Well, it’s over - Commencement I mean. It’s been a long day already, since I got up at 5 this morning in order to get ready. It’s been worth all of the time and effort everyone put into today. All of our staff, faculty, family, and friends made today a dream come true. I think that I can safely say that we were alive with the Scranton spirit as our class celebrated our achievements.
The practices today might have seemed like a pain at the moment, but they were worth it. I even got to spend some time with my friends both in choir and in my class, so the family idea we talked so much about was alive. Scranton is all about family, even though it may not seem like when you come in as a freshmen. The people I know best are probably those in choir with me, but that’s just because we’re always together. We share the long haul, but even in my class I can go through countless numbers of people who I’ve shared day after day with. They just become family.
I know that my smile was from ear to ear as I processed from the back of the arena. I guess at times I still can’t believe that four years have already passed. We’ve all said it this weekend “This is it”, well as a new alum I can say it is and has been. The procession was long, but no one really cared. We just had fun. The first speeches were good, but I lost attention as the clock ticked by. As for our Deans, well like normal they competed for the best students and they celebrated that. (Dean Dreisbach, though, did give us members of the College of Arts and Sciences the best and longest introduction/presentation before Fr. Pilarz that I’ve heard in the past.) The moment I received my diploma though, I didn’t know what to expect, but I have to say it was amazing. In my head it was quiet, but around me the arena roared. I loved every minute of it. Then I finished my singing, which was a task, but a pleasant one I’ll never forget.
The crowd roared and the music blared which made graduation awesome. I’ve seen many flashes of light, especially since there’s pictures that just must be taken with teachers, friends, and family. It’s graduation. It’s a celebration! What more is needed than that? Though I’ll be back bright eyed and bushy tailed in the fall (at least for a couple of weeks), I’ll be back. That thought alone saves me from many of the heart wrenching goodbyes that I may otherwise have to make, not saying that some weren’t hard. I think what’s kept me in line is the fact that I know we’ll keep in touch. Also, there’s the fact that I know they’re going off to do so many great things that how can really be sad. We always want the best and now they’ve earned it and must move on, while bringing Scranton with them.
The entire day was amazing. I don’t know how else to describe it. Ok. Maybe it rocked works, but it was so much more than that. It was us. The connection and inside jokes encompassed much of our ceremony, especially Fr. Pilarz’s speech. Fr. Pilarz was new like we were four years ago and we taught each other so much. He had the perfect address for the class. It fit. We fit. That’s all that I’ll say. In the end, I guess he said it right about education and Scranton, “There isn’t an education like a Scranton education because a Scranton education doesn’t stop.” He hit the mark since we’ll always be Scranton and we’ll always be educated a little more the next day.
To my fellow graduates (now alum), Congratulations. We’ve earned it. I wish you all love, joy, and happiness. I hope life grants you all the things you desire and I hope we’ll meet again. It’s been a long ride, but one I’ll never forget. I know you’ll keep Scranton with you as I do, but in doing this I’ll keep you in my heart with our memories and our teachers. It’s been a blast. This time of the year this song might be over used, but Vitamin C’s “Friends Forever” still fits, especially since it is our graduation day. In closing, I send my love to all of you, but as the song says,
And so we talked all night about the rest of our lives Where we're gonna be when we turn 25. I keep thinking times will never change, Keep on thinking things will always be the same, But when we leave this year we won't be coming back. No more hanging out cause we're on a different track And if you got something that you need to say, You better say it right now cause you don't have another day. Cause we're moving on and we can't slow down These memories are playing like a film without sound . . . Stay at home talking on the telephone and We would get so excited, we'd get so scared. Laughing at our selves thinking life's not fair . . . So if we get the big jobs and we make the big money When we look back now, will that joke still be funny? . . . Will we think about tomorrow like we think about now? Can we survive it out there? Can we make it somehow? I guess I thought that this would never end And suddenly it's like we're women and men. . . . I keep thinking that it's not goodbye . . . As we go on, we remember All the times we had together And as our lives change, from whatever We will still be, friends forever. (Vitamin C, 1999)
So until next time: Rock on!!
Wow - this afternoon just blew me away. As I’ve been leading up to, today was the Baccalaureate Mass. It was amazing, but I’m still holding back tears. Everything was amazing- the sound, the atmosphere, the people - it was just amazing.
Today was also the Graduate School Commencement. The Grad Commencement this morning made the day longer, but we rocked. I ended up spending just about the entire day down at the school, though I’m tired it was well worth it. I arrived at the Byron Center at 9 am, just in time to help off load the truck with all the instruments and gear for the gig. After getting everything out, we looked like we were arranging an ant farm as we got all the gear in place. Boga actually said that this was one of our best moves, since we’ve had some much extra time.
