This past weekend was awesome. Justin, Laura, John, Becky, Cortney and I headed into Pittsburgh to see the controversial Bodies exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center. We left campus at 8 a.m. and got to the exhibit for our tour at 10 a.m. The exhibit took about 90 minutes to see and read everything. There were some interesting things and a lot of great information. However, there were some things that I would have rather not seen...After we were done with that exhibit, we played a couple of games at the Sports and Science center that was in the same building. I attempted to play golf, but I wasn't very good at it.

After we were finished at the science center, we headed to the Pittsburgh Waterfront Shopping Center. A bunch of us headed over to Red Robin for lunch. It took forever to get my food, but it was great! The strawberry lemonade was also delicious!!! After that, Justin and I walked for a bit down to the other side of the shopping complex. We browsed for some clothes in some discount stores, but couldn't find anything we liked. After that, we headed back to the outdoor mall to shop at some other stores. I got some jeans and a shirt from Hollister and Abercrombie. We also stopped at Dave and Busters, an arcade and restaurant. We played games for about a hour and then got some ice-cream at Cold Stone Creamery...delicious. After that we wasted some more time, then headed back to the bus. It was a great day, but I really didn't need the six hours of shopping...

Well, I am going to head to bed...

TTYL

Posted by John Porter at 10:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hey Guys! I just wanted to let you know that I got accepted into my graduate school program. I am going to try and get my Masters Degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I am so excited. I have heard nothing but great things about the program. Maybe once I graduate from that program I'll come back to MAC for my career!

The next step in this process is trying to finance my education. During my visitation weekend earlier this month, I had nine interviews for assistantship positions. Once the day was over, we had to rank our favorite job offers in order of preference. The employers then rank their top candidates in order of their preference. Then the school tries to match qualified people to jobs they want. I really liked three of the jobs. One was at St. Vincent College, one was at Seton Hill and the other was at IUP. St. Vincent College was my first choice and they called me the other day. They have chosen me as one of their top candidates. I have to schedule a second interview for them to ask me more questions. I am so excited and nervous...Hopefully I will hear back from them soon.

This weekend, a couple of friends and I are going to go to Pittsburgh to see the Bodies Exhibit. The school is taking a bus down for the entire day. I can't wait.

Later...

Posted by John Porter at 7:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yesterday, we had one of our Mercy Socials for all of the Presidential Scholars. At this social, Sr. Mary Ann Dillon, our college President, came to share some of her thoughts on being a leader. She told us of some of the qualities that leaders possess. Afterwards, we had about 45 minutes to ask her questions about the college. Some of the people asked about activities, some asked about the school's future projects. Hopefully, we will break ground for our new residence hall in the Spring followed by the new athletic facility...

I have also been busy getting ready for Jamaica. I can't believe that I will be leaving in 10 days. I had to get some dry shampoo and no-rinse body wash. I also got some snacks and stuff at the Ebensburg Wal-Mart. This weekend, we will be collecting money in Ebensburg and Cresson for our trip. I think I may dress up in the mascot uniform...it should be fun

John

Posted by John Porter at 9:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's been a crazy weekend...I can't believe I actually survived it. On Sunday, I had to travel to Indiana so I can work on some of my Graduate School stuff. I am planning on getting a Masters Degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education. I really love the work that I do at the Mount with Sue Brugh and the other Student Affairs staff. I am so grateful for all of the opportunities that Mount Aloysius has allowed me to have. I don't think I would have been able to do all that I do at another school.

Anyways...While I was there, I ate dinner with some of the professors and current students. There were about 70 prospective students. I also had assistantship interviews and one faculty interview. I am really hoping that I get accepted to the program and can land a great assistantship job. The event itself was a two day process. I had to spend the night at a hotel, which wasn't very comfortable. I only got about 3 hours of sleep while I was there. Wish me luck...

Well, I am going to head to work, so I will write more later

Posted by John Porter at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I can't believe it is finally March...Time goes by so fast!

The weather has been okay lately, but it could still get better. I want some sun and 80s...Colleges Against Cancer has been busy this semester. We have been working on getting ready for Relay, setting up fundraisers, and making T-Shirts. Last week, we held another awareness day, Purple 101. For this event, we purchased t-shirts and then tye-dyed them purple. Not to brag, but mine was awesome. I think Laura may have or will post pictures on her blog...

My friend Justin also celebrated his birthday. A lot of our friends and I drove out to Ebensburg to celebrate. We had some great food at the Castle, listened to music, and played some Guitar Hero. When we got back to the Mount, I was so tired that I fell asleep as soon as we got back. It truly was a night to remember...Happy Birthday, Justin!

Later

Posted by John Porter at 8:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)