I’m sitting down to write this blog and my body is so tired and sore I might live out my last days in Rome. We didn’t do a lot today but we did a lot in the places we went. We started back at St. Peter’s Basilica which we visited the courtyard yesterday, but this time we went inside the Basilica. I could have spent twenty-five years in there and never seen everything I wanted to. There are statues and paintings and more sculptures and so many people and man buns and bow ties and it was incredible. I thought the Basilica of St. John Lateran was amazing (and it was) but it kind of feels like these places blow one another out of the water. I the bottom of the Basilica are the tombs of a several of the past pope’s that you can walk through and look at. It’s insane to me that a marble statue can look like it’s covered in cloth but it’s just the marble itself. I can’t get over it. It always makes me think of Spongebob when he makes that extraordinary sculpture in Squidward’s art class with just one click of the tools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We got to climb up to the top of the Basilica and look over all of Rome. The color scheme of the city is oranges, whites, and yellows. The buildings look brand new from way up high which is so odd because they’re anything but new. To get to the top of the dome first you climb about two hundred stairs and look over the inside of the Basilica from the top of the dome. It’s covered by a fence but it really shows you just how massive the whole place is. Also, that every inch is covered in something beautiful. Then you walk back outside on the roof and climb about 300+ more stairs to the top of the dome. The stairs are narrow and slippery and get worse as you climb higher and higher. At one point right before you reach the top, the stairs are coiled so tightly around this small cylinder that if you reach your arms out by your sides you would touch both walls. It was a little claustrophobic but everyone made it out and enjoyed the fresh air and the fresh layer of sweat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After that we went to one of the Roman catacombs. I watched this movie on Valentine’s Day about these people who break into the  forbidden sections of the Paris catacombs and end up being chased down by demons and they have to crawl through the depths of hell to get out. I was psyched for the catacombs and I was hoping to see the stacks of bones and the graves and candles but it wasn’t actually like that. There weren’t any bones but there were old pots and relics preserved throughout the years. Most of the tombs are open now because the remains have been removed. It was still eerie feeling to be in there but not nearly as scary as I was hoping it would be. I also wasn’t mauled to death by any demons which was nice. There are family burial rooms that we got to look inside which were also pretty cool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most of the groups broke off at that point and we went in our little group out to dinner and to see the Trevi Fountain (like in the Lizzie McGuire movie. We also had gelato because it is a necessity. Unfortunately, it’s under construction so the fountain wasn’t running but I did still throw a coin over my shoulder which means one day I will come back to Rome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This has been another really fantastic day in Italy! It only rained slightly until the early afternoon and then get this, the sun came out. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. Tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful and sunny and I cannot wait. I won’t have to wear a rain coat and  I can switch my shoes, it’s a glorious feeling! Also- Tomorrow something mind-blowing is going to happen but I’m not going to say what it is until tomorrow’s blog. But I promise- it’s drop dead phenomenal. A chance of a lifetime.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For all those concerned (Uncle Kevin)- I didn’t have a lot of corny/dad jokes in this post. I’ll make up for it now!

Q. What do you call a deer with no eyes?

A. No eye deer.

 

Q. So what do you call a deer with no eyes AND no legs?

A. Still no eye deer.

 

Today I tried to take a picture of some fog. I mist.

 

What do you call it when a crazy cow gets loose? Udder destruction.

 

OKAY, I’M DONE. I hope that holds you over until tomorrow. Let me know when you cancel my ticket.

UNTIL TOMORROW- Stay Weird.

Ally

 

Current complaint- I think my feet are going to fall off. But on the plus side I’d totally invest in pirate wooden legs to make up for it.

Since freshman year, I have been writing for SUNY Oswego’s The Oswegonian. Writing for the college’s newspaper has been a rewarding experience that has helped me grow professionally. I currently am the promotional director of the newspaper and operate the social media of The Oswegonian. I also do various promoting through tabling and giveaways.

