Accomplishing your dreams

Welcome back to school! I hope your summer went well.

This summer was life-changing for me. As I've talked about plenty of times before I play softball more than I sleep and my dream in life was to make the high school varsity team my freshman year - I worked hard and accomplished that dream. So freshman year I decided that my new dream would be to play in college and I accomplished that dream this summer! My top school choices have been number one Boston College and number two Emerson College. This summer I contacted both coaches and my number one school invited me for a camp. Unfortunately I was unable to attend because I would be on vacation.

So Emerson was now my number one choice. I continued to talk to the coach all summer and my tournament in New York, he told me he would be there to watch. I didn't know what game and I'm really glad I didn't know. Playing under pressure is difficult because you're trying so hard not to mess up. I played right field that game the coach came to watch me play. Some coach was standing on the right field fence the whole entire game, literally 20 feet away from me. I paid little attention and continued to just play my game. At the very end of the game I looked at his shirt and it said Emerson!

The next thing I knew, my mom and I were on our way to the heart of Boston! I took a tour of Emerson and fell in love! I want to major in Broadcast Journalism and Emerson is one of the top 5 schools for my major in the country! After the visit, I went to the coaches office where he told me I was recruited. It was such an amazing feeling to have all my hard work finally pay off!! I go for my official visit during the end of this month, I am so excited.

Always try your best and NEVER give up on your dreams. If you work your hardest and have your mind set, you WILL accomplish your dreams.

Sister Pat's Kids Camp

Hey everyone! Hope you all are having a safe and relaxing summer. Only about three weeks left, but it’s not over yet!

So, this summer, I went to my first sleep-away camp. The only thing is, this was not a normal sleep-away camp. The camp was called Sister Pat’s Kids Camp, meant for kids with cancer or various blood disorders. I applied over a year prior, and was accepted as a counselor for the camp’s 25th year running. In June, all of the counselors attended an orientation that explained camp and where we would find and make our place in it. All of the first year counselors, except lifeguards, were not only counselors of specific groups, but were on kitchen crew as well. At orientation, we were given basic training and explanations of the kids we would be dealing with: basically, between the ages of 6 and 14, with some type of cancer or blood disorder, most commonly sickle cell anemia, and which campers would be receiving treatment while at camp. I honestly didn’t know to expect going into the camp, but I can say that it was the greatest week of my life. I was assigned to a group of 14 girls between the ages of 10 and 12, and they were the most amazing group of kids I have ever met. Along with my regular group, I was a part of the kitchen crew, meaning that we would set up, serve and clean up all meals, spending an average of 8 hours together each day. After being in the kitchen, I would have to run and find my group to play with them during their activities. Although they were sick, they didn’t show it while making the most out of the week they had. At our orientation, the woman in charge continued to tell her fellow counselors that this week was all about the kids, which was proved to be completely true. Each day was divided up into 6 periods spent on a variety of activities with a special night activity. The day activities included biking, swimming, fishing and boating, weaving, arts and crafts, gym activities, music, tie die, and cooking, and the night activities included a carnival, roller skating, a campfire, a Disney theme night, and a dance. The kids loved every minute of every day, and it is proved when some campers return as counselors at the appropriate age. Not only did camp change their lives, but the kids and this camp changed the lives of every single counselor. The kids are such an inspiration, and the other counselors and I all agree that we cannot wait until camp next year!

Seniors’11 and Summer

Me and three of my best friends on our Rite of Passage day in the courtyard

Hey everyone! Welcome to summer! :] A few weeks ago, during the last week of school, the juniors had their Rite of Passage Ceremony. At this time, the juniors are inducted officially as seniors of Union Catholic. We had a prayer service, were given breakfast, and got to go out into the courtyard for the first time. For those of you who don’t know about our courtyard, there is a big grassy area enclosed by the school walls. Only seniors and teachers are allowed to be in it and walk through it during the school day. There are benches for the seniors to eat on during lunch and some play football or just relax in the sun. When my friends and I went into the courtyard, it really hit us that we are officially seniors! As shocked as we all are to be seniors when freshmen year doesn’t feel too far in the past, we are all so excited.

