Trick-or-Treat

It was a beautiful day here at Siena. So beautiful that one of my professors let us out of class after about five minutes. The good weather could not have come at a better time for the trick-or-treaters that come to Siena on Halloween. You see, every Halloween that I've been here, Siena has hosted kids around the Albany area for trick-or-treating. Students here at Siena are asked to give some of their time and candy in order to make Halloween a memorable experience for these kids (many of whom, do not live in communities that are safe enough top just go and knock on people's doors). Its great to see all of the costumes, many of which are of characters I don't even recognize any more. In any case, its always a blast!

Stress

Hey ya'll...haven't talked in a while, hope everyhting is going well at home and in school. College has been crazy for me for the past three weeks, its been a struggle to get everything straight, but I've finally caught up on homework, appointments and errands. The past two weekends we were on the road for hockey going to Michigan and then to Pennsylvania. It was a great time, hanging with the guys and of course watching and playing good hockey. The only problem is, it was hard to get my homework done on the road. Now that I finally feel like I'm caught up, I got three exams next week in Calculus, Chemistry and Biology. I thought I would have time to relax this weekend, dress up for Halloween, go out, and have some fun with the friends, you know blow off some steam; however, i just found out a few days ago that we have two games this weekend. One game is in NJ and the other is in NYC. We are going to be gone all weekend again. I'm kind of sad I have to miss such an awesome holiday as well as worried about getting my studying done. Although I'm a little stressed, my weekend could turn for the best. God forbid our starting goalie is out with an injury, I wish him well, but this allows an oppertunity for me to play. I'm excited for todays game and I hope it brightens up my weekend. Only time will tell eh?

See ya next time,

Josh B

Long Island In The House?

Hi Everyone!

Happy Halloween! I've had such a busy week that I don't even have a costume for tonight! Does anyone have any ideas? HaHa, I was thinking about being Dr. Derek Shephard from Grey's Anatomy. Either that or Michael Phelps! HaHa. But I'll take any suggestions that you guys are offering.

So what's new with you? Hows the college search coming along? No one is filling me in yet! What other schools are you looking at? Anything new and exciting in your life? I tell you guys my story so it's only fair that you tell me at least something in return.

I have a question for you guys...Is anyone from Long Island, NY? Siena has a student reception on Long Island where Siena comes to you! It is on November 19 at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale! You should absolutely register and hear Siena out. Oh and the reason why I mentioned this specific date for Long Islanders is because I am the guest speaker! So come here what Siena is really like from a involved Siena student and meet awesome people along the way.

There is also one in Syracuse, Westchester, Park Ridge New Jersey, and NYC!

Even if you have visited Siena before, come to a reception near you. You can meet all the fabulous admissions representatives and current students who discuss Siena one on one with you!

If your interested in attending, go to http://www.siena.edu/ and click on prospective students and then click on Visit Siena! Scroll down and register! It's really a awesome way to see if Siena is right for you. Whether you've already applied, been accepted or are just considering us, come to the reception.

I really hope to see my fellow Long Islanders on the 19th! Let me know if your attending!!!!

Talk to you guys soon!

Love,

Patrick Creegan

WANTED ASAP: Halloween Costume Idea

So tomorrow is Halloween and I don’t have a costume yet!! Anyone have ideas?!! Every year local families bring their children on campus for trick-or-treating. Its so cute to see them around campus in costumes! A lot of upperclassmen will go into downtown Albany for various Halloween events or haunted houses. Lots of things are going on on-campus also, as always. Siena students love Halloween!

Anyways so I mentioned in a previous post about how I was going to Manhattan last week for my 2nd interview with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). I went last Friday and it went amazing! I had 3 separate interviews with different executives and 45 minutes after I left the office, they called to make me an offer…SO EXCITING!! For those that are not familiar, PricewaterhouseCoopers is the #1 accounting firm in the world (crazy right!?). The position I got is with the Audit/Assurance division for a summer internship with the potential to continue as a full-time associate after graduation. It is so exciting and comforting to know that I have a job waiting for me =). Siena was instrumental in getting me this position. My first point of contact with PricewaterhouseCoopers was at the career fair last month. I learned that the PwC recruiters come directly to Siena because of our outstanding reputation and excellent accounting program, whereas students at other schools don’t get that advantage and have to apply with the masses.

