My Classroom is Better Than Your Classroom

Mountain Biking at Catamount

As a Media Studies, Journalism and Digital Arts (MJD) major I get offered a bunch of wicked interesting electives. One of these electives that I signed up for this semester was Adventure Film-making. I was like this is going to be sweet, I’m going to get to do all this cool stuff and film rock climbing, kayaking, hiking and who knows what other outdoor-sy adventurous things…until I remember the “class” part of the course. The class is a lot of work and initially I was a bit nervous I took on more than I bargained for. After a few weeks   into the class I learned very quickly how much I had already gotten out of the class. In addition to class time there are a required 3 field shooting labs on where we go out to different locations to shoot mountain biking, rock climbing and kayaking.

Along with this we were asked to attend three Wilderness Program trips in close relation to the activities we would be shooting.  So far we have gone on our mountain biking shoot and rock climbing shoot. Both I had never tried before, let alone done with a camera in my hand. We were thrown right in there and it has by far been the some of the best experiences I have had at Saint Mike’s. Since when do you get to have class biking around Catamount Outdoor Family Center or hang from the top of a rock face at Bolton  Valley Ski Area? You can say my classroom beats a lot of classrooms! It’s not every day you get to go outside and jump into something totally new. It definitely makes you step out of your comfort zone!

In addition to the field shootings, we are asked to participate in three Wilderness Program Trips throughout the semester. This past Sunday I was able to go hike Camel’s Hump on probably one of the nicest weekends there has been so far. It was a bluebird day without a cloud in the sky and the fall colors were in full swing. My friend Q (You might know her as Monica, but she asks a lot of questions so she goes by Q!)  and I took on the hike early Sunday morning and the view from the summit made the hike more than worth it! It was during the peak of the foliage too so the colors were unreal!

The Summit

Q and I at the summit!

Our Sunday morning lunch spots' view wasn't too shabby!

Not too bad for an adventurous couple weeks only this far into the semester! There is still a kayaking field shooting and I signed up for a sea kayaking trip in October. You can say I am praying that winter takes its time coming or else it will be a cold couple of trips!

Facebook: Candice Kalil 
Twitter: @CandiceLeeMary
Instagram: candicekalil31

Swinging into Fall Semester

So it is the third week of Fall Semester and classes are in full swing! Everyone is back to being busy with classes, clubs, sports, activities and events going on around campus. Fall semester is great since everyone has gone home for a few months and is able to come back, reunite with friends and get a fresh start with classes. And who doesn't love fall? Pumpkin everything, apple picking, scarf weather, football season and TV season premieres there is a lot to like! From talking to friends, teammates and classmates it was easy to see that even with all these glorious things about fall, the work load can still be overwhelming. As compared to spring semester, the fall tends to be a bit busier. Even I can feel the pressure from my workload but the awesome thing about college is the majority of classes you take, you tend to be interested in the subject of. Maybe not the extra class you got stuck in since the class you wanted was full, but the others most likely are somewhat in the field you are studying.

For example, I am taking Marketing (BU-215), Adventure Film-making (MJD-219), Environmental Journalism & the New Digital Media (MJD-219) and Physiology of the Mind & Body (BI-108). Now let me tell you this upfront, I am the farthest thing from a science kid. It is not my cup of tea and I have never been good at it. When I signed up for Physiology I was not looking forward to it all too much but I have a great professor and the subject material is actually pretty interesting! If you are worried about a class not working out or being lame, just keep an open mind and try to get the most out of it!

As far as the stress of the semester goes, here are some tips that might be able to help!

 Coffee Coffee Coffee – Yes some might say coffee isn’t the best for you but it does help with that morning start, particularly if you have an 8 AM class. If you don’t like coffee, water with lemons is proven to be a healthy stimulant that can have the same effect as a cup of coffee. 

. Time Management – Some people like leaving things till the last minute and some like to make sure the assignment is done the day before it is due. It does not matter what kind of person you are just see which option works better for you around your schedule! Getting back in the swing of things will help you see how to manage your time to get all your work done.

   SLEEP – Sometimes it really feels like there are never enough hours in the day. If it means a full night’s sleep or naps during the day make sure to get enough sleep to stay healthy and have energy throughout the day. A quick power nap can do wonders!

    Planners – Embrace your inner OCD and get organized. A small notebook or a full life planner can help make everything seem less chaotic.

