Fall Term Is Ending!

It's crazy to think I am just a few short weeks, two to be exact, from finishing my final fall term at Mercyhurst University. Some of my best friends and I were on Homecoming Court which was a really great opportunity to partake in. In addition, I was able to present one of the Senior Class Gift ideas to the President of Mercyhurst, which again was really amazing. Senior year brings in change, but wonderful opportunities and adventures also drift in with the tides of change.


I am ready to end the term though, and finish-up all of the class work that is going on, because I have exciting plans for Thanksgiving Break. My friend Rhona is from Dublin, Ireland, and I will be traveling to her house for Thanksgiving...even though the Irish do not celebrate the holiday! I have been to Ireland once before, but I am really happy to be going back. We will also be accompanied by our friend Alyssa. It is a good group going and we should have a really great time. The really exciting thing about this trip is that we get to stay with Rhona's family the whole time. I have met her family once before, but I am even more excited to get to know them better!

If going to Ireland for Thanksgiving wasn't exciting enough, our adventure does not stop there! We are also spending four days in London! We are technically flying on Thanksgiving....which will be a bit weird, but I think it will be cool to not experience an American tradition for once, and see how the rest of the world goes on without celebrating it. We did talk about Alyssa and I cooking a "Thanksgiving Dinner" for everyone, but we will just have to see if that happens.

One of the days that we are in London, I will actually be taking a day trip to visit my possible graduate school in Newcastle, England. The flight is only about an hour and ten minutes, and I will only be gone for the day. I am happy to have the opportunity to visit the school. Many students who study abroad rarely get the chance to visit the school beforehand. Although my future decision are still up in the air, I am hoping that by visiting Newcastle I will have more of an idea of what I want to do with my future.


Well, that's all for now. I will make sure to fill you in on everything that happened on our trip, and of course I will upload tons of pictures!

Carpe Diem Everyday!
Jeremy

Senior Political Science Project Class

So along with being a senior political science major, comes the privilege of taking a very interesting and fun class called Political Science Project. (To learn more about the Political Science program at Mercyhurst University click here) This class is a distinct class for senior political science majors or minors, and hones in on a series of skills that we have learned throughout our political science classes while at Mercyhurst University. As a whole, the class is designed with the goal of each student completing a political memoir which serves as a senior thesis.

At first glance, I was a little overwhelmed with the idea of this class but our professor, Dr. Clemons teaches it in such a way that breaks the big project down into a series of smaller papers, so it is not too terrible. Alright, this may sound a bit strange, but our first assignment was to write an autobiographical obituary detailing your future life. It was surprising how much I learned about myself from that simple one page assignment. I realized that I knew much more about what I wanted to do in my future, compared to some of my other classmates. I also saw how much I have learned from my past political science classes, which was very reassuring.

As we continue on through other assignments, it will be interesting to see where my political science memoir progression will take me. If one things for certain, it is that the experience from past classes I have taken in the political science department at Mercyhurst University have really prepared me for my future. Whether that future is working for a private company, or public relations firm or directly working in political campaigns, one thing is for sure, all of my classes and experiences at Mercyhurst University have prepared me for real-world situations.

Below is a great video which talks about two of my favorite things, politics and social media, and it of course features students and faculty from Mercyhurst University. Check it out!

Carpe Diem Everyday,

~Jeremy

Senior Year, and Life Beyond the Gates!

Although I can hardly believe it, I just started my senior year at Mercyhurst University! It seems like only yesterday my grandparents were driving me through the gates of Mercyhurst, and here I am four years later pondering life beyond those very same gates. While I am excited for all of the fun events that senior year holds, it is especially smart to be thinking towards the future. While I have decided that continuing on to graduate school is the path that I would like to take, there are an array of options that students may decide to embark on after their four years of undergraduate education.

 Some of my peers will jump right into the "real world" which may be a little overwhelming to imagine, but you earned a degree and technically are ready to now start a career with that degree. Mercyhurst University has wonderful job counseling and job search opportunities for students to access both before and during their senior year through our Career Development Center. This service will step by step aid students in resume writing, interviewing and even job searches. The staff of the Career Development Center are well trained and very happy to sit down with students and help them with their future plans and ambitions.

Another option that may be a good idea for some students would be to take a year or two off to participate in some type of volunteering opportunity. While this is an option that definitely takes a determined and selfless individual, it is a very great way to boost a resume and give someone direction if they are just not sure where they want to go in life. There are numerous organizations that any interested student should look into. Mercyhurst University students have participated in: Mercy Volunteer Corps, Peace Corps, and AmeriCorps. All of these volunteer organizations would be a great stepping stone for people to experience right out of college. Just make sure you read all of the information, and make sure that giving-up your time to help others is something else you are really passionate about.

