Tomorrow my college life will officially be over, thus far.  I don't really know what to think about the whole thing, except that I am overjoyed.  It's hard to express what I feel at this moment because of all of the different emotions pouring out of my heart right now. 

I am the first person to graduate from college in my family.  And boy, is my family proud.  It's almost embarassing, really.  Just last night at dinner, my parents and grandparents carried on to the server about how I'm a nurse, I went to Lourdes, my commencement is tomorrow, yadda yadda.  I sat there with my head down at first, but then I thought, "accept the fact that they are proud!" It's embarassing at times, but I wallow in it. It feels good to have someone share your pride.  And to feed it a little bit, too.

I come from a blue collar family.  My dad's a plumber.  Grandpa was a truck driver, Nana was a bank teller.  My mom works at a fabric store.  My brother delivers medical equipment.  And here I am, a nurse, with a Bachelor's degree.  The very first in my family.  And I couldn't happier. 

This is leaps and bounds from where I came from. I was a wild child.  To look at me, you would not guess that, but everyone has their skeletons in the closet.  I went through a lot of rough spots at the end of high school and got in with the wrong crowd.  I was stuck in a downward spiral for several years, making my life and my family's lives living hell until I decided I'd had enough. 

I started at a community college in the fall of 2000 and got straight A's.  By that fall, I transferred to Lourdes and was going to be a teacher.  Well, we all know that was not meant to be, because here I am, almost 7 years later with a degree in nursing. 

The road was long and bumpy, it seemed I had setback after setback.  One step forward, two steps back, I used to say.  But I perservered.  And even though I didn't make it into the honors' society and I wasn't one of the people who received awards for being great, I know, deep down, that I am great.  And I am honored.  I did the best that I could.  Knowing that means more than any plaque or vocal recognition.  

So when tomorrow comes, I will proudly walk across the Sea Gate Center stage and accept my certificate from Dr. Helmer with pride. I am proud of myself.  For the first time in my life I can say that and it feels good. 

Friday, May 16, 2008 4:15:37 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [2] | 

 Today, despite my vow to not step foot onto campus until next fall, I came in to eat lunch with a delegation of social workers from the Ukraine. Yes, I was partially lured by the thought of free food, I readily admit. But also, I was fascinated with the prospect of learning something about another country from people who live and work within it's boundaries, especially a country with such history. I was not disappointed. While I did not interact with the social workers beyond an introduction, I was able to listen to the questions they have about how things work here, and as I watched their expressions, I could see that some aspects of our country and its' systems really floored them in some ways. For example, they didn't seem to quite grasp that we don't have orphans, orphanages - that grandparents often step in to raise children, and that single parenthood is fairly common. From listening in to them, orphans are a huge part of what they deal with as social workers.

 They also have an age limit to foster parents - 55 - and they asked why Americans were so eager to adopt out of country but not adopt within our own systems (great question, by the way). They seemed surprised by how many people we have incarcerated, and by the fact that children are part of that number. They are the pioneers in some ways of their social services - social services in the Ukraine are in the infancy stage, and these social workers were very eager with their questions about our relatively long-established systems. I wish I could have stayed longer, but unfortunately, I had to leave during some really great discussion.

 You know why I love Lourdes? Because of stuff like this. I saw this as a once in a lifetime opportunity and I wasn't about to miss it. Even just seeing how translators work was a new experience for me (OK, I am not very worldly). Joyce Litten gave a wonderful presentation on the current philosophy and policies surrounding family preservation in this country, and while some of it I knew, some of it I didn't - I felt like I should have been taking notes. I missed the other presentations, but I can assume that they were very good as well.

 I'm glad I went. I feel like I learned quite a bit by being there (and the food was good, too!).

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 5:33:42 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

Well we've reached the end of another exciting and busy semester.  TRiO members had their choice of 20 different workshops to attend including resume writing, healthy living, interviewing strategies and APA/MLA workshops.  Some members went to the African American Museum & Motown in Detroit.  Some members saw Disney's The Lion King at the Stranahan Theater, and what an awesome show it was, while others went to the Glass Pavilion at the Toledo Museum of Art.  At the TRiO Awards and Recognition Ceremony 106 members received awards for their continued participation throughout the year. The end of the year picnic was a fun time with lots of conversation and of course a variety of food.  Summer promises more exciting TRiO events for all active members.  Watch the blog and TRiO events calendar for information on Shipshewana, TRiO Night at the Mudhens and a visit/picnic at the Toledo Zoo.  While there won’t be any workshops this summer TRiO staff will be here to help you with anything you need so remember to stop by even if you aren’t taking classes this summer.  If you haven’t already please fill out a TRiO End of the Year Survey and turn it in at TRiO Hall, your evaluation of the program is greatly appreciated.  Again, it has been a great semester filled with lots of events and we look forward to seeing everyone throughout the summer and when classes begin in the fall.  Check back soon for the list of TRiO events and their dates occurring during the summer.  For those of you taking classes this summer good luck with your studies and remember TRiO is open and ready to help you with anything you need.  For those who are taking the summer off, relax, enjoy yourself and come back ready to start again in the fall, but remember you can still stop in and visit. 

