Graduation

By Luci Farrell

Graduation is looming over me. I say this figuratively and literally. As my graduation cap and gown are currently hanging on my door above me, even I cannot deny that the time is nearly here. I picked up my stole I get to wear for completing the honors program at SXU and made fan girl squeals the entire way back to my room. I would be more embarrassed if I wasn’t so tired.

Yet, now it’s all becoming real to me. Cap, gown, stoles, all stare at me and my housing contract will be up soon. I do not have classes for next semester and I am packing my belongings for the last time. I would probably feel overwhelmed if there weren’t so many other things to do. Well, that and being overwhelmed takes more energy than I could probably muster. Ah, the little daily blessings.

I suppose my previous blog was my sappy goodbye. I just couldn’t see myself ending on that note, no matter how eloquent it sounds in my head. I always tried to keep a humorous blog so naturally I have to end the same way. After all, what good is an ending without a smile?

I had the opportunity to submit a bid/nomination/draft/what have you, to speak at commencement. Unfortunately I did not take that opportunity.  The main reason was that I did not have the time to properly put together what I would say. My capstone project was due the same day and two years of research takes serious editing and care. Still, I cannot help but wonder what my speech would look like. What words would I want to leave my class with? Would I want to make everyone laugh, think, or cry? I have made heartfelt speeches and have witnessed people cry at my words. I won’t lie, it’s a nifty feeling knowing you can move people that much. Would I have that catchy last line? When Steve Jobs gave his commencement address at Stanford University, he ended his speech with, “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.” How would I have been able to leave my skewed wisdom behind with a few words? How could I ever have an ending like that?

What wisdom do I have? I have my stories, my experiences, and my odd knowledge. All would make for questionable speeches, probably not the best way to go. Yet, there are some things I have learned that everyone should know.

Always say yes to the road trip.

Don’t turn down a concert.

Take a class that challenges you, maybe even your beliefs.

Dance in the rain.

Mattresses in the living room make movie nights better.

Color books are essential to sanity in college.

Dance parties are mandatory for every five pages finished in a term paper.

Nutella and a banana make a perfectly acceptable breakfast.

Water bottles are your friends.

Febreze is a godsend.

Sometimes rearranging furniture is what you need to do to clear your head.

It is okay to cry on the kitchen floor.

It is okay to ask for help.

You’re not alone.

Sometimes a hug is all you need.

So that’s what I have to impart. That is my wisdom. Yet, there is one bit of wisdom I have left behind every week, though in variation. Keep Calm. Regardless of the problems in your life, keep calm. Relationship troubles, school troubles, or the zombie apocalypse, my advice stays the same.

Dear Bloggers,

Keep Calm and Carry On.

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Veni Vidi Amavi

By Luci Farrell

Dear Bloggers,

Last week I mentioned the search for jobs after graduation. After spending more hours than I would care to admit on applications, I am pretty sure my brain has melted. One of the latest applications took over an hour and I managed not to scream during it. Mind you it was for a dream job that I probably will not be able to attain without more experience, but a girl has to try.

Yet, on realizing all these applications I need to send out I realize something else. Graduation is nearly here. As I type this, my cap and gown are staring at me from my doorway like a Halloween costume. It seems surreal that in a few weeks I will be finishing my undergraduate career and leaving Chicago…at least for a while. I have a lot to show for it. The other night I caught up with a friend and we did not part ways until 3 am. Not the greatest idea since she had a morning class, but it was a good time to talk about everything that has changed in the past four years and how we can barely believe we will soon leave.

I am sure by now everyone has been reading my past few entries and thinks I am turning into a sap. Truthfully, I have always been quite sentimental; though I loathe admitting it. As someone who normally hates flowers, I could not help but smile when on my birthday last year my then best friend showed up with flowers behind his back. This year for my birthday, which I felt like most had forgotten (including myself) my friend showed up with a basket of little presents and spent the night with me watching the Grammys. These little things make me smile and realize that while not everything has turned out the way I had hoped it would, I have these memories to look back on.

I drove on this campus my freshman year, ready for a new start. No one would know me, no one would judge me on where I lived, and no one would know my past. I would get the chance to make a new name for myself and find the people who shared some of the same dreams, goals, and horrible sense of humor. I found those people. Along the way I lost some of them, though in some cases it was for the best. A parting of the ways is never easy, but the one thing to take from it is the laughter. Never get hung up on the way it ended or the fighting. Remember that out of every bad situation there is some good.

As I come to leave here this year I hope that I have left some impact. I leave behind my place in the Honors program (both as a HPSAC member and with my final project), I worked on the Class Gift Committee, I have worked on the housing staff, and of course, here at Cougar Diaries. While most people will have awards or medallions to show off, I have something even better. I have memories and photographs. I have the words both written and typed that document my last four years. With a few more weeks left I plan on expanding my collection. I will leave my legacy in memories. While not all the memories will stay at SXU, they will stay in the minds of all of those I have loved here. I will never regret anything I have done, any of the people I have cared for, or any time I have spent in Chicago. Things turn out how they are supposed to, though we may not realized it at the time. Timing may be off, but life has a way of working out, even in the oddest ways.

So I leave you to remember that if you’re finishing high school, undergraduate studies, or even some type of graduate program, remember the good times and realize they made up for the bad.

Keep Calm and Love On

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Summer Fun

By Luci Farrell

Summer means sunglasses, swimming, and suntan lotion to most. Yet, for most of the college student population summer means much more; jobs, internships, and graduation. For those heading into the workplace there is a daunting task ahead: Job Applications. As someone who has perfected the art of not throwing my computer across the room when doing these I can give some insight on this horror.

Job applications, after some time cause your brain to melt. No matter if it is the most fantastic job in the world, certain applications can drain the will to go on from the average person. One application I managed to drag myself through took a full hour. Halfway through you question why you’re applying for this job, if it’s worth it, and if these people could possibly have a soul to put you through this much hassle. Thankfully many of these online applications allow you to save your progress and return later to piece it together. This allows you to take a few minutes to stick your head out of a window, breathe and realize you are not a zombie.

For those looking for summer jobs, I do hope you have already begun the search. For those looking for internships, there are still some you can manage to snag, do not lose hope. For juniors and seniors in college start making profiles on Monster, CareerBuilder, and LinkedIn. The Internet can be your friend in the job hunt. Much of the hassle is taken away. Check your school out to get a heads up about summer internships in the area. Here at SXU we also have CougarJobs, which links you up with jobs both on campus and in the area. Employers have made connections and let SXU know about availabilities within their organization.

The job hunt leads to other ‘fun’ adventures. The phone calls, the interviews, and the beautiful waiting game. Oh the waiting game. It’s wonderful. Just sitting there. Waiting. Thankfully this year I have the senior project to occupy my time. The phone calls have already begun for me. Consulting firms that were impressed with my resume and apparently my phone skills. Unfortunately, they were hiring for immediate position fulfillment, which put a bit of a damper on the news. It seems, however, that they wish to keep my file and want to hear back from me once I am back in Connecticut. There are always little victories to hold on to and to keep me from screaming at a level that my neighbors would grow concerned.

So head off into the world of jobs. The summer is always full of opportunities. Park services are always looking for extra help and I know camp counselors are always needed. As a former one myself you never know when an extra set of hands are needed. Or when a counselor suddenly falls off the face of the earth and the position needs someone ASAP. Never fear bloggers, while the job market is not perfect, summer is a time of hope.

