Today was our first school delay of the academic year. It may sound like a good thing but a lot of classes had to reschedule, causing major inconveniences to some. The University opened at 10:00am in hopes of better road conditions for all our travelers. Luckily for us, once on campus, our lovely maintenance and physical plant staff made sure it was feasible to walk on campus. I am trying to stay away from watching the news because I do not want to hear any bad news in regards to the weather.

On a brighter note, you'll arrive on campus next week!!! Too bad it is on Super Bowl Sunday, more reason for you to rush back to campus!! I'm actually not a huge football fan so the Super Bowl does not phase me. I'll actually be home. I'm going home tomorrow to relax a bit before the semester starts up again. I haven't been home since intersession started so, I'm really excited. However, I am very anxoius about Friday. On Friday, I'll find out my Fulbright status, whether I am a Finalist for an English Teaching Assistantship to Cameroon. I have waited for this moment since October 22nd and now that it is finally here, I do not know what to do with myself. I know the decision is already made and there is nothing else I can do about it but wait.

I hope you all enjoyed your break and are ready to come back. Please drive back safely and I can not wait to say hello to you all on the Commons on Monday!!!

Cynthia

Posted by Cynthia David at 3:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Intersession definitely flew by. As I sit and try to figure out where did the time go, I just draw a blank. A lot hasn't changed since last week. I am still working on my thesis. I finally started typing so I am super excited! The week started off on the wrong foot. My best friend had a 24 hour stomach virus and I had to be her primary care provider. I went to Rite Aide at 7 am to purchase some soothing medication. However, right afterwards, history happened...

I watched the inauguration all day at work!! It is still a surreal moment. At times, I have to blink a couple of times to make sure I'm not seeing things. I couldn't help but smile everytime I saw Malia and Sasha laugh. My friends in DC really tried to convinice me to go but I prefered not to. I can watch history and still remain warm!! Hopefully Washington will change for the best so that the rest of the world can also prosper.

I hope you're enjoying your last few days at home before coming back on campus. Most of you are probably already ready to come back. Most of your friends probably already started classes so your home counting down the days to come to your second home. We'll be here waiting for ya. Until next week!!!

Cynthia

P.S. 7 more days until I hear about the Fulbright to Cameroon. Cross your fingers for me!!

Posted by Cynthia David at 6:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hey there! I hope your keeping warm. I can not believe how cold it has been lately. I think the coldest it has been this week was -11. You know its cold when you over hear people say "its going to get warmer next week. How warm? In the 20s." It doesn't matter how much you bundle up, a draft always seems to get through your coat. I just ask that everyone keep the homeless in their prayers during this brutal weather.

There is one good thing about this weather...it is forcing me to stay in and work on my senior honors thesis. My thesis is on the benefits of using mother languages in African primary schools. I really like my topic but finding data for African countries is kind of difficult but I'm sure I'll figure something out. There are many professors willing to help me and my mentor is the Dean for PCPS. I really have to get a lot done during intersession because I will be student teaching next semester. I will teach 6th grade reading and science at North Pocono Middle School. I am really excited about this opportunity. I have never worked with 6 graders so this will be a new and enriching experience.

Also, I do not think I have informed you of my future plans. In about 2 weeks, I will find out if I am a Fulbright finalist. If you didn't know, Fulbright is a prestigious fellowship which sends graduated seniors and professors all over the world to teach or to conduct research. The U has a magnificent track record when it comes to Fulbrights. Last year 10 seniors applied and 7 were named Finalist. 3 students received the award while 2 were alternates. This year 7 of us applied and on the 30th we will find out. I applied for an English Teaching Assistantship in Cameroon, which is in West Africa. I am really nervous but everything happens for a reason. I will definitely keep you posted. What I do know is, I will serve the people of Ecuador from
June 2nd-11th. I am really excited for this opportunity. I am the first person to go on an International Service Program (ISP) trip twice. Last summer, I served the El Salvadoran community. If anything else comes up, I'll let you know. Until next time.

Cynthia

Posted by Cynthia David at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I can not believe how quickly break flew by! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday surrounded by those you loved. I know I enjoyed my time home with my mom, brother, family, and friends. But unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Before I talk about being back in Scranton already, let me inform you about my adventures in the Bronx.

Initially, I was not too excited about being home for three weeks after spending a lot of time at home furing the Fall semester. However, that slowly started to change when I started going out with my high school friends. One night all four of us and our high school college counselor went out to eat in the City. Elana (college counselor) is pregrant for the first time and all we can talk about was possible baby names and why she should name the baby after one of us. I was pushing hard for the name Cynthia! That night was amazing because, it was the first time in two years that we were all together. After that, we met up a couple of times to cruise around the city. I also had the opportunity to spend some time with one of my favorite Alum from class of '08, Jackie. We were partners in crime in all of our education classes. Jackie is a prime example of the community feeling here at the U. You can graduate, transfer, or study abroad for a semester and you'll still keep in contact with those near and dear to you.

Christmas and New Years were spent with the family as usually. This was the first time we every had family over for New Years and I must say I liked it. My mom's brother from Honduras came and his wife's side of the family was there too. It was just an amazing experience. Next thing I knew, I had to leave in a couple of days. I was happy yet sad at the same time because I was ready to come back to Scranton, yet I wasn't ready to leave the comfort of my on home. I am ready to start working out again and work on my senior thesis.

I am back in Scranton now but it is not the same. There is no one to wave to on the Commons and all of my apartment mates aren't back yet. I am trying to keep myself occupied at CTLE while working on my thesis. So stop by if you want to chat or leave me a comment.

Cynthia

Posted by Cynthia David at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)