Have an awesome weekend!
- Greg

Histology... ugh.

The last few weeks have been insanely busy for me. I've been studying for my histology exam which is split up into a lab practical and a lecture exam over two days. Tomorrow I take the lab portion of it, and the following day the lecture exam. I didn't do as well as I had hoped for on my first exam, so I've been studying extra hard for this upcoming exam. On the last test, I knew all the material, but I had minor points taken off for not writing down specifically what the professor was looking for. Now that I have a better idea of how she grades her tests, I think this upcoming exam will be easier. I've already met with her and spoken to her about my grades. If I work hard, I can still pull off an A in this course.

That's part of the reason why I love Siena. The professors here are so understanding and are always willing to work with you. I love telling the story about my philosophy class my freshman year. I decided to take honors philosophy with Dr. Santilli. He's a great professor, but being my first real honors class, I had some difficulty with it. By mid-semester, I was averaging a C, and I'm typically an A student. I sat down with my professor and we talked it over. He worked with me on my final paper and gave me suggestions. He told me what books I should be looking into and what direction I should take my paper in. I re-wrote my paper so many times, and each time, my professor gave me great feedback. I ended up getting an A on my final paper which gave me a B+ as an overall course grade. To this day, that B+ is the lowest grade on my transcript, but I could not be prouder of it. I worked so hard to achieve that grade. It comes to show how willing professors are to work with you. The professors here at Siena genuinely care about the students and are willing to do whatever it takes to help a student pass a course.

Its times like these when I look back at my decision to come to Siena and realize that it was the best decision I ever made.

-Until next time,

Indira

LSAT Spells Your Future!

For starters, my apologies for not posting sooner, I've been having some computer trouble. Fortunately, I have several friends who are computer whizzes and, if they fail to fix my computer disasters, I can always take my computer to IT&S, which is a technology support center located here on campus.

In any case my computer is now up and running again.

Back to the LSAT. I think I've mentioned this before, but the LSAT stands for the "Law School Admissions Test." If you do well on the LSAT and you will go to law school. If you don't do well on the LSAT then you will not go to law school (even if your GPA is 4.0). It is as simple as that. It's difficult to overstate just how important the test is to your chances of going to law school.

Seeing how attending law school is my goal after graduation, it is important that I start preparing for the LSAT. This past Saturday I was able to take a practice LSAT right here on campus. Getting a preview of what the test will look like should be very beneficial as I start to study for the test.

As a Siena student, there are several resources available to help me weave the not so simple path to law school. Dr. Cutler, for instance, is one of our political science professors here on campus. The man is a walking encyclopedia and makes it his job to do everything he can to help you along the process. Judge King, Siena's "Jurist-in-Residence" is always willing to answer your questions. The pre-law society can be of help too. The society plans programs throughout the year aimed at familiarizing students with the work they should be doing in order to be ready for the LSAT and for law school in general. For instance, this past week the Dean of Buffalo University Law School came on campus to speak with students.

As a junior, I'm looking to take the LSAT this coming June. Hopefully, with enough dedication on my part, as well as the ample resources available to me here on campus, I will do alright.

Until next time,
Mike DiSiena

"Law is order, and good law is good order." ~Aristotle

What's New in your life?

Hey everyone,

How is your week going? I hope this blog finds you all in high spirits.

So it's October 25, have you heard back from any schools? Have you applied to any schools? Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision? Have you just recently re-taken your SAT'S?

I honestly cannot believe that I am a college sophomore. I graduated in 2007! I mean, I know I'm only 19 but I don't know, I don't feel 19. As Ferris Bueller states, (Ferris Bueller's Day Off, my favorite movie) Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. I am really different from freshman year, I guess you could say. I'm still doing all my work and of course, I am doing quite well. But I guess, I really am living in the moment. My semester is already more than half over, it really is flying by. Siena just keeps getting better with time for me; each and every new day, brings new challenges and most importantly more fun.

