Regalos & Peru Benefit Dinner

Me and Shannon Tonelli, a Fulbright Scholar who spent 9 months teaching in Peru...and a Regis Alum and current Grad Student!

Members of Campus Ministry speak about their upcoming trip to Peru

The Student Success Center Table!...indulging in treats and great wine:)

Many students and faculty came out for the event...there were raffles and many prizes!

       This week at Regis, students and faculty will gather for a benefit dinner for the Campus Ministry’s trip to Peru this March.  Tonight, Thursday February 23^rd, is the benefit dinner in the College Hall Foyer.  I will be attending the dinner with friends and colleagues from the Undergraduate Advising department as well as the Student Success Center.  Working with these individuals throughout the week has allowed me to appreciate them both as professionals and as humorous, kind, and thoughtful co-workers.  Attending the dinner together is something that I am very much looking forward to. 

                  While in the Graduate Admission office this morning I had the pleasure of meeting with Shannon Tonelli, a 2010  graduate of Regis who traveled to Peru for 9 month as a Fulbright Scholar to teach English at a major University.  Now she is pursuing a master’s degree in education at Regis College.  Shannon was bright, happy, and clearly loved by the Regis community.  She brought with her a photo album depicting her trip which she shared with us and with other faculty and students.  She laughed, hugged, and reminisced with everyone who was eager to hear about her adventures.  Among the photos was an image of a sandwich stacked high with shrimp and spices atop a big fluffy bun.  My eyes immediately grew as I imagined the Peruvian feast I was going to enjoy tonight:  rices with different flavors and spices, juicy chicken, and exotic desserts.  I was then informed that tonight’s dinner was not going to include Peruvian food, but rather, an Italian spread.  Regardless, Italian food is something very near and dear to my heart thanks to the likes of Bertolli, Giada DeLaurentis , and Kraft “blue box”.   In spite of my feeling a bit foolish, I was secretly psyched for pasta-y treats!

                  While the meal is not one of Peruvian influences, the tone of is still the same.  We gather tonight to donate in any way we can to those traveling abroad to help others in need.  The Peru trip is something that Regis has been participating in for quite some time and has been a memorable experience for many.  Shannon recalled her teaching experiences with a smile saying that, “the students are just great, it was an incredible time”.  She was also able to parallel the teaching environment of Peru to that of the United States.  “While the culture is definitely different, the needs are very similar; an education, and in general, opportunity”, she said.  Her cultural outreach has also led her to seek higher education here at Regis.  “I went here for undergraduate and enjoyed it so returned for my graduate degree in education”.  This, I feel, is not uncommon at Regis College.  Students often seem to return either to visit or to seek another degree.  You are almost always guaranteed to see a former student inquiring about certificate programs or meeting former colleagues for lunch or coffee.  It is this warm sense of belonging that draws students to become strong alumni as well.  Most students will refer to the close-knit community of the college and the quality of education as their reason for coming back; they know that they were well supported by their faculty and administration in undergraduate and are then confident in their ability to excel in a graduate degree as well.  In working on my research proposal for Nursing Research, I was able to meet with faculty from the Doctorate in Nursing program.  This has inspired me not only to think forward towards my Doctorate degree, but to feel comfortable and confident pursuing it here at Regis in the future. 

                  The sense of community at Regis is seen on many occasions including the most recent ministry event, Ash Wednesday.  Students, faculty, and friends could be seen on their way to lunch with dark ash stains on their foreheads discussing the service and how nice it was for everyone to come together.  It seemed that everyone, regardless of their religious affiliation, had attended the service to be a part of the greater Regis community.  While the college has a very traditional atmosphere, it also has a strong social warmth that is amplified at community events.  I have no doubt that tonight will bring the same joyful laughter and support that is so characteristic of Regis. 