Whatever path you are planning to take after your four years at Mercyhurst University remember these key words of advice: "Enjoy your time at Mercyhurst, because it will fly by in the blink of an eye, but keep an ever watchful eye on the future, because it will arrive just as quickly!"

That's all for now and remember,
Carpe Diem Everyday!
~Jeremy

Junior Year, time flies!

Me in my MSG gear!

My junior year at Mercyhurst was one of my most memorable academic years so far. In the fall I began working as the Public Relations Coordinator for Mercyhurst Student Government, and quickly realized how enjoyable this field could be. I helped generate open discussion on issues pertaining to students, and I lent a collaborative hand when planning events on campus. In November, I had the privilege of meeting MTVs reality television stars The Buried Life, who came to give a presentation in our Performing Arts Center.

Throughout the winter season, I was able to a lot of fun events both with MSG and my group of friends. We planned out annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony for the Mercyhurst community to participate in. My group of friends also celebrated our traditional Christmas Dinner Party where we got dressed up, went out to eat and even exchanged gifts. For once, the Erie winter was actually pretty mild, so I did not get too snowed in! The winter also brought about some big changes for Mercyhurst. While I started at Mercyhurst College in 2009, January introduced everyone to the brand new Mercyhurst University. This change will benefit students of Mercyhurst so much in the long run and is the right step for Mercyhurst, especially in the global market place. 

This summer I will be in Erie working for the admissions department. I cannot wait for a break from school work, but I of course cannot get away from the good old Hurst! I am sure that I will have wonderful summer adventures to report about and I cannot wait to share my senior year with all of you. Until August you will just have to anxiously await my return, but remember one thing!

Carpe Diem, everyday!

~Jeremy

50 Item Challenge

Bedroom with lots of clutter!

Closet with too many clothes!

So after living at Mercyhurst for three years now, it occurred  to me that I have acquired a lot (and I mean a TON) of stuff! While having more "stuff" always makes us feel better, sometimes having too much stuff begins to weigh us down. Some of you may have heard of the "100 Items Challenge", well I've decided to do a college version of it with the "50 Item Challenge".

I challenged myself with finding 50 items that I could give away to people that would make better use of them. Starting out on this journey, I assumed it would be easy to come-up with 50 items that I no longer needed...but after a while I quickly learned the truth. The first place I looked at for my items was my closet. We all have too many clothes, and there are people out there who could make way better use of those clothes. After finding seven or eight clothing items I no longer needed I made my way to my bedroom, which is so cluttered. Before I knew it I was finding unneeded items left and right! My pile quickly grew bigger and bigger, until I reached 38 items. This was the point at which I became stuck...I knew there had to be more to give away. Slowly but surely I managed to complete my challenge of finding 50 items to give away. It was difficult, but very worth it! Below you will find a picture of what I'm giving away, along with a list of some of the items!

Here are my items.

I managed to find things to give away like:

-Clothes

-Shoes

-Bags

-Books

-Stuffed Animals

-Coats

-Water Bottle

-2 Backpacks

-And Much More

So after doing this mini challenge, I challenge you to do the same. Are there 50 items laying around your house or dorm room that you no longer need? Are there items that someone else would make much better use of? Then why not let someone else have the items that you've been able to enjoy for a while. Not only will you be doing yourself a favor by de-stressing and de-cluttering your life, but you will be allowing others to have the things that you no longer need. I'd love to do this at least once a year, paying it forward never hurts.

Carpe Diem everyday, and help others while you do it!

~Jeremy 

It's the weekend, what to do?

So it's the weekend, and the weather is in that in-between stage where it's not really nice enough to do anything outside, but it's not too cold either. Much like any hard-working and busy college students, my friends and I love to spend the weekends having fun, but sometimes trying to think of things to do is not that easy.

I've spent the majority of the morning brainstorming different things to do in Erie, Pa., and I will list them below with a brief description, just incase you may be wondering about the happenings that you may participate in on the weekends.

The first thing that really comes to mind is the Erie Zoo. The Zoo itself is about 2 miles or so from campus. If you are feeling adventurous and there is nice weather, you can walk to the zoo. If you would rather not walk, you may take a bus or taxi. The bus is free, and admission to the zoo is pretty reasonable for college students. On Sundays, after 3:00 p.m., the zoo is open for free admission which is perfect for any student wanting to save a little money! Feel free to check-out the zoo's website here: The Erie Zoo.