Now that it’s summer, everyone is going to the beach and relaxing. A lot of my friends have left to go on vacation already, and I leave tomorrow to go down the shore with my family for a week. My two best friends, Jenna and Brian, are anxiously waiting to go to Spain for three weeks, and all the other fun things summer has for us. I know some other people are lifeguarding at pools for a summer job. This summer, I’m going to be working as a camp counselor at Hyatt Hills Golf course for the kid’s camp every day, which I’m very excited for.

I hope everyone has a fun and safe summer! :]

End of the Spring Season and Sen10rs

Hey everyone! The past few weeks of school have been busy, even with school winding down. Two weeks ago, we had the spring sports banquet, the upper classmen academic awards, and the senior prom. The spring sports banquet was held at the Westwood in Garwood as usual, but there was something different to this year than any other. At the spring athlete’s breakfast earlier that day, the athletic director told us that our season was special because we were the first to ever have a full season on our new turf field. As a result, there were very few cancelled games and practices. Everyone was very excited about this. Since I’m on the golf team, I didn’t get a chance to play on the turf but I know everyone from the lacrosse teams and baseball teams loves it. The banquet marks the end of another successful sports season. For our golf team, this was the best season we have had in a while and I’m sad to see it come to an end. We have two seniors leaving, and I know it will be hard to fill their shoes!

This Tuesday is the annual trip to Six Flags that the school takes. Normally, the freshmen, sophomores and juniors go on one day, and the seniors go on another, but this year everyone is going together. I’m really excited about this because our seniors have already had their last day of school last Thursday, and they graduate this Saturday. This was a great senior class, and I know they will be missed. I personally am very good friends with some of the seniors ,one being one of my best friend, and it’s going to be strange not having them walking the halls next year, just as they have been for three years.

Good luck to all the seniors! You will be missed! :]

Students really can make a difference.

On May 18th, I was selected to represent Union Catholic at the Youth Leadership and Government Day held at town hall in Woodbridge. What a great opportunity this day turned out to be. When I first arrived to town hall, I was joined by eleven other high school Juniors focused on improving their town. The first couple of hours, I watched a council meeting take place, and then went to sit in on a court, there were a lot of speeding cases. (If you get a ticket for speeding, it is so much money!) Next it was our turn to become the council members and all 12 of us Juniors got to voice our opinions on what we think is important. My main issue was recreation sports, especially since in Woodbridge the freshman sports are being cut. The recreation director thought that I had a great idea and offered to send out e-mails and post more links so that teenagers can get involved in recreational sports. I was so excited when he took up my idea, I felt that I could really make a difference. Aside from my idea, the other eleven Juniors had such great ideas, my favorite was making student more aware of what drugs and violence can do to you. I had such a great day, but the best part had to be when I took a chance and talked to the council member who was in charge of communications. I told him that I was very interested in majoring in communications, right there he offered me an internship at Woodbridge's local television station. I was so excited, this day really turned out to be great.

I haven't updated about softball lately. First off, our athletic banquet was on May 18Th and it was great to get together with the team outside from the turf field. We shared lots of memories watched a video of our sports teams, and got called up to get our awards. The digital film class did an amazing job with the videos. I got my small plaque this year for being a 3rd year varsity winner, I'm so excited for my 4th year plaque. But really, Senior year is next year? wow. Junior year has been great for softball. We are 15-6. We made it to quarter finals of Counties and in our first state game, I hit my first home run!!! I was so excited. Our next state game is Tuesday, I hope we advance to the semi-finals!!!

So busy!

Hi guys. Fourth marking period has been so busy with softball, prom, college preparation, and school work.

Prom was so much fun! Friday April 30th, was very busy. I woke up at 9am and started my day. It turned out to be a beautiful day so I got to tan a little before prom. I had to go to the nail salon, get some finishing touches on my dress, and get my hair done. At 6pm I was all ready and went to my friends house to take pictures. Prom was decorated so nicely and the pictures turned out perfect. If Junior Prom was this much fun, I can't wait to see what Senior prom will be like.