So now as I move back to you guys...How is your senior year? Show some school spirit, go to your homecoming, pep rally, and senior breakfast. Don't slack off in classes and enjoy your last year. Because as Ferris Bueller would say, It moves pretty fast, and if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. It's going to come to an end very soon and then you start a whole new chapter in your life.

If your reading this blog, then you really have your college priorities in order. Apply to schools early and often. You only have one chance, and you must be certain that the school you attend, is perfect for you. For me, it was Siena. I immediately embraced the sense of community on this campus. How the students are just like one another and we all are in this together. We all do so much for each other, ranging from small things like simply holding the door for each other, or big things like always being there for each other. If you haven't visited Siena yet, you absolutely should and I promise you that you will feel like you'll belong. It doesn't matter if your a freshman or senior, we are a family.

To me, that's what college is about. Aside from advancing education, but making lifelong friendships. Meeting the men in my wedding party, and who knows maybe a future wife. There is so much more to college than paper after paper. And if people tell you that it's just strictly about that, and not about joining one of Siena's 75 clubs and organizations, in my opinion they are totally mistaken. College is what you make of it!

Good luck to all!

And remember, take one step at a time, there's no need to rush...

Let me know how your college search is going! Tell me about senior year!

I am here at your disposal, take advantage of it.

Until next week...

Love,

Patrick Creegan

Back!

Hey guys! Sorry I've been away for so long. I told Admissions I'd blog this semester and then I kinda forgot that I wasn't blogging. Oops! But some updates for you all. Over the Summer, I was selected as a McGuire Society Student to work with the Admissions staff @ Siena to conduct interviews, attend programs, and help with the application review process. It's been going great so far! I'm pleased with how involved I am as a Senior. Student Senate has been going well. We just got the ATM installed in the Townhouses, we would have the legal music downloading agreement before Thanksgiving, I am working to get other Albany area Student Governments together to share ideas and build networking, I'm hoping to change the campus computer homepages to the new Senate page (www.siena.edu/senate), and much more stuff is going on. I'll try to blog once a week or so to give you more specifics, but I just wanted to drop in and let everyone know I'm alive. Classes are going well, best midterm grades I've ever gotten in college came this semester! Woohoo! Ok people, contact me if you have questions, but I'll be back soon!

Cherry O!

Hello all! Today i received some WONDERFUL NEWS! I have been approved by Siena to go abroad!! Holy moly cannoli! Can you believe it?! I start my application to Birkbeck which is part of the University of London over the course of the next two weeks! IM SO EXCITED! :-)

Anyway, I hope everyones fall season is going well! I've been outrageously busy, but everything is going pretty well. Mid-semester grades also came out today, and the grades which are posted are pretty much all A's and A-'s, except for my Micro Economics grade, which is currently a C. Boo! But honestly, I'll take it, because it is so hard! And I'm really really trying. So, as long as I know I'm really trying my hardest, its all I can ask of myself.

On another note, Halloween is even closer! I actually just got an email from the St. Baldrick's foundation, which is a children's cancer foundation. I really want to try to organize an event on campus, where anyone who wants to donate/shave their head for kids cancer will come! I feel like Siena is such a giving, caring community that it can happen! So there's a bunch of exciting things going on in my life.

Anyway, gotta run, time to go do some work!

Lauren*

PS- How are all the applications coming?! Early decision and early action are coming soon! Id like to hear your stories! SHARE WITH ME! :o)

Halloween Extravaganza!

Every year, Siena's Black and Latino Student Union puts on an event called Halloween Extravaganza. Siena students volunteer to help out with certain tables at which local kids from the community can come and participate in activities. For instance, there will be face painting, pie-eating contests, pumpkin painting, and a mini haunted house!

