Hi everyone!
Happy beginning to the week! Just like any other year, we have finally reached the point where everything is getting kind of crazy. This last weekend, the senior class went on the senior retreat, Metanoia, which was by far my favorite retreat I have done at St. Mary's over my four years. Without indulging any information (because the secrecy around it is the best part), I can for sure tell you that it was an amazing experience after which I felt way closer to the girls around me.
Other than the retreat happening, two big things are wrapping up for me in school. As a part of my AP Lit class, we have to do a World Literature project where we read a book from somewhere in the world, during a time period, etc. I chose a pretty niche subject of Irish crime fiction, reading Declan Hughes' The Wrong Kind of Blood. It was a really good book, and researching the tragic history that led to Ireland's high poverty rate was a sad but interesting experience. Moving forward, I am supposed to give a presentation to my class to finish off the course, and I am really excited to share the message Hughes was trying to portray with the rest of my class. On the other spectrum of subjects, my SRM project is beginning to wrap up with my last log sheet for hours due next week. On May 24, there will be a night where everyone in SRM presents their posters and Powerpoints regarding the research that they participated in - and once again I am very excited to share my experiences in the lab and working with OHSU with everyone I know.
Overall, though, I really only have a few big traditional milestones left. I turned eighteen a couple weeks ago, Prom is soon, and then Graduation! Someone counted and we only have 25 actual school days left before we graduate, which seems ridiculous. The fact that my four years here at SMA have passed by so quickly freaks me out every time I think about it - I am definitely cherishing the time that I have left with those around me. :)
See you next time,
Bryn '17
Monday, April 24, 2017
Sunday, April 9, 2017
College!
Hi everyone!
I hope that you have all been having a wonderful week and weekend - mine has definitely been pretty eventful. Coming back from Spring Break is always kind of hard, because you have to shake off the feeling of having no homework and get back into the groove of schoolwork. This past week was mostly building up in anticipation for Friday, when I was able to attend a function at Oregon State, where I will be attending college next year!
Friday morning I drove to the Corvallis campus and went to some lectures, visited the campus stores, toured the Honors College dorms, and ate lunch at the Honors College luncheon where I was able to be introduced to some current students as well as high schoolers who are going to be going there next year. Up until this point, even after I had committed, my future going to college had always seemed like a far away thing. But talking about signing up for an orientation day and knowing that I am moving in on September 17 this coming fall made me realize how real everything is! As I move toward this impending future, St. Mary's is always there supporting me and helping me be the best student I can be. Just the other day, my college counselor Carolyn Gazeley personally emailed me congratulating me on my decision, something that I definitely appreciated amid the chaos of being a fourth quarter senior.
I guess all that I can say is that college is simultaneously so exciting but also unbelievably nervewracking - and SMA has been with me every step of the way.
See you next time,
Bryn '17
I hope that you have all been having a wonderful week and weekend - mine has definitely been pretty eventful. Coming back from Spring Break is always kind of hard, because you have to shake off the feeling of having no homework and get back into the groove of schoolwork. This past week was mostly building up in anticipation for Friday, when I was able to attend a function at Oregon State, where I will be attending college next year!
Friday morning I drove to the Corvallis campus and went to some lectures, visited the campus stores, toured the Honors College dorms, and ate lunch at the Honors College luncheon where I was able to be introduced to some current students as well as high schoolers who are going to be going there next year. Up until this point, even after I had committed, my future going to college had always seemed like a far away thing. But talking about signing up for an orientation day and knowing that I am moving in on September 17 this coming fall made me realize how real everything is! As I move toward this impending future, St. Mary's is always there supporting me and helping me be the best student I can be. Just the other day, my college counselor Carolyn Gazeley personally emailed me congratulating me on my decision, something that I definitely appreciated amid the chaos of being a fourth quarter senior.
I guess all that I can say is that college is simultaneously so exciting but also unbelievably nervewracking - and SMA has been with me every step of the way.
See you next time,
Bryn '17
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Solidarity
Hi everyone!
These past couple weeks have been pretty busy, so I definitely have a lot share in this post. The final group of Juniors have gone off to Encounter, and the school went out to support the Varsity basketball team in the state quarter-finals. It was a super fun experience, because we did a "blue-out" and cheered together as a school for all of the girls playing. While we didn't end up winning the quarter final game, we won the next one meaning that we get to play on for fourth place in state!
