Start of the Second Semester

Woo hoooo! I'm passed the slum of midterm exams! I'm now a second semester senior, and ready to finish my year in a great way. I know that I can't slack off, even though it's the stereotypical attitude for seniors to take. (Ever heard of "senioritis"?) Our teachers and counselors here at UC remind us to keep working hard so that we can prove to colleges that we just didn't care about the rest of our senior year grades.

This week, as many of you may know, is Catholic Schools Week. The theme is "Catholic Schools Celebrate Service." There is something special that goes on at UC for every day of the week. On Monday, a special prayer service was performed on UCTV by members of Peer Ministry, followed by a photo montage of UC students performing service. It was a "thank you" to all of the different clubs and organizations that perform different kinds of services, from the Ambassadors and Big Brothers and Sisters to the student created clubs like S.T.A.N.D. and R.E.A.C.H. Today, the teachers could enjoy a delicious breakfast in the development office. There was also a Club Period today. There will be "breakfast in the wings" for the different classes in the next coming days, as well as TWO tag days! Thursday is a UC Spirit day, and Friday is a sports/college gear day. Like I always say, there's always something going on at UC.

My birthday weekend was probably one of the best I've ever had. I didn't have to worry about homework because the 2nd marking period was over, and I was finished with all of my midterms. I hung out with my friends basically the whole time! I even had sleepovers for three days in a row :-) It was great! My friends and I took a road trip down the shore on Thursday after our morning exam... it was actually a perfect day because it wasn't too cold. We went to my favorite food place down there, Surf Taco! And then went on the beach for a little bit. On Friday we celebrated my birthday by going to the Hard Rock Cafe in New York. We took the train in and just shopped around afterwards - it was really fun! It made me feel independent and mature, something I've wanted for a really long time!

Play practices have started up again for Into the Woods. The acting and choreography is coming together pretty well. I think we're on a good path towards opening night on March 27th! ...Wow, just two months ahead!

Well, it's getting late. I'm going to wear my pajamas inside out and pray for a snow day tomorrow! :-) Talk to you all soon.

New Year, New Memories!

Hey everyone! Happy New Year! I hope you all had a great holiday season, enjoyed the snow, and have started to make some new memories. I know I have!

I have received 2 college acceptances so far... and boy does it feel good. I got into Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, and Rider University in New Jersey. I also got a $12,000 a year scholarship to Rider!! Receiving this news really made my winter break so much better, and settled some of my nerves. At least I know that I got in somewhere!

Let me update you on what has happened here in my life at UC. The Winter Pep Rally went so well! Dance Club did amazing and I was so proud of all of the girls. Since it was right around Christmas time, we opened the dance with "Santa Baby," then threw our hats off and performed to Britney Spears, Rhianna, and Lady GaGa! It was so much fun... I love performing in front of all of the whole school! A lot of people could never do this, but I'm used to it :-) We all got a lot of compliments afterwards, from students to faculty, so that made me feel really happy. I've already started planning for the Spring Pep Rally!

Arielle and I got 2nd at our last Forensics meet, and we have another one on Saturday. We're looking pretty good for Nationals - We are in 2nd place right now, behind our friends Alex and Chris! The top 6 finalists (cumulatively) at the end of the year get to go to Nationals over Memorial Day Weekend. It's always better to be safe than sorry, though, so we're still practicing hard and working to perfect our piece. I'm about to go practice with her and one of our coaches right now!

Everyone has been gearing up for the (dreaded!) Midterm Exams. Luckily though, this week has been going pretty smoothly because my teachers are going over the material and helping us review. We actually have a designated "Study Day" on Thursday, and then exams start on Friday. I haven't had much homework either, which is always a plus. I just have to complete my service project report for the 1st semester, and then I'm off to study-land! Oh, did I mention that my 18th birthday is during the exam week?! I'm so excited! I want to plan a night out with my friends.. it'll be a great way to celebrate not only my birthday but the end of exams!

I'll be talking to you soon. Have a great day!!