The time has (almost) come. Saturday signals the end of the semester for me and gains me a ticket home. I've had a great time this semester, but I am definitely in need of some serious R&R.
Leaving Scranton is always a bittersweet experience. Being around my friends and the wonderful faculty and staff here makes for a good time, but, even after four years, I still miss home every once in a while, especially when tests and papers overwhelm me during finals week. My parents, my niece and nephew, and the rest of my family make going home worthwhile. Escaping classes and assignments for a month or so isn't so bad either.
People have already begun to say their goodbyes and offer their well-wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Some of us get lucky and have all of our finals within the first few days of the week. Most of us, though, have them spread out over the week. And the amazing thing is that no matter how many times we say goodbye, there never seems like enough time to really celebrate the end of a semester. Most of us make up for it by celebrating the beginning of the new one in the spring.
With the end of this semester also comes a sneak peek of graduation in May. More likely than not, I'll be leaving my second home for good. Many of my friends will be leaving with me, but life will call us all to serve the people of the world in different ways. For the first time in my life, though, I have the confidence that I will be able to keep in touch with my close friends after graduation. Like I always say, being as Scranton instills a sense of community in each and every one of us that stays with us wherever we go. I think the thought of just signing off and never talking to any of fellow alumni ever again wouldn't enter into the minds of any of the graduates. Instead, we look to perpetuate our friendships and to build new ones with other people who haven't had the chance to experience what we've experience. This is our way of fulfilling St. Ignatius' call to "go forth and set the world on fire."
As for now, though, I'm looking forward to seeing my family, Christmas movies, chocolate chip cookies, and the end of finals. After a semester of anticipation and hard work, I think I deserve them all.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!
(And I don't know if anyone caught "Heroes" on Monday, but I have to say--it was AWESOME!! Don't miss "The Office" tomorrow!!)
This time of year on the Scranton campus is definitely a special thing. I noticed it last night when I was heading down to DeNaples for dinner. I may have noticed the change because I am partial to it, but there was just something so....uplifting about it.
There are lights all around the campus--lights on our beautiful Christmas tree on the Dionne green, lights on the wreaths that line the commons, lights on the smaller trees next to the nativity display outside the first floor cafeteria, lights on the ginormous wreaths on Brennan Hall.
In reality, this isn't a huge occurrence, but for me, the lights mean something so much more. They remind me of the times that are approaching, the wonderful time that I'll be able to share with my family and friends. And as much as I enjoy my time at The U, I am definitely looking forward to having a break, preferably one where I don't get sick. (For some reason, I always get sick on break. I came back from Thanksgiving with a terrible cold that I just can't shake.)
So, there are great things to look forward to...after the 13th. Until then, I'll be working on papers and studying for finals. (In fact, I'm hoping to get two of those papers done today!) College is tough; have no doubts about that. And it's not some sort of sprint toward the finish line. It's more of a marathon that you run each and every day. In fact, it might be a couple of marathons with the education, social, extracurricular, co-curricular, volunteer, job, and other requirements that you might make.
But is it worth it?
I haven't known a person who has graduated from Scranton yet who hasn't answered with an emphatic "yes!'
There is a lot to do during the next two weeks, but it's nothing that I haven't done before. As always, I'll freak out just a little bit the night before each exam and worry that there is some sort of mistake that I forgot to correct on those papers that I hand in. In the end, though, I'll know that I had tried my best, that I care about my coursework, and that graduation is only a stone's throw away.
I look forward to finishing up all that work but also to going home for a bit longer than four days. No matter how old I get, there's nothing like going home. I think Dorothy had the right idea.
Well, those papers are calling my name, and they're not going to finish themselves.
And remember: a nice cup of hot chocolate is your friend around this time of year. If you don't drink coffee, it makes a nice substitute.
(The first picture below is of my and my fiance, Liz, at her house. The second is of The U's Christmas tree on the Dionne Green. Merry Christmas!!)
