Why Wandering Nomad, Part 2

August 20th, 2012

I decided to write an addendum to my blog post: "Why Wandering Nomad". Feel free to check out the link there for more! 

As I've explained in that post, I believe college students are nomads. My own journey to Bath, England for study abroad becomes more and more cemented as I've sent in all my stuff, gotten back my passport and visa, and I found out that I'm living in a house a mile away from school with my friend Eleanor! Yay!

A is home for me, B is SMC and C is ASE!

Study abroad seems to currently run my life, like applying for visas, booking flights and trains, and slowly whittling away my closet. I'm also planning my study break when my mom, our friend Jenn, and my friend KK are coming to visit! So far we're planning to travel to London, Paris, and maybe Edinburgh and Mont St. Michel. It seems like it's so far away but really I know (maybe hope) it'll fly by. 

Right now I'm just feeling anxious about going abroad. All the preparations are slowly coming together, while some...like packing...need to happen like yesterday. I've said most of my hard goodbyes already, some more tearful than others. 

I know that once I get there, the UK will just sweep me off my feet and I'll be having so much fun! It kind of reminds me of my first day of freshman year two years ago. WEIRD. When did I become a junior? Haha. 

28 August 2012
So I wrote the beginning of that post before I left for Bath - so much has happened since then! I will write another blog post about my adventures in Bath, but as a wandering nomad, I will share the tale of my trip to get to this wonderful city. 

I arrive at the airport with just enough time to check my bag, find the currency exchange, and say goodbye to my family. 

Walked through security without a problem - although I forgot to remove my liquids which I then found out it was optional...go figure. 

My flight was supposed to leave JFK at 7:10, Sunday the 26th. By the time I got to my gate, there was an insane line for the next gate and no seating room. I had to sit across the terminal and pray to God that I would hear/see the boarding call. Boarding did not happen until 8, (where I went in the wrong boarding entrance and got to see what the other half lives like with full chairs and space to stretch) and we didn't actually leave the runway until 10:10 - a good three hours later. 

By that point, I was tired and hungry. I had just taken my Tylenol PM for my headache and then out come the food trays. It's then I remember that I didn't make a food reservation. I asked one of the hostesses if I could still get a meal if I didn't order one and alas, the answer was no. So to quell my angry stomach, I slept for a good 5 hours. 

I did get breakfast though and I was extremely happy! I also thought I didn't have a personal TV until I opened my armrest and voila! Didn't end up using it until about 30 mins before we landed in Paris. 

Of course because we left late, I missed my connection flight to Bristol. Had to wait in line for the connection service for a good 20 mins before figuring out that somehow my flight reservation also got mixed up and had me taking another two connections from Paris to Strasbourg, Strasbourg to Amsterdam, and Amsterdam to Bristol. The next possible flight would've been at 5 PM or the next day. Thank God for that wonderful AirFrance woman who thought that was messed up too and was able to find a flight for 3:55 to land in Bristol for 4:35. I was happy and went to go wait in my terminal for 3 hours. 

Tried to phone ASE and I kept dialing wrong because my phone still thinks its in the US and my battery had died on my laptop so I couldn't figure out how to contact them to tell them I was going to be late. After finally getting through - I called my mom and after some stress tears, took a nap, and read on my Kindle for a bit. 

Of course, our flight got delayed because they had to switch planes for maintenance reasons. Then we got called to board only to return to our seats because the plane wasn't clean. Bum-mer. 

Finally we boarded the plane and left Paris around 5 (Paris time). Arrived in Bath around 5 (Bath time) and made it to the bus to Bristol with no problems. It was a gorgeous view and I couldn't help but smile to myself as we drove through the gorgeous countryside. I kept thinking, this isn't real, I'm still in Vermont. And then I saw sheep and I knew I wasn't in Kansas anymore. 

Got off the bus at the Bristol Temple Meads train station - found my way to the rail card purchasing area 5 minutes before they closed. I tried to make it to the next train (2 minutes later), but didn't know where to find the platform. It gave me a chance to settle down and just sit for a half hour. 

Took the bus for 10 minutes to Bath where I then picked up a taxi to my house where I was greeted by my friend Eleanor and a few housemates. Everyone is really nice and we're all very similar so I'm looking forward to some new friendships and a great house. 

