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!!)