I guess this is "Growing-Up" !?

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: 

"Make the most of yourself,
for that is all there is of you." 

On the eve of my college graduation, I sit here, excited and anticipatory, anxious to ~SAUNTER~ across that stage right out on the beautiful green, overlooking the Hudson River. I also sit here, somewhat reminiscent. 

Five years ago, I made a similar, yet much smaller strut while graduating from Hopedale High School. 

I am ^STRONG^; I am ~LOUD~; and, most importantly,
I am >PROUD< ! 

Ryan Farrell, Graduate of Marist College Class of 2014 ...
I love the way that sounds!!! 

A True *HONOR* !!!

Yet another "reminder" of how close I am to finishing my collegiate-career occurred today. 

I, along with about sixty of members of the Class of 2014, were recognized at the "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges" Ceremony
earlier this afternoon. 

My awesome academic adviser, Josh Robbins. 

After the ceremony, my Special Services Adviser, Susan, along with the Assistant Dean, Pat, treated me to a lovely lunch down at the Culinary Institute's Apple Pie Bakery!

So, you mean... it's *really* coming to an 'end', then?!

Earlier today, at the noon-time Mass right here on-campus at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel, I articulated my final reading as a member of Campus Ministry. 

I have been involved with Campus Ministry as a Reader-of-the-Word ever since I returned to school in Fall2011. So, you can imagine how bittersweet today's mass was! 

From the age I was able to get involved with my church back home (2nd-grade), I immediately became an altar-server.
As soon as I could, I signed-up to be a reader, and have loved it ever since. Just to be able to combine two things I am so passionate about - public-speaking & my faith - has been so fulfilling, in so many different aspects. 

Today, on Mother's Day, I cannot even articulate just much of an integral role my "Mama~Bear" plays in my life. She is my best friend - my #1 supporter - my everything! 

Abraham Lincoln articulated it best when he said:
"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."

An Emotionally-Charged Final-Day!

Yesterday, with a wide variety of sentiments, I worked my >final-shift< at Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley. What began the first week of classes back on a bitter-cold day in January, culminated on a warm(ish) Friday here in this fifth month of the year. 

I have been fortunate enough to work with, get to know, and become close to so many wonderful people through my internship. It should be of no surprise to you all that I became closest with the wonderful woman of *THE WOLF*, 

Beth Christy. She and I bonded right away, not only because of my affinity for country-music, but also because we just simply connected. 

Beth even remembered, from way back on that first day, when I had entered her office and, upon seeing ^-that-^ little guy, asked her if there were any others, so that I might be able to take one as a "souvenir", commemorating my internship! Now, this lovely lady isn't just the voice of the wolf; she is also the written-word. 

A humbling, moving article ~ about me! =]

Final Intern-Project ~ PODCAST

I cannot believe I just completed my final-project for my Internship. Wasn't I JUST completing our first assignment?! 

Well, here it is... the Podcast I created, consisting of talk-breaks and music-sweeps! 

I hope you all enjoy!!! =)       --->PODCAST!<---

So it's all ~WiNDiNG-DOWN~ ...

And yet... everything seems to all be ~WiNDiNG-UP~ at the same time!!! 

Last Sunday, Mrs. Dennis Murray hosted her annual Senior-Tea for the ladies of the Class of 2014. To say it was "lovely" would be an understatement! Not only was I finally able to meet Mrs. Murray, but I also had the wonderful opportunity to tell her a little bit of my story of survival, along with my plans for the future. 

Along with conversing with Mrs. Murray,
I chit-chatted with the other senior-girls.
Ariana [below] & I have been in the same Production classes for our majors since I first returned to school in the Fall of 2011. We obviously had to pose for a picture! =] <3 =] 

Now, this lovely lady is Lisa Boyes (whom I refer to as "Mama~Lisa") !
She has been instrumental in terms of my academic progress, along with being so helpful and kind to my family. A genuinely wonderful woman! <3