AHHHHH. I'm back at SMC and couldn't be happier. It truly is home to me. My first week back has been amazing. Classes started up on Monday and I am in love with my schedule this semester. Here at SMC, you take 4 classes a semester. The beauty of it all is that you basically have total freedom with your schedule. Say you are not a morning person. You have the option to take all of your classes starting after 11:00am. Or if you want to get all of them early, you can do that as well. I am sort of a morning person. I say sort of because while I complain about having to get up early for classes, it really isn't that bad once I realize that I have the rest of my day to do whatever I want to do. As I mentioned early, my schedule this semester is pretty sweet. Monday and Wednesday I only have one class from 8AM- 9:35AM. So essentially, I am finished with my classes for the day before some people even start. I think it is pretty cool. That class is called Deviance, Norms and Social Control. It is a sociology class and I find it really interesting. Now the major question I get is "what do I do with the rest of my day?" Well, I have rugby practice in the morning of both Monday and Wednesday from 6:15-7:45. After that I go to class. On Monday after class, I will rush to Alliot to get a quick breakfast then run to my room to grab a quick shower. I then will race over to Hoehl to give my weekly tour at 10:30. (schedule a tour HERE). After my tour, I will probably get some homework done, maybe take a nap and do what ever else I want to do. Its pretty nice. Tuesday and Thursday are my busy days. I have class from 8:00-9:35. That class is Communication for Social Good and so far I am really enjoying it. After that I have an hour and a half break to finish homework and get some food before my back to back classes in the afternoon. At 11:30, I have my Reporting for Media class and right after that I have my Race, Gender and Ethnicity in Media class. My race, gender and ethnicity class is by far my favorite. I really enjoy it. So far, the semester has been great, even though it is only the first week. I will update you on it more later!
Ta ta for now! Susanna Questions? Comments? Just wanna say hey? Email me! Tweet tweet @shigosusanna Leave a comment down below! What am I listening to?
Hello all. Yes, it has been 5 weeks since I last blogged, and I totally apologize for that. Between finals and being home, it was a little difficult. To make matters a little worse, the Internet has been really bad at my house so this is the first time during break that I have actually used my computer. To tell you the truth, I miss school more than words can allow me to describe. At school, it is easy to connect with friends. All you have to do is text them, meet them in Alliot or simply walk to their room. At home, it proves a little more complicated than all of those allow. I mean, you actually have to drive somewhere and gas is fairly expensive down here. But other than that, break has been fantastic. It hasn't been too crazy, but I can fill you in on a few of my high points.
Such a fantastic concert!
1. I was done really early with finals this year. It was the first time that I did not have to wait until the last day to come home. To make things even better, the Monday after I got home (the 16th) my mom and I had tickets to go see John Mayer. Let me tell you, it was fantastic. I have been a fan of John Mayer since I was in first grade. Crazy I know. The concert was great and it was lovely to spend sometime with my mom. 2. Christmas!! For all of you that know me, you are very aware that Christmas is my all time favorite holiday. I just love everything about it: the food, the family, the cold weather, the presents. EVERYTHING. I just love Christmas. We always do the same thing for Christmas and this year as no different. It was great to see my family and spend time with them. Two days ago we had Christmas with my dad's side of the family. (Christmas Eve and day are spent with my mom's side and New Year's Day is spent with my dad's.) It was great to see all of them and I finally got to meet my aunt and uncle's new dog, Jackson. He was so adorable.
Jackson!
3. New Year's Eve. Normally, I don't do anything for New Year's Eve. This year I went to one of my best friend's house and we just hung out. It was me and 3 of my best friends and it was fantastic to see them all again and catch up. We just talked and ate and watched the ball drop and I couldn't have had more fun. Sometimes it is hard to go to school so far away because I don't get to see them all of the time. But it is always good when I come back because I get to hear a ton of stories.
(l to r: Kelsey, Kate, Me)
4. SNOW! So it snowed last night- a lot. There is about 7ish inches of snow on the ground. I love snow. I think it is one of the prettiest things there is. My dog, Zoey, is not that fond of it. She would not leave the porch when I let her out.