This year I'll be helping out with the donut eating table. Kids have to eat a donut off of a piece of string without using their hands. They'll be racing against other kids for a prize. I'll be at the table representing the Asian Students Association, but also with my residents (because I'm an RA and using it as a service program)

The Halloween Extravaganza is this coming Saturday and I'm pumped to see all the kids from the community. Some of their costumes are so cute! Below is a picture from last year's halloween extravaganza. I'm somewhere in the crowd of kids explaining the rules.


- Until next time, Indira

Get Your Popcorn Ready...

Okay Okay, I know I'm late again...
I swear I didn't mean it, your boy over here sometimes gets busy haha.
But I have so much to blog about tonight, it really is going to be well worth your wait. I promise.

Chapter One: Haha I'm just kidding, but not really.

Currently, I am at my home on Long Island for the weekend. I know, I know, I'm a sophomore and I am home. Let's be honest, I still do get homesick. I drove home from campus today and I probably listened to Home by Daughtry about 85 times. Haha and yes I am one of those drivers who sings while he drives. I have no shame.

Anyway, I had such a busy week at Siena so far. It flew by and I cannot wait to go back to school on Sunday.

For starters, I got a 104 on my accounting exam (It was out of 100 points haha)! So that was an absolute great way to begin my week. My professor even approached me after class and congratulated me on a job well done. All my studying was well worth the 104 %. I did get a 75 on a business law test haha but we won't be discussing that in this blog.

Anyway, thats neither here nor there. As you may or may not know, Siena is a small, private liberal arts college. So what is a Business Finance major like myself doing at Siena. Well aside from our amazing AACSB business accreditation, I want to be fully educated. Siena educates the Cura Personalis, the whole person. The liberal arts have totally changed my life for the better.

Allow me to give you an example of what I am trying to say.

Through my freshman foundations class, we had to attend a lecture by a gentleman named Jim Keady and it was called, Sweatshops and Social Justice. It may not seem exciting. but it's just one part of the liberal arts that has changed my life. Jim Keady was a division one soccer coach at St. John's university and he was fired because he refused to wear Nike products. Nike uses sweatshops in Indonesia and pays their workers $ 1.25 a day. Jim moved to Indonesia for one month and lived the life of a sweatshop worker. How amazing is that? Nike outsources American jobs and puts their workers in hazardous conditions for little to no pay, just to make a quick buck. Well needless to say, Keady's presentation changed my life. As a freshman, I wrote a ten page paper about his topic. The theme of my paper was, do banks who lend funds to socially irresponsible companies, like Nike, have an obligation to make sure the money they lend is used for responsible purposes. Look at today's credit crisis and subprime housing market. Banks are just lending out money and not looking into socially responsible investments. We have a duty to all members of the human race and sweatshops are unacceptable.

So, Keady's presentation was so good last year, Siena has brought him back again this year! My professor knows how much it has infulenced my life and guess who is having dinner with Jim Keady this monday night. Thats right, I am! How awesome is that? One of my role-models who helped shaped who I am as a person is going to have dinner with me! Also, how awesome is my professor for looking out for me like that?

My education here at Siena thus far has been so much more than strictly business and finance. It is through my Siena College liberal arts education that will shape this future investment banker, venture capitalist and politican.

I'm still looking for my first comment still!

I can't wait to post back next week!

Love,

Patrick Creegan

We're half way there!

So it did not take that long for the Dodgers to lose since my last post. While I am disappointed that my favorite team won't be making an appearance in the World Series I'm glad I can spend some more time on my schoolwork rather than watching baseball. After all, it is midterm season (I can't believe half of the semester is over and done with already). Midterms in college are actually very similar to those in high school. They count for a large portion of your final grade and they cover everything you have done in the course. I'm feeling pretty good about the one's I have taken so far. Two midterms down and three to go. Wish me luck...please!

As for the goings on here at Siena I can report that last week Gideon Yago, of MTV fame visited the campus to discuss the power and influence of Generation X, which includes anyone from age 17-27. I went reluctantly to see him speak, at the request of one of my friends in charge of the event. In retrospect I'm glad I did because the statistics Yago recited were very interesting. What was most striking was the way MTV determines what programs it will produce. Yago said MTV hires anthropologists and ethnographers (basically people that study human behavior) to observe the average teenage life in America. They report back to MTV and MTV then makes its programs based directly on their reporting. Think about that the next time you're watching The Hills!

