Wow! I can say that I never stop being amazed at all the amazing opportunities that present themselves here at HWS. Last week I was fortunate enough to attend a lecture from an alumnus who was speaking on ethics. It was incredible to see the passion this man had for this topic and for instilling change in today's world. He really encouraged everyone to participate in the conversation and challenged the group. It was great to see someone who had graduated about forty years ago still coming back to give back.

Now while I enjoyed this first presentation, I just loved the next lecture I went to. Just this past Tuesday night, I was invited to President Gearan's house for dinner and a discussion with the director of the Peace Corps! It was amazing. I have been very interested in volunteering abroad since my work in the Galway Rape Crisis Center while I studied abroad in Ireland (last year), so to have this opportunity to meet this man was just incredible! After presenting in this small, intimate setting, the director then spoke in an open lecture. He shared his experiences in the Peace Corps and discussed HWS involvement over the years in the Peace Corps. It was a truly unique experience!

Well, I hope everyone is enjoying the fall weather, I’m off to lacrosse practice!

Posted by Jesse McKenna at 3:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Greetings!

From October 12-16th, HWS was on Fall Break. Many students went home or visited with friends at other schools, while a large population of the students chose to stay on campus to catch up on work or participate in their sporting events. I was lucky enough to have the chance to visit my younger brother, Buck, at his school in Colorado. I got to see two very close friends and meet lots of new people. The weather was fabulous and I had a great time!

There was no slow down once everyone got back on campus though. Once school starts there is always an abundance of things to do no matter where your interests lie. In addition to taking classes, practically all HWS students are involved in some extra-curricular activities which include: varsity sports, intramural sports, community service projects, internships, on campus jobs, off-campus jobs, theatre productions, and chorale groups, just to name a few. HWS provides every kind of student with options, and if we do not already have a club or community program, then students are encouraged to start them up!

I have loved how much independence HWS has given me. Four years ago I would never have imagined all the amazing things I would have gone on to do at HWS. This school has instilled in me a sense of leadership that I highly doubt I could have found anywhere else. Professors, Deans, Coaches, and other Staff members at HWS are here to see students succeed. While I have no doubt been challenged, I have also been supported more than ever.

Tomorrow night, this support I speak of will shine brightly. The Heron Society, the support system behind William Smith Athletics, will be hosting a dinner. Alumna, coaches, and current students will dine together all in the name of William Smith. The goal of this dinner is to simultaneously honor those former athletes who excelled while asking for support for current teams through a silent and live auction. Alumna continue to support current Herons long after they have graduated. Once a Heron always a Heron, and this weekend many a Heron will be flying back to their nest.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and that the warm weather continues!!!

Posted by Jesse McKenna at 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather (that is if you are in the Northeast). I talked to my parents today who were out in Montana, and over the weekend they had over a foot of snow! So while I was complaining of the serious heat wave, they were dealing with quite the opposite. I guess I would rather have it hot than have snow in October!

Well I wanted to have the chance to recap on what an amazing athletic weekend HWS had. Personally, I got to watch both WS field hockey games and the Hobart Soccer game on Saturday. At all three games there was such a true sense of pride by students, parents, staff, and friends of the colleges. I worked the field hockey game on Friday, and I just felt such a strong energy from the crowds. There were students there cheering on friends and then other students just there for the sheer excitement of the game. Field hockey won both its games in amazing overtimes, and they celebrated as if they had won the NCAA championship. Their excitement was contagious and really got me excited for my upcoming lacrosse season.

The Hobart Soccer game on Saturday was also spectacular. While the men ended up in a tie with Vassar College, the crowd supported them 100%. It was one of the largest crowds that I have seen over my four years here. The men have been walking advertisements for their team, and it has paid off in the number of fans.
Overall, it was really a great weekend to be a Statesman and a Heron. In addition to the home games, WS Soccer and Hobart Football had wins away. Athletics are one way in which both the HWS community and the Geneva community come together to show school pride. It is contagious and so fun to be a part of!

I wish everyone a wonderful rest of the week!

Posted by Jesse McKenna at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)