Sorry I’ve been MIA lately, but there’s just been so much going on! There’s so much to tell you, so I guess I’ll start at the beginning. As soon as school ended, my boyfriend and I headed down to Hockley Valley Resort for his dad and stepmom’s wedding, which was amazing. I think I met . . . → Read More: The Living’s Easy]]> Hey bloggies!!

Sorry I’ve been MIA lately, but there’s just been so much going on! There’s so much to tell you, so I guess I’ll start at the beginning. As soon as school ended, my boyfriend and I headed down to Hockley Valley Resort for his dad and stepmom’s wedding, which was amazing. I think I met more people than I’ll ever remember, but everyone was really nice and welcoming!

After that, I spent two weeks doing pretty much nothing (and enjoying every minute of it) with my mom! We read and watched countless Sex and the City episodes, and most excitingly, went to Greek Orthodox church for Greek Easter! While I’m not the slightest bit religious, my Dedo (grandpa) really loved that we went, and it’s always pretty funny. For anyone who doesn’t know, btw, the Easter service at Greek churches begin at 9 pm, and end at around 3 in the morning. And even better, we actually stayed for the whole service! Of course, it was all in Greek, so I couldn’t understand a word, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t fun!

Then I came back to Sudbury, to relax for a couple days and hang out with my family. And just yesterday, I started my Sudbury Star internship – which is AMAZING. It’s so much fun, and I feel like a real journalist lol!! (Yes, I am a huge nerd.)

So this is what I’ll be doing for the next six (awesome) weeks. Heading to Sudbury Star offices, writing, and going home! My days here are pretty busy, but this weekend I’m going down to Mississauga to spend the weekend with my boyfriend, which I’m really looking forward to!
We’re planning on going to the zoo, so I’ll take lots of pictures and keep you all updated!

But that’s enough about me – what is everyone else up to? I hope you’re all having an amazing, stress free summer!!!

Long time no see. I’ve been a tad caught up with writing essays and sleeping, but now its summer time so here I am! Let me tell you what’s up with me…

So my first year was awesome. I met a lot of new people and gained a plethora of useful knowledge. I’d like to give . . . → Read More: Summer Time in Sudbury]]> Hey blogosphere,

Long time no see. I’ve been a tad caught up with writing essays and sleeping, but now its summer time so here I am! Let me tell you what’s up with me…

So my first year was awesome. I met a lot of new people and gained a plethora of useful knowledge. I’d like to give a shout out to my profs from last semester: Biondi, Ferguson, McGauley, Meyer, and Cristiante for being super rad and teaching me life lessons and such.

I had the pleasure of being involved with the WSA (Women’s Studies Association) this year and aided in the campaign for equality. There’s no reason to discriminate, people! Race, gender, ability, sexual preference; it really doesn’t matter. I also had the pleasure of being elected to the LUPSA (Laurentian University Political Science Association) executive. Next semester, I’ll be helping plan Model Parliament and doing my very best to make it ridiculously fun. Oh yes, I’m also the new president of the Laurentian Young Liberals so find me if you want to be a part of any of the above mentioned things. Getting involved is a cool so do it.

I have recently moved from the liaison office at LU (which will be dearly missed) to the communications department. I love my job here. I learn almost as much as I do in my university courses, except in this case, they pay me (not the other way around haha). Never take for granted a situation in which you get paid to learn.

In other news, I’m travelling this summer. In 3 weeks I’ll be bussing around Germany and Poland on a holocaust remembrance tour. Upon my return, I get to see Montreal for the first time with my family. For the month of August I’ll be revisiting Taiwan to improve my Mandarin and explore my field of study. So rather interesting pictures and blogs are soon to come.

Oh yes, also, the WSA has a new website. Check it out:

http://conceptualizethis.tumblr.com/

But yah, it’s summer time in Sudbury and that should be the title of a song. I’ll buy a pizza for the first person to write a song titled ‘Summer Time in Sudbury”. If I write the song before you do, I get the pizza. I’m looking forward to all kinds of boating sports, swimming, biking, campfires, and patios (etc etc).

For those of you who went home to your respective cities for the summer, enjoy the time at home and we look forward to seeing you in September.

For those of you who stayed in Sudbury, write the song.