1. Deadlines exist for a reason. Frequent writers for the school’s newspaper may understand this more than others, but the lesson applies to all. With a limited timeline to have each of the newspaper’s creation processes completed, having articles in timely has proven to be of utmost urgency. During my time with the newspaper, I have had the opportunity to write multiple articles each week and be featured in both the paper and digital website and without deadlines the work that must go into addressing these multiple aspects and pieces could never get done.
2. Commitment matters. While possibly never seeking a staff membership on The Oswegonian, one amazing aspect of the organization is the ability to rise in rank based solely on merit and weekly writing alone. Beginning as a contributing writer, and ending a year as a staff writer, while small, is a victory in and of itself.
3. Writing can be enjoyable. While not necessarily the most newsworthy or pressing, the ability to write increasingly well through discussing topics you find energizing, helps in multiple ways. Firstly, writing skills will benefit you no matter what your future holds. Many careers expect strong writing skills. In addition, writing is good for the mind and can be stimulating and relaxing.
4. Double checking of sources is key. Nothing is more embarrassing than not editing your work or rechecking your sources. Months ago, when writing about a music duo I really enjoyed, I failed to check their names after writing them into my piece, later that group that I had come to be obsessed with, actually tweeted at me to let me know that, while they appreciated my review, I had gotten one members name wrong. From what could have been an exciting moment for me, I experienced red cheeks and disappointment at my mistake.
5. Becoming better is an endless, but rewarding process. While being “the best” at something is an entertaining and freeing time, understanding that you can always achieve greater skill levels will leave you feeling better in the long run. I feel as though The Oswegonian has taught me that I can always be improving and learning, no matter how good I get. It has helped me better understand and utilize constructive criticism and for this I am happy.

Spring Break is almost here and to all those New York City folk: I share my struggle with you! The trip from Oswego to New York City is one of the most talked about topic among us. Those who are from there know the 5 hour bus ride, the 1 hour Centro bus ride, and the expected half hour subway commute home. Taking a plane is too expensive when considering it over paying to stay over the break. Taking a train is a viable option, but we mostly take a bus, so good luck to all who plan that trip! To those taking part in carpooling to the city; you guys are so lucky!

Make sure to spend that valuable time with your family if you’re a freshman. I know that back when I was a freshman, I loved it more to go to Oswego. It was until sophomore year hit me where I figured out there’s nothing better than being at home with the family. The amazing homemade food, the amazing internet, and hugging your pets!

If any of you guys are traveling, make sure to be safe, explore, expand, and most importantly: make memories. There’s no better way of traveling than studying abroad. Consider traveling now and go for studying abroad over a semester somewhere else; it’s an amazing experience told by many of my friends. Take the break to even play more games if you’d like. Don’t forget about any papers or upcoming exams you may possibly have after the vacation though. We all understand the struggle of an exam after break or a paper due shortly after classes resume.

I hope everyone enjoys the break and make it home to Oswego again safely! Chances are the temperature will not be as cold as Oswego wherever you plan to travel. Unless you plan to travel to a city above the latitude of Oswego, good luck and stay warm. Overall, people who reside in New York City or Long Island, etc…, will have quite a long and painfully annoying travel if going by bus. We know the rush to board the first bus; either Centro or Greyhound/Megabus.

One thing for sure is a lot different than first semester… SNOW! Growing up in Long Island I have never seen so much snow in my life. Growing up in Long Island I have never seen so much snow in my life. Good thing that I have always loved snow because I have no idea what I would do if I didn’t. SUNY Oswego has a great bus system that takes you to your classes; I love walking to class and watching the snow fall as you can see in the picture above. Although snow can be a negative thing it has so many positives.

The new metal and glass phone made by Samsung is finally here. After taking consideration about a personal upgrade from the Galaxy S3 to the S6, I am looking forward to it. The Galaxy S4 and S5 are great phones and those who own them probably won’t need to upgrade just yet. Samsung seems to have made a similar marketing move as Apple when it comes to revealing the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge; relating to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. My personal plan would be to get the Galaxy S6 when it’s more affordable of course.

Unfortunately, there are some cons to the new Galaxy phone. Two of which are the built in battery and the exception of an SD card. Many people feel different about their expectations of what the S6 would be like. I believe they fixed what isn’t broken in this case. This will definitely apply to Samsung as a definite fix for the development of the Galaxy S7; unless they had a reason for the exclusion that they haven’t told us yet.

There are some exciting pros to the new Galaxy S6 that should keep Samsung customers enticed. According to the Samsung website, they created a slogan for the phone: “Six Appeal”. This is probably done to create some humor and build a good marketing move in promotion in order to promote more attention and discussion about the phone. “Perfect Pictures Every Time” and ” Less Boundaries, More Space” are two subtitles within the Samsung Galaxy S6 webpage describing all the amazing specs the phone has to offer.

