Food for thought

A good friend of mine from college recently reconnected with me. They challenged me in ways I wasn’t expecting. I take this recent encounter as a lesson to live by. When life seems to put up obstacles or want to keep you away from something, sometimes it is worth the fight. Showing effort and passion is necessary every once in a while especially when you are standing up for something you strongly believe. This may sound vague, but if there is a cause that strikes you keep trying and fight for it. Maybe it is a job that you really want, do everything possible to try and connect and make progress. What I am trying to share, is a lesson that keeps repeating itself throughout life and that is never give up. Never give up even when it might appear to be over. If everyone always gave up so easily, where would we be in the world today? I strongly believe that the individuals who are resilient and truly want something are the ones who should receive whatever they may seek. Those are the worthy ones. 

Revamped

Welcome back! I have revamped my blog to better fit my new out of college lifestyle.I hope to share what I am up to whether I am cooking a delicious meal or starting a Do It Yourself project. I love having projects and making things to add to my little apartment.

This summer has been a blast and has been flying by so fast. I went to India right after graduation as part as a service trip through the school. After my world wind of a trip, I came back recovered from poison Ivy and culture shock and jumped into being a camp counselor again! What's better then working outside in Vermont in the summer with an awesome staff and some hilarious kids? The camp is run through Petra Cliffs a rock climbing gym in Burlington. My job has allowed me to relax and start thinking what I want to do with the rest of my life! I will keep you updated about the answer to that ever long looming question. Vermont's weather has been exceptional providing endless warm sunny weather and some exciting summer storms. Just yesterday I went out on a friends boat and we blasted Grace Potter and swam around before a storm rolled in! Get ready for my new blog and what I have to share!

Life is a Journey

Happy Monday! I cannot believe all the time that has passed. Just yesterday Orientation leaders were emptying  my Uhaul trailer carrying all my stuff to Joyce 458. In a few weeks I will move out of SMC for the final time. It's a bitter sweet time for me as I take in all the little moments before the g-word occurs (graduation). I gave my last tour today and taught them all about the g-word and how much I have loved my time at SMC. My favorite question on tours is why did I come to SMC. A very short answer to that is it felt like home and quickly became my new home. I'm ready to move on, but am still sad to leave such a wonderful place.

As I prepare for what is to come next, I am also blessed to be taking part in a school trip to Calcutta, India. Graduation now seems like a small hurdle that I cross before my big adventure to India. I have gotten to know some wonderful students and faculty whom I cannot wait to share this experience. I know it's going to be a life changing trip.

I have concrete summer plans, but come fall we shall see where the road takes me. Here is a great quote that inspires me for my journey. “All of life is a journey which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there.” Bob Moawad.

In my last few weeks, as I begin to prepare for the next chapter in my life, I'd like to thank all my friends, family, and faculty at SMC for helping me grow and develop over these four years into the person I am. I couldn't have picked a better place to flourish and grow.

Giving a tour this past Saturday to accepted students! Compliments of Gabbi Hall

Stowe local for the week

This spring break I wasn't going on a service trip and decided to spend the week with my sister! My sister, Megan, lives in Stowe and works at the Mountain. Stowe is about an hour from campus so Friday I cruised down to her house unsure what the week would hold.

Meg had to work all week but we were still able to hang out a lot which we don't always do as much any more. While Meg went to work I took Penny Lane (her adorable dog) on adventures! Penny and I walked around town, walked the Notch Road and went on a few mini drives. At night I got to hang out with my sisters friends and experience being a Stowe local and the laid back atmosphere when hanging out after work in ski pants. It was such a refreshing change to hang out in Stowe and get to know her friends and what life is like in Stowe. I even got to attend girls night which was so much fun!

Vacation was much needed and I really enjoyed getting to spend time with Megan and Penny Lane. I feel recharged and ready to tackle the rest of the semester and then the 'real world'. Coming back to campus temperatures have been on the rise reaching the seventies...hello Springtime!!

Hero's even in college

I was joking the other day with my good friend Alyssa and wanting to grow up and be like a Professor on campus. This got me thinking in the fact that since coming to college I tend to look towards my Professors as good examples of what I could do in the future or what I want to be like (when I grow up). This has made me think back to my childhood and when was the last time I had a hero or really looked up to someone other then my parents. In a world full of celebrities hero's or people to look up to are not generally very common.

 In my time at SMC I have loved learning and getting to know about my Professors lives and what they have done. Being invited into their homes has been a great way to see how they live and what their families are like. Even in college its important to have good role models and people to aspire to be like. The professors at SMC are  great individuals to inspire students.It is easy to forget how often we look to others in life and try to aspire to something. Thinking about all my favorite Professors at SMC I have used them as someone I have trusted and gone to when I needed advice or thinking what I want to be like. The Professors are wonderful here and looking back I see how influential they have been to me.

My Signora from abroad who I looked up to and admired 

Powder day!

Vermont like most of the country has been waiting for some more snow to come this winter. Last weekend our dreams came true. Friday night, it began to slowly start and just didn't give up. I woke up at 6:30 am because I knew that it was going to be a powder day and that everyone would be at the mountain.

Once I began driving up the mountain road I realized that it had never stopped snowing on Mount Mansfield and wouldn't stop either until later that night. I quickly geared up for a very windy yet snowy day! My first run I was skiing knee deep powder and couldn't believe it. I ended up having the best time skiing and talking to people on the lift. With the wind and the constant snow dumping I wasn't able to get any great photos, but I did find some on Stowe and Smugg's blogs so check it out!

We are supposed to get more snow tonight and I plan on skiing at Stowe this Friday to celebrate my birthday! So keep an eye out for an update and photos from that!

This is my excited we have powder face!

Snow Shoe Festival

Two weekends ago I had the opportunity as a wilderness leader to help out at the Green Mountain Club Snow Shoe festival in Waterbury. I along with three other leaders were extra trip leaders at the festival. Talk about getting to go outside on one of the most beautiful days this winter. The sky was a crisp blue and warm making it perfect snow shoe weather.

Checking out the map!

The four of us took out four adults on the trail called Bingham Falls in Stowe. The trail was nice beginner hike that let us look at the falls at the end which were pretty cool. Leading trips for Saint Mike's students and volunteering in the community at events like this is part of the many things wilderness leaders get to do! I love the feeling of knowing I got up early on a Saturday and did something fun outside instead of just sleeping in all the time. This winter has been abnormal, but despite lacking snow fall and warmer weather I've still been getting outside at least once every week to ski,snow shoe, or frolic around!

My group of friends at Smugglers Notch!