This will be my final blog for Laurentian University and I hope that throughout my blogs, I have given you an inside look at what the life of a university student is like. The great thing about university is that everyone has different experiences, but the lessons that we learn are all fairly similar. University . . . → Read More: Saying Goodbye]]> Hey everyone,

This will be my final blog for Laurentian University and I hope that throughout my blogs, I have given you an inside look at what the life of a university student is like. The great thing about university is that everyone has different experiences, but the lessons that we learn are all fairly similar. University is not only a time to earn an education at an elite level, but it is a time to learn more about yourself as a person and begin to develop characteristics that will ultimately make you successful in the future. Throughout my 4 years at Laurentian, I have been fortunate to have an incredible amount of opportunities and meet so many fantastic individuals that this blog will not do it justice. I cannot speak highly enough for the time I’ve spent here and am extremely thankful that I clicked accept when the offer of admission came to me in grade 12. Laurentian made me who I am today, and I am extremely proud of what I’ve become. Now, there are a few groups of people that I want to thank before I wrap this up. 

The Faculty – When I came to Laurentian in first year, I was told that I would be more than a number. I would be able to talk to my prof and they would know my name and be open to having a discussion. I found this promise to be extremely accurate and would like to take the time to thank the faculty of Laurentian University. Although sometimes profs and students have their disagreements, they do a fantastic job and are there to make the students stronger and more prepared for life after school. I cannot speak of all programs, but throughout my 4 years, I found all the professors very helpful, and very understanding. Faculty members are not there to fail students, but they are there to support us as students, and for that, I thank you.

The Staff – These are the people who do not teach your classes, but are more involved in the University than most people think. I was lucky enough to have a couple experiences with a variety of staff members and can confidently say that these are the people that make the university go around. They are never really thanked for their hard work, even though they are one of the most important groups at Laurentian, therefore I would like to thank you all for your hard work.

Last but not least, The Students – To be honest, I do not even know where to begin this part. The people that I have come in contact with throughout my time at Laurentian have been fantastic individuals as well as fantastic classmates. If I have ever had a conversation with you, you helped me create such an amazing experience and contributed to all the memories I have from Laurentian. From the friendships I’ve made in Residence, to the friendships I’ve made in SPAD, and to the random friendships I’ve made over the years, I cannot thank you all enough. The people at Laurentian are simply fantastic and I cannot say enough about all of you. I wish you the best of luck in the future, and hope that our paths cross again sooner rather than later.

That’s about it for me here, I hope the readers have enjoyed reading these blogs as much as I have enjoyed writing     them. My experiences at Laurentian are easily some of the best memories I have and I cannot wait to begin the next chapter. However, I am happy that I wrote these blogs so that I can always be reminded of the 4 amazing years that I spent at Laurentian University. With that being said, I am unfortunately signing off as a Laurentian Blogger, and again, would like to thank everyone that I have met throughout my time at Laurentian University.

Well, it’s official – I have completed my first year at LU!! Even though the grades aren’t up on Webadvisor yet (and I would know since I’ve been checking obsessively since the 22nd) the first year is done, and every day reminds me that I’m one step closer to being all grown up!

When I moved . . . → Read More: All Grown Up]]> Hey bloggies!

Well, it’s official – I have completed my first year at LU!! Even though the grades aren’t up on Webadvisor yet (and I would know since I’ve been checking obsessively since the 22nd) the first year is done, and every day reminds me that I’m one step closer to being all grown up!

When I moved out of HU, I am a little embarrassed to admit I cried a total of 3 times, and that was only on the actual day – let alone all the times I had gotten emotional leading up to the day. My (former) roommate, who is absolutely amazing, will not be returning to Huntington, but is going to West instead, since that’s where most of the other varsity athletes she knows live. I got really emotional saying bye for the summer, but I’m sure I’ll see her soon.

It’s been a busy week and a half – first I had two exams on one day, then moved out, and later that day returned to HU to wait for my boyfriend to be finished, at which point we headed back down South. From there we spent the weekend at the always-amazing Hockley Valley Resort for his fathers wedding. And now, finally, I’m relaxing!!

On a side note, has anyone read any good books lately? Since I finally have time to relax, I’m starting Ernest Hemingway’s The Garden of Eden (which is supposed to be amazing, and is one of his most famous books.) As soon as I’m done that, it’s straight on to Jodi Picoult’s new book The Storyteller – and for those of you who don’t already know, I’m completely obsessed with anything and everything Picoult does, so I’m sure it’ll be amazing as well!