In other news, the school musical started its performances last weekend, where a lot of senior girls I know were a part of the production of The Sound of Music. I went and watched it last Saturday and it was AMAZING. All of the singers and actors performed wonderfully, and it was definitely fun to see some seniors who had never done theater before venture into new roles. There were over a hundred people working on this production this year, including both actors and behind the scene tech crew members! As of today, the musical is still going on for the rest of this weekend so definitely make sure to try and make it for one of their last performances.
Finally, I wanted to share a great experience I had today in CMS. The focus of today's meeting was solidarity, hence the title of this post. I think that in today's world where there is a lot of tension and divisiveness a sense of overwhelming love and compassion is what is needed to unite once more. One of the CMS leaders Bella led some CMS members (myself included) to write cards with words or missions related to solidarity to put on a poster in the hallway. The poster would serve as a tangible item expressing the issues girls in our school is passionate about, as well as continue to support us in our perseverence for love.
From left to right there is Catherine, Camille, and Bella, all active parts of the CMS community.
As I near the end of my time at SMA, it is girls like these that make me look forward to every new day.
See you next time,
Bryn '17
These past couple weeks have been pretty busy, so I definitely have a lot share in this post. The final group of Juniors have gone off to Encounter, and the school went out to support the Varsity basketball team in the state quarter-finals. It was a super fun experience, because we did a "blue-out" and cheered together as a school for all of the girls playing. While we didn't end up winning the quarter final game, we won the next one meaning that we get to play on for fourth place in state!
In other news, the school musical started its performances last weekend, where a lot of senior girls I know were a part of the production of The Sound of Music. I went and watched it last Saturday and it was AMAZING. All of the singers and actors performed wonderfully, and it was definitely fun to see some seniors who had never done theater before venture into new roles. There were over a hundred people working on this production this year, including both actors and behind the scene tech crew members! As of today, the musical is still going on for the rest of this weekend so definitely make sure to try and make it for one of their last performances.
Finally, I wanted to share a great experience I had today in CMS. The focus of today's meeting was solidarity, hence the title of this post. I think that in today's world where there is a lot of tension and divisiveness a sense of overwhelming love and compassion is what is needed to unite once more. One of the CMS leaders Bella led some CMS members (myself included) to write cards with words or missions related to solidarity to put on a poster in the hallway. The poster would serve as a tangible item expressing the issues girls in our school is passionate about, as well as continue to support us in our perseverence for love.
From left to right there is Catherine, Camille, and Bella, all active parts of the CMS community.
As I near the end of my time at SMA, it is girls like these that make me look forward to every new day.
See you next time,
Bryn '17
Saturday, February 18, 2017
3 More Months!
Hi everyone!
I hope that you are all having a wonderful weekend! These past two weeks have been pretty crazy down here at SMA. Due to the recent snow, the Junior Encounter was pushed back to start this last Wednesday. Junior Encounter is an amazing experience that is kept completely hush-hush - the fact that it is a secret is the best part! You go with a third of your junior class and you bond, creating amazing friendships that connect you with those around you more than you could ever think. Although I didn't know many of the girls that went on this recent Encounter, I knew some of the Seniors that act as student leaders! It was definitely cool knowing that some of my friends were helping the Juniors in their immense journey together.
Along with the Encounter, these past two weeks have entailed Doernbecher Week, where we raise money to donate to the Doernbecher Children's Hospital. It lasts for five days, each with a theme that the class has to follow while dressing. For example, one of the days was Seattle day, where everyone dressed like a hipster! Dressing up like this raises points for your class - and whichever class gets the most points at the end of the week gets a prize! Another to way that we raise points and show spirit is bring change to donate into class buckets in the front hallway. If you put pennies in your jar, you get points for your class. But if you put silver change in other classes' jars, you deduct points from their overall score! This is definitely a cool way to fundraiser, making it into a spirited activity that has a great cause. Another great part of the week is the dodgeball tournament that happens during lunch. A team from each class competes with each other everyday at lunch until finally the victorious class plays a team of teachers!
The Seniors managed to make it through to the last round, but then the teachers won all three games in a row... It was for sure soooo fun to watch!!
Doernbecher Week is just another great example of how our school comes together to bond and work towards a great cause.
