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

A perfect introduction to college life

When I received my acceptance letter to Bloomsburg University in the spring of 2014, I was completely ecstatic. This was my top choice of schools, and I couldn’t wait to start my college career.

When I read the rest of the letter and saw that I would have to attend summer session, I cried. All of my friends would be enjoying their summer together while I was in Bloomsburg taking classes.
That’s what I thought, anyway.

Little did I know that attending summer session would be one of the best experiences throughout my four years at Bloomsburg. In my time as a summer freshman, I was able to make friends with the people in my classes, as well as my dorm.

There were only a few hundred of us, so everyone knew everyone. I had the opportunity to learn where the academic buildings were without the awkwardness of having to stop someone and get directions.

I mastered the art of when and how to do my laundry without all of them being taken. I got to know the people on my floor and made friends I’m still close with as I finished my senior year.

If you’re nervous about starting summer session, don’t be. For me, it was the perfect introduction to college life without the added pressure of the 500-plus people who actually knew what they were doing.

Take this opportunity to

• learn how to navigate the academic buildings 
• learn how to use BOLT 
• and figure out what on-campus dining option will be your go-to

Do well in your classes so you go into the fall with a rocking GPA. Oh yea, and have fun!

— Danielle Backowski, senior mass communications major #HuskyLife

Suddenly, you’re walking across the stage

Seeing myself in my cap and gown for the first time, I can’t help but think about all of the little pieces of life that led me here. I will be the first in my family to graduate from a four-year university, and there were honestly so many times when I didn’t think I would even make it here.

Freshman year I even considered transferring. The years I’ve spent at Bloomsburg have been fun, terrifying, soul crushing, magical and amazing. Not to say I wouldn’t do some things differently if I could, but as they say, hindsight is 20-20.

I would tell myself not to worry so much. Of course, every freshman worries. They worry about who they’ll eat lunch with, if they’ll get lost looking for their classes. They wonder if they’re supposed to ask to use the bathroom during class (I asked to go to the bathroom in my first college class EVER and everyone laughed so if you have to go, save yourself the shame and just slip out quietly). Things will work out. Let yourself enjoy the newness of college and be open to learning as you go.

I would tell myself to talk to EVERYONE. People you meet in the elevator, people you sit next to in class, people in line as you wait for food. That’s the one, surefire way to make friends. Just start chatting about the weather or the homework from the previous class, and suddenly you’ve got someone to eat lunch with tomorrow, or study at Starbucks with. Take comfort in knowing that 95 percent of the people around you feel the same way you do, and just want people to talk to and understand the struggles of college life.

I would tell myself to say yes more. Go to more football games, go to more drag shows, go to more bingo nights. Go to more parties, go to more dance showcases, get more pink wieners. I can assure you, you’ll regret the times you said no more than the times you said yes. If something seems even remotely interesting, do it. Join a club and only go to one meeting, sign up for an intramural sport only to realize you have no coordination. The only way to find your people is to try literally everything until you do.

I would tell myself to enjoy every, single moment. Not just the big things, but everything. Getting late night with your friends, ordering Chinese food to the dorms, signing the lease for your first apartment, the first time you ever got a $2 bill from $2 Bob, getting breakfast with your roommates telling stories of the previous night. Take in every moment, because one day you'll think you have all the time in the world to do the things you’ve always wanted to in college, and then suddenly you’re walking across the stage wondering where the time even went.

Being a college student has changed me in both the best and the worst ways, and I wouldn’t trade a single second of it. I have grown more in these four years than I have in my entire life, and I am so proud of the person I am today. I am a Stranger Things enthusiast, I am a lover of pretzellinis, I am a local sorority member, I am a public relations professional, and I am now a Bloomsburg University alumna!

— Danielle Backowski, senior mass communications major #HuskyLife

Be careful what you wish for

When I was a freshman, all I wanted was to be a senior. To be on my way to a big girl job, be 21 and have my life figured out. Going to the Student Services Center the other day to pick up my graduation tickets made me realize I’m now at that place … and all I want to do is go back.

Lucky for me, there are still things I can do one last time I loved doing my freshman year.

Going to the Scranton Commons with a big group of friends was something I did often, especially when everyone ran out of flex four weeks before the semester ended. There’s nothing like eating plates and plates of food and grabbing a warm cookie for the road with your friends.

Seeing movies on campus was a treat back in the day, especially since I didn’t have a car and could never get to the movie theater. Bloomsburg always has the best and most current movies, so I never felt like I was missing out on anything. Plus, who can say no to a free movie?