Keep Calm and Apply On

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Keep Calm and Enjoy the Last Leg

By Luci Farrell

Dear Bloggers,

The Easter Break, while short, is a break many in college long for. As we all can see the light at the end of the tunnel, exhaustion hits us. The Easter Break is the short time we get to go home, recuperate, and eat a home cooked meal. I also know some people that are going home to stock up on food as they watch their remaining meal plan dwindle. The usual reaction when I watch friends look at their remaining meal plan balance? “Curse you Starbucks!”

In these last few weeks now is the time to join together with your friends and create a power group. Come together to grab a study room for a change of scenery to increase productivity. Along with this if you have papers due, having friends in the same situation is even better. Swap papers for editing sessions. Even if you do not consider yourself an editing expert, having a second set of eyes to read a paper helps a lot. There are many times that they can point out simple word changes or ask you to explain a concept that ends up adding length to the paper. The other plus of a study group is pooling together all of your resources. Class notes, tips for presentations, and even pooling together meal plan money to eat. If everyone is low on meal plan money, throw in together to order pizza or Chinese. Anything that will last some time and is easy to share.

With this last leg here many of us find ourselves staring about our room wondering how we are going to manage to get all of our belongings home. That is another beautiful aspect of Easter Break. A bag of winter clothes (basically a bag full of sweaters) will accompany me home. While it may not seem like much, every bit helps. One bag of clothes gone means there will be one less bag to pack. My parents are coming to watch the Honors Senior Project Presentations on April 21^st, and have told me they’ll bring home anything they would like me to. Wonderful! This means that hopefully by the time I graduate only the essentials will still be in my dorm. The essentials? My PS3, TV, books, and clothes that fit the weather will keep me company for the last weeks. Along with my other trusty out of state students that will also spend the week before graduation on campus.

So as you acknowledge this is indeed the last leg of the school year, enjoy yourself. Enjoy the weather, your friends, and if you’re graduating, enjoy the end of a chapter.

Keep Calm and Enjoy the Last Leg

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Discovering

By Luci Farrell

Hello Again Dear Bloggers,

So for those of you who have seen, and for those who have not, we have our first vlog up! The vlog went up last week and it was exciting, albeit terrifying for me. Of course, in my mind I have a face for radio and a voice for blogging. I did, however, enjoy getting to do it and hearing reactions has been rather nice. A few messages from friends have even hit levels of extreme entertainment. My favorite was, “Man, your hair looks AMAZING.”
After all, what is college for if not pushing yourself? I hate being recorded or filmed in anyway, yet I did a vlog. I used to hate making speeches, yet I find myself presenting all the time. Trying new things lets you learn about areas you could excel at and ideas that interest you. How do we learn about new ideas? Well dear bloggers, I am quite glad you are so curious. (Even if you are not, let us just pretend you are.)

About a year ago, a friend from high school sent me a Facebook message full of exclamation points and fan girl blathering. It was a video of Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, speaking on nurturing creativity.
Watch Elizabeth Gilbert Speak Here

I could not help but like this woman after watching her speak. As an amateur writer, anytime I get to hear a published author speak about writing and its perils I cannot help but listen. Their ideas, tips, and experiences give me a want to push myself further.

After watching this video I found myself going through the video archive and watching other videos. This site was full of talks from individuals of every field imaginable. TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It is a conference set to bring people together from the worlds of Technology, Entertainment, and Design (TED).

As happens most often in my life, I watched videos for several hours straight and did not look at the site again until about two months ago. I came across TED again while downloading new apps for my iPad. Now I can watch videos categorized by topic and time, straight from my iPad. There are videos that are funny, inspiring, and informative. Just look at some of TED’s themes. Listening to Teachers is about teachers who have new ideas about the classroom such as classroom designs, rethinking lesson plans, and even re-inventing the role of teacher and student. Then you have Food Matters, talking about growing, cooking, consuming food, while making sure there will be food for all. Those are only two aspects of all that TED holds.

So as you experience life and uncover new ideas, remember that you must push yourself. Become something you can be proud of. Tell your story in the best way you know how. So from one storyteller to another, I will leave you with one last video…
The Technology Of Storytelling: Joe Sabia

Remember bloggers:
Keep Calm and Change the World

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Packing the Memories

By Luci Farrell

As you sit reading this it is currently March and in the 80s outside. Paranoia is apparent when looking at passersbys. We are all enjoying the weather, but because of the month, all nerves are on edge waiting for the temperature to plummet or a freak snowstorm. In a good will gesture to nature, most of us are packing away any clothing meant for temperatures less than 70 degrees. Sweaters, long sleeve shirts, and boots are being packed or donated. On Tuesday night there was a clothing swap in the Regina lobby where all students were invited to donate clothes and take away clothes they could use. For me it was a perfect way to give away clothes I no longer wear and a way to make sure I did not have extra clothing to pack when I head home.

Packing. It’s a scary thought. I have looked through my room realizing in a few short weeks I will be packing up all that I came with and not returning to Chicago. I carefully consider objects thinking about those I received as gifts. A set of Lord of the Rings PEZ figurines watches people from my kitchen. A poster from my favorite webcomic reminds those in my living room to have fun. Photos taken with friends are scattered through my room reminding me of good memories. Packing up all these memories will be difficult, but at the same time they are still coming with me. We cannot relive every memory, but we can remember them through stories and photos.

I think the most exciting packing experience will be when I put my books away. These books are tops of my reading list for summer. Books on flappers, biographies, and even books looking into the philosophy of Alice in Wonderland, are thrown together in my shelves confusing all those silly enough to read their titles. These books will give me time to just enjoy myself as I hunt for a job and decide what I am going to do now that my undergraduate career is over.

While my time here ends, for many it is just beginning. I speak at the informational socials for the Honors program every semester. I get to talk to those getting ready to start their college career and answer any questions these students may have. I tell these students about classes, living on campus, clubs, and why I am thankful to have chosen SXU. While not every aspect of your life pans out the way you hope, I would not trade my memories for anything. It is true I have lost friends, but we all have. That does not mean I wish I had never met these people. Without them I would not be the person I am. I would not have the support system I have needed to make it through Honors, my senior project, and being 800 miles away from all I had known. The beauty of college is finding out that home is never far away. Home is where you feel safe and even if there is just one person that supports you, that is all you need. I was never homesick in my four years at SXU because this has been my home.

Though I may not shed a tear when I leave, I admit I will probably have a cliché moment of silence as I finally drive away from the place I have called home the past four years. I may not take the school with me, but I will take bags and boxes full of memories the school has given me.

Keep Calm and Appreciate the Memories

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Supporting Senior Projects

By Luci Farrell

Hello there Blogosphere,

As Dorothy mentioned in her blog, we are back into the swing of things and it truly is surreal. This is my last semester, graduation is swiftly approaching, and my senior project presentation is speeding toward me like a freight train that was tampered with by Howard Payne (that was the villain in Speed for those playing the home game). Yet, I am still managing to function.

Of course, I think that is probably because I am still under stress from my break. My flight last week that was supposed to bring me to Florida was cancelled. After hours of phone calls and two friends calming me down, I realized my only hope was to get to the airport and try to find another flight to get me to the Promised Land. At 0500 I was at the airport. I did not manage to get to the front of the line for another hour. After much discussion and planning I managed to get on a flight leaving at 0800. The truth of the matter is that we did not take off until 0900. By this time I had been up for over 24 hours. That was fine. They did not tell me, however, that they had cancelled my return flight. …but I digress.

