Help Wanted!!!

Hey hey everybody,

I hope every one's really awesome. To those of you who think I'm about to talk about jobs on campus, I'll apologize. I won't be answering that question, yet. If you really want to know about it, then I'm more than happy to answer it.

While I'm waiting in the library, I decided to check up on my blog. I wanted to see if anyone asked any questions or anything like that. Other than Lin's fun comments, there wasn't anything new there. That's when it dawned on me, I think my blog needs some sparkle!!

No, I'm not changing the school colors. I love the color purple and Saint Mike's, so I won't do that yet. However, see that picture up there. It's got my name and email at the top? It's an amazing picture of a snowy SMC? Yeah, that's the one. It's completely misleading now. It was awesome a few months ago but now it's a little depressing.

Especially when the weather at Saint Mike's is so awesome right now, a dark snowy picture really doesn't do it justice. So, I was going to go out and take some new pictures, but that's when it dawned on me. You awesome people might have an opinion. That's where you come in. I want to know what super awesome picture of campus you want me to take. There are so many awesome places and things on campus that I'm sure your interested in and I want to show it to you.

So send me some comments, tell me what burning questions you have about campus and I'll take some pictures and see which one I like best. I might even let you vote on it. That new picture will be the opening of my blog and it's all because of you.

And while I have you, feel free to ask questions too. I'm pretty awesome so I know I can answer any question you have and I doubt you could stump me. But you'll never know until you try and best me.

With that, have a great one and talk to you soon!

the Campus Cookbook with Chef Ozimek

Hey Hey everybody,

Today's a great day. I introduced some awesome people to Saint Michael's College. I had planned to get a little extra work done today. That did not happen. Instead, I watched the food network and I started thinking. FYI: I love the Food Network. I'm addicted to every show on that network but I love to watch Dinner Impossible, Good Eats, and Iron Chef America.

College students are the most innovative people in the world. A college student can think of a solution to a problem that no one else could think of. Who would ever consider making stadium seating in a lounge with just duct tape, wooden chairs, and two couches. The first night I spent on campus was during an overnight visit. The two roommates had made a number of makeshift shelves just from cardboard boxes and duct tape.

The same can be said with regard to cooking on campus. Most students don't have an individual kitchen. There are no kitchens in the first year areas, one kitchen on every floor of the suites, and a kitchen in every townhouse. A microwave is a pretty useful invention. You can use it for almost anything, which is perfect for the college student. College students will take food out of Alliot all the time to use later in they're room. Students even go to Cumberland Farms to grab some basics for their room. There are a number of grocery stores in the area too which you can use to get whatever you need. Many students, including myself, have an area in their room they call a kitchen.

If there's a point that I'm trying to make, it's this. Get to know your microwave. Know what you can make and what you can't make out of it and your college experience will be awesome. Even if it's just microwave popcorn or easy mac (you'd be surprised how many people can't do that), having a little something in your room can mean all the difference when you need it most.

If your one of those people, don't fret. Alliot is a short walk away and Domino's is a phone call away. There are plenty of eating options to satisfy you.

Since I seem to be thinking about food a lot, if you have any questions about food here at SMC or anything here at SMC, then send them my way. I'll get right on it. Awesome, see you next time.

Thoughts on my College experience

Hey hey everybody,

I'm the first to admit that I haven't had the best week. While there have been some high points to the last week, it's been a rough roller coaster of a week. Easily, this last week was the hardest week I have ever had in my last three years, but it has given me a chance to reflect on all that I have done here. In my infinite wisdom, I've decided to share all that with you.

I realized how important it is to think about your major. I don't mean that you need to know what you want to do before you become a student, being exploratory is perfectly fine, but you should really consider what you plan to put yourself through. I'm a history major with a secondary education license and if I ever get around to it, adding a medieval studies minor and I truly love it. However, this last week has made me see how important it is to love what you do. If I didn't love my majors, I can't see how I would be able to deal with the craziness. So, my advice to you is to take advantage of our liberal studies. Before diving in to something, at least start with your LSR's and see what you love and if you really want to continue with it.