Alright, well, back to studying for me. Take care.
Mike DiSiena

and so passes another week..

Hello hello hello!  Wow has it been hectic here at Siena!  I've been giving tours out the wazoo, and midterms midterms midterms!  I cant believe how fast this semester is flying by.  Its crazy!

So lets recap from the last time I wrote...

First off, parents weekend was awesome!  (It feels like wicked long ago..) but it was amazing.  We had so much fun, and seriously it was just nice to chill and relax with my family.  Speaking of which, I went home this past weekend.  It was yet again just a weekend of relaxation, which is so incredibly appreciated when your life is a whirlwind.  Your family is so much more appreciated when they aren't around every second. Ha ha :-)

I got my first midterm grade back today, and guess what?  I got an A!  I was so happy :-)  I mean it was Religion, but he's not exactly the easiest grader, so I'm happy.  And I actually didn't do as bad on my Economics midterm as I thought I did.  Still didn't do well, but hey, I passed, ha ha.

Halloween is approaching!  What is everyone being?!  I love Halloween so so SO much.  Me and my boyfriend are actually being Pebbles and Bambam from The Flintstones!  How funny is that?  I thought it was pretty cute :-P  Before I know it, it will be Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and then Spring semester.  AHHH!

OH! And i have some VERY exciting news!  I've been really thinking about studying abroad, so I went to this dinner that our school was sponsoring for the class of 2011, which was all about studying abroad.  All I have to say is, it fully confirms the fact that I want to go.  I have absolutely no doubts what so ever.  I really want to go to London, 1) because I've never been there, and 2) my cousin and her hubby live there!  So this way if I ever get homesick, they are there in case I need!  My meeting with Fr. Brian is on October 23rd, so hopefully all will go well!  I think I've mentioned this before, but two of my best friends are overseas right now, one in London, and one in Dublin.  They are really having the time of their lives!  

I also did yet another big thing today!  I DECLARED MY MAJOR! I am now an English Major, with a Business Minor, and a Theater Certificate.  I'm really happy I FINALLY declared!  Its just like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders.  But honestly, I wouldn't have done it any other way besides coming in undeclared.  It gave me the opportunity to poke around a little bit, and dab in different things.

So, school is pretty awesome right now, and I just am going with the flow!  Hopefully, I can bring my grades up, just a bit, to reassure I'm okay with going abroad.  I'm so excited!!!! <--did i mention that already?!

And PS, I know I promised I was going to be consistent, and I'm sorry I didn't write (again) last week.  I promise I'm not usually this bad of a blogger, but life has just been super hectic.  I pinkie pinkie swear that I will be writing every week from now on!  I mean come on, who doesn't want to hear ALL ABOUT ME?! :-)  jk jk.

Alrighty!  Till next time folks!,

Laur

Where does the time go?!

Hey everyone, hope all is well.

As of late I haven't been able to figure out where the time has gone. I'm always so busy between hockey, school, and friends that I haven't been able to sit back and take it all in. I just realized the other day, we are already half way through our first semester this week. I couldn't believe it! Only a month and a half into school and the semester is almost gone. Soon Thanksgiving (aka my favorite holiday) will be here. Once we come back from that little vacation we have two maybe two and a half weeks before the semester closes and winter break begins. I remember during orientation professors, counselors, and advisers stressing to the student body that there is no time to waste. If your a student that is slow to get started in school, you're going to have a tough time, because before you know it, the marking period will fly by. The best advise to give is to jump right into your work. If you don't, the work will definitely catch up to yah if your not careful, especially if your a student who plans to be active in sports or clubs around campus. Most teachers have limited grades. Some give little to no homework and base their grading around tests and quizzes. Learning to study is a tough thing. There are a lot activities going on around campus, but its up to you as to whether or not you take part or study. I learned this idea quickly after I got back my first bio exam. I ended up saving my studying for the last minute and the grade reflected. Currently, I'm trying to dig myself out of a hole by doing the best I can on the few assignments our teacher gives us. Not good!... There's a time to study and a time to play, its just realizing when its appropriate for which.

