January 26, 2012

Edgar Allan Poe’s Birthday Bash

Last week marked two monumental occasions: the start of my last semester as an undergraduate student and the 203rd anniversary of author Edgar Allan Poe's birthday. As some of you may recall from previous posts, Edgar Allan Poe has made quite a comeback through the efforts of the Edgar Allan Poe Association, a student organization dedicated to educating the community about Poe's life and works.

As the eve of Poe's birthday approached, there was an excitement throughout campus; after all, how often do you have the opportunity to attend a party where the guest of honor is turning 203? This year, the Edgar Allan Poe Association sponsored Poe's birthday bash in partnership with the Art Gallery. Specifically for the occasion, the Art Gallery staff arranged for the display of two pieces directly related to Poe: Robert Lawson's etching The House of Usher and James Britton's woodcut portrait Edgar Allan Poe.

Throughout the evening guests had the opportunity to enjoy refreshments, tour the art gallery, and listen to dramatic readings of Poe's iconic literary works. No birthday party would be complete without a rousing rendition of "happy birthday," so all guests had the chance to gather around the custom-made portrait birthday cake and sing in celebration of Poe. All in all, this was an unforgettable evening that illuminated the excitement inherent within literary works. Check back for updates about the Edgar Allan Poe Association's upcoming events so that you too can participate in the Poe-related fun, and be sure to mark off your calendars now (January 19, 2013) for next year's festivities!

December 9, 2011

One Semester Down, One More To Go

Although the semester is winding down, it still seems like there are still so many activities and assignments to complete. In terms of academics, I only have a few more finals to complete, and then my fall semester officially comes to a close. This past Monday, my PSYC 499 class met for the last time and we had a potluck party to celebrate the completion of our comprehensive examination. Overall, this was a nice way to end the course.

In terms of extracurricular activities, this upcoming weekend will be jam-packed. On Sunday, the SPEC executive board is meeting to finalize our event calendar for the spring. We’ve received a lot of really beneficial feedback and innovative ideas from the campus community, and we are excited to put some of these plans into motion. Spring 2012 will surely be one for the record books.

After our planning meeting, we will be hosting our annual pre-finals event: Munchie Truck. Each year on an evening during the last week of classes or right before finals begin, the SPEC executive board loads one or two cars with a plethora of comfort foods and sugary snacks. Hearing the beeping of horns, students rush from the residence halls to gather by the roads to collect free goodies. It’s basically extreme trick-or-treating. This annual tradition is definitely a great way to stock up on some sweet treats and provides some needed stress relief.

Experiencing New Things

Last night, SPEC hosted the last installment of this semester's "Thirsty Thursday" comedy series. In conjunction with sponsoring free comedic entertainment, we also have a specialty drink of the evening for audience members to enjoy. In the past, we've blended smoothies, brewed coffee, poured lemonade and made milkshakes. However, last night, we tried something a bit different and decided to experiment with frozen hot chocolate.

Now, I too was a bit skeptical of the idea of frozen hot chocolate. However, my fellow board members assured me that it was a feasible endeavor. Last year, we tried to craft frappuccinos and needless to say, that idea was much better in theory than execution. Nevertheless, I'm all for modifying ideas and testing them again.

I must say that the frozen hot chocolate was AMAZING; although it was slightly chilly outside, it was the perfect evening treat. Also, it really was quite easy to make, so if you're ever looking for a study break or a quick recipe for a social gathering, consider blending up a batch.

My Favorite Time of the Year

There are four days in November that I eagerly await each year. Most of you are probably thinking that they are Thanksgiving break, and while I do enjoy that respite, I have to say attending the annual NACA conference may rank first on my list. My involvement on the Student Programming & Events Council (SPEC) introduced me to NACA, the National Association for Campus Activities two years ago. In addition to offering networking and professional development opportunities, the organization hosts regional conferences and connects student programmers with acts interested in performing on college campuses.

This year more than 100 schools attended the regional conference, which was held at the Convention Center in Hartford. For three days, student delegates attended educational sessions, had the opportunity to see a wide variety of acts perform and had the chance to interact with agents and performers in the “Marketplace.” As with any conference, there was obviously an array of free giveaways, ranging from pens to cds to DVDs. I even played a game in one of the booths and won a sword (which I found to be a pretty unique souvenir).