Make sure if you plan to purchase this beauty of a phone that you keep it protected from falling! Unless you have a warranty, you should be fine, but it’s best to hope the screen doesn’t crack as much as iPhones do. I personally can’t wait to buy the new Galaxy S6 or even S7 since it can’t be any worse than my Galaxy S3 phone. Just hope Boost Mobile would start selling it earlier rather than a whole year later.

We made it a little over one month into the semester with these cold temperatures and it finally started reaching the near 30s! Over the month of February, we experienced two days of classes being called off due to weather. One due to a big snow storm, which made it difficult for commuters from Syracuse to reach Oswego. Another date was cancelled due to the wind chill being -30. It has definitely been noticeably cold and anyone living here can wholeheartedly agree.
It’s been so cold even, that a temperature of 20 feels that much better to walk out in. I remember when I first attended Oswego State where I would feel like 20 degrees is just ridiculously cold since I had come from New York City. Temperatures don’t tend to fall under zero half the time just roughly 200 miles down south. Not to mention the amount of snow comparison between these two locations. Looking at the level of snow piled up at the Quad in front of Lanigan Hall surprises me. Even looking outside my window, seeing the snow level all the way up to nearly half the height of a tree.

Overall life here in Oswego has been pretty cold nonetheless, but still a pretty sight if you’re looking at the snow falling from indoors. With almost every other day containing lake effect snow, we still go to classes and love studying here. It has almost been the same as last year when it comes to class cancellations due to weather. The weather here has continuously been bipolar, especially when the weather gets warmer and you see alternating times of rain and sunshine during a day. Good news is it’s finally getting warmer, but stay warm and wear boots; sneakers are terrible with all this snow!

Major-driven clubs present terrific opportunities for students to gain valuable experience in their future career paths. Real work experience, presentations on a variety of professional topics, and networking through people currently working the field, allow for some of the most influential moments in someone’s college career.

The Public Relations Student Society of America is no different. Through hard work, determination, and constant organization the leadership of this organization provides all who want to learn the chance to do so.

Presentation is important.

Through the PRSSA, the ideas of presentation become increasingly clear. Each week, the women who lead our organization showcase an uncanny ability to put forth new ideas, tasks, and experiences through their ability to present professionally and connectedly. Never amateurish, the PRSSA is able to make materials seem relevant to college students.

 The necessity of real work experience.

Constantly pushed through PRSSA is the idea that real experience is the most important way to get your foot into the door. This is clear through their presentations on networking, the accepting of clients, and the lectures on internship ideas and tips. It is one of the most important takeaways from the club.

Writing skills are crucial, no matter your major.

Organization advisor, Sarah Bozek, strenuously places a great deal of significance on writing skills. Through her teachings and those of the organization which produce a variety of written material, including brochures and signage, writing has proven to be of crucial.

 The principal of a “Thank You.”

The PRSSA does a yearly event on the value of thank you cards and through this I have begun to understand that a simple email or phone call is not enough to tell someone how much you appreciate their help. Handwritten notes, despite some articles noting their death, are certainly more effective than I ever knew.

 Organization, organization, organization.

For the E-board, the ability to provide participating members with new endeavors on a weekly basis is only something that could be accomplished through highly-skilled levels of organization. It is something admirable and educating for peers to take note of and something I have definitely tried to adopt more as a result of being a member.

The Accounting Society at SUNY Oswego is similar to other major organizations on campus in that its goal is to provide future graduates with the skills and tools necessary to enter their career field. Through professional interactions and presentations, The Accounting Society covers a variety of topics ranging from interview tips to establishing a strong LinkedIn profile. In addition they frequently address how to get an internship, how to become a part of Public Accounting firms, and more.

Every year, the Accounting Society at SUNY Oswego hosts an event that allows students to meet and network with current professionals in both the public and private sectors of accounting. Simplistically named “Meet The Accountants Night,” the opportunity to talk to current members of the accounting career path is an important one for all perspective accounting majors and future graduates.

Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, the Society has created an opportunity for continued real life experience by allowing members to participate in preparing tax returns for individuals in the community.

Overall, if this organization is anything like the Public Relation Student Society Of America (PRSSA) or like other major-driven organizations on campus, the opportunity to learn a lot is present. Networking seems to be a key aspect of the club and in today’s network-driven society this club seems like a great addition to the campus!

I would like to thank Lauren Ryan, President of The Accounting Society, for providing me with the answers to my questions! Anyone interested in pursuing the Society can contact them through email: acctsoc@oswego.edu.

http://www.oswego.edu/academics/colleges_and_departments/business/student_activities/accountingsociety.html