Thinking back to February of my senior year of high school, I remember the question on my and all of my friends minds: where are we going to school next year? By this point, applications are done and you’ve found out what schools you’ve gotten into. Of course scholarships and financial aid are still up in the air, but in three months you’re required to notify a school that you are officially joining their class of 2016.

So how do you make that final decision? As a four year employee in the Office of Admission, I’m sure you’re all expecting me to say, “Be a Billiken! Come to SLU!” But I’ll be honest and give you the best advice I know: If you’re deciding between two or three schools go visit them again. In the past four years I’ve talked to hundreds of students in your position, and the best way to decide if you can see yourself at a college is to actually go there: scope out the campus, stay overnight or talk with students, and eat the food! Of course, I hope if you’re reading this blog SLU is one of your top choices. I have absolutely loved every moment here at SLU, and I’m always eager to share my experiences (read my blog archives if you don’t believe me!) But you have to figure out where you belong! So if SLU is still part of your college search, take advantage of my advice and schedule a visit at visit.slu.edu. Anddd check back next week for more advice

I’ve never regretted my choice of becoming a Billiken!

This week I started the second semester of my senior year! I had a really fabulous break (see a few pictures below)- my family celebrated Christmas in Florida, I spent a few weeks in Wisconsin seeing family and friends, watched lots of football, and read lots of great books (everyone should read the Hunger Games. I could NOT put them down!)

My siblings and I on Christmas!

My Boyfriend, Joe, and I at a New Years Eve family wedding

Even though my break was incredibly relaxing and fun it’s great to be back at SLU. Since this is my last semester of undergrad, I’m turning my blog into an advice/things I wish I knew before going to college page! My four years at SLU have been ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, and I wouldn’t trade them or change anything about them (even the rough spots- I’ve grown so much from them!). Since I’m this wise, old, senior now (ha.) I’m ready to share what I’ve learned So starting next week I’ll share my advice, and hopefully shed light onto the SLU experience. Enjoy the weekend!

Two weeks ago I had the amazing opportunity of going on SLU’s Encounter 41 retreat. Similar to Kairos, the Encounter retreat is run through SLU’s Campus Ministry. Since sophomore year, I’ve been wanting to go but I ALWAYS have a conflict the weekend of the retreat that I can’t get out of. This year, my roommate Melissa and I looked up the date the first week of school, put it on our calendars, and said “we’re going!”. The retreat lasted from Friday-Sunday, which I thought seemed like a long time to be on a retreat, but I was shocked at how time flew! The entire weekend was an awesome opportunity to reflect on my SLU experience. I’ve changed so much in my three and half years here and I have to attribute all of it to the opportunities I’ve had as a SLU student. While reflecting with my small group, I was able to look at where I’ve been and where I want to go in the next coming years. If you’re a SLU student I absolutely recommend you go on the retreat, and if you’re a prospective student then know that SLU has an awesome Campus Ministry Department that plans all sorts of cool retreats Here’s a picture of me and some of the awesome people I met on E41:

Me and my AWESOME small group!

Last week I was home in WI for Thanksgiving and had a lovely time with family and friends. My mom, sister, and I even did a little Black Friday shopping at midnight! Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday (after my birthday, of course) and this year I had so much to be thankful for! I have an amazing family and a great group of friends that I wouldn’t trade for the world- life can’t get much better than that Now that it’s the Christmas season, and officially December, I’m starting to get into the Christmas spirit. AND Billiken Basketball fever is all over campus- With a 6-1 start and a #23 RANKING I’m pumped for the home game this weekend

Everyone always says time flies when you’re having fun… I’ve never found it more true than this semester! Although I’ve been having such a fun semester, I’m busier than ever! As a senior and also in the first year of the graduate curriculum for Occupational Therapy, my school schedule keeps me busy. Add work, two executive board positions, membership in another club and my weekdays are packed. Nonetheless, I’ve done some AWESOME activities this semester… here are the highlights:

-Going to New Orleans with my siblings for my sister Angela’s 30th birthday! I fell in love with the architecture and the food! Definitely at the top of my food list are beignets from Cafe du Monde!

