Since I am graduating in May, this will mark my last first semester at RSC. This led me to reflect on my time here at Sage and also about the future and what I hope it will bring me.

The first thing that ran through my head is where did the time go? I remember my first day at Sage like it were yesterday. I walked into my first class ever-Psychology 101 scared, nervous, and sweaty palms. I asked myself, Where do I sit? Do I still have to take notes? These were some serious questions that I needed to find out and find out quickly! I wasn’t even sure how to use a syllabus! Looking back, the time I have spent at Sage has been very valuable to me. I took a work-study job at the Office of Communications my freshman year and was able to make contacts that will last a lifetime. I also was able to learn the ins-and-outs of how the higher education system works. This was all while earning money! In the summer before my final year at Sage, I learned how Sage handles large groups that want to use our campus for events. I learned this through Christine Cowieson, the director of the Office of Conferencing and Events. Both jobs at Sage have taught me valuable life experiences that I will take with me the rest of my life. My life has also been touched by certain professors. After taking Sociology 101 in my sophomore year, I enjoyed the material and the teacher so much, that I decided to declare a minor in Sociology. Now, I will be graduating in May with a degree in Communications and a minor in Sociology.
I can not thank my professors and the staff I have worked with enough. I am happy to have had the opportunities and experiences at Sage. I’d like to leave some thoughts and advice for the new class. My advice would be that when you’re a new student, take advantage of the opportunities around you. Sage has a lot to offer, but you can’t just let them pick you, you have to go out and find them yourself. People are always here to help you at Sage; you’ll never be alone!

Photo credit:http://images.pictureshunt.com/pics/g/graduation_cap_and_diploma-2091.jpg

When I am stressed from life, I turn to my animals at home. They help me appreciate the little things in life as well as a sense of appreciation. Aside from that, animals are known to help lower blood pressure and provide companionship. They are loyal and will always remain a part of the family for years to come.
The great thing about finals week here at RSC is that student activities brings in dogs from Therapy Dogs International for a couple of hours. I’ve never heard of Therapy Dogs International until I came to Sage. I love the fact that students can interact with both owners and dogs. It definitely makes me feel better after the stress of finals. I remember my first time playing with the dogs was last semester in the spring. I played with a dog named Piggly Wiggly (yes, like the grocery store down South!). Piggly Wiggly had a party hat on with sunglasses. He was extremely energetic and of course, loved to be petted. I’m very excited to see the dogs return because I could use some de-stressing and I always turn to my pets for comfort when I’m stressed.
What: Therapy Dogs International
Where: Kellas Quad
When: 12-1:30 p.m.
Contact for more info: Diane Angrisano at angrid@sage.edu
Photo credit:examiner.com

The Albany Business Review has just named Vice President of Finance and Treasurer of The Sage Colleges, Peter Hughes as one of its CFOs. Hughes began his career in retail, real-estate management, and the restaurant business before he came to Sage. He taught marketing and small business management at The Sage Colleges in the early 1980s. Hughes works with The Sage College’s President, Susan Scrimshaw, a new provost, a new dean of education, and a new vice president for enrollment. Hughes and his team have re-branded The Sage Colleges as well as overhauling finances. On his free time, Hughes enjoys swimming and running.
Suzanne Jensen, an alumna of Russell Sage College was a finalist for the award. Jensen majored in accounting and works for The Business Council of New York State, Inc.

Photo credit: sage.edu

We are pleased to announce the creation of the Theatre Institute at Sage, under the umbrella of the Creative and Performing Arts Department (CAPA) at Russell Sage College. The Theatre Institute is dedicated to providing arts-in-education programming to Capital Region youth and teachers, and enhancing the education of Russell Sage students by providing opportunities through involvement as support staff and student teachers.

The Theatre Institute at Sage represents a commitment by Russell Sage College to develop and provide programming of the type formerly provided by the New York State Institute (NYSTI), of which Sage was a longtime supporter and partner.

Programs will include educational support services for CAPA productions (such as in-class preparations, teacher in-services and study guides), a Saturday school, a spring theatre combat camp, a three-week summer school and a four-week production camp.

Under the supervision of CAPA chair Michael Musial, New York State Theatre Institute veterans and Russell Sage Teacher/Artists-in-Residence David Bunce and Sara Melita will be responsible for the administration of Theatre Institute programming. Programs will be taught by a combination of Sage staff, students and consultants.

Programming will begin in March 2011 with Saturday theatre school classes and continue in April with educational support services for the CAPA production of Seussical the Musical and a stage combat camp during spring break. The Institute will run a three-week summer theatre school (Summer on Stage) and four-week production camp (Summer Shakespeare Institute).

For more information go to: sage.edu/theatreinstitute

To contact the Theatre Institute at Sage:

Phone: (518) 244-4504

E-mail: theatreinstitute@sage.edu

]]> http://www.thequillrsc.com/news/2011/03/04/announcing-the-theater-institute-at-sage/feed/ 0 http://www.thequillrsc.com/features/2011/03/02/spring-break-fun-and-risks/ http://www.thequillrsc.com/features/2011/03/02/spring-break-fun-and-risks/#comments Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:28:42 +0000 Adviser http://www.thequillrsc.com/?p=2013

Since spring break is approaching, students are either planning to stay home that week or take a trip somewhere. If you are one of the many people who are going on a trip, you may go somewhere such as the beach, where the weather is warm during this time of year, or a ski resort, where the mountains reportedly got a lot of snow this year. There are many interesting places to travel to and fun things to do, but with all the fun and excitement, there are safety concerns that go along with them.

With all the fun and excitement of spring break, there are some risks that go along with it. Those who are traveling need to take specific precautions. Here are some tips to enhance your safety!

• Make sure you have contact information with you in case of an emergency, including the phone number of where you will be staying, emergency contact numbers such as your parents or your doctor, and your cell phone number.

• If you are driving a long way, make sure your vehicle is well maintained and that you check your fluids often. Also during spring break, many forget safe driving skills, such as refraining from driving when tired, and distractions such as cell phone use.

• Also, be aware of personal safety issues; stay in a group and keep valuables, such as money or credit cards with you at all times.

Spring break can be a fun experience, but it comes with risks. If you know how to reduce the risks, your experience will be pleasant and stress-free.

1. Spend some time alone!  We feed each others’ stress when we agonize over all the assignments and tests that we have to worry about.  Take a walk by yourself, get some coffee away from campus, or find some other way to get out of the stressful atmosphere, even for a little while.
2. Meditate!  This doesn’t have to be cliché: there are plenty of ways to meditate.  All that’s necessary is to focus your mind on something repetitive.  You can do this by walking, doing art, swimming, or many other activities in your day.
3. Take a break!  Spend an hour doing something just for fun.  Read a fun book, watch TV, or surf the internet.

Here’s wishing good luck to students of all our class years!