                  As I finish up my day in Graduate Admissions, I can hear the rustle of tablecloths and silverware as the foyer is prepared for tonight’s event.  A student is playing a bubbly tune on the piano that can be heard all the way down the hall.  Many people stop and listen, smiling as this student is playing for neither money nor applause, just to create beautiful music for the hall.  In the coming and going of students, there are shouts of “hellos” and “see you laters”, and the tones are always genuine and affectionate.  And tonight I dine on great food with great friends.  It’s a great day to be a student at RegisJ

Soup & Salad...with the President!

 Every semester Regis College hosts opportunities for graduate students to meet and chat with President Antoinette Hays (or Toni as we like to call her).  Last semester you could attend a wine and cheese night where you could stroll over to Morrison House and enjoy a glass of chardonnay and casual conversation with Toni and others who represent Regis.  This past Saturday was an afternoon luncheon hosted by President Hays herself and Sister Rosemary, Dean of Students.  I was excited to attend the luncheon and was eager to share my experience thus far with the President.  I was also very excited at the thought of indulging in another delicious Regis meal as the dining services always have such a great spread!  Salad and other healthy options are available and the chocolate white chocolate chip cookies should really be illegal.  Between the treats and the company, I knew that this was an opportunity I certainly could not miss. 

                  Making my way up to Morrison House, I found myself at a halt, staring at this large brick building sitting atop a green grassy hill.  Built in 1900, this building was once the home of students and faculty who also studied and socialized in its halls.  Today, the beautiful Georgian structure holds various receptions and serves as a reminder of the tradition and unity of the college.  It was something I had always seen depicted on view books and brochures, but had never actually stood face to face with it…it was like seeing walking into Fenway park for the first time.  Except instead of having Jacoby Ellsbury inside, there were cookies.  I was equally thrilled. 

                  As I entered Morrison House I was greeted immediately by President Hays.  She gave me a warm smile, firm handshake, and addressed me by name.  “Ashley!” she said, “Welcome to my home.”  It was so nice to have such a prestigious and busy individual know my name, and even invite me into her own personal space.  It was an experience I had never fully gotten at the large university I attended.  And even in the midst of all the antique furniture and stunning décor, Dr. Hays managed to bring some ease and genuineness to the situation.  Coming from Maine many of the social situations I have been placed in are with people who you know personally, or, you might know their mother’s sister’s great cousin’s son.  Either way, there is typically a sense of connectedness and family at every meeting.  Talking with President Hays had a similar feeling; while I had only seen her a few times in the Graduate Admissions office, she seemed to know my story and why I was here at Regis.  As we helped ourselves to soup, salad, and sandwiches, we discussed the Nurse Practitioner program and how important this profession is going to be in the future.  We discussed the quickly growing array of programs Regis has to offer for students with all degree levels and backgrounds. 

                  As more students came for lunch and conversation, we discussed ideas  and suggestions that we could implement  as an institution to make the graduate experience better; everyone felt very comfortable bringing up concerns with the President who was also open and receptive of the feedback.  If there is one thing that President Hays is passionate about, it is most definitely the wellbeing and happiness of the students.  She shared with the group her plans for the coming years on ways to improve and grow Regis into an even more versatile and available institution.  All the while keeping the atmosphere light and engaging. 

                  I left Morrison House feeling optimistic about the state of affairs at Regis and thankful that President Hays took time out of her Saturday to share it with all of us.  I felt pleased with questions raised and certainly felt that my voice as both a graduate assistant and a student was heard.  Events like these take being a student to another level and Regis does a great job of scheduling moments like this.  There is another event on March 24^th that I hope to attend.  There I hope to fill my mind (and my belly!) with all of the wonderful things Regis has to offer.  Until next time!

Stress Remedy?...Punxsutawney Phil & Zumba!

It’s week three of Spring semester here at Regis and already my semester is booked!…Daily group tutoring sessions with students ranging from undergraduate to Doctorate students, weekly hours in the writing center, private tutoring sessions almost nightly, and promotions for Graduate Admissions…oh yeah, and class & school work. Phew!  This morning I spent the greater part of breakfast trying to convince my sister that it was Tuesday, not Thursday.  Spring semester has certainly lived up to its reputation thus far: It’s FAST.  And in a very literal way, Spring semester has actuallyfelt like spring; 60 degree afternoons, sunshine in the mornings, and even singing birds (I’m pretty sure I got a bug bite the other day…could be an allergic reaction. Uh oh).  Thanks to that cute little groundhog, we have been “cursed” with 6 more weeks of this winter weather. Darn.

