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'

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

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

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

I just wanted to stop by and say hi before I head to my Shakespeare class. This week has been so fun and crazy! I officially have my graduation cap and gown...and I already tried it on! Hopefully I didn't jinx myself. :o)

We also had our JIFE job fair extravaganza yesterday. We had employers from all over PA on campus for students to network. It was pretty interesting.

Today has been my first laid-back day all week. I'm really excited for this weekend because I'm heading to Washington D.C. with my friends. SGA and Student Activities are sponsoring the free trip for a nice weekend getaway before finals start to take over everything. :o) John has never been there so we will be dragging him all over the place.

Hopefully the weather stays beautiful. Maybe I will even see some of you at our Accepted Student Day this Sunday. Can't wait to meet you and answer your questions.

God Bless,

Laura

So, like I said, everything is becoming more and more realistic. As soon as I have that cap and gown in my hands, who knows what will happen. Haha!

Well have a good weekend and, unfortunately, enjoy the snow.

God Bless,

Laura

This was a very hectic week back. Of course, it was filled with the usual multitude of meetings, but it felt good after having a week to rejuvenate.

I'm busy planning a trip to D.C. with the director of Student Activities for later this month. I can't wait to spend a day there with my friends. John has never been there, so we can’t wait to drag him all over the place! We are also busy getting things planned for Relay and the Semi-Formal.

This semester is going by so fast and I just wish it would slow down a bit. I want to be able to enjoy my last few months here at MAC. :(

Well, I have some homework calling my name! Have a good week!

God Bless,

Laura

I don't have too much on the schedule for once. This year, I am actually going to enjoy Spring Break as a week where I don't have to lift a finger...except to work on all my homework...maybe get ahead in a few of my classes. I'll be spending the first few days with John and his family. His birthday was this week, so we will be having a big party for him. We also get to meet the newest addition to his family; his cousin had a baby boy a few weeks ago. I can't wait. I love babies.

Other than that, I will be spending a very relaxing week with my mom and dad, plus the 3 dogs. Unfortunately, my sister's spring break is the week after mine, but we will have a few days together.

Relay season is rapidly approaching as well as graduation. Speaking of graduation, I found out that I was accepted to IUP for Grad School!! I will be starting there in the fall for the Student Affairs in Higher Education program. I can't wait.

Have a great week!

God Bless,

Laura

Yesterday, my friends and I also attended a Professional Etiquette Dinner. Career Services and SGA co-sponsored the event for seniors. The whole idea was to properly educate graduating seniors on proper etiquette and attire for a business dinner. I only remembered a few things from the program I attended as a freshman, so I was definitely glad that I went to refresh my memory. It's also fun to turn in the MAC hoodie and dress up every now and then. I thought that the program went very well and that all the students and faculty enjoyed themselves.

Well, I should probably get going...plenty of homework waiting for me!

God Bless,

Laura

Quote of the Day: "Don't reserve your best behavior for special occasions. You can't have two sets of manners, two social codes - one for those you admire and want to impress, another for those whom you consider unimportant. You must be the same to all people." -Lillian Eichler Watson

We also spent the weekend playing in the snow...one of my favorite aspects of winter! We couldn't take the four wheeler out because the snow was too deep, so we decided on snow tubing. However, after one trip down the hill, we quickly realized that the snow was also too deep for that. On the hike back up the hill, I discovered that I was too short to make it through the ridiculous snow drifts. I was literally up to my waist in snow and John almost had to rescue me. Haha.

Overall, it was an enjoyable weekend. I'm glad to be back at school simply because I have a ton of work to do...lots of reading. So, I think I'm going to fix myself a nice cup of hot chocolate :o) and cuddle up with Billy Shakespeare.

God Bless,

Laura

Quote of the Day: "Love all, trust few. Do wrong to no one." -William Shakespeare

Why, you might be saying, should you wish me luck? Well, as of tomorrow, I will be sending my completed application to Grad School!!! It has definitely been a long and grueling process. I would, however, like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way. It truly means the world to me. Now that the application process is complete, I currently face the waiting process.

