Hey all! The last few weeks have been a bit busy here in Scranton. My goal with this entry is to update you on that...let's hope it happens.

Admissions had its Freshmen Preview Day this past weekend (yesterday). For those of you who aren't familiar with this event, it is a special "last look at Scranton before making a final decision" type deal. It is only for accepted students. It gives them the chance to speak to representatives from virtually every department and office on campus. The reps that are there answering questions hope that, with their help, each student who visits will be able to cement their choice for the next four (or five or seven, depending on your program) years with The University of Scranton. Choosing a college/university is a scary thing; I have no doubts about that. You're making a decision that is going to affect the person that you are for the rest of your life. Pretty heavy stuff, but I have faith that all those students who came to our campus yesterday will make the right choice for them (and that choice is usually Scranton!).

On a more personal note, things have been going well. Classes are marching on, as they always do, but this time with a clearer termination point. Like I've said over and over again, I'm confident in the skills and lessons that I've learned here, but the job market is looking a bit thin right now. Everyone keeps telling me that all my worrying is for nothing, and I'm beginning to believe them. Not only do I have faith in myself and my education, though, I have faith in this great country and its people. Before long, things will begin to settle down a bit. In the meantime, I am looking for that great opportunity to continue serving students. My ideal position would be one which keeps me in the higher education arena. I'd hate to think that I'd leave here with all of this higher-ed decision-making knowledge and administrative experience and have it go to waste. Of one thing I am sure--whatever entry position I eventually accept will be for the benefit of other students. St. Ignatius commands us to be men and women for others by setting the world on fire. I know of no better way to fulfill that mission than by helping students, especially in the college setting. My true hope is that someone recognizes my passion and puts it to good use.

What I'm looking forward to a great deal in the next half a year or so is my personal development, my transition from involved college student to a productive member of society. Shorts and t-shirts just won't cut it anymore on those warm June, July, and August day (well...what I wear after work is a different story). And I'm ok with that. I looked at all of those students who visited The U yesterday, and I knew that my time was coming to an end. I've done just about all I could here as an undergrad. I've contributed to this institution more than I ever thought I could or planned on. All that experience made me the person that I am today, but it really for me alone. It was for my fellow classmates, sure, but it was mostly for those who come after us, those who will enter The U and reap the benefit of our toils. It's pretty cool when you really think about it.

But yes...personal development. A person is going to emerge in me that I've known in only a few capacities. My desire and ambition, of course, will remain and probably even grow (healthily, of course), but my goals will be different. How other professionals see me (as a peer rather than a student) will change. With increased responsibility will come an increased chance to impact people's lives for the better. I'm excited.

I'll always be a student, though. There will always be some class that I want to take or some new skill that I'll want to learn. And during those times when my textbooks find temporary homes on a shelf somewhere, I'll finally get the chance to read some of the great works that I've had to put off because of other responsibilities. My thirst for knowledge will never die, and my passion for spreading that knowledge won't either.

I'm heading home to Milford tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to seeing my parents and my niece and nephew. I'm actually going to play babysitter for the two kids on Wednesday. The weather doesn't look good, but I promised my niece that I would take her to the park at least a few times while I'm home. Man knows no wrath like that of a child scorned, so I'll be sure to take every opportunity I can to keep my promise.

One last thing...

I pledged my first alumni-type donation to The University today. Every year, members of the graduating class are encouraged to pledge donations based on their graduation year. This year's pledge is $20.09. It's a great way to jumpstart our alumni involvement in The U. Speaking from experience, our alumni are involved. Without them, I doubt that The U would be what it is today. Graduation only means that we've achieved a certain level of academic excellence. Our part in this University family continues indefinitely.

I wish you all a blessed and happy Easter!

Rob