Another week down!

It is a Tuesday night which means, well, many things. But most importantly, it’s a cappella night! Auditioning for Scranton’s a cappella groups about 2 or 3 weeks ago was definitely a little nerve-wracking, so once I found out I made Octaves I was beyond excited. Music and singing have always been an instrumental (ha, see what I did there) part of my life and being able to carry out that passion in college is an amazing opportunity. We meet twice a week and are currently in the process of learning some cool contemporary pieces like “Chandelier” by Sia, “Gone Gone Gone” by Phillip Phillips, and a medley of Alive by Zedd, Clarity by Foxes, and Glowing by Nikki Williams, all together called “Chick Mix”.

Although we just started learning all of these new songs, Octaves actually had their first performance last Saturday! Old members decided to teach new members the song “Burn” by Ellie Goulding, a song they learned last year, to sing at Scranton’s Got Spirit during Family Weekend. Once I figure out how to upload a video on here I’ll be sure to share it! But until then, here’s a picture.

https://www.facebook.com/tammy.t.bombard/videos/vb.1064811346/10203954321192778/?type=2&theater

Speaking of Family Weekend, one could say campus was a little more crowded than usual a few days ago. Moms, dads, grandparents, guardians, siblings, even some furry faces filled the U last Friday through Sunday. It was nice meeting my roommate and friends’ families! My mom and step-dad drove in Friday night so I’d be able to spend all day Saturday with them. We started the morning off right with breakfast at the, quite famous, 3^rd Floor DeNaples Cafeteria. After stopping by my dorm, we headed over to Scranton’s Got Spirit and then attended Family Mass. The weekend had so many activity options for students’ and their families, like Casino Night and Bingo Night, but my family decided to check out the Scranton’s theater company production of Table Manners! I’m not too keen on seeing plays being that I absolutely love musicals, but I was pleasantly surprised. I had a great time and was incredibly impressed by the University Players. I’ll definitely try to attend more of the campus plays throughout the year! Getting some laughs out in the McDade Theater was a great way to end the day.

But now that the excitement of Family Weekend has come to a close, the regular college student schedule is, once again, in full effect.

On the bright side, with more stories to tell, I’ll be writing next week!

-Catie

Hello readers!

It is honestly hard for me to fathom the fact that I’ve already been living here for almost a month; time is flying! It feels like yesterday was the day I finally sent in my deposit and decided to attend the one and only, University of Scranton. Although picking a college was a tedious, stressful process, all the worries and concerns I had about my choice were lifted off my shoulders the moment I walked on campus.

While move-in day might be the worst day for most college freshmen, I must admit, Scranton’s move-in team made it so easy! All my family and I had to do was drive up to our assigned spot, open the trunk, and watch as dozens of eager, enthusiastic Scranton students helped us bring all the boxes up to my dorm. The most we had to do was the usual re-arranging of dorm furniture, store clothes, put up decorations etc. (and that’s the fun part!) Before I knew it, I was all moved in and on my own. However, when my parents left that day, I never once felt alone; whether I was talking to a move-in crew member, meeting girls on my floor, or being introduced to my RAs, everyone in Driscoll Hall was warm, friendly and excited for this new beginning.

Speaking of new beginnings, needless to say many graduating high school seniors aren’t crazy about the idea of being “at the bottom of the college food chain”. But being a freshman once again, especially at a place like the U, is actually an incredible feeling. To me, the word “freshman” is just a simple word to describe “endless opportunities”. The college experience is all about discovering who you are and what you love, whether it be through academics, clubs, intramural sports, service and so much more. Scranton is filled with these opportunities and I’m definitely ready to take advantage of that. I’m currently a member of the a cappella group Men and Women for Octaves, but I don’t plan on stopping there!

In just these four weeks of being here, I’ve noticed so much about this school that truly sets it apart from others, and I definitely think you’ll see it too as the year goes on and I tell you all about my Scranton experience! Can’t wait to share all the happenings on and off campus. Happy reading!

-Catie

Took this picture about a week or two ago; I still can’t get over this place.