In a little over a week, I will be back at school and I couldn't be more excited. I am so excited to see everyone again and to start all of my new classes. That's all for now! Susanna Questions? Comments? Just wanna say hey? Email Me! Tweet Tweet @shigosusanna or leave a comment down below! What am I listening to?
Hello all! There are only about 2 weeks left in the semester, so I thought I would tell you a little about my classes for next semester. Crazy how fast time flies when you are here at SMC. I sit here now, preparing for my finals and Thanksgiving by sitting at my desk, painting my nails, listening to Michael Buble Christmas pandora, and sipping hot chocolate out of my Christmas mug. As you can probably tell, I am a Christmas freak and cannot wait for it to be here. But that is getting ahead of myself. Registration this year proved quite difficult for me. I could compare it to the Hunger Games. I lost. Badly. But it all worked out in the end which I am very thankful for. It was a really stressful time, but the professors here are all amazing and helped me get the schedule that I really wanted. So what am I taking next semester? Well keep reading!! Deviance, Norms and Social Control: (Mon/Wed 8-9:35): I am really excited to take this class. I think that if I really like it, I will finally declare a minor (Sociology!) This class seems really interesting and I heard that the professor is amazing. Even though it is at 8 am, I am still super pumped for it! We live in a social world that is full of rules that govern our everyday actions, from formal laws about which side of the road we should drive on to unspoken rules about how and when to blow your nose. Sociologists call these rules "social norms" and the efforts to "police" those who deviate from them (deviants), we call "social control." Most of us follow the rules most of the time but all of us break the rules from time to time. In this course we will ask questions like: What is the purpose of social norms? What causes "deviance"? Why are some deviant acts considered "criminal" while others are considered "heroic"? What are some of the best (and worst) ways to reduce crime and violence? Along the way we will take a critical look at the U.S. criminal justice system and some of its most egregious crimes against poor, non-white, young males. Communication for Social Good: (T/TH 8-9:35): Personally, this was one of my backups. But the more I read about it, the more excited I get. Yes, again, an 8 am, but I think it will be a really interesting class. Plus it helps for my major which is great! Various topics, ranging from women in the mass media to advanced Web design and theory to literary journalism. Reporting for Media: (T/TH 11:30-1:05): This was one of the classes that I struggled getting into. Thankfully, they opened up another section so I was able to get it. I have this class with Professor Cleary. I love her as she is so nice and extremely knowledgeable on the topic area. In this course, we begin with an analysis of several exemplary print publications and a discussion of literary and media theories that will inform the student's work in creating their own stories. Students will learn the art of storytelling, from story idea through interviewing, researching and writing and ultimately, over a series of weeks, publish their own stories in the student newspaper and online publication. Course readings explore basic concepts pertaining to nature and design of interviews, ethical concerns, validity, and role of the journalist in a democratic society. Additional exercises focus on best form writing practices with an emphasis on AP style. The course is designed to be a broad, rigorous orientation for understanding basic elements of media writing as well as skills training in reporting, writing, editing and publication of news media. Race, Gender and Ethnicity in Media: (T/TH 1:15-2:05): This is the class that I was looking forward to the most. I am so happy that I got in and I honestly cannot wait to take this class. I adore Professor Griffith and I know that this topic is something that she is really passionate about. This course is an introduction to analysis of representations of identities such as race, gender, sexual orientation , and ethnicity in the mass media. We view, read about, analyze and discuss mass media like television, film, print, radio, music, sports, news, advertising, and the web to determine if and how race, gender and ethnicity are depicted. An underlying understanding within the course is recognition of the inextricable interconnections between/intersectionality of gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, etc. Students will write response/reflection papers, present analyses individually in class, and work in teams to produce a research project analyzing the issues discussed in class. So those are all my classes for next semester. As for the past couple of weeks, I have just been working on a lot of projects and basking in all of my free time now that rugby is over. I do really miss it though. We had our banquet on Friday and it was great to be back together again. I cannot wait for the spring season! Oh! And it snowed yesterday! Just a little, but it is still snow! Emma, Candice and I got stuck walking across campus in it. It was quite painful with all the wind and when we got back we were dripping wet. It was all worth it though!