See you next time,
Bryn '17
I hope that you are all having a wonderful weekend! These past two weeks have been pretty crazy down here at SMA. Due to the recent snow, the Junior Encounter was pushed back to start this last Wednesday. Junior Encounter is an amazing experience that is kept completely hush-hush - the fact that it is a secret is the best part! You go with a third of your junior class and you bond, creating amazing friendships that connect you with those around you more than you could ever think. Although I didn't know many of the girls that went on this recent Encounter, I knew some of the Seniors that act as student leaders! It was definitely cool knowing that some of my friends were helping the Juniors in their immense journey together.
Along with the Encounter, these past two weeks have entailed Doernbecher Week, where we raise money to donate to the Doernbecher Children's Hospital. It lasts for five days, each with a theme that the class has to follow while dressing. For example, one of the days was Seattle day, where everyone dressed like a hipster! Dressing up like this raises points for your class - and whichever class gets the most points at the end of the week gets a prize! Another to way that we raise points and show spirit is bring change to donate into class buckets in the front hallway. If you put pennies in your jar, you get points for your class. But if you put silver change in other classes' jars, you deduct points from their overall score! This is definitely a cool way to fundraiser, making it into a spirited activity that has a great cause. Another great part of the week is the dodgeball tournament that happens during lunch. A team from each class competes with each other everyday at lunch until finally the victorious class plays a team of teachers!
The Seniors managed to make it through to the last round, but then the teachers won all three games in a row... It was for sure soooo fun to watch!!
Doernbecher Week is just another great example of how our school comes together to bond and work towards a great cause.
See you next time,
Bryn '17
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Almost There
Hi everyone!
Happy Saturday, and welcome to SMA's official second semester! It is so incredibly weird to think that I only have one semester left at St. Mary's before I graduate, and I've been trying to focus on enjoying the time I have with my classmates and teachers I have left. I only have two new classes this semester, but I am already really excited for both of them. In my new theology class, I have an amazing teacher that I hadn't had in a couple years, so it was great to see her again.
Other than school, something excited has happened in my life - I KNOW WHERE I AM GOING TO COLLEGE. A couple weeks ago I officially confirmed that I will be attending the Oregon State University Honors College after I graduate high school. The college application process has been a fulfilling one where I have been able to study my strengths and realize what I am interested in studying in college. Despite the gifts the process has given me, I can't describe the utter relief that I feel towards the idea of simply knowing where I will be going to college this coming year. To finally settle down and start looking for my niche and wrapping loose ends up has been extremely relieving.
In my personal life, I have found myself trying to pursue things that regularly make me happy, like art and soccer. I haven't played soccer in a while, but it has been really fun to knock the ball around more lately.
Today, I am helping coordinate the interviews prospective eighth graders have with teachers every year. To be able to help with an event that I still remember from when I was going through the application process in eight grade is an amazing opportunity, and I can't wait to meet all of the wonderful girls and their families when they come flooding into St. Mary's.
See you next time,
Bryn '17
Happy Saturday, and welcome to SMA's official second semester! It is so incredibly weird to think that I only have one semester left at St. Mary's before I graduate, and I've been trying to focus on enjoying the time I have with my classmates and teachers I have left. I only have two new classes this semester, but I am already really excited for both of them. In my new theology class, I have an amazing teacher that I hadn't had in a couple years, so it was great to see her again.
Other than school, something excited has happened in my life - I KNOW WHERE I AM GOING TO COLLEGE. A couple weeks ago I officially confirmed that I will be attending the Oregon State University Honors College after I graduate high school. The college application process has been a fulfilling one where I have been able to study my strengths and realize what I am interested in studying in college. Despite the gifts the process has given me, I can't describe the utter relief that I feel towards the idea of simply knowing where I will be going to college this coming year. To finally settle down and start looking for my niche and wrapping loose ends up has been extremely relieving.
In my personal life, I have found myself trying to pursue things that regularly make me happy, like art and soccer. I haven't played soccer in a while, but it has been really fun to knock the ball around more lately.
Today, I am helping coordinate the interviews prospective eighth graders have with teachers every year. To be able to help with an event that I still remember from when I was going through the application process in eight grade is an amazing opportunity, and I can't wait to meet all of the wonderful girls and their families when they come flooding into St. Mary's.
See you next time,
Bryn '17
Friday, January 13, 2017
Icicles and Inspiration
Hi everyone!