In terms of the performances, one of the advantages of this organization is that it puts students in contact with people who are interested in gaining more traction in the industry than they currently have, but are not necessarily well-established yet. This year, we saw ventriloquists, comedians, solo musicians who played a variety instruments, jugglers, bands and magicians. We even had the opportunity to see a brief performance from Nick Pike, a juggler and unicyclist who performs pretty death-defying stunts and was a finalist on America’s Got Talent. You never know what cool and different act you’ll have the chance to see at NACA.

The conference definitely exceeded my expectations, and I can’t wait to experience my second favorite part of November – Thanksgiving break.

November 15, 2011

Running a Survey-Based Research Study

Over the course of this semester, I have had the opportunity to design and conduct my own research study. Due to my involvement with various campus activities, I have often wondered what motivates students to attend the variety of events that we have on campus and what are the best ways to publicize the details of on-campus happenings. Thus, I crafted a survey, received institutional approval and am well on my way to ascertaining some answers to my questions.

My primary measurement is a survey. I can assure you that by the time you graduate from college, you will have so much practice taking surveys that you will be a professional. All research methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and a survey was the best match to achieve the aims of my current qualitative study. I've learned that when you're the primary investigator and you're relying on the data, you tend to look at surveys in a different way. Instead of trying to just rush through the survey to get it done, you want people to think about the questions and provide honest, accurate results. Thus, I have gained a greater appreciation for surveys. I'm almost at the conclusion of my data collection, at which point, I will begin to analyze and write-up my results, which I'm looking forward to sharing in the spring.

November 11, 2011

Getting Back on Schedule

Winter Storm Alfred definitely caused quite a bit of chaos around here, but life is finally starting to get back to “normal.” Last week, we were supposed to have our monthly “Thirsty Thursday” comedy series, which obviously did not occur due to lack of power. Our drink specialty was supposed to be apple cider, and of course, my friend and I went shopping for the cider in advance, prior to the power outage. Long story short, those gallons of apple cider had to be thrown out, which was quite upsetting and the whole situation didn’t really convey the moral that it’s best to accomplish tasks in advance.

However, scheduling did work in our favor, and we were able to reschedule comedian Brian Moote’s show. Brian was a pleasure to work with and his jokes and stories kept the audience laughing for the entire hour. As a graduate of three colleges, he knew just what experiences make for hilarious comedy. Everyone in the audience enjoyed the chance to take some time from storm catch-up to laugh and enjoy some lemonade (and some newly-purchased apple cider).

November 7, 2011

Camping Indoors

For those of you who experienced the results of last week’s snow storm, I hope you and your families fared well! Like many Connecticut residents, I spent a week without electricity, and it was certainly an interesting experience. Being “off-the-grid” for a few days was a refreshing break; I had the chance to catch-up on some homework (when the sun was out) and play some board games. We had a fire in the fireplace and we cooked our food out on the grill, which was a change of pace.

However, I would say by the fourth or fifth day without power, the lack of heat and small time-frame to accomplish work by sunlight was getting old. Needless to say, I was thrilled when light actually filled the room when I switched on a light switch after a week of lighting my way with lanterns and flashlights.

For the past three weeks, every Saturday, I have been attending a graduate course at SJC: Command Management & Operations. The course focuses on Homeland Security measures and emergency preparation, so the timing was perfect as we had the opportunity to discuss Connecticut’s management of the snow storm. As our professor has extensive experience in the field, he was able to share his perspective, and it was beneficial to be able to analyze the State’s response within the context of what we had been learning throughout the course.

October 27, 2011

Getting in the Halloween Spirit

Although I’m a Connecticut native, I had never been to the Haunted Graveyard before this year. I love scary movies, stories and other spooky thrills (in moderation), so I decided to join a few of my friends on SPEC’s trip to the Haunted Graveyard. Also, a few of my friends and I have an ongoing bucket list of sorts consisting of activities that we want to accomplish before we graduate and going to the Haunted Graveyard made the list.