I'd post some pictures of the journey but frankly, I didn't really take any. No worries though - I took some pictures today and I should post them by the end of the week along with a summary of my time in Bath so far. 

I'm loving it and I'm so glad to be here - I can't wait to see what the rest of Bath and England has to offer!
Sending all my love back to the States, 
Katelyn :)

The Packing Process

If you haven't already figured it out, I will be studying abroad in Bath, England for a semester starting on Sunday! EEP! So much has to be done in the short amount of time that I have left.

Literally all of the clothes I own covering my bed

First round of packing...60+ items of clothing

I felt like a new freshmen trying to pack and figure out what I need. It's been quite an adventure and I finally got my clothing down to approximately 40 items. That's 40 items for the next 3-4 months. CRAZY! Bath is already colder than CT so no sandals and shorts for me! Had to break open the winter clothes...meaning taking up more space. Oh well! Plus I need to weigh my suitcase...I still haven't packed my carry-on or my personal item so I know I have some overflow into those.

Tomorrow I'm finalizing EVERYTHING so I will not have to stress or worry on Sunday that I won't fit everything or forget something. Granted I will be wearing layers onto the airport (sweatshirt, winter/rain jacket), which will probably make me hot and get some looks from people, but I will feel good once I get on the plane!

UPDATE: I just weighed my suitcase and it's a glorious 34 POUNDS! WOOHOO! I've literally shoved it full it looks like it's about to burst! All that's left is my carry-on and personal item. I'll be filling those with important things that I'll need to have on hand and things to keep me occupied on the plane, waiting in multiple airports, and on the train into Bath!

Next time you'll hear from me will probably be from the JFK airport tomorrow or when I make it across the pond!

Cheers! :)
Katelyn

A Night with Monsters and Men

Just a short walk or bus ride to South Burlington hidden behind Dunkin Donuts is Higher Ground, a place where many music artists come to perform for the BVT crowd. Tickets are relatively cheap (depending on who you're seeing) in a great intimate setting (standing room only) and where, if you get there early enough, you can stand in the front row and jam to your favorite music. Recently I was there with my friends Marci and Mary to see Of Monsters and Men!

Elle King - one of the openers. She was phenomenal!
Check out one of her songs here.

Of Monsters and Men! 3rd row - they were AMAZING!

Check out this video of their song "Little Talks"!

You can check out Higher Ground for more concerts and events that are held at their venue in South Burlington and also other places around the area! Some big names stop by so grab your tickets before they're gone!

Hope you find the chance to make it here - it's a great experience!
As always, feel free to ask me any questions!
Sending all my love, 
Katelyn :)

Formspring Question!

Hi Katelyn! Sorry to ask you another question, but I was involved with Campus Ministry in my high school and sort of want to pursue it in college. I've seen that you're involved and just wondering if everyone is accepting and is it strict at all? Thanks!

I can't believe I'm just seeing this now! I fail!

Campus Ministry at Saint Mike's, aka VITA, is awesome. I've been involved in one form or another since my freshman year. There are many options for everyone if you'd like to partake in events, participating in Mass, or going to our Dessert and Divine, small-group Connections or big-group LINK. All of the leaders are so welcoming and try to make everyone feel comfortable. As for strictness, there really isn't that much - we just respect what people share in the group setting and keep it in the group. You can make your commitment as big as you want! When you get on campus during orientation weekend, be sure to look for our VITA leaders in VITA red and white shirts - they'll be more than happy to meet you!

I hope this answers your question! Feel free to ask more :)

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 :)

Clelian 2012: A Service Trip Experience

This blog post is dedicated to Maggie, our furry friend who passed on while we were at on our trip. She brought much joy to everyone at Clelian, and she will be missed. 

The first week of July, my friend Christina and I have traveled to Clelian Heights in Greensburg, PA - "An Exceptional Place for Exceptional People". This is a school/work opportunity for those with special needs run by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart, the same sisters that run my high school back in Hamden, CT (Sacred Heart Academy). 


I first got the opportunity to make a service trip here two years ago with my friends Heather, Kristyne, Brittany, Jenna, and Christina. I was unsure of what I would encounter here. When we arrived, we were greeted at the Pittsburgh Airport by two wonderful sisters who truly made our experience enjoyable. 


