Thursday, April 11, 2013

A little bit about me!

Now that I have introduced my blog, I feel like I should introduce myself!  My name is Amanda Haluga.  I am currently a junior at Providence College, and a very busy junior at that, though I am loving every minute of it...yes, even when things get crazy.  I am a psychology major, which I declared my sophomore year when I discovered that it was the perfect application of my love for learning and interacting with and helping people.  I am first and foremost a student, but I happen to be a very involved one.  I am a Resident Assistant in McVinney Hall for 30 freshman girls who I love dearly.  I am the Student Minister for the Spiritual Life cluster within Campus Ministry, working with some of the most wonderful people I have ever met.  I am an Admission Ambassador, which allows me to welcome prospective students to PC and essentially share my love for Friartown with everyone I meet.  I am also a member and cantor in the Liturgical Choir, which allows me to pray in my favorite way--through music--alongside some of the greatest people.  

Providence College is a Catholic and Dominican institution, and therefore I am constantly exploring and learning more about my Catholic faith just by being a Friar.  My faith is the most important aspect of my life.  Without God's grace and love, I wouldn't be where I am today, surrounded by the best family and friends in the world, having so many opportunities that I never dreamed I would have.  I'll admit, He does work in ways I don't always understand.  But, hey, that's the point of faith, isn't it?  I know that everything that happens is given to me to help me to grow into the person I am meant to become, and I know that this Fellowship this summer will play a big part in growing in my faith, drawing closer to God, and growing as a person.

As for my loves and hobbies, I think it's safe to say that I am a very multifaceted person.  I am an avid athlete.  I love to swim, and play basketball and softball among other sports, and am recently developing a love for running.  I am a musician.  I love to sing, cantoring Masses at PC and at my parish of Sacred Heart Church in my hometown, Groton, CT.  You can also find me singing in the car, and as I go about my daily life.  I have also played the flute for a number of years, and very rarely do I not at least have music playing.  

I love working with people.  At school, I work with and serve people in a number of capacities.  At home, I have spent my last few summers teaching children swimming lessons, which includes an Inclusion program for children with special needs.  I have a very special place in my heart for kids, and want to work with them as a career, whatever it is I end up being called to do.  I also have worked at a nursing home as a CNA, helping to take care of the elderly, who also have a special place in my heart.  Overall, as long as I get to be with people, interact and have a hand in making them happy, I will be happy.

In addition, you will probably notice that I am a quite the Disney and music fan, and you will likely see me use a lot of quotes from either Disney movies or songs lyrics for my blog entries and various chapters in my journey.

Lastly, for tonight, you will see me using the phrase "completely blessed" very often.  Ever since I discovered the Alex and Ani bracelet bearing the quote, it has kind of become my mantra.  No matter what happens, whether I am feeling wonderful or going through a rough time, all I need to do is remind myself that I have it so good.  I have so many blessings in my life, and I truly am completely blessed.

Well, that is all for tonight!

Until next time,
Amanda :)

The Makings of an Adventure...

Hello!  Welcome to my blog, Amanda's South African Adventure, where I will be sharing the story of my service trip to South Africa this summer.  This is no ordinary trip, however.  I have been extremely blessed in having been awarded the Fr. Philip A. Smith Fellowship for Study and Service Abroad at Providence College, a fellowship which, this year, is sending 10 fellows to various locations around the world at no cost to us, thanks to the Board of Trustees at PC and very generous donors.  I don't believe that it gets anymore incredible than that!  If I had been told that I would be embarking on this journey a few years ago, I never would have believed you.  In fact, if I had been told just a few months ago, I wouldn't have believed it.  And yet, it is happening.  You see, life brings about many unexpected twists and turns, especially in college, and some of them take you out of your comfort zone, across the world even.  I know that this journey...this adventure...will take me out of my comfort zone, yes, but help me grow as a person, in my faith, and in experience, and show me just how completely blessed I am.  And so I would love it if you would follow along on this once in a lifetime adventure will me!