The point is that with second semester coming to a close you can find seniors on campus in a state of panic. The real world is fast approaching, but more terrifying than that are senior project presentations. Some write papers, some make websites, others create portfolios, and there are a few who even put on events. I can tell you right now that there are some fascinating projects going through final editing and presentations approaching.

In fact, I have an event coming up that I would like to tell you all about. A fellow Communication major, Matt Cavanaugh, just invited me to an event he is putting on as part of his senior project called Hearing What We See. This event features viewing the movie The Long Goodbye (1973) and a discussion with film critic Adam Kempenaar. One of the focuses of the discussion will look at how musical scores communicate meaning to the audience. It will take place on Friday, March 16th at 2:00 pm in McGuire Hall. For more information go to http://libcal.sxu.edu/event.php?id=59488.

Senior projects are a huge challenge and planning them takes up great amounts of time. If you can manage please come out and support Matt, just reserve your seat by clicking the link above. There is nothing more that a senior who has been piecing together their project appreciates more than support from their fellow students and the rest of the SXU community.

As a side note I am quite interested in this project. While a film score may not be the first thing we think of in regards to a movie’s strength, but they stay with us. Admit it. Whenever you talk about Star Wars, Jurassic Park, or Indiana Jones your mind immediately begins playing the scores of John Williams. The ominous music that begins to play lets us know that we are about to meet a villain or that a battle is quickly approaching. So if you enjoy movies and enjoy getting musical scores stuck in your head, go to Hearing What We See!

Keep Calm and Support Senior Projects!

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Travel

By Luci Farrell

Now, my post last week spoke about Spring Break and homework. What I did not touch upon was the actual art of traveling. Yes, I said art. Packing, getting prepared, and finally leaving campus takes skill. You may think I am joking, but I have witnessed students panicking at the last second because of everything they had forgotten to do. So let me outline some steps.

1. Packing. Laugh all you want, but we all pack last minute. Depending on your break and where you are going, how you pack can be crucial. For example, when I go home for Thanksgiving I bring my smallest duffle bag available. After all, Thanksgiving break is short and since most of us spend that time at home you really only need to pack two days worth and you can wash them while home. Depending on where you live, however, some of you may decide to pack a bit more. Why? Well here at SXU we have a quick turnover from Thanksgiving break to Winter Break. The upside to this is that instead of bringing home everything you own over winter break you can use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to bring things home you know for a fact you’ll need during break, or will not need again until spring.
I am heading to Florida for my spring break this year. I travel light to begin with and plan on keeping with that theme. A backpack will accompany me with my trusty electronics, research materials (First Draft of Honors Senior Project? You shall be conquered!), and my trusty toothbrush. My medium sized duffle will also accompany me. I am a failure in the sense that I do not own real luggage. Honestly, I’m perfectly happy with my duffels. We did a lot of camping when I was a kid so a duffle bag was your best friend. Plus it also drilled the rule into my head that you should only pack what you can manage to carry yourself. Which makes packing for break even easier. Have you ever packed to go to a warm climate? Broomstick skirts, tank tops, and sundresses are without doubt the easiest things to pack. Roll them up, shove them in the bag, and TADA you are done! It should also be pointed out that I do not own a single piece of clothing that needs to be ironed…

2. Itinerary. Everyone leaves on break in a different way. Some take the bus, some take the train, some fly, and others drive. Regardless of your mode of transportation, you should keep track of your time. If you are driving off try not to get on the road late and if you’re leaving with someone, do not keep them waiting. When it comes to trains and buses you should get to your station early and double check your times to make sure everything is on schedule. The same goes for heading to the airport, but there are a few more steps. First of all, check in online. Even if you do not have the time to print your ticket at that exact time, checking in gets you a better boarding number. Aside from this you should also remember to wear comfortable travel clothing. This includes shoes you can easily slip off when passing through the security line and really anything that you can be comfortable in for hours on end. As someone who has spent over 9 hours in an airport you can trust me on that.

3. Check List. Yes, you probably are sick of hearing my obsession with lists, but I promise this is a must for every traveler. The night before make a list of the last minute things that you need to pack away. These include your phone charger, toothbrush, and wallet. Anything you use last minute should be on that list. If you live in the dorms you should double check to make sure you have emptied your trash, turned off unnecessary electronics, properly fixed your blinds, and you have locked your door. Do not forget your keys. Seriously.

I sincerely hope these little tips have helped you all. Most importantly remember to have fun. We all need our downtime and excuse to power down our brain, even if just for a day or two. So enjoy your break and hopefully you all rest up for the second leg of the semester!

Keep Calm and Pack On

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Sunshine, Studying, and Spring Break

By Luci Farrell

February is a month of snow, slush, and chocolate sales. Those with a sweet tooth make out like bandits on the 15th when all candy goes on clearance. Another beautiful part of February is staring at the calendar. February is the transfer month. While March is still thought of as winter, it holds the promise of spring breaks and sunshine. Here at SXU our spring break is the last week of February so that transfer into March is a beautiful one. The question is, what to do during Spring Break?

Many use this opportunity as a chance to sleep, see friends, or just slack off as much as possible. Then there are those of us that see spring break as a time to work. Of course, one must remember that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. The same goes for Jane, she gets pretty irritable. Asking around with some of my friends that are also seniors, it’s fun to see where spring break leads. Some are going on service trips, some are seeing significant others, some are staying home, and a few of us are going on a real vacation.One of my friends is going to Jamaica
with the school for a class credit. I have to say, sometimes I’m jealous of business majors. I will be in sunny Florida and hopefully avoiding bursting into flames when the sun touches my skin. What my Jamaica vacationing friend and I both agreed on is we will be busy…working.

Many of us face the horror of homework before Spring Break and hope to avoid it until the end. Then there are those of us with Senior Project. It’s a bit hard to avoid that. Deadlines are
quickly approaching and Spring Break is the excuse to throw yourself into work without worrying about other homework. The real question is how to stay focused when the allure of slacking off is right in front of you?

1. Don’t Be A Hermit. Allow yourself time for fun. If you view this as a time to lock yourself in the Batcave (the nickname for my room) and don’t interact with others, you’ll be miserable and unmotivated. See friends, see family, talk on the phone, and get out for fresh air. Don’t constantly keep people out, but when you’re on a roll stick with it.

2. Get An Early Start. I’m not saying you need to wake up at 6 am and get a move on. Please, that would be a horrible thing to say. We all need a day or two to recuperate from the hectic life of school and need to catch up on sleep. One should remember, however, how we feel when we wake up around noon or after. Personally I can’t sleep that late because I feel like I’ve wasted my
day and stay unmotivated. Plus my body is evil and I’m lucky on the days I can sleep until 9:30. Getting an early start gives you more time to work with. Get up early, have a good breakfast, and knock out some homework first thing. Type up notes, create and outline for a paper, or just do some reading. Make a list of everything you need to accomplish over break and watch to see how quickly the list shortens when you start off early in the morning. Plus knocking out some reading or part of a paper frees up your day for some much needed slacking off.