Happy Friday! I join you from a spot on my sofa next to the fire, gazing out across the frozen abyss glaring back at me through the window... Okay, that was a little dramatic, but it has been super snowy here in Portland recently. We've only had one day of school this week, but SMA started doing a new thing called a Digital Learning Day. Although we don't have school today, we can interact with our teachers via email and complete assignments online so that we still stay on track for our finals next week. At first, I was a little wary about the new procedure, but I actually like how it keeps me motivated to do my work while at home!
Besides school work, something that I did recently outside of school was volunteer at Providence's annual Christmas present opening party. I know it seems like a long time ago, but I haven't written a post since then so here we are! It was a really cool event to be able to work with the kids, helping them open their new presents and interact with Santa and his elves. There were also carolers there that kept the party going with some awesome Christmas jams! I also took the opportunity to try something new this year and submit some of my art to the Scholastic Art Contest! It had always been something I wanted to do, and I took my last chance this year to finally do it... It was a little scary to turn something over that I'd made to judges, but overall, I am definitely excited that I went through with it! Art has been a passion of mine for a long time, and I had kind of been neglecting it, but this was the perfect push for me to continue to do it. I'd say it was a good start to the year.
As we move forward, I am focused mostly on acing my finals, and then getting acclimated to my new schedule! I hope that all of you have a wonderful 2017!
See you next time,
Bryn '17
Happy Friday! I join you from a spot on my sofa next to the fire, gazing out across the frozen abyss glaring back at me through the window... Okay, that was a little dramatic, but it has been super snowy here in Portland recently. We've only had one day of school this week, but SMA started doing a new thing called a Digital Learning Day. Although we don't have school today, we can interact with our teachers via email and complete assignments online so that we still stay on track for our finals next week. At first, I was a little wary about the new procedure, but I actually like how it keeps me motivated to do my work while at home!
Besides school work, something that I did recently outside of school was volunteer at Providence's annual Christmas present opening party. I know it seems like a long time ago, but I haven't written a post since then so here we are! It was a really cool event to be able to work with the kids, helping them open their new presents and interact with Santa and his elves. There were also carolers there that kept the party going with some awesome Christmas jams! I also took the opportunity to try something new this year and submit some of my art to the Scholastic Art Contest! It had always been something I wanted to do, and I took my last chance this year to finally do it... It was a little scary to turn something over that I'd made to judges, but overall, I am definitely excited that I went through with it! Art has been a passion of mine for a long time, and I had kind of been neglecting it, but this was the perfect push for me to continue to do it. I'd say it was a good start to the year.
As we move forward, I am focused mostly on acing my finals, and then getting acclimated to my new schedule! I hope that all of you have a wonderful 2017!
See you next time,
Bryn '17
Friday, December 16, 2016
Snow and Smiles
Hi everyone!
Happy Friday! As of now, everyone in St. Mary's is officially on Christmas Break, albeit a couple days early because of the weather. This snow has been so crazy - getting home Wednesday night took ten times longer than it normally would. However, although the snow made the ride home a little crazier than normal, it led to a superbly fun day yesterday in the snow with my siblings. We went sledding on the big hill behind my house, and my dog even went down the hill with me once!
Happy Friday! As of now, everyone in St. Mary's is officially on Christmas Break, albeit a couple days early because of the weather. This snow has been so crazy - getting home Wednesday night took ten times longer than it normally would. However, although the snow made the ride home a little crazier than normal, it led to a superbly fun day yesterday in the snow with my siblings. We went sledding on the big hill behind my house, and my dog even went down the hill with me once!
Besides the talk of snow around school, our annual Christmas families has been big in conversations. Every year, each TA (kind of like a homeroom) is given a family to bring in gifts and food for. For example, the parents would provide a list and we would donate dolls, laundry soap, or clothes for the parents. It's a really powerful experience to be able to help a family celebrate Christmas, and this year has been especially emotional because it would be the last time our TA went through the process together. This year we had an spectacular assortment of gifts, and I can't wait until we can deliver all of the presents to the family. This time of year always fosters a wonderful sense of giving and gratitude which creates the loveliest atmosphere around school.
Along with our Christmas families, gifts for friends was another huge thing on my calendar. This year, I gifted my friends with a wooden letter from the first letter of their name. I decorated each one uniquely to my friends - for my friend McKenna I painted Weiner Dogs on it, because she loves them so much! Not only finding the perfect gifts for your fiends is rewarding, but also seeing what they have decided to gift you that year. It's always so much fun!!
Alright everyone, I'm going to leave it off here because I gotta go warm up my fingers with a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. Yum!
See you next time!
Bryn 17'
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