(l to r: Candice, Emma, Me!)
We were soaking wet! This picture does not do it any justice!
When a season comes to an end, it is always sad. Yesterday was nothing different. Thankfully it was a beautiful day, maybe a little on the colder side, but we were all ready to face what was ahead. It was our National Playoff game against the University of Hartford. We did not really know what to expect going into the game. All we knew was that they had a few fantastic players, but if we worked hard, we would be able to win and advance in the National Tournament. Sadly, we were unable to defeat them. They were a great team and played with just as much heart as we did. So, now the season is over. 12 weeks of working our butts off, numerous games, what seems like hundreds of workouts and countless laughs with amazing people has come to a close. It was sad not only in the fact that we lost, but because that was our last time that we would have stepped onto a pitch with our amazing 11 seniors. I don't really know what else to say, so I guess I am just going to give you some of my favorite things that happened this season. 1. On one of our bus rides, Q and I were the only ones that were awake. So what do we decide to do with our time? Have a photo shoot and take pictures of sleeping team members of course!
Love you ladies! hehehe
2. Getting full extension on my line outs....FINALLY. Trust me, this is a very big accomplishment.
Line out in the game vs. Providence
Line out in the game vs. Bentley
Line out in the game vs. Bryant
3. Having the opportunity to be a big rugger this year!
(l to r: Candice, Molly (our little rugger!) and me!)
Molly made us these amazing signs!
4. Going apple picking with the team during fall break! It was a great team bonding activity and it was beautiful. Plus, we got amazing apples and got to swing on a rope swing!
Line out technique can be helpful in everyday life as well!
5. My favorite game of the season had to be when we beat Merrimack 5-0. It was an incredible game and our team really showed a lot of heart out on the pitch. Also, my family was there!
6. Preseason!
Our second preseason game at U of Albany
7. Seven has always been my lucky number. I find it only appropriate to end with the number 7. My last favorite thing of the season were the 40+ girls that I got the opportunity to play rugby with each and every day. It is hard to explain SMCRFC to people who have never experienced it. We are closer than close. Everyone loves each other. We protect each other on and off the field. One of my favorite quotes about rugby goes like this: "you can't be a champion with anything less than twenty-two players". This is unbelievably true. A winning rugby team needs an abundance of players with determination and dedication, not just one or two stars. Rugby is a game about trust. We trust when we are breaking a line and basically running into 4 girls, we trust in lineouts when we lift someone in the air, we trust on scrum downs that we will be safe, we trust that our teammates have our back. I am really going to miss playing with these girls for the next couple of months. Our season in a slideshow: HERE
Cheesin' hardcore with Cosgrove.
Thanks for an amazing season ladies!
**the majority of the pictures used in this post were taken from the SMCRFC Facebook page which I encourage you to check out!
***The quote used comes from an amazing article about women playing rugby. It will also be linked below!
Actually, I didn't really forget. Things here at SMC have just been insanely busy lately. Between classes, rugby, homework, and giving tours, these past couple of weeks have honestly just been more of a blur. I totally apologize for that. Anyway, it is hard to believe that this semester is already half way over. I mean, I just had a midterm today which basically indicates that I am already a quarter of the way done with my sophomore year of college. Hold on for a second while I have a mini panic attack... AHHH I DON'T WANNA GROW UP! And now we are done. So I thought I would take this time to give you a little update about my life and what is going on here in the lovely 802!
Classes: I am loving my classes lately. Granted, they are a lot of work and when I say a lot of work, I surely mean A LOT of work. Sometimes all I want to do is crawl up in a ball and just sit and not do anything. That can never really happen, but all my classes keep me engaged and I find them all pretty interesting.
Magazine Writing: (T/TH from 8:00-9:35) This is an elective class and I took it because I thought it would be really interesting. It is really interesting in the sense that I get to design, write for and create my own magazine. How many people can say that they have actually done that? I originally planned on taking this class for fun, but it has proved to be harder than it looks. This class, by far, gives me the most work. It is way harder to write your own magazine than people make it out to be. All those big, well-known publications make it look all so simple! Other than the workload, I really do love the people in my class and Professor Cleary is very knowledgeable and such a sweetheart!