Well, Thanksgiving is only a few days away, and it could not have come at a better time. Last night was a bit rough. Although I tend to be a good planner with most things that I do, term papers are something that I always leave until the last minute. Why? It's not that I can't write them ahead of time, but I work much better under pressure. I know it may sound strange, but I do some of my best work when I'm totally freaking out. Everyone has their own system, but this is what works for me.
So, I was up until 2 this morning, took a five hour nap, then got up at 7:00 to do it all over again. And did I finish? Absolutely! And was the paper good? Well, I would consider it to be good.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that I leave everything for the last minute. I made sure that I had done all of my research before I even sat down at the computer. I've developed a keen sense of how to effectively use resources in my papers in my time here at Scranton. Being an English major helps, too. And having worked at The Writing Center where I've helped so many other people to revise their papers for correct grammar pushes the process along just that much quicker.
I do agree that writing papers in phases is a better idea. Starting out with a rough draft, sitting down with someone to look it over, and making changes usually does work best. After a while, though, good writers will develop at least somewhat of a sense for their own writing, perhaps even being able to look at it from a more objective standpoint.
In the end, though, I am a definite proponent of whatever works for the individuals.
Now that I am done lecturing on my writing habits, things are going well in Scranton. I'll be heading up to Syracuse tomorrow with my fiance, Liz, to meet a whole bunch of family members that I've only heard about. Am I nervous? Well, it's not that I'm nervous. I like heading into new surroundings and meeting new people, but I'm going to miss going home a bit. I'll be home in a few weeks for winter break, though. Hopefully, my parents will be able to hold up. I think they'll be just fine.
I have some work to do over the Thanksgiving holiday, so Liz and I will probably be heading to the library for a bit. Honestly, it will probably be something of a break for us. Sometimes when I meet so many new people for the first time, it can be a bit overwhelming. We having bowling to look forward to tomorrow night. Two of Liz's friends from home are planning on whipping us at 10 pin, and I intend to make sure that doesn't happen.
This semester has gone quickly, but I am definitely looking forward to Christmas break. This semester has been a bit busier than usual with classes, work, and ResLife that I haven't gotten to see my family as much as I would have liked. A few relaxing weeks at home should definitely do the trick.
That's it for now. I wish you a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!
~Rob
Things are beginning to change around Scranton. I know that I talked about the changing of the seasons last week, but I wasn't talking about the most wonderful time of the year--the holiday season!
This is definitely something to be excited about when you're at The U. The wreaths on the lamp posts have started to appear; a huge wreath adorns the faces of Brennan. The base for the Christmas tree has been set up on the Dionne Green. Community Outreach and University Ministries have begun different charity funds for the season. The Cura Personalis residence hall, McCourt, is continuing to collect for their annual Thanksgiving food drive. And, for the first time on Monday, there was at least a little bit of what I would call snow. Exciting stuff.
Without a doubt, Thanksgiving and Christmastime are some of the best times to be around Scranton. Yes, spring is usually my favorite time of year, but sunny skies take a back seat to how the holiday season makes Scranton shine.
And the most exciting part of this season comes this year on November 30 with our liturgy and tree lighting. Everyone on campus comes out for it. We're able to catch up with people we haven't really gotten a chance to see during the semester, have a nice cup of hot chocolate, sing some Christmas carols, and just enjoy the company of those people who care so much about The U.
I'm getting a bit ahead of myself, though.
Thanksgiving is next week, and I will need the break. I have a five-page paper due before the end of this week and a ten-pager due on Tuesday. No matter how much I plan in advance, it always seems like there are a few bigger assignments standing between me and every break we have. College is tough; no one said it was all going to be hot chocolate and tree-lightings. Still, as I've said before, all of this work that I'm doing now makes me feel prepared to enter that "real world" in only a few months time.
This Thanksgiving, I'm heading up to Syracuse with my fiance, Liz. I've met the immediate family and all is well there, but I haven't met her extended family and a few of her closer friends, friends who claim that they'll be able to whip us at bowling. I have serious doubts about that, but I'm hoping for good things nonetheless. Still, any awkward introductions will immediately be forgotten when that first slice of turkey is cut.