So far, it’s amazing!

I’m off to return to the novel – I hope everyone did amazing on exams, and for your own sake, don’t follow in my obsessively-checking-the-internet footsteps!!!!

LU friends <3

1. Professors who actually care about you

No matter what, you will hate certain . . . → Read More: Top 10 Things I Will Miss About LU]]> As much as I’ve been counting down the days I have left of my undergrad, and cursing the world for all of the papers I have to write, I am really going to miss LU. In no particular order, here’s why:

LU friends <3

1. Professors who actually care about you

No matter what, you will hate certain classes, and maybe even certain professors, but I honestly can say that every prof I have worked with from my two programs of English and Italian has been amazing. They actually just want you to do well. They’ll support anyone who is willing to work for a good grade.

2. Sitting on the couches with Gandhi

In first and second year, I spent pretty well all of my free time hanging out and doing homework with my new friends by Gandhi in the library. I loved looking out the window, most often at a blanket of fresh snow, and just feeling so at home. Some of my best memories are from that space.

3. Lambda and Student Blogging

Even though I didn’t get involved as a writer until third year, working as a reporter and a blogger has given me so many amazing opportunities. I got to share experiences like meeting and interviewing Margaret Atwood, and going to Fashion Week in Toronto!

4. Being a TA

I had two very different TA positions over this past school year that I really enjoyed. From when I had a TA in my classes in first year, I always wanted to be a TA in fourth year. I’m so proud of myself for getting these positions; I got to run social media accounts, and hold a tutorial for first-year Italian students! Both jobs were so fun, and amazing experiences.

5. Small class sizes

This one doesn’t really need any explanation. More time to ask your profs specific questions, and further discuss the material? I’m all for that. Call me a nerd, but this made my LU experience so much better.

6. The sense of community

This has nothing to do with the TV show, Community, which I actually really don’t like. I just find that LU students like to stick together to fight for a good cause, and aren’t afraid to bring up serious issues. The Political Science department and LUPSA did a great job with their round table discussions this year. The Pride Association became a centre recently. I think that’s something to be proud of!

7. The Brenda Wallace Reading Room

The Italian Play

8. The English Arts Society + the writing community

I really flourished as a creative writer and editor over my time at LU. I met so many people who are involved in Sudbury’s writing community, and through EAS, I like to think that I was part of bridging LU writers to other writers in Sudbury. Shout-out to my fellow EAS editors for all of their hard work and contributions over the past years, especially those who started up the EAS again.

9. The Italian Play and Festa Fiesta

My professor of first-year Italian convinced me to take over a 6-line role in the Italian play in first-year, even though I was pretty terrified of being on stage. I definitely have her to thank for my involvement over the next three years. Being a part of Le Maschere has been one of the best of my LU experiences; I made so many friends and have had many a laugh! I also love Festa Fiesta, which is one of LU’s biggest events of the year. It’s always a party at Festa Fiesta.

10. Knowing that when I go to class that day, I will be seeing some of my best friends

So happy to have met this girl in first year!

For all current and future students, I can assure you that LU is a great place to begin your academic career, and give you the tools you need to be successive. My biggest piece of advice to you is get involved– talk to people, join clubs, attend events. Otherwise, have fun and good luck!

We’re now 75% of the way through the exam period, so things are either really winding down or just getting crazier. For me, it’s definitely the latter.

I’m about halfway through my exam time work, steadily continuing on like our good friend, the Little Engine that Could. With cheesecake and coffee as my fuel, I’m . . . → Read More: Fieldnotes]]> Hey LU friends!

We’re now 75% of the way through the exam period, so things are either really winding down or just getting crazier. For me, it’s definitely the latter.

I’m about halfway through my exam time work, steadily continuing on like our good friend, the Little Engine that Could. With cheesecake and coffee as my fuel, I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Standing beside Chad’s display

Here’s hoping that you darlings survived exams and are gearing up for summer. I’ve been quite the homebody for obvious reasons, but I did go check out the Fieldnotes art gallery at Cambrian’s Open Studio.

I absolutely love to see the work of local artists and Sudbury students, and I think it’s so great that this community is growing in the city.

