First Year Blog

It’s been a long time since my last update, although I have been thinking of you, dear Readers. I almost wrote an entry about this year’s apple picking trip, as well as our second adventure at making apple crisp (alas, we missed a crucial ingredient and were thwarted again—we made apple turnovers instead). I almost wrote about how last Wednesday/Thursday I survived on one and a half hours of sleep. Likewise, I almost wrote about how on Friday night I went ghost hunting with a large group of other students when CAB sponsored a professional ghost hunter to guide us. I ended up going to bed at 6:30 in the morning partly because I was a little unnerved and partly because me and Goebel were setting the record for the longest conversation our dorm hallway has ever seen. If I wanted to, I could write about how Kimball owns my life. Alas, what brings me to you tonight is the misfortune of some strange boy I met in the O’Neil computer lab.

I sandwiched my laptop in between two of the computers here because I am currently using excel, and I dislike how the computers in the lab automatically open to the new version. I’m doing this for genetics, and while I think I have all the right numbers, I have yet to find out what they mean. I asked Professor Lemay earlier today, and he explained it to me. Unfortunately, grasping biology is sometimes like grasping sand—it slips through your fingers too easily. I even asked the Excel Paperclip for help—you know it’s bad when you ask office supplies for help. The computer lab technically closes at 10 pm, however, if you are already in the lab, nobody really kicks you out. I ended up alone here with two boys who were using the Macs on the other side of the room. I feel that they were doing some sort of math/physics/upper level chemistry type of homework. As I was reading over my lab manual for the answers to my problems, there was a sudden yell and one of the boys exclaimed “The computer just froze, all my work is gone!”

Of course, I felt bad for him, but did not realize the extent of his troubles until a few minutes later he was lying facedown on the floor banging his fist against the carpet. He repeatedly asked what we all ask in situations like that—“What did I do to deserve this?!” He walked in only his socks from between his computer and the printer trying to let it all sink in. He tried bringing back his work. Sadly, all ten hours worth of work was gone. As the two of them left to get food, the boy’s friend turned to him and said, “On the bright side, if you start now, you can be done by six.”

Six in the morning.

The moral of the story, dear Readers? Save, save, save. What do I not do? Save. What should I do? Save. What will I do? Save, save, save.

And now I shall return to genetics.

Until next time!

p.s. New favorite phrase: Me Hercule! (According to Professor Lao, it means By Jove! Every time Pat decides I’m having an “Oh Brandi…” [insert weary sigh] moment, I try to respond with this phrase).

It’s been a long time since my last update, although I have been thinking of you, dear Readers. I almost wrote an entry about this year’s apple picking trip, as well as our second adventure at making apple crisp (alas, we missed a crucial ingredient and were thwarted again—we made apple turnovers instead). I almost wrote about how last Wednesday/Thursday I survived on one and a half hours of sleep. Likewise, I almost wrote about how on Friday night I went ghost hunting with a large group of other students when CAB sponsored a professional ghost hunter to guide us. I ended up going to bed at 6:30 in the morning partly because I was a little unnerved and partly because me and Goebel were setting the record for the longest conversation our dorm hallway has ever seen. If I wanted to, I could write about how Kimball owns my life. Alas, what brings me to you tonight is the misfortune of some strange boy I met in the O’Neil computer lab.

I sandwiched my laptop in between two of the computers here because I am currently using excel, and I dislike how the computers in the lab automatically open to the new version. I’m doing this for genetics, and while I think I have all the right numbers, I have yet to find out what they mean. I asked Professor Lemay earlier today, and he explained it to me. Unfortunately, grasping biology is sometimes like grasping sand—it slips through your fingers too easily. I even asked the Excel Paperclip for help—you know it’s bad when you ask office supplies for help. The computer lab technically closes at 10 pm, however, if you are already in the lab, nobody really kicks you out. I ended up alone here with two boys who were using the Macs on the other side of the room. I feel that they were doing some sort of math/physics/upper level chemistry type of homework. As I was reading over my lab manual for the answers to my problems, there was a sudden yell and one of the boys exclaimed “The computer just froze, all my work is gone!”

Of course, I felt bad for him, but did not realize the extent of his troubles until a few minutes later he was lying facedown on the floor banging his fist against the carpet. He repeatedly asked what we all ask in situations like that—“What did I do to deserve this?!” He walked in only his socks from between his computer and the printer trying to let it all sink in. He tried bringing back his work. Sadly, all ten hours worth of work was gone. As the two of them left to get food, the boy’s friend turned to him and said, “On the bright side, if you start now, you can be done by six.”

Six in the morning.

The moral of the story, dear Readers? Save, save, save. What do I not do? Save. What should I do? Save. What will I do? Save, save, save.

And now I shall return to genetics.

Until next time!

p.s. New favorite phrase: Me Hercule! (According to Professor Lao, it means By Jove! Every time Pat decides I’m having an “Oh Brandi…” [insert weary sigh] moment, I try to respond with this phrase).

Salvete, all!

