PEACHES DE LA PAZ

Happy May! The weather’s been beautiful here in Jersey City and it’s been another fun-filled weekend here at SPC.

This week, we've been reviewing a lot in classes to get ready to take finals starting this Wednesday. I'm going to be a wreck this week studying, wish me luck!

On Monday I went to my classes and had an Asian American Student Union meeting. In the afternoon there was a Campus Ministry/Community Service Appreciation Ceremony in McIntyre Lounge. It was very nice-there was fondue, hors d’oeuvres, and dinner foods. Everyone who has volunteered in Community Service or has been a part of Campus ministry was thanked. Afterwards, the students were allowed to talk about their service experience this year. I talked about how much I loved volunteering for Campus Ministry every week as a lector or a Eucharistic minister-Sunday night masses every week for the students are a great experience. I’ve also been on two retreats this year-Catholic, So What? and Koinonia, both were excellent and amazing. They have truly helped me to solidify my faith and love for others and God.

On Tuesday I had Psychology and my last Theology class. After lunch, a bunch of my friends convinced me to go to an impromptu visit to New York City and shop at Canal Street. It was a lot of fun, the weather was gorgeous. I just need to learn how to bargain. There’s a lot of merchandise you can buy at Canal Street for a great price. We also ended up walking through Little Italy, Chinatown, and City Hall.

My friends Rob, Albert, and I in front of the fountain at City Hall Park

The McMullen Chorale had a concert on Thursday in Roy Irving Theater. We’ve been very hard for the past couple of weeks, and we were able to sing all of the songs we’ve learned all year. The concert went smoothly, and I didn’t mess up my little solo!

Friday night a handful of us from SPC got the opportunity to see some of our professors perform at Carnegie Hall with St. Cecilia's chorus. My history professor, Dr. Rabin, was able to give her students free tickets to see this beautiful concert. As soon as I walked into Carnegie Hall, I was blown away by how beautiful and majestic it all looked. This theater is built to perfection for concerts such as this. St. Cecilia's itself was amazing, the chorus and orchestra sounded phenomenal. As a flutist I appreciated the music, and as a singer I was astounded by the soloists and chorus. The first half of the performance was sung in German, and the second half in Latin. Before the second act started, the conductor, David Randolph, who received an honorary degree from Saint Peter's College last summer in humane letters, spoke to us about the music. He explained the different meters in the music, it was as if we were learning music from him. I thought he was a great conductor with a great sense of humor. I wish I could have understood the words in the performance, but there was a translation given in the program. My friend from PACE University was there also, and we had no idea we'd both be attending the same concert! Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. So we saw the same performance and went out to dinner afterwards at a place called Benash-very overpriced, but what can you expect from a restaurant in the city? It was very good though, I must say. Friday night was a classic NYC experience. Congratulations and thanks to Dr. Rabin for her wonderful performance!

My friend Casey and I

Yesterday, on Cinco de Mayo, was the long awaited for Peacock Palooza here at Saint Peter's. A couple of bands played (they were all very good), and free food and t-shirts were given. It was a fun time, and a great way to end the year.

My friends Jenn, Albert, and I in the quad enjoying the music

There’s only about a week left of school left, and I’m heartbroken to leave the city and go back home. I love that it’s summer, but I can’t wait to come back.