Media Law & Ethics: (T/TH from 9:45-11:20) I really really really like this class. Oh, I forgot to mention, I REALLY like this class. I have always been interested in law, I guess it was all of the Law and Order and CSI shows that I watched growing up, but I find it all fascinating. I love Professor Griffith who teaches the course. You can really see her passion for the topic as she teaches and I think that makes me like it even more.
Digital Media (M/W from 1:30-3:05) Again, I really like this class. Going into it, I didn't expect it to have as much reading as it actually does. For each class we either have to read a large portion of a book or we have to read about 3 to 5 long articles and write about them. There is normally an online portion as well where we are creating something on Illustrator or Photoshop. I personally really like this class. I love learning new things on the computer and love being creative. Also, Professor Swope, who teaches the course, knows a lot about the information that he is teaching and he is very enthusiastic about it which keeps us engaged and willing to learn.
Physical Geography (W/F 9:45-10:50 Lab F 1:30-4:30) I am not a science person, never have and never will be. I am taking this course to fulfill my science requirement of my LSC. I actually enjoy this class, as I like the professor and I think that the material is somewhat interesting. I think the only reason why I don't really like this class is because I am not sure how I can relate it to my media studies major, but I think that will just take time. To say the least, I have no intention of switching my major to environment studies anytime soon, I just like media studies way too much! Professor Stroup is amazing though and she really knows what she is talking about and is always willing to help!
Rugby: as you probably already know, seeing as I talk about it a ton, I am on the women's rugby team here at SMC. I adore this team and it is one of my favorite things about SMC. The season has been going fantastic so far (we currently post a record of 4-0). We are working with a brand new team this year, which, at times, proves stressful, but we have all learned to work together as a cohesive unit to complete a singular task. This season we have a lot of away games, for example, this weekend we will boarding a bus to play at Merrimack on Saturday at 1 (if you are in the area, you should totally come!) We really have high hopes for this season and hope to keep possession of our title of reining champions of the Rugby Northeast Division 2 Women's 15 Champions! if you want more information about rugby, you should check out both the Rugby Northeast Website as well as the SMCRFC Facebook page!
Line out during the game versus Providence College. SMCRFC came out victorious with a close 3-0 win.
(picture taken from the Saint Michael's College Women's Rugby Team facebook page)
Tours: last year I was offered the position as a tour guide for campus. I was so excited as it was one of my goals coming into college. I love talking to people and sharing my love for SMC with them. I have been giving a lot of special tours lately (tours that run on off hours, such as Sundays, or after an information session). I enjoy talking to the families and answering questions about SMC. I am super excited to keep working as a tour guide and encouraging people to come to Saint Mike's! To sign up for a tour, click the link HERE.
Fall at SMC:When the autumn months roll around here at SMC, I get so happy. Why? Because it is absolutely beautiful here. The leaves change color and everything looks like it just hopped right out of a painting. The crisp air wakes you up on your morning walk to your 8am, the pumpkin spice latte just tastes better and the apples are much crispier and delicious. Basically, I love fall. Especially fall here at SMC.
300'S Townhouses and a lovely hot air balloon.
Field Trip to the Proctor Maple Weather Center last Friday with my Physical Geography class.
Love and being insanely busy,
Susanna
OH! P.S. There is a KnightChat TONIGHT! Starting at 7:30 pm and going until 9. If you are possibly considering SMC as a school, I would totally recommend checking it out! You can login HERE. P.P.S: One of my really good friends here at SMC, Q, has a radio show here on campus. It airs every Tuesday from noon to 2pm on WWPV 88.7 The Mike! Here are some links for it!
Yes. I did go to an Aaron Carter concert. Yes. It was awesome. One of the many perks of coming to SMC is its close proximity to many music venues. One of my favorites isHigher Ground. Higher Ground is amazing. It has two rooms on the inside, one bigger room and one smaller room, and it has this really cool retro vibe throughout. Tickets to see the show were only $15 and it was well worth it to fulfill one of my childhood dreams. I went with a bunch of friends and we all had a blast. It was packed in the venue and sometimes it was hard to see (because I am short) but it was still really good. Well enough of me babbling. Here are some lovely pictures from the concert!