-My last Parent’s Weekend: my parents came down from Wisconsin and we had a great time eating at different restaurants and attending Taste of St. Louis downtown. We got to tour the new Peabody Opera house- which is GORGEOUS! I also got to be in the SLU Homecoming Golf cart parade for the first time!

-Lupe Fiasco Concert: SLU’s Student Activities Board brought Lupe for our Homecoming concert and my friends and I had a blast, even though we didn’t know many songs

-Mat Kearney & Script concerts at the Pageant: This semester was the first time I went to the Pageant, and I am so impressed with the venue- there is not a bad seat in the house. Both concerts were phenomenal and my friends and I had a blast.

-Sara Bareilles Concert: Gosh, four concerts in four weeks – I felt so lucky! Sara was the last one to round out the concert marathon, and she impressed me like usual

-Oktoberfest: It was my first time attending the Soulard festival and my friends and I enjoyed the German music and environment!

-Tailgating during a Cardinal/Brewers NLCS game! Many of my close friends are from St. Louis and big Cardinals fans, so we had some great trash talking going all series long! For one of the last games in St. Louis my friends and I tailgated at a parking garage near the stadium and streamed the game onto a laptop! It was one of my favorite things I’ve done all four years at SLU!

-St. Louis Fashion Week: My friends and I bought tickets on Living Social for the finale runway show of St. Louis Fashion week. There was a red carpet, models, media and everything! It was such a cool experience, and we were shocked to find it here in the Midwest!

-Fall Break back in Wisconsin- one of my favorite times of year to be in Wisconsin because of the beautiful changing leaves! Fall break always comes at the perfect time- I’m ready for a break and to catch up with friends and family back home.

-Cardinals World Series Win: Since I’m a Brewers fan I was bummed about the defeat in the NCLS. But, celebrating the Cardinals win in Downtown St. Louis was a once in a lifetime experience that I’ll never forget. It was such a cool sports environment to be a part of!

-Make A Difference Day: Always one of my favorite service events! This year I volunteered with my family in Alpha Phi Omega at a children’s Halloween Party and we had a great time interacting with the kids and catching up with each other.

This semester has definitely been one of my favorites at SLU, and I’m absolutely fulfilling my goal of soaking up as much fun as possible in my last year of undergrad! This weekend I’m crossing something off my SLU bucket list: the Encounter retreat with campus ministry. The it will be time for my second favorite holiday (my birthday is first!): THANKSGIVING! I’ll keep you updated on all the fun happenings

Helloooo long lost followers (well, truly I’m the long lost one!) My sincerest apologies for not posting for… well.. months So, with the start of the new school year it’s definitely time for an update! My spring semester of my junior year finished fabulously, and after a quick 10 day break, I started my summer class: gross anatomy! As an Occupational Therapy major, I’m required to take gross anatomy the summer after my junior year; after passing the course I then start my grad school classes (even though I’m only a senior). It’s an awesome “accelerated” program that allows me to get my Masters in OT in 5 years instead of the traditional 4 years of undergrad and 2 years of grad school. Now Gross Anatomy is not a class for the light hearted! I can honestly say I’ve never studied more in my life, but I learned SO much information- and it was pretty cool since I got to dissect a human cadaver (like I said.. not for the light hearted!) In my time away from studying, I got to enjoy all the benefits of summer in St. Louis:

-Forest Park quickly became my favorite summer spot! I saw three shows at the Muny, a huge outdoor theater that puts on a different musical performance each week of the summer, AND saw Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew for free at  Shakespeare in the Park.

-A FREE Celebrate St. Louis Concert (the Bare Naked Ladies). Although about one million degrees out, it was still a fun concert!

-Trips to Ted Drewes, Fro Yo, and Flying Cow to satisfy my sweet tooth and cool off from the heat

-Exploring restaurants on South Grand, in the Central West End, and Midtown.