It’s been a good day. I took a Sociology exam this morning, went to Greek, and then passed out for three hours. I was so out of it that at one point, about an hour into my nap, I shot out of bed in a frenzy thinking that I had missed my Latin class at 2 (it was 3 at the time). When I calmed down a minute later and realized that I don’t even have Latin on Wednesdays, I put down the books I was starting to pack and collapsed back onto bed for an epic snooze. Just goes to show how tightly wound I’ve been lately.

Wonderful news! I was accepted to the College Honors program, which means that next semester I will be taking an Honors seminar on Religion and Violence with the program director. I’m especially excited about College Honors because it means that in my senior year I will have the opportunity to write a senior thesis in Classics, something I wanted to do even if I didn’t get into Honors. The application process was demanding and required a very intense interview, so I’m glad that everything is set in place and I can move on to my next endeavor: study abroad.

I feel like every post I write now has a study abroad component, but that’s because it’s always on my and many other sophomores’ minds. I can’t even count the number of study abroad-themed conversations I’ve had with my friends…including late-night Cool Beans runs where we all just need to vent. My application is sitting next to me, ready to be handed in by Friday. All I need to do is make two copies of my passport and my fate will be sealed. Whether I’m off to England or to Rome will be in the hands of Study Abroad and the respective programs to which I’m applying. My deadline is a week earlier than everyone else’s (of course, because that’s just how my life works), and my notification will be early as well. The thought of living in England for a year is still daunting to me…leaving Holy Cross, my second home, and leaving my family and friends presents a scary reality that I don’t think I’m ready to face just yet.

I had my advising appointment for next semester with Professor Hamilton, and have pretty much decided to go with Georgics & Eclogues, Vergil’s other, pastorally-themed poems, for my Latin seminar, I’m continuing Intermediate Greek, and am (this might come as a shock) probably going to take a Statistics course. I haven’t taken math in a year and a half, so that should be interesting. Added to my Honors seminar, all of these classes will make for quite the demanding second semester of my sophomore year. The time is simply flying by, even more than last year. I can remember this time of year as a freshman when everything was still so new and exciting. As I sit here now, I feel so comfortable with life at Holy Cross that I cannot help but marvel at just how much I love being here. Sure, it’s stressful, and I’ve had more work this year than probably ever before, but I still glean so much satisfaction from my studies, activities, and friends that I could not imagine being anywhere else.

My 8 a.m. was cancelled for tomorrow and I’ve finally finished all of my midterms and tests, so I’m going to take a well-deserved break tonight and watch the Phillies. LET’S GO PHILS! Valete!

Salvete, all!

It’s been a good day. I took a Sociology exam this morning, went to Greek, and then passed out for three hours. I was so out of it that at one point, about an hour into my nap, I shot out of bed in a frenzy thinking that I had missed my Latin class at 2 (it was 3 at the time). When I calmed down a minute later and realized that I don’t even have Latin on Wednesdays, I put down the books I was starting to pack and collapsed back onto bed for an epic snooze. Just goes to show how tightly wound I’ve been lately.

Wonderful news! I was accepted to the College Honors program, which means that next semester I will be taking an Honors seminar on Religion and Violence with the program director. I’m especially excited about College Honors because it means that in my senior year I will have the opportunity to write a senior thesis in Classics, something I wanted to do even if I didn’t get into Honors. The application process was demanding and required a very intense interview, so I’m glad that everything is set in place and I can move on to my next endeavor: study abroad.

I feel like every post I write now has a study abroad component, but that’s because it’s always on my and many other sophomores’ minds. I can’t even count the number of study abroad-themed conversations I’ve had with my friends…including late-night Cool Beans runs where we all just need to vent. My application is sitting next to me, ready to be handed in by Friday. All I need to do is make two copies of my passport and my fate will be sealed. Whether I’m off to England or to Rome will be in the hands of Study Abroad and the respective programs to which I’m applying. My deadline is a week earlier than everyone else’s (of course, because that’s just how my life works), and my notification will be early as well. The thought of living in England for a year is still daunting to me…leaving Holy Cross, my second home, and leaving my family and friends presents a scary reality that I don’t think I’m ready to face just yet.

I had my advising appointment for next semester with Professor Hamilton, and have pretty much decided to go with Georgics & Eclogues, Vergil’s other, pastorally-themed poems, for my Latin seminar, I’m continuing Intermediate Greek, and am (this might come as a shock) probably going to take a Statistics course. I haven’t taken math in a year and a half, so that should be interesting. Added to my Honors seminar, all of these classes will make for quite the demanding second semester of my sophomore year. The time is simply flying by, even more than last year. I can remember this time of year as a freshman when everything was still so new and exciting. As I sit here now, I feel so comfortable with life at Holy Cross that I cannot help but marvel at just how much I love being here. Sure, it’s stressful, and I’ve had more work this year than probably ever before, but I still glean so much satisfaction from my studies, activities, and friends that I could not imagine being anywhere else.

My 8 a.m. was cancelled for tomorrow and I’ve finally finished all of my midterms and tests, so I’m going to take a well-deserved break tonight and watch the Phillies. LET’S GO PHILS! Valete!

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!