I can't believe the end is actually in sight. Graduation is only a few weeks away and I feel like it was just yesterday that I moved into Bankus Hall on one of the hottest days of summer 2005. I played guitar this morning at an Accepted Students Event on campus. President Finney spoke and during his speech, he commented on my pending graduation and my plans thereafter. It hit me all of a sudden that I am in fact graduating and a wave of sadness overcame me. Don't get me wrong, I'm so excited to start working in a field I love and start making a little money, but I can't imagine my life away from the Champlain community. I love walking around campus, kids hanging out on the green reading and playing guitar, saying hi to professors as they walk by, and relaxing in the Fireside Lounge with my friends. I love this campus and I love this college.

President Finney's speech this morning mirrored the speech I gave at convocation last fall. I talked about what a community is and how Champlain fits into that, or rather, creates it. After I began getting heavily involved on campus, I've never experienced more of a family-feel than I have at Champlain. From the administration to the cleaning staff to the students...I've never felt more part of a community. I'm such an advocate for getting involved on campus and that is the reason I feel so connected, so deeply rooted in the community here. I can't imagine a day without running to a meeting with some random staff or faculty member, brunch in the dining hall, or playing at the Grind each Wednesday. It hasn't registered and I don't think it will for a while.

Okay, enough of the sentiments. With two weeks left, it's crunch time! Time to bust out papers and projects, flesh out the resume, polish the cover letter, and spend quality time with friends. I love this time of year on campus, the hustle and bustle, but the underlying excitement for summer time.

Posted by Katherine Maund at 9:14 PM | Permalink

With three weeks of classes left, I have to admit I am STRUGGLING to stay organized and get all my work done. It's tough enough to try and get homework in on time, but most of my efforts have been focused on making myself as marketable as possible upon graduation. In this economy, I think all soon-to-be college graduates are focusing on scoring a job, one in their field of interest if they're lucky! In order to keep my sanity, I went home to Augusta, GA for a long weekend with my family.

Augusta is known for the Masters Golf Tournament. Every year, right before the tournament begins, the city seems to come alive. All the dogwoods have bloomed, the azaleas are in full blossom, and you can feel the energy. I know what you're thinking, who hustles and bustles over a golf tournament? I don't know..but Augustans do and you can feel it in the air. It was a relaxing weekend (surprising, right?) and spending quality time with my family re-energized me to come back to Burlington and tackle these last few weeks of classes.

I'm off to an interview today for a Marketing position with a company in Colchester, VT. I'm sure it will be one of many, but I'm excited to get the experience and am hopeful! Good luck to all those other graduates looking for jobs.

Be well,
Kat

Posted by Katherine Maund at 12:53 PM | Permalink

I'm sitting here in a beautiful apartment in Florence, Italy eating a panino from the Oil Shoppe, one of those most famous panini places in Italy. I can't believe I'm back roaming the streets, taking in the scenery, and breathing in the Tuscan air. It's a total mind trip being here in these familiar streets, seeing familiar faces of shop owners and taxi drivers, yet I can't go into my old apartment and see all 14 of the best roommates I've ever had. It's bizarre.

My first night here after a long flight from Boston via Zurich, Switzerland, we (my two friends studying abroad here and myself) went to dinner at a pizzeria called Yellow. The pizza is inexpensive and absolutely delicious. I wanted to see some familiar faces so we dropped by Astor Cafe behind the Duomo to say hello to all my favorite Albanian bartenders. We then headed across the Arno to Friends, a cozy little pub I used to go to every week for aperitivo (a heavy snack that numerous places serve before dinner, usually free with a glass of wine). I was surprised I had the energy after such a long and exhausting day, but we went to a disco called Twice in the Santa Croce area. I couldn't believe how many people I ran into that I knew or at least recognized. We had a blast to say the least - it was a perfect way to start my week in one of the greatest places on earth.

Yesterday I did a little shopping at the market. You should see this place - the streets are lined with carts filled with pashminas, leather goods, and Fiorentina apparel. Haggling with the vendors is one of my favorite things to do, minus the part where some of the men yell "Ciao bella, marry me!" and "Oooh baby!" as you walk by. I don't miss that part.

Tomorrow I'm going to Piazza de Repubblica where I used to go to school to visit my Food & Wine professor. She's taking me out to lunch to a real, authentic Italian restaurant where you eat what they serve - no menu! I can't wait. Tonight I'm going to see Pitbull (the rapper) at a club called Space Electronica. Should be a good time!

Posted by Katherine Maund at 8:33 AM | Permalink

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

So I'm sitting here in the Fireside Lounge in the Student Life Center contemplating whether or not I want to brave the snow storm, suck it up, and walk back to my apartment. As much as I need to do at home, I love sitting here next to the fireplace watching people pass through. The Lounge seems to attract all the student leaders on campus, many of which are close friends. You always see a face you know in the SLC.

Big news on campus this week...the Student Government Association just sent out an e-mail telling students how to run for office for next year. Exciting stuff! The SGA this year, including myself as the Director of Student Voice, has worked really hard to solidify our processes and really build from the ground up. It's exciting to have a fresh group of faces and ideas coming in. We're hoping to have some serious competition for offices to give the student body more choices in whom they want to represent them.

