A few days ago, I wanted to write this article with ammo, unleashing a weapon against a society star-crossed, vain, and borderline obsessive in its love of the self, and for that matter, celebrities.

Today, I sit down to write this article with a bit more compassion than the angry, stubborn girl failing to see the tragedy in the loss of Heathcliff Andrew Ledger.

I love the HBO series Sex and the City. Carrie Bradshaw, a well-known New York City columnist writes about relationships. Even though I’m a humble writer in Newport, I’d like to start this feature off in Bradshaw fashion.

As Valentine’s Day approaches and stores stock up on chocolate, stuffed animals and candy; I can’t help but wonder.

Being so far from home in a new environment is one of the scariest things in life. You feel uncomfortable, like you don’t belong. You have no family or friends to turn to for advice and you feel alone. You know some people on campus but you’re not sure if you can quite trust them to be there for you yet.

Four Salve Regina students are winners of the university’s World Youth Day competition. Each student will receive $2,300 grants for the expenses of attending World Youth Day 2008 festivities July 15-20 in Sydney, Australia.

Ian Kerr ’08, Elissa Slason ’08 , Maura O’Toole ’09 and Katherine Shaw ’10 were the competition winners.

Joseph R. DiStefano, chairman of the board of trustees of Salve Regina University, has announced that M. Therese Antone, RSM will complete her tenure as president of Salve Regina on June 30, 2009. She has served as president of Salve Regina since 1994.

In July, 2009, she will transition into a new role as Chancellor of the University.