First Semester: In Review

Hello, blog world! I apologize for neglecting you a bit over the past few weeks. I've spent my time working on finals, being really sick for finals (strep throat), coming home, and having some time to unwind and spend with my family. The end of the semester can be a really stressful time, so I am grateful to have a month off to unwind and recharge my batteries before heading back to campus for Spring semester!

But I thought I would spend some time summing up my first semester.

AUGUST

My VERY FIRST DAY- I only look calm!

Move-In Day... things were everywhere!

Mom and I after unpacking everything!

 August was the month of move in and Orientation. I had my very first college classes, and spent a lot of time hanging out with the people that live on my floor.


SEPTEMBER 

First Year Apple Picking!

My aunt came to visit! Class of 1996.

Colleen's first trip to Panera

September was when I experienced most of my homesickness. But, I got over it as I got more involved in school. I joined most of the clubs I am involved with, through club fairs and the millions of emails everyone sends out. My aunt came and visited me for Alumni weekend, and it was really nice to walk around campus and see what has changed since she's been there. I also became friends with the people I am still friends with in September.


 OCTOBER

My little sister slept over!

My stepfather and little sister play checkers in the Word Garden

Me, Colleen, and Ashley at the Drama Club Haunted House

October was a busy month! My family came up and visited me and I got to see them for the first time since August. My little sister and my stepfather had never seen campus, so I showed them around. My little sister got to sleep over, and it was awesome getting her to see what my college life is like. At the end of the month, I experienced my first Halloweekend at SMC! It's a big deal, there's a lot going on and it's a lot of fun to dress up with your friends.

NOVEMBER 

Erica, Collen, and I at the Quidditch Cup!

Katie, JLo, and Erica at Thanksgiving Dinner

My Thanksgiving Dinner

The biggest event in November, by far, is Thanksgiving Dinner. Upperclassmen talked about it for weeks, which in turn made everyone excited. And it was really nice to get to enjoy a meal with my friends. Also, in November, I went on a LEAP retreat. Through LEAP, I had a great experience and met a lot of people I wouldn't have otherwise.

DECEMBER



December was a short month, comprised mostly of finals, studying for finals, and in my case, being sick. However, I made my debut on the St. Mike's Stage! For their final, the Directing class has to direct one scene. I auditioned and was cast in Almost, Maine. I had a great time working with Dom, my scene partner, and Craig, our director. Here's the video!


Overall, I had a great first semester. I learned a lot, both inside and outside the classroom. I made friends that I hope I will have for a lifetime. Thanks for following along, I can't wait to see what second semester brings!

Christmas on Campus!!!

The exams are done, the papers have been written, my stuff' has been packed up, and I'm writing this blog post from the comfort of my (at home) bed! I'm still waiting on some grades, so I will wait to declare the semester a success.

But I thought I would take this time to show you how festive campus got before we left. You know it's Christmas time on campus when...

The tree is up in Alliot!

You make Gingerbread houses at Dessert and the Divine!

There are lights on the trees in front of the library!

Your professor brings Christmas cookies and cider to class!

Happy Holidays, everyone! Enjoy your break :)

Media Studies, Journalism, Digital Arts: A First Year's Perspective

Hello everyone! Guess what? I have officially survived my first semester of classes at Saint Michael's! I still have three finals to take and one to write before I head home to Massachusetts, but classes are over! Yipee!

So I thought I would take a few minutes to talk about my major. I started out this year as a Psychology major, but decided to change in late September. I had an absolutely amazing Psychology class this semester with Professor Adams, and I learned a lot. One of the things I learned was that I did not want to be a Psych major anymore! One of the benefits of the liberal arts curriculum is that we're able to take classes in lots of different areas, and I am glad I got to take my Psych class.

Luckily, I knew exactly where I belonged: Media Studies, Journalism, Digital Arts (aka MJD). I took one MJD class this semester: Media Revolutions, which is the first class you take in the major. Media Revolutions has been a great class. I took it with Professor Griffiths, who has a lot of experience in journalism as she has worked for The Associated Press (Want to learn more about her? Check out her page on the SMC website!). She ran the class in a discussion style, which I really enjoyed. Every week, we tackled a different chapter on some form of media... from newspapers to radio to the internet! It's really important to examine all of the forms of media we consume, especially if we want to work in the media.

Next semester, I will be taking another MJD course, Digital Media: Art, Culture, and Theory. It's about using programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver and the digital revolution. I am really excited about learning the programs.

When I tell people that I am an MJD major, they usually ask me what newspaper or magazine I want to write for, but to be honest, I do not know exactly what I want to do yet- and that's completely okay! MJD is a really broad major because it prepares you for so many things. Some MJD majors I know are interested in public relations, social media marketing, journalism, photojournalism, and making documentaries. These all fall under the umbrella of MJD!

A few weeks ago, I met with someone in the Career Counseling Office to talk about the chance of getting an internship over the summer. While the "big" internships for major news stations are usually reserved for upperclassmen, I will be looking to get some experience this summer at the weekly, local newspapers near my house.

If you would like to read more about the MJD major from someone with a little more experience, check out a sophomore's perspective on Juliana's blog or a senior's perspective on Gabbi's blog!

And if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

A Very, Very Busy Week!

I can't believe it's the last week of the semester! I've almost completed my first semester at St. Mike's!

*cue freak out*

Just kidding. This semester has flown by, and I have a million things to do before I go home (a week from tomorrow!) but I'm not quite freaking out. Here is what is separating me from a complete semester:

-1 Psychology paper (~4 pages)
-1 Psychology quiz
-2 Psychology worksheets
-1 Christianity quiz
-my final paper for The Examined Life (~18 pages, second draft completed)
-my self evaluation paper for The Examined Life (~4 pages, first draft completed)
-1 Psychology exam
-1 Media Revolutions exam
-1 Christianity exam

So as you might see, I've got my work cut out for me over the next week! But look for upcoming blogposts about Christmas on Campus and a trip to Knights at the Round Table! Have a great week!