I've Moved!

I've moved! 

Check out: crystalcatalan.com

for blog entires, resources, and inspirations for the journey.

Cheers!

[Cabrini Style] Arts. Research. Scholarship.

Last week, Cabrini held its annual Arts, Research, and Scholarship Symposium which featured the creative accomplishments and research on various topics from Cabrini students.

Wandering around, it was pretty cool to ask the students about the research they conducted over the course of the past couple semesters and to learn about their results and conclusions.

I remember asking a number of the students what their motivation was for choosing the specific subject of their research, and at first they said, well, it was an assignment...but then, the more they did research and explored deeper into their work, they wanted to find conclusions and obtain the results themselves. The students worked hard (you could tell!) and they were knowledgeable about the research they conducted. Bravo Cabrini students!

Here are a few pictures of the posters and the students that put in great effort and energy towards their projects:

This freshman student conducted his research on "Dating Violence." I told him how I was happy that he was a male looking into this issue, and he shared with me how his whole group was comprised of other men, and he was most surprised about how prevalent this issue is, especially among college-aged students. Next steps? He said that with the knowledge he has, he wants to be able to turn others away from dating violence. Sweet.

This group helped out at Philabundance, the region's largest food bank and hunger relief organization.

This group has connected with Cabrini Ministries in Swaziland, via our recent visitors that came in January and are looking further into ways that they may support the mission. The group provided them with cameras, and hope they will be able to showcase the photographs taken in Swaziland, in Fall 2013.

Patton...comparing history with the film.

Danielle, a graduating senior, explored the correlation between religious beliefs and media usage, and how that affects attitudes towards dating, relationships, and sexuality. She's going to be a great teacher someday! She already is!

Donald, one of our CRS Ambassadors, conducted research on immigration and the perception of college students on the issue. As an advocate for immigrants, it was great to see him speak with others about his research. One of the staff members asked him for his opinion on the ECG courses, and of course, he shared how a great majority of his ECG knowledge and expertise came from classes with Jerry and through the comm department. (no bias from me!)

This group conducted a marketing campaign for the issue of Anti-Bullying, especially on campuses. With the increase of violence among students and bullying at that, this was a video they created to further their efforts.

Lastly, one of the classes that I worked closely with, was Global Leadership. Comprised of individuals from various majors, they took on the issue of Human Trafficking. They spent their year learning more about the issue, and in terms of leadership, were given the task of researching a "not-so-popular" leader. During their session in the afternoon, each member of the class shared a brief bio on their chosen leader, and shared their reflections on what they learned about human trafficking.  It was great to hear how the students drew connections between themselves and their selected leader. If they were into sports, they chose a sports figure who was active in an area of working towards the common good. One of the students who had a strong affinity with music, chose a musician. The anti-human trafficking video they created, with the super duper help of Laura and Megan, is shown here:


The idea of this video is to create a campaign on the issue of human trafficking, as it has hit home locally here, near King of Prussia. This video serves as a challenge to other college campuses, to research more into the issue, and to also create a video for advocacy and awareness. Please spread this and share the hotline number with others!

This Symposium emphasizes that insightful and wonderful work is being done with and by college students. Be hopeful for our future!

Now, I just pray that this momentum keeps itself up after leaving the college walls. Great job everyone!

CRS. Integrity. Stewardship. Relationships. Learning.

A couple of weeks ago, a few of our non-graduating CRS Ambassadors had the opportunity to be part of a University Consultation held at the CRS Headquarters in Baltimore. Comprised of other local Catholic colleges and universities who held CRS Ambassador chapters or were looking to start one on their campus, there was great representation from faculty, staff, and energetic students! 

One of my personal highlights was when I came to realize that the facilitator and organizer of the entire program was Lou - an Augustinian Volunteer who was assigned to USD while I was a senior on campus! Six years later, we were reunited on the east coast through CRS! Small world indeed, this world of volunteers and service organizations. It was great to see him!

After exchanging ideas, best practices, and having the opportunity to share CRS Chapter experiences, as faculty, staff, and students, we then got to take a tour of the CRS Headquarters.

Basically...this was the Disneyland for any individual interested in International Development and Aid. Seriously. And, if you're a comm major, all the comm equipment was an awesome added bonus! :) This was a great little trip in the week, and I believe it gave the group an added sense of CRS Ambassador pride in representing Cabrini College. I mean, it did for me at least! Looking forward to seeing where the CRS Chapters make their next moves on college campuses. There's lots of energy and great work to be done. I'm feeling hopeful!

So blessed to have had this opportunity to see where the "magic" happens - well, at least the backbone of it. Thank you Jerry for getting us home safely, driving us through a number of thunderstorms! Yay!

A definitely inspiring day.

Check out the pics:

Brandon and Emily presenting some of their thoughts...

Jerry was even included in Lou's presentation!

After a packed day at CRS HQ, it was time to head out!

View from the top of HQ

Our fearless leader, Jerry!

In the "Situation Room" - the clocks. Amazed. CRS is everywhere!

Where CCGP and CRS hold their webcasts and other press-related events

Sue Toton and Jerry!! Villanova and Cabrini - TOGETHER!

Jerry loving the equipment. Of course.

Pretty day in Baltimore

And that my friends, was our beautiful day in Baltimore. We all need inspiration and motivation to keep goin' and keep working for social justice. It was extremely enlightening to feel the energy in the room among the members of the colleges, and to realize that we are all working towards the common good to achieve social justice, peace, and change in the world. Support is GREAT. Yes! Onward and onward!