3. Map It Out. Okay, this is something I reiterate to the point I’m sure many of you want to reach through the computer screen and shake me, but my point stands. Lists are awesome. My whiteboard is in a constant state of lists, charts, and creepy little doodles. Last year in my blog I even talked about how in a zombie sleep mode I somehow created cartoons explaining philosophy points. Still unsure how that actually came about. The day before spring break begins
when you’re still packing, sit down and make a list. Write down everything you need to get done and things you know you’ll end up doing (movie night with friends and family obligations). Seeing these things written down puts everything in perspective. It helps you map out time and seeing what projects need more time and which ones you can knock out earlier in the day so you can soak up some rays or go snowboarding.

Florida will be fantastic, or at least that’s what I’m telling myself. Nothing like being in the most magical place on earth and having a hard drive filled with research and a website half constructed. Spring Break is a beautiful time to master the deadlines that frighten us all. So give me a sundress, balcony, and ten pounds of research. I’ve got my vacation plans down.

Keep Calm and Sunscreen On

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Super Bowl Sunday

By Luci Farrell

Super Bowl Sunday, a day of togetherness, wings, pizza, and beautiful chaos. I believe football is more of a national sport than baseball will ever be. After all, let’s think about the sport we watch and play on Thanksgiving. Yes, I think we can all see my point. If we don’t, let’s just go with it.

While my team was not playing this year, I was rather invested in the game. Firstly, it’s the Super Bowl. I’ll watch it regardless of who’s playing. Secondly, being from the North East nothing is more amusing than seeing two ‘hometown’ teams go at it. Thirdly, I hate the Patriots.

Now let me explain something. I grew up in a mixed family for sports. My mother became a Bears fan at a young age because my grandfather followed them. My father happens to be a Giants fan. I also use this term a bit loosely because I have not seen him turn on a football game on his own terms in quite a long time. I think it also has to do with the fact my mother is a rabid football fan. I say rabid in the best possible way. Stories have been told about my mother pacing and muttering at the same rate of Mike Ditka when he was still coaching the Bears. She was also known to storm off out of the house and go walking to Lighthouse Point Park, over a mile from our house. This is the woman who had baby pictures of me in full Bears attire and I’m pretty sure sung the Super Bowl Shuffle to me as a lullaby.

Fans come in hundreds of types. The rabid, the martyrs, the bandwagoners, and the obnoxious. This is where my third point comes in. Patriot fans. Chills run down my spine when I think of these individuals. Having grown up around them, my head hurts. Every sport has the one team with the fans people just have a hard time with. People make fun of Yankees fans because they’re loud, obnoxious, and many just jumped on the bandwagon. Well, in my eyes the same can be said for Patriot fans. Patriot Fans: the loud, the proud, and the cult of Tom Brady. Don’t worry. I’m not even going to touch that subject. You probably wouldn’t want to know.

Aside from my points about my love for football, there’s another reason to love the Super Bowl: Commercials. The Super Bowl marks that magical time of the year when writers for the biggest companies can finally slump forward and relax. Let me give you a little bit of insight on Super Bowl commercials. In 1967, a 30 second commercial cost $37,500. Commercials for Super Bowl XLVI, sold out a good deal ahead of schedule. The 30-second spots for this Super Bowl? $3.5 million. In other words, writers have a lot to live up to.

I now give you my Best and Worst of the commercials.

The Best: Clint Eastwood and Chrysler

Say what you will, but Clint Eastwood is one of the most intimidating men in the world. Also, this was one of my favorite commercials. Inspirations, gritty, and let’s face it, it has Clint Eastwood. Forgot any words you have about it being a political and controversial commercial. You watch this and all you can think is, “YES! I am the common American. We will get back up. Thank you Mr. Eastwood.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_PE5V4Uzobc

The Best: NFL Evolution

Say what you will, I’m a sucker for commercials that show the evolution of a company or franchise. Plus, come on, we’re ending on seeing Hester looking epic. Once again, You cannot go wrong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPr4-P19NtE&context=C3689747ADOEgsToPDskJ-Kd-6HZx7FBTo893H8hFI

My Worst: TaxAct.com

Honestly. It’s not well thought out, not funny, and seems like a waste of $3 million.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiZXFSIpu2g

The Worst: GoDaddy

I will also mention that once again, GoDaddy commercials are tasteless and, once again, a waste of $3. This is also aside from feelings already held about the company. I won’t even bother linking to those commercials. Honestly.

The beauty of advertising is that the money is spent because you’ll be talking about the commercials all week. The good, the bad, and the ones you still don’t understand. Oh Super Bowl. Never change.

Keep Calm and Get Ready For Some Football

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Remembering Roommates

By Luci Farrell

There are pros and cons to living by yourself. Pros range from the perfect silence to not worrying about being woken up at odd hours. The giant con is usually loneliness. Sometimes you have cases like mine where you accidentally throw your back out. You find yourself on the floor staring at the ceiling and unable to move. Of course, you cannot help but laugh because this is naturally your life. Well, it’s my life. The sad part is things like this do happen. Times like these I miss having roommates.

I have to say this, I have been blessed by the housing gods with my roommates. My freshman year I wasn’t as terrified as most people. I had met my roommate at an Honors conference and again at orientation. We hit it off and decided it would be best to live together. Melissa was super outgoing and a nursing major. Two things that I loved about her. Do you know how awesome it is living with a nursing major? When something goes wrong they love using you as their guinea pig. Melissa actually rescued me from myself my freshman year. I had fallen ill as such a speed I didn’t even know it. I remember waking up during the night, walking down the hall to the bathroom, and passing out. A neighbor woke me up in a panic because she thought I was dead. Zombie makeup looks tan compared to my complexion when I’m sick. I managed to get back into my room and crawled on my bed. Melissa jumped to the rescue. I explained I had a tendency of going hypoglycemic and passing out. Melissa went to our fridge, grabbed a yogurt, and forced me to eat. Mind you she tried spoon feeding me until I smacked her hand away. Regardless, after the yogurt I was starting to feel better and was back to my usual self in no time. Melissa was watching me like a hawk the next day until she was sure I was alive. I have to say, I wouldn’t trade freshman living conditions for anything.

Sophomore year I lived with three of my closest friends and we had acquired a perfect room. It was at the end of the hall, right next to the laundry room, and had the perfect view of the quad. It was great living with three other people. We had movie nights and indulged in the strangest girl nights known to man. Imagine four twenty year olds, clutching mugs of hot chocolate, pajamas on, snow outside, and singing (LOUDLY) along with White Christmas. We decorated for every holiday and after a while streamers were mandatory in the living room. More than anything I miss our game nights. Our other friends would come over and we would have nights of never ending games. Well, maybe not the games of Cranium. Those ended in temper tantrums and screaming. Honestly, there is nothing greater than watching a screaming match over a game of charades. Once again, I wouldn’t trade that time for anything.

Junior year was similar to sophomore year, with one plus. Some of our male friends lived across the hall. Doors would stay open and conversations or screaming matches would ensue. Also there was nothing better than weekend breakfasts made between the two rooms. The one thing I miss is coming home to find a friend sleeping on my couch. Honestly, 80% of the time when I came back from class there was someone sleeping on the couch.

I look around my room now and I’m pleased with my setup, but I would not trade a single roommate for a room by myself. I admit, I miss coming home to someone to aggravate or just hang out with. Still, living alone makes me appreciate the memories even more.

