All I want for Christmas is a nap

So as I mentioned earlier, the first three weeks of the second trimester usually fly by.  This is probably due to the mass amounts of work in all of my classes.  Right now, it feels a little bit like finals week, and the stress is starting to build.

I have a math quiz to take in an hour, however I studied so I think I will be okay.  I also have a paper due tonight I Psychology and the law, then a reading and writing to do for tomorrow in Police Functions.  Somewhere in there, however, I am fitting in a holiday dinner with my roommates!

Needless to say, there is so much snow.  It's really pretty, and only bad when the wind blows.  Mercyhurst does a really good job of taking care of the sidewalks by plowing and salting...this does mean that 8 AMs are pretty much NEVER cancelled because of the snow.

But here I have to go get ready now for the test, I hope you're warm wherever you are!

Look at Me Go,
Paige

Weekend Weekend

This weekend, as most days have been as of late, flew by.  I can't believe that I'm heading into the last week of classes before break.  With the trimesters, the first end of the second term always seems like a different term entirely.    

The weekend unfolded in a rather eventful fashion, most notable was Christmas on Campus.  This is an annual event where children from different non-profit organizations in Erie come to campus for a day to participate in games, crafts, food, and activities.  Santa even makes a visit and each child gets a present.  I volunteered as an elf (anything to where a costume), and passed out candy to the children.  

Tomorrow (even though it's Sunday it's not tomorrow until I wake up), I have to do some reading for my philosophy course.  I have so many exams and papers due the week before we go home, but I like being busy because things always go faster that way.    

Reading Day Sunday, 

Paige

Let Them Decorate Cake

Hello, friends!

So as I am about to begin the second week in winter term....I am so grateful for the weekend and the chance to relax and catch up on much needed sleep.

Friday, my roommates and I went to an "Ultimate Cake Off" sponsored by the Student Activities Council! For our cake, we decided to stick with the ever popular theme of "holidays," yet with the reference to hit song, "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer."  Although we didn't win the competition, our cake did have the honorable mention of being the most times "liked" on Facebook!

This is our cake!   I take credit proudly for the reindeer and sleigh!

Tonight Maura (my roommate) and I were scrambling to pull together all of the last minute details for our yoga club fundraiser. We decided to hand make and sell crafts instead of the traditional bake sale.  This is the first time I've ever organized anything for something like this, and the first time I realized how much work needed to be done!

We decided last minute to sell hot tea...an endeavor undoubtably spurred by the cold and snow.  So tomorrow morning I'm meeting my friend Sara at 7:45 so I can get her set up with the items for the sale before my 8 AM class!   We have all of our members working in shifts at the table...hopefully they'll be busy!  

With that being said...I'm going to call it a night.  In addition to the early morning craft exchange I have a quiz in my math class.  I've studied, and hopefully I'm prepared.

Multi-tasking Much,
Paige

Winter Wonder Term

Greetings Loved Ones,

It's cold here, and to think that this snow is just the beginning is a little bit scary, but I always grow to love the wintery world that greets me each morning.  I'm making rice now and lots of it so I will have something to eat with soup for almost each and every meal until the sun shines.

Anyway, winter term is in full swing, and after a few days of getting syllabi (love that word,) I am ready to start learning, which in all classes I already have.  Here's a quick overview of my classes:

• Math Problem Solving:  This course is to fulfill my last math/science course here.  My teacher is really passionate about math, which will help since Math and I have always been at odds.  
• Philosophical Inquiry:  This is another core requirement with the liberal arts.  It's an 8 AM, and despite the mass amount of coffee that it takes to get me there, I think I will like it.  
• Police Functions:  This class is a requirement of my major.  However, I'm pretty sure I would have taken it on my own...it is just amazing.  I'm not sure if this is something I should admit to other humans but I have even read ahead in my text book...
• Psychology and the Law:  This is an elective I'm taking for my major/minor.  It is excellent.  Ideally I want a job in forensic psychology, so this class is making that seem realistic.  

 So those are classes.  My life has sped up in every other aspect as well, things with Yoga club are continuing and keeping me busy.  I'm also looking forward to all of the winter activities coming up.

P.S. My blog is all wintry and what not.

Baby it's Cold Out There,
Paige

Tragedy and Togetherness in our Community

As we returned back from Thanksgiving break, we came together with a shared amount of sadness, as missing student Jenni-Lyn Watson was found dead near her home.  This tragedy has touched everyone on the Mercyhurst campus, for we are all truly a family.

Our term began with a prayer service for Jenni-Lyn to mourn the loss of a remarkable girl who was loved by her friends, family, and everyone who knew her.  This tragedy speaks to the love that exists on this campus, the wonderful people and support systems.

In this time, we're all praying for understanding and peace.

Classes began on Monday, and I look forward to giving you a glimpse of my new life in Winter Term.