Clelian Heights offers summer opportunities for students (ages 5-21) as well as adults (21+) in classrooms or the workshop. Christina and I got paired up to work in the workshop with the adults  and I was looking forward to it. I got to meet many awesome people who work at the Center, live at Chip's House (men's housing) and the Apartments (women's housing), and those who help run the Center. I was truly touched and wonderfully excited to go back.


It would be different with just Christina and I going, and I was excited to see everyone again! We were there for the Fourth of July and helped plan the festivities for the adults since the school was closed. We got to take a driving tour of Pittsburgh, visit the William Penn Hotel, go to a BBQ stand with the GREATEST pulled pork sandwich explore the Mall with a coworker Mary Beth (and got some new shoes!), and have dinner with the Sisters where we got to learn more about what they do.  


It was a great experience and I hope to return for a longer amount of time! Each of the people I got to work with have a special place in my heart and I am reminded of their quirks everyday!

Obligatory tourist picture with the Cathedral of Learning!

Driving up to the school

A gorgeous view from the backyard of Clelian!

Decorated the bikes for the Fourth of July

 

Christina and Michael dancing!

 Some of my favorite brothers love the swings!

 

Service trips are great experiences and always proves eye-opening for me. At Saint Michael's, I was able to travel to Buffalo, NY in 2011 to work in the Nativity-Miguel Schools for a week with a great group of people. I'm looking to go on another one before I graduate, maybe to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, Big Thicket Reserve in Texas, or an international trip to India or the Dominican Republic! With SMC there are so many opportunities to give back and help out- there's something for everyone!

If you have any questions, feel free to tweet me, ask me a question on formspring, or comment! 
Have a wonderful weekend! 
Katelyn :)

 

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

David Bowie's song Changes is the theme for this blog post!

As the summer is well underway, there have been a lot of changes that have been in and out of my control. What I do to prepare for them and adapt to them demonstrates to me how adventurous this next year will be!

1.  Finally got the bill in the mail for next semester and had to call Financial Aid because the loans I had accepted weren't reflected on the bill...hello another $4000! Just got some answers and that got a weight off of my shoulders.

2. All the work I've been doing this summer is paying off! My funds are slowly starting to grow (so far  have $2500 saved up WOOHOO!) and I've feeling more and more confident that I will be financially sound when I travel to England...that is after I get the change of currency! I might even have some money left over to have savings for when I return.

3.  With my boss gone the past week, we've all had to step up here at the Helpdesk, especially the fact that we had some issues that were unforeseen. We also had our first Registration Day this week - where incoming freshmen come on the campus and register for classes, take placement exams, etc. While the unforeseen issues give everyone a bit of a headache, it shows that we are able to survive without having to rely on our boss for all the answers. Don't tell him that though haha!

4.  I got more information on my time abroad! I'm living with my friend Eleanor and six others in a house about a mile away from where my classes are. With that also came my courses, and to my avail, one of the classes I really wanted to take was no longer an option. My replacement would be an elective and not help me in my major, so I'm looking to switch to a class that would fulfill a requirement for my major or minor. I'm still waiting to hear back from the department heads to see if this is possible. Fingers crossed!

5. Contingent upon the fact that that class gets accepted to transfer, I have room to declare yet ANOTHER minor. I know. Y'all think I'm crazy. A double major triple minor? This girl cray! I just need a few more classes to be eligible for a Religious Studies minor and heck, might as well go for it! This also means that my schedule for the rest of my time here at SMC will be lots and lots of work. That's okay though because I enjoy the work and classes 0 just gives me more things to learn!

6. And of course, I just found out that my Theatre Senior Sem is only offered in the Spring. So that might mean I have to take it as a junior...so. many. changes. 

All the courses I have left at SMC. SO WEIRD!

So these are just some of the ramblings going through my head right now. I know everything will work out in the end with just a little more elbow grease. Also waiting to hear back from the British Consulate to get my visa! So many big things are going on and I can't wait to see what else comes my way.


As always, ask me questions, tweet me, e-mail me, whatever you'd like!
Katelyn :)