6 years, 2 degrees, 1 home away from home. Thank you, Bloom!

When I first stepped onto campus in 2015 as a first-year student I never would have imagined the impact Bloomsburg University would have on me.

As I went through my four years as an undergraduate, I got involved, made connections that will last a lifetime, and most importantly I found my true self, my passion. As I look back, it was because of those experiences I was given and the connections I made that I was able to find my passion in education.

Bloomsburg gave me the opportunities to succeed in whatever I may do and has taught me that finding your path is the best path. As I entered my final year of graduate school, my final year at Bloomsburg, I reflected on how this university shaped me into the person I am today.

When I first got here as an undergraduate, I was nervous and full of uncertainty. It was not long after that I realized this place is more than just a campus … it is my home. I am now full of memories, opportunities, and people I call my family.

I began my time at Bloomsburg as a finance major and began to get heavily involved in the orientation program where I found my true passion. Education. It was not until my senior year I decided to continue my master's degree in business education. When deciding to go back to grad school there was no hesitation that I would stay at the place that has helped me get to where I am today.

Throughout graduate school I had the opportunity to be the graduate assistant in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions where I continued to grow both personally and professionally. During my final semester as a Bloomsburg University student I completed a student teaching experience at a local high school. Student teaching in the middle of a pandemic is not what most students think of or expect, however, I've never felt more prepared to enter my first year of teaching.

My student teaching experience did not look like the norm, the first day there were no students in their seats and no teachers at their desk. No this was not because of COVID-19, this was due to a three-day snowstorm. My first few days were spent at my desk at home with only online interaction. Shortly after I was able to enter the classroom but students were still virtual most of the week. Our classrooms may have been empty but they were still full of knowledge.

The day came where students were fully in person everyday of the week. It was the biggest celebration of the whole year. The nerves kicked in again. I was meeting most students for the first time, it was like the first day of school jitters. I quickly was able to build rapport with my students and became more than just a student teacher. I got to know each of my students, my cooperating teacher, and other teachers in the building.

With their help and encouragement, I have been able to go above and beyond what I expected of myself.

As I continued my student teaching experience I was given the opportunity to be the school's assistant softball coach. This is the moment I was more than just a student teacher, I got to know my students but also others in the school. I got to know and become part of the community. By coaching I was able to enhance my experience and go above and beyond for my students.

I became an educator to inspire and impact my students, little did I know the impact and inspiration that they would have on me each and every day.

As I complete my final weeks at Bloomsburg University, I think back at all the strides I have made and the moments that will last forever. I started as a young first-year student and came out as a future business educator with a place to call my second home. These past six years were the greatest years of my life.

Through this journey I had the largest team of cheerleaders that stood by my side the entire time. I would like to thank the orientation team, admissions team, my family, and my roommates who became more than just someone I lived with, they became my family too. Without my support system I would not be where I am today. A special thank you to Bloomsburg University for giving me the opportunities to prepare me as I enter the next chapter of my life.

 
— Gianna Harris '19, a finance graduate who will soon earn a master's degree in business education. She is a native of Clifton Heights and was a student leader with the First Year Experience and Orientation office, as well as a graduate assistant with admissions.

#BloomOnward #HuskyUnleashed #HeyHOWLs

So many reasons

I think there’s always a reason that makes everyone’s experience here in Bloomsburg University unforgettable.

For me, that’s a number of reasons.

At the start of my junior year, I transferred to Bloomsburg University. I had attended West Virginia University for two years studying forensic science — where I found I wasn’t so suited for chemistry. I decided it was time to pack my bags and look for a new direction. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon BU that I found that direction.

I was a stranger to the town, the people, and campus itself — and despite only touring campus once during orientation, I was ready to start somewhere brand new to me. Although I was ambitious to get involved during my remaining time, I was unsure of what path awaited me. Now looking back, I can confidently say I’ve found my way. It’s crazy how in the constant turning of the world, one can occasionally find that state of calmness — the one where it feels as though all of your blocks are falling into place. For me, that happened during my time here in Bloomsburg.