What was even more amazing about the gallery evening was seeing my face in it! My friend Chad designed an iPad display of some sample magazine pages and used photos he took of me last fall. Very cool! So much great work in the show.

A pseudo-screenshot of Chad, his profile, and the designs

I’ve still got a few assignments to go, but having no classes has made me realize even more that I won’t be returning to LU in the fall. It’s a weird, weird feeling. Like I’m actually an adult, and, apparently, the type of adult who goes to gallery openings and discusses the possibilities of working in marketing.

I’m not sure how this happened but before I leave LU to your visions, as it was shown to me four years ago, I want to leave you all with my parting advice. Stay tuned for that next time

Good luck with the rest of the semester, or the starting of the best summer of your life thus far. Until next time…

It’s a very exciting time in residence – I’m moving out!!! I think I may be the only person weird enough to actually enjoy packing, so you may be surprised when I say that I actually had so much fun packing. I’m alone in the room tonight since my roomie is already gone, and in . . . → Read More: Packing and Moving!]]> Hey bloggies!

It’s a very exciting time in residence – I’m moving out!!! I think I may be the only person weird enough to actually enjoy packing, so you may be surprised when I say that I actually had so much fun packing. I’m alone in the room tonight since my roomie is already gone, and in true-Kayla-form, I’ve found yet another way to procrastinate studying. I’ve been playing music and dancing around like an idiot and cleaning… And oh my gosh, it’s sad that this is my idea of a fun night.

Anyways, tonight and tomorrow are probably the last nights I will spend in Huntington, and then I’m gone until September!! I can’t wait to be all unpacked in my new home (which is, conveniently enough, in Sudbury!) and get the summer started. I can’t wait to be care free – well, care free for a week, that is, since I’ll be officially starting my summer internship at the Sudbury Star on May 13th!!! YAAAAYYY! And then I’ll be super busy, waking up early, working as many hours as my editors will allow — and as I continue to write these blogs I’m realizing I think a lot of typically terrible things are fun!! Working for free, packing, cleaning… Haha!

I’ve had such a fun time in Huntington – if there are any future LU students reading these, I would recommend it to anyone. In my experience over the past 8 months; it’s been quiet enough that you can get work done, yet is still a fun place to be on the weekends! I’ve made some really great friends here, that I’ll love to live with again next year! (Yes, in case you’re wondering, I’m getting a little sentimental at the thought of moving out!)

MORE EXCITING NEWS to close this blog entry with – the always-awesome LU social media staff have asked me to continue blogging this summer! I’ll be in Subdury, and probably visit campus a lot, so there will be many more exciting things posted!

Good luck on everyone’s final exams, and see you next week!!

Because I think all of my readers are so important, I want to fill you in on the biggest life decision I have ever made: I have decided to stop trying to plan my whole life and not have a plan this coming September!

You’ve read all my blogs as I obsessed with graduation and future . . . → Read More: For anyone with a dream]]> Hello everyone!

Because I think all of my readers are so important, I want to fill you in on the biggest life decision I have ever made: I have decided to stop trying to plan my whole life and not have a plan this coming September!

You’ve read all my blogs as I obsessed with graduation and future prospects (more education and planning), and now I want to say that it’s okay to have a big dream and huge goals in life. Where does motivation come from otherwise?

It’s scary to think that university is going to push you through a heavy, metal doorway at the end of four years, letting you either fly into the wind or fall onto the street, but I honestly think life is about taking chances.

I’m definitely confident that I’ve learned at least something (okay, a lot of somethings) during my time at Laurentian. It seemed reasonable before to go to grad school and get more degrees but as my actual graduation approaches, I realized that I was using more education as a way to avoid the “real” world.

I’m not ready for a Master’s. I can’t even decide on one program! I just want to explore the world without fear. In this revelation, I am discovering how many things I will soon be free to do. I could go teach English in Europe. I can live in San Francisco because I like hills. I can become a fashion intern in Toronto. I could even sit on the couch eating cake all day! I won’t do that, though.

I apologize for the whole self-help, life-coaching feel to this blog but I want to tell you all this: you are totally capable of following dreams! You do not need to hold on to back-up plans just because you’re not quite sure where life is taking you. Even a back-up plan can’t be guaranteed (or can they? If you sell me back-up plan insurance, I’ll consider changing my views).

I’m going to take my valuable Laurentian degree and do stuff with it! Try and stop me