As for throwing out my back, while I may not have Melissa, help is just a phone call away. Well, as long as my phone is within reach.

Keep Calm and Love Your Roommate

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Tools of the Trade

By Luci Farrell

Dear Bloggers,

Welcome back to another week. Three weeks into classes and I am so very proud of myself for setting up my classes so I have downtime. Maybe because it’s my last year, but the fact I can curl up in bed for an hour and just relax helps. Oh the joys of scheduling. It’s a trick of the trade.

Speaking of taking time, my blog last week spoke about taking time and reading up on the SOPA and PIPA bills. On January 20^th, Congress shelved the bills. Even during the presidential debate in South Carolina, the nominees talked about reasons for not liking the bill. For more information, check out: http://sopastrike.com/

One thing I love about the internet is that it has turned into a source of news that we directly care about. We can be hundreds of miles away and give our support to those who stand for a cause we believe in. I know in my own life Twitter has been one of my tools to get quick updates. While perhaps not the best source, I follow individuals who tend to write about things I care about. I was reading updates as they happened about SOPA and even the Occupy Wall Street Movement. Between the ‘underground’ news sites, webcomic artists, and the worshipers of Reddit, there will always be a source of news for internet masses.

That is something I love about the internet. It’s more than just a search engine, it’s a tool of the trade. Think about every individual that uses the internet. Politians and political bloggers go to sites like CNN.com to keep up with what’s going on. Aspiring artists and photographers use the internet for inspiration, blogging, and utilizing sites like deviantART to showcase their work. Reddit is…well, Reddit is Reddit. It’s for the meme addict and anyone who needs a laugh. Writers have blogs. Let us not forget the powerhouse that is YouTube for everyone; politicians, singers, filmmakers, and the powerhouse Vloggers.

We have freedom, literally, at our fingertips. The freedom to write, to read, and to create what we want. I use the tools everyday. I have several blogs, an account on deviantArt, Twitter accounts, YouTube accounts, I belong to a few forums, and I read some of the greatest comics on the web. The internet even helps bring you closer to people you look up to. I’ve been privilege to be able to have some short conversations with some of the artists and writers from my favorite web comics. Let me tell you, after having a bad day and getting a YouTube link of baby raccoons from the creator of a favorite webcomic, life just seems better. Baby animal videos make everything better, bless you YouTube.

So in some, use your tools. Network with others and tell your story. Send an e-mail, video, or tweet to someone to tell them you miss them. Don’t lose sight of the fact that 800 miles doesn’t seem so far when you’re just a Skype call away.

Keep Calm and Utilize On

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

The Keyboard is Mightier than the Bill

By Luci Farrell

Hello Dear Bloggers,
As you know I usually sit staring at my ceiling trying to figure out another fun topic to talk to you about. Last week’s was a bit more somber than usual so I wanted to cheer everyone up. Well, in recent events I have realized I want to educate you on something that may shock you. Wikipedia and several other websites will be staging a 24 hour blackout on Wednesday, January 18th.

Why are these websites going in a blackout? There are two bills currently sitting before Congress known as the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the Senate, and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the House. Now these titles may make many people think ‘Oh, this is a good thing,’ but as a blogger I urge you to read up on these bills.

The passing of this bill could mean that your favorite websites could be blocked without any notice. Think of being locked out from your favorite blogs, comics, or forums. These sites could be blocked indefinably without any kind of notice or trial. Methods similar to those being currently used in China would block sites from users and force search engines to delete entire websites from their search results, including foreign sites. These bills also state that internet companies would need to monitor everything users link or upload or face lawsuits. Every link? Every photo? Well, Twitter and Facebook would be in trouble. Imagine someone being forced to scan through that 400 photo album of Jane’s new puppy or every one of Joe’s tweets that link YouTube videos of trust falls. AOL, EBay, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Mozilla, Twitter, Yahoo, and Zynga (yes, the Words With Friends, Hanging with Friends, and Farmville Zynga) joined together to write a letter staging their concerns about the harm that could cause their companies and the economic growth of thousands of others.

Best of all, look closer into the bills. Many in the online community are pointing out that SOPA and PIPA would not even work out the way they want to. Those censorship regulations they outline would not actually shut down pirate sites.

Now. How does this impact you? Oh, silly reader. There is ALWAYS an impact on you. Ever covered a song and uploaded it to YouTube? Congratulations, that could earn you a criminal record. Those awesome blogs (both clean and NSFW) you love? They could be blocked as I mentioned before. This bill will restrict online free speech. I cannot even imagine what this could mean for poor little fanfiction writers. Oh. Wait. This author could face a few convictions thinking about this now…Well, I expect you to send me letters.

Another important thing for you to do is to check out those who are against the bills. Help support them! Google has a nice bit of information as well as links to show those who are protesting this bill, check it out here: https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/community/
I think Google stated it best:
“Fighting online piracy is important. The most effective way to shut down pirate websites is through targeted legislation that cuts off their funding. There’s no need to make American social networks, blogs and search engines censor the Internet or undermine the existing laws that have enabled the Web to thrive, creating millions of U.S. jobs.”

I think I will cut this blog a little short as I know I can ramble on a bit. I do urge you to educate yourself about this situation. Do not just take my word for it. This blog is on the internet along with millions of others who are just trying to have a voice. We could be censored and our voices lost. Educate yourself on this matter and everything you can. Never let an opportunity pass you by because you never know what you face to lose. Help yourself and fight for your rights to have a voice. Be part of the revolution.

Keep Calm and Boycott On

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Finding and Embracing Flaws

By Luci Farrell

Hello dear bloggers. We’ve come to that time again. A new semester has begun. With that new semester, we also enter the New Year. Fireworks, tears, and countless New Year’s resolutions made after reflecting on ourselves. This is one of those times where we start looking at our flaws and head out to correct them.

We no longer ask, “What are my strengths?” Instead we look at a question that many times can be much more interesting.
“What are my flaws?”

We can learn so much about ourselves when we finally own up to our flaws. We all have flaws; it’s part of being human. Flaws make us who we are and, for some reason or another, sometimes you fall in love with a flaw.

I am no different. I happen to be as flawed as they come. I can write a list of flaws and then find out several other things that people either find irritating or endearing about me. It’s always funny how often those two qualities go hand in hand. Here is a list, for the sake of my little explanation on why flaws are important, however, I will keep the list short.

Luci’s Flaws 101
1. Stubborn. I will be the first to admit that I can be as stubborn as they come. I am hardheaded, take a stand, and won’t budge from a belief I hold close. My mother lovingly refers to it as being bullheaded. On the flip side, I know when to admit that I am wrong. I also know when to tell you when you’re wrong. So a flaw in a way, but a strong personality trait that others like on the flip side.
2. Procrastination. I know I procrastinate. There are times that I need that pressure to crank out the best papers. There are other times, however, that the procrastination hurts my productivity a lot. Once again, a flaw, yet for me it’s a productive flaw.
3. Asking For Help. This may qualify as stubborn, but I count it separately. I’m not good at asking for help. I fully admit to this because I do not like relying on other people. My fear is that the second I admit I need help and ask for it, suddenly that person I need the most will leave. This one is a flaw through and through. Unfortunately, it has cost me people who truly meant a lot.