  Get Involved – Especially at Saint Mike’s there is so much to get involved in such as sports, campus life, volunteering and clubs. Getting involved is a good way to take a break from the books, hang out with friends and enjoy some time to unwind. You can even volunteer to walk dogs, hold babies and do crafts if you want! Make sure to check out the M.O.V.E. office for different volunteer programs! And check out the Saint Mike’s website for information on different clubs!

      

      Facebook: Candice Kalil 

Twitter: @CandiceLeeMary
Instagram: candicekalil31

There Is No Place Like Home

Being able to call Rhode Island home and go to school in Vermont, you can say I'm pretty lucky! In addition to my first post that described a little bit about me, I thought I would continue it to give you more of an idea of not only just me but my two homes. I grew up in Middletown, Rhode Island which is located right next door to Newport, Rhode Island.  And yes it is an island! (Aquidneck Island is made up of three towns: Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth) Newport is known for is tourism, mansions, sailing and beaches. Here’s the secret...Middletown has the best beaches! I was lucky enough to grow up sharing a drive way with my Grandma and have my other grandparents live two blocks away on an old farm. My sophomore year of high school after my grandma permanently moved to Florida we moved in right next door to my Nana and Papa which is where we live now.  After two into three years of going off to school, it made me realize how much of a wicked awesome place home is.

Here are some cool facts about RI:

1.      We use the word “wicked”  a lot, just as many New England states do

2.      Rhode Island is actually an abbreviation; it has the longest state name in the country. Its full name is Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

3.      It's a BUBBLER, not a water fountain.

4.      Home to Del’s lemonade and all you non Rhode Islanders can be jealous because it is the best thing ever.

5.      We also have coffee milk, be jealous of that too

6.      The dependency we have on Dunkin Donuts requires a need for multiple Dunkin’s to be on the same street

7.      It is completely socially acceptable that we have a big blue bug staring at you while you drive down the highway

As for Vermont it's a different but also great! I chose Saint Mike’s after my cousin who attended the University of Vermont mentioned it to me since I was not much of a big school person. After a tour of Saint Mike’s I applied and once I got accepted I couldn't have been more excited to go! Freshman and sophomore year were a blast as I got to know more and more about living in Vermont. It is a pretty cool place for more reasons than one.

Here are some cool facts about VT:

1.      Vermont once tried to secede from the country and successfully did for a few days before rejoining the U S of A

2.      Vermont does not allow billboards on their highways, so when you are driving up  scenic 89 and 100 the only signs you will see are exit signs

3.      Vermont is huge in support local business and remaining eco-friendly, basically having an overall down to earth lifestyle

4.      Soft ice cream is called “cremee”, maple cremee is the best!

5.      Legally you can marry your first cousin in Vermont

6.      Vermont is pretty original, for its businesses such as Ben & Jerry’s and music such as the favorite band Phish

You can say I get the best of both seasons. I spend my summers in Rhode Island and my ski season in Vermont, while getting an awesome four years at Saint Mike’s. Life isn’t too shabby. If you ever get the chance, I would recommend getting to visit and spend time in both states!

Facebook: Candice Kalil 
Twitter: @CandiceLeeMary
Instagram: candicekalil31

Informational "About Me"

My brother Jake and sleepy Stella

Hi everyone! My name is Candice Kalil and I'm currently a junior at Saint Michael's College in Colchester VT. Originally from Middletown RI, I made the scenic five hour trek up to Vermont for college and it was one of the best decisions I ever made! I'm a Media Studies, Journalism and Digital Arts major with a Business Administration minor. And yes to any freshman or incoming freshman who read this post, I'm among the many who changed their major part way freshman year so don't be discouraged if you think you might want to too!

Eventually I hope to take my degree and work with Marketing/Public Relations/Events in either the wedding industry, where I had a fabulous internship this summer, or the skiing industry. Two completely different areas but hey if I could work events at a ski resort, why not? Getting some free ski passes thrown my way would not be too shabby either!

I am a huge skier I have loved it ever since my parents brought me out to the mountains when I was 4. You will also learn I am OBSESSED with dogs. Not love them, I am obsessed with them. I have three at home (Rosie, Sally & Stella) and they are my favorites. I also follow Cute Emergency on Instagram, very dangerous let me tell you. If every once and a while you don't hear me being called Candice its nothing new, after joining the Saint Mike's Women's Rugby Team my freshman year the name Candy has stuck.

This is the beginning of what is to be basically a day in the life of a SMC student, skier, dog person and undergrad student. I will hopefully be able to give some perspective and insight into both life at Saint Mike's while adding in everything and anything else! 

- Candice

Facebook: Candice Kalil 
Twitter: @CandiceLeeMary
Instagram: candicekalil31