So, despite the humidity (like nothing I’ve ever experienced before!) and studying, I still had a great summer. I was even able to go home for two weddings (one, which was my sisters.. see photo below!) AND celebrated my 21st birthday with my family and some of my closest friends. And after Gross Anatomy, I celebrated with trips to Washington DC, Wisconsin, and Florida… all in all, a pretty good summer!

Now that I’m a SENIOR (still not sure how I feel about that…) at SLU, I’ve been reflecting about my college experience the past few years. In three years, SLU has truly become my home and a place that’s been essential to making me who I am today. Even though I get an extra year here (thank God for 5 yr programs!), many of my friends will be leaving me in May. So my goal for the year: soak up every experience and do all the things in St. Louis I’ve been putting off for the past 3 years! I think it will be a pretty fantastic year- and I promise to update you all along the way

Here’s a few pictures from my summer:

My sisters, NEW brother, and I at the LOVELY July wedding!

Me and my friends Melissa, Kate, and Rebecca on Melissa’s 21st Birthday.

My sisters and I on the Anheuser Busch Brewery Tour for my 21st Birthday

Me, My sister Angela, and my boyfriend Joe at Animal Kingdom with Safari Mickey!!

The second half of the spring semester always FLYS by when I’m at SLU! Since coming back to St. Louis, the spring weather has been teasing us. Our first week back it was gorgeous for a few days- sunny and in the 70s- then it SNOWED the first Saturday back!! In typical St. Louis style it was all melted by Monday, but it definitely put a hamper on my weekend! During that week of crazy weather, the majority of SLU’s campus also lost power on Wednesday around 4:30; lucky for me I have a night class on Wednesdays at 6:30 that got cancelled because of the power outage. Talking advantage of my extra time I went to see Michelle Rhee, the former chancellor of the Washington DC school district, that the Great Issues Committee brought to SLU. I was really impressed by her work in the DC schools and her message about the future of public schools in America. So moral of the story: YAY for power outages!

This past weekend my sister Angela and I threw a couples shower for my sister Becca and her fiance, Denny. We played Becca and Denny Jeopardy with all of their friends, which turned out to be a blast! All of our planning paid off and it was a great weekend- but I have to say the best part was that my boyfriend Joe came down from Wisconsin to surprise me! I have to give him and Becca props for pulling off, because I was completely in the dark about the whole plot. Also, we ordered a cheesecake from Hank’s Cheesecakes in St. Louis which was AMAZING- it was some of the best cheesecake I’ve ever had and was very affordable too. Speaking of cakes… my friend Billy started his own baking company called Sweet William’s Custom Cakes! He makes gorgeous (and delicious) cakes, so if you’re in the St. Louis area and planning a special occasion- check him out!

Also- best part about being back at SLU? SLUlips (SLU + tulips= SLUlips). These flowers pop up every spring semester and brighten up our campus making it gorgeoussss (they even survived the freak snow storm)! I’ll try to get a picture up here soon, or better yet- visit campus and see them for yourself!

This weekend will be busy, but awesome: I’m donating blood (yay for saving lives), going to the APO formal (yay for dances with friends), and participating in Relay for Life (boo cancer!) I promise to write about this lovely weekend next week =) happy spring!!

I’ve spent the past week back home in Wisconsin on Spring Break, and in my time away from SLU I’ve been thinking about how awesome my time at SLU has been, specifically this semester. Since I’ve blogged last, I’ve been soaking in all the great perks of being a college student at SLU: free shows on campus, SLU basketball games, St. Louis’s Mardi Gras, and getting to spend time at home on break! SLU’s Student Activities Board brought Ben Bailey (YES, the host/driver on CASH CAB!) to campus for a free comedy show in February. I have always been a Cash Cab fan (for those of you who don’t know the show, its a trivia game show on the Discovery Channel that takes place in a NYC taxi cab) so I was pumped to hear he was coming to campus for FREE! My friends and I went early to get good seats, and thoroughly enjoyed the hour and a half long show.

I also went to two SLU basketball games at the end of the season, which were a blast. I have to give props to the SLUnatics leaders (SLUnatics is the name of our student section) who did an awesome job leading us in cheers and keeping everyone engaged! Also, I’m looking forward to attending many more SLU basketball games next season- our student body just passed a new bill that all students will pay an $15 athletic fee per semester and have free access to the games instead of paying $10 per game or $135 for season tickets- I’m so pumped and plan to attend lots of games!!