Luci’s Flaws According to Friends.
1. Passive Aggressive. This I will not fully own up to. Some people I just get too tired to argue with. After all if they don’t get the hint the first time, why would I bother? Oh wait…does that qualify as being stubborn? Well, crud.
2. Awkward Smile. I have always loved this one because it’s so very true. I have the most awkward smile in the world, but apparently it’s endearing. Similar to how we can’t help but smile at the puppy who keeps running headfirst into walls…Actually, I’m pretty sure that sums up how most people feel about me pretty well.
3. Accent. There are keywords I pronounce in a way that drives the people around me insane. Yes, I say ‘expresso’ and not ‘espresso’. Habit. I saw ‘draw’ not ‘drawer’. I’m from New England, if we can shorten a word, we do.

Now flaws can be entertaining and aggravating. That is after all why we always look to change ourselves for the better. Unfortunately, many times people go too far in change. They don’t see some of their harmless flaws as endearing. Let’s face it. My accent is a flaw, but it’s a part of me. I can control it at times, but it always slips out. That’s pat of me. It’s part of my identity and my upbringing. It’s a flaw I like and maybe the incredibly stupid way I pronounce ‘order’ and ‘water’ is endearing to someone out there.

The trick is recognizing our flaws and sorting through them. Like I said some flaws are just who we are and we cannot, and in some cases, should not change them. The problem comes when people point out certain flaws as if they are a type of leprosy. I have the perfect, and completely infuriating, example.

Last year I was at the dermatologist, someone I hated seeing as a kid. Sensitive skin and a child’s need to scratch, left a few scars decorating my shoulders. Over the years I went through the phases all kids did where the scars doubled in number. Well, let’s say she wasn’t thrilled. She actually became angry and told me that no one would ever fall in love with me with all of my scars. They just weren’t attractive.
My first reaction was sickness. Who says that? After I calmed down and left, I just shook my head. My scars, like freckles and birthmarks, are a part of us. I like my flaws. I may not love all my scars, but they are a part of me and every one has a story. That scar on my hand? It’s from when I accidentally caught on fire (a long story for another day). The one on my arm? A battle scar from a nasty mosh-pit incident. The small one on my forehead? That one was from a sewing machine breaking and a needle bouncing off my head. Every story is different and I can laugh at them. You know what? If someone can’t accept me or love me for my scars, why would I want them to?

My point dear readers, is this. We are more than our flaws. We overcome them and sometimes we need to embrace them. I embrace my scars. They remind me of chances taken, memories made, and people who cared enough to patch me up. They don’t hold me back. They are a part of me and serve as a reminder to live my life. Make positive changes and never forget to have fun.
As I started, we all make resolutions, though sometimes we need to be realistic. So here you go:
1. Change the flaws that hinder you.
2. Resolve to take care of yourself (be health, be happy, and always laugh).
3. Resolve to hold your head high and embrace your little flaws that make you the person your friends and family love.

Keep Calm and Laugh On

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

The College Discovery Channel

By Luci Farrell

The end of a semester marks panic, joy, delirium, and exhaustion. Time either crawls or flies by before you realize what day it is. Personally, I love it when first semester is done. For some reason the Fall semester is always the semester where I find myself wistfully looking at my schedule for Spring semester. The long weekends, the open Wednesdays, and the time I need to work and sleep. As a senior, those words are the most beautiful thing in the world after “I’m graduating…with a job waiting.”

When I mentioned delirium I should elaborate. The mind, when coming to a point of burnout, tries to find humor in everything. In my mind, I have transformed SXU into a Discovery Channel special. Like a college version of the discovery channel one can sit by the window of a local Starbucks and observe the local residents. Students coming back from finals are usually walking at a pace no faster than a zombie shuffle. Then, BAM! Three students sprint like gazelles toward the ward building. You look at your watch. No, they couldn’t possibly be late for a final; they must be on their way to fight for room in the library. Think of it as the watering hole. All the students fight for a place in the library, staring others down and even flitting through the bookshelves just waiting. The normal watering hole, the diner, seems rather vacant. Unless you count the scavengers. These are the students left with no money on their cougar cards that prowl around looking for anyone to feed off of (figuratively of course).

This carefully observer braved the dark for her caffeine fix and holds witness to the owls. Now there are two different sets of owls. The first set can be seen perched in the link between Rubloff Hall and McCarthy Hall. This walkthrough is furnished with chairs and students pressed against the windows weary of studying. The other set are those who have taken full advantage of the extended library hours during finals. These are the students you see (many times with nursing books) coming back from the library just after 2 a.m. Their eyes are wide and little melodies escape their lips. Only the close observer notices that these magical sounds are actually the names of diseases and medications.

Yet, once Friday hits one can almost imagine the tumbleweed blissfully rolling through the quad. Between the students that have already left and those who tore off campus after their last final, only a few are left making sure everything is left behind in good condition. For a short month there is quiet and piece. Then, a short month later this all begins again.

Until then dear readers, stay safe, study to the best of your abilities, and have a happy and safe holiday break.

Keep Calm and Study On

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Travel and the College Student

By Luci Farrell

The following is an example of how an out of state student prepares to leave before a break:
Tuesday November 22nd

0600 = Wake up. Look at phone. Swear. Realize it’s Tuesday, class doesn’t begin until 11, and I don’t have anything due. Go back to sleep.

0800 = Hear the 1812 Overture playing. Marena’s calling me. Accept defeat and answer phone with blanket over head. Truthfully, if the best friend calls, you always answer.

0900 = Marena sees a sale at Old Navy and promises to call me back. During this time I’ve gotten dressed and rearranged my bag to go home with. Stare around room and refresh my memory on what the quiz today is about.

0930 = Play on Twitter. Suddenly realize I didn’t print my boarding passes. Thankfully remember I’ve already checked in so my boarding number isn’t too shabby. B 20. Yeah, it’s going to end up being a full flight.

1013 = Wrestle with printer. Worry something happened when the bed fell on it (long story). Power it down and back on. Works perfectly. Roll eyes.

1030 = Craving caffeine. Horridly throw on shoes and make a quick note on my white board wishing everyone a happy Turkey day and to be safe on Black Friday.

1031 = Halfway down the stairs realize I left my messenger bag (book and laptop for class) in my room. Mutter darkly and go back to get it.

1032 = Put up posters in the dorms before going to class so I won’t forget (memory is shot the days leading up to break).

1040 = Carefully sip the glory that is Starbucks and have an internal debate about whether I should bring my laptop home or just my iPad and external hard drive to make life easier. Realize I’ve had this debate at least six times in the past 24 hours and remember the I will have a laptop to use at home and traveling without the laptop is easier…and less distracting. Suddenly stop and take another sip of my Venti Americano. The barista wasn’t joking when he said it made it extra strong for me today. My faith in humanity is restored.

1100-1220 = Class. Of course also writing myself a note making sure I remember everything, including the audio recorder I just realized I am going to need during break.

1230-1310 = Run around like crazy making sure I have everything packed, unplugged, and locked up before running off to the shuttle.

1400-1855 = The joys of the airport. There is no sarcasm in this, I actually love airports. I get to knit, read, listen to music, and just unwind for the first time in weeks. Although you know you’re at the airport too early when your flight isn’t even shown on the screens. The true joy is getting to board the plane, get a window seat, and know in just a short while I’ll be home.

