http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/ en-us Copyright 2009 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:08:11 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss The ball is rolling! A month and a half to go, and schools are finally getting back to me. It's nice to know that hard work pays off. Almost all of the positions that I applied for will utilize my experience in Residence Life or Admissions in one way or another. Some of them are graduate assistantships while others are full-time professional positions. Right now, I could go either way. Both avenues have their pros and cons, but in the end, I am confident that I will find a position with a school that gives me the opportunity to continue propagating the mission of serving the world as a man for other. For me, there is no better way to do that than by serving students. I am beginning to feel more confident in myself since the phone calls have begun. The thrill that I felt when I first began sending out applications is coming back. It's definitely a good thing. I'm sure that I'll have more updates in a couple of weeks. Be sure to check back! Easter break was a good time. I spent most of the days with my niece, Rachel. I always think that it's so amazing how kids grow and change from day to day. And without a doubt, Rachel does. She's only two, but she already knows so much that I could almost have a full blown conversation with her. Of course, the topics are always related to Barney, my nephew, or my mom, but for a two year old, she's pretty impressive. Seeing my parents was nice, too. The three of us have been so busy in the past year that we really haven't gotten to see one another. The work that we're putting in, of course, will pay off, but it was nice to have a conversation that was face to face. And I haven't spoken about it before, but keeping up with my friends has become so easy over the past few years because of Facebook. Yes, there are many stigmas attached with Facebook and some of the creepy people that insist on ruining it for the rest of us, but I think that being able to catch up with your friends when you otherwise wouldn't have time to is a nice thing. Some people think it's a bit too impersonal, but I found it to increase that personal nature of a friendship even more. My little explanation there was to let you know that even though my friends and I were all busy doing other things over break, we were still able to keep up with one another through Facebook. Extended but important. I guess I'm trying to ignore the fact that my last month and a half as an undergrad here has already begun. My graduation pictures have been ordered, I pick up my cap and gown next week, and there is the possibility that I'll be leaving The U before my next birthday (just under two months). I've talked about it a great deal before now, but the reality of the situation is finally beginning to sink in. Bigger and better things are coming; I have no doubts about that. Still, I'll never be able to forget the impact that being here had on the person that I am today. I had opportunities and challenges here at The U that I would not have been able to have if I had chosen any other school. I'm leaving something behind, though. I have high hopes that all of the work I've done here has helped to pave the way for those who will be here after me, that they can learn from my mistakes and build upon my successes. As always, I am totally aware of the corniness of some of the thing that I say in this blog, but I hope that you understand the sincerity of my words. Ok. Lighter topic. The sun is finally beginning to shine. Scranton is warming up, and flip-flops have begun their annual invasion of campus. Let's keep it up, Mother Nature! Later days! Rob http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/04/it_wont_be_longyeah.html http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/04/it_wont_be_longyeah.html Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:08:11 -0500 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 http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/04/the_last_few_weeksand_the_next.html http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/04/the_last_few_weeksand_the_next.html Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:19:48 -0500 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! http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/03/the_future_is_close_at_hand.html http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/03/the_future_is_close_at_hand.html Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:08:36 -0500 (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]]> http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/03/this_blasted_smarch_weather.html http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/03/this_blasted_smarch_weather.html Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:10:53 -0500 ]]> http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/02/happy_ra_appreciation_day_and.html http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/02/happy_ra_appreciation_day_and.html Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:04:31 -0500 Grad School For the past year, I really haven't made any strict decisions on graduate school, other than the fact that I want it to happen within the next two years. My goal is to get my master's degree in school counseling. For a long time now, I have been working with students, specifically high school students. After graduating from my high school, I was hired by the NYCDOE to work at my alma mater in the College Office. I worked there for a little over a year, helping seniors decide where they wanted to go to college and helping them get the paperwork done. When I transferred to The U, I begin to work at Admissions, where I speak to high school