Take it easy ya'll,

Josh Baillargeon

Week #42

So its been another crazy-busy week for me. We had a long weekend-which was great-but it was such a tease…I could really use like 2 weeks off about now.
I am going this weekend with the business fraternity I am involved with, Delta Sigma Pi, to a business leadership conference in Boston, MA. All of the collegiate and alumni chapters in the northeast will be represented so I am very excited for lots of fun and excellent networking.

Attention all potential accounting majors (aka number-crunching nerds….jk!) tonight I am going to an information session about the new Masters of Science in Accountancy program that Siena is starting up. As you know Siena is an only undergraduate institution. However, in response to New York State changing the requirements for accountants to sit for the uniform certified public accountancy (CPA) exam, Siena has followed suit with other colleges in implementing a Masters degree program that will fulfill the educational requirements. The program is a one-year accelerated M.S. degree. I am looking forward to hearing what they have to say about the program because I would LOVE to stay at Siena an extra year for my Masters rather than go elsewhere!

Anyways I am signing-off here…I have philosophy in an hour and want to re-read the assignment so I’m not lost (it can get pretty complex!).

Until next time,
Greg


If there were ever a time to dare,
to make a difference,
to embark on something worth doing,
it is now.
Not for any grand cause, necessarily—
but for something that tugs at your heart,
something that’s your aspiration,
something that’s your dream.

You owe it to yourself to make your days here count.
Have fun.
Dig deep.
Stretch.
Dream big.

Re-cap!

Whoa, talk about busy! These last few weeks have been absolutely crazy! Here's a recap of what's been going on in my life:

I had multiple exams over the past few weeks. From Spanish to histology and a religion paper as well, I've been busy studying. I usually go down to the library to study, but sometimes I'll go over to Roger Bacon, the science building to study. Science majors have 24-hour access to the building.

I've also been busy with Read for the Stars, a new club on campus. I'm actually vice president so it has been kind of crazy lately. The club goes into Albany's inner city schools and promotes literacy and education. Last week the students made their first visit into the school, so I have been busy coordinating the activities.

Also, we had our first practice for the Bhangra Team! This is a north Indian dance team and I just tried out this semester, so I need to learn the whole 7 minute dance! The first practice went very well. It's a lot of fun, but I also need to practice in my own time. We're performing at Siena's Fall Fusion, a multicultural talent show on November 15th.

Well, thats about all I have time for now, but I promise I'll update more often!

-Indira

A long week

Although this week was a shortened one for Siena, it was certainly long enough for me. It was pretty "rough" to put it short. Homework, homework, homework, that's all it consisted of. I've come to find out quickly that college is a big step compared to high school. For me high school was far from a walk in the park, there were a lot of late nights and early mornings doing homework, but college seems like the homework just keeps coming. Now I don't want to scare you because there is certainly time for fun in college as well as the ability pass with good grades; however, you have got to be very disciplined with your time. The most difficult aspect of homework in college is that the courses and curriculum are much more strict. It's tough on me when i spend 4 or 5 hours on homework at night, pass in my paper and receive a "B" or a "C", especially when in high school I received all "A's". Although I haven't got the grades I've wanted on all my papers and labs, there have been helpful resources for me to go to in order to do better. Each department has tutoring sessions for free, teachers have office hours, and peers and classmates are always willing to help. One the greatest perks of Siena is their ability to help you succeed in college. Nobody wants to see you fail. If a student does fail its because they just don't care or aren't willing to put in the time to understand the material. Professors want to help you, which, in my eyes, is awesome. I had a problem with my labs this week and couldn't understand what I was doing wrong. I made the initiative to go see my professor and we sat down for an hour, chatted about the rubric and grading system and I could finally see where I was going wrong. Our little talk will save me time in the future doing labs and allow me the chance of attaining a better grade. Never be afraid to ask a question your unsure about today, cause it could save you big time tomorrow!!!