                  While it is important to keep busy in graduate school, balance is important.  What do I do to cope?  I schedule more things.  Early mornings, late nights, in between classes, I make sure my planner is covered in ink and stuffed with appointment brochures and cards.  But if you were to actually peak into my planner, the tiny last minute write-ins are not extra classes or meetings.  They are fun things like shopping, watching my favorite TV show, doing my nails, and working out (Yes guys, it’s fun).  Every night, for example, I schedule one hour of time just to play games on my computer.  As a hard-core “Words with Friends” addict, this is something I HIGHLY look forward to.  I’m pretty sure the entire undergraduate services department looks forward to it also as I have wrangled them into being just as obsessed with the game as I am.  I have certain shows that I just love and instead of feeling remorse about missing them to study, I just watch them.  I take that time to relax, decompress from my day, and catch up with my sister.  Yes, we do live together, but I think I see her as often as an eclipse.  Relaxing is just one activity I pencil into my free time.  I also try to exercise when I get the chance.  This means a lot of early mornings, late nights, and “costume changes” throughout the day.  But the benefits are so worth it.   

This past Wednesday I attended a Zumba class taught by our very own Claudia Pouravelis, Director of Graduate Admissions.  Having never done one before, I immediately signed up, knowing that anything taught my Claudia HAD to be awesome!  So I pulled myself out of bed, downed a quick breakfast, and headed to Regis for the 8am class.  By 9am I was covered in sweat, completely disgusting, but so ready for the day ahead which was slated to be through the roof.  I ran upstairs to meet my first appointment for the day who laughed at me because I showed up sporting my gym shorts and brown riding boots.  Woops. Somebody’s FABULOUS!  She wasn’t laughing when I rocked our session for 2 hours straight, without breaks, and suggested we meet the following day…at 6am.  Let’s just say that some of my appointments for next Wednesday have called to reschedule for a day when the “Zumba-crazed drill sergeant” isn’t in attendance. 

                  The rest of my day went similarly; I buzzed through filing, whipped out APA edits, and had a very successful Advanced Pathophysiology tutor session.  At 3pm, the start of the session, I had one student in attendance and by 3:40 there were over 15, which is a large group for a drop in session.  In the midst of questions and drawing mitochondria on the white board, the director of the Student Success Center had booked us a classroom for next week’s session.  It was a really great feeling to have it be 5pm and still have energy to thank each student for attending.  I had been on the Regis campus for 9 hours going non-stop and felt like I could do hurdles.  That Zumba class had certainly changed my day for the better…and maybe even frightened a few of my students into studying more!:)

                  This moral of this week’s story is simple:  There is always time to do something for yourself.  Whether it’s waking up an hour earlier to attend a class or take a walk with a friend, it’s these moments that drag us away from the duties of being a graduate student and make us “human” again.  Do the things you love and the things that seem like chores will seem less like work.  Gotta dash.  Next on my schedule is lunch with my co-worker and good friend Caitlyn.  It’s her birthday this weekend and we have to plan festivities. 

 The life of a workaholic grad student is really so hard;)  Until next week!

Round 2...spring semester!

​The arrival of January means a lot of things.  First, Christmas is definitely over.  And it’s not like leaving the tree up in the hopes of extending the holiday season until December 31st (even though you try and convince people it is now a “New Years Tree”).  It’s the realization that it is not only time for a new countdown to Christmas, but a new semester.  Spring 2012!...and while this year is not slated to be a very good one according to the Mayans, it’s shaping up to be an exciting semester at Regis!
 