students all the time. So, as you may have guessed, I'm looking to work as a counselor with high school students. At least, that's the plan! Full-Time Job This is my immediate goal. I've been sending out resumes for the past few months in search of a job in three fields: Admissions, ResLife, or education. Undoubtedly, I'd like to continue my work with students, and these three fields would definitely give me that opportunity. I have diversified experiences in all three fields, so I feel pretty confident in my ability to do well in whichever field that happens to call me back. With whatever job I get, though, graduate school will stay at the top of the list as a priority. Working full-time and attending grad school classes in the evenings will be tough, but my experiences at The U have prepared me for those tough times. As it is now, I begin my days early and don't get back to my apartment until the evening most days. I'm sure that this new routine would take some getting used to, but my passion for what I'll be doing will definitely keep me going. So yes, there is a lot to think about here. Like I said, I'm still giving my all to classes, but I'm working on these other priorities in the foreground as well. As my mom always tells me, time management is key, and I've done a pretty good job at learning to manage my time. In college, I suppose you really don't have much of a choice. On a lighter note, Saturday is Valentine's Day. Yes, I'm working for a few hours, but Liz and I are heading out to Cafe Classico for a nice dinner. And who knows...there might even be a surprise in there for her. RA interviews are continuing at a steady pace. In a couple of weeks, all of the candidates will be coming together for the group portion of the interview process. That means that there are going to be a lot of very energetic people in one place. (If you ever wonder what RAs are like, take a look----->http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUJniTi9kLY) Well, I'm looking forward to lunch in a few hours. Monday is one of the few days Liz's schedule aligns with mine so that we're able to get lunch together. And, of course, Heroes is on tonight. It's always a good ending to my longest day of the week. Later days! ~Rob PS--Congratulations to all of you who have been accepted to The U! I hope to see you around campus for one of our Royal Nights and Preview Day! (BTW...coming to The University of Scranton = one of the best choices you might make...ever. Doubt me? Take a peek here...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDQZJjMVyVE and here...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttdOoDJqtiY)]]> http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/02/back_into_the_swing_of_things.html http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/02/back_into_the_swing_of_things.html Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:47:00 -0500 I am now finished with the second day of classes of my last semester as an undergraduate at The University of Scranton. Scary though--one that will definitely take some getting used to. I had a similar feeling at the beginning of last semester, but it is nothing like the ton of bricks that I'm attempting to recover from. I've talked about this a little bit before, and, undoubtedly, I feel like I am ready to face the waiting world. Still, that feeling of no longer having school to somehow protect me from the hard world is...well, I don't yet have a word for it. I'm not afraid that I'll fail; I know that I won't. It's almost like Linus giving up his blankie. Of course, he can live without it perfectly fine (and probably more healthily), but if he could, he would choose to hold onto it as long as he could. That might not be the best explanation, but take from it what you will. With that in mind, I'm ready to face this last semester with all the pomp and circumstance that it deserves. I'm looking back on my years here at Scranton with some of the best memories of my entire life--some of them have happened here, and some of them have just happened to coincide with my being here. More than anything, though, I think about how I've grown as a person. The University has taught me to question the world around me in an attempt to make it better. With the words of St. Ignatius in mind, I've already begun to rub a few sticks together; I've even started a few puny fires here and there. More and more, I am thinking about this as more of a commencement and less of a conclusion. I have so many opportunities in front of me. (As cliché as that sounds, I really do.) To a certain extent, I almost don't know what to do with myself. I'm looking to continue the work that I've started here at The U by working for others, to somehow strive to increase the quality of life for the general population one way or another. I have my heart set on going to grad school for school counseling (and I will peruse that), but I'm a go with the flow type of person. I'll tackle the perils, the promise, and the opportunities as the world presents them to me. I go into the world with extensive theory, hands-on experience, wonderful memories, lifelong friends, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility to leave this world just a bit better than I found it. http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/02/spring_semester_2009_the_end_o.html http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/02/spring_semester_2009_the_end_o.html Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:04:43 -0500 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 http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/01/this_month_is_flying_by.html http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/01/this_month_is_flying_by.html Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:02:34 -0500 