Hello again!

I hope everyone reading this had a relaxing, rejuvenating and overall enjoyable week. I know I did! Spring break was much needed and came at the perfect time. I basked in the luxury of not doing any work, seeing my adorable baby cousin, going to the gym, seeing my family, eating diner food with friends and watching Gilmore Girls. Although I would have loved to have just one more day home, as always I’m glad to be back in Scranton.

The U usually gives its students two breaks: a spring break and an Easter break. However, because Easter came so early this year, we had both breaks in one. And, as I said, although I would have loved to have one more day home, I was thankful I could be home to celebrate Easter and attend mass with my family. My church at home has beautiful services for Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil that I genuinely look forward to. I couldn’t imagine not being home for them! The Easter season is really time like no other and I find my faith becoming stronger and stronger every year. Being able to attend a school that fosters this is something I’m incredibly thankful for.

Alas, we are now into the second half of spring semester!

The weather today, although a little windier than I prefer, has been sunny and warm. What a great way to start the week 🙂 I mean, even though it’s Tuesday. There’s nothing worse than waking up for my 8:30 class on Tuesdays and Thursdays when the weather is cold,  rainy and the sky is gray. The best part? Not being bound by a jacket of course! Soon enough, spring will be in full swing. I’ve realized in the past year or so that spring very well might be my favorite season. As much as I love the crisp autumn, snow days in the winter and having no school in the summer, spring brings such a sense of renewal, revival and excitement.

So with my iced coffee in hand, I’m off to sit in one of the academic buildings next to a window so I can witness this beautiful progress of spring weather while still (attempting!) to stay on top of my work. See ya next week!

I’m very relieved to announce that my 2 busiest weeks of the semester thus far are now over!
Whether I was writing an 8 page paper or studying for 3 exams, last weekend I was jam packed. However, I knew the hard work paid off when my teachers returned my grades. 🙂 A great way to start the week before spring break! And although my last essay and midterm this week were slightly concerning, all ended well! I could not be more content with the way everything has been for me this semester. I still can’t believe it is already spring break. Because I haven’t been home in about 6 weeks, I’m undoubtedly ready to cuddle with my dog, sleep in my own bed and spend time with my friends and family.

But aside from my academic achievements, it was a very exciting week for the University women’s basketball team! In fact, it was an exciting season! The Lady Royals made it it to to the sectional finals of the NCAA Division III tournament. Pushing through an undefeated season, the Sweet Sixteen and finally, the Elite Eight. Even those students who aren’t necessarily into athletics (such as myself) couldn’t help talk about this. You could feel the excitement and support from the entire student body all over campus! But despite their first and only loss, the Lady Royals had an unforgettable season, their final record being 30-1.

Another exciting happening, this Wednesday, Octaves performed at our first event! The event was called If You Really Knew Me and was organized by the Mission and Identity team on USPB (Scranton’s Programming Board). A representative from the organization Active Minds came to speak and perform, discussing topics related to mental health and mental health awareness. The night included performances by Urban Beats, Royal Harmony and of, course, the Octaves! We sang “Keep Holding On” by Avril Lavigne, in the style of Glee. Considering we are only a little over a month into the semester and have already learned our ENTIRE setlist, I’m incredibly proud and eager to see where the semester takes us. I’m making sure to enjoy every second of singing I can, especially because 6 members of the group are seniors and that means it is my last semester with them :(. Thankfully (well, I think thankfully..ha!), we’re jammed pack with events to sing at in April. The group will be able to spend tons of time together.

I’m now off to clean up my room a bit, pack and get ready to head home! I’ve been feeling happier and more grateful than ever lately to be spending my college years at Scranton. Each and every day I’m reminded of all the wonderful people in my life who make me genuinely happy, even during some of my most stressful times.

Have a great weekend and Easter everybody!

I’m excited to announce that for the second time this semester the temperature reached 60 degrees! Sunday was an absolutely gorgeous day. Consistent spring weather is, hopefully, right around the corner. I am always reminded how much I love my campus when the snow is melted and the sun is always shining.

This week will be quite the busy one. However, I’ve recently noticed that, for some reason, I love the beginning of a week! Unlike most people, I don’t dread Mondays! I’m convinced this new found attitude is the result of a sorcerer or fairy casting a spell on me, but I won’t argue it.

Of course some of my days seem never ending I’ve been having such great experiences this semester. From taking enjoyable classes, to singing my heart out at a cappella, to editing the newspaper I’m always positively anxious to see what each week has in store for me. My first month of spring semester, February, has come and gone. I hate to see the days go by so fast! Maybe that’s why I have a newfound love for Monday’s. Each week is a new beginning and when Friday approaches so quickly, it’s sometimes a little bit sad.

As I said, this week will be a busy one! I’m writing two articles for the upcoming issue of the Aquinas, the U’s student newspaper. One required me to step a little bit outside my comfort zone: writing a preview article for the school’s women’s lacrosse team! The sports editor has become one of my closest friends on campus and I was super excited to write for him. In this one piece I was able to learn a lot about sports writing from him and our editor-in-chief.

The second article is for my and Emma’s section, Arts & Life, and it is another preview article. This one is focused on the University Players production of Big Fish! I’m looking looking forward to interviewing cast members tomorrow and writing this piece because not only do I love the stellar productions of the Players, but this month the production is a musical! The Players for the most part, lean more towards merely plays rather than musicals, but every two years they bring one to the stage. I’ll definitely be in the audience watching next week. 🙂 I’ve been so caught up in “editor life” of the Aquinas this semester that I have not had the chance to publish an article yet, but now I’ll have two.

Another matter of high importance this week will be to spend time studying for the grammar exam. Yes, you read that right…a grammar exam!

All communication students (whether it’s a major or minor) are required to pass the grammar exam. Whether it’s word choice or part of speech recognition, you can almost guarantee to see it on this exam! The first attempt for the test is scheduled for next Friday. Although I’ve been reviewing grammar rules and techniques in my Writing for Communication course, it’s now time to really get crackin on studying.

That’s all for this now! I’ll be back next week with follow ups on how everything this week goes 🙂