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 3:43:12 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

Congratulations Nursing Graduates!

I am writing to wish you all the very best and congratulate you on your outstanding achievement! It has been a pleasure working with all of you!

The Friends in Nursing blog is a way for you to stay connected with one another and share your nursing stories. Let us know when you pass your board exam as well as how you are doing in your nursing career.

Additionally, this blog will have Lourdes College Nursing Alumni who will act as "mentors" for you. They will assist and guide you through your first few years as a new nurse, if you desire. If you have any questions, concerns, or just feel overwhelmed as a new nurse....please post a note. If you would like to share your positive nursing stories....please do so as well.

The Friends in Nursing Blog was set up for you....to assist you as you transition into your new career!

On behalf of Lourdes College, and in the Franciscan tradition, we wish you “Peace and All Good” in your new journey.

Sincerely,

Julie Kruse

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 4:11:19 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [2] | 

    As I stated in a previous blog, I am a strong opponent of censorship in almost every situation. It is hard for me to imagine a situation in which I approve of it. There are many reasons for my objection to it, not the least of which is that it tends to be counterproductive and results in more strongly felt anger and resentment. All we can do is hope that people will be concerned about the feelings of others and know that as they don't want to have "stuff" tossed around about them, those on the receiving end of their words have feelings too. Hurt often ends up causing hurt and, in the end, two people are hurt. That is about all that is "accomplished" and that is an accomplishment that I can do without.

 Dale

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 12:24:56 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

I do not know the content of the blog that was censored. Generally, I am strongly opposed to censoring material. I do know that I have heard on a number of occasions over the past couple of weeks an accusation involving conduct in the recent student government election. I also know that some are upset that in their view nothing, or not enough, was done in response to the charges made. NOTHING can be done in response to accusations that are not documented. No one came forward with any evidence other than "I heard that......" and that is not evidence. Blogs are not evidence. Those of us involved with looking into the charges asked those making the charges for written documentation from those in classes in which the alleged misconduct occurred. Nothing to my knowledge was presented. If there was something done along the lines of that charged then certainly serious investigation was warranted. But, constant, continuous informal chatting about alleged misdoings accomplishes nothing and eventually becomes counterproductive, at best, and destructive, at worst.

 I would hope that all involved would trust those of us who have been consistently supportive to act prudently, fairly and justly. We can only act based on what is presented to us in an appropriate manner. I would hope that all involved would understand that and that anger and disappointment will not result in a never-ending campaign of stinging words and accusations.

Once again, if there is evidence of misconduct, document it and present it in a professional, well written manner. If done, I know that I will view it in an unbiased, objective manner. However, if that is not done, I will look upon the continued talk as little more than idle griping which will result in nothing productive and which, to be completely frank, will be ignored by people who have a lot of other things to focus their attention on. If misconduct occurred, it is important that we get to the bottom of it. However, the current course of action will more than likely result in this ending up in the bottom of a trash can. 

Dale

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:24:48 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

Friends In Nursing is a new Alumni LourdesWorld blogger! Welcome Friends In Nursing!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 10:15:10 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

Yes - this may be my last blog at LourdesWorld . 

For those of you who subscribe to my posts, you have already read my latest blog.  For those of you who don't - sorry, you missed out.  The College has censored my blog and placed it "under review". 

Last summer, I took an internship with College Relations to help launch LourdesWorld .  As you can clearly see, it has been a great success. 

When working with "The Webmaster", I expressed my concerns about potential censorship from the College.  Students would be less likely to blog if they knew that the College could censor anything that was written.  A Blog Contract was written for all bloggers.  Basically, the College was allowed to censor blogs if they contained vulgar language, pornographic images, or threatened a member of the Lourdes College community. 

My last blog was pulled because of "defamation of character". 

How many people have been "talked about" on these blogs?  Bush, McCain, Clinton, Obama, Elvis, Chris Matthews, Steven Siegel, Senator Craig, Lourdes College faculty members, Lourdes College staff members, Lourdes College students, and Lourdes College student organizations. 

My latest blog did not mention anyone by name.  It did not even elude to the sex of the individual. 