This past week has been a very successful one. My family and I threw an awesome surprise birthday party for my mom. It was a success that we actually surprised her! Colleges Against Cancer had a very productive and insightful 1st meeting. MAC Goes Green, after a very long wait, had Recycling begin on campus. AND...the STEELERS are going to the SUPERBOWL!!! Sorry to Corey and the Eagles fans...maybe it'll happen next year.

I'm going to Luthersburg with John for the weekend. Apparently, his uncle throws the best Superbowl party around. If you're going to be hanging out on campus though, you can stop down in the Cosgrave Rec Room and enjoy some free pizza and soda for the big game. Student Activities is sponsoring the event.

Hope you all have a great weekend. GO STEELERS!!

God Bless,

Laura

Quote of the Day: "GO STEELERS." -Me :o)

There is a lot of planning going on, which means a lot of meetings. You know how I love to have a busy schedule. We are in the heart of Relay season, so the Colleges Against Cancer group is at it's prime right now for recruiting and planning the 6th Annual MAC Relay For Life. I'm also helping our new Student Activities Director plan a Spring Fest for April.

It looks like this is going to be the craziest and most fun of all my MAC semesters!

God Bless,

Laura

Quote of the Day:"Sometimes a slow gradual approach does more good than a large gesture." -Craig Newmark

My trip to Mississippi was incredible. My friends and I went down with a group of 20 from MAC. We stayed and worked with an organization called Camp Coast Care. Their mission is to help families restore their homes that were damaged by Hurricane Katrina. I couldn't believe how much damage is still there after so many years. John, Becky, Christine and I worked with the Heldt family all week. It was a life-changing experience and we have already vowed to go back again to help.

We also had the opportunity to spend a day in New Orleans. It was incredible walking through the French Quarter and taking in the sights. We had lunch at Cafe du Monde, walked around Jackson square, saw the dueling pianos at Pat O'Brien's and had dinner at Jimmy Buffet's Margarittaville.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the trip.

God Bless,

Laura

Quote of the Day: "We do not become good by doing good things, but by recognizing the good that is already within us." Eckhart Tolle

Sitting under the live oak tree after a long day...

The Heldt Family + the MAC Crew

The MAC Crew at Camp Coast Care

Gorgeous New Orleans Architecture

Becky, Christine and I in Jackson Square

John and I at Margarittaville

I have just finished my final fall semester at MAC. As I am packing up my room, I am reminded of some of the amazing memories from this year. After all the exciting programs, wonderful classes, and incredible new friends, I know that I am truly blessed.

My friends and I are heading down to Long Beach, Mississippi for a week. The college has organized this service trip with the help of Mission Integration and Campus Ministry. A group of about 20 students, including myself, will be helping an organization called Camp Coast Care and aiding in the Hurricane Katrina clean-up efforts. I have never been to Mississippi, so I am incredibly excited for the opportunity. We will even get to spend a day in New Orleans. I'm definitely bringing the camera, so be ready for pictures!

I want to thank you for spending another semester with me and reading about all the interesting stories and opportunities MAC has to offer. It has truly meant the world to me.

I hope that you have a very safe and enjoyable holiday season. Also, please remember those who are not as fortunate as we are and keep them in your prayers.

See you in the New Year!! 2009 :o)

God Bless,

Laura

Quote of the Day: "A good conscience is a continual Christmas." -Benjamin Franklin

Well, to celebrate the end of the semester and to cut loose a little bit, my friends and I decided to go to Hershey, PA for the weekend. It was a tight, but fun, car ride down. Let's just say that my friends and I know how to have fun in a car...or at least annoy the driver. Hehe. :o) My friend Justin had bought us all tickets to see Jeff Dunham, the comedian/ventriloquist. The show was so incredibly funny that I actually spit some of my drink out. Unfortunately, I nailed the girl sitting right in front of me. How embarrassing?? At least my friends got a kick out of it.

We decided to go to Chocolate World the next day. Can we say amazing??? I had been there once when I was in 7th grade, but I couldn't really remember it. Let me just say that I felt like a little kid again. I had a blast walking through the mountainous towers of hershey kisses, chocolate bars and various other goodies. :o)

It was the perfect weekend and I was so happy that I had the opportunity to spend it with my friends. It was the perfect de-stressor for finals week. Speaking of finals, I still have an art project to finish up.

God Bless,

Laura

Quote of the Day: "Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation." -George Washington