I am so privileged to attend a post-secondary school that offers so many opportunities for student engagement.

In the past two weeks since my last blog however, there have been so many events and activities around Brescia that I’m have been finding it hard to keep up!

This past weekend is a prime example. The BUCSC hosted two of the most popular events of the year, the Wine and Cheese Social on Friday and of course, Brescia Ball on Saturday evening.

The tickets to the Ball sold out in 4 hours, so it’s not surprising that both events had record attendances.

After the wine was drank, cheese, fruit and pates were eaten, over 100 students left the auditorium on Friday after a night of good conversation and great music, only to gather together with 250 faculty, students and members of the Brescia community the following night.

In between the two events, Workshops for Change, a Brescia Club held makeup and hair appointments with 100% of the proceeds going towards the London Regional Cancer Clinic for Patient Education.

Hair and makeup done, off to the Ball I went, in for a fabulous “Arabian Night” of music, dancing and food.

With Brescia Ball Comissioner Ahlam Abdo (front row, left)

As the glitter of the Ball faded, the BUCSC transitioned back into their Spring elections, with speeches and voting for the 2012-2013 Executive featured this week.

Congratulations to the BUCSC for hosting two incredible events!

-Christine

It’s hard to believe that we’re already half way through the first week of second semester! Unlike the first year students, who have been busy participating in Frost Week events like going to the movies and Boler Mountain, it’s been a relatively boring week back for me.

My couch potato ways are being challenged by Brescia’s latest event in partnership with Brescia student and Global Vision Riding Ambassador Leenat Jilani. The Beyond Empowerment- Women of Change Conference proudly states “if it’s meant to BE, it’s up to me”. This event is open (and free!) for all students and is tomorrow, Thursday January 12 in the Auditorium at 1-4pm. Featuring the following distinguished speakers:

MP Susan Truppe, Parliamentary Secretary for the Status of Women
MPP Deb Matthews, Ontario’s Minister of Health
Dr. Colleen Hancyz, Principal of Brescia
Cheryl Forchuk, Associate Director of Nursing
Dr. Allyson Larkin, Social Justice and Peace Studies, Kings University College
Ms. Naeema Farooqi, CEO Idea Consultant, Creative Workshop & Founder/ Editor-in- Chief of London LINK Monthly

I am looking forward to what I’m sure will be an inspiring afternoon. If it were up to me, I would make sure you would be there too!

Christine

Quote of the day: “

The amount of sleep required by the average person is five minutes more.” -Wilson Mizener

It’s so true that the average person needs five minutes more… or so we think right? I believe it’s uncommon for people not to press snooze once or twice when their alarm goes off in the morning. As Dalai Lama says, sleep is the most important form of meditation. I completely agree! As a nutrition student, I also know the significance of NOT sleeping on your body’s digestion.

The Human Biological Clock!

From a young age, most of us were all taught to sleep well. Being craddled in arms was always nice, having a song sang to you or even just having someone rub your back. Unfortunately NONE of these things (Including counting down from 100-0 by different multiples) have led me to sleep.

I went to bed later tonight, and did enjoy a cappuchino with a friend around 9:00 p.m. but usually caffeine doesn’t prevent me from sleeping. Maybe there is something on my mind? Actually there is a lot. I’ll get to that on my next post!!

I can imagine other people are getting anxious about going back to school as well. It’s not that BRESCIA isn’t an amazing community, but who can’t resist  (or turn down) home cooked meals, no homework and family bonding time. I know that I have been spoiled by my family this holiday break. From visiting family friends to starbucks dates, I haven’t had that much time to myself. Maybe that’s why my body is using some of my natural 8 hours of sleep to think, ponder and reflect on life? I get it, but I would also like to BE ASLEEP. I think it’s worse when everyone around you is sleeping and you can’t. Not to complain or anything :)

Oh well! Good night (hopefully)!

❤ Molly

Sweet Dreams!