Of course, though, there will be some work to do over the break. Standing between me and the end of the semester is a six-pager, another ten-pager, and three final exams. I have no doubt that I can handle it, but it seems a bit overwhelming when I think of all the other commitments I have as well. I have confidence that, like every semester, the last day of final exams will come, a few weeks will go by, and I'll be begging for classes to start again.
It's become cliche to say that Christmas is one's favorite time of year, but I just can't help it. I love being around my family for the holidays, especially because of how separated we are. In high school, it was a bit different. My family was either in my house or close by. Now, the most interaction we have is a chat on the phone a few days a week because of our conflicting busy schedules. Yes, they do come to Scranton every once in a while, but going home is just so...awesome. It gives me a much-needed break from the day-to-day of college while affording me time to share with the people I love most. A few presents and some home-cooked meals thrown in there every few days or so helps to make the season bright, too.
But I'll be back soon enough--January 4th to be exact. I begin full-time work at the Visitors' Center the Monday after New Year's, which is good for me. If I lie around the house too much, I get bored quickly. I always need to be doing something. RA winter training will roll around mid-January, and I'm sure you'll hear a bit about that in a two months or so.
That's it for now. Those papers are calling my name.
(And when I have time to lower the resolution of a few pictures, I'll have some up from tree lightings of years past.)
Later days!
Well, we had our second Open House this past weekend, and it was great. There were even more people at this one than the first, something I haven't seen in my time with Admissions. Hopefully, that means that interest in Scranton is growing!
Yesterday was a bit of an exciting day for me. I stopped by the Registrar's office to get an updated CAPP sheet--a log that tracks our classes and our grades--and I was thrilled to see that every single area requirement that I needed to graduate would be met. Of course, I expected this after speaking with my adviser, Dr. Gougeon (a professor of English here at The U), before registering for classes. Still, it was awesome to see it in print. One more semester...
Of course, I don't really want to leave Scranton. I kept telling all of the families that I met at the Open Houses that Scranton has become my second home. After all, this is the first place that I have lived away from Staten Island, where I grew up. I have friends here; I've gotten to know the town; I've gotten to know the people. Leaving here won't be easy, but I definitely know that I am prepared to face the world because of the courses that I've taken and because of the people that have guided me at The U.
The seasons are definitely changing here in Scranton. The past month or so has brought us very warm weather and very cold weather side by side. Looking out my window now, most of the trees are bare, and the only leaves left are either yellow or brown. Fall is definitely present in Scranton, and winter will be here before I know it. I'm usually summer person, but the changing of the leaves at The U means that a bunch of great things will be happening.
For example, Community Outreach and McCourt Hall, home of the cura personalis program, have been working hard to raise money for our annual Thanksgiving food drive, continuing the strong tradition of community service that our students keep. Also, at the end of the month, our Christmas on the Commons celebration will begin with the first Advent liturgy and the lighting of our Christmas tree. And Christmas, of course, gives our students even more chances to help those in need.
I'm looking forward to all of the great things that the holidays bring, but this year, my last year, is especially bittersweet. I will definitely cherish the times that I have with all of the people I've grown close to, but I keep telling myself that I have to live in the moment while I still have the time.
That's it for now. I've left you with a few photos that are long overdue. Enjoy!
Well, November 4 has finally come, and campus is buzzing with news about the election. For my residents in Casey Hall, this is the first election in which they actually have a say, so most of them got up early and voted. It's a pretty exciting time. To help my residents and friends enjoy this historic event as fully as possible, I've planned a program in my apartment tonight so that we can stay up late and watch as the election results come in. It's been an interesting year and a half or so of campaigning, but I'm ready for this election to (FINALLY!) come to an end.