This season, by far, is the best Union Catholic Softball has experienced since I've been here. We are 11-5, and we've qualified for STATES!! This is the first time since I've been at UC that we've qualified for States. It's a huge accomplishment because to be able to be in the state tournament you must have a .500 record! We have well over a .500 record. Saturday we had our first county game against Westfield. They are ranked 10th and us, 7th. Last year we played Westfield in the first round of counties and lost 9-0. This year.......we WON on our turf! 4-3! It was such a nerve racking game. We were up by 2 going into the top of the 7th and that is when Westfield scored another run, making the score 4-3. Now there were 2 outs and a girl on second and third. It was so important for us to get that last out and our pitcher struck the girl out. Our next game is Friday night against Governor Livingston, number 2 seeded. GL has been a tough game for us both times this season. I know our whole team is ready to show GL how Union Catholic plays softball.

College preparation has started and I'm starting to get a taste of what Senior year will be like. I've been trying to contact softball coaches so I can meet them and find out what they like in their athletes. My dream school is Boston College, so I'm really interested in talking to the softball coach. I've handed in my college recommendations to my teachers, so that's a check off my college-to-do list! I need to do my activity sheet, brag sheet, and so much more I need to get on top of.

So much to do but so much to be excited for. Have a great week (:

The last few weeks have been busy for Union Catholic. In the past few weeks, we have had our Spring Open House, Mr. UC, Earth Day, Junior Prom, and the beginning of AP testing. Our Spring Open House was a great success. This open house is directed more towards the 6^th and 7^th graders and their families. A lot of families came and it was great to see everyone enjoying the school through tours and presentations by various teachers. For Earth Day, the school held an assembly to honor the day. All the students in science classes during 2^nd period came outside to participate. In honor of the day, there were two trees planted by the front doors. The first sisters and brothers who created Union Catholic came as well. The night before Earth Day was our annual Mr. UC contest, which is basically a male beauty pagent. The contestants, all seniors, compete in various rounds, such as the casual wear, talent, formal wear, and trivia. I have gone for three years, and it still remains my favorite thing that Union Catholic does. The talents were hilarious, and the guys all did a fantastic job.

Just last Friday was our Junior Prom. I had a great time. The music was great, and it was a lot of fun hanging out with all my friends. We booked a limo for 20 of us, and a few went to the beach the next day, taking advantage of the gorgeous weather! In a few weeks is Senior Prom, and I know all the seniors are excited!

This week has started the beginning of AP testing. All year, juniors, seniors, and some sophomores have worked very hard taking Advanced Placement classes in courses such as Biology, Government and Politics, US History, English, Spanish, and many others. Most juniors and I took our first AP test on Monday, which was the AP Government and Politics exam. Throughout this week and next, the tests will continue. It is just another sign that school is ending soon and the seniors are spending their last days at Union Catholic before going to college!

Spring fever

Hi guys, I don't know about you but spring fever sure has hit the halls of Union Catholic. Today has so much going on! I have a softball game and then right after that is Quarters for Cancer, where you get a scoop of food for 25 cents. - SMAC members run this event. Being a SMAC member I will be serving food tonight. After that will be Mr. UC! I am SO excited to attend this event. A few of my guy friends will be running for this special title so it makes the event even more funny. The contestants are Senior guys who have to go through various pageant events to win the title of Mr. UC 10'. The best part will be the talent section. I am so curious to see what all this guys have thought of. Good luck to all contestants!

Softball has been going great! We are 4-2. We lost 2 games to two great teams who will probably be ranked top in the county. We lost 3-1 to GL. We lost 7-0 to Cranford. Here is the crazy part though, GL beat Cranford 7-2. On paper it says we should have been creamed by GL, but we played our game and did great. Also we had a game Saturday and ended up winning 4-0! In the paper our freshman Pitcher and I made headlines! First time that has ever happened to me and I was so excited to see my name in bold print. I hope the season continues to go great!

College Visits

This is a picture of everyone who went to the Walk from UC. :] The girl on the left in the brown sweatshirt is a co-leader of the club, a very popular one here at UC.