Even though I literally NEVER won anything, midnight bingo was always a fun way to get out of the dorms and meet new people. Plus, a little friendly competition against your roommate and friends doesn’t hurt.

Living with a roommate can be annoying and crowded, but most of the time it’s like being at a sleepover. I loved having someone there to talk to when I was bored or needed advice or to vent. The bond you have with your roommate is something you can’t replicate. Whether it’s freshman or senior year, roommates are something to be treasured.

While I have the ability to do some of these things before I graduate, it certainly won’t be the same. My advice, whatever year you are, is to enjoy where you’re at. I wish I had taken the time to really enjoy and make the most out of every year, rather than looking for the next best thing.

Senior year approaches more quickly than you think, so take your time and have fun.

— Danielle Backowski, senior mass communications major #HuskyLife

A freshmen takeover of my Husky Life

In the four years I’ve been at BU I have discovered some of my favorite restaurants, coffee drinks and places to hang out. Sometimes having all these favorites make it hard for me to decide where I want to go. So, I decided to let the incoming Class of 2022 make the decisions for me!

Monday: Chick-fil-A vs. Qdoba

These two new dining choices were all students could think about as they returned to school this past fall. While neither of them take meal plans, they’re both delicious and you can use Flex, Husky Gold or a credit card to eat there. The Class of 2022 voted for me to have Chick-fil-A, which I was definitely not mad about. My go-to meal is classic nuggets with fries, and of course, Chick-fil-A sauce. However, Qdoba is also a great option if you’re in the mood for Chipotle or something Mexican. They have bowls, tacos, quesadillas, you name it! With fresh ingredients and delicious queso, it’s hard to say no.

Tuesday: Starbucks vs. Java City

It’s safe to say I’m a coffee addict, so having multiple options on campus is like music to my ears. The great thing is that while there are two Starbucks and one Java City, they’re spread out so wherever you are on campus, coffee’s not far away.

Starbucks won the poll, so I got my usual Iced Blonde Americano with vanilla (which is SO good, trust). While I get the same drink every time I go to Starbucks, I do like to switch it up and get Java City. They have amazing iced coffee and their bagels are delicious.

Wednesday: BUnow vs. The Voice

If you’re a news lover like me, Bloomsburg is a great campus to be on because there are so many ways to find out what’s happening on campus, in town and around the country.

The Voice is BU’s student newspaper that comes out every Thursday. BUnow is the online news source, also run by students. Both are full of great information, with entertaining articles and important current events.

Thursday: Cardio vs. Pilates

Our Rec Center is one of the best that I’ve seen on a college campus, with a cardio room, weight room, rock climbing wall and so much more. Every day there are classes offered like Pilates, yoga or cardio sculpt.

Friday: Filet 18 vs. West End Ale Haus

One great thing about Bloomsburg is that if you’re sick of eating campus food, there are so many great options just a five minute walk away! If you’re too tired from your Pilates class the night before, there are also busses that leave from campus and go downtown. The bus stop is located behind McCormick, and comes every 30 minutes. It has stops by the fountain, by Old School apartments and behind Papa John’s on Iron Street.

Filet and West End are just two of the great restaurants downtown, and personally, two of my favorites. West End won the poll option, so I got to have a delicious mac and cheese grilled cheese for dinner.

— Danielle Backowski, senior mass communications major #HuskyLife

One invitation is all it took

It wasn't supposed to end up this way. I had my mind set on attending a different state school. My mom and I even bought matching sweatshirts. I really thought I had it all figured out after visiting different schools in both city and rural settings.

My best friend attended Bloomsburg University and invited me to come visit him one weekend during my senior year of high school. At the time, Bloomsburg was a school I had no interest in, but little did I know that invitation would change my life forever.

Here I am, a BU senior (#BUClass2018) with only seven weeks of college left. Looking back, I can’t even imagine what life would be like if I hadn’t attended BU. I wouldn’t have the education I do now, the mentors who have prepared me for my future, or the unbreakable friendships that shaped me and supported me these past four years. Yes, I might have gotten all of these experiences if I did attend another school, but I honestly wouldn’t trade my time as a Bloomsburg student for a second.

When arriving to Bloomsburg to visit my friend, I made him give me a personal tour. After being there for less than an hour, I could just feel that this was going to be my home, a feeling I did not have with any other school I toured. I returned home and researched my major, and BU offered the perfect track for my career interests.