We ran through our music and prepared for the ceremony. As we’re performing the Pre-Commencement Concert, the procession started early so that we almost missed our music entrance, but Boga saved us in time. I saw some of my friends graduate, which was nice because this is the first time since I’ve been at Scranton that the graduate school ceremony was held separately. As soon as the ceremony ended, we had to run for lunch, since rehearsal for Mass would be starting in a few minutes.
Our rehearsal was fine, but quick. Unfortunately, I just kept an eye on the time, since I had to be ready to carry my banner. The one thing that I did make sure was done was my reserved seating for my parents. (Let me explain a bit here - when I was a freshmen at my first Commencement, my one friend had his parents sit right next to the area where the groups were, so from that day I’ve planned where I wanted my parents to sit. This was important because I wanted to sit with them during the homily, unlike others who sit with the class or the rest of our musical groups.
Upon picking up the banner with my partner, we just headed to the back of the center and waited and waited. We broke up the time by telling jokes and stories. I think that the time we spent down there was fun mainly because each one of us was ready to go and needed each other to talk to more than anything else. When we finally got to march, I was quite glad and a bit sad since I wasn’t in place to sing yet. It was an honor to escort the banner today as it will be tomorrow.
As for mass, it rocked. We had fun. We sang great. We sounded amazing. What more can I say or even ponder about. I nailed my solo and my neighbor whose grandson is also graduating came up to my parents and commented about the fact that I sounded great. It’s just been a breathe-taking afternoon. It’s even better because I shared it with so many friends who mean so much to me. I’m happy and I can’t really ask for more.
All I can say is that today was awesome. I think that the best way to end before I go to the President’s Reception is to leave you with the words from “There You’ll Be” sung by Faith Hill. The song fits this time of year and with the feelings that I have for so many people from the University of Scranton. So many people have made my time as an undergraduate rock and have helped me make it through that I can’t (and tonight I won’t start) to begin to thank them for everything. As the song says,
When I think back On these times And the dreams We left behind. I'll be glad 'cause I was blessed to get To have you in my life. When I look back On these days, I'll look and see your face. You were right there for me . . . Well you showed me How it feels To feel the sky Within my reach And I always Will remember all The strength you Gave to me. Your love made me Make it through Oh, I owe so much to you. You were right there for me . . . 'Cause I always saw in you My light, my strength And I want to thank you Now for all the ways You were right there for me . . . For . . . In my dreams, I'll always see your soar Above the sky. In my heart There will always be a place For you for all my life I'll keep a part Of you with me And everywhere I am There you'll be. (Pearl Harbor, 2001)
So until next time: Keep it Real. Love ya, Later.
So Senior Week is basically over, since the actual Commencement activities have begun. Today I had my practice for Banner Bearers. It went well because we were coordinated and didn’t fall. I think that we’re ready for tomorrow.
Other than the practice, the day was interesting. This morning I went out to breakfast with my parents, since my dad thought it would be one way to save time and make everyone feel a little better. We had a nice breakfast at one of the local restaurants and went to pick up our rental car for the weekend. With all the activities, we figured it would be easier to have an extra car around, especially we’re offering my aunt and uncle a ride to the arena on Sunday.
As I said yesterday, my dad was sick, so now I’m sick. This is just par for the course, since it’s what I call the Smith Trifacta, where I have an event to go to, to sing at events, and to enjoy myself at my own graduation. What stinks is that my doctor says that I have an infected throat - sore throat plus other stuff - which just makes singing all day for the next two days all that much harder. Thankfully, the doctor put me on an antibiotic, so that I might be able to survive and enjoy the next few days.
Tonight, I just performed at the Class Night celebration, where a few of my friends from Honors and Choir were being honored. At the beginning of the ceremony, our Strings played and then we hopped in for the “Alma Mater”. Though some of our Singers didn’t participate, I always try to since it’s one of our gigs, plus it gives me some time to sing. I left right after we sang because I sound horrible with all of my congestion, but I wasn’t giving up my last gigs without a fight.
Right now, I think that’s the current news. Tomorrow’s the first of the big days with Graduate Commencement in the morning and Baccalaureate Mass in the afternoon. In closing tonight, I thought that while I’ve been thinking about the years that have passed since I’ve come to Scranton, as well as all the friends I’ve made that the song “Seasons of Love” from the movie and play Rent would fit. In the song, the friends sing,
Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes,
Five hundred twenty five thousand moments so dear,
Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes,
How do you measure? measure a year.
In daylights,
In sunsets,
In midnights,
In cups of coffee,
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife
In five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in a life?
