I know that I've done a lot of talking about how The U has prepared me to go out into the world and do my thing. Well, my "thing" might have included grad school, as I've said before. So, some INCREDIBLE news...

I've been accepted into the School Counseling program here at Scranton!! The program here is nationally accredited and is one of the best in the country. Needless to say (but I'll say it anyway), I feel like I've really accomplished something. I am excited about the possibility of being trained to help others at the place where I learned to be a person for others (corny, but true).

Still, my heart lies with getting a professional position. I know that I am at a point in my life where I need to begin focusing on my career. I want to begin to set myself up. Along with this feeling, though, comes the need to make some serious "adult" choices. Sure, the thought of no longer being in that college bubble is scary sometimes, but I try to focus on the excitement of it. On the one hand, I don't know where I am going to be on June 1. On the other hand, I don't know where I am going to be on June 1. (If you've been following me so far, you'll get my logic here.

I have my faith, though, that everything will work out. I have put a great deal of time and energy into everything that I've done so far in my life, and I don't plan on quitting anytime soon. I'll keep you posted.

On a lighter note, my spring break was very productive with a touch of family and fun. I decided to hang at The U for the break, working full time at Admissions. I didn't get as much schoolwork done as I had hoped, but it sure felt good to catch up with Twilight Princess and watch some movies. Once the weekend came, though, I really felt like it was time to head out for a bit, so I rented a car and headed to my parents' house in Milford.

Going home worked out very well. Saturday was my nephew's first birthday. I got to spend some time with him, my niece, and my family and also got the chance to meet some of my sister-in-law's family. Overall, I had a very good time. It was the first time that I had been home in a while; I've been so caught up in school, work, and job applications.

The days to graduation are quickly counting down. I won't deny the anxiety that I'm feeling, but I'm trying to complement it with some good times and possible opportunities for the summer and fall. I have a goal in my mind, but I'm also willing to adapt to situations.

So, here's to the future!

Posted by Robert Swinton at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's snowing again in Scranton, and I have the proof...

(That is a view of Campion Hall, the Jesuit Residence, from the back of the Estate, the new home of Admissions here on campus.)

Just when I thought that we were done with this snow, it returns. At least we didn't get as much as NYC. Schools are closed in my hometown of Staten Island, and they're expecting at least 8 inches of snow by the end of the day. For those of you from the Island, you know what a big deal a snow day is. I don't think there has been a snow day for the NYCDOE in almost six years. (For you fact-checkers out there, I could be wrong, but that's the last one I remember.)

Well...enough about the weather and onto my weekend! It was a great weekend. My Mom and my niece, Rachel, came to visit on Saturday. For the first time in all my time here at Scranton, we ate at Applebee's. Usually, we go to the Olive Garden (which is interesting considering the new commercial that they've been running--it has parents visiting their daughter at college and taking her to eat at...you guessed it). This time, though, we opted for a change.

Rachel has gotten very tall. She has such an inquisitive nature. She looks at everything with this desire to know how and why; she has the makings of a student of the Jesuit persuasion.

(And here is my Rachel eating dessert at Applebee's. You have to click on the photo to see the whole thing. I still haven't worked out the editing. That hand belongs to my Mom.)

My mom has been busy with her own schoolwork. She's currently studying to become a nurse while working part time in a hospital about an hour out of Milford. She loves what she does, but it was good that she took a break and came to Scranton.

On a totally different note...I've send out a few dozen resumes, and I am hearing back as the days pass. Definitely good things, and I will keep you posted.

Yesterday, I had a Royal Nights surprise. After four years of participating in this program, this weekend was supposed to have been the only weekend during which I did not have any Royal Nighters; I was on standby. It was kind of a bummer to think that my last experience with the program had come and gone. Then, I got a phone call yesterday around 4:00, and two Royal Nighters made their way to my apartment. A snowy day in Scranton never hinders the quality of our academics, so I know that they're having a great experience!

Lots of work ahead as Spring Break draws near, but I'm sure I'll make it through. As the days wind down, my feelings toward leaving the life of an undergraduate at The U are bittersweet. I just keep reminding myself that there are great things to look forward to. And there are.

Later days!

--Rob

Posted by Robert Swinton at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)