I went on to pick up communication studies — a study I’m now passionate about and wish I’d found sooner. This program has allowed me to explore my creativity by equipping me with the skills to take up digital design, social media marketing, or really anything within this realm. The important thing to note is I’m not limited to just that. The communication studies program prepares you for a world of possibilities — it’s just up to you to find your path.

I went on to join Sigma Sigma Sigma national sorority and found friendships I will hold near and dear to my heart for the rest of my life. Not only that, but I also met Jaime North through our educational program for Greek life, who went on to later become my internship supervisor this semester. As eager as I was, I also went on to join the Frederick Douglass Debate Society where I met some amazing role figures: Robert Green, Erin Brummett, and Shavonne Shorter — all of which belong to the communication studies department. 

As someone who loved debates in high school, the Frederick Douglass Debate Society allowed me to continue my enthusiasm. My experience with this group was incredibly rewarding as it was constantly bettering my argumentation and research skills.

Then the pandemic hit, and my world flipped upside down.

All of those study sessions in the Harvey Andruss Library turned into at-home homework. Typical hangout sessions turned into group Facetimes, and free time transformed into finding new hobbies to take up the time, like trying new recipes or picking up scrapbooking. One of my favorite recipes that came out of the pandemic was something that was trending on TikTok: Fold-over wraps. These were something I was crazy about — always trying to brainstorm new takes on the wrap for different mealtimes.

Then in the fall, things changed again — but I argue for the better. We returned to campus (sort of) and found new ways to make our time in Bloomsburg remarkable.

All of that work I put into online classes paid off. I came back with better online study habits and a determination to work toward graduation despite the question of in-person or online classes. Those distant Facetime calls made me miss the friends I’d made — making seeing them again something I can appreciate so much more now. And those hobbies I picked up have gone on to spark “New Food” nights with my friends where we try out things we’ve never had before. Surprisingly, one of my best friends had never tried fish until this semester so of course this was a meal we had to cook up, among others. I also began my internship with the Office of Marketing and Communications this semester and I’ve found some passions I’d never known before — specifically, passions for content creation and marketing. Because of this, I started applying to marketing jobs and even had my first interview for a potential real-life job upon graduation.

Now looking back, I can’t imagine my time holding anything less than my countless study sessions in Andruss — the place I formed so many friendships in group study rooms — or those late nights with my best friends. I can’t imagine not meeting the people I have, or not finding myself as an individual and professional. My new reality is something I’ll never take for granted again, especially in light of all of the changes we’ve faced in the past year alone.

Little did I know I’d find so many reasons for why Bloomsburg was so special to me. We all have our reasons. I wonder what yours may be.

— Caprice Gillick, a senior communication studies major with an emphasis on leadership and public advocacy, is interning with the Office of Marketing and Communications this spring. She is a native of York County and a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority.

#BloomOnward #HuskyLife

Embracing moments of fresh air

In my time at Bloomsburg University, I’ve had my fair share of online work. This past year has taken it to an unprecedented level. Our classrooms, internships, and essentially our daily lives have been immersed in our screens due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

I used to take for granted all the times we had to submit hard copies of our assignments or drudge to class in the wintertime, but now I’m finding myself buried in online assignments or admittedly, with my nose in my phone.

Screen fatigue is real. Trust me. There’s so much time spent sitting behind a screen — whether on it’s on my laptop, on my phone, or even focused on TV. I’ve made it a mission this semester to free myself from this and combat it head on.

Okay… that sounds great, but what are your secrets?

For starters, I’m not afraid to take breaks. This one may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised by the number of times I’ve gotten down on myself for not being able to power through my days like I used to. We don’t get those momentary breaks walking to our next class or grabbing a quick bite to eat from Husky, but instead sit fixed in front of a laptop for hours on end. No one knows yourself better than yourself. If my brain is telling me we’ve had enough, I’m okay with taking a step back and letting myself breathe for a while. I think this is one of the most important things for my sanity, because otherwise my brain is fried by the end of each day.

During these breaks I really like to catch up on things I genuinely enjoy, like cooking, painting, or even reorganizing my room to keep myself inspired. Having some ‘me time’ never hurt anyone and, honestly, it keeps me from losing sight of myself.

