Today is RA Appreciation Day. It's one of those days where ResLife takes time to recognize and commend the hard work of every Resident Assistant and Community Assistant serving The University of Scranton. This year, they have chosen to show this appreciation by having a little get-together this afternoon in the Student Forum in DeNaples. And yes...the chocolate fountain will be making an appearance.

And kudos to RHA, the Residence Hall Association, as well for showing their appreciation. I came back to my apartment this morning to find a sign with my name and some Pop Rocks on my door.

This past weekend was the first session of Royal Nights, and my Royal Nighters (as we call them) had some questions about what an RA is exactly. The best word that I can use to describe my position is "resource." RAs are an invaluable source of information, especially for first-year students, who ask tons of questions about The University as well as the surrounding area. As a freshmen RA, I can tell you that we are definitely put to the test when it comes to services and activities on campus and elsewhere. In addition to our positions as resources, we also work diligently to build community on our individual floors as well as in the greater University community. We put on programs a few times a month (usually involving food) that give our residents the chance to have some fun while getting to know each other a little bit better.

We're also there for the tough times, too. If residents need someone to talk to or have a concern about something with their fellow residents or something in their own personal lives, we are there as listeners. If roommates or floormates are having issues with each other, RAs are there to help mediate as best they can. And all of these situations usually end up in everyone on the floor learning a bit more about one another and becoming closer than they were before.

Royal Nights--definitely a cool weekend. The two guys who stayed with me were named Ryan and Chris. They were both interested in our business program. (Even though I'm not a business major, I have a bunch of friends who are, so I was definitely able to give them some information. And the information that I know from working at the Admissions Visitors' Center didn't hurt either!) I love participating in this program. It gives me a chance to show a few people who are making one of the biggest decisions of their lives just how great a place The University of Scranton really is.

I always try to impart upon visiting students how great the sense of community is here. Sure, the academics are amazing and impressive. Faculty and staff will definitely prepare you to face the world. But what makes us even more of a welcoming place is the fact that caring about The University goes beyond the student population. Faculty and staff take an active part in the growth and development of the campus community. They don't run for their cars as soon as classes are done for the day. They stick around to be on that committee or serve as moderator to that club. They go above and beyond, serving as inspirations to in a myriad of ways.

Royal Nights II is this weekend, and I'm hoping for another great experience.

Personally, I'm doing well. Classes are progressing smoothly. For all of you out there who know how much of a technology geek I am, I'm really excited about this whole Google-calendar-and-contacts-syncing-over-the-air-with-my-iPhone situation. I have turned from a die-hard Outlook fan into a Googlehead (yes--geeky, but I'm okay with that). And there's talk of a new iPhone coming in June. Well...I'm satisfied with my 3G for right now.

Liz and I have been talking about going on a day trip to NYC sometime next month with one of the departments here on campus. It has something to do with a WWII memorial. I haven't gotten all the facts yet, but it sounds like something fun. Sure, I love being in Scranton, but getting out and going somewhere outside the college bubble every once in a while is part of the whole college process.

And on the "future" front...I've submitted my graduate school application to The U's school counseling program. I'm excited, to say the least, about the possibility of being a part of the program, especially when I hear from Liz how well her undergraduate counseling classes are going for her. Attending grad school here and working a full-time job is ambitious, but it's a challenge I feel ready to tackle.

Tomorrow, I have a program to see "Quantum of Solace" as presented by USPB, the University of Scranton Programming Board, in DeNaples. It should definitely make for a good ending to my class week. Yes, I'll miss "The Office," but that's what the Internet is for.

That's it for now. Later days!

~Rob

PS--A view of Scranton from behing the Long Center. Enjoy!