Thoughtful in Times of new beginnings,
Paige

Because we're really all a family

As Thanksgiving break began the Mercyhurst community was given the unsettling news that fellow student Jenni-Lyn Watson was reported missing.  Jenni-Lyn is a junior dance major.  The entire college community is praying for her safe return.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/11/24/new.york.missing.woman/index.html?hpt=T2

This news story really has shown the love and support among everyone at Mercyhurst.  Until Jenn-Lyn is home, we are going to do everything we can to make sure she comes back safely.  Until then, your thoughts and prayers are welcomed and encouraged.

Coffeehouse!

Hello, everyone!

Currently, I am drinking coffee and writing a paper for my Street Gangs class.  I thought I'd take a break and write a little bit about my night!

Even though it's finals and absolutely crazy, I decided to take a break last night to go hear a singer/songwriter in the student union.  His name was Caleb Hawley, and I'd definitely recommend him.  Anyway, it was a great night and a nice break...also there was food and coffee (which was the rationale for going since it would fuel my writing later).

After the show my roommates and I visited our neighbors.  I'm looking forward even more to thanksgiving break...I'm leaving Monday for home!

I'll Check in After More of my paper is done,
Paige

Finals Already?

As the last week of classes is upon us, I find it hard to believe that it is already finals.  It feels like only posts ago I was describing the midterm process.

Finals have always been stressful with the trimester system, but it helps that I have only three classes to focus on.  Thanksgiving break is always my favorite time of the year, and it helps that my Birthday is right at the end of it.  I'm looking forward to a new set of classes in Winter term.

This week, in addition to going to class, I put in hours volunteering with one of the after school programs.  Despite the lack of interest expressed by the criminal justice club, I truly have grown to love the program, and thanks to my wonderful roommate (Hi, Maura!), it is an enjoyable break to the week!

This weekend though, I plan to study and prepare for exams, and earn a much needed Thanksgiving Break!

Loving the Library,
Paige

A Little Sunshine and Productivity

The past 24 hours have been some of the most productive hours of my life.  After much consultation and debate I decided to declare my Archaeology class as "Pass/Fail."  I can do this once in my college career, and it was very reminiscent of deciding when to play the "Pick four wild card," in Uno.  Although I worked very hard, I still was not confident how my final grade in this class would affect my GPA, so I decided now was a good time.  Also, I am strong in my major classes, so I don't see those being a problem in the future.

In addition to this, I put in an application for the RSVP program, which is a program where current students (me) return to their high schools to share their experiences with prospective students.  I really look forward to this if I end up doing it!  I also signed up for two events to work at this weekend for Ambassadors.  Additionally, I caught up on hours of work study that I was behind on.

Tomorrow we have a meeting for Criminal Justice Club, so I'm working on preparing a presentation about after school programs so I can really encourage people to join me on the next excursion.

In other news, it is getting cold here.  Sadly, it's time for boots, coats, and lots of soup.  This also means the trimester is coming to an end, and I will soon be swept up in a whirlwind of finals.  Which means Thanksgiving break is also upon us.

Going forward from here,
Paige  

Happy Halloween!

So after a rather discouraging post, I made an effort to start fixing things in my life.  I first began by sending an e-mail to yoga club to generate interest for the after school program.  I had a lot of responses saying "yes" but not this time due to a scheduling conflict...this will be helpful in the future.

I ended up going to the program with two of my roommates, candy, and a Halloween safety coloring pages.  This was the highlight of me weekend.  I think having first hand experience with the kids will give me more to share and generate interest for our next trip.  I also made good connections with the woman who runs the program, and she said she would be willing to come speak to the club.

The weekend went by rather fast, I took a day off to visit friends at a nearby college, (but as always was happy to return home.)

Just Realized Tomorrow is November,
Paige

Just Keep Going

I know in life it is realistic to assume that not everything is going to work in our favor.  Due to a number of circumstances beyond our control, things sometimes, no matter how hard we may try, do not go as planned.  This past week seems to have been a series of unexpected speed bumps in the road that is my little world.

As I mentioned earlier, I planned an event with criminal justice club to visit a local after school program for Halloween.  After checking my inbox numerous times, it appears no one has signed up for this.  I took a risk in starting the program since the club has never gone in this direction before, and I honestly hoped for results that were infinitely better!  I'm giving myself until tomorrow to come up with something brilliant to generate in others the same passion I have for this.

My schedule has been filled with events that fell at the same time, and I've been forced to make choices and sacrifices about my activities.  I feel like I can't be all things to all people that I'm expected.

I think this mood has caught me off guard since I had been cruising along for so long without much resistance.  However, I secretly believe that things are going to change again...and I will have "exactly enough time for the important things."

Wishing I could stop time,
Paige  

  

Clubs and the Sort

So this week is just filled to the brim with activities related to the clubs!