​With the continuation of the free coffee on weekends, graduate lounge snacks, and now an ice skating rink, graduate students at Regis are off to a speedy and prepared start.  I have continued to spend time between Graduate Admissions and the Student Success Center, helping both graduate and undergraduate students throughout the semester.  It has come in handy knowing so many of Regis’ faculty and the roles they play in the students’ lives.  For example my Public Policy professor is an individual whom I have seen in the halls at least twice a day in passing at work, and it is nice to have a professor with whom I am already acquainted.  There are also various opportunities for graduate students to meet and have lunch with President Hays who is also an RN and is very passionate about advancing nursing education.  I am eager to attend the February event and learn about President Hays’ plans for Regis.  
 
​As far as classes go, I am enrolled in three for the semester: Advanced Nursing Research, Health Policy, and Advanced Clinical Pharmacology where I will, by May, have the knowledge to prescribe medications (Eee! So exciting!).  Many students have said that the class is quite challenging, but I am looking forward to that next level of medication knowledge, as medications are my favorite part of nursing.  Health Policy is proving to be a very cool class; with one four hour class once a month and a total of 30 field hours, it is a very reasonable class to take, especially with a busy work schedule.  Throughout the semester I must attend Legislative, Executive, and local hearings which revolve around public policy and healthcare laws.  At first my heart sank at the idea of attending actual government sessions where I wasn’t sure of the difference between the House and the Senate.  And I mean this honestly, government (and really the gavel) frightens me.  And this commitment was made even more complicated by the fact that I was from another state and I had no idea where the State House was.  But after countless emails to my professor and a little help from the public transportation app on my phone, I was able to find the State House last Thursday on a brisk snowy day.  The trip was well worth it as I got to see a bill passed that allowed nurse midwives to practice independently, a very big landmark in the nursing world.  I grabbed a Dunkin’ and rode the T back to my apartment eagerly planning my next visit to the “Golden Dome”.  
 
​In addition to work, school, and squeezing in a night with friends here and there, I am also in search of a nursing job.  Not that RN experience is a requirement to graduate, but I do miss the clinical experience and the patients.  Perhaps not this summer but this fall I plan on entering the nursing world in a per diem or part time position.  While I have been browsing the internet for places I might enjoy, I am also learning that finding an RN position, at any time, will be difficult within itself.  The nursing market today is not wildly keen on new graduates, and many job postings seek nurses with vast experiences and credentials.  After scanning through tons of jobs, it seemed like some of the postings read, “Seeking staff nurse, Bachelors certified, 2-5 years experience, with the power to mold titanium rods into balloon-animal shapes”.  It is certainly a discouraging process.  But nonetheless, I have been fortunate enough to be placed in a program with many highly skilled and qualified nurses who can help point me in the right direction.  In addition, I am also reminding myself that this is nursing, and there are hundreds of paths one can take to reach their professionals goals and be successful.    
 
​But for now I am very content just having the opportunity to pursue my graduate education; it has been a dream of mine for quite some time and I have faith that opportunities will present themselves at the proper time.  And while I wait, I will be sure to acquaint myself with new medications, research proposals, and Congressmen (and women!). Until next time!

The Race to Finals Week!

(Sorry for the delay all, but this is my posting from my finals week! Soon to come, inspirations for starting the second semester!) :)

It’s December 7^th ;the time for holiday shopping, warm winter sweaters, and of course, Christmas music!  But here at Regis College, it’s 60 degrees outside, students are wearing flip-flips, and there is not a flake of snow on the ground.  These are not the images I think of when I envision the end of the semester.  So it seems strange that in this “heat wave” of winter, finals have crept up on the Regis Community…and on me!  In my Pharmacology class Monday evening our professor began to tell us how much he has enjoyed teaching our class this semester.  Confused, I figured we had been really well-behaved that particular evening, a stark change from our giggly and inquisitive norm.  But when I looked at the syllabus towards next week’s schedule, I realized that we had only one session left and its’ topic was one word: FINAL. 