How about love? . . . Measure in love . . . Seasons of love . . .
Five hundred twenty five thousand journeys to plan,
Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes,
How do you measure a life of a woman or a man.
In truths that she learned Or in times that she cried In bridges he burned Or the way that she died. Its time now to sing out though The story never ends.
Let's celebrate remember a year in a life of friends. Remember the love...
Oh you gotta remember the love . . . Oh yeah, its a gift from up above . . .
Sing out, give out, measure your life in love! (Rent, 2005)
So until next time: Keep it Real. Love ya, Later.
So I know I left out most of the details about our Hershey trip, but I was very tired last night and I apologize. As I said, I drove down. It was the first time I had actually driven that far from home in one trip. Though my parents were a little nervous, the trip went really well. We drove straight through and arrived about 11 am.
After we went through the gates, the girls I was with, Annemarie and Erin, already knew that they wanted to ride roller coasters all day. They wanted to start with the tallest/fastest in the park, Storm Runner. I had only heard about the ride when it first opened but never paid any real attention to it. I really wasn’t sure that I wanted to go on it at first, but I decided to go. (Now, I like roller coasters, but I also fear not having control over them, which makes things a little scary for me.) We ended up waiting for over an hour to ride the coaster. By our turn, I had decided that I would do my normal activity of closing my eyes - it’s safer that way. I think I was wrong, since I could feel my head pushed down by the G forces followed by the weightlessness of the other curves. I know there were points where I felt I was going to fall out of the coaster, not a feeling that sits well with me.
When the ride was over, I was happy, since it was an experience that I was not going to repeat soon. I could feel where the restraint hit my shoulder and it hurt some. We decided to get lunch before heading to the other end of the park. We rode Canyon River Rapids, one of my favorites, and Tidal Force, both of which completely drenched us. The rest of the afternoon was spent trying to dry off. After my experience with Storm Runner, I wasn’t ready for another coaster that afternoon. So while the girls hit a few more, I rode some classics, including Music Express and the Monorail. Actually, I was able to catch up to the rest of our group, while hanging out with Jayne and Joanne, to go on the Monorail.
With the girls’ return, we spent some time as a group. Let me just say that when we spend time as a group, we never know what will happen. It ended up that a music recording/karaoke place was right next to the area where we were talking, so Joanne thought that it would be fun for a bunch of us to actually do a recording. At first I thought that it was a little crazy, but I hopped right in for the adventure. As a group, we decided that Grease’s “Summer Nights” was a good song for us, since some of the guys were around. The video is funny, but a little scary at the same time. We sounded as good as karaoke can sound, but the fact was we had a blast. Joanne even gave us a copy of the recording, which I will be showing my parents this evening.
With music in our hearts, we did a few more activities around the part and ended the day. I still had to drive us home, so my work wasn’t over. We drove for a while before I decided that we should stop for dinner in Hazleton. We stopped at Perkins and had some more fun, before getting back on the road. When we pulled into the school, I was glad, since I was tired and I had finished my first independent road trip.
As for today, my dad isn’t feeling well, so I took him to the doctor, instead of going up the lake. It’s a bit of a disappointment, but I know that he’s more important. Tonight many of my class are attending the Senior Formal down at Split Rock Resorts, but I choose to stay home, since I try to keep out of formals as much as possible. I guess they are a part of the passage for some. In ending, I think that for my classmates the words from Eve 6’s song, “Here’s to Tonight” fit. The song says,
. . . Are you the now or never kind? In a day and a day love I'm going to be gone for good again . . . Are you cool with just tonight? Here's a toast to all those who hear me all to well. Here's to the night we felt alive. Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry. Here's to goodbye tomorrow's going to come to soon. Put your name on the line along with place and time want to stay, not to go, I want to ditch the logical. . . . All my time is froze in motion can't I stay an hour or two or more don't let me let you go . . .Here's to the night we felt alive. Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry. Here's to . . . [tomorrow]. (Horoscope, 2000).
So until next time: Keep it Real. Love ya, Later.
Wow!! Today was amazing. Hershey rocks!! I could probably end there, but I won’t (though I’m going to keep it short). Today was the Senior Cut day, so I had no official things to do with the class, but today was also our Music Ministries Hershey Park trip. It rocked. We left this morning and I actually just got in. I’m still a little hyped on coffee, but that’s ok. We didn’t do as many rides as we dreamt, but it was amazing the rides we did get on.
