The ambiguity of this picture hopefully shows why I did not understand this book at all during my sophomore year

During my sophomore year of high school I made my own pilgrimage through Dante’s Inferno (pun intended). Reading this book was the equivalent of reading  Holes backwards. Holes was one of my favorite books as a kid, COUGH COUGH young adult, but if I read it backwards I would have little idea of what was going on. Hopefully this simile allows you to understand my below average reading comprehension skills as a sophomore in high school.

However, my teacher helped me understand the Inferno enough for me to “drop” sayings like limbo in my Holy Cross blog. The saying refers to Dante who was in between different levels of hell as he journeyed through it. Although my “limbo” isn’t as poetic as Dante’s I feel like mine was worthy enough for a blog post.

Currently I’m in between Easter break and the end of school. After returning on Tuesday morning from Easter break, I was expecting to come back from any break I’ve had so far at Holy Cross and think that I had another 6-8 weeks before another break, or end of the semester. However, I only have one full week of classes left.

Although classes may end in a week, freshman year is far from over. With one final paper and 3 finals I most certainly have a busy finals week. So, yes it is definitely exciting that I only have one more week of classes and that Spring Weekend will be concluded with J Cole and the Far East Movement, it’s tough to have my eyes on the end of the year because of the amount work that still needs to be done.

So although I may not be doing the limbo at a summer luau, I am in limbo currently here at Holy Cross through feeling in between the end of my school year.

The worst feeling is starting your week off with a dilemma. Not just a dilemma, but a dilemma that will haunt you and poison your insecurities at least for the remaining days in the week.

This morning was gorgeous at Holy Cross. My twitter was already abuzz regarding the warm weather finally reaching the northeast and how people were eager to put away their sweatshirts and North Faces and put on their summer shorts and Sperry boat shoes.

There it was. It was a subtle as a soft green J Crew polo shirt (I would be seeing later in the day), but to me as emphatic as a “LOUD” orange pair of shorts (I would see later in the day).

To Sperry or not to Sperry…an indirect shout out to all possible future English majors.

I had watched my dad’s pair of Sperry boat shoes slowly experience the typical Sperry “wear and tear” throughout my life and I knew that I wanted a pair of my own; however, getting a pair of Sperrys was a privilege. Well, on my birthday I was finally given my own pair.

My reaction wasn’t the same as the kid who opened the NINTENDO 64, but I knew that this gift was the equivalent of a 13 year old boy’s barmitzfah. I had become a man with my new pair of Sperrys.

After a long cold winter, with limited “Sperry Days,” otherwise known as days where it is sunny, warm, and there is no snow on the ground, today marked one of the first inaugural Sperry Days.

I panicked. I wasn’t ready for it. My reaction was similar to the kid who “chickens out” on jumping off of the high dive into the pool. I wanted to make the jump, but I got scared. I didn’t know if I could “pull off” the new look. Wearing Sperrys as opposed to my Nike Air Maxs is the equivalent of speaking French in a hibachi restaurant. The two just don’t mix, so I was torn with the difficult non-academic decision that started my week.

The Sperry tweets were a call out to me, and I proved that I wasn’t ready to “make the leap.” I wasn’t the man I thought I was when I first received the shoes. So the question will continue to haunt me at least for the rest of the week to Sperry or not to Sperry…

Far East Movement

J Cole

This Monday, Holy Cross announced who our Spring Concert would feature. Students awoke to balloons, chalk drawings across the campus advertising the performers, along with many texts, tweets, and Facebook statuses indicating that our Spring Concert would feature both J Cole and Far East Movement…you know the guys who sing “Like a G6.”

I’m indifferent towards the concert. I think HC did a good job of getting some performers who are on the rise of their career, however I can’t say that I avidly listen to either one.

This got me thinking about who the greatest concert would feature…

The Group of Singers in “All of the Lights”: I’m sure most have you have heard this song overplayed on the radio, however it nevertheless is a solid song because of all the singers in it:

• Kanye West
• Rihanna
• Alicia Keys
• Fergie
• John Legend
• The Dream
• Charlie Wilson
• Tony Williams
• Kid Cudi
• Ryan Leslie
• Elly Jackson
• Elton John–yes

Now I would pay alot of money to see all those people perform a concert. Whether or not the concert was awful because of all of the people (pun not intended), I would still love to see how they pulled it off.

Ludacris: I’ve always been a big Luda fan. Now that he is in the movie scene he’ll definitely be able to “put on a show.” Take note Holy Cross.

The People that Sang the Original “We are the World“: This song is great. Most have you might have seen the modern rendition done that helped raise money for the earthquake in Haiti, however, the old version is absolute fire (the throwback hairstyles help this video’s appeal for a concert). Bieber and the girl from the Pussycat Dolls’ presence in the new one takes a back seat to the old one. Also, Michael McDonald’s voice is velvet.