                As corny as it sounds, I feel like I JUST started my semester here at Regis.  Looking back at the apprehension and nervousness I had at the start, it seems foolish to have had such feelings; as normal as they were, I can now say that I am not only well-acquainted with the Regis Community, I consider them my dear friends and my family.  How quickly one can build such meaningful and close relationships in mere months!  And all in the hustle and bustle of a full time graduate class schedule…

I attribute this rapid progression of the semester to the encouragement of my peers and the support we have given one another.  Some really wonderful things about Regis graduate students are the never-ending jokes, stories, words of wisdom, and advice that has been shared among the graduate program.  Graduate school mentality is focused on the independent career advancement, but there is also an underlying tone of the program as a whole; we recognize how demanding Graduate studies can be and how easy it is to get caught up in that fact.  Therefore we are always sharing funny experiences and pushing each other through the more stressful weeks.  This aspect is unique to Regis and certainly a hallmark of the Graduate School.

As I prepare for my finals, I am keeping a few things in mind: The first is the minimum grade I must receive on my finals to stay in my program of study.  As an MN student, I must maintain an 80 in all my classes and that means maintaining this average on 4 exams per class.  My Pharmacology and Advanced Pathophysiology class grades are composed of 3 exams and one non-cumulative final, which is nice since studying for one quarter of the material is much better than studying for an entire semester’s worth.  My Nursing Theory class (the one I had some slight difficulties with) is based off of two presentations, two online assignments, and one paper which is 50% of the final grade.  Having given my final presentation in Nursing Theory last night, I do not have to sit for a final next week.  I also feel more confident about my final grade as I reflect on the additional work I have put into this different and challenging class.  Today I have calculated the minimum grade I need in both finals to maintain my desired grade and have created a timeline for each final in order to allow for adequate study time (and fun time!...fun time is very important as wellJ).    

With my job in Graduate Admissions and various tutoring hours, I am also keeping in mind scheduling.  I have a tendency to over-book myself (as do most Graduate students) and with my desire to always be everything for everyone, I have to be cognoscente of my overall goal which is to pass graduate school.  I have found in the past that typical time to prepare for an exam takes about 15 hours of study time (about 5 hours for each class session).  That means I have to make 30 hours open between now and Monday, the day of my finals.  While finals are certainly a big deal and I will approach them as such, I am also being realistic; each final I must take is the equivalent of one regular test both in length, material, and weight.  The studious side of me is shouting, “STUDY STUDY STUDY! IT’S A FINAL!” while my sensible side is saying, “Ashley, you’ve taken 6 of these this semester. You’ve got it!”  I find that success in Graduate school comes from having a balance of both sides.  And while I tend to lean in the diligently-studious and overly-responsible side, this semester has helped me to develop my sensible and rational side as well. 

So here’s to finals everyone! Me and my two sides are going to start making Medication flashcards now…but first…a hot cup of hot cocoaJ

Regis College Runs the Tufts 10K!

 Representing Regis College @ the Tufts 10K this past Monday, October 11th, 2011!

     This past weekend was a great day for women as over 7,000 signed up to run the 6.2miles in the 35th Annual Tufts Health Plan 10K....two of them from our very of Graduate Admissions office!

Regis held residence under a large white tent, sheltered from the scorching October (October??) heat.  We were able to promote all of programs and gave out some much-needed Regis College lip balm in the process:)

At the starting line...thousands of women line up to run in support of one another.  Many first timers but all sisters, mothers, and daughters...and all women from all over running for a very good cause!  I was glad to represent Regis at such an inspiring event, and hope to run next year!

Test Week at Regis!

Monday morning began with my usual; checking e-mails, breakfast, morning news, and a heaping cup of caffeine (to which I added Pumpkin flavoring to celebrate the season).  But this week had a different feel to it.  As I locked the door to my apartment I realized what that feeling was.  It was test day and in the midst of driving to school I had forgotten why I had stayed up so late the night before.  My pharmacology test!  Running through the mechanisms of cell death, I suddenly felt more comfortable about taking my first grad-school exam in less than eight hours.  In undergraduate I got used to getting myself pumped-up for exams bright and early and getting in-and-out of the test before 10am.  But in graduate school all of my classes start at 5pm so I had to find a way to keep that level of excitement going throughout the day.  This made me a bit nervous since I am a creature of habit and like to get all the hard parts of my day out of the way first.  Maybe I would have a cup of coffee every hour on the hour?  No, too much caffeine and besides, I had to steady my hand enough to fill in the bubble sheet.  Perhaps jogging a few laps to get the blood flowing?  I looked down at my feet and realized I had chosen my highest heels and didn’t feel like breaking an ankle, especially on a Monday.  Worse case scenario I did have my iPod with plenty of “Space-Jam” music to get myself amped by 5pm.  “This could work…”, I thought to myself. 