So close. And yes, I did touch his hand. It was amazing.
VT <3 AC.... but really.
*fangirl* *childhood dreams coming true*
Before concert picture!
After concert picture!
ALSO! Tomorrow, Saturday, is a RUGBY DAY! The Saint Mike's Women's rugby team will take on Providence College tomorrow at 4pm at Providence. So if you are in the area, come and stop by!
Come see this in real life! Yes, it is pretty awesome in pictures, but it is EVEN BETTER in person!
I can't believe that I have been at school for over 2 weeks now. It honestly feels like I have never left. I love the life I live here, but everyday I miss camp more and more. I can't talk about it enough; the laughs, the friends, the memories. I was the hardest, most tiring job I have ever worked but the best three months of my life. Working at camp has also taught me a ton of stuff. Yes, there are the trivial facts, but then there are the things that I now carry with me for the rest of my college career and the life ahead of me. Here are some of the things that I have learned.
"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Yes, self explanatory, I know. But it is crazy how quickly most people seem to forget this. It is one thing that I pushed to my kids at camp and it made a huge impact. I took the time to thrust the importance of manners and being courteous on my kids. It is one thing that is so simple but yet can get you so far in life. Professors, bosses and possible friends look for people who are nice and who have manners. It is something that will follow you for the rest of your life.
"Being goofy is seriously underrated." Seriously. I mean, let's be honest, how many times do you get the opportunity to dress up as the opposite sex, MC a talent show, dress up as a character from Harry Potter or celebrate Halloween in the middle of August? If your answer was never, well then, become goofier! Summer camp taught me that it is ok to unleash the crazy. It is totally normal to step out of your comfort zone and become something that you never imagined. We get so wrapped up in how other perceive us now a days that sometimes we just have to wear crazy high socks and paint our faces to step away from everything.
"Help out for the communal good." I will be the first person to admit that I hate cleaning. Like really REALLY hate it. At camp this summer, we had chores everyday and I will also admit that I was right there moaning with the kids that we had to do them. Both my kids and I learned quickly that the more we work together, the faster the chores get done. If you finish your chore before the person sweeping, offer them an extra hand. When we help each other out, things get done so much faster and that allows for extra time for other things that we may find more enjoyable. This can be a great tool in a school setting as well as an office setting. There is always that saying that "two heads are better than one", I guess in this case we can modify it a little to say that "four hands are better than two."
"Money doesn't always equal happiness." No, I did not get paid all that much this summer. No summer camp counselor gets paid a ton, that is to be expected. I suppose the point of it all is that joy of the job does not come from the money that you make from it. The smiles you get from campers and the friendships you make with other counselors are priceless and will most likely last longer than the money awarded to you in your paycheck. I guess the take away from it all is that in later in life when I actually have to grow up and become a functioning member of "adult" society, that the job that I will have will make me happy no matter the sum of money that I am making. I can only hope that a job that I possess one day gives me as much joy as this job has brought me.
"Be enthusiastic about everything." One of the best memories I have from this summer is from a campfire that me and a few other counselors had to run. I can honestly say that I have never been that enthusiastic about an event in my life. I have never been so happy about ITS P-A-R-T-Y ITS PARTY TIME AND YOU KNOW WHY in my entire life. Being enthusiastic is one of the best things a person can possess. It makes people around you get excited about a situation even if that situation isn't ideal. You should always be enthusiastic in everything you do.
I suppose those are some of my "take aways" from camp. As you can tell, I miss it a lot, but I am so happy to be back at the place I call home during the school months. SMC is looking fantastic by the way. The sunsets are as glorious as ever and the new building is looking fabulous. The squirrels are as nuts as always, I saw one the other day trying to eat part of the construction rope, I couldn't help but laugh. Now I am just rambling. I will stop talking now. Oh! And be on the look out for a blog post coming soon about my new dorm room in Alumni!
