Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Things You Might Not Know About Durick

You will become acquainted with Durick Library when you enter Saint Mike's. Whether you go there for individual study time, meeting up with a group, or researching for a term paper (like I'm doing now...) Durick will become your dearest friend, especially if you know some of it's quirks and perks! 

1. Durick is named after Jeremiah Kinsella Durick, an English professor who taught at Saint Mike's from 1930-1960. Check out his big picture in the front of the library!


2. There's a section of maps behind the circulation desk. You can pretty much see any map you've ever wanted to!
 You can't really tell, but this is a map of CT
(where I'm from) that's on the wall of maps!

 
3. There's a library classroom on the first floor, to the left of the circulation desk. That is where you will usually have your first-year introduction to all the researching tools Durick has to offer. 

4. I used to study in the children's room. There's something comforting being around books you read when you were a kid.  


5. The library hours are pretty flexible for your study schedule - either opening at 7:15 on weekdays and 10:00 or 11:00 on the weekends, and closing at 1:00 AM or 7:00 PM. You can find a time that's right for you - if not, you can use your Knightcard to access Alliot 24/7! 

6. There are bathrooms on each side of the central brick wall on all floors for easy access.


7. When you're studying in the 'basement' of Durick near the front, you may or may not hear conversations from the above floor - bring headphones just in case!

8. You can rent books and movies for leisure - the DVDs are obvious on the first floor, but go up to the second and to the right and stumble upon some classics. You might even find a book your professor wrote!


9. Reference librarians are AWESOME! They know all about places to look for information - it's their job! Don't be afraid to ask them or make an appointment when starting a term paper. 
Just take a look at all of the books I got help finding!

10. There's a section of books about Superheroes and Philosophy - it looks pretty cool and one of these days I'll read about them! 


Hopefully this gives you a little glimpse into the wonderful building that I and many others frequent at the end of the semester. 
There's so much more Durick has to offer so I hope you get the chance to explore it one day!


Sending happy thoughts your way, 
Katelyn :)



Sunday, April 22, 2012

IT'S THE CUTE-OCALYSPE!

Because it's the beginning of the week, I wanted to share with you all some videos that make me smile as you begin another week!

1. Jessica's Daily Affirmation


2.  Lily's Disneyland Surprise! 


3. CUTE-OCALYPSE!  Just one of the many VlogBrothers videos I enjoy - check out more of them here!
 

4. High Five for a Kiss

 

5. Playing with an Otter
 
Enjoy your week! 
Katelyn :)

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Wandering Across the Pond

One of the great programs Saint Michael's has to offer is the Study Abroad Program. During the fall of my sophomore year, I met with Peggy Imai to discuss my options. Here are some Saint Mike's stats about study abroad:
  • Usually students study abroad in their junior year, about 50-150 students participate depending on the semester
  • You need at least a 2.8 to be considered (for SMC)
  • You fill out an application for SMC and any additional application your program has
  • You pay SMC what you would normally pay for tuition, and they in turn pay your program for the semester's housing, tuition, and meals - how great is that!
  • Different programs offer different experiences: Internship programs, English-speaking universities, and field-based programs
  • Upon your return, you can submit any pictures you've taken for the Global Eyes Photography Competition and have the chance for your photo to be displayed in the Dailey Room in Durick Library!
Check out more from the Office of Study Abroad here!

I am privileged enough to say that I am studying abroad in Bath, England for the fall semester! I have been accepted to the Advanced Studies in England program. I am lucky enough to be going and rooming with one of my best friends Eleanor and we will be taking England by storm! Also, I will have the opportunity to travel all across Europe while I am in England. This will be my first time out of the country and I just got my passport over Winter break!


And now for some fast facts about ASE:
1. ASE offers semester courses, tutorials in specific topics or languages, an internship component, as well as a special Education component with SMC where students can student teach in local schools.
2.With each of your classes, you will be taking day trips visiting such places as Stourhead and Wardour Castle and the Victoria and Albert Docks, and the Dyrham Park Country House. (These are all the places I'll be going!)
3. The program itself sponsors two trips to Oxford and Stratford-Upon-Avon plus the travel break. 
4. A part of your tuition will be returned to you each week for food allowances. Pretty nice if you ask me!
5. FIVE people from SMC are going to this program. This is not usually the case for programs so it will be interesting getting to know fellow SMCers outside of campus. 


I can't wait to begin this chapter in my life and lucky for you, I will be blogging about it! Look for those starting August 2012. 

If you have any questions, feel free to comment below, tweet me, or formspring me! 

Wishing you a fantastic day, 
Katelyn :)

Thursday, April 12, 2012

The Little Things

Here's a quick update for you!

1. I'm working on my study abroad post so don't worry! It'll be up soon. 

2. Lots of work consisting of a presentation and research for papers. Yikes

3. Opening night for APPetite was last night! Woohoo! The show runs through tonight(4/12)-4/14, and 4/18-4/21 at 7:30 PM. Reserve your FREE tickets by e-mailing appetiteSMC@gmail.com! 