Another thing I’ve been doing is embracing my moments of fresh air. Whether it’s just sliding my window open to feel the cool, wintery breeze or going on a walk in our (numbered) warm weather days, I take in the freeing feeling the crisp air gives me. Being bound up inside in front of a screen can be exhausting, so it’s nice to have an escape from time to time.

Ever since the onset of the pandemic, I’ve noticed how my friends and I tend to do everything cooped up inside. We attend classes online, binge-watch the latest shows, and mindlessly scroll through TikToks — sometimes not even acknowledging each other or the world around us. After a while I just need a break from the screens, and I need to bring myself back to reality. Getting fresh air is one way for me to undoubtedly do just that.

But what about those times I can’t step away from my devices?

I pull out my handy-dandy blue light glasses. Some may say they’re gimmicky, but I think they’ve helped turn my fatigue and exhaustion around. I used to experience headaches after long days of being online that I could hardly see straight. Finally, I invested in a pair of inexpensive blue light glasses in an effort to bring these side effects to a halt, and sure enough — they did. Now anytime I’m feeling strained or ready to sign off, I throw on those glasses and I’m ready to tackle more work.

All of these coping methods make me wonder where our technology is going to take us. Will we ever return to face-to-face interaction? Will we stop our endless consumption of Netflix and Hulu shows? Or put our phones down to give us a break from time to time?

At the end of the day, I think the most important thing to do when it comes to screen fatigue is to simply listen to yourself. The pandemic has changed all of our lives so being able to adapt and make the best of our situation is critical for living in a time of uncertainty. I’ve learned to take on virtual life a day at a time, and I’m determined to make the best of whatever the future has in store.

— Caprice Gillick, a senior communication studies major with an emphasis on leadership and public advocacy, is interning with the Office of Marketing and Communications this spring. She is a native of York County and a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority.

#BloomOnward #HuskyLife

Appreciating the world around me more

When I was young I always wished to be older. I'd daydream about what my life had in store and try to plan out each step along the way. When I came to Bloomsburg University, I thought I had it all figured out. I was going to be involved on campus, live a normal college life, and go onto graduate alongside my BU family — or that’s what I thought.

While I partially checked some things off of my bucket list — that is, joined a sorority, landed an internship and experienced a mostly normal college life — some things got a little scrambled when the pandemic hit last spring, and we were sent packing our bags. Almost a year later we're still navigating unprecedented times. And we seniors, much like the Class of 2020, faced with uncertainty over how our graduation will be celebrated. 

A lot has changed in the past year. It's been extremely challenging to navigate what life as a college student might look like. Snow days are obsolete, and it’s hard to say when we can gather in groups of friends and peers again. I always imagined my senior year would be filled with tons of excitement, and while that’s true, it’s been very different amidst the pandemic. Snow days have turned into lounge-like kickbacks with roommates and charcuterie boards, and most of our social lives are quarantined to a select few.

All of my plans went out the window when life became virtual. For a while, I felt as though I was just treading water — unable to see those important to me and having to adjust to online classrooms. It wasn’t until this semester — my last semester — that I’ve come to the realization life isn’t about planning. It’s about cherishing your moments and being able to adjust in real time. It’s about being challenged and pushing back harder than you were hit.

Virtual life really pushed me to my limits both socially and academically, and frankly, now I feel like I’m better equipped online and am prepared for going out into the world of remote work. On top of that, I feel as though I appreciate the world around me more, and I’ve learned to savor every moment here because we truly never know when our world can be turned upside down. Even just looking around the town itself, I’ve come to have more appreciation to be at the heart of Bloomsburg. I breathe in the moments with friends and loved ones — thankful for each second I have. 

With these lessons in mind, I’ve come ready to start my final semester determined to make the best of what I can. No more wishing my life away — it’s time to live it.

— Caprice Gillick, a senior communication studies major with an emphasis on leadership and public advocacy, is interning with the Office of Marketing and Communications this spring. She is a native of York County and a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority.

#BloomOnward #HuskyLife