The “School of Rock” Band: This is one of my top 10 favorite movies of all time. This movie was made for Jack Black. His “creative musical inspiration” towards his “students” is not only hilarious but entertaining. The band totally got jipped in the “Battle of the Bands” so hopefully Holy Cross can see the band’s incessant will to stick it to the man and bring them to HC next year.

Despite these hopes being far-fetched, a girl cough, cough, guy can dream. In the meantime I will be trying to update myself on songs by J Cole and The Far East Movement

Don’t worry, this isn’t another one of my glory days basketball posts that talk about my team’s loss in the 3 on 3 semifinal game to the crew team. And in this post you won’t have to listen to the play-by-play of me getting beat by a 7th grader in one-on-one at my first SPUD volunteer experience.

However, it’s March Madness folks, and it will be for the next 3 days. So deal with another basketball themed post.

Yesterday I experienced the first ever Unified Basketball event at Holy Cross. I know I mentioned what Unified Basketball was in one of my previous posts, however for the new readers, or maybe even the newly accepted students here’s your catch-up (bear with me Early Decision students who have been reading this since their phone call acceptance before the new year)…

Unified Basketball is a newly founded Special Olympics volunteer program where both partners and athletes play basketball together and against other similar teams. Unified Basketball, along with many other unified sports, is finding its way into many high schools across the country, and is becoming very popular for many students.

However, Holy Cross had never had an organization like this. So after a few students developed the idea this past fall and after a long winter of preparation and logistical work done by these students, yesterday embarked what will hopefully become a staple in the Holy Cross Community.

The school’s president, Father McFarland kicked off the day with a few inspirational words for the incoming athletes, the athletes’ families, and us volunteering partners. He spoke about how a club like this truly embodies what it is like for someone to be a true Holy Cross student.

Soon after his speech was done, we began to play basketball. The rules for Unified Basketball state that a team can have 3 athletes and 2 partners on the court at once. Despite the near 75 Holy Cross students helping out to volunteer, and the 2 partner rule, none of us got too many minutes in the games. However my 2 assist, 4 rebound performance helped lead my team to victory in the one game that I played.

The day concluded, and I unfortunately went back to reading, checking Facebook, writing essays, checking Facebook, and repeating until I went to bed. However, it is nice to know that my Sundays for the rest of school will not be filled entirely with schoolwork travails.

Sorry for the lack of post last week, I was on spring break.

You may be thinking: “Ted, you probably had nothing to do over the break except wake up at 11:00, watch SportsCenter, check Facebook, eat, and repeat. How did you not have time for us?” Well, you’re wrong. Although I got sufficient Facebook and SportsCenter time, I was working. All Day. At School.

That’s right followers + mom. I spent my spring break at Holy Cross at the Pre-Business sponsored Executive Leadership Workshop. After being elected into the workshop at the end of December, I was enthusiastic about  learning more about business and getting hands on experience on how to run a company. However, a week before break I had no interest of staying another week on campus and doing more work.

Going into the week I was unsure of what to expect. I had never studied business, nor had I ever received any business training. The only business I ever knew came from car ride discussions with my dad after I would stupidly ask “Dad, how big is your company?” Before I knew it I was knee deep in a discussion about stock benefits, domestic revenue versus international revenue, and publically traded companies.

This past week was the complete opposite of any pre-conceived notions I had about business. Everyday different Holy Cross alumni who now work as CEOs came and talked to us about how to start companies, how to sustain them, and then how to solve problems that may arise while working for them. Each day was very interactive. The alumni presenters did a great job of making the day exciting and the best part was that we were getting a first hand experience on real problems and solutions that the same CEOs faced while at their respective jobs.

Before I came to Holy Cross, I knew that I wanted to work in the business field, however I was a little skeptical because Holy Cross did not have a business school. I didn’t know if having a business degree couldn’t get you a job in business. However this week proved any previous notion I had about business degrees wrong. The alumni majored in anything from art history to English and they are now successful and well respected in their particular companies. This week also showed that it is not necessary to major in economics or accounting in order to go into business. Although having an economics or accounting background may help in knowing the business field better than a chemistry major, don’t force yourself to major in it if its not something that you are truly interested in.

This week taught me that companies love Holy Cross students because we are diverse thinkers who approach problems holistically with a diverse mindset. This week also taught me that spending your spring break at school could be an amazing experience and one that will benefit me immensely in my future. I strongly recommend anyone who plans on attending HC next year and is interested in business to not only join the Pre-Business program, but also pursue the Executive Leadership Workshop. So, with that said I guess I can confidently, and enthusiastically talk to my dad about domestic versus international revenue.

I know, I already have a semester and a half under my belt, but until yesterday I didn’t truly know what it was like to embody and represent what it truly means to be a Holy Cross student.

