It has been many years since a TV show captured my interest or time.

Instead of watching TV throughout the week, I would spend my time doing schoolwork, going to the gym, or spending time with my family and friends.

I have always seen TV as a distraction from more important things, and I still believe it is (sorry TV fans!)

It wasn’t until this year that I flicked on my TV remote to tune in to one of the      newest shows: Glee. I had grown curious after countless friends on Facebook  commented on it, and I knew that I had to see what all the hype was about.

Within the first few minutes of the show I was hooked. I applauded the quirky  characters and sympathized with the teenage drama that is always so prevalent in high school. I loved the crazy wardrobe choices and listened in awe to the newly formed Glee Club sing and dance their hearts out. It was new, it was different, it was refreshing, I was finally ready to commit myself to a TV show.

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Although we are finished university for the semester (excluding those taking summer courses) we still to some degree have to keep our studies in mind.

For some, this may not involve a whole lot of thought and perhaps that’s a good thing. But for others, our studies never really go on vacation.

Even though I am away on another continent, I still can’t help but to reflect on my last two years at CBU, to imagine my next two, and to consider courses, where I want to go, if there is anything I should change… and the list goes on.

My perpetual academic mind is not easy to turn off! Everywhere I go reminds me of something a professor has said, or something a textbook has mentioned. I view the culture and new experiences around me as exciting and not as foreign and strange. This recognition is in part because of my personality, but also because of the professors whom I have met at CBU and their stories and personal experiences giving me insight into my own.

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Cape Breton offers a wide variety of adventures all within close proximity to CBU. This past week a group of friends and I ventured to Baddeck for a golf and spa weekend. Even though it was only an hour away, it felt as if we had escaped and were on a real vacation. The resorts and hotels around the Island often offer great deals and packages and our group (the boys) decided upon a golf deal at Bell Bay including a night stay at the Invery Inn resort for only $99 each, and (the girls) decided to go along for the fun of it and take in the resort’s spa services.

The Inverary Inn Resort

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Our weather here in Cape Breton has made me confused regarding my wardrobe… one day it was pants the next day I was reaching in the back of my closet for some shorts! Mind you it was a good and happy confusion as this sunny weather brings with it a plethora of new and exciting summertime events for me to enjoy. One of my favourites is bonfires. Having a bonfire is a great way to catch up with friends, enjoy tasty treats and relax in the fresh summer air.

A Bonfire!

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As I mentioned to you last week, CBU is playing host to The Next Big Thing High School talent competition and I was there to capture some of the action on Thursday night at round two of the semi finals.

The talent was great and the overall set up and planning of the show seemed well done and very professional. The judges were well spoken and had lots of great positive and constructive feedback for the young performers. I was blown away by the amazing prizes the winner of the show would get ! A website created by Vibe Creative Group and photographs by Ratchford, to mention a few – all great and valuable prizes for a young up and coming artist!
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Over the weekend I had a chance to visit one of my favorite towns in the Czech Republic. This spa town is called Mariánské Lázně (pronounced Mar-e-on-ski Laz-knee.)

The town is famous for its mineral water springs and for the pleasing architecture that surrounds twisting green pathways and a tiny downtown.

An example of the beautiful buildings that line the streets

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Here at CBU there are many opportunities to take part in if you are willing to get involved.

There are countless societies and groups that go above and beyond just being a participant and instead introduce you to the field in which you are studying, or are interested in.

These societies and groups not only give you lasting experiences professionally and personally, but they also offer you the chance to network with important contacts and to form lasting friendships. The benefits of getting involved do not stop there, as you also get a chance to travel, to improve your resume, and most importantly, to improve yourself.

With so many current societies and groups available to join, and with many being created to keep up with the growing interests and developments at CBU and in our community; there truly is something for everyone.

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CBU is set to play host to a High School Talent Competition, The Next Big Thing! Students from Cape Breton High Schools auditioned and now the finalists will preform May 18th and May 20th at the Boardmore Theatre. Cape Breton is not lacking in talent, whether it be musical or theatrical or anywhere in between, so I have no doubt the performances will be outstanding.

CBU plays a large part in the community and this competition is just another way to reach the younger student generations and show them just how special CBU is and all it has to offer !

Make sure to try and get to the Boardmore to check out the cream of the crop local High School talent. I know you won’t be disappointed!

For me, with Summer comes some spare time to enjoy music. Whether it is local music, new music or old favourites.

The local music scene is thriving in Cape Breton, especially at the local establishment and new popular hangout since the loss of the infamous “Smooth Hermans”,  Bunkers/Governor’s. Check out their facebook page at:

For more local music events : check out  a great source, “What’s Goin On” http://www.whatsgoinon.ca/ (also a great site for all that goes on in Cape Breton)

A few of my personal local artist faves that you should check out if you get the chance are:

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One of my favorite things to do is to read.

I love reading course material, biographies, news, novels, blogs and more. I even enjoy reading the back of packages.

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