Well, I guess we'll see where this goes.  It might not be a pretty thing to watch.  Until then, you can catch up on any of my other blogs on the web.

Monday, May 12, 2008 4:36:20 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [30] | 

Lourdes College bestows the Newman Award biannually to a man or woman recognized for educational, social, moral or cultural leadership. The 2008 Newman Award will be presented to Father Richard T. Wurzel during Lourdes’ annual Awards Ceremony in May.

“Lourdes selected Father Wurzel for the Newman Award because he mirrors Newman’s love of learning and education. Through his many years of service, the Church and civic community have been enriched by his priestly ministry and leadership,” says Sr. Ann Carmen Barone, OSF, Vice President for Mission and Ministry.  

Father Wurzel earned a Master’s degree in Philosophy from the Athenaeum of Ohio and a Doctorate degree in Sacred Theology from the Angelicum University in Rome, Italy. In the spring of 1959, Father Wurzel was ordained by the Diocese of Toledo.

Friday, May 09, 2008 3:45:26 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

Helene Sheets, Director of College Relations for Lourdes College, is being honored for her achievements at the 2008 Urban All-American Celebration. Now in its 17^th year, the Urban All-American Celebration is presented by the Diocese of Toledo’s Central City Ministry of Toledo (CCMT). The event is being held on Monday, May 19, at Gladieux Meadows beginning at 7 p.m. 

The Urban All-American Award is presented to a graduate of a CCMT school who has achieved extraordinary success in his or her personal and/or professional life. “My education at SS Peter & Paul Parish instilled in me the values of community and service to others,” says Helene. “As a Director at Lourdes College, I feel blessed to be part of a community that also values service to others.”

Central City Ministry’s Catholic elementary schools provide a life-lasting, faith-based education to 600 children in the central city, many of whom are considered “at risk.” The CCMT campuses provide clear goals and expectations, strict discipline, and strong academics in a safe and secure environment

Friday, May 09, 2008 1:42:34 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [3] | 

   It all seems so pointless when we spend countless hours hard at work for a grade but it will all be well worth it come graduation!  Give yourself a pat on the back for makin it through the semester.

   Examine the opportunities, the challenges you’ve given yourself.  - Michael Johnson

Thursday, May 08, 2008 12:59:28 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [2] | 

Sr. Shannon Schrein, O.S.F, Ph.D., Chairperson for the Department of Theological Studies at Lourdes College, has been named Vice President of the College Theology Society.

Sr. Shannon has been an active member of the College Theology Society since 1984 and has served as a session convener and as the Executive Director of the National Convention. “I am very pleased to have been elected to the role of Vice President because it provides me with another opportunity to serve the society and to interact with and on behalf of my colleagues within the discipline of Theology,” says Sr. Shannon. 

The College Theology Society is a professional association of college and university professors. Founded in 1953 as a Roman Catholic organization of lay and religious teachers of undergraduate theology, the CTS currently includes over 900 college and university professors throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.  

Wednesday, May 07, 2008 1:39:16 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

Yeah - I should be studying for my last exam.  I'm waiting for the full count to come in from the Indiana Primary.  Until then, here are my ramblings:

The Gas Tax Holiday:

Come on now.  Please, tell me that Americans are not buying this.  Okay - let's give a "Gas Tax Holiday" this summer to help relieve the financial strain from American consumers.  Yeah - give our wallets a break and help us use our money for other things. What a joke.  Has anyone actually crunched the numbers?

Gas Tax: 18 cents a gallon

Gallons per Tank: 15

Number of Fill-Ups: once a week/ 17 weeks of summer

Average Savings per Fill-Up: $2.70

Average Savings for Summer: $45.90

Come on - what a dumb idea.  Not only will ignorant Americans believe that they are actually saving money, but then they will drive even more, spending even more money than was saved.  Then, what happens to the US deficit?  That gas tax is actually taking money away - money that our government claims not to have - from other things, mainly road repairs.

Number of Gallons Used This Summer:  255 per American

Number of Americans: 304 million

Money Not Being Collected: $14 billion

So - take away $14 billions dollars to save each American an average of $50.  Thanks, but I think I'll pass.

College Drug Bust:

Dummies.  So far, 75 students have been arrested for drugs at San Diego State University.  I'm not talking about some pitiful amount of pot or a couple of pills.  This was some serious drug trafficking going on.  Some of the students arrested were at the top of their class, and graduating next month. 

One of them was preparing to graduate with a Master's in Homeland Security.  When they arrested him, he expressed concern that this arrest "might" keep him from getting a job with the federal government.

Idiot.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008 9:48:49 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [14] |