At work I kept myself busy filing, returning e-mails, and making trips to the photocopier.  I even indulged myself in a sugary snack at lunch to keep the gears moving.  Before I knew it work was over and I had some time to hop on over to the library for some last minute studying.  Shuffling through my note cards I noticed some other students who were also in my class and I asked if they wanted to go over some notes together.  We hit every topic under the sun from the meiosis and cell division to complex drug receptor binding.  It was great to get a second perspective on the class and also say my note cards out loud.  We each learned something new from the group and felt relaxed knowing we were all on the same page.  I checked my watch and almost had a panic attack…it was 4:30pm.  My test was in 30 minutes and I hadn’t even had dinner or my lucky cup of tea before the test.  I grabbed my notes, said farewell to my classmates, and sprinted like a madwoman who just caught a glimpse of Brad Pitt on campus.  Mid-run I shoved my dinner into the microwave at the grad lounge, warmed up some tea, and impatiently tapped my foot as I watched the clock hit 4:45.  I would definitely not have my ritual first row-center seat, but I would at least have dinner.  The microwave didn’t even have enough time to beep before I grabbed my scalding hot leftovers, threw on the cover, and continued my Brad Pitt-sprint through campus. 

4:50pm…I arrived at Science Hall, flew downstairs to Room #2, and was shocked.  No one, not one single person was in the classroom.  What was this?  Didn’t we have a test today?  Had I truly lost my mind?  Was I in the wrong room? I was not prepared to run in heels to the other side of campus, especially with smoking-hot ziti. 

And then it hit me.  Monday, one of the only days that was set apart from the rest, class started not at 5pm, but 5:30pm.  I breathed a sigh of hysteria but also relief.  Taking my usual seat I opened my pasta dish and leisurely ate, not even believing that I ran like a fool to a class that hadn’t even begun…in heels.  Feeling ready tackle the exam, I was happy I was even still awake for it.  I had certainly found a way to keep my adrenaline running right up until test time.  Mission accomplished. 

First tests are a funny thing.  You wait so long in anticipation and before you know it you’re in the hallway waiting to be called back in for lecture.  And not soon after that, test week is over and you have completed test after test without even blinking.  It felt great to dump all the knowledge that was in my head on paper and be done with it this past week.  My friend Natalie and I joke that we felt like we had to walk perfectly straight all week for fear of having our knowledge spill out.  And all in all, it wasn’t too bad!  The professors had certainly prepared us both for the test itself and the knowledge that we would have to apply in the field of nursing.  Each professor held a review session which was open, informative, and extremely helpful.  That’s one thing I have really come to love about Regis: the professors.  They always remember that we have other commitments throughout the day and by 5pm we are often pretty wiped.  So classes are very interactive, specific, and oftentimes hilarious.  And the review sessions were scheduled not around the professor’s day, but the students’.  I attended one study session that started at 9am since most of the students had work that evening so the professor agreed to stay late.  Even on test day the professors make sure that we all feel confident and relaxed.  I have appreciated this aspect of graduate school very much and am thankful to be in an environment that fosters such holistic learning. 

In the end, test week wasn’t terribly terrifying.  I could compare it to meeting a friend’s greyhound for the first time.  Those guys are big, and kind of wild-looking, but once you get to know them, they are sweet and very manageable (with the help of a friend of course!).  Once you have the knowledge and experience to handle one, you can handle any that come your way!...Especially when you have a great pair of running-heelsJ