Halloween made for a good time last week. A bunch of things were happening on campus. The previous week, many of the residence halls teamed up with Community Outreach for a program they call "Safe Trick or Treat." It gives kids a chance to trick or treat throughout our residence halls and the residents a chance to give back to and be a role model for their younger counterparts. Residence Life, the department that facilitates housing and residential programming, presented a haunted house in one of our older residence halls at the edge of campus. I, of course, had the most interesting task of all. I lay in a casket (yes, a REAL rented casket) for a few hours, scaring some of the people waiting for their tour guides. And, of course, all of the money collected went to a good cause, specifically to the granddaughter of one of our Physical Plant workers. (At Scranton, it's nice to know that we give back to our own.) The day itself was nice, too. I hung out with a few friends and watched scary movies. Granted, it may not have been the most exciting of times, but it was great for all of us.
Otherwise, I've had a lot of work to keep me busy. Tonight, I'll be catching up on some paper writing that I've been putting off. Later in the week, I'll be planning my oral report on the 18th century poet, James Thomson, for one of my poetry classes and getting ready for the MACUHO (Mid-Atlantic Association of College and University Housing Officers) Student Staff/Live-In Conference on Saturday. The conference is a great place for student interested in student affairs to meet one another, to do some networking, and to receive some supplementary training. I went last year when it was at Salisbury University in Maryland, so the trip to Penn State at State College should be a fun time as well.
And, last but certainly not least, our second Open House will be this Sunday. In case anyone is looking for me, I'll be speaking about The University of Scranton academic experience in Brennan Hall. Be sure to stop by and visit!
Well, that's it for now. Please feel free to comment me or to ask questions. I'm sure there are things that people want to know about The U that I totally take for granted because I've been here so long, and I definitely want to make sure that your questions are answered.
Later days!
Hi everyone! I'm really not too sure where to begin with this. There's so much that I've been looking to share...
My name is Rob Swinton. I am a senior English major with a minor in History. I am originally from Staten Island, New York, a graduate of Staten Island Technical High School. Between the time I started at The U and now, my parents moved only a short distance away from me in NEPA, so I consider myself to be from a few different places.
I work at the Admissions Visitors' Center here at The U, and I get lots of questions from prospective students and their parents all the time. The number one question, though, goes something like this--"What do you like most about being a student at The University of Scranton?". And my answer is always the same; I love the sense of community that I feel here. I love the people, the atmosphere, the sincerity that the faculty and staff have for you and your success.
On a more personal note, The University of Scranton has given me the chance to realize my talents through my involvement outside the classroom. Some positions that I hold/have held include: Head Resident Assistant, Editor-in-Chief of Windhover (yearbook), section editor for Aquinas (newspaper), member of Sigma Tau Delta (National English Honor Society), member of the Ministry Choir, Lector, Writing Consultant, Tour Guide, Admissions Visitors' Center Worker. (Just looking at that list makes my head spin!) I'm sure that I've forgotten a few things, but this can at least give you a glimpse at some of the great leadership opportunities that Scranton has to offer.
Obviously, what I have been involved in so far has served as supplement to my English major (the yearbook, the newspaper, writing consultant, Sigma Tau Delta), but some of the other positions on the list have encouraged my other interests as well. Working with prospective students in Admissions and working with our on-campus residents in Residence Life has spurred me to follow my desire of teaching students, though not in the most classical sense. For a long time now, I have wanted to be a teacher. When I came to The U, I initially perused my English degree with the intentions of becoming a high school English teacher. My experiences with Admissions and ResLife, though, have opened my eyes to education outside the classroom. My positions with these two departments have enriched my people skills and taught me that learning doesn't necessarily include desks and whiteboards (blackboards are now a thing of the past for most people). Realizing that, I have set my sights on a career in higher education with Student Affairs, specifically working in Residence Life. As a senior, I'm working with professionals on campus who are able to point me in the right direction because of what they have learned. I still hope to teach English someday, but my people skills have won out for the time being.
So what does all this mean for you? Well, it means that Scranton offers so much to its students, that we get a chance to experience so much while taking on the responsibility of forming ourselves as young adults and young professionals. There's only one way, though, that you'll even get a taste of what I'm talking about.
You'll have to come see it for yourself. Come to our next open house on Sunday, November 9 to see what Scranton has to offer. Maybe I'll even see you there!
Leave some comments on my entries if you have the time, especially if there are certain things you'd like me to talk about. I'll be posting some pictures soon too!
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