Life on Campus

It’s hard to believe that my junior year at Saint Vincent College has come to a close. It has been a while since I last posted, which goes to show just how busy I have been. This year has probably been one of my most successful so far, only because I have learned so much about myself and my fields of study: communication and graphic design.

Let’s start with the reason I am here and what is fresh in my mind: this past semester’s classes. Besides, I just finished all of my finals! I made sure to fill my course load this semester with 19 credits. Here’s a brief overview of my classes and what I learned:

• I became a forensic scientist in my Chemistry and Crime class/lab and learned many valuable life lessons about how easily evidence can be misinterpreted. All I know is that if I ever have to serve on jury duty, thanks to Dr. Bettie Davis, I’ll be more prepared in making a just decision.
• I was able to bring out my inner photographer in my Digital Photography and Post Production class. This was my third class with Mr. Joseph Materkowski, who has taught me a variety of different techniques that will always be helpful to know and understand, especially in my future career. The best part of this particular class was trying to find people who were willing to be photographed and have their picture shown to a class full of students. I think the award goes to my niece who actually let a salamander crawl on her face when I asked her to do it in order to get a funny photo:)

After weeks of anticipation, long plane rides, warm weather, over 1800 pictures, and time spent with amazing sisters and beautiful children of all ages, spring break in Brazil is one experience that I will never forget. Please enjoy this breakdown of my trip and how it helped me grow spiritually and learn how much more meaningful life is when God is involved.

Day 1: (Friday)

It’s been a little while since I’ve written a blog because of the energy I have been dedicating to school and work, but I want to take the time to share what I’ve been up to! I finally have time to recap my Christmas break and give and update on the Spring 2014 semester. It’s hard to believe that I am already over half-way done with my junior year of college. People aren’t kidding when they say college flies by in the blink of an eye!

College is a very memorable time for most students and often considered the most precious years of one’s life. It’s a time to learn, make friends, explore new interests, and bring ideas and dreams to life. Some people are able to attend college without any financial concerns, but let’s be honest; there are also many who work really hard to make ends meet. Whether you are a college student or not, I’d like to offer some advice for how to save money for something special.

It turns out that Pinterest is not just good for great craft ideas and inspiration; it also contains great tips for how to organize your life and improve budgeting habits. Over a year ago, I saw an interesting pin about a “5 Dollar Savings Plan”. The idea is to save 5 dollar bills whenever they come into your possession. The trick is to put them aside whenever you receive them as change and vow not to spend them no matter what. It takes dedication to follow through with the venture, but it is definitely worth it.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner but, if we truly want to live meaningful lives, every day should begin and end with thanks. It is easy to appreciate the beauty of the fall season as the leaves change colors and crisp aromas fill the air. The SVC campus has so much character that it is hard not to walk anywhere without wishing I had a camera in hand to capture the scenery. Having a peaceful atmosphere allows the mind to wander and the imagination to stir up mounds of endless ideas and creativity.  Life can feel overwhelming at times with work, classes, chores, jobs, activities, etc. and it is easy to forget about what is important and be thankful for what we do have. Below is a powerful quote that struck me when I read it:

At this very moment I am wondering: What happened to the fall season? It seems as if our climate wants to make a point by shocking us with abrupt temperature changes. I stepped outside after class on Thursday and IT WAS SNOWING! Living in college dorms rooms that are surrounded by brick walls and waiting for the heat to be turned on certainly doesn't help. It's a good thing that there are many other ways to find warmth on campus (and I'm not just talking about the heated blanket that my roommate so graciously let me borrow). There is an inner warmth that can often be found in daily interaction with others. There are many students, faculty, and staff that make a memorable impact in the lives of others through their kind words and actions. One person that comes to mind when I think of kindness is....Veronica!!

"Sometimes it's the small things that count"

"Home is where the heart is."