Is there anyone else out there awake at 3:00 a.m. for no good reason? If so, what do you do to fall back asleep? Count sheep? Drink warm milk?

Quote of the day:

“Persistence.  Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.
The slogan, ‘Press on,’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
- Calvin Coolidge

How often do you NOT answer the phone if the number is…

1. Unrecognizable
2. A 1-800 number
3. A definite telemarketer
4. Your parents (Just kidding!!)

Well this past month I had the privilege of being asked to telemarket. Initially I thought that nobody would answer the phone because they knew I would be asking for money (For people with caller ID it would show up as Brescia, which some classify as solicitors!!). Boy (Or should I say girl!) was I wrong…

Ring Ring Ring Ring Ring Ring Ring...

Over seven thousand dollars were raised from the three days of phone calling. I learned that the Brescia community is definitely a supportive family. I had the opportunity of calling Brescia alumnae, most of which graduated in the 1950s and 1960s. The conversations I stroke up were unbelievable. I think some of the ladies were just happy to have someone to talk to. I also learned a lot about how the school has changed. Each and every one of the ladies who answered had a unique story to tell (Some of their husbands spoke to me as well. Those were equally entertaining conversations). Although none of the alumnae I called were food and nutrition graduates, they had a lot of advice to offer. Most of them agreed that they haven’t lost touch with the friends they made in first year.

Brescia Trailblazers

Not only did it feel good when people answered the phone, it was nice when the alumnae donated. After all, it is a holiday season so many people maynot be financially well off. Regardless of the amount, whether it be 20 dollars or 200 dollars, each donation was very much appreciated. It is nice because the Ontario government will (and has) match(ed) every dollar donated. Each donator had the option of choosing how their money was used (i.e. Bursary fund, Student Council…) which is also a neat factor.

If you or someone you know still wants to donate it isn’t too late. You can do so online, by phone call or by sending a cheque to Brescia.

So I hope that next time you see a 1-800 or “Solicitor” number, you think twice. After all, maybe the money is going to a GREAT cause like the money we fundraised is.

❤ Molly

Have you ever conversed with a friendly telemarketer? Have you ever had an experience similar to mine? Leave a comment below!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is supposed to be about giving, sharing, loving and visiting but all too often we get caught up in the idea of getting.

Life Is About Giving Not Only Getting

The word Christmas comes from the old English “Cristes maesse” meaning Christ’s Mass. After all, the Holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with caroling, gifts, feasts and family gatherings. The concept of  jolly old St. Nick delivering presents has also been around for some time. While he used to distribute clementines, socks and smaller emblems, “Santa” has begun carrying larger gifts in his sleigh. This “Father Christmas” knows just what to bring because children write letters detailing their requests. It used to be that these letters were tossed into the fireplace rather than in the mailbox, because “Father Christmas” could read the wishes through the smoke. It’s for that reason that Santa is also said to enter houses through the chimney (This magical location is enhanced by the mystery of smoke and secrecy). It’s thought that “stockings” are hung to catch anything that Santa drops (In the old in days they believed that he dropped coins) down the chimney by accident (To prevent it from falling down the ash grate).

Another holiday tradition is singing. Caroling comes from the meaning “Song of you”. Serenaders used to travel from house to house singing songs while spreading the holiday spirit. While today they are known as Carolers, groups of people still rejoice ancient carols in hopes of lifting the winter spirits.

I can never resist a Candy Cane treat!

Decorating Christmas trees and hanging greens such as holly and ivy are also winter traditions that help boost winter spirits. After all, winter can be one of the most depressing seasons. These traditions not only build a sense of routine, they also create community through generations.

So while presents may seem like the BIGGEST part of Christmas celebrations, they aren’t! Food, Family and Friends are definitely MUSTS along with the memories, love and support that they provide.

❤ Molly

What did you do this holiday season? Were you able to give back by volunteering in the community? Did you go Christmas Caroling? Did you at least have a full Christmas feast?

Leave a comment below!! (Stay tuned for photos of my holiday celebration!!!)