The above is what it is like to be a college student who is more than a short bus or train ride from home. I have my 2-hour plane ride home which is used to read and power down my brain for a bit. The truth about being an out of state student means you start off on an odd foot. Nine out of ten times you know nothing about the area you’re moving to and you need to map out transportation to go home as soon as you can. Or if you’re like me, you try to figure out what plane routs give you the best layovers. For those wondering Baltimore and Nashville are my most frequent layovers. Both are awesome airports with lots of space and fun little shops/restaurants/salons to check out.

Traveling is what I do. I have always loved it. Throw me in a car, on a train, on a plane, or in a kayak and I am the happiest girl in the world. That is the beauty of college. You always have an opportunity to try something new. You live on your own in a new area and develop all of these new experiences. Even better you have the opportunity to travel abroad. Ask any student at SXU who has studied abroad and they’ll be happy to tell you about their experience. From Peru to Germany and everywhere in between there are opportunities for everyone. If you don’t think a semester is a good idea for you, look around at summer sessions. Better yet, ask about Spring Break Service trips! This gives you a great opportunity to travel and help others at the same time. From rebuilding in Joplin, Missouri to helping out in community centers in Maryland, there are always opportunities to get involved on campus.

College is about learning. Learning isn’t limited to just books. It’s about learning about yourself, your passion, your social interactions, and learning to make the most of the opportunities you are given.

Keep Calm and Travel On!

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Keep Calm and Sing On

By Luci Farrell

“Please explain to me why you, of all people, have yet to write a blog about the importance of music in staying sane.”

That is an actual quote from a good friend of mine. She makes a fair point. Many would agree music is a large part of their lives and I would have to agree. I started playing flute at a young age, but sang along to the radio long before that. Of course, I can’t say my musical upbringing was normal.

At my (paternal) grandparent’s you would hear opera and soundtracks to my grandmother’s favorite musicals.

I'm gonna wash that man right outa my hair.

And send him on his way.

Then there happened to be my grandfather humming the Marine’s Hymm. (Also a happy belated birthday to any Marine’s out there. Semper Fi.)

We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine.

Then you had my parents. My mother, bless the woman, has been the beautiful influence on my upbringing with country:

You know I might have been born just plain white trash

But Fancy was my name

Then she gave me a love for the oldies, the Rat Pack, and Elvis. Coming from the woman who took me to the Grand Ole Opry and Graceland this summer you have to understand my connection to music is a strong one.

Then you have my father. The one thing he and I can agree with is music. Everyone has that problem in their youth that they just cannot agree with their parents. My father and I found our agreement in music (and arguments over literature). To this day his ringtone for me is Baba O’Riley by The Who.

Teenage wasteland.

It’s only teenage wasteland

…yeah he’s funny.

In my neighborhood all you ever heard was Spanish rap, the kind that always makes you want to dance. I warned you my music roots were questionable.

Music shapes us and helps us grow. My iTunes has a horrible personality disorder from my years growing up. It’s only gotten better (or worse depending on how you view it) as the years went on. Like most angsty teens I went through my phase of screamo and metal. No not Korn or Disturbed. Please, do not mention that in my presence. I also swear by all I hold dear if anyone ever mentions Rammstein to me I will scream. That is a long story for another day…

I have my rock in every degree, indie, pop, ska, reggee, soul, R&B, swing, French music, really if you name it I have it. Well, minus jazz. Jazz makes me sleepy, fun fact right there.

We hold music close. It rocks us to sleep, keeps us awakes, brings tears, creates laughter, and it makes memories. Some memories are great and some hurt after a while. There is always a song that reminds us of someone. There are songs in my library that will always make me think of certain friends, even if I they are no longer a part of my life.

To this day every time I hear I Will Follow You Into The Dark by Death Cab for Cutie I will think of freshman year. We would sit around in the small dorms listening to my friend play guitar. Soft singing would follow the familiar cords and it just tugs at my heart.

If there's no one beside you

When your soul embarks

Then I'll follow you into the dark

I remember mosh pits and the energy of a crowd at a Dropkick Murphys show. The bruises, scars, and lost or torn articles of clothing will always make the night more memorable. The music dying down as strangers hug each other and sway to the final bars of Forever.

Forever I'll find you, forever we'll be

Forever your power and strength stays with me

Forever…

The music gets to us. I admit it keeps the romantic in us alive even when we want to be bitter and jaded. I would be a liar if I said I haven’t always wished someone would sing Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls to me. Music makes us sappy, but in all the right ways.

Music keeps me sane in the insanity that is school. I have a playlist for every occasion and when the silence is too much, music will always be there.
Make a playlist, invest in a good set of headphones, swap music, and let the songs make memories. Everything you need in life is a melody away. Sing in the shower, in the car, through the tears, through the laugher, and through the goodbyes.

Keep Calm and Sing On

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Save the Light!

By Luci Farrell

Save the Light

For those that aren’t aware we have now entered the realm of Daylight Savings Time. This means two things. One, the first few days we all love feeling as if we have an extra hour of sleep. Two, by 4 p.m. it’s dark and everyone is ready to pass out. Many are also chalking that up to the dark weather that usually accompanies fall. Truth be told, I like the fall atmosphere. It puts you in the mood to curl up in an oversized chair, read, and watch the rain and wind outside of a window. Replace overstuffed chair with my designated stool and that’s what I do. You can usually find me in the first stool by the counter of the second window at the new Starbucks on campus. If I’m not there I’m usually in class or asleep on my couch. Exciting life right?

Now is the time it is really hitting me that I’m in my last year. Last night I was sitting in Starbucks with my friends and I was doodling my class schedule for next semester. My friend caught me staring at it asking if something was wrong. Wrong? Not exactly. I was staring at my last semester of classes. I was sitting by the few people that I have been friends with since my freshman year (actually to be honest since FOCUS) and a few we’ve picked up along the way. It’s a scary thought. We look at the years we’ve spent in schooling. I was with mostly the same people from Kindergarten to 8th grade. I spent four years in high school and made a lasting bond with one person who will be a part of my life forever. Then I look at college. Another four years and yet these people have lived with me for that time. It’s not like grade school where you have classes and go home. In college you need to learn to live together. Seeing each other daily, interacting, and learning how to cope when friendships fail. Then I think again on Daylight Savings.

Time. What do we do with our time? We look at our clocks and just laugh. Clocks are abused beyond belief. They face being changed constantly and those of us that have alarm clocks have probably at some point thrown something at that clock we truly shouldn’t have. What are we using our hours for? Are we studying? Are we spending time with our loved ones? Are we truly appreciating the time we have together?

I own up to the fact I have not always used my time fairly. I am trying so hard to use it the best way I can in my last year. I do not want to leave Chicago only having favorite memories from my first three years. I do not want to think back on my last year and remember everything bad that happened. I am using my time the best way I can. I have coffee. I do homework. I sit in a coffee shop and see the people I miss the most. I try not to be a stranger to the people who will tell you about that crazy road trip we went on our freshman year. Or about our Christmas party sophomore year. Or about the nights spent with three of us asleep on the couch last year (study session gone wrong).

Appreciate your time. Just because it gets darker early doesn’t mean the day is defeated. There is always time.

Keep Calm and Live On

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Things to Remember Come November!

By Luci Farrell

Hello Dear Bloggers,

Happy All Souls Day! As Midterms are over and professors are handing back grades, many scramble for ways to bring up their grades. This can be because of slacking or for others who are on the fence over a grade and just need to bump it up to get that A. Coming from someone who sits on the fence rather often, the last stretch of the semester is very important. There are a few things that can help you focus on classes and might help you gain those few extra points you need.