The Haunted Graveyard definitely met, and exceeded, my expectations. There were more than 20 different sections, including a haunted mansion, a Mayan temple, catacombs and a cornfield. The props and stages were so life-like, and you never knew what to expect as you walked through the maze and people jumped out from around corners and popped out from alcoves in walls. Overall, the Haunted Graveyard was the perfect way to kick-off Halloween weekend.

October 20, 2011

Marathon-Prep in the Mud

Over the summer, I had learned that the Hartford Marathon was looking for volunteers to help prepare for this year's race. My friend and I had both registered to help out with Bushnell Park set-up back in August. Of course, when the actual day to volunteer arrived, the weather was atrocious.

Despite the monsoon-like conditions, we drove the 10 minutes to Bushnell Park, ready to help out with whatever was needed. The day before the race, the Park was like a little city; there were countless tents set-up every few feet and people bustling around putting the finishing touches on displays and setting-up road gates.

We checked-in at our designated location and were promptly guided to the food area. There were tents and tables waiting to be set-up, but this task was a lot harder than it seemed. This was primarily due to the fact that the ground was a swamp – legitimately, a pool of mud.

As we set-up folding tables, moved boxes of apples and chips from one tent into another and hung up sponsor signs on the tents, we became more and more covered in mud. It was definitely an entertaining afternoon. We laughed the entire time as we got stuck in mud, lost our shoes at points and struggled to maintain our balance.

In addition to supporting the Hartford Marathon and having the ability to participate in this event, we also met some great volunteers and staff. They shared with us how they became involved with the organization and about their experiences actually running in marathons throughout the country. The opportunity to meet new people is definitely one of the added benefits of becoming involved with volunteer work in the community.

At the end of our shift, our shoes were unrecognizable and our clothes were caked in mud, but we left with smiles on our faces and stories to tell.

October 14, 2011

Things to Look Forward to

Yesterday, we had our first editors' meeting for Interpretations, SJC's literary magazine. This is my first year serving as an editor, and I am so excited to start the process of soliciting submissions, reviewing pieces, planning the layout and then hosting the launch party in the spring with all of the other fabulous editors on staff. We are now accepting submissions from students, faculty and staff; if you would like to submit your prose, poetry, short stories, personal essays, academic essays, photographs or artwork, feel free to send your work to interpretations@sjc.edu with your name and contact information. Also, be sure to stay tuned for more details on our Poetry Slam next month.

After the Interpretations meeting, I attended a planning meeting for the Edgar Allan Poe Association. We just received our budget allocations from SGA, so we are ready to get the ball rolling. Our first event is going to correspond perfectly with Halloween and is our twist on the ever-popular "flamingo yard flocking." Look out for advertisements to find out how you can "raven" your door and the doors of your friends.

October 7, 2011

Bracelet Making for a Cause

Throughout this semester, the students enrolled in the Invisible Children FYS class have been learning about the use of child soldiers in military conflicts. Last month, members of Invisible Children, a group dedicated to using film and other creative measures to raise awareness about the stories of child soldiers and stop the use of child soldiers in central Africa held a film screening on campus. More than 150 people attended this event, and the College community showed its support for this cause.

Looking for a way to contribute to Invisible Children’s efforts, the FYS class dedicated to learning about this topic began to brainstorm fundraising ideas. As one of the peer mentors for this class, I was so proud of all of the inventive ideas that the students shared and their dedication to this cause. We decided to make and sell friendship bracelets, and all of the money would go towards Invisible Children and their programs that encourage students in Africa to continue their education.

Yesterday, students gathered in Assumption Lounge for an hour to work on bracelets together. It had been quite some time since I had last made a bracelet, so I definitely benefited from having experts in the room. Not only did the group make close to 20 bracelets in that short time, but it was also nice to talk with people and relax for a bit.

September 24, 2011

A Night on the Town

One of the many benefits of living close to Connecticut’s capital city is having an array of artistic, cultural and educational experiences within a short distance. The Hartford Stage, located only a few miles from campus, is an award-winning theater with a vast performance repertoire. Frequently, classes will go to see shows that correspond well with course content, and students only have to pay about $5 for their tickets – a substantial discount off of the standard ticket price.

Last fall, I attended a performance of Antony & Cleopatra for my Shakespeare course, and this fall, I had the opportunity to attend The Crucible with students enrolled in the honors English course. The show had received phenomenal reviews, so I was quite excited to see it in person. Having read The Crucible, I was also interested in seeing how the director and actors would adapt the text in a live performance.

