Summer Update

Just posted this on my tumblr:

Hello Tumblr, I’ve missed you! I’m sorry to have been away, but I worked 35 hours this week at my new job, started a class at Rivier College, and I just got home from cat-sitting!

First, my new job:

So I’m working at the Regina Library at Rivier College as the assistant to the Director of Technical Services. Basically my job consists of adding new records to the catalog and getting the books ready to go out on the shelves. I code, print, label, laminate, cover, stick, stamp and scan. I feel like I’ve already learned so much, and my boss has been great about training me to learn the library lingo so I feel smart (I have a notebook). I have my own desk and computer, and a fancy scanner. I love that beeping barcode noise.

My boss keeps asking if I’m bored, because so much of the work is repetitive and detail-oriented. But if you’ve ever met me, you know that I like routine and organization, so this job was designed for me. My second day at work I spent 15 minutes dusting and re-organizing my desk. I work Monday through Friday, 9 to 4:30 and I get a half hour for lunch. Most of the other librarians are older, so I typically eat on my own outside and read. It’s been beautiful weather and today I realized that my bench has a direct view of the volleyball court, where a few shirtless men just happened to be playing. What a fortunate coincidence…

Anyway, my favorite part of my job is probably getting to be the first one to open a book. I love that sound when the spine cracks and the smell of new paper. Ice cream Thursdays with the girls from upstairs are also fun.

Next, my class.

You didn’t think that a full time job would be enough, did you? I’m taking a 300-level Religion class called ‘Challenge of Peace’ on Monday and Wednesday nights and so far it’s really interesting. At the end of the term I’m doing a research project on Shirin Ebadi, who is amazing, and right now we’re covering Gandhi. This is the course description:

A critical study of the human and economic costs of violence, non-violent alternatives, conflict resolution, the peace and justice connection, the role of the individual, family, school, and organized religion in developing an orientation for peace and social justice. Special emphasis is placed on Catholic social teaching and the quest for peace in the major religions. Individual, spiritual, and educational perspectives on peace and social justice are experienced through discussions, role playing, teaching, and community service. Multicultural issues related to peace are delineated and explored.

The class is small, like St. Mike’s, but it’s kind of weird being with adults. I think they offer a different perspective (as do some other students in the class), and this is good because I am learning how to listen to different ideas and formulate intelligent and thoughtful responses. The 3 credits will transfer as a pass or fail (I plan on passing) and will count as one of my required 300 level classes for my Religious Studies major.

Ironically, my professor Brother Paul is a St. Mike’s alum. They’re everywhere! When I went to IT to get my Rivier Staff badge, they guy who worked there was an alum as well. I guess the St. Mike’s spirit is contagious.

Oh, did I mention I’m also going to be volunteering on Thursdays at the Wadleigh Memorial Library? I helped there for two years in high school and worked with the Children’s Room librarians. They’re going to set aside special projects for me this summer (like re-labeling the book bins). The librarians there are so nice, I love helping out.

I’m excited for the long weekend- Monday I’m going to the beach with my best friend Liz. It’s weird to think that a year ago we were going to Hampton for senior skip day… So much has happened since then!

Good night! I’ll again post soon, I promise.

ps. I’m desperately missing VT (I made a vanilla milkshake and put maple syrup in it) and my best VT friend, Derek. I can’t wait for him to come home from France next week! He’s studying there with a group of St. Mike’s students and I haven’t talked to him in almost three weeks. Love you Derek!

Getting ready for the Nook

No, not the electronic reader. The cute kind that's nestled in a corner and makes you want to read- that kind of nook.
Let me explain. Next year, I'm living on the North Campus in Linnehan hall, an old firehouse converted to a dorm, which is being used as sophomore honors housing. My room is in the middle of two other rooms, and we (the other girls on either side of me) have named this grouping our 'nook.'
I'm absolutely thrilled with my room and my neighbors. I'm also looking forward to meeting my roommate, most likely a transfer student who will be placed with me. Normally as a sophomore you live in a double with a friend or (if you're lucky) in the suites with 3 or 7 friends. My situation had a few hiccups, but the people at Res Life are amazing and sorted everything out so that I'm in a room alone for now and I will choose a roommate from people who are looking this summer.
Today, the sun finally appeared, so I took the opportunity to paint this sign in my backyard for 'our nook.'
I can't wait for August 27th!

What historical figure would you most like to meet?

Mainly authors: Anne Frank, Sylvia Plath, Virginia Woolf, Louisa May Alcott.

Ask me anything

The Unpacking

Note to incoming freshman: don't bring so much stuff! Moving in is great, because all these orientation leaders run around like crazy people up and down the stairs. There are more strong boys than you could ever ask for who are very handy when it comes to carrying things like fridges and chairs. BUT when you move out, you're on your own.

Another note: don't bring stuff up throughout the year without bringing stuff home. Equal exchange is the key. Cars don't grow while you're away at school. There were some seriously close moments when I looked from my pile to my car to my pile and didn't think everything would make it.

Also: vacuum sealable space bags are a godsend.

For any English majors, here's a comical photo.

I've acquired most of these books throughout the year, and my bookshelf at home is already full. The Norton Anthologies were for my Brit Lit I and Brit Lit II Honors classes- they are very expensive but great compilations. Unfortunately, books don't fit in vacuum seal bags. But would I rather have this gigantic pile stored digitally in an electronic reader? No way. Because I know that years from now I'll be able to look back through these books and see the notes I took during my first year of college, and that means so much more than convenience.

I end with a quote from Ray Bradbury:
"I still love books. Nothing a computer can do can compare to a book. You can't really put a book on the Internet. Three companies have offered to put books by me on the Net, and I said, 'If you can make something that has a nice jacket, nice paper with that nice smell, then we'll talk.' All the computer can give you is a manuscript. People don't want to read manuscripts. They want to read books. Books smell good. They look good. You can press it to your bosom. You can carry it in your pocket." 


Maybe not all these books can fit in the pockets of my skinny jeans, but to me this pile represents all the accomplishments of my first year at Saint Michael's. Congratulations, me.

Sometimes rain falls from the sun in NH

This is what my Mac told me today... not quite sure how to interpret this. I'm just glad I'm not at home.