Tonight was the second meeting of our yoga club...we have fifteen people in all, and some who couldn't attend!  That is almost a small village in some areas!  It was my first time leading a meeting, but I think it went well.  We talked about things such as fundraisers, service projects, and activities.

At the end of the week I am taking a group from criminal justice club to an after school program here in Erie to hang out with the kids and pass out some Halloween candy...I can't wait.  After taking my Juvenile Justice class last year, I became very passionate about after school programs.

Although this week has less tests and readings than the last, it is going to be filled with other obligations.  Luckily, I just whipped up a batch of oatmeal cookies for the roommates and neighbors that will make this week much more festive!

Planning and whatnot,
Paige  

This is why fall is my favorite

So the week back from fall break was absolutely hectic.  I mean the kind of hectic where you almost cry but are too busy, so you just drink coffee and start going at the to do list.

However, working hard during the week leads to playing hard on the weekend.  Friday night started out with Okttoberfest, an event held in the student union.  There was free food, root beer, and a band.  It was veil spass as the Germans would say (much fun)!

My favorite part of the week though was Haunted Hurst.  This has to be the greatest thing ever.  I love Halloween and haunted houses and being scared.  It has also been an item on my bucket list to work at a haunted house.  SO when the school transforms all the major buildings into a haunted house, I of course signed up to be a ghost.

I found myself stationed in a dark creepy elevator in Egan, which is the second oldest but most haunted (as the story goes) building on campus.  I had so much fun screaming and jumping at people and acting as I imagine ghosts of burned victims do (I was portraying one of the souls lost in a tragic building fire years ago).

This is me and one of my best friends, Adam, as we got ready.

This is why fall is my favorite.  I love that I go to a school where it's okay to be silly and crazy and embrace the holidays.  Even if it did mean being in a creepy elevator....


My weekend was so busy that I will require another post tonight to tell you about my latest antics with criminal justice club.

Probably out jumping in leaves now,
Paige

Hello, Fall Break

Unlike most of my posts, which come to you from either our kitchen table or the third floor of the library, I am writing this one from my own home!  Also, since I was using my parent's computer, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I have been bookmarked on the toolbar of their web browser.  (Hello, mother).

The last days leading up to the break were some really good ones at the 'hurst.  I ended up getting a 100% on the Criminology test, and we had a really good Street Gangs class the Wednesday before we left.  In Archeology we were given a lab and study guide for the upcoming exam, one in which I am planning on taking a long look at this weekend.

The drive home from school was absolutely beautiful.  I took two of my roommates home, and fueled by an eclectic but brilliant playlist, we admired the changing leaves the entire way.  When I got home, however, I was saddened to see my pet fish did not survive the trip.  Although I cannot determine the exact cause of death, I fear it may have been blunt force trauma from sloshing around in his travel tank.  Despite the loss, I'm enjoying the break thus far.

Loving Mercyhurst for it's Midterm Break,
Paige

The Week In Review

Hi, everyone!

As I mentioned earlier this week, I was faced with a lot of challenges concerning school work.  However, sitting in our kitchen this morning, I think I handled everything relatively well!

Thursday we had our archaeology lab.  We went back to the field to dig test holes (not actual terminology), and see if we could find any artifacts below the surface.  Once again I was very skilled at finding rocks.

This is me.  The hole was a little too deep for comfort so I asked my friend to hold my feet.  

Although I do enjoy this field experience, Archaeology is proving to be my most difficult subject.  Luckily though, I have a really good professor for it...and ample time before the next test to really study and try to do my best.  

Thursday I also had my second Criminology test...I won't lie; I feel pretty confident about it.  I was up really late with one of my friends the night before studying for it.  Hopefully it went well! 

 Last night I hung out with my roommates and some other friends...I think tonight we're going to rent some movies from Family Video to watch.  Also, our apartment currently smells like a bake shop since we're soon to be celebrating the first Birthday out of the four of us.  

Fall break starts this upcoming Thursday, and I am excited to take some time off and go home.  This is also when I'm going to study my brains out and make flashcards and outlines for archaeology.  

Hoping for an excellent weekend, 

Paige  

Feng Shui, Cheeses, and Studying

Helllooo! *read this with as if you're finally taking a break from a hectic schedule*

I know it's been a while since my last post, and since my field experience in archaeology I have been quite busy!  Already I have a criminology test coming up this week, and as I write this my still to be finished flash cards are sitting next to me.

Yesterday my roommate, Cassie, and I rearranged our entire room.  We now have more room for playing games and doing crafts on our floor...and probably studying as well.  :)  Once I get my camera back up here after fall break I will be sure to upload some pictures.  

