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