friday. But after that, I’m free until next Wednesday, both from Kimball and schoolwork. My parents are planning on driving up late Friday to get me…yes, I will most likely get back to Philadelphia at around 3 in the morning, but I just need a break from work and homework and applications! My friends are all feeling the same way, but we did manage to go to Panera last night just to get away and have some non-Kimball food.

Valete everyone! Have a wonderful weekend. I’m sure I’ll have some interesting stories from my time home!

I am terrified of needles. Sharp, pointy objects that inject things into your bloodstream make my insides writhe with terror and disgust. I had gone home this past weekend to get my flu shot with my younger brothers at our doctor’s office, where I technically am not allowed to look afraid. Seeing small children terrified of getting their flu shot somehow pushes me into the direction of confidence where I give them an “it’s going to be okay” smile in passing. Unfortunately, the flu clinic was canceled, thus I had to go get my flu shot here, where trying to be reassuring to freshmen isn’t quite the same as being reassuring to a five year old.

The wait was long, but probably shorter for me than others, because I got there ten minutes early. For the thirty-two excruciating minutesI stood in line, I panicked about the shot. I ran into Heidi on the stairs on my way to Hogan, and she tried to persuade me against getting the shot at all. I considered the thought for a good second or so, then in a Star Wars like fashion, the voices of my parents echoed in my head and the brilliant idea of not getting jabbed was lost forever.

When it was my turn to get the shot the nurse looked at me and told me I looked unhappy and nervous. I told her that I usually did. Her response was “Around needles, or in general?”

Suffice it to say, I didn’t understand her question at first, so while I answered that I was only nervous and awkward around needles, I can’t help but wonder if perhaps the proper answer would have been “all the time.”

But beyond this, my public service announcement is: get vaccinated, wash your hands (Health Services actually sent out an email awhile back linking to a YouTube video on how to properly wash your hands, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI0dn–vv0w), cover your mouth when coughing, and for goodness’ sake, try and stay healthy!

See you next time!

I am terrified of needles. Sharp, pointy objects that inject things into your bloodstream make my insides writhe with terror and disgust. I had gone home this past weekend to get my flu shot with my younger brothers at our doctor’s office, where I technically am not allowed to look afraid. Seeing small children terrified of getting their flu shot somehow pushes me into the direction of confidence where I give them an “it’s going to be okay” smile in passing. Unfortunately, the flu clinic was canceled, thus I had to go get my flu shot here, where trying to be reassuring to freshmen isn’t quite the same as being reassuring to a five year old.

The wait was long, but probably shorter for me than others, because I got there ten minutes early. For the thirty-two excruciating minutesI stood in line, I panicked about the shot. I ran into Heidi on the stairs on my way to Hogan, and she tried to persuade me against getting the shot at all. I considered the thought for a good second or so, then in a Star Wars like fashion, the voices of my parents echoed in my head and the brilliant idea of not getting jabbed was lost forever.

When it was my turn to get the shot the nurse looked at me and told me I looked unhappy and nervous. I told her that I usually did. Her response was “Around needles, or in general?”

Suffice it to say, I didn’t understand her question at first, so while I answered that I was only nervous and awkward around needles, I can’t help but wonder if perhaps the proper answer would have been “all the time.”

But beyond this, my public service announcement is: get vaccinated, wash your hands (Health Services actually sent out an email awhile back linking to a YouTube video on how to properly wash your hands, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI0dn–vv0w), cover your mouth when coughing, and for goodness’ sake, try and stay healthy!

See you next time!

I’m sitting in the computer lab in Stein right now, with an hour left before my first Latin exam. I feel as if I know what I’m doing, but terrified that once I see the test, I’m going to forget it all. Normally I would be sitting downstairs at one of the little round tables next to Cool Beans 2, but all of them were taken when I got here, so now I find myself in this computer lab that is the only non Pepto-Bismol colored room I’ve seen in the entire building. Go figure.

Before I resume my last minute studying, I’d like to make note of the event of the week. On Wednesday, Greg Mortenson, co-author and protagonist of the book Three Cups of Tea came to give the 2YO keynote speech in St. Joseph’s Chapel. For those of you who don’t know (nor I, until last summer when I realized we had summer reading…again) the 2YO program is a series of events Holy Cross provides to its sophomores to help them find direction in their studies. Earlier this year, we had an “academic extravaganza” where we could all learn more about different majors and research opportunities.

But back to Greg Mortenson.

The first thing I’d like to say about him is that he was just as tall and bashful as his book described him to be. I find being bashful and interesting trait for someone who has taken such great strides to go from selling nearly everything he owned to build a school in Pakistan, to becoming someone who has risen so high that his book is now required reading for head military forces in the Pakistan/Afghanistan area. I suppose he never let being bashful get in the way of anything. For all of this, he was a lovely speaker. He threw in jokes here and there (I can’t help but think of Fr. McFarland as our ‘tribal chief’ now) and gave us all a more in depth version of how he went about building his schools and what we could do to help. When it came around to getting my book signed, his assistant took my book first, so when he held out his hands, I assumed he wanted my book, which I didn’t have. Awkwardly, I put my hands in front of me, which he took for a handshake. I was horribly confused and flustered, and ended up scurrying away quickly when the ordeal was done.

In terms of shyness, I reckon I’m far worse than he is.

Oh well, off to pass my Latin exam!

p.s.- This post was written Friday…and then I didn’t get around to posting until today, Sunday…oh well…

p.p. s.- More information about Three Cups of Tea and Greg Mortenson can be found at http://www.threecupsoftea.com/ You should definitely check it out.

I’m sitting in the computer lab in Stein right now, with an hour left before my first Latin exam. I feel as if I know what I’m doing, but terrified that once I see the test, I’m going to forget it all. Normally I would be sitting downstairs at one of the little round tables next to Cool Beans 2, but all of them were taken when I got here, so now I find myself in this computer lab that is the only non Pepto-Bismol colored room I’ve seen in the entire building. Go figure.

Before I resume my last minute studying, I’d like to make note of the event of the week. On Wednesday, Greg Mortenson, co-author and protagonist of the book Three Cups of Tea came to give the 2YO keynote speech in St. Joseph’s Chapel. For those of you who don’t know (nor I, until last summer when I realized we had summer reading…again) the 2YO program is a series of events Holy Cross provides to its sophomores to help them find direction in their studies. Earlier this year, we had an “academic extravaganza” where we could all learn more about different majors and research opportunities.

But back to Greg Mortenson.

The first thing I’d like to say about him is that he was just as tall and bashful as his book described him to be. I find being bashful and interesting trait for someone who has taken such great strides to go from selling nearly everything he owned to build a school in Pakistan, to becoming someone who has risen so high that his book is now required reading for head military forces in the Pakistan/Afghanistan area. I suppose he never let being bashful get in the way of anything. For all of this, he was a lovely speaker. He threw in jokes here and there (I can’t help but think of Fr. McFarland as our ‘tribal chief’ now) and gave us all a more in depth version of how he went about building his schools and what we could do to help. When it came around to getting my book signed, his assistant took my book first, so when he held out his hands, I assumed he wanted my book, which I didn’t have. Awkwardly, I put my hands in front of me, which he took for a handshake. I was horribly confused and flustered, and ended up scurrying away quickly when the ordeal was done.

In terms of shyness, I reckon I’m far worse than he is.

Oh well, off to pass my Latin exam!

p.s.- This post was written Friday…and then I didn’t get around to posting until today, Sunday…oh well…

p.p. s.- More information about Three Cups of Tea and Greg Mortenson can be found at http://www.threecupsoftea.com/ You should definitely check it out.