I also realized the value of getting involved. For two years, I have told my first years that the trick to having an awesome college experience is to get involved. Find a club, job, sport, whatever and keep with it. You'll soon find out that there is a ton of extra time between classes, and although it's all about the quest for knowledge, you can't study all the time. Completely devoting your life to your education is a great concept, but will fry you in the end. Personally, I went a little overboard with the activities.In addition to the five classes I took both semesters, I threw my hat into anything that interested me. I did everything admissions could possibly ask me to do. I joined student government and represented Ryan Hall. I joined the A-Team. I went through the RA application process and was accepted. In all honesty, I even did a little dancing. I continued most of those activities into the present (the exception being the dancing) and I've loved most of it. As the years increased, I decided to take more leading roles and that made life harder. Rewarding, but harder. So, I must say. It's important to get involved, but don't get over involved. Find something you love and devote yourself to it. College life is so much easier when you do.

I think that's about it for now. I've thought long and hard about the last three years and I've got a lot of fun observations so I might talk more about those again.
Before I log out, I encourage you to send me any questions or idea for blogs you may have. I'm a pretty awesome guy and I will answer any and all questions you may have. So keep em coming and I'll see you all real soon!

20/20 Hindsight about Freshman Year

Hey hey everybody!

Do you remember my last post? The one where I told you you could send in what you wanted me to answer about Saint Michael's College and maybe win a cool prize? While that contest is still continuing (and you should continue sending in your questions), I have already gotten a few submissions.

Today, I will answer Maura's questions. Maura wants me to talk about what I didn't bring to college that I probably should have. This is a tough question for me, as I thought I was pretty well prepared for college. Way back when, my Mum thought of every little detail and everything I could ever possibly need. I love Mum, but as it turns out, everything was a little too much. With that in mind, I'm gonna tell you two things. One, what I shouldn't have brought and two, what was extremely important but I never dreamed it would be that important.

Lets start with what I shouldn't have brought.
Clothes is an important thing to bring. However, each resident only has one closet and one dresser. That's a good deal of space but not enough for your entire wardrobe. Bring what you need for Vermont and what you love to wear. My freshman year I brought a scarf because I thought I might wear it. I have never worn a scarf in my life, and I like to think that if you didn't wear something before, you probably won't start now. Think hard about what you will and what you wont wear. Parent's might not like it, but your child knows their closet. They know what they want to wear and if you try to force it, it will only take up space and collect dust.
School Supplies is a great idea too, until you realize that half of what you buy your not gonna use. Half of the stuff I bought before Freshman year, I have yet to actually use. Granted, some of the basics are great ideas, like sticky notes, pens, tape, and paper but you don't know what to expect until you get here. You might buy a binder for every class, but you will probably only use one or two. Sometime, you won't even need to use one and can even reuse binders every year. You may want to consider buying what you need as you need it.
Tools are a great idea as well. You may think having a hammer and screwdriver around is an awesome idea. Unless you plan to be fixing things all the time, you probably won't use them all that often. I have a case full of tools that just sits there 90% of the year. After you've set yourself up, your probably won't need them until it's time to pack it all up again.

But what about those things that have surprised me.
Clothes is an important thing to bring. You might not use formal clothes all that often, but you need something here that looks nice. You might not take it out of the closet once, but if you need it and you don't have it, you're between a rock and hard place. Bring something you look nice in and that you would want to be seen in. Being formal means nothing if you hate to wear it.
Dishes are something that I truly overlooked my freshman year. I only brought one dish, and that was a big mixing bowl that I could use for popcorn. I was constantly buying more disposable forks/knives/spoons/plates and I really could use actual silverware and dishes. Only in the last year did I actually buy those things and it's been great ever since. What you want is something that is microwave safe, fits in your microwave, and is easily washable. Just a side note, I didn't bring my bowl this year, and I've regretted that ever since. It only had one use, but it worked for me.
Gladware or Tupperware is a great idea too. It's also something that I completely overlooked. Having something to store leftovers in is a great convenience and even helps when you're snatching food out of Alliot for later. Bring Tupperware, I guarantee you'll find a use for it and it's usually stack-able so it doesn't take a lot of space.
Whatever makes you happy is a great idea. Even if you are embarrassed about it, bring it. I guarantee it will make your experience here at Saint Mike's all the better. If you have a picture that makes you smile, a favorite shirt, even a stuffed animal, bring it along. Personally, I have a lot of quirky stuff in my room that just makes me smile. Own your space and own your experience and it will make it all the better.

I think that's enough for now. If I have more thoughts on this then I will absolutely tell you all about them. Most importantly, I want to hear what you want to know. Ask me anything any question at all, and I'll get right back to you on it. You might even be able to get something out of it. Speaking of which, I want to thank Maura again for sending in the question. Please email me so I can send your info forward and maybe make you a winner.