Keep it real...

Josh Baillargeon

Sportsfans!

The beginning of Fall means the baseball playoffs are right around the corner. I don't know if that means anything to you but it means I get to root for my Los Angeles Dodgers. This year it also meant my Economics professor could root for his Chicago Cubs, my Basic Logic professor could root for the Milwaukee Brewers, and my Philosophies of Love professor could root for the Boston Red Sox.

I particularly like to watch the games with my friends in my residence hall. As soon as game time begins everybody is watching and reacting to what is going on all simultaneously in different rooms. It might sound strange but it can become hilarious at times with people shouting across the hall. Looking toward the World Series I'm hoping for Dodgers v. Red Sox. My roommate is a die hard Red Sox fan and, as I said, I love the Dodgers. On top of that he thinks my mere presence in the room is bad luck for the Red Sox. That should make for some real fun, stay tuned for further developments!

My Long Weekend

Hi everyone,

How's it going? I hope all is well.

So, Siena has no classes today (Friday, 10/10/08) for President's holiday. I remember this time last year when I was a freshman, I was so excited to go home for the first time and be with my family. This year, my family is coming to visit me (so as you can imagine, I am quite excited). Campus is very quiet due to the fact that most students are home. I'm happy for the freshman that they are mostly all home with their families. 

So believe it or not, I actually have some pretty exciting stuff planned for next week. HaHa, its the truth, I swear. This tuesday, I am going to a Study Abroad Dinner on campus. If you want to study abroad, it has to be planned very far in advance. I am looking to go junior year (next year) spring semester. The dinner seems awesome! First, we all have all this international food and then past students who have studied abroad tell us about their travels and their internships. 

Also, I have set up an appointment with the Study Abroad Office here at school for the following day to discuss my future plans. I would absolutely love to go to England. 

So I will keep everyone posted next week on how my interview went and how the dinner was!

Keep reading guys! And can someone please leave me a comment and show me some love!

Love,

Patrick Creegan

Real World?!

So the last 2 weeks have been insanity. I feel like I am so immersed in studying, group projects, and homework…it is crazy! I have two major group presentations in the works: Operations Management and Taxation. Siena is big on group projects and class presentations. While they may seem annoying, they are excellent preparation for what you will encounter in the business world presenting to colleagues, clients, and so on.
Speaking of the business world…I mentioned last time I wrote that I was applying for a summer accounting internship at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, one of the “big four” firms. My resume was selected for an interview, which I had last week and it went great! They did the interviews right here on campus at the career center. I was so nervous! I got an email yesterday though that they were very impressed, and want to have me to their New York City office for another interview and to meet one of the partners of the firm. They are paying for me to come down to the city and for a hotel!! So exciting!

I’ll keep you posted!

.: | Greg

My First Case!

Hi everyone!

How are you doing? I hope that everything is going well for you.

As stated in some of my previous blogs, I am a member of the Student Conduct Review Board here at Siena. I sit on this committee with eight other students ( 1 more fellow sophomore, 4 juniors and 3 seniors) and six faculty members. Our job is to interpret Siena life and protect the rights and responsibilities of every member of the college community. We face really tough cases as a board but its amazing how we all work together and formulate an exceptional opinion that benefits both the college and the student. As a review board member, I try to get the best facts possible and get as many answers as I possibly can. We do not look look to harm the student. To be honest, I am a student so I give them the benefit of the doubt. I am involved in so many clubs here but the Review Board is something that I am most proud of. It's kind of funny because people always say as a board member, you should be careful because you are prosecuting fellow students on a small campus. I feel like a powerful judge when people say that. It's actually pretty sick.

So, today your favorite rookie had his first case. There were so many witnesses and it went over 3 and a half hours. The whole board was so focused and I was so proud to take part in such an awesome experience. My goal as a board member is to make sure that with every sanction (punishment) that I help assign, I want it to be a learning experience for all parties involved. I do not just say, okay well, you had a violation, we should expel you. That isn't my job. It's our job to find the facts and to help all students learn and make the most informed decision to benefit Siena and the student.

