Video Killed the Radio Star? WWPV 88.7 The Mike

Radio Station!

Ever since I found out you could have a radio show at Saint Mike's , I was thrilled at the prospect! Unfortunately, I had no time to do so. A few weeks ago I was walking home and my friend Deejai chatted with me about going to the radio station. Our friends Boates, a fellow blogger along with our friend Dom, another blogger, have a radio show Fridays from 12-2!  You can actually tune in live online here to listen! Dom was home for the weekend so for a little while I got to sit and listen to music with the guys! Even got to chat about some Vermont things that were happening and made pretty great segways into songs. 

Up close and personal

Some of my new favorite songs that I learned about that day include:

Pharrell: Hunter

Childish Gambino - Earth the Oldest Computer

Opportunities like this really solidify my choice to come to Saint Mike's! It's so easy to tag along with a friend and experience something new!

What's next for me? SPRING BREAK!

Look for a post or two about what that means for me - aka lots of sleep and cuddling with my dogs!

Hoping your Friday is marvelous, 

Katelyn

P.S. Don't get the reference? Check out this music video which was the first to air on MTV! 

The Buggles - Video Killed the Radio Star 

KKDs - Free Lunch for a Year?!

Something that is great about being in Burlington is that there are so many opportunities to experience local culture! For me, one of those places is Kountry Kart Deli. The first time I went there was my first-year here at Saint Mike's and I fell in love with the Shiner. It's a combo of egg, cheese, choice of meat, on a bulkie roll toasted, with a hash brown. Just the thought of it makes me salivating! 

Most local businesses are on Facebook and it's a great way to keep tabs on what's new and happening around Burlington. I liked KKDs on Facebook and entered a contest to win free lunch for a year. 

AND I WON! I was so stoked! 

The posting!

Cajun Chicken Caesar Wrap = YUM!

I can't wait to experience more of what the KKD menu has to offer! I've got to figure out my plan of attack to go through the menu before I graduate!

Hope you have some luck going your way,

Katelyn

Once Every 25 Years...

A new and exciting thing is occurring in the McCarthy Arts Center at Saint Mike's! 

What you ask?

NEW SEATS! 

Over Christmas break, new seats will be put in both the Recital Hall and Mainstage space. One of the really cool things is that the seats were being taken apart during finals week and we could stop by and check out what was happening. Naturally I took some pictures. 

Final image of the old seats

The Recital Hall empty - while a band practices!

One of the MOST AWESOME THINGS (definitely a QUIRK AND PERK!) that could have possibly happened was that we could take the seats! They were just going to be recycled and it was our opportunity to have a piece of McCarthy history! This was particularly interesting to me since I wrote my History thesis on the Saint Michael's Playhouse, now housed in McCarthy. I had also spent most of my time at Saint Mike's roughly in the Mainstage working on the play, during class, or during the summer season of Playhouse. These seats have been in the building since it's opening in 1976. It'll be great to have an update for my last semester here at Saint Mike's!

The man of the hour: Richie!

I do have to thank one of my best friends Richie for helping me to get the seats from McCarthy to my townhouse. He offered his car and services to and from the theater and my house. Even slipping on ice didn't stop this guy. I am forever grateful to have a friend like him, for other reasons included. :)

Be sure to check back for an update once I return to SMC! Everything will be bright, shiny, and new!

Katelyn :)

Quirks and Perks of Starting Your First-Year at Saint Michael's

One thing I love about the end of summer is that I get to see all my friends again! For some of us, it means coming up early to prepare for many First-Year events. There are so many people who want to make this experience a great one for you: VITA (Campus Ministry), RAs, IT Helpdesk, Orientation Leaders, Sports teams and more! 

There is so much going on in the first few days that it may seem overwhelming but there's nothing to fear! Things to remember:

Everyone is in the same boat as you. It's probably your first time sharing a room with someone you don't know. It's probably your first time away from home living on your own. 
It may sound cliche but it's true. If you're feeling anxious or excited, someone else is feeling the same way. 