Overall, I was quite impressed. The set was very minimalistic, which allowed the audience to truly focus on the actors and their dialogue. Even though the show was three hours long, time flew by; the performance was engaging and suspenseful, especially when the afflicted girls ran through the audience during their fits. Although there are countless activities on campus, I would definitely recommend attending performances and events within the community as well.

Photo Credit: T. Charles Erickson

Club Chat

It's almost impossible to imagine a college experience without campus life. How boring would it be if there were no events to attend, activities to plan and groups to join? On campus, there are so many different organizations that there is never a dull moment; however, there is also always room for more clubs to join the fun.

Many of you may have heard that starting a club is a very simple, easy to understand process, and I would venture a guess that many of you had some doubts about that statement. I was also a bit hesitant to venture into the world of creating an organization from scratch, but from experience, I can tell you that it really is an efficient process. The Office of Student Activities and the Student Government Association are fantastic resources throughout the process and can guide people through the process step-by-step.

This year, I've actually helped to start two new clubs on campus: the Edgar Allan Poe Association and the Golden Key International Honour Society. If you haven't had a chance to check out the Center for Academic Excellence blog, it's definitely worth a look and you can see pictures from the event that spurred the creation of the Edgar Association. The Golden Key Honour Society actually has chapters at other schools in the state, as well as countless chapters throughout the country and the world. It's a society that values academic excellence, leadership and service and aligns incredibly well with our Mercy Values, so we're in the process of obtaining our charter through the organization's headquarters.

If you haven't already, definitely register for connect2sjc.info, our new website that will be used for promoting all club events and activities as well as important dates and deadlines. You won't want to miss out on any of this semester's events!

September 7, 2011

Back in Action

Even though we are only officially in the second week of the semester, there have been so many events, places to go and people to see that I feel like I've been here for weeks. Every time I come back to campus for the start of a new semester, it feels like I never left, which is always a nice feeling to have upon one's return.

Last week, SPEC (the Student Programming & Events Council) sponsored a series of Welcome Week events, including a screening of the popular movie "Bridesmaids" and a comedy show, complete with smoothies. The event that I am most looking forward to this week is SPEC's Ben & Jerry's Scoop Night. One advantage of being within such close proximity to West Hartford Center is having the ability to swing by one of the ice cream shops for a sweet treat or have a quick lunch at one of the various restaurants at a moment's notice.

Tomorrow, Thursday, September 8, from 5:30 – 8:30 PM at the Ben & Jerry's in West Hartford Center on South Main Street, SPEC members and celebrity scoopers, including some of your favorite SJC staff and faculty and local media personalities, will be scooping your ice cream. Not only will you not want to miss this event just for the pure entertainment value it is sure to provide, but 20% of the proceeds made during the three hours will come back to SPEC so that we can begin fundraising for Blue Jay Fest, our substance-free weekend event in the spring.

I hope to see all of you tomorrow! 

July 3, 2011

Summer Fun

So far, this summer has been as busy as ever!

At the end of June, we had our last two orientation days for the Class of 2015. It was great to meet all of the new students, and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again on Welcome Weekend.

This past week, students received their highly-anticipated housing letters. I remember that when I was a first-year student, decorating my room was one of my favorite activities. In fact, it’s still my favorite part of the move-in process. When you’re brainstorming decoration items, the sky’s the limit; some students bring posters, others bring photos of their favorite memories and some students do a combination of both. The bottom-line is that you want to create a relaxing, enjoyable space that you will look forward to returning to each day.

For the rest of the summer, I’m working, but I’m also looking forward to catching-up with my friends, some of whom I haven’t seen for months. There are also some birthday and graduation parties on the calendar for the next few weeks which are always great ways to get outside and enjoy the sun.

June 11, 2011

Orientation Week 1

I hope you all are having a great summer so far! Even though it’s only the beginning of June, it feels like it’s already going by way too fast.

