Tag Archives: university

Graduation!

Mercyhurst Sign

Here, I pose with one of my schools’ signs on the edge of campus.

 

I can’t believe that four years have come to pass. Sometimes, it feels like yesterday, that I was a high school senior preparing for college. Then, I realize how much I’ve grown and who I’ve become during my college experience, and know that it was definitely not yesterday.

After three major changes, I received my Bachelors Degree. I majored in Communication Studies and minored in Education Studies.

Now that I’m home from all of my adventures (that I’ll post about later), I’ve begun the job search. I’m nervous, because searching for a long-term, professional job is different from any sort of teaching or internships that I’ve had in the past. Not to mention, that I find my weaknesses, as I get further into the desired employee qualifications. My parents and older brother agree that they post higher standards than they actually expect in a candidate. That being said, it’s also allowed me to know what things I should independently study and look for books on.

With my parents at school after the commencement ceremony.

With my parents at school after the commencement ceremony.

I’ve enjoyed being home, because that has allowed me to connect with people where I wish to begin my professional career, and not 3,000 miles away. I’ve begun to network, but I’m still impatient, because my “ten year plan” begins at getting a job (as does getting my own apartment and a car).

My first two years at school, I developed a lot socially and emotionally- I became a truly independent woman. My last two years, I developed academically. I developed interests and independently studied topics I found interesting. I developed new skills, learned new computer programs, resume skills, and interview skills- and now I can’t wait to show them off. This final year has truly made me feel prepared to take on the professional world.

I still have many qualms, and sometimes I wish that I would have decided to take a fifth year of classes, but I couldn’t stand to be away from California any longer. I know that being back in the Silicon Valley will be more beneficial than more schooling.

So, I took my finals; bought a bunch of school merch; and prepared to move out, with the help of my family and friends.

During move out.

Here I am with my ex-roommate, turned best friend, Kahla, as she helps me move out.

I tried to live minimalistically my final terms at school this past year, because in previous years, there was so much stuff in my apartment to move, that it caused storage issues, and for me to miss my flight home.

College was everything they said it was going to be- and everything they didn’t say it was going to be- but I’m glad (and so ever thankful) that I got to go.

It’s been a good, Mercyhurst.

Me showing off my empty apartment during move out.

Me showing off my empty apartment during move out.

Take it easy and thank you.

I’m Studying Abroad!

This term, I’m studying abroad with my school in Ireland- more specifically Dungarvan- which is in County Waterford between Dublin and Cork.

Here I am on the harbor located right outside of the downtown.

Like I’ve seen in the movies and heard about, Ireland has tons of green fields and old castles and buildings.

There’s not many old buildings in San Francisco, since they get destroyed and burnt down during earthquakes, so this I’m always fascinated by the stone structures.

Another interesting aspect of the area is that there is a river with a harbor. Before the bridges were built, people had to wait until low tide to cross the water. If you look out at the right time of day, you can see boats in the middle of water sitting on silt islands.

The people here are all friendly and my school coordinates with a local named Tom that is our tourguide through the surrounding areas. The staff at the coffee chain, Bagel Bar, already know me and my order. Even places I visit every day back home haven’t learned mine yet.

As an introduction to the area (and to keep us awake long enough to set our sleep schedules), school had us spend the day after our flight at Kilkenny Castle.

Below are shots that I took right outside of the castle in the gardens, looking out into the nearby town.

I’m anticipating all of the adventures around Ireland and other European countries, which school has planned and we’re allowed to go out on our own for the weekends.

But I can’t forget that I am on a study abroad trip.

This term, I am taking European Literature and Film and Sociology at the Mercyhurst University building in Dungarvan, as well as taking a bus with my classmates to the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) once a week for Irish Language, Culture, and History.

On our second visit to WIT, Cadbury visited campus. They had clowns riding around on all sorts of unique machines and handing out chocolate. Here is a picture of their bug that was parked outside one of the main buildings.

Anyway, I’ll leave you with more pictures from my new home.

Until next time,
Katie