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Holidays on the Hill

Doors in wrapping paper, stockings lining the coffee shop counter, and the Kimball cafeteria filled with crafts, free cookies, and Santa?

Yes, it’s my favorite season on the Hill – the holiday season. I wrote a post about this last year, entitled “Miracle on College Street,” and if I was feeling the Christmas spirit last year, then I’m drowning in it this year. From literally decking our hallway in all things Winter to blasting Christmas music in October, I have been anticipating this time of year for a while now.

 

My fellow fool and friend Lauren and I before we sang at our Christmas a cappella show.
My fellow fool and friend Lauren and I before we sang at our Christmas a cappella show.

However, my roommate and I do love to joke that though it is the most wonderful time of the year, it’s also the most stressful time. Papers and projects are coming in hot. Finals are coming up soon. Winter is coming full force. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with all the work and even the change in weather.

Still, every year this time rolls around, I always find comfort in the sweet spirit on campus. Yes, one of my friends just pulled an all-nighter and yes, one of my other friends has two 20-page papers due in three days, but there is something about the holiday time and this hill that makes everything (even if momentarily) okay.

Sometimes it does feels as if there’s just too much to do and absolutely no time to finish it all. Then, when I catch up with friends over a Kimball Holiday dinner or I go sing carols with much of campus and the Worcester community at the Tree Lighting, I can find the silver linings. Or in this case, the silver bells.

 

 

 

My residents were truly feeling the Christmas spirit and got really creative with the board outside of the room.
My residents were truly feeling the Christmas spirit and got really creative with the board outside of their room.
Our a appella group, "Fools on the Hill," at our Christmas show.
Our a cappella group, “Fools on the Hill,” at our Christmas show

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, the blog take-away is: Indeed, there is no place like home for the holidays and I will soon learn that Holy Cross will become a second home to me. Yes, I’ll have a lot to do, but I’ll have wonderful friends and a warm community to remind me how blessed I am. 
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Lots to Do

Hey, guys!

So today’s blog post is going to be about, well, a lot of things. This week has been quite interesting up here on the Hill. It was as if every event was happening at the same time. In order to organize my thoughts, I’m just going to give you a list of the many happenings here on campus.

1. Dr. Seuss. Our Dr. Seuss celebration! Today we honored the great author Dr. Seuss, one of my favorite authors (“Greens Eggs and Ham,” “Cat in the Hat,” “Horton Hears A Who,” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” anyone)? They had a small display in one of our campus buildings, passing out Swedish fish and assorted fruit made to look like elements from some of Dr. Seuss’ tales.

2. Friendliness. That is something so salient here at Holy Cross. On my way to my last Friday class, I passed four friends. It felt almost surreal saying hi that many times, but that’s how it is here. You will often bump into people you know. Then, after class, I overheard a student giving a confused-looking father and son directions. Holy Cross, everybody.

3. Windows. You’re probably wondering what this one will be about. Well, here at Holy Cross, we like to advertise events on the large Hogan 1 windows. It’s a very intensive process, because one has to write everything backwards. Thankfully, I had my friend Michelle there to help me. Basically, she did the bottom, better half of the window. All I can say is: tears were shed.

4. HUNGER GAMES. That’s right. You heard me. Have you ever dreamed of being a part of the Hunger Games? That dream is becoming a reality here in Wheeler. The entire dorm will be participating in a District 12 version of Assassin. It’s a widely popular event on the campus. Only one will survive. May the odds be ever in your favor?

So, the blog take-away is: Holy Cross has amazing events, as well as amazing students. Also, the Hunger Games. Need I say anything else? 

Pictures below: 1) The assorted Dr. Seuss items. 2) Cat in the Hat treats (made of strawberries and bananas). 3) Swedish Fish in memory of “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.” 4) Dr. Seuss FOOD! 5) Cat in the Hat Cookies! 5) Our CASA Culture Night window, feat. fellow First-Year CASA Intern Linda.

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The week before Fall Break

Not only is FALL my favorite season, but Holy Cross students also have a week-long Fall Break! To say I am excited is truly an understatement. Though I love campus and everything about it (honestly, it’s incredible), I am also quite excited to go home for a bit. Yet, I have heard that once home, all I’ll want is to come back to my second home here. I guess we’ll see!

I am sure you are interested in what campus is like before this short vacation. So, here is your peek of the week before Fall Break.

1. Papers/Midterms. It’s kind of like high school in that sense. You know, when teachers decide to give a million assignments before break. It’s doable, though, because this is college! You’ll have enough free time to get your work done. Hang out with friends and have fun, but remember to finish your work so you’re not cramming before break.

2. Info, info, info. There’s a lot of different activities here on campus, so you’ll be getting a ton of emails about things you can get involved with. Also, emails about shuttles are essential to read. Tomorrow, I am taking a shuttle to New York, which is very convenient for me. So, though you may get a thousand of them, you should read your emails.

3. Celebrations. People are excited to go home or to basically have a stress-free week on campus. Some of my friends are staying at Holy Cross this week, which I think could actually be very fun. Campus to yourself and you get a chance to meet some people you probably wouldn’t during a regular, busy week (like football athletes, perhaps?)

There is your overview of the week before Fall Break!

So, the blog take-away is: Though I will be sad to leave such a fantastic and unique campus, I will also have the great opportunity to go home during October. However, this means I’ve got to get my homework and papers done, study hard for my midterm(s), and make sure I stay focused until Friday. Then, and only then, can I celebrate!