If going to the zoo isn't something you're interested in, you can go to Presque Isle. Presque Isle is a nice place to visit on a sunny and warm day! It is about a 20 minute drive from campus (so no walking, unless you are adventurous). The bus can get you pretty close, but does not actually go the whole way to the Isle. This area is the equivalent to the beach, and the closes thing Erie has to one. At Presque Isle, you can have a cook-out, swim, play volleyball or even participate in many of the activities the park directors have. My friends and I make a point to visit Presque Isle at least a couple times a year, when the weather is nice. Also, if you go to Presque Isle, make sure you stay until sunset (on beach 6). This spot has the world's second best sunset and is seriously one of the best sunsets that I have ever seen! Here you can find all the information on the park: Presque Isle State Park

The last thing that is really fun to do, is just to explore Erie, itself. The town is historic and fun. There are tons of restaurants, theaters and shops that can really fill-up a weekend quite quickly! My group of friends is known by my family as the "restaurant club," because we have probably eaten at 90 percent of the restaurants in Erie. It's always nice trying new or ethnic food. Most of the restaurants are reasonable for college students, and as long as you're not eating out everyday, then you won't have to worry too much about the "freshman fifteen"! Erie is really a lovely city and there is always something happening downtown, near Perry Square. Like I said before, there are tiny shops, coffee shops and museums to keep you busy. Here is the website to find out all about Erie: Erie, PA

I hope that I have given you a taste of what types of activities you can do on weekends while at Mercyhurst University. The best piece of advice that I can give any student, is to just explore the city a little. Go-out with your group of friends and see just what there is to do. You will spend four years in Erie, so you might as well get used to its offerings as quickly as possible!

That's all for now, Carpe Diem everyday!

~Jeremy

Here we go...5 weeks

I Dream of Summer!

Well, we are currently half way through our Spring Term here at good ol' Mercyhurst, and I am hitting the mid-term blues. It doesn't often happen, because I am always (and I mean AlWAYS) busy at school, but I am starting to get a little nostalgic for summer. I have yet to finalize summer plans, which is somewhat bothersome to say the least. As of now I will either be staying here in Erie and working for the Admissions Department at Mercyhurst, or working at my dream internship at Vault Communications (I choose THIS ONE). Either way, I know I am prepared to have a fantastic summer and really cannot wait for sunshine and warmth, which is sometimes rare in Erie!

Living on campus during the summer is really a wonderful experience and I would encourage anyone who is interested, to live here at least one summer while at Mercyhurst. Last summer I worked at the University and had a great time. Not only was I able to make money, but I was also able to practice living on my own...which sadly I will actually have to do one day (bummer)!

Vault Communications Logo

While I would like to be around MercyWorld this summer, I ultimately would love to work for Vault Communications! I interviewed with the company in January and am anxiously awaiting the results of the entire interview process. I am sure that a number of individuals applied for the position, so I really hope I was able to stand-out to the interviewers. The company is based in the Philadelphia Metropolitan area and working here would be an experience that would last a life time! Because I added Strategic Communications as a minor late in my education I am scrambling to get an internship within this field to boost my experience in this job place. I will report back as to whether or not I got the job, sense I know you all will be anxiously awaiting to hear!

I've taken the Easter break to think seriously about what I want to do in my future, and I have come to the conclusion that graduate school is a must! I know I know...you're probably thinking after just completing 4 years of undergraduate studies, who in their right mind would want to go to grad school?! Well I do. And when I look back at my time at Mercyhurst there is one thing I regret not doing...and this may sound surprising because I have been blessed with so many opportunities. I have yet to actually study abroad. Yes, I've been able to travel abroad through school functions and sponsored trips, but after growing quickly attached to Mercyhurst, actually studying abroad hasn't happened for me. This being said, I have been thinking since I want to go to graduate school, and have yet to study abroad....can you guess it? That's right! I want to get my masters degree abroad!

I have looked at several universities and read different things about the programs that they offer, but one school definitely stands out. Newcastle University, in Newcastle, England, seems to be a perfect fit for me! The school is about 3 hours north of London in a port-city (much like Erie). The school even reminds me of a grown-up version of Mercyhurst. While I am just starting out in the application process I am very excited in the next chapter of my life, wherever I will be. Of course I will keep everyone updated on the happenings as they come. (Below is a video all about the town of Newcastle)

Until then make sure you Carpe Diem everyday!
~Jeremy

Mercyhurst....UNIVERSITY!

Mercyhurst University!

We have some very very exciting news buzzing around the Hurst! Today is the day that the institution previously known as Mercyhurst College has transformed and grown into the brand new Mercyhurst University. The big announcement was made Mercyhurst President Dr. Thomas Gamble in a special press conference this afternoon. Immediately after the announcement was made, students, faculty, and administration alike irrupted into cheering. This change is a big step for Mercyhurst, and shows how as a small institution we are ready to make advancements in the global academic arena. We are forever a laker of Mercyhurst, but now we are a Laker of Mercyhurst University. I am proud to go to Mercyhurst University, and cannot wait to see what changes occur in the future! Carpe Diem for the past, the present and the future!