What you can do:
Go to all the Orientation events! They are all put on for you so you can meet your peers and have a good time! One of my personal favorites is the hypnotist. 

You're here for an education. First and foremost you are a student. However you study you should be focused on accomplishing your tasks. Because you are on your own, it's up to you when you do your work. 

What you can do:
Do what works best for you. If you do your work, your grades will reflect that and your professors will notice. Find a study buddy who will help you focus on your work. Also know your resources: the Writing Center, professor's office hours, and the Tutoring Center. 

Try new things and meet new people! There is a club activities fair in the beginning of the school year. 

What you can do:
Check out a bunch of different clubs that you might be interested in. SMC has a lot going on and it's a great way to meet your peers who share similar interests. 
Get to know your floor - your RA will have floor meetings where you can learn things and chat about how your semester is going. 

Don't pack everything but the kitchen sink. Those outrageous heels from prom? That old practice jersey? Not particularly beneficial. 

What you can do:
What I recommend is weather-appropriate clothing. You won't need your heavy winter clothes until after Thanksgiving. Rain jacket and rain boots on the other hand? Always a good investment. 


In my opinion, the sense of community at Saint Mike's is the greatest perk to being a student here. It really makes your experience here a special one. Don't be afraid to chat to anyone, faculty, staff, or your peers. 

I can't wait to see you all when you come on move-in day! If you have any questions feel free to comment or e-mail me! Wishing you well on your packing!
Katelyn :)

Quirks and Perks: Living in Burlington for the Summer

After living in Burlington for the past two summers working for my favorite IT Helpdesk, I decided to apply to a few internships and see where they would lead me. Turns out I would just be moving a building over into the Michael and Margaret McCarthy Arts Center here at Saint Michael's. 

After my theatre internship abroad, I wanted to get an internship in theatre stateside. Luckily Saint Mike's hosts Saint Michael's Playhouse, an Actor's Equity theatre company during the summer. I was accepted with other thespians to work in the box office and in the shop for the summer. While I took a huge paycut, I really wanted the opportunity to gain hands-on experience for potential future employment opportunities. 

I moved into Ryan Hall with my friend Julia, also in Playhouse, and was thrust into what summer stock is. So far we've put up Fiddler on the Roof, closing this Saturday (6/29) and started the processes for Tuesdays With Morrie, our next running show from 7/3-7/13. 

Two pieces of scenery, a well and a counter were made by myself and fellow interns Julia (well) and Lexi (counter). It was difficult at first but definitely super rewarding afterwards!

Luckily for me, this summer just happened to be my 21st birthday! I celebrated on 6/21, my golden birthday, with my boyfriend Jake, best friend KK, and Playhouse friends. Needless to say I enjoyed myself thoroughly! 

 Playhouse has certainly kept me busy, but we also have fun! On our day off, staff and interns put together a putt-putt course where the only requirements were that you couldn't use an actual putter and that you must wear plaid or argyle. I used my vacuum cleaner (was mildly successful) and though I didn't have plaid or argyle, I donned a dress and wore my sunhat! Afterwards, we created a slip-and-slide behind a row of houses to cool off. Definitely a great way to spend a day off!

And now, I am sitting in the box listening to Fruma Sarah singing "Tevye's Nightmare". She's phenomenal! I seriously love this crazy busy physically and mentally challenging summer and can't wait to see what more is in store! 

Sending you well-wishes today, 

Katelyn :)

Workin' on My Fitness: Quirks and Perks of SMC

One of the great things about Saint Mike's is the resources they offer, such as the library, technology, and more! 

This post is about the fitness resources here at Saint Mike's. Yesterday, my friend Alex and I went to the gym (Ross and Tarrant) to work out. Ross is the gym that houses the gym that hosts basketball and volleyball games, has a swimming pool, and offices for coaches. 