And in talking about elections, seems like the Champlain community is pretty stoked about the inauguration tomorrow. Regardless of your political views, this election is arguably one of the most monumental in history..and I also think it's cool that the inauguration is the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I heard Darius Rucker, from Hootie and the Blowfish, in an interview yesterday on CNN. He was interviewed about his genre switch from alternative to country music. He also talked about how he and his wife told their son he could be anything he wanted to be except for the President of the United States and a country singer. But now that doesn't hold true because Darius is a country singer and Obama is president. I hope the new president shifts quite a few paradigms in this country.

Enough about politics! Looks like the snow has calmed down so I'm headed home to get ahead on some homework. Hope everyone is staying warm out there!

Posted by Katherine Maund at 11:27 AM | Permalink

In an effort to raise awareness as well as funding, I am joining my friend Meghan in the mission to stop blood cancer (leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and myeloma) from taking more lives. She will be participating in an endurance event in April and has pledged to raise at least $3100. You can visit her website HERE to make a donation. Even the smallest donation is helpful and if you are unable to give at this time, spreading the word about this worthy cause is imperative.

A close friend of mine has a sister that battled Hodgkin lymphoma and is now in remission. I think most of us can say that we've been both directly and indirectly affected by cancer and supporting the efforts of those seeking a cure is monumental. Regretfully, I oftentimes ignore requests for donations, though for worthy causes, because I don't feel connected to the cause. In light of my New Years resolutions, I won't ignore these requests anymore...and even if I can't donate money (especially on a college budget), I will spread the word. I also feel a direct connection to this cause and think it is essential that we find a cure. Cancer has taken the lives of many of those close to me, those close to my friends, and millions more I've never met.

I hope you'll join Meghan and myself in our efforts to support blood cancer research. As I mentioned above, if you cannot give at this time, all I ask is that you tell just one other person. You can blog about it, talk about it, Tweet about it, Facebook it, etc. Use those social networking tools to support this worthy cause. Once again, HERE is the website to make a donation. Thank you in advance for your efforts and generosity. I can't say enough about how crucial it is to fund cancer research.

Posted by Katherine Maund at 11:09 AM | Permalink

I always find New Years resolutions daunting. I get excited to make big plans then feel utterly disappointed in myself when I don't succeed. Alas, 2009 brings a different kind of enthusiasm and optimism than years past. Maybe this is true because I'm graduating into "adulthood" or simply because I've had a shift in paradigm. This year, I've made a few resolutions with the intention to strive for them and LEARN from my mistakes if I don't meet my own standards. You can't really go wrong in working toward a positive change even if you don't make it quite as far as you'd hoped. So without further ado, here is a list of my resolutions for 2009:

1. Build my website. It's been looming over my head and it's time I polished it up and made sure ALL my media are available on the web. I'm just learning Dreamweaver and it will be a long road, but once I get a grasp on web design, I'll have much more marketable skills for the real world.

2. Finish my EP. I started recording in the studio a few years ago and laid down 6 unfinished tracks...just guitar and vocals. I want to add a few more songs, polish up the ones already recorded, and get that thing on iTunes! It's time. I've put it off for far too long.

3. Get healthy..and I don't mean just working out! I LOVE food, let's be honest. I'll try anything once and I have such a sweet tooth. But I want to put good, organic food into my body not only to look healthier, but to feel better. You are what you eat...and goodness knows I don't want to be a walking piece of fried chicken!

4. Educate Myself. There are so many things I want to learn about and have never put in the effort. I want to become fluent in French and Italian (since I'm lacking after being back in America) and I want to try to take at least one class twice a semester. Gotta keep the brain active!

Of course there are a few other little things here and there I'd like to accomplish, but you get the idea. What are some of your resolutions for 2009?

Posted by Katherine Maund at 5:51 PM | Permalink

I have to tell you, it was more than difficult to get into the Christmas spirit this year with the weather as warm as it was. I was in Augusta, GA for the holidays and Christmas day was a record 75 degrees. Now don't get me wrong, the warm weather was a nice break from the snow storms of Burlington, but that kind of heat was pushing it. Overall though, I had a nice break and it was great to see the family. I'm in Atlanta right now visiting a friend and am flying back to Burlington tomorrow. We don't start class until January 12th but New Years just wouldn't be the same without all my Vermonters.

I'm also doing some market research for the company I'm interning for, True Tone Studios. They create streaming videos targeted to web development companies. I'm extremely passionate about marketing as well as Web 2.0 and it's so great that I can incorporate that into my job with True Tone. I didn't realize what I really wanted to do until this semester and then this internship opportunity came along and it seems like everything is falling into place for me. I feel so lucky to have a great job opportunity upon graduation in today's economy, especially one in a field I am passionate about. Such a rarity.

I apologize for the brevity of this but I'm off to make some drop biscuits with a friend and then upstairs to pack to head back to VT tomorrow. I hope everyone is having a great holiday and is staying warm (or cool!) wherever you may be. Pictures and videos to follow!

Posted by Katherine Maund at 9:16 PM | Permalink