This past week on Tuesday and Friday, we had our first two orientation days for the Class of 2015. To give you a bit of detail about a typical orientation day, the first-year students begin the day with a variety of icebreakers. Then, first-year students and their guests learn about the First Year Seminar program, attend student services sessions, and have the opportunity to ask questions of the Orientation Leaders. First-Year students also register for their fall semester courses, which some may say is the most exciting part of the day.

This is my third year serving as an Orientation Leader, and I truly look forward to these four days every summer. So far, I’ve enjoyed meeting about half of the incoming class, and I can’t wait to meet everyone else!

Budget Bonanza

Over the past few days, it has been impossible to pick up a newspaper or turn on a television news station without seeing some mention of Connecticut's budget process. Early this morning just before midnight, while I was diligently completing a final paper, the state House of Representatives completed the next step in the budget approval process.

Typically, the House of Representatives convenes in session on Wednesdays. However, I was lucky enough to be at the Capitol yesterday when they met to discuss the budget. It was so exciting to be right in the middle of the action. The hallways were crowded with lobbyists and visitors, the representatives were in their seats or taking care of legislative business around the chamber and there was a constant din of anticipation throughout the lengthy meeting.

As the session begins to wrap-up, undoubtedly, legislators will be meeting more frequently and debating some of the key issues that will impact the lives of all residents.

April 27, 2011

Intern Recognition Ceremony

As the semester is beginning to wrap-up, so is my internship. I cannot believe how  fast the time has gone by! I have had so many opportunities to work on interesting and meaningful projects, meet new people and learn about the intricacies of state government. Plus, the entire semester has been pretty exciting with all of the budget talks and debates.

A few weeks ago, the Internship Director and Internship Committee organized an event to recognize the interns and celebrate with staff, faculty, family and friends. Everyone gathered in the House Chamber (still one of my favorite rooms) for opening speeches and introductions. Then, interns, legislators and guests had the opportunity to mingle and discuss the internship experience. Some days, it can get so busy that you hardly have a chance just to check-in and see what new projects everyone is working on, so it was great to have some time to do so at this event. Of course, the main portion of the program was the citation presentation and photo opportunity with Governor Malloy. Despite his hectic schedule, Governor Malloy spent time talking with the interns and participating in the afternoon’s events. Overall, the day was a great culmination to a fantastic semester.

Blue Jay Fest!

Now that the weather is nicer and there are more daylight hours, it’s the perfect time to start doing homework outside and taking breaks to enjoy spring. This past weekend SPEC (Student Programming & Events Council), in conjunction with other organizations on campus, such as SGA, Jays against Cancer and the Class of 2011, sponsored Blue Jay Fest. The jam-packed weekend of events began on Friday night and wrapped up on Sunday afternoon.

Students and guests had the opportunity to make “spontaneous s’mores and smoothies” on Friday night to kick-off the weekend. Then, all day Saturday, the main quad was turned into a carnival; there was laser tag, a bungee run, a moon bounce, and a rock-climbing wall. In addition, people could make their own spin-art re-usable tote bags, dog-tags, and tie-dye t-shirts. Despite the chilly temperatures, everyone had a great time! On Sunday, the weekend wrapped-up with Brunch Bingo and “Fun in the Sun” sponsored by Jays against Cancer. Bingo is one of the most popular events on campus (after all, who doesn’t want the chance to win free stuff?), and the brunch bingo prizes were pretty sweet :). If you’re interested in helping to plan events on campus or giving your feedback, SPEC would love to have your input. Our next social is on May 2 at 5:15 p.m. and you can always send us an email at spec@sjc.edu.

So Many Activities, So Little Time

As the semester winds down, the workload keeps piling up. However, this week, I had the opportunity to take a bit of a break from my homework on Thursday and Friday night.

Thursday was opening night for the Queenes Company production of The Taming of the Shrew. Over the past few months, the all-female cast has been putting in countless hours to bring this Shakespearean work to life and they did a phenomenal job. The play deals with the themes of sexism and traditional gender roles, so it was really interesting to see the work performed live with a single-gender cast. If you have some time tonight or tomorrow, be sure to check it out at 7:30 p.m.!

On Friday night, I actually had the opportunity to volunteer at a fundraising event for a great local, non-profit organization. CCARC, which supports individuals with disabilities through providing day services, residential options and job assistance, among other initiatives, held Toast to Fashion, its 6th Annual Fashion Show & Silent Auction. The event was a great success and has continued to grow every year since its inception. I specifically had the opportunity to help out with set-up, registration and the silent auction. I had a great time and so did the other attendees!