Point #1: DO NOT MISS ANYMORE CLASSES.
Seriously. Most professors allow you to miss two or three classes before it affects your grade. These days are used (as far as I am concerned) for three reasons. Reason One: You are actually too sick to come to class. Reason Two: Mental health day. Reason Three: You are cramming for another test or paper. Once you hit November, you should do all in your power not to miss any more classes. Your professors will look around to see who is still in class for one (believe it or not, most do notice) and your attendance, even if you’re just in class to review an exam already taken, it is important. I know some professors, especially when the attendance for that day is low, will give a pop quiz to help those in class. This pop quiz might be anything from a question he answered two minutes before to the title of the class. Not only do things like that help, but paying extra attention and asking questions is a way to boost your participation grade and help you in the long run. This may not be enough to make up for the rest of your semester, but in these last few weeks the extra effort will help.

Point #2: The Pen is Mightier than the Keyboard
I know this kills everyone to read, but sometimes the pen does indeed beat the keyboard. This is also coming from a blogger, so I realize the irony. This can, however, be true when it comes to studying. There is some difference between handwriting notes and typing them. When I am in class I type my notes due to time limitation (I’m a quick typist, but slow with my handwriting), but when I make notes before an exam I handwrite them out, especially during finals. Seeing important information in your own handwriting does help with comprehension. It has also been said that the more you write something the better you remember it. So take your notes and write out the key points. Write out the summary points at the end of each chapter on your exam and notice the change in how you remember information. In addition to writing things out, there are a few color tricks. One thing that I used to do was color coordinate my binders with my class. Use colored note cards. Blue is a color many advertisers use because of the idea of serenity it portrays. Many things we read on a blue background stay with us. The other main advertising color is red. It’s bright, it’s bold, and it captures attention easily. I bet right now you’re thinking of red and you may be thinking about a major company. Target? Coca Cola? Netflix? Marvel (for all my geeky friends)?

Point #3: Map it Out
Okay, this is the simplest point I can make. Map out your exams, papers, meetings, and everything else. One of my greatest investments have been whiteboards. Aside from my giant whiteboard I bought to help map out my train of thought for senior project (it also doubles as a board of quotes and cute messages left behind by friends), I also have a whiteboard calendar. Classes, meetings, birthdays, and paydays each have their own color when I write them on this calendar. The calendar hangs by my door so when I leave and come home I get another reminder of what the week ahead looks like. I also see how everything fits for the rest of the month so I never forget. This helps you manage your days. Maybe you have three papers due Monday, but you forgot about that service project that you want to do. Work around it. Figure out the hours you’ll be gone and see if any of your other days are free. Some professors cancel a class or two before the end as workdays so you can really dive into a project. Use those days to your advantage. Sleep in an extra hour (no more) and get down to business. Write that paper, make those notes, and get it done!

Keep in mind, when I write these blogs I want to help you, but in a way I’m helping myself. So enjoy dear readers as we help each other.

As always if you have a question or comment shoot me an e-mail or leave a comment on the blog!
Until next time. Same Cougar time, same Cougar place!

Keep Calm and Notecard On

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.

Halloween: My Christmas

By Luci Farrell

Halloween: My Christmas

Hello Dear Bloggers,

If you ask most little kids what their favorite holiday is, they’ll probably tell you Christmas. After all it’s a month worth of celebrations with presents, cookies, and getting to stay up late to watch movies.

If you asked a little Lucille, she would scream “HALLOWEEN!” If you ask me today I’m a bit calmer about it, but the answer still stands. Halloween is my Christmas.

I spend the entire month of October getting in the holiday spirit. My Halloween movies are out, costume changes are made, and I sing “Come Little Children” under my breath at all times. Mind you I know the whole version, which is extraordinarily creepier than the version you hear in Hocus Pocus. Here’s the link, hope you enjoy it. Or are terrified. Either way…
http://youtu.be/QdNEY3i57UY

Nice and creepy.

So why do I love Halloween? Simple. It represents all things I love. Celebrating life, embracing the dark, and starting over. Halloween’s roots are always discussed and disputed. Most historians agree, however, that the closest link is with the Celtic celebration of Samhain (also celebrated on October 31st). Samhain, roughly translated to “summer’s end”, is a harvest festival still celebrated by many today. In popular cultures many Pagans celebrate it as a new year. Wiccans, in particular, see Samhain as their most important holiday. They celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed on and embrace that with the darkness, light is soon to follow. I’ve always appreciated that outlook.

Aside from that, Halloween brings out the fun supernatural side of me. You can usually see a deck of tarot cards on my desk and I’ve had discussions about different layouts for readings with many others. You can also hear me groan about people with their glow in the dark Ouija boards. That’s a complaint for another day. Many believe that during the time around Halloween the veil between the world of the living and the dead is thinner than usual. Many take this opportunity to pray hoping to get some kind of sign from loved ones who have passed. Others leave an extra place setting at the table to honor the dead and remind their loved ones that they will never be forgotten. I’ve always loved that. Call me silly for liking those traditions, but I believe honoring our loved ones that have passed on should be a part of everyone’s life.

On another silly note: Costumes. I have always loved dressing up, and there’s nothing I love more than seeing little kids who make their own costumes. Yes, store bought costumes are great (and amusing), but there’s something about a homemade costume that just always makes me smile. Probably because I was one of those kids. I was the super dork. I went as the Sorting Hat (from Harry Potter) one year. Lots of sewing. Lots of singing the sorting song. Pretty sure everyone wanted to murder me. Now I get excited when I get pictures of my little cousins (8 and 2) dressing up. Of course, I also get a bit uncomfortable. My little cousin Kyleigh went as a vampire this year. Here’s a photo of the cute kid.

Now you may want to know why I’m depressed by this. Well dear readers, I’ll let you in on a little secret. I went through a wee bit of a Goth phase and I swear I had a dress that looked just like that, only full black. My mother even stared at it for a while because she couldn’t figure out why it looked so familiar. Oh the memories.

I will be celebrating this weekend between papers and all that fun stuff. Still! Movie marathons while working on papers is always fun. I will even give you some movie suggestions I think fit with the Halloween spirit (in no particular order).
*Sleepy Hallow
*Corpse Bride
*The Silence of the Lambs
*The Nightmare Before Christmas (I prefer it during Christmas, but it works)
*Hocus Pocus
*Practical Magic
*Ghostbusters
*Beetlejuice
*The ‘Burbs (if you haven’t seen it, rent it NOW)

There are a few good choices. I’m not a huge fan of horror movies. I’m not afraid of them, I just find most of them to be too ridiculous to handle. I’m also a big fan of classics, so if you want a scary movie. Push away recent movies. Go make fun of 70’s films. Enjoy the classics like The Omen, Poltergeist, and the like. Spend some time with the classic Hollywood scary guys like Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney, Jr., and my personal favorite, Vincent Price. I don’t care who you are, if you don’t love that man’s voice there is something wrong.

So, dear readers. I hope you celebrate All Hallows Eve to the fullest! Give candy, dress up, dance around a bonfire, and celebrate!

Leave me messages on my blog to tell me how YOU are going to celebrate. I would love to hear/see costumes as well!

Keep Calm and Search for the Great Pumpkin!

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.