Blogs

The courtroom reminds me of my high school cafeteria. Peach and cream tiles gleam on the walls, dated wood paneling adds a homey touch and the ceiling looms low and slightly gray from wear.  Similar to lunchtime in my high school cafeteria, I sit in a plastic chair to talk about food.  But unlike the high school gossip interspersed with comments on the boys we hope to Instant Message later, I join those in the courtroom to discuss the legality of backyard Brussels sprouts in Canton, NY.  

Much of what I choose to write about in my blog is spurred by questions which consistently come up during the tours I give for admissions. Fortunately, many of the inquiries prospective students have cover topics which I am passionate about myself. The topic of this posting is again something I feel strongly about and I am proud of the commitment St. Lawrence has to it. So, here is my response to the availability of community service opportunities through St. Lawrence. 

Every August forty St. Lawrence students end their summer vacations a week early and return to campus. They come not out of boredom, rather to offer their enthusiastic services to incoming students.

This week registration for new classes began. As you might know this is the last time I'll ever register for courses at St. Lawrence. Now that I've finally lived through nearly 7 full semesters of classes I thought I'd share with you all some of my favorites. (And if there are any current students reading this, keep these in mind as you put together your future class schedules)

1.     Religious Studies 102: Religion & Science

The weather turns cold, bodies are bundled as students sport new outerwear purchased during the discount summer season from clearance racks and trendy thrift shops, and fuzzy caterpillars creep the upper lips of the male students at St. Lawrence University. These fury friends, some shaved from burly beards others sprouting from fresh faces, are grown to support a cause many at St. Lawrence hold dear. 

While much of St. Lawrence has already begun hibernation beneath scarlet and brown scarves, many of us are active as ever anticipating tomorrow’s election. Political clubs are caroling, professors are throwing out last gumdrops of advice and a fleet of vans is as ready as reindeer to bring students downtown to choose New York’s delegates for president.

When I thought about joining a sorority back in high school, the answer was easy. My mother’s family is Greek, and their desserts are fantastic. Really, I thought; who needs hazing and drama. I’m Greek enough.

I spent my first year at St. Lawrence unaware Greek life here existed. Like most First-Years, my First-Year Program (FYP) classmates lived on my floor and became a second family; my swim team, a third. Occasionally I’d hear a string of exclusive-sounding Greek letters, and I paid them little attention. When I received invitations to spring cookouts with each of the four sororities on campus I saw the events as just another fun St. Lawrence activity, another thing my roommate and I felt we should ‘just try.’

I kicked off my travels in Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio last week. I am excited for this year's travel adventures as I deem myself a “seasoned” counselor and to meet the next generation of students interested in St. Lawrence. Like anything else, travel comes with complications and there is nothing like kicking off eight weeks of travel with a bang.

Packing for 5 weeks on the road. Not easy....

My eyes were dry as I tested pH levels one last time, color-coordinated the kickboards for good measure and biked away from my poolside summer jobs. As much as I miss those sticky days of saltwatered hair and the SPF 50 film on my sunglasses and pillow, I am not alone when I say that the school year is what St. Lawrence students look forward to most, not our summer breaks.