Yesterday was my first day as a member of Holy Cross’ renowned program called SPUD (Student Programs for Urban Development). SPUD has been a staple at Holy Cross for almost half a century and over 800 students, which is approximately 1/4 of the student body, volunteer and participate. Many students volunteer in different roles whether it is cleaning up trash in Worcester, volunteer at soup kitchens, tutor other younger students in Worcester, or in my case volunteer at Worcester’s Boys & Girls Club.

As a camp counselor for 4 years I’ve had my fair share of experiences with kids (i.e. bloody noses, “he/she called me stupid” accusations, capture the flag successes/failures, “he/she won’ t share [insert most recent Christmas present here]). During those 4 years I’ve learned a great deal about kids and how to work with them. However, in order to work with kids and be successful/enjoy yourself: you need to be a kid.

I took that mentality with me into the Boys & Girls Club yesterday not really knowing what to expect in a new environment. I chose to help out in the recreation/gym center for the afternoon knowing that I would enjoy it.

Despite getting beat in H-O-R-S-E by an 11 year-old and then losing in 1 on 1 to a 13 year-old, I had an awesome time. Whether I was rebounding and passing the basketball to one of the kids in the gym, or asking another kid who their favorite basketball player was, the smile on their face made up for my degradation in H-O-R-S-E and 1 on 1.

After leaving the Boys & Girls Club I knew why I chose to go to school at Holy Cross. After a tough couple of weeks in the classroom, all  was forgotten in the 2 hours that I spent volunteering.  Volunteering made me appreciate what I have at Holy Cross and knowing that a B- on a paper was not the end of the world. After playing with kids who may not have had as lucky of a childhood as I did, and seeing them genuinely smile over something as small a made jump-shot made me appreciate not only my family and friends, but also my education that I was receiving at Holy Cross.

I now understand why SPUD has been such a successful, and historic program for Holy Cross and why so many students are so eager to join. So I guess I can say that I now know what it is like to be a Holy Cross Crusader.

Mark today on your calendar as the first day that wasn’t icy, windy, or blistery  at Holy Cross in 2011. Despite the piles of snow that still lay dormant on the ground, the sun came out today and made the walk to class somewhat enjoyable and relaxing. However, the sun slowly starting to come out of hibernation can only mean one thing…spring weather is upon us.

In most parts of the country, there is not much of a change from spring to winter. However, up in Worcester, (or down in Worcester for all my Canadian readers who can empathize with me), once it starts getting warm out, it seems like new people that you’ve never seen before emerge and walk the campus. It’s almost like the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. Although seeing students in a tee-shirt rather than a North Face jacket, sweatshirt, and hat isn’t as dramatic as this, it still is a sight to see other students in apparel other than Holy Cross sweatshirts.

However, now that warm weather is approaching, more students will start flocking to the gym to get in “spring and summer shape.”

Despite the multitude of students who go to the gym and look as awkward as a grandma in an Apple Store, by not knowing what to do while they’re working out, there is something amusing to their presence: their music.

One of the more amusing things about the gym, to me at least, is wondering what music people listen to while they work out. What gives them that extra “uumf” on their last bench press set? What song gets them through that extra half mile? It’s one of the perks of going to the gym.

Are they a Lil Wayne fan, who think that every song that “Weezy” makes is gold?

Are they a sleeveless shirt wearing, classic rock fan ( i.e. ACDC,  Metallica, Guns & Roses)

Or are they like me who listens to everything from Katie Perry to Van Halen while they work out?

That’s right my secret is out, I enjoy Katie Perry. And so what, “Teenage Dream” is that song that gets me through that last bench press set, or extra half mile. I’m no lesser of a man because of it. And the best part is besides you, my readers, no one else knows that Katie Perry is on my “Gym” playlist. So lets keep this bond we share strong and not spoil my work out secret.

However, if you find yourself at the gym trying to get into “spring and summer shape,” take a second to observe your surroundings and try and figure out what type of music the old guy in the headband is listening to…

Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday. For some the worst day of the week seeing that it falls in the middle of the school or work week, or the pinnacle (this is where the “hump” reference comes from), however to me, “Hump Day,” or Wednesday, is one of my favorite days. Despite a packed schedule of 3 classes, (yes that’s right high school students reading this, 3 classes is a jam-packed day in college especially at “The Cross”) I have something to look forward to every Wednesday night: “Modern Family.” If you have never heard of the greatest show on television, stop reading for a moment and do the following:

1. lift up your right foot (or left if you are left footed)

2. thrust whatever foot you lifted up into your opposite leg as hard as you can (i.e. if you lifted up your right foot, thrust it into your left leg).