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! ;-) http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/01/andwere_back.html http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2009/01/andwere_back.html Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:05:04 -0500 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!!) http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2008/12/leaving_the_second_home_for_th.html http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2008/12/leaving_the_second_home_for_th.html Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:28:59 -0500 ]]> http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2008/12/dressed_in_holiday_style.html http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2008/12/dressed_in_holiday_style.html Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:57:08 -0500 Well, Thanksgiving is only a few days away, and it could not have come at a better time. Last night was a bit rough. Although I tend to be a good planner with most things that I do, term papers are something that I always leave until the last minute. Why? It's not that I can't write them ahead of time, but I work much better under pressure. I know it may sound strange, but I do some of my best work when I'm totally freaking out. Everyone has their own system, but this is what works for me. So, I was up until 2 this morning, took a five hour nap, then got up at 7:00 to do it all over again. And did I finish? Absolutely! And was the paper good? Well, I would consider it to be good. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that I leave everything for the last minute. I made sure that I had done all of my research before I even sat down at the computer. I've developed a keen sense of how to effectively use resources in my papers in my time here at Scranton. Being an English major helps, too. And having worked at The Writing Center where I've helped so many other people to revise their papers for correct grammar pushes the process along just that much quicker. I do agree that writing papers in phases is a better idea. Starting out with a rough draft, sitting down with someone to look it over, and making changes usually does work best. After a while, though, good writers will develop at least somewhat of a sense for their own writing, perhaps even being able to look at it from a more objective standpoint. In the end, though, I am a definite proponent of whatever works for the individuals. Now that I am done lecturing on my writing habits, things are going well in Scranton. I'll be heading up to Syracuse tomorrow with my fiance, Liz, to meet a whole bunch of family members that I've only heard about. Am I nervous? Well, it's not that I'm nervous. I like heading into new surroundings and meeting new people, but I'm going to miss going home a bit. I'll be home in a few weeks for winter break, though. Hopefully, my parents will be able to hold up. I think they'll be just fine. I have some work to do over the Thanksgiving holiday, so Liz and I will probably be heading to the library for a bit. Honestly, it will probably be something of a break for us. Sometimes when I meet so many new people for the first time, it can be a bit overwhelming. We having bowling to look forward to tomorrow night. Two of Liz's friends from home are planning on whipping us at 10 pin, and I intend to make sure that doesn't happen. This semester has gone quickly, but I am definitely looking forward to Christmas break. This semester has been a bit busier than usual with classes, work, and ResLife that I haven't gotten to see my family as much as I would have liked. A few relaxing weeks at home should definitely do the trick. That's it for now. I wish you a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving! ~Rob http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2008/11/procrastination_nation.html http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2008/11/procrastination_nation.html Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:39:50 -0500 Things are beginning to change around Scranton. I know that I talked about the changing of the seasons last week, but I wasn't talking about the most wonderful time of the year--the holiday season! This is definitely something to be excited about when you're at The U. The wreaths on the lamp posts have started to appear; a huge wreath adorns the faces of Brennan. The base for the Christmas tree has been set up on the Dionne Green. Community Outreach and University Ministries have begun different charity funds for the season. The Cura Personalis residence hall, McCourt, is continuing to collect for their annual Thanksgiving food drive. And, for the first time on Monday, there was at least a little bit of what I would call snow. Exciting stuff. Without a doubt, Thanksgiving and Christmastime are some of the best times to be around Scranton. Yes, spring is usually my favorite time of year, but sunny skies take a back seat to how the holiday season makes Scranton shine. And the most exciting part of this season comes this year on November 30 with our liturgy and tree lighting. Everyone on campus comes out for it. We're able to catch up with people we haven't really gotten a chance to see during the semester, have a nice cup of hot chocolate, sing some Christmas carols, and just enjoy the company of those people who care so much about The U. I'm getting a bit ahead of myself, though. Thanksgiving is next week, and I will need the break. I have a five-page paper due before the end of this week and a ten-pager due on Tuesday. No matter how much I plan in advance, it always seems like there are a few bigger assignments standing between me and every break we have. College is tough; no one said it was all going to be hot chocolate and tree-lightings. Still, as I've said before, all of this work that I'm doing