I spent the day mainly with two of the freshmen in the group Annemarie and Erin. They’re pretty good kids, so I didn’t mind. I actually drove down which was an experience. (I have to say that I have gotten the best gas mileage in my life, so I am extremely happy there.) The girls dragged me on to a fast and rolling roller coaster called the Storm Runner. It was scary and my shoulder hurts (I’ll explain more tomorrow). We also did wet rides, which had perks of keeping us cool in the sun, but it got drafty in the shade.
Other than rides we did a music video with about half of the other people from Music Ministries. It was crazy. That’s all I can say for right now. The rest of the day we spent with Jayne and her friend Joanne, both of who are a hoot.
All I can say is that it was a great day. I would like to thank Jayne for arranging everything, Keith for digging up the money, and the University of Scranton for giving us these great people and paying for the tickets. It was a blast and helps to make this year so memorable for me. I guess an appropriate way to end would be with the lyrics from the Beach Boys song, “Be True to Your School”, since the University made this all possible in their own way. As the song says,
When some loud braggart tries to put me down And says his school is great, I tell him right away Now what’s the matter buddy Ain’t you heard of my school. It’s number one in the state . . . I got a letterman’s sweater With a letter in front. I got for football and track. I’m proud to where it now When I cruise around The other parts of the town. I got a decal in back . . . On Friday well be jacked up on the football game And Ill be ready to fight We’re gonna smash ‘em now. . . . And . . . be yelling tonight So be true to your school now Just like you would to your girl or guy. Be true to your school now And let your colors fly Be true to your school . . . (Little Deuce Coupe, 1963)
So until next time: Keep it Real. Love ya, Later.
Another day closer to graduation and the party’s still going on in Scranton. I actually just came from our 50s Luau Party. It was nice, but not great to me. For me, it didn’t fit a real luau in music, food, or looks. I guess my class can do the ‘80s well, but not the ‘50s. The good thing about the party was the fact that I did spend a little more time with my friends, which can always make anything better. Though the party wasn’t to my taste, I did have a really good day.
Today was payday, so of course I was happy. I now have some money to spend at Hershey Park tomorrow, which is really great. I was able to finally remember to pick up my honor cords for the social science honor society, which took one worry off my mind. So even at this point in the day (10 am), the day was starting pretty well.
Other than my morning errands, today I had the Performance Music Picnic. Now every year Boga orders way too much amazing food, so we can hang out and play around in South Abington Park (a park in the area). This year, like always, the food rocked. We all ate probably way too much, but we had a ton of fun. Though I started the morning’s activities at a snail’s pace by the afternoon, I was just waiting to play soccer.
The importance of soccer at the picnic comes from tradition. Every year since I started here at the University of Scranton, we have played a “Battle of the Sexes” soccer game. Generally, the girls lose, which is somewhat sad not only because I’m a girl and I play, but also because more girls play the game than boys do. When they give us advantages, we still lose. I guess we haven’t gotten the game together yet, maybe next year. I usually end up playing goalie for most of the game, since I can usually divert the ball for a few minutes until one of the guys sneaks to one of my sides and SCORE. That’s how the game works for us. It’s funny - we really don’t care that we lose, but we end up caring about the fact that we’ve had fun. The only real bad part is that right now my face is a little warm from the sunburn I have on my nose and checks. (I guess I can only hope that it goes away before Saturday.)
After our game, I had some more to eat and drink before gathering near Boga for story time. Though it might sound like we’re little children, Boga has the best stories, more or less her experiences which just can make you laugh. I guess it’s one of those things where we all have those moments that just appear from nowhere but stay with you forever while bringing a smile to our face when you think of them. Today Boga some really good stories, which just kept us laughing all afternoon.
When the afternoon finally wrapped up around 3 pm, I took two of the girls home and dropped some extra food off at my house. Oh, while at home, I was also able to check my grades. All I can say is YES!!!! I actually achieved my highest semester average GPA at 3.84, which helped to bring my overall GPA up to 3.59. With the 3.59, I officially graduate with HONORS!!! (Can you tell I’m a little excited?) I fought to earn honors and I did it. I guess this means no letter from Dr. Casey with a GPA warning, though they did motivate me. I did it!!
Also when I got home, I found my contract for my Graduate Assistantship (GA) in Biology here at the University of Scranton. I looked over the paperwork and all I have to do is ask a few questions for clarity and I’ll be set. The GA position actually pays a stipend and my tuition, which definitely rocks. (I guess that right now it’s one of the perks of going to the University of Scranton.)