Looking Ahead...

Can you believe that it’s almost April?! There are only a few more weeks left of this semester, and it is now time for students to organize their schedules for the fall and solidify their plans for next year.

The fall course schedule just came out on Monday, so I have been busy reviewing the offerings to see what required courses I still need to complete and what options I have for electives. At times, planning out a course schedule can be very similar to completing a puzzle, especially with two majors and two minors. Nevertheless, things always seem to have a way of working out in the end.

In conjunction with academic planning, resident students are also in the process of selecting rooms for next year. Last week, the Office of Residential Life held a Town Hall Meeting to provide updates and information about the room draw process and address any questions. The official room draw date is April 8, so right now, many students are deciding where they would like to live and who they would like to live with next year. Students select their rooms based upon a lottery system; each student is assigned a lottery number based upon class status. On room draw day, students arrive in McGovern at their designated times, submit the required paperwork, and select their rooms for the next year. The process is very smooth and organized.

Be sure to check back next week to learn more about all of SJC’s spring events!

Back in the Swing of Things!

Typically, the week after spring break is fairly calm and allows students to readjust to their rigorous schedules. Although I did not have that informal adjustment period this year, I have enjoyed having a jam-packed schedule after a week of having no commitments.

On Tuesday, the Student Programming and Events Council (SPEC) sponsored a coffeehouse with J.D. Eicher. In the student programming world, performers and events can change unexpectedly, although that is rarely the norm. Originally, we had booked a different coffeehouse performer for last night’s event, but at the last minute, he ended up getting an opportunity to participate in a taping for a television show. After communicating with the performer’s agency, we learned that J.D. was willing to come out and perform – a win-win for everyone. JD was so friendly, easy to work with and very talented – if you have a chance, be sure to check out his music!

Between classes, my internship and club meetings, it doesn’t look like I’ll have too many dull moments this week. One of my favorite Admissions events, Accepted Students’ Reception is this Saturday, and I am looking forward to talking with prospective students and their families, giving tours and sharing my experiences on campus.

Almost Spring Break!

I have to say this week has been a quiet one; all of my major assignments and tests were due last week, so I’m in pre-Spring Break mode. So far this week I’ve taken the opportunity to actually watch shows when they air on TV. I would say the whole television experience is a lot better when you actually see the show when the rest of the world is watching and you can talk about it with your friends the next day, rather than two weeks later when you finally get the chance to watch it online.

In other news, earlier this evening, comedian Richie Holliday came to campus for a show. It’s always great to have events on campus that are free and let you take a bit of a break from studying, especially during midterms. He was incredibly funny! His birthday is actually tomorrow, so SPEC made sure to mark the occasion with a fabulous birthday cake. It’s always fun to celebrate birthdays- whether it’s yours or someone else's :).

Check back next week for more updates!

Midterm Madness

                Surprisingly, the semester is already half over. While that means spring break is only two weeks away and summer vacation is only about eight more weeks away, it can be difficult to see that light at the end of the tunnel when there are numerous papers, exams and projects clouding your vision. Midterm exam time is traditionally a stressful time for college students as they come to the shocking realization that not only are their long-term projects due sooner than expected, but more than likely, at least two of those substantial assignments are due on the same day.

                Midterm examinations can take a variety of different forms; some professors prefer to have students demonstrate their understanding of course concepts through preparing longer essays, whereas other instructors elect to administer in-class exams.

               After participating in a few midterm exam cycles, you eventually get the hang of managing your time well so that you feel prepared for each different test. In addition to the vital skill of time management, you also learn a few other important life lessons. For instance,

• Stock-piling all of your homework to do on the weekend is never a good idea if you actually want to be well-rested on Monday morning
• Surfing the web is not conducive to assignment completion; while the offerings at American Eagle online, Facebook profiles and other pointless websites that you discover while you’re procrastinating do not undergo significant changes on an hourly basis, the time that you have to complete your assignment continually dwindles.
• Adequate physical and mental functioning is still possible when you can count the number of hours of sleep you receive in a given night on one hand
• The placebo effect is a very real phenomenon (there are countless times when I’ve had to drink decaf coffee for lack of a caffeinated Starbucks drink, yet I have still somehow managed to find myself infused with energy…technically, that shouldn’t be occurring if there isn’t caffeine in my coffee).