I heard we have had plenty of readers, thats awesome guys! And to my fellow bloggers, let's keep up the good work baby!

Yours truly,

Patrick Creegan

Transitus

In my now three years at Siena I had yet to attend the Transitus. "The what?" you might be asking. Well, as you may or may not know, Siena bills itself as a Catholic, particularly Franciscan college. That means the college is inspired by, and models itself in many ways after the example of St. Francis of Assisi. Every year, a short prayer service is celebrated "commemorating the passing of St Francis' soul into eternal life." This is the Transistus.

As I said, this was the first time I had attended and I have to say it was rather moving. Every Franciscan friar on the Siena campus came to the event, solemnly proceeding into the chapel here on campus. Among other attendees were various professors and administrators, not to mention students and their families.

During the service I was struck by, among other things, the strong sense of community that Siena has the fortune of fostering. It is easy to overlook this treasure but events such as the Transistus serve as little reminders that the "Siena community" is more than just words.

Enjoy,
Michael DiSiena

"Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance." ~St. Francis

The first game!

After weeks of practicing and hardcore dry land training the hockey team finally had their first game. All of our hard work and extra efforts paid off as we gave Oswego State a thumping, 8-2. The first five minutes turned out to be a little scary as our captain got a minor concussion driving to the net, but that only fueled the flames for our success. Coach kicked us in the rear after seeing our sluggish start and we rallied to a 4 goal first period. The second proved to be even better as we pounded in 4 more goals and added to their misery. When the third period rolled around coach tapped me on the shoulder. He told me "Get ready, your going in." Being that I'm a freshmen i didn't expect to get too much playing time. I was surprised to see that I was the back-up goaltender for our opening game, but i hadn't expected to play. I was so nervous it was ridiculous. The last thing I wanted to do was blow a 7 goal lead in twenty minutes of hockey! Low and behold my anxiety only made me play that much better. I only let in one goal on the power play off a rebound, no biggy. My teammates were awesome, so supportive. They could tell I was nervous and made every effort to relax me. They really came through for me. They've made me feel more a part of the team and taken me under their wing. We all hang out both on and off the ice. The team has, in a way, become my family. We in fact have two games this weekend and hope to pull out some wins. I hope ya'll attend the home game against Robert Morris! Keep it real.

Peace, Josh Baillargeon

Sorry!

Hey guys, sorry about no posting last week! The days just keep getting busier and busier as we get closer to midterms...

Anyway! This upcoming weekend is parents weekend, which is awesome. I miss my parents (you will too when you go to college believe it or not!), and I cant wait to see them! My sister is coming up as well, along with my boyfriends parents & grandmother, and my best friends mom and younger sister. I'm really excited to spend the weekend with all the good old, loud, Long Islanders! And plus, my Uncle John makes this AMAZING Penne Ala Vodka, and he's making some with my Dad right at this very moment to bring up to me this weekend! It made my day :o)

On the bad side, I sprained my ankle! :o( Boo! It's so swollen-- I have a kankle, and sausage toes. Pretty hot I must say. Ha-ha, but thats what I get for being a klutz I guess. I should be off my crutches in a week or so, hopefully sooner! Cause those things really really stink.

On a lighter note; MY BEST FRIEND IS COMING TO SEE ME OVER HALLOWEEN WEEKEND! I am so so so excited; its always awesome to have friends from other schools come visit. She goes to Boston University, which if you've never been there, its basically just a bunch of buildings in Boston. It doesn't really have a "campus", so for her to come here to Siena and get a dose of campus life will be fab-o. I miss her terribly!

Alright guys, time to go clean my room a bit, this way when my parents come they see I'm keeping it somewhat clean! Just kidding-- my room is always clean :o)

-Laur

PS- I noticed Greg had mentioned in his last blog about any questions any of you may have. I'm sure I can speak on behalf of everyone that writes for this blog, that if you feel as though you have absolutely ANY questions, don't hesitate to ask any of us! :o)