Why hello there! 🙂 For the sake of potential first-time readers, I always like to begin new “chapters” of my blogs with a little introduction about myself.
My name is Catherine, Catie for short, and I am a spring semester sophomore at the University of Scranton. I’m an English major (incase you couldn’t tell by my use of alliteration in that last phrase) and Communication minor, a singer in the University’s co-ed a cappella group and a staff writer/editor for the student newspaper. After a quite long, but much needed, winter break, I am elated to be back on campus. Between singing, writing, attending retreats and meeting new faces every day, I’ve made countless memories so far with my time here at Scranton; how could I not want to come back! Despite a tough fall semester, by the end of break I was eager for the spring to start. The past 6 weeks honestly flew and I definitely think I made the most of my time; but the thought of being back in my dorm, walking to class and seeing the friends I haven’t seen in what seems like forever was all too appealing.
Moving back in on January 31st was, surprisingly, an emotional and insightful experience. Yes, of course I did this last year, so what made this time so different? I noticed that I recognized and appreciated the fact that I had so much waiting for me at this beautiful place. It is my second home. Just like my family, my dog, my high school friends and diner food (haha!) are all in New Jersey, my second family, my hobbies, my classes, so many opportunities, are all in Scranton, Pennsylvania. And as disconnected as I may be from this place for two months during winter break, that could never change. For quite some time I forgot all about that! Because when you’re struggling with academics or dealing with trouble in friend groups or worried about loved ones at home, it’s easy to overlook what’s right in front of you. I feel more grateful than ever to be back.
And what better way to kick off the semester than by spending time with my a cappella family!
On Saturday afternoon, the Octaves took a drive up to Ithaca, NY to witness an ICCA (International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella) Regional competition! We were absolutely blown away by the talent of these groups. About 10 ensembles competed that night, mainly from New York colleges and universities with the exception of two from Canada!
The Midnight Ramblers photographed in the Bridge Lounge on the University of Rochester’s River Campus, Wilson Commons. (They won 2nd place!)
Each group brought something special to the stage in every song they sung; saying the competition was merely entertaining would be an understatement. What could be even more exciting than that? Tom, one of our tenors, went to highschool with and is still friends with a girl in Premium Blend, the all-female group that won first place!
Tom and Lauren, a member of Premium Blend.
With one week down and many to go, I’m anticipating great things for this semester. Can’t wait to tell you all about it! I’m off to bed and hope to be awakened by a snow day phone call. 🙂
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"! :)
