Dessert and the Divine: DELICIOUSNESS!

Hey everyone! Something I'm involved with on campus is VITA, Saint Michael's Campus Ministry. Along with the wonderful Emily, we run Dessert and the Divine. We meet once a month to bring together all that's been happening in other VITA events and socialize about how our time at Saint Mike's is going. It allows me to take time out of my busy schedule to reflect on what's happening in my life and relate to others at SMC going through a similar college experience.

Check out the spread!

Last night was our first meeting of the semester. I baked about 70+ mini cupcakes that we used as an activity. Emily made delicious butter-cream frosting, dyed with food coloring to signify different parts of our lives: Red = God, Purple = Academics, Yellow = Friends, Green = Family. We decorated cupcakes accordingly and discussed what our thought process was. It opened up my eyes to see that I've got a lot on my plate (literally!) this semester and finding a balance will be key between God, school, friends, and family. 

My delicious creations!

Dessert and the Divine is a low-key commitment, much like many of our VITA weekly events. It's great to have a huge turnout but also nice when we have small-group discussions. We had a great group of people and I look forward to more discussion and deliciousness next month!

This weekend us VITA Team Leaders have the opportunity to visit our Campus Minister Anna's house for apple-picking, kayaking, dinner, and smores! Hopefully I can get all my work done to enjoy the gorgeous, crisp fall with my friends.

Any questions let me know!
Sending warm thoughts, 
Katelyn :)

Directing Scenes - A Director in Training

Something that's been really exciting this semester is that I've signed up to take Directing. Offered every fall, it's a requirement for Theatre majors, particularly why I'm taking it. I've also had an interest in directing, but never knew how to start. This class is already showing me ways to direct and what goes into the directing process. 

During the first week of classes, we chose scenes from a hat that we would be directing for our final scene. I was privileged enough to pick Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. Other plays from the class include Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park and The Odd Couple, Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and The Glass Menagerie, and Christopher Durang's For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls. We're focused on contemporary classics so all the names sounded really familiar to me, but I hadn't actually read any of them. 

Monday we had auditions for our scenes - we had a great turn out! Today during class we picked our casts, trying to spread out all of the men since we had 15 parts for 7 men who tried out. I luckily got the cast I wanted and I'm super excited to work with them! 

Putting together my scripts and such for my actors!

The next step in the process is to do a scene analysis - involving research and background for the characters and scene. It'll be an adventure that's for sure! It's good to know the details before the rehearsals start happening so that I can help my actors in providing them what they need to fulfill their character's goals. 

Hopefully I'll keep you guys updated as the process continues. This is one of my favorite classes this semester - I just love the variety of classes I'm taking this semester: 

- Directing with Cathy Hurst

- Castles, Cathedrals, and Cities with Terryl Kinder

- Judaism with Rabbi James Glazier

- Senior Seminar in History with Douglas Slaybaugh

They're each challenging in their own way. Already four weeks into school and I'm ready for all the semester has to offer!

Also...do you know what day it is? 

Have a great rest of the week!

Katelyn :)

It's Time to Begin Again

I'm sitting here in my Townhouse enjoying a beautiful Vermont morning preparing myself for classes this week. It's crazy to think that tomorrow will be my 'last first day of school' (until I decide whether or not I'm going to grad school). I also realized that most, if not all of my classes are with upperclassmen. 

I'm so excited to meet all the first-years and help them make their experience at Saint Mike's the best it can be! Being in a leadership position in both VITA (Campus Ministry) and Drama Club, I really want all to feel welcome and get involved! I'm working with a great group of people for both of these clubs and looking forward to a successful year ahead!

Some tips that I use whenever it's a new school year:

1) Prepare everything the night before. That way you're not rushing around in the morning frantic that you can't find a notebook and pen or that shirt you really wanted to wear that might not be unpacked yet.  

2) Show up to your classes about 5 minutes before. That way if you don't know where your classroom is you've got some time to figure out where you are!

3) Eat breakfast! This is usually a hard one for me as I was not a breakfast person until recently. My stomach was usually never awake when I had class at 8:30, but it was rumbling by the end! Alliot is open at 7:15 for breakfast!

4) Take notes. You'll get a syllabus or view it online at eCollege. Professors give you an outline for the course so you know what to expect!

5) Have fun! Get excited about learning new things, meeting your peers and professors, and being at SMC! I love getting to know a new bunch of people and studying together makes for a good time. 

Have an AWESOME first day wherever you are and I can't wait to hear some stories about your first day!
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 :)

What's New at the Zoo

Has it already been two weeks A MONTH since my last post? Yikes. This is what happens when you have a summer internship at Saint Michael's Playhouse. We were told before we arrived that each day would feel like a week, each week a month, and so on. I wasn't sure how believable this would be, but boy have I been surprised. 

You saw my last post boasting about my endeavors for Fiddler on the Roof and we're in the thick of Tuesdays with Morrie. Compared to the huge cast Fiddler had, Morrie is a quiet change with only two actors. We've been building our third set for Rumors (opening July 17 and running through the 27th) behind the set for Morrie due to its small size. It's a welcome arrangement since the set for Rumors is two intricate stories. 

Since I last wrote that we've started Rumors - we're in our second week run now. It's sad that it will be over soon since we have changeover in just a few days. It's truly beginning to feel like the end is near. I'll be ready for a mini-break (I'll have a week at home before heading back to SMC for training week and orientation) but I wish that I could just bottle this summer and keep it forever. 

I've learned so much from all the great people here at the Playhouse and I now have a better idea of my career aspirations. It's also crazy to think that this time next year I'll hopefully be employed in the real world DOUBLE YIKES. 

I'll keep you posted on my future endeavors as they happen and as I begin my final year here at Saint Mike's. What a long, strange trip it's been! (That 70's Show anyone?)

Sending my love to Florida where my family is in Disney (without me!), 
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 :)

Places To Go, People To See

As of tomorrow,  I'll be working at Saint Michael's Playhouse in VT. I've spent the last three weeks in CT and it's been a relaxing change of pace from my hectic schedule. What I feel now is that I don't spend enough time in CT, being around family and friends from home.  The past weekend alone fulfilled a lot of socialization for me and while I think myself to be a social person I've relished in my solitude while I have the opportunity.

While I've been home I've:

- Dyed my hair

- Had a spa date with my friends Brittany and Danielle

- Went shopping with my friend Brianna

- Went to a surprise party for my friend Heather's 21st!

- Witness my godparents' wedding vow renewal for their 25th wedding anniversary!

My mom, brother, and I all dressed up!

The bride and groom with their maid of honor and best man!

 

My gorgeous godparents just after saying "I do!"

That being said,  I'm really excited to be starting my summer internship, making new friends,  making (meager) wages,  and being in VT for the summer. After spending all of my undergraduate summers at Saint Mike's, I could not imagine a better way to use my time. 

Saint Mike's is one of my favorite places in the world, especially during the summer.  Campus seems to be dormant and yet so much is going on beneath the surface. It's a different feel from the school year,  more relaxed and laid back.  It's what I wish after graduation would be like; hanging out with your friends within a walking radius and having a good time.

I can't wait to be back,  though I'm not looking forward to the hot dorm rooms... luckily McCarthy is air-conditioned!

In other news, I got a new phone! I named it Buzz Lightyear for my love of Disney/Pixar and it's the Samsung Galaxy S 4 and space and all that good stuff. 

Also, I've been avoiding packing but since I leave tomorrow morning, I should probably finish up. 

Until next time in Vermont, 

Katelyn :)