After our extreme make-over campus edition, we went to the FIRST MEETING OF YOGA CLUB!  It was so official...and people actually came to it!  We elected board members, and one boy is even making a Facebook page for the club.  I'm so excited that something I started is here...and will be here after I leave.

Today was the typical work study, followed by a tour, followed by class, followed by studying.  However, there was a lovely break for the Dean's List reception.  It was held in the art gallery on campus, it was a great time...there was delightful cheese and cider.  A few professors were also there, so it was really good to be able to socialize with some of them outside of the classroom.

Now here I am...in the library...trying to prevail in the epic battle of girl v. massive amount of terms to define.

Hoping for Lots of Concentration,
Paige

Today I did Archaeology

As I mentioned earlier I am taking Archaeology this term to meet my science requirement.  With this, I have a lab once a week, in which I've already done more than I ever imagined I'd be doing.  One week we sorted bones and teeth, and another week we made stone tools in a process called flint-knapping.

Today, however, our lab took us off campus to a field owned by Mercyhurst.  For about two hours we searched in a field for artifacts, a task which I proved to be somewhat challenged with.  After a number of "false-alarms," with "pretty rocks," I was hesitant to ask the professor about subsequent finds.  However, the most lovely piece of artifact caught my eye, and although I forget the specifics of its purpose, I know I stuck an orange flag in the ground to designate the find.  After this I also found a piece of glass and a flake that was used in tool making!  Despite this uptick of success in my search, I think I will be sticking with my criminal justice major for a while.

Homecoming 2010

This past weekend marked Mercyhurst's homecoming weekend.  The campus was filled with activity as parents came up to visit, and alumni students returned to the campus.  I spent Saturday morning selling raffle tickets for a basket benefiting the Ambassadors club.  Towards the end of my shift, however, I met a student who had graduated in 1999.  She asked if I could give her and her family a tour of the campus.  Of course since giving tours is one of my favorite parts of being an ambassador, I did not mind at all.  It was really nice to talk to this woman and her family, and although very far in the future, I could see myself returning with that same enthusiasm for the campus.

My own parents came to visit later in the day; I was excited to see them, and they were excited-- maybe surprised that our apartment was spotless (Thanks to my cleaning on Friday)!  We spent some time driving through Erie, and we made a visit to Presque Isle.  I think it is very important to go to school in an area that you can connect to, and for me this is definitely the case with Erie.

Today began the start of a new week, and I think it's is going to be one filled with a lot of reading and visits to the library.  I'm still waiting to get back a few papers and tests.  I forgot to mention last Thursday I got an A on my criminology test!

Rested and Ready,
Paige

Happy but Busy Thursday

Although I'm very excited that the weekend is rapidly approaching, this only means that Friday is tomorrow, which also means I have a paper to write and a test to study for.

My paper is for my Street Gangs class...yes, there really is a class just on gangs, and I love it.  It counts as an elective within the criminal justice program.  The test is in Archaeology, which even though is not in my major still interests me a great deal.  That's one great thing about the liberal arts program here; the distribution of required courses makes you realize how many fascinating things there are to study.

Two out of my three roommates are going away for the weekend, and the apartment will feel immensely empty.  On campus though, it is homecoming weekend, so I will be happily busy with free food, games, and prizes...which should also make for some excellent writing material!

Mindfully Preparing for a Busy Night,
Paige    

A Recap of the Past Day

Good Morning!  Despite the fact that I posted only a day ago, so much has happened here at Mercyhurst.  Yesterday was probably one of the busiest days I have had in a long time, but secretly I think I like it that way. 

 

In the morning I went to my work study job in the admissions office.  I really like the work study program here, it's a great way to make some extra money.  After work study I had a meeting about starting the yoga club...everything was finalized and approved!  It was all very exciting, they gave me a lot of papers and a mug that says, "Congrats!"  After the meeting I went to Criminology, which is one of my favorite classes this term.  

Today should prove to be even busier, yet if all goes as planned I can steal a nap this afternoon!  

Always Happy to Take Time to Write, 

Paige

  

About Me

Hi, everyone!  My name is Paige, and I'm a sophomore criminal justice major with a prelaw concentration.  I'm also minoring in the psychology of crime and the law.  Eventually I want to pursue law or correctional psychology.  I love the program here, and it is one of the biggest reasons I chose Mercyhurst.  

During the year I stay pretty busy with my coursework, being an Ambassador, and most recently with starting a yoga club on campus.  I have three roommates who I love and spend most of my time with.  I enjoy meeting new people, and Mercyhurst has proven to be just the place for that.  

Life at the 'Hurst is definitely interesting...sometimes a little hectic, but for the most part, I'm making memories and being a part of an experience that I would not trade for anything.  

The week coming up, especially tomorrow, is going to be really busy, but I'll make sure to write about as much as possible- I'm truly excited to share my experience/thoughts/and stories with you.  

Looking forward to talking often,

Paige