Students study cultures and lifestyles in Italy

by Ken Baumbach staff writer

Students who studied Italian last year were able to receive a first hand account of the language and of the culture that they were studying. This past summer, foreign language professor, Massimo Musumeci, and a group of Cabrini students took a trip overseas to the country of Italy, for a two-week stay. They traveled to all regions of the country including Florence, San Girniniano, the Island of Ponza and ended their travels in the beautiful city of Rome.

The purpose of this trip was so that the students could learn more about the Italian culture and lifestyle. It was also to expand the student's vocabulary and improve their speaking skills in Italian. The students got a first hand account of what the Italian lifestyle is like from professor Musumeci, who is a native of Italy himself. They were introduced to Muscumeci's family and friends who showed the students examples of everyday living in Italy. The students were treated with authentic Italian cooking as well and were able to sense what it would be like to live in the country of Italy. "It was a great experience," Chris Glavin, sophomore, said. "We were able to see for ourselves what life in Italy was like and what their customs consisted of. We would not have been able to do this if we were not being given the tour be a former Italian resident.'' •

The students commented that they all had a great time and learned a lot about the culture and history of Italy. They did all this while having a lot of fun. "We all had a great time. The beaches were beautiful. The whole trip was something that I' 11 never forget and I look forward to doing it again sometime," Lucy Truglio, sophomore, commented. One student saw and experienced more than just the famous landmarks in Italy. Christine Casale had the unique experience of meeting family members of hers who still reside in Italy. "Along with learning about my culture and where my father was from, I got to meet some of my relatives and family that still live there. It was a very unique experience that I am glad I had."

All of the students agreed that the trip was a lot of fun and that it is something that they would do again if given the chance. No trip has yet been planned for next summer. However there is definitely a plan for a trip in the summer of 2003. One does not have to take Italian to go on this trip. Anyone who attends Cabrini College is welcome to travel with the group.

Haunted Trail scares over weekend

by Jen Smith staff writer

Aside from the chill in the night air, a distinct sound could be heard rising out of the Grace Hall woods last weekend. Approaching the chapel, ear piercing screams became louder as crowds of people were seen making their way toward the scene. What was the commotion that had gotten campus screaming? The Cabrini College Haunted Trail.

Beginning in the Grace Hall atrium, the Halloween fun abounded. There was a table for painting pumpkins, snacks, Cabrini student volunteers in costumes and eerie black lights to set the frightening mood. After a brief wait, small groups were escorted out of the side doors by their "ghostly" tour guides. As groups approached the wooded area, screams could be heard in the distance, while the guides entertained their groups with stories of the Cabrini College haunting.

Making their way through the darkened woods, huddled groups faced masked creatures, foggy tunnels, severed limbs and even the Cabrini ghost herself, dressed in white and accompanied by her elusive "missing baby." There was even a grand finale as SGA president Colin McGinley burst out of the woods armed with a face-mask and a chainsaw. Colin had no inhibitions about chasing down his fellow classmates for a good scare.

, Students weren't the only ones-tcrenjtly"the-scary .excitement of ~nted tr~. There were Brown- ie Troupes, birthday parties and families from surrounding areas all here to join in the fun. Freshmen class President TllD McIntyre was pleased with this year's turnout. "A lot of people came, especially on Friday night. There were a lot of students but also a lot of people outside of the campus community."

Perhaps the cause for the significantly larger turnout than previous years was due to the hours of work put into the project. "We worked from 10 to six on Friday," McIntyre said. Their hard work seemed to pay off as the line formed outside of Grace Hall to get a piece of the Halloween action.

"I was surprisingly impressed," sophomore Laura Girrlando said. "I went last year but it wasn't nearly as good. This year was scarier and a lot more fun." Girrlando was not the only one who favored this year's trail to the ones in years prior. Krista Michalowski brought her entire family to the Haunted Trail this year, including eight year-old Cousin Danielle. "She really loved it," Michalowski said. "She wouldn't let go of my leg for anything. My whole family had a good time."

According to those in charge, this years Haunted Trail was an overall success. "CAP board and SGA did a good job of putting the whole thing together," McIntyre said. If the screams coming out of the Grace Hall woods were any indication of its success, the Haunted Trail may be around for many Halloweens to come.