4. Because I've been working for run crew for APPetite-things can get a little crazy with homework, sleep, classes, etc. so it's important to take care of yourself. One little thing that made my week was my suitemate Alex saw that I had posted that I wanted a pint of Ben and Jerry's Phish Food and what do you know? She got it for me! She is an awesome friend who goes above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you Alex!
I literally cried from happiness!

Amid the hectic college life, it's important to have a moment for yourself during the day. Even little things like a pint of ice cream can make your day. I'm challenging myself to have at least 10 minutes a day where I just sit and not do anything work-related. Usually after that my mind is refreshed and I can do my work productively. 

So now I challenge you to do the same! Take time for yourself during the last few weeks of the semester. Appreciate the little things and GET LOTS OF SLEEP! 

Feel free to comment below, or shoot me a question on formspring

I hope you have a blessed week and enjoy your weekend! 
Sending all my love, 
Katelyn :)

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Bouncing Around Burlington

Burlington is one of my favorite places to explore. Here are 5 things I love  around Church Street, Burlington's central food, art, and shopping area. 

1. Kountry Kart Deli - fondly called KKD's by many students, provides delectable breakfast sandwiches, subs, and all sorts of sides. My favorite is the breakfast sandwich called the "Shiner" (formerly known as the "Rise and Shiner"). On a hard roll, your choice of meat (sausage, bacon, or ham), egg, cheese, and a hashbrown make this my favorite place for breakfast. You can even get a stamp card so when you buy your 10th Shiner, you get a small one free! Check out this blog for more delicious food from KKD's!


2. Ben and Jerry's - Always a classic ending to a trip to Burlington before you hop on the bus back to campus.This is my friend Mike and I at last year's Free Cone Day, which also happens to be today! Sadly, I can't make it this year, so have a scoop of Americone Dream for me! The line was down the street and around the corner. Vermonters love their ice cream!





3. Church Street Bus Stop - Freshman year, I definitely utilized the bus system. Saint Michael's student, faculty, and staff can use their Knightcard and ride the bus for free! Be sure to check out the routes and schedules before you make a trip so you're not stranded! 













4. The Waterfront - photo credit to my friend Mary! Just a short walk down the hill from the bus stop is Lake Champlain. There is a bunch of green area, a boardwalk, and benches to soak in the view. It's so beautiful in the summer and so much is happening! You can also check out the Marina, skatepark, or the ECHO center (Lake Aquarium and Science Center) just a short walk down the pathway.



5. Church Street in general - There is so much more about Burlington and the surrounding area that I would like to share, but I'll save that for another time. Being in this community is just fantastic. Walking down Church Street in winter and seeing these lights just highlights the character of this city. Come visit and check it out for yourself - don't forget to swing by SMC and visit me too!






If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below, tweet me, or ask me a question on formspring! 
Hope your week is going wonderfully,
Katelyn :)

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Things My Professors Say

We all have those professors that say the darndest things...at St. Mike's, these professors are no different. I am honored to have some of the greatest professors, and I find myself even more lucky when they say gems like this:

  • "Brigit is the patron saint of brewers so when you go out and have a beer this weekend, you can toast to Brigit!"
  • "We gotta be like Mike. You guys know what that means right? If not I was gonna weep openly."
  • "Being arrested for doing a good thing - it's on the bucket list."
  • (Upon seeing Tron/Step-Up 3D) "I went to see those for me!"
  • "What's a relic? Don't say your grandparents...or your professors."
  • "If Rudolph is the devil, then Frosty must be God."
  • (Like Oprah saying "You get a car, You get a car, etc.") "You're alive, you're alive, you're alive...sorry!"  - in reference to how the Bubonic Plague killed 1/4 of the population 
  • "If you write it in Spanish, I will grade it in German!" 
  • "We will not get enlightened because we don't get to the Enlightenment...at least not in this class."
  • "Wow, singing along is oral expression - who needs acting classes?"  
Whether it comes to advising you on courses for the next semester, telling you about their research abroad, or saying the darndest things, professors at Saint Mike's make your classes with them memorable. It'll be sad not being on campus next semester - I'll miss them too much!


Speaking of which, look for a new blog post about studying abroad coming up soon! 
Hope you're enjoying your week and wishing you well,
Katelyn :)
     

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

My Little Cupcake!


On one of my wandering adventures, my friends KK, Mike, and I stumbled upon My Little Cupcake! Two locations in Essex and Burlington serve the area fantastic cupcakes in a cozy atmosphere. I've been to both locations and they make perfect stops for a cute and delicious snack! Check them out on Facebook here.


This wall-art is located at the
Essex location - How cute!

These were my first two cupcakes: 
salted caramel (MY FAVORITE)  on the left, 
S'mores on the right!
Brought home some goodies for the fam 
for spring break!

 I love finding little places like this in and around Burlington -hope you have the chance to get out and check out all the places Burlington has to offer!

If you've got any places I should check out, just let me know!
Hope you have a wonderful day :)
Sending all my love, 
Katelyn