Overall, I guess it’s been a great day. On this note, I’m going to end for the night, so I can prepare for Hershey tomorrow. I think the best lyrics to end with are “It’s a Great to be Alive!” from Travis Tritt. As the song says,
. . . And it's a goofy thing but I just gotta say Hey, I'm doing alright.Yeah I think I'll make me some homemade soup Feelin' pretty good and that's the truth. It's neither drink nor drug induced. No, I'm just doin' alright. And it's a great day to be alive I know the sun's still shinin' when I close my eyes. There's some hard times in the neighborhood, But why can't every day be just this good? It's been fifteen years since I left home Said good luck to every seed I'd sown Give it my best and then I left it alone. Oh I hope they're doin' alright. Now I look in the mirror and what do I see? A lone wolf there starin' back at me Long in the tooth but harmless as can be Lord, I guess he's doin' alright. . . . Sometimes it’s lonely. Sometimes it’s only me and The shadows that fill this room. Sometimes I’m fallin’, desperately callin’ Howlin’ at the moon. . . . Take my old Harley for a three day cruise . . . And it's a great day to be alive I know the sun's still shinin' when I close my eyes. There's some hard times in the neighborhood But why can't every day be just this good? (Down the Road I Go, 2000)
So until next time: Keep it Real. Love ya, Later.
Senior Week Day 2 is coming to a close. It’s been a fun day, but not as busy as my usual Mondays. I slept in today, which was already a little bit of a relief since 8 am comes quite early. After breakfast, I went shopping for some groceries with my mom and worked on cleaning some parts of the house. Nothing really eventful, even after shopping and cleaning, I just wanted to try on my clothes for this weekend to make sure that I have enough clothes for everything that I have to be at. I know I don’t have to really worry about what to wear, some may say that it’s a very girlish thing, but I’m not used to having so many choices since I wear my black and white outfit for choir.
As for Senior Week activities, the school hosted a trip to Atlantic City for $10 a person, but I decided not to go because I’ve been there several times already. Though I hate to complain, the original day trip planned for today caught my interest more. The original plan was for the class to go and see a New York Yankees game at Yankee Stadium. I happen to be a Yankees fan, so I thought that the trip would be very appropriate. Also, the game we were to see was against Boston, so I really couldn’t ask for more than a win, but those plans ended.
Otherwise, the day seemed normal. Being in the musical groups on campus, we usually have something going on most days during the week and today was no different. Boga was having a rehearsal, which I missed to go to the Music Ministries BBQ at Janye’s place. This was my only really special activity tonight, except maybe watching the Season Finale of 24. The BBQ was awesome. Jayne made us steak. Most of the group was ecstatic when they found out. Yet Jayne already looked like she knew this was coming. (You can already see that Jayne loves us just as much as we love her. Tonight she actually told me again how much she loved her gift and some of the people she worked with explained how happy she was the next morning. It’s awesome to be able to hear how happy someone is when you’re thinking of them, but we just wanted to show our appreciation.)
After we had some dinner, we broke out the cookies and desserts. Everything was marvelous, as Jayne always says. I spent some time with my friends in the group and then I joined Jayne on the patio where we were joined by Fr. Terry Devino, our new director of the Ministries stuff, for lack of the appropriate term. I’ve only meet Fr. Terry in passing not much contact otherwise, but tonight I learned why everyone loves being around him - he’s a hoot, a barrel of monkeys. We only spent about two hours together, but it was a blast. It’s interesting, we spent most of that time talking about musicals and our favorite lyrics, worst experiences, etc., but what made it so fun was that everyone just started jumping in on lyrics and music. I’ll admit it was great. I would have stayed longer, but I really didn’t want to miss the end of 24 - I’ve just waited too long.
Now, 24’s over and I’m ready to call it quits for the night, but I wanted to leave with a song quote about friendship. I thought that the song “True Colors” reflects a bit of the idea behind true friendship and of course I loved the song, especially after the movie Tarzan. (So I guess I’m a little partial to the Phil Collins version, instead of the Cyndi Lauper version, just because I like how his vocals on the piece are a little more uplifting than hers. Sorry Cyndi.) The song says:
You with the sad eyes Don't be discouraged. Oh I realize It's hard to take courage. In a world full of people You can lose sight of it all And the darkness, inside you Can make you feel so small, But I see your true colors Shining through. I see your true colors And that's why I love you So don't be afraid to let them show. Your true colors True colors are beautiful, Like a rainbow. Show me a smile then, Don't be unhappy, can't remember When I last saw you laughing. If this world makes you crazy And you've taken all you can bear You call me up Because you know I'll be there . . . When this world makes you crazy . . . You call me up Because you know I'll be there . . . Cos . . . shining through I see your true colors . . . So don't be afraid to let them show . . . True colors are beautiful, Beautiful, like a rainbow. (HITS, 1998)
So until next time: Keep it Real. Love ya, Later.
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