St. Louis has the second biggest Mardi Gras celebration in the country, only after New Orleans! I’ve never been able to attend the parade before so I was definitely excited to go. My friends and I woke up early on Saturday morning and had a big breakfast at my friend Dani’s apartment. We then took a shuttle down to Soulard, the old French part of St. Louis to see the parade! Now, I’ve always loved parades so I’m maybe biased, but was SO much fun seeing the floats pass just throwing out mounds of beads into the crowd!! My friend Billy and I found prime spots for catching, and even got a little competitive with the strangers near by- we’re already looking forward to Mardi Gras next year!!

Being a college student is pretty fantastic- but don’t get me wrong, you do have to work hard and study a lot- but when you’re not it is full of fun, especially at SLU!! But going to school 6 hours from home makes me really appreciate the time I do get home during breaks. I’ve spent the week hanging out with friends, exploring cool Milwaukee attractions, and watching loads of movies- talk about a GREAT break from school =) I’m already looking forward to the rest of the semester back in St. Louis, and my first summer in St. Louis! I have to take Gross Anatomy this summer (I get to dissect a human cadaver… talk about hands-on learning!) and although I’ll be studying a lot, I’m excited to enjoy all the fun events St. Louis has!

The semester has been off to a great start. I’ve never loved my classes more, and although challenging and long (I have three classes that only meet once a week and are 2.5-3 hours long!), I’m really enjoying them. I also think I have some of the best professors at SLU this semester. All of them work hard to teach us the material and each one of them has a passion for the material that is truly apparent as they teach their classes. One of my favorite classes is called Lived Experience- it’s one of my Occupational Therapy classes and we learn about people with disabilities and chronic conditions. So far we’ve had two guest lecturers with disabilities and watched movies, like Whose Life is it Anyway? which discusses ethical issues surrounding health care. It’s so exciting to have classes that I have a true interest and investment in, since they are applicable to my future profession =) I’ve also started volunteering at the St. Louis Society for the Physically Disabled, where my friend Dani and I attend various events and interact with adults with disabilities. The participants and activities of these events remind me of the Easter Seals Camp I’ve worked at the past two summers. Since I can’t work this summer (I have to stay at SLU for class) it’s been great to be involved in a smiliar organization.

Other exciting news-SLU was lucky to get TWO snow days a few weeks ago! It was the first time since 1982 that SLU has had two snow days in a row (and the first time in my SLU career with any snow day!), and I definitely took advantage of them by watching movies, avoiding homework, going to the SLU men’s basketball game, and hanging out with friends. I’ve also been on a big Packer high since they WON THE SUPERBOWL! Although I have to admit that I was very homesick both the week before and after the Superbowl- I would have loved to be in WI for the pre and post game coverage!!

Recently, the Office of Admission has been incredibly busy preparing for Presidential Scholar Weekends. This past weekend we had our first round of candidates, and I was (like always) incredibly impressed with some of the awesome high school seniors I got to talk to. Although I had a long day of work Friday directing people around campus, bragging about how much I love SLU, giving a 2 hour campus tour, and storing candidates’ luggage- I really enjoyed meeting everyone. Saturday was even better when I got to interview 8 candidates! I love talking to students and listening to their hopes for the future and talk about their high school careers. This weekend we have another Scholarship Weekend and I’m excited to meet even more students! If I met you this weekend, or if you’re coming next weekend leave me a comment and let me know =)

Christmas break was quite possibly, the best break ever. After four weeks of cold weather (and fun!) I headed South to Florida with my boyfriend, Joe, and his family! We stayed in Naples, FL at a beautiful golf course and spent the week playing tennis, laying by the pool, and playing lots of  card games. Luckily we had fantastic weather for the majority of the trip- some of my friends have even told me I’m tan (although I swear it’s the dim lighting in my apartment, I’ll take the compliment!) One day we went up to Sanibel Island, and Joe and I got very into shelling. The Islands of Sanibel and Captiva have some of the greatest beaches for shells, and we got pretty into it…

Joe and I doing the "Sanibel Stoop" looking for shells

We also got to take a trip to Universal’s Islands of Adventure to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! IT WAS SO COOL! I definitely felt like I was at Hogwarts- between the ride through Hogwarts castle, walking the village of Hogsmeade, and drinking butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks, it was definitely impressive!