now makes me feel prepared to enter that "real world" in only a few months time. This Thanksgiving, I'm heading up to Syracuse with my fiance, Liz. I've met the immediate family and all is well there, but I haven't met her extended family and a few of her closer friends, friends who claim that they'll be able to whip us at bowling. I have serious doubts about that, but I'm hoping for good things nonetheless. Still, any awkward introductions will immediately be forgotten when that first slice of turkey is cut. Of course, though, there will be some work to do over the break. Standing between me and the end of the semester is a six-pager, another ten-pager, and three final exams. I have no doubt that I can handle it, but it seems a bit overwhelming when I think of all the other commitments I have as well. I have confidence that, like every semester, the last day of final exams will come, a few weeks will go by, and I'll be begging for classes to start again. It's become cliche to say that Christmas is one's favorite time of year, but I just can't help it. I love being around my family for the holidays, especially because of how separated we are. In high school, it was a bit different. My family was either in my house or close by. Now, the most interaction we have is a chat on the phone a few days a week because of our conflicting busy schedules. Yes, they do come to Scranton every once in a while, but going home is just so...awesome. It gives me a much-needed break from the day-to-day of college while affording me time to share with the people I love most. A few presents and some home-cooked meals thrown in there every few days or so helps to make the season bright, too. But I'll be back soon enough--January 4th to be exact. I begin full-time work at the Visitors' Center the Monday after New Year's, which is good for me. If I lie around the house too much, I get bored quickly. I always need to be doing something. RA winter training will roll around mid-January, and I'm sure you'll hear a bit about that in a two months or so. That's it for now. Those papers are calling my name. (And when I have time to lower the resolution of a few pictures, I'll have some up from tree lightings of years past.) Later days! http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2008/11/its_the_holiday_season.html http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2008/11/its_the_holiday_season.html Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:51:39 -0500 ]]> http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2008/11/the_changing_of_the_seasons_in.html http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2008/11/the_changing_of_the_seasons_in.html Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:06:47 -0500 Well, November 4 has finally come, and campus is buzzing with news about the election. For my residents in Casey Hall, this is the first election in which they actually have a say, so most of them got up early and voted. It's a pretty exciting time. To help my residents and friends enjoy this historic event as fully as possible, I've planned a program in my apartment tonight so that we can stay up late and watch as the election results come in. It's been an interesting year and a half or so of campaigning, but I'm ready for this election to (FINALLY!) come to an end. Halloween made for a good time last week. A bunch of things were happening on campus. The previous week, many of the residence halls teamed up with Community Outreach for a program they call "Safe Trick or Treat." It gives kids a chance to trick or treat throughout our residence halls and the residents a chance to give back to and be a role model for their younger counterparts. Residence Life, the department that facilitates housing and residential programming, presented a haunted house in one of our older residence halls at the edge of campus. I, of course, had the most interesting task of all. I lay in a casket (yes, a REAL rented casket) for a few hours, scaring some of the people waiting for their tour guides. And, of course, all of the money collected went to a good cause, specifically to the granddaughter of one of our Physical Plant workers. (At Scranton, it's nice to know that we give back to our own.) The day itself was nice, too. I hung out with a few friends and watched scary movies. Granted, it may not have been the most exciting of times, but it was great for all of us. Otherwise, I've had a lot of work to keep me busy. Tonight, I'll be catching up on some paper writing that I've been putting off. Later in the week, I'll be planning my oral report on the 18th century poet, James Thomson, for one of my poetry classes and getting ready for the MACUHO (Mid-Atlantic Association of College and University Housing Officers) Student Staff/Live-In Conference on Saturday. The conference is a great place for student interested in student affairs to meet one another, to do some networking, and to receive some supplementary training. I went last year when it was at Salisbury University in Maryland, so the trip to Penn State at State College should be a fun time as well. And, last but certainly not least, our second Open House will be this Sunday. In case anyone is looking for me, I'll be speaking about The University of Scranton academic experience in Brennan Hall. Be sure to stop by and visit! Well, that's it for now. Please feel free to comment me or to ask questions. I'm sure there are things that people want to know about The U that I totally take for granted because I've been here so long, and I definitely want to make sure that your questions are answered. Later days! http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2008/11/election_day.html http://blogs.targetx.com/scranton/RobertSwinton/2008/11/election_day.html Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:57:32 -0500