Nevertheless, once midterms have come and gone, students undoubtedly feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. While it can be a stressful time, it’s also an opportunity for students to demonstrate everything that they have learned thus far and position themselves for success for the rest of the semester.

Classes, Classes Everywhere

One of my favorite aspects of academic life on campus is the Greater Hartford Consortium for Higher Education. Through this agreement with various other area colleges, including University of Hartford, Trinity and Central, among others, Saint Joseph College students can take classes at these area campuses free of charge. What a great deal! Your tuition doesn’t go up, SJC recognizes the grade and credits, and you have access to close to 800 exciting course options.

Throughout my time here at SJC, beginning the second semester of my first-year, I have taken at least one class through the consortium each semester. I’ve taken law classes, communications courses and even a logic class. Currently, I’m enrolled in a history class entitled “The American Experience of the Civil War.” While I wouldn’t deem myself a history buff, although I did pay a visit to Gettysburg National Park this summer and enjoyed my air-conditioned tour of the battlefield from the comfort of our rental car, the class is actually really interesting. The other students in the class are engaged with the material and the professor is exceedingly passionate about the subject area, so 50 minutes actually fly by!

An additional added bonus of participating in the consortium program is the opportunity to meet other students and professors from area institutions. You never know who you might have the chance to meet and what doors could open after you take that art or language class :). If you ever have some room in your schedule and are looking to embark on a new adventure, check out what is being offered through the consortium. 

Good Day, Governor

When the State Capitol Becomes Your Classroom

It was my third day as a legislative intern. After a committee meeting, my legislator and I traveled over to the House Chamber for a tech session. We walked into the Chamber – one of my favorite rooms – and I was called up to the podium. At that point, I wasn’t entirely sure what was going on, but one thing that I’ve learned is to just “go with the flow,” so I walked up there, provided some information, and suddenly I was the guest chaplain for the session! I have to say, reading the opening blessing was a pretty unique experience, and it’s even documented in the historical record!

Although we’re about a month into the semester, the snow storms have thrown off my schedule a bit, so I’m still in the acclimation stages. In terms of the program's overall structure, each intern is paired up with a legislator, and the intern works with the legislator and his or her aide on various projects, ranging from legislative research to responding to constituent concerns. In addition to these onsite projects, there are some academic components that interns must fulfill to meet credit requirements.

I would say that one of the advantages of this program is that interns have the opportunity to attend any session, meeting or event on the schedule. Reading about what occurs in a public hearing just isn’t the same as actually going to a hearing and listening to the testimonies. So far, I’ve sat in on a committee meeting, a public hearing and a press conference with the Lieutenant Governor, and I have learned something new at each event. With the announcement of the budget and more public hearings scheduled for the next few weeks, things are definitely going to start heating up, and I’m looking forward to watching all of that unfold first-hand.

The Show Must Go On

As most, if not all, of you know the weather lately has been out of control; it seems like it snows every day! Today, due to the inclement weather, we had the first snow day of the semester – not bad seeing as how today was also the first day of spring semester :).

Although it can be a pain to have to clean off your car or trudge through the snow to go the dining hall, snow days in college have the same allure that they had in elementary, middle and high school. Not only do you get to sleep in a bit later and catch-up on homework, but you also get to spend time with your roommates or suitemates, which is a rarity when classes are in full swing.

Today, I actually had a particularly exciting snow day. Back in the fall, we had contracted for a performer – Brian O’Sullivan, a singing comedian - to play a show this evening to kick-off the spring semester. Although we contemplated re-scheduling the show because the College was closed, we decided against it. Thus, throughout the day, myself and the other members of the Student Programming Board worked to coordinate the logistics and publicize the event. Brian was a great sport in braving the storm to come to campus and helping with set-up and clean-up, and the audience was engaged and energetic throughout his show. While a snow day in and of itself is a pretty great gift, nothing can really top concluding a successful snow day with free on-campus entertainment.