We made our way into Tarrant where on the second floor there's the exercise equipment and weight room (fitness center). Tarrant also has a dance studio, racquetball courts, an indoor track, and a large gym for intermural sports. 

What a great gym buddy!

A creeper picture from Alex!

What's great also about the Fitness Center is that you can find a time that works for you! You can also find a time that is practically deserted if you're not enthusiastic about working out with others (aka me). 

Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Saturday: 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Sunday: 12:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

If you've got any questions feel free to ask! 

Hope your Sunday is enjoyable!

Katelyn :)

If It's Broke, Fix It! A Quirks and Perks Post about SMCVT

A Quirks and Perks post about how awesome the Physical Plant workers are! When things go wrong, like your shower is clogged or your lights are flickering, you can make a work order and send it to Physical Plant and they'll come fix it for you!

Over the weekend we awoke to a broken window. YIKES. Luckily a quick call to Public Safety dispatched an officer to come check out the scene.  He set up a work order for us and on Monday we had some guys from Physical Plant come see what they needed to do. By Tuesday we had a new window! 

Through a screen and two panes of glass. CRAZY!

 The great thing about the Physical Plant guys is that they understand it's your home - no matter if you're living in the quad or in a townhouse. They respect your space and want to make you feel at home. I've never had a bad experience with them -they're so efficient!

Follow these steps if you need something fixed:

1. Go on to the SMC website under Current Students --> Student Services --> Physical Plant Work Orders

2. Sign in using your SMC Mikenet Account Information (as well as entering in ways to contact you etc.)

3. Fill out the following areas

4. Enter in the SMC password (redsox) WOOHOO! 

5. And wait to hear from Physical Plant!

I get the e-mail updates and sometimes I go to class and come back and the shower is fixed! They're like magical fairies!

Anywho - mini update! I've decided that I'm going to attempt to blog weekly on THURSDAYS in order to add some more structure to my daily routine. I have good intentions so let's hope this holds up. 

I'm currently sitting in Alliot finishing up my Tour Guide Application (YAY!) and watching the snow flurry outside. Not a bad Thursday if you ask me! 

Hope your Thursday is just as satisfying!

Sending my love to my grandma on her birthday, 

Katelyn :)

Quirks and Perks of Technology at SMC

Since many of my fellow blogger friends have done posts catered to the incoming class (check them out here: Alex, Mike, and Gracie), so I thought I would write a post on Technology at SMC!
Working at the Helpdesk is awesome! You can check out a post on info here and here and how I enjoyed working here during the summer! I just got off the phone with a parent who was downloading Microsoft Office on her daughter's computer and got to talking about all different aspects of SMC - gotta love it!

So as promised: here are some Quirks and Perks of Technology at SMC:

1. New this year: the mySMC portal! Clicking on the link brings you a a page where you can sign in with one password and access your KnightVision account, SMC e-mail, eCollege, and other resources on campus. It really cuts down on the number of passwords you need to remember and makes it more convenient for everyone. *Note: this will be open to ALL undergraduate students today! Faculty and Class of 2016 should already have access. 

Take a look at what you'll see!

2. Also new this year, you can reset your Mikenet password yourself! Just go to passwordreset.smcvt.edu You can enter in your Mikenet username, pin number (the last four digits of your Social Security Number), and your SMC ID number (without the 80), and then change your password within the parameters listed on the side.

3. Once you get on campus, you can set up your computer on the campus-wide FREE printing! Just follow the documentation here for both Mac and PCs. 

4. Also once you get on campus and you have gaming devices (xbox, playstation, etc.) you can get them hooked up online. Connect them with an ethernet cord to the data jack in the wall and submit the MAC address to ithelp@smcvt.edu and you can get online!

5. This is something I found that I use on my Kindle - A list of Apps that are free to help in all aspects of college life! 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me!  
Katelyn :)

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 :)