Yes folks, that is correct. I'm going to Western China in June! I first heard about the trip from my Contemporary Media Issues professor, Rob Williams. (He's pretty much the man.) He mentioned a mobile journalism & social media adventure to western China, a part of the country most westerners will never see. I've never had an overwhelming desire to go to China, but after learning more about the west and what the trip entailed, I was on board. Spending a semester in Italy was so indulgent and I want to experience a completely different place. We're going June 1-15 and will be staying in Tibetan monasteries, performing community service, meeting Chinese students to talk social media, and we'll be documenting the entire experience.

Because the trip has a media focus, we (the few Champlain students going) are utilizing our social networking skills like CRAZY to raise money. I've been tweeting, blogging, and even built a website strictly for informational and donation purposes. I'm not as Web 2.0 savvy as I'd like to be, but I think I have a good start and hopefully we can gain some sponsorships because of the work we're doing. Know anyone who would want to donate? (Had to put in a plug, right?)

In other news, I'm busier than I've ever been in my school career. With 6 classes, an internship, community service, student government, involvement on various committees, AND somewhat of a social life, I am almost running on empty. I love staying busy and I work best under pressure, but I think I've taken on one too many commitments. College, Champlain specifically, is one of the best places to learn time management. It's all about finding a balance with classes, activities, and time for relaxing. As exhausting as it can be, I wouldn't want my last semester to be any different. Because of Champlain's size, you can easily feel like a big fish in a small pond and have leadership opportunities that aren't as readily available at larger universities. With that said, I wouldn't change a thing...except maybe tack on an extra hour or two to each day.

Posted by Katherine Maund at 5:42 PM | Permalink

This past Thursday was Champlain's annual Snow Ball put on by CHAMP, a group of students who plan activities for the student body. It was a definite success! It's still funny to me that Champlain COLLEGE has dances almost once a month, yet they are wildly successful because basically Camp Champ rocks. Students here really know how to have some good clean fun. Shaking our groove thangs in our party dresses was bittersweet...my last Snow Ball of my college career. It's a weird feeling!

Last night a group of 10 Champ students had the privilege of attending the Vermont Symphony Orchestra's Waltz Night held at UVM's Davis Center. There was a cocktail hour with silent auction, a delicious dinner (with maple creme brulee!), and then waltzing for the rest of the night. We got to "rub elbows" with some pretty important people including the Governor. Champlain provides so many great opportunities to students, especially those involved on campus. It was a busy but fun weekend. Looking forward to the warm weather we'll be having this week!

Posted by Katherine Maund at 9:01 PM | Permalink

I've been missing Italian cuisine a great deal lately and decided to cook an Italian-inspired dinner the other night for my roommate and myself. I made stuffed yellow and green peppers with tuna and Parmesan and had orzo risotto with prosciutto on the side. I have to say...it was pretty delicious. It's difficult to find time to cook dinner on a college schedule and even more difficult is trying to afford it on a college budget. I try to treat myself at least once a week with a good home cooked meal, and I'm sure my roommate doesn't mind either!

Here is the recipe so you can try it yourself. Prep time is about 20 minutes and baking takes about 25 minutes.

SERVES FOUR:
2 bell peppers cut in half and seeded (any color you like)
1 onion diced
2 cans of tuna
1 cup bread crumbs (I like Italian style)
1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 eggs
add salt and pepper to taste

Saute the diced onion in a pan on medium heat with a little olive oil until slightly brown
Combine onion with all ingredients except peppers in a bowl
Use a fork to mix all ingredients - be sure eggs are mixed in well
Stuff the peppers with the combined ingredients and place in a baking pan with a little olive oil coating the bottom of the pan
Sprinkle some bread crumbs, parmesan, and a little EVOO on top of each pepper
Bake at 350 for approximately 20-25 minutes
ENJOY!

Another meal that's relatively easy to make is sweet potato and black bean burritos if you're looking for a healthy Mexican treat. They are filling and good for you, especially for those vegetarians out there.

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 green chilli, finely chopped
2 tspn cumin
Pinch of cayenne
25 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 tspn salt
4 Flour tortillas (preferably wheat for those health nuts)
Grated cheddar cheese

* Add the sweet potato to a pan of salted water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes until the sweet potato is tender. Drain.
* Meanwhile, heat a little oil in a non-stick frying pan. Add the onion, garlic and chilli and cook until the onions have softened. Add the spices and cook for a minute further.
* Add the sweet potato, onion, chilli, garlic, beans, and salt to a food processor. Blend for 20-30 seconds until smooth-ish. If you don't have a food processor, mix thoroughly in a bowl
* Pre-heat oven to 350 F and lightly oil a baking dish.
* Spoon the sweet potato mixture into the middle of each burrito and roll into a cigar shape. Place burritos into the baking dish, sprinkle some grated cheddar on top, and cover with foil.
* Bake for 30 minutes.

Posted by Katherine Maund at 11:20 AM | Permalink