As a side note, I want to thank azaleaprincess12 for sending in a question too. Lin is actually a current student that I originally met on Knightvision and is actually one of my current residents. If you've been accepted to Saint Michael's College, then you've gotten a invitation to Knightvision. Use it, it's a great way to meet other students just like you and a great way to answer all those questions I know you have. I am on Knightvision and I literally drop what I'm doing when I see there's a new question that you need answered.
And a special note to Lin, to answer your question, I'm a resident assistant. I love all my residents, every last one of them. Even when they push my buttons and make me go to work, they're still awesome in my eyes. I even love the ones that aren't technically mine. I'm just that awesome.

Super Cool Contest!!! High Schoolers Can Win!!

Hey All.

The other SMC Bloggers and I are doing a contest to find out what YOU want to read about in an upcoming blog.

Leave a comment on this post with a creative, fun, unique topic for a blog post. Don't forget to include your name and email address! All of the SMC Bloggers will get together on February 28^th to decide which ideas we like best. Feel free to leave as many Blog topics as you want. If we pick your suggestion then you will win a fun prize!* Then check back and see us blogging YOUR ideas!

Also, don’t forget! The first SMC Blogger chat of the Spring Semester is Thursday night! February 04 from 7-9PM. See you there! www.smcvt.edu/bloggerchat

Welcome Back!!

Welcome Back to Saint Michael's! Now that everything seems to be getting back into the swing of things, I found another reason to love Saint Michael's College. I know, like I need another reason to love this place, but I thought you might want to hear about my latest experience.

In case you haven't noticed, there are two sides to my being. The first side of me is one that leaps without looking. I see an objective, and I jump right in to the fray and accomplish my mission. There might be a little planning or thought involved, but none more than necessary. When I'm like that, nothing can get in my way. Some would call that stubborn, and it probably is, but my Nana taught me well.

The second side of me is full of nervousness and doubt. This doesn't show up often as I'm usually pretty confident, but when it does I can go crazy over thinking any situation. A few days ago, I was freaking out over what was probably not that big a deal. And that is where this story starts.

I realized that my lab which starts at 10 requires me to be there at 9:50 to get ready for it. Not that big a deal, until you realize I have a class that ends at 9:45 and have no means of transportation other than bumming a ride(which is really common), taking a bus, or walking. Given the time frame, I'll probably have to bum a ride. But even if I leave at 9:45, I still won't be on time.

As you can see, I've already stupidly over thought the situation. But it gets worse, I come to the conclusion that there are only two options, either drop my first class, or find someway of sneaking out of class early. However, dropping either class is unacceptable. I've decided that John Kenney's Medieval Christianity is an awesome course and I don't want to lose it. However, I can't student teach next semester without my ED course.

It's at this point that my better side showed up. He made the realization that I haven't even talked to either professor yet. So, I go to John Kenney and straight up tell him, "I have a problem. I have a lab right after this and I need to leave class a little bit early in order to get there on time."

His response is another of the reasons I love Saint Mikes. John Kenney told me, "Okay. Sit near the back and when you have to go, go quietly. Don't worry, we'll figure something out." I always forget how understanding the professors here can be. They know you have other responsibilities and they will help you when you need it. It's that attitude that makes this place great.

I just want to point out one last thing. My first semester freshman year, I took Professor Kenney's Ancient Civilization course. I don't think I saw him again until last Tuesday. When I walked up to talk to him today for the first time in two years, he not only knew who I was but he remembered what course I took with him. Saint Mike's is not a place where you can hide in a class. Professors will remember you and know who you are, sometimes for your entire life here. I think that's awesome.

Happy Holidays from South Windsor, CT

Hey Everybody!!

Like I have said before, I love Saint Mike's. It feels like I'm already home when I'm there. But with that in mind, it is usually good to see the family.

For the most part, my family lives in South Windsor, Connecticut. It's a good little town, but I don't spend a lot of time there anymore. Most of the people I know here are directly related to me and most of them are over fifty years old. Saying that, it's always fun to come home.

Phone calls are awesome, but they don't replace the real thing. Families need to know that their kids are okay. Most Moms and Dads worry more about their students college adventure more than the student will, so these holidays are a great time to come home and remind everyone that your okay.

As an RA, I will point out that they are really beneficial to me to. Families get worried when they don't hear from their kids in a while. Sometimes, they even see a facebook status and get worried. Parents call all the time and at all hours of the night to get someone to check up on their kid when they're away. So these holidays and breaks are a great time to reconnect with the people back home.

So, while I sit at my family computer, watching TV and talking with the family, I want to wish you all a Happy Holidays.