That’s right, kick yourself. “Modern Family” is gold. This show will become the “Seinfeld” of our generation. Are you sick of your parents constantly re-hashing their favorite “Seinfeld” episodes at dinner parties? Have you ran out of Seinfeld trivia boardgames, seasonal DVDs, and sporcle.com quizzes to give/show to your parents like I have? Well get a new hobby and pick up “Modern Family” tonight at 9:00 ET on ABC (6:00 for all my west coast readers out there). And trust me it won’t disappoint.

Wait, never mind, I can’t watch it tonight.

Tonight I have my a Holy Cross Special Olympics meeting at the same time as the new “Modern Family” episode. This is the first year that Holy Cross is sponsoring a Special Olympics program at the school, and I never got the opportunity to participate in Special Olympics in high school so I am happy to now participate in it as a Holy Cross student.

The club here at Holy Cross is called “HC Goes Unified.” The term unified refers to the fact that this club will focus on unified basketball games between partners and athletes. Unified Basketball was offered at my high school, however basketball players, like myself at the time, were not permitted to play, but now I am not this guy, so I am allowed to participate. I’ve heard wonderful things about this program, through students who did it at my high school along with students at Holy Cross who are continuing to do it through “HC Goes Unified,” so I see the meeting tonight not as a barrier in my “Modern Family” time, but an opportunity to embody my Jesuit responsibilities through giving back.

So as your Wednesday comes to a close, ask yourself not what your Hump Day can do for you, but what you can do for your Hump Day. Ok, a little dramatic, but don’t spoil the episode for me by posting the plot line in the comments section of my blog.

Similar to the 2000 movie, I had my own today. Waking up at college isn’t as fun as waking up in high school. On any potential snow day in high school, one would sprint downstairs to watch the news and see if  their school was cancelled for the day. Instead, at college, you’re constantly refreshing your email to see if your teachers canceled class for the day.

Fortunately, my Montserrat class was canceled and I was left with a day all to my own. However, unfortunately, my Montserrat class was my only class today, so I’ll have 3 of my other classes tomorrow unless…

Another snow day.

Supposedly Worcester is supposed to get blasted with snow tonight and all through tomorrow. Can you imagine some of the things I could do on an another snow day assuming that I finish all of my work tonight?…

I could build a snowman: Who doesn’t like snowmen? I could use my big box of Goldfish to supply the mouth and nose, and then use my Oreos for the eyes. But wait, no it’s nearly impossible to build a snowman on a hill, and I’m sure administration wouldn’t like an awkward snowman on the Fenwick lawn.

I could go sledding: Back in my day I was known to shred hills like they were the 2010-2011 Cleveland Cavalier defense. Oh wait, never mind. I didn’t bring a sled to school, you’re not allowed to steal Kimball trays and I’m not sure if my roommate would approve of me using him as a sled.

I could make snow cones: My other roommate just brought back a huge jug of Hawaiian Punch that would be a prime ingredient for snow cones, and if Worcester is really getting slammed with snow, then there wouldn’t be a shortage of snow to use. But wait, no I can’t steal my roommates Hawaiian Punch, plus I’d look like quite the dork trolling around the sides of building scooping fresh snow and pouring red juice all over it.

Well, I guess none of these fantasies will be fulfilled, I guess I’m not in high school anymore with a whole backyard of snow and an imagination full of fun…

So if another snow day hits and I finish all my work tonight, I guess I’m stuck refreshing my Facebook page and doing laundry all day.

Not only Billy made his way back to school, but all HC Crusaders

“Back to school, back to school, to prove to dad I am not a fool…”

In case you haven’t seen one of the greatest, inspirational movies of our generation, consider yourself behind the 8 ball when it comes to witnessing hilarious comedies.

“Back to School” Facebook statuses have been clogging my newsfeed and nearly working the “like” button to death ever since my friends from Rhode Island started going back to their respective colleges 2 weeks ago. Holy Cross  was one of the later schools to return for the second semester so I got to see my fair share of these statuses and I knew that I didn’t want to succumb to them.

Instead, I’ll blog about my return to school.

It not only feels good to back to HC but also right. Once I left home for my first semester of college I felt like Holy Cross became my new home, instead of the one I had lived in for the past 7 years of my life (I moved to RI in 6th grade). To me, that is the way it should be. Your parents raise you to go to college and get an education so you can later be successful in life. Once I left for school I turned the clichéd page of my life and began to start new things. Living at home was now in the past and attending Holy Cross became the present.

So when I returned back to school it felt like I was coming back home. Whether it was waiting in tedious lines in the dining hall, taking showers with flip flops on, or admiring the plethora of Poland Springs water bottles our room always has I knew things were back to normal. In all honesty though, I felt more like I was back in my routine that I had been accustomed to since August 28th.

So mom, don’t get me wrong I love coming home and getting fed, but Holy Cross is my new home, and it feels great to be here.