Hey everyone! This is our first week back from Easter vacation. Over break, a lot of my friends went to visit colleges with their parents. I saw five schools: Quinnipiac in Connecticut, Muhlenberg in PA, Lehigh in PA, Villanova in PA, and we drove through St. Joes in PA. At each college, minus St. Joes, I went on a tour and attended an information session. For me, I am looking for a college not in the city, a college with an actual campus, and a college that really feels like home. What I'm looking for most is to find a school that really makes me feel like I belong, just as Union Catholic has done for me for high school. Each of the campuses was beautiful in its own way. Villanova, Lehigh, and St. Joes had really pretty stone buildings. Since I’m planning to go into premed, I looked a lot into the pre-medicine programs. So far, I think Quinnipiac was my ultimate favorite, followed by Muhlenberg. Quinnipiac was the first school I visited and was absolutely stunned. Their technology is so state-of-the-art. In their medical training facilities, they have mock-doctors’ offices, hands on training with real-size Sims, and such pretty dorms. The campus had a main quad, surrounded by the academic buildings, with about 7,600 undergrad and graduate students. For the Pre-med program, you need to apply separately. It’s a hard program, rated number 14 in the country. Muhlenberg was smaller, only about 2,000 undergrads, but I loved it nonetheless. It was on top of a hill overlooking the town by a big park. Their facilities were really nice, and it had a lot of the same qualities that we see here at UC. All the doors were painted red as a Jesuit sign of welcome. I still have five schools to see, and I have a feeling I will find it difficult to pick my favorite when it comes time to register.

Also, last Sunday, our REACH (Raising Educated Awareness for the Cause of HIV/Aids) club gathered a bunch of students to walk in Union called Walk for Children to help children suffereing from HIV and Aids. We all walked 3 miles, and others ran 5 miles. We had fun and it was for a really good cause.

36 days

36 days, until Junior Prom!!!! I am so excited, words cannot even describe my excitement. This is, for most of the Juniors, the first prom of our lives. With only 36 days, the girls are making their hair appointments and find a Tailor for fixing their dresses. I really think that the girls have much more to do than the guys. The guys have tuxedos and that's about it. Girls have to get their nails done, hair, find the perfect dress, and do their make-up. I'm not complaining though, I love getting all dolled up! What girl doesn't?

My dress is hot pink and long; thankfully I talked myself out of getting a short dress. Softball has already messed up my legs! A girl slid head first into my thigh and her helmet left a nice big purple bruise and a few cuts. After I got hurt and the inning ended my team ran up to me and all said, "it's okay, you have a long dress!" haha.

Right now everyone is trying to figure out where to sit for dinner at prom. My best friend and I will not be going to the same pre-prom party but have promised each other we'd sit together for dinner. So we have eight people at our table right now. It's very complicated finding a table to sit at. Everything will go great, I can not wait for prom!

SATs and Les Miserables

As all juniors get ready for college, one of the major steps is taking the SATs. I took them for the first time two weeks ago. The test took about five hours, including multiple choice and an essay. To prepare for the test, I’m taking the prep course at school. It’s helping a lot, practicing questions and working on test-taking techniques. The next times for the rest of the year for us to take the test are in May and June, giving us more time to prepare. When I met with my guidance counselor, she told me what scores the colleges are looking for, giving me a goal.

This Saturday was the last forensics meet of the year. My regular partner was sick, so I debated with someone who might be my partner next year. Everyone did really well at this meet, and we were told who would be competing at Nationals in Omaha. This year, we have seven people competing. Good luck to everyone!

In case you readers haven’t heard, the Union Catholic Performing Arts Company is performing Les Miserables as their spring musical. I saw the show on Friday night, and it was fantastic! The actors have done a great job; it is clear how much practice was put into the show. If you haven’t seen it, I suggest you should! It’s playing next weekend on Friday at 7pm and closing night on Saturday at 7pm. You will be very impressed!

Freshman Year, a Year for Memories.

When I logged onto the blogger website to make another post today, I saw that this would be our 100 post. I can't believe that we have gotten to 100 posts, I remember making my first post freshman year.

With that being said I got to interact a little more with the freshman this Wednesday at our annual Big Brother/ Big Sister breakfast. All the freshman were in high spirits when they sat down with their homerooms. First the Peer Coordinators (UC students who run the Big Brother/ Big Sister program) passed out a survey asking the freshman a little bit about their Big Brother or Big Sister. Next, breakfast was served and that is when the upperclassmen sat down with their homeroom and asked the freshman about how their year has been going and if they had any questions. To finish the morning off, we played human bingo. It's a bingo board but instead of numbers there are questions such as "Who couldn't open their locker on the first day of school." Or "Who has made honor roll the last two marking periods." With these questions the freshman would find someone in their grade and put down that persons name. My freshman year we played this and I actually won! I got a long sleeve UC shirt that I still wear to this day. It's a great memory that I will never forget.