I applied right away and soon enough I was accepted into the program. I mentioned this to my parents, for they still thought I was planning to attend the other school. We planned an official tour and just like that, they saw it as my home as well.

On Husky Decision Day, it finally became real!

With only a handful of months left being a high school student, I had to prepare myself for a huge change. On Decision Day, I met up with my future roommate, who is now a lifelong friend. This was the last time I would be at BU before becoming an official student in the fall of 2014.

As I prepare to graduate, I reflect on what I’ve been taught many times now. We plan our futures around what we think is best for us, but life always finds a way of guiding us in the direction we are truly meant to go. Life guided me right into BU’s arms, and I couldn’t be more thankful. This experience has led me to trust the process and believe life always has a way of working out.

— Megan Hawbecker, senior mass communications major #HuskyLife

Saving money, investing in good habits

One thing I will admit to anyone who asks is that I’m not great with money. Sure, I have a little in my savings account right now, but that wasn’t always the case.

Take this past fall for example; in September alone I spent almost $600. Looking at that bank statement broke me to tears. How in the WORLD had I spent that much money? What could I possibly have spent it on? The answer: complete and utter nonsense.

Having a budget is a great way to keep yourself from wasting money and makes you feel a little guilty when you do. Through a lot of trial and error, I've created a simple way to chart my spending and even save some of the money I’m making.

Here’s how it works

Start by looking at your bank statement from the last month. Categorize your spending and write down how much money you spent in each category.

Create as many or as little categories as you want, don’t be afraid to be specific. Don’t forget to include any money you receive from your parents, working a job or taking out of your savings. I suggest making a chart that looks something like this:

• Gas: $30 
• Groceries: $50 
• Going Out: $25 
• Takeout: $15 
• Coffee: $10 
• Necessities (books, utilities etc.): $100 
• Total money spent $230 
• Total money received $250

Next, estimate how much money you will receive in a certain amount of time, whether it be monthly or bi-weekly. Add this amount to the bottom of your chart so you can keep track of the money you have leftover at the end of your set time period:

Total money made: $250

Look at the list of categories from last month. Condense, remove and adjust these categories so they’re realistic to what you can afford. Do you really need to budget in a Marshalls trip every week? Probably not. Do you need groceries? Definitely.

Taking into account the money you’ve spent in these categories in the past, set a dollar limit that you’ll allow yourself to spend in each category. For example, if you spent $50 on groceries, it’s probably a good idea to give yourself a little cushion, so set your limit to $70.

At the end of the time period, your chart should look something like this:

• Gas: $15/$30 
• Groceries: $70/$60 
• Going Out: $10/$15 
• Takeout: $5/$15 
• Necessities: $100/$100 
• Total money made $250 
• Total money spent $200 
• Total money leftover $75

With this budget in place, you should be able to save money and start good habits for when you graduate and have bills (and student loans) to pay. Get started early! If I could do one thing in my college career differently, it would be this.

— Danielle Backowski, senior mass communications major #HuskyLife

Making the most of your last semester

All of my sorority sisters know that I am the friend that leaves a party as soon as I'm ready to leave. My roommate even calls me Houdini, because my classic move is being somewhere one moment and being in bed five minutes later.

Now that I'm in my last semester, I want to make the most of it. But with classes, an internship, a job and extracurricular obligations, I'm constantly struggling to live each moment to the fullest without spreading myself too thin.

Since the first week of senior year, I've been feeling the pressure to always say yes to things. "This is your last (fill in the blank), you HAVE to go", is something I hear almost daily. I've come up with a few tricks of the trade to cram in as much fun as possible without falling asleep in my classes the next day.

Do your work EARLY

One of the easiest things to do is get your work done ahead of time, yet since my first day as a Summer Freshman it has been one of the most difficult tasks. My advice is to take it one day at a time. No, you don't have to finish that project that's due in two weeks the day it's assigned. Focus on what's due tomorrow and get it done early in the day. That way you're not stress-eating late night wings thinking about all the work you should be doing, but aren't.

Use your planner

Buying a planner at the beginning of the year always makes you feel like you have your life together. The key to actually having your life together is to USE the darn thing. Grab a cubby in the library, get your syllabi out and put every significant task or paper into your planner. Then add all of your social events.

Look at it, change it, make notes. This way you know when things are coming up and you're not scrambling at the last minute. There's nothing worse than watching Snapchats of your friends having fun while you're stuck at home because you waited until the last minute to write a ten page paper.

