As many of you can probably tell, blogging was a little hard to keep up with this semester! But between all the ups and downs, it’s pretty easy for me to pin point some of the most unforgettable moments from this fall.
- The Men and Women for Octaves Winter Concert
I was lucky enough to be one of 3 freshmen who made the cut to join Scranton’s co-ed a cappella group, The Octaves, last fall. Although I’ve only been singing with the group for about a year and a half, it feels as if I’ve been sharing the stage with them for years! I’ve met incredible individuals through this group and I can honestly say my college experience would not be nearly as wonderful as it has been if it weren’t for these young men and women.December 5th marked our annual winter concert and all I can say is, wow. I truly believe we’ve grown SO much as a group this semester, in musicality and friendships, and it shows in every single performance. Jimmy, one of my best friends and a co-director of Octaves, especially noticed! Jimmy feels this was The Octaves’ absolute best performance in the 5 years that the group has been around. Feel free to check out the whole concert on YouTube!
The Story of My Unconditional Life Guilty Pleasures Medley
Jimmy, his girlfriend Alexis and I!
The entire group!
- Man3resa (the 3 because it was the third time Manresa was held!)
I’ve been telling myself ever since I started school at the U that one weekend I would make a retreat. I probably mentioned this maybe once or twice in a previous post, but I’m happy to say that I attended Manresa! The weekend right before Thanksgiving break I, along with about 45 other Scranton students, headed up to Chapman Lake for a weekend filled with faith, reflection, love, positivity and new friendships.Although the retreat was scheduled at a rather stressful time, it was exactly what I needed. The atmosphere at the lake house is unlike any other place on/off campus I’ve been to. I always heard Chapman Lake was beautiful; now I know for myself! Everyone is so warm, open and welcoming, making it easy to form new bonds with fellow Royals you probably never met before. The weekend was a truly eye opening, life changing experience. I can’t help but tell everyone about it!
One of the many gorgeous views of Chapman Lake!
My lovely small group! Such an awesome group of people
My roomie for the weekend, Liz! 🙂 She’s a senior at the U
- Joining The Aquinas
This semester, as many of you may know, I decided to join the University’s student newspaper: The Aquinas. It is undoubtedly true that you meet some of your favorite people through clubs; similar interests really bring students together!I’ve learned so much from all the editors and writers. The staff has proved to me how interesting and exciting the field of journalism is! Although sometimes the work is tedious, it’s unbelievably fulfilling watching an issue come together and seeing your name and writing in print. If only I had a picture of all of us! - Learning to take college one day at a time
To all my freshman and prospective students reading this, I’ll let you in on a little secret. For many, the first semester of sophomore year is a major time of questioning and worrying about your future. Do not, I repeat do not overthink every detail, do not try to plan every step of your life. Because the truth is, you have time to figure yourself out. Take advantage of that instead of stressing about it!
Catherine E. Bombard
Hi! My name's Catherine, but you can call me Catie and I'm a sophomore from Wayne, NJ here at the University of Scranton. I'm an English major, Communication minor hoping to have a career in publishing one day. I'm a member and the publicist of Octaves, an a cappella group on campus, along with being a writer and editor for The Aquinas, the student newspaper. Thanks for checking out the student blogs and I hope you enjoy hearing about my "Scranton Experience"! :)