That's what is so great with freshman year, it's all a memory that will never leave your mind.

Spring'10 and National Language Honors Society

Hey everyone! It is becoming clearer that spring is almost here. If I checked correctly the other day, it was 50 degrees outside. With this spring weather upon us comes the spring sports season. Baseball, softball, track and lacrosse all have their tryouts and first practices this weekend. Sadly, golf cannot begin until all of the snow is gone. I was talking to my coach the other morning in homeroom and there are a bunch of new kids trying out for the team – he says we are expecting something good! Good luck to everyone and their tryouts. :]

Also, last night was a great achievement for some of the juniors. Last night about 40 or so juniors were inducted into the National Language Honors Society. Earlier in the year, the upperclassmen were inducted into the National Honors Society, and now there is a language one as well. To be inducted, you need to have met specific standards throughout 5 semesters. Almost every student in my Spanish class was inducted, which was a great achievement. During the ceremony, two seniors from that specific language class introduced the students. The students then demonstrated, in some form, their language abilities. The French students recited a very famous French poem; the Italian students sang a famous Italian song; the Spanish students sang a song made famous by Celia Cruz called Rie y Llora. My class had a lot of fun memorizing the lyrics, practicing the song, and performing it for our parents and friends. Congratulations to all who were inducted.

UCTV

Hi guys. One of my favorite classes here at UC, would be my UCTV class. It really isn't the class itself, but the homeroom. Each morning I report the morning announcements. I get in front of the camera and when the camera is turned on, every television in UC can see me reporting the announcements. We have a green screen behind the desk where I sit, and sometimes the background will be changed and I could end up sitting in front of the Eiffel tower. But this isn't as easy as it may look. Sometimes I still, to this day, get nervous ~ I hate messing up! The more I report the announcements the more I really love what I am doing. I took this class to see if reporting was really what I wanted to do in life; I think it is. In college, I look forward to majoring in public relations, communications, or broadcast Journalism. This summer I am trying to find time to take a college class for communications. It's great to get a head start. I hope to be on ABC news one day (:

Class Scheduling

You have to love the snow, but now it is back to school...for a day. In English class we're starting debates which I am excited for. I will be debating health care with my friend (and fellow blogger) Sean. English is more than just reading books and writing essays this year, which I like a lot.

We had to pick our schedules this week, senior schedules I can't believe it. Most people like to take Senior year easy but my philosophy is why take a year easy then the next year be extremely stressed out, when I could make my senior year challenging and then be ready for college. I will be taking AP English, AP environmental Studies, AP European History, AC Pre Calculus, Journalism, and Current events/communications. My hardest class will definitely be pre calculus, but since I have to take calculus in college why not get a head start. I want to finish this year before even thinking about next year, it really only is February.

This year has been going great, I'm excited for next year but we still have 4 months.

UPenn and Spain

This past weekend was our last away forensics meet of the year. We spent the weekend at the University of Pennsylvania and one of the former forensics members came back to judge and be with the team. We have one more meet this month, one of the last opportunities to qualify for nationals. Because the Senior Retreat is that same weekend, my partner will not be able to debate with me. My friend Sean will take his place, in hopes that he and I will partner for next year’s debates.

Just as a side note, two of my best friends, Jenna and Brian, will be traveling to Spain this summer for three weeks to study and travel the country. In our Spanish 3 Accelerated program, we are given the opportunity to go to Spain for the summer before our senior year. They are incredibly excited and nervous at the same time. It is going to be a great experience for them, possibly coming back completely fluent in Spanish! Since we are have a Spain project this year and are learning the culture, history, and geography of Spain, they will be prepared to travel the country. After they come back in the end of July, I’ll tell everyone about their experience.

College Introductions

Last week was Catholic Schools Week. On one of the days during our religion classes, there were priests, sisters, and brothers visiting the classes talking about vocation. In my class, I had two sisters, one brother and one priest, coming from all different backgrounds talking about their vocation. I really liked their visit. Although I never really thought about becoming a nun or a sister, I have a very strong religious background and really liked listening to them bringing God into their lives. Not only did they talk about us hearing and following our calling from God, but our calling for the rest of our lives.