You don't always have to say no

Being a responsible student doesn't mean saying no to everything. Go to half priced apps, go see a movie or go to trivia. Just give yourself a curfew, go to bed and wake up early to get your work done. Having fun doesn't have to mean staying out into the wee hours of the morning, and working hard doesn't mean locking yourself in your room all Friday night.

We're not perfect, some nights we'll skip doing homework to grab wings and sometimes we'll stay in because we just need some sleep. Enjoy every minute you can, because it really is the last time we'll get to live the #HuskyLife.

— Danielle Backowski, senior mass communications major #HuskyLife

Where did the time go?

Well, the fall semester is just about over, and I’m not sure if I’m ready to leave beautiful Bloomsburg.

That feeling of returning back to our hometowns can be relieving and scary all at once. I remember the feeling of missing my family, but it was going to be worse leaving all of my friends here at college. So what is there to expect when you go back home?

Having control of life and being free here at college is great. But going home means, “mom’s way or the highway.” So maybe going home is nice and all, but it won’t exactly be that easy. This new adult-self could soon be shut down and shut up real quick by mom’s rules.

Not looking forward to being away from best friends and boyfriend or girlfriends either? This idea can cause some serious separation anxiety. I found best friends in Bloomsburg who bring out the best in me, and we are used to spending every waking moment together. Being at home leaves me feeling a little lost and lonely ... no worries though, Snapchat will come in handy.

I am reminded of how much I can take away from college. A lot more than I could from just watching television all day and sneaking snacks before suppertime. So we all may go through the different struggles, ups or downs that winter break will bring to us. But this time can be used to catch up on sleep, start applying for internships or jobs, see old friends, and have quality time with family. It’s quality time to do some self-reflecting and get prepared for the next semester.

This time off could be used to spruce up my creativity. It could be a good time for some changes too. I usually try to find the changes in myself first. It may be a small break, but use the time wisely and remember that college is a stepping stone, second home, and even sometimes that change to get you up and going.

We all may leave it for break, and eventually for good, but we’ll always remember how life changing Bloomsburg can be.

Rep On

— Lydia Jenkins, senior mass communications major #HuskyLife #HuskyFit

It's the little things

Self-motivation shouldn’t be a choice of action, it should become a mental routine...

As I slowly reach the middle of the semester, there are different commitments that come my way. Midterms are attacking one by one. Group projects are in full force. My daily schedule has now been set in stone… Finally. And I start to question will this semester drag on or go by too quickly? (Either way my motivation is sluggish.)

Despite the tough notes I have to go over, and the feeling of missing home I still manage to be self-motivating. I try to kick my mental state into full gear just so I don’t lose my sense of purpose and determination during this confusing time. There are physical and mental actions I take in order to keep myself and my mind organized during mid-terms.

First off, I fall into uneasy moods when I have a cluttered home. My bedroom and working space are good places to start. It’s time to rearrange some furniture, dust off the art work and tidy up a bit. Giving the bedroom a little face lift doesn’t have to be a day-long event either. I usually move things around, rearrange my pictures of family and then look around to feel the new vibe. Cleaning out and off my desk usually helps too. I put my papers and notes in order, clean out my folders, and restock my backpack and drawer with notecards. It’s the little things that get me moving towards a productive path.

Secondly, when my mind is confused with due dates, topics for papers, research, club responsibilities, even plans with friends, then I usually take a moment for a walk. Something quick, like down the street and around the block helps. When the breath of fresh air has cleared my head, I sit down to map out my plan of attack. I line up my group meetings, club dates, volunteer hours, and study sessions. I clearly write down my goals for the following weeks, and keep my highest priorities at the top of the list.

These little tips and tricks are just a start to get myself back into the right mindset for midterms. I sometimes turn to my apps for some assistance as well. Pinterest always gives me motivational quotes, tips for stress, clutter free guidance, and even some relaxing new yoga poses to try out. I look to Instagram to see the beauty that’s around me in Bloomsburg, along with traveling pages from around the world. It keeps me happy to be here while I’m working hard, but also keeps me looking towards where the future will take me after graduation.

All of these little things start to help my mindset when I’m feeling a little hazy midway through the semester. I look to other resources for aid, and alone time so I can collect my thoughts to stay on track. Before I know it, I’m ready for the midterm, I have new ideas to bring to group meetings, and I’m excited to be involved with my next campus event. Just like that, I’m back to my healthy and motivated self who is going to take care of business this semester.