Joe and I with Hogwarts in the background!!

After a fabulous week in Florida, my sister Angela (who lives in Tampa, FL) and I drove up to Atlanta to go to the Packers-Falcons playoff game!! It’s always a little intimidating to be an opposing fan, so we were pumped that there were tons of Packers fans there! We were also thrilled to see a Packer win, and even though we were only in Atlanta for 24 hours we squeezed in visits to the Martin Luther King National Historic Site, the High Museum of Art, and the Margaret Mitchell House!

Angela and I at the game! Go Pack Go!

Now back at SLU, the spring semester of my junior has started. I have to admit that after 5 weeks of break, it’s been a bit hard to get back into the swing of things. Luckily, classes have started off great and all of my friends who were abroad last semester are back!! I’m definitely looking forward to the Packers-Bears game on Sunday, but I have to say there has been some tension with many of my Chicago friends this week… Check back next week to see how the first weekend of the semester goes, and hopefully I’ll be reporting a Packers win =)

Yes, it’s true. I, Katie, am guilty of neglecting my blog for the past two months. I send my sincerest apologies out to my blog followers and my blog itself. Since it’s the new year, I’m sure you can all guess my resolution: WRITE IN MY BLOG MORE OFTEN!

Since I’ve been busy doing so many cool things the past two months, I’ll fill everyone in on the highlights!

-My friends and I went to see Sara Bareilles in St. Louis and had Second Row Seats!! Unfortunately my life without a camera means I only have pictures on my phone=( Now i’m pretty good with computers buttt I have yet to figure  out how to get photos from my phone to my computer! If I do, I’ll post one here!

-My boyfriend Joe and my friends Nick, Elise, and Billy came down from Madison, WI to come to my APO dance in November! Don’t you think we all looked pretty snazzy?

Nick, Elise, Me, Joe and Billy all ready for the APO formal!

We had a great time at the dance and also took a trip to City Museum. City Museum is easily one of the coolest places in St. Louis- it’s full of recycled materials that were turned in to slides, climbing tubes, caves and much more. We had a blast climbing around outside, but Joe and Elise were not to thrilled to be climbing around in tubes 5-6 stories above ground!

Elise, Joe, and I at City Museum

-Thanksgiving (MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY!) was packed full of family time, and like always, went far to quickly.

-After finishing up the semester I came home and went to a Wedding that my sister was in! It was one of the most beautiful weddings, and I’m already thinking of things we can use for her wedding this summer!

My sister Becca and I at the Wedding

-Before Christmas, I became “Bakerella” I baked cookies, candies, and treats for my family that all (thankfully) tasted delicious! I also was a great Elf and helped my mom, sisters, and boyfriend Christmas shop and wrap presents!!

-Like every year, I celebrated four Christmases! Each was full of great food and great memories. Although Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, Christmas definitely makes the top three list (after my birthday, of course).

-For New Years I went back to St. Louis and started the year with a BANG! Literally- there was a street festival at Grand Center and they shot off fireworks to ring in 2011. I’ve never seen fireworks on New Years Eve before and I absolutely LOVED it.

-Now back in WI again, I’ve been taking care of loose ends, knocking books off my Christmas Break reading list, catching up with friends, and enjoying doing NOTHING!

Tomorrow morning I’m headed to Naples, Florida with my boyfriend Joe’s family. Since it’s been a steady 15-30 degrees in Wisconsin all break, I’m definitely looking forward to weather in the 60s and 70s!! We’re also taking a trip to Harry Potter World at Universal Studios! FLORIDA HERE I COME! I’ll catch you up on the trip once I get back to St. Louis for second semester of my Junior Year!