Also, last Thursday was one of two College Nights at UC for the junior students and their parents. Although it was only a small step, it started the exciting and scary process of college. Personally, I have planned out what I have an interest in becoming at college, which is helpful because I can search for colleges based on having my specific degree of interest. The meeting was really informative and helped my parents a lot because, since I am the oldest child, are very new to this whole process. The juniors and their parents are scheduling meetings with the guidance counselors to discuss colleges.

Welcome Class of 2014!

Hey everyone! Last Saturday was the Accepted Students Dance for the Class of 2014. Mostly all of the ambassadors, some Peer Coordinators, freshman, and sophomores were there to make the night a great success for the 8^th graders. This was the last chance for them to be in the school and have a great time before they choose what high school they will be attending in the fall, and we planned to go all out for them. We had a DJ playing in the gym and there was a Wii in the cafeteria. I loved interacting with the 8^th graders, talking, dancing, and having a great time. Being with the younger kids and parents is one of my favorite things about being an ambassador, showing them everything great about Union Catholic. Overall, I think the night was a great success. The kids left with T-shirts and we hope to see many of them back on their registration day. :]

We have now entered the second semester of the year, even though it doesn't feel like it. This year is going by so quickly! Next week, the students have a meeting with the guidance department about making our course selections for next year, and junior prom feels like it's around the corner!

Junior Prom

Although our prom isn't until April 30th, prom fever has already hit the junior class. I've been excited for junior prom since the end of sophomore year. My friends and I have been looking at dresses since September, it's so hard to find the right dress, and of course you don't want to have a dress someone else might have. I want a short dress that way I can look forward to a longer dress for Senior prom. My best friend and I have decided to have a pre "pre" prom party. We're going to shop for our dresses, get our hair and nails done, and get ready together before going to our friends house for pictures. Prom should be a great time with the junior class.

UC Spirit

Last Saturday I attended the Varsity Boys Basketball game. I only saw parts because I worked the snack bar with my friend. Though the parts I saw, the guys did real well. They played Dunellen High School and drove up the score to a victory. I'm excited to go see more games, especially those close games that end with a "buzzer basket" (a player made a basket just as the end buzzer rang). As of now the team has 5 wins and 4 loses. The basketball team for the past years has done well, so don't be surprised if you read about Union Catholic in the papers more often.

Speaking of sports, today I went around to Freshman homerooms asking if anyone was interested in trying out for softball ~ we got 18 girls! That's perfect, I just know the team is going to do great this season.

Time to study! Wish me luck on midterms. (:

Upcoming Golf Season

Hey everyone! It is a new year, and a new semester is about to begin. Midterms are about to start, and there is a lot of studying to do. Even though it is still winter, I have found out some new information regarding the 2010 golf season this year. I think this will be the first time we are going to have winter training. I am so excited to start getting ready for a successful season and hanging out with the team again.

The forensics team has a meet coming up next Saturday, and a tournament in February at the University of Pennsylvania. Wish us luck!

Once a UC Student Always a UC Student

Hi guys, life was so hectic before winter break so let me catch you up on what happened before break. In English alone my class and I had two tests, a quiz, group project with 4 parts, and a 4 page research paper worth two test grades. I understood the true meaning of AP after that week.

On the last day of school before Christmas break was the alumni mass. Mainly the class of 09 shows up, it was great to see my old softball teammates. I made them promise me they would come to our first home game (which can i remind you, is on our turf field!!!!!!!!!). The upstairs of our gym was packed with our alumni, you never leave Union Catholic. Once a UC student, always a UC student.

So now that we are back in school, midterms are right around the corner. The toughest year of high school is half way done! I am mostly scared for my AP Government and Politics (gopo) midterm, 11 chapters to study. But what calms my nerves down is knowing right after that midterm I am going on the Union Catholic Ski trip with my best friend as well as 18 other kids in the school, so excited about that. I think scheduling the ski trip right after the last midterm is a great thing to do, sometimes it's just nice to get away.

Midterm countdown: 9 days

Ski Trip countdown: 15 days
Softball Countdown: About 59 days (:

There's always so much going on in UC.