Rep On

— Lydia Jenkins, senior mass communications major #HuskyLife #HuskyFit

Roles of friendship

Routine is a big part of my life. It keeps me grounded, focused and in my comfort zone. When this is disrupted for any number of reasons, all I see is irritation.

So in order to keep peace with myself — maintain that healthy approach to college life — routine is life. This is also true when it comes to my friends. They each have a role and a responsibility to my routine. And I love them for it.

Being around my best friends, we all had something great to offer to the table. The knowledge, honesty and humor we all share is endless and always helping me grow. I would have to say the friends I have found have the ability to make you mad, cry, question our sanity and even howl laughing.

My groups consists of:

• the best brains
• a true diva
• hippie lover
• gypsy wonderer
• and a guardian of the Earth

We have all angles of life covered. We could dominate the world. But when it really came down to it, we couldn’t decide what show to watch when we all came together. So the amount of diversity we have is overwhelming. What made us truly great, is what we could potentially pull us apart.

When it comes to what we all like to do in our free time, there is definitely times of controversy. It comes down to who can be the best partner for that situation. Taking a walk and pushing homework back an hour, doesn’t always fly over well with a friend who needs to make sure their schedule has adequate time allotted for it. It’s sometimes a little easier to call upon the one who can pick up and go.

No questions asked.

I would have to recommend there are certain types of relationships, especially between friends, that suit life differently. Sometimes it’s okay to have a gym buddy you only meet inside the rec center doors. It’s nice to have that friend who pushes you to get your head in the books, and won’t let you leave the library before dark. These people may be the same for you, but for me they were two complete opposites.

My best friends always fill in the missing spaces when another one can’t.

These types of relationships are easy and feel so healthy. There is no trying to make someone something they aren’t. It allows us all to flourish where we feel comfortable. And true friendship is about, just that. So I’m blessed to have come to this dynamic campus, only to find the crazy people who compliment me so well.

Rep On

— Lydia Jenkins, senior mass communications major #HuskyLife #HuskyFit

Back to the good ol' routine

It has been a quick summer. Summer full of work, travel, friends and family, but unfortunately not enough time spent working out. Time to kick this butt back into gear. Back to school; senior year full of homework, group projects, work, meetings, going out…

Oh, and did I mention the gym? Back to the good old stomping grounds. The place to relieve all anxiety and cleanse from the night out before.

Some people think relaxing is being at home, in bed watching Netflix. But instead, I find that the sound of crashing weights and moving treadmills, along with the sweet smell of sweaty success really makes me feel good.

It’s time to get back to the routine of working out and eating healthy. My routine has always wrapped around school, and now that I’m in college it’s easier to get back into the flow of things.

Because let’s be honest, last semester didn’t give me enough time to work on the “beach bod” and this summer didn’t help me keep it. So now it comes down to making sure I get to class, get homework done, and get to the gym.

My routine usually starts off a little gentle so I can ease into the semester. I like to start off from scratch when I haven’t been working out for a while. It makes it a little bit easier to track my progress. I start with lower weights but I do up to 20 to 30 reps. I also prefer to switch days with circuits of two to four workouts in each. I think circuits make a workout more fun because it’s always changing.

So, knowing that I have to walk to class each day, I think I’ll decide to do leg day in the latter part of the week. I love to use Pinterest ideas, and I usually ask fellow lifting buffs to give me advice on moves. Then I progress to heavier weight when I am comfortable.

I’ll start my first week of senior year with:

• Monday - cardio and glutes
• Tuesday - back and shoulders
• Wednesday - cardio and abs
• Thursday - arms and chest
• Friday - squats and overall endurance
• Saturday - fundamentals and lifting movements
• Sunday - rest

Along with a good workout plan to go along with my class schedule, I usually try to plan out my meals as well. It’s about eating well, not eating a little. Especially when it's about toning instead of lose weight. So each morning must have breakfast to get the brain going. I usually add in a good “big man stretch” to wake up before that 8 a.m. I always try to remember a water bottle as well. Staying hydrated has helped with stress, headaches, the 2 o’clock sleepiness, and gets you ready for the gym.

Overall, the first week back to college is fun to reconnect with everyone before the workload grows. It’s so important to keep your head on straight, stick to your priorities and get moving. It's great to walk to class, take lunch breaks on the quad, and after homework take a stroll downtown. While returning to the routine remember to keep your emotions steady and thoughts in order, the rest of your health will follow for the weeks to come.

Rep On

— Lydia Jenkins, senior mass communications major #HuskyLife #HuskyFit