Well, there are a few things to catch up on!

Yesterday was kind of a big deal for the country. Watching the inauguration of Barack Obama as our 44th president reminded me of all the work that students on campus did during the fall semester. So many people worked to get the word out about the candidates. I have always felt that one of the most important duties of a voter is knowing where the candidates stand on key issues, and students on this campus made sure that people knew. Both the College Democrats and the College Republicans got the word to people who were not in the know and made sure that those who were planned on hitting their local polling site on Election Day. As always, the students of The U had a vested interest not only in how this national event would affect the country but how it would affect us at a local level here in Scranton and at The U.

And even when John McCain came to our campus during those last days of his campaign, supporters of both candidates came out and peacefully (although loudly at times) spoke about their respective parties. It was actually pretty inspiring for me to see that so many people cared, that they were concerned about so much more than the day to day happenings of our city.

I was glad to have been a part of this election process, and I look forward to seeing how this new and (hopefully) improved White House reacts to the ills and joys of America.

On a closer-to-home note, ResLife winter training came and went faster that anyone could have thought. This year's theme--Mighty Ducks--came with awesome hoodies with which RAs and CAs can display the pride that they have for being a part of such a great organization. I, along with a few of my fellow RAs, presented on a few topics that student staff members face every semester. Presenting is always a cool event because I start speaking to people with the sincere hope that they speak back to me and teach me something; usually, they do!

And, of course, the RA Olympics on Sunday gave everyone something to get excited about. It was a long few hours, and at points, it looked as if anyone could take the trophy. Ultimately, my region--Region III--tied with the other freshman region--Region II. The best part, though, is that the Head RA of Region II, Tom, and I were both in Region IV last year, the champs of the 07-08 RA Olympics. Corny as it may sound, I think it's nice that so many people were able to share in the victory.

Now, I'm back at work, eagerly awaiting 4:30. Seeing "My Bloody Valentine" is on my list of things to do today, as well as finishing Zelda: Twilight Princess. (I've already read a handful of books this intersession, so this is video games week. I've definitely been giving my Wii a workout these past few days!)

And I will have new pictures up soon! I have some from last Saturday's RA gala that need to be seen.

Later days!

~Rob

Posted by Robert Swinton at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Christmas and New Year's has come and passed, and I've been back at The U since last week. I spent my first week and a half or so between Staten Island and Milford. I headed to Staten Island to see my grandmother. She was happy to meet my fiancé, Liz, and the trip was just fun overall. I took Liz to the Christmas party at Gennaro's, the pizzeria that I worked at for over six years. I was happy to see everyone after such a long time away. (My car "died" about a year ago, so I haven't been able to make very many trips to Staten Island.)

The second half of my vacation was spent in Syracuse with Liz and her family. I didn't think that there would be as much snow as Liz had been talking about, but she was right! It was so nice to see where Liz had grown up, to meet all of her friends from home, and to get to know her family a bit better. About a week and a half of Guitar Hero and "The Office" later and we were back in Scranton.

Coming back to Scranton, like leaving to go home, is always bittersweet. Of course, I'll miss being with my family as often as I am at home, but coming back to Scranton...well, it feels like going to another home, the one that I've become a part of over the last few years.

There aren't very many student here right now. Some students choose to take intersession classes, but the campus definitely lacks the students' hustle and bustle of the fall and spring semesters. Being at Scranton for the winters and summers has given me a peek at a world that most of our students do not see. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the happenings of campus that we aren't able to take the time to truly appreciate the beauty of the campus and the city around us. When it's quiet like this, Liz and I take walks around the campus and downtown. We don't have any place special to go after work (well, not usually anyway), so we just wander. Yesterday, our travels took us to the Steamtown Mall for a pretzel at Auntie Anne's. But we couldn't just eat the pretzel and leave; oh no. We walked around the mall for an hour or so. On another one of our travels, we might find ourselving hitting Marquee for a movie or just walking by the railroad tracks that lead to The U's tennis courts. Whatever the eventual destination, we're just happy to have this quiet time.

During the day, things are a bit different. During the day, I'm working full time for the new and improved Office of Undergraduate Admissions. We've just moved Admissions from the fourth floor of St. Thomas Hall and the Admissions Visitors' Center from the Rupert Mayer House into the Estate, the former home of the Scranton family. This new place is amazing. It's beautiful decorated, full of rich history, and guaranteed to help Admissions further it's mission of welcoming prospective students. I'm more excited than ever to be a representative for our community.

As for Liz, she's representing The U as well by working with the Alumni Office. (I think it's pretty interesting that I'm talking with students who are just beginning and she's working with those who have already had the Scranton experience. We're tackling both sides of the process.) Liz likes what she does and always has a story or two for me when I meet her after work. She'd attest to the fact of the desire to share the mission of The University of Scranton with others just as much as I would.

Winter training for ResLife begins on Friday, and I'm looking foward to seeing all of my fellow Student Staff members together for the first time since summer training. I'll be giving two presentations along with some of my fellow RAs, which should definitely make for a good time on Saturday.

Other than all of this, I'm just getting was rest I can in preparation for my final semester at The U and for my ongoing job search. A lot is coming at me at once, but I am undoubtedly up for the challenge.

That's it for now! (And, as always, comments and questions are welcomed!)

Later days! ;-)

Posted by Robert Swinton at 3:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)