Dear Readers,

It looks like my four years of blogging for Mount Aloysius College have come to an end. It's hard to believe that I was the original and only MAC blogger four years ago. I still remember writing those first blogs as if I just wrote them yesterday. That was the year I spent my summer working in the Admissions Office with some of the most incredible people I have ever met. I then went on to open myself up to the entire MAC community and became a person I had never even imagined. I experienced things beyond my imagination. I had the world of opportunity placed into my hands.

These four years feel like four minutes. However, I feel like I have acquired a lifetime of memories and friends. If there was one thing I could tell you about Mount Aloysius, it would be this. MAC is very much like Disney World; this is the place where dreams come true. When asked about Disney World, Walt Disney says, "And to think, it all began with a mouse." At MAC, it all begins with your individual dreams. You can truly be anything you wish to be.

If I could leave you with any kind of practical advice, I would wish upon you an open mind to try new things and meet new people. You never know what or who lies around each corner. Your dreams can change and unfold in miraculous ways if you allow yourself to experience everything life presents to you. I did.

I want to thank you for experiencing these four years with me and sharing in my memories. It has definitely been an incredible ride...one I will never forget. I hope all of your dreams come true. Thank you Mount Aloysius for making me the woman I am today. I don't know that I could ever repay you, so I can only hope to aid and guide the students I meet in my career in Student Affairs. I can only wish to influence someone the way you have all influenced me.

I now leave you, on my 128th blog for Mount Aloysius College.

God Bless and keep you all,

Laura Deely, Class of 09'

Posted by Laura Deely at 4:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hey Everyone!

I couldn't wait to tell you my amazing news! I just got the call. Along with attending Grad School at IUP, I now have a job at Seton Hill University as the Graduate Assistant for Student Activities. I am so excited. I can't wait to get started with the SH crew.

Everything I have done at MAC over the past four years, has led up to this incredible moment. I would like to thank all of my family, friends and mentors for everything you have done for me. It means the world to me and I wish only good things for all of you. I love you and thank you again.

God Bless,

Laura

Posted by Laura Deely at 4:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hey Everyone!

Well, seeing as how I am always talking about the bittersweet moments that continue to surround me these days, I thought I'd share the success of my final MAC Relay For Life event. It's weird to think that I will now only be an attendee of Relay in my years to come as a MAC Alum. I did, however, have a blast with this past Relay and added only more amazing memories to think back on when I picture MAC and all the wonderful friends I've made over the past four years.

Toonin' Out Cancer was a success, raising over $13,000.00 with more money still on the way. The entire campus community came out to enjoy the beautiful weather that we were blessed with for the event. Cartoon characters that lined the track, included the Peter Pan Gang, Sesame Street, Pokemon, 101 Dalmations, Scooby Doo Crew, Strawberry Shortcake, Spongbob, various superheros and more. John and I were Peter Pan and Tinkerbell.

I was even more excited to share the day with my Pap and my Great Aunt, both of whom are cancer survivors. My Mom, Dad and Aunt Pat also came out to share the celebration with me. Nothing could have better topped off the 24 hours than walking the final lap to Journey's Don't Stop Believin', as I walked hand-in-hand with my best friends in the entire world. Yes, tears were definitely shed. What can I say? Graduating makes me emotional. Haha :o)

Well, I must continue to finish up my final projects and papers. At least I got my 20-page capstone paper out of the way!

God Bless,

Laura

Posted by Laura Deely at 3:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I just wanted to stop by and wish all of you a very Happy Easter! I'm heading home tonight after closing down the residence halls and will, most likely, spend my entire break working on my senior capstone paper. I'm going to need all the chocolate from my basket to make it through the weekend! :o)

I will also be getting everything squared away for Relay For Life. It's on the 17th and 18th, so we won't have much time to get things ready once we get back. If you're in the area, stop by with your family and enjoy food, games and entertainment, plus us fight back against cancer. You may even recognize some familiar faces on Saturday when local musicians, Silver Sunday, perform for us. Hope to see you there!

Happy Easter and God Bless,

Laura

Posted by Laura Deely at 4:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)