Class of 2013: Freshman Blog

Intersession

Posted by: Daniel R.

Hey, Everyone!

It’s been awhile, so I thought I may as well give y’all an update on life at Hopkins.  As you may know, at Hopkins we have an intersession, a three-week period when a few one or two hour (funfunfunfun) classes are offered pass/fail for everyone.  Because classes are so relaxed, intersession’s a lot of fun, and there’s so much less stress than during the regular semester.  Also, because it’s a short amount of time, we also have a lot of freedom to choose classes, in that we can go for a class we otherwise wouldn’t have gone for – think like a BME kid taking a poetry class, for instance.  There’s a lot of experimentation in that regard, and it’s pretty fun.

I’m taking a one-credit course entitled “The Ethnic Gangster in American Cinema.”  Basically, we look at gangster films with protagonists of different ethnicities.  We’re watching three for the course: “The Godfather” (1972 version), “Scarface” (Brian DePalma, 70’s version), and “American Gangster.”  I enjoyed all three of these films, and the class discussions have been really chilled out and fun.  Most of all, it’s sort of awesome to have to watch like “The Godfather” for homework.  There are worse assignments – trust me.  Our grade rests on one 4-6 page paper, which I really should start thinking about. 

Besides that class, which meets at night, I’m working full time in the Undergraduate Admissions mailroom, where I open and sort and open and sort and open and sort (what seems like all of your) application components.  When you (or your high school) mail any application materials, they initially get sorted before being read by the Admissions committee.  I’m one of the like ten student workers who open and sort the mail along with some part-time and full-time Admissions Operations staff. Our role is to sort all the mail so the documents can be scanned and indexed, and ultimately make complete online files for the Admissions staff to review.  We’re also starting to get the Candidate Reply Forms from the ED admits, which spices things up (transcripts and teacher recs do get dull).  I feel sort of obliged to tell everyone who’s worrying about their application to chill if they haven’t heard back if we got everything – we get a ton of mail, and it takes some time to open and sort everything =].

 

[don’t believe me on the amount of mail? believe me now]

 

Besides that, though, not much is going on during intersession.  Not quite everyone’s back – including my roommate – so it’s a little quiet, but this is counterbalanced by the fact that nobody really has any homework.  I’m getting good at enough at Wii Tennis to give Federer a scare, and when I’m not doing that, a lot of SAABers are back, so I’ve been chilling with JHU_Cate and JHU_Sarah pretty often. 

 

Have fun!

 

 

Looking Back on '09

Posted by Daniel R.

Hey, everyone:

It's the end of the December, and, of course, it's the end of the year, too.  Looking back on 2009, there have certainly been a lot of changes: I've been accepted to college, went to college, had a lot of fun in college, moved with my family, had my parents retire, got a job in DC, lived alone while working there, graduated from high school, and traveled around to see some great friends, among other things.  The only thing I can say is, "Wow, it's been a busy year, eh?"  

I may be bored or tired or just a little daft right now (another early-morning plane blog post haha), but I think it's fun to think back to how I felt a year ago, to what was going on.  (Yeah, I might be a sentimentalist.)  Then, I was with my parents and extended family on vacation, skiing and writing college essays and bickering with cousins and babysitting other cousins.  It was a fun time, overall -- especially the skiing part (okay, essay writing = not so fun).  But besides the obvious (parents retiring, going to college somewhere, moving, thinks of the like), I was clueless of what was to come, since there are so many variables, like college admissions (where, oh where, will I end up?!?!?!).  I didn't really have a plan of what was to come, since I had no way of predicting what would happen.  Did I think I'd be at Hopkins this year?  Not at all, to be honest.  In December, did I think I'd live alone this summer in an apartment all my own?  Nopers.  Did I predict I'd be writing a blog that hopefully someone reads?  Absolutely not!  Instead of trying to adhere to a predetermined plan, I was just forced to go with the flow, and I don't regret it a bit.

Admittedly, last year, I was anxious for everything to happen.  "I've GOT TO get out of this high school, so I can go do something," I told myself more than once, focusing on the clear goal of leaving rather than, say, on seeing what I could be doing then.  In thinking that, I think at least, I developed a sort of tunnel vision and became an ant: I looked for a leaf and nothing else along the way.  That's something I'm coming to regret, and as I've acclimated to my 'new' collegiate life, I've tried to stray away from that, which I think/am fairly certain is a good call.  

In the excitement that surrounds the ED notifications, there appears to be a lot of the 'so what's next? buzz,' in that some are so caught up in knowing where they're going next year that they're considering ignoring where they're going this year.  (I may be a bit sore that you EDers know where you're going, since I didn't know until April =])  It's not everyone, and initially, it's not a totally bad thing to be excited.  But I'd stay away from that, if given the chance.  Rather, I'd take comfort in knowing that you're going to college (DO NOT LET YOUR GRADES GET LOW! That's happened to someone I know, and their offer of admission was rejected....in July...but don't be paranoid!) and use that to branch out and do new things -- things that, while you were caught up with tons of homework, SAT/ACT practice, etc, you weren't able to do.  Most of all, enjoy the end of your high school career.  It's already halfway over, and your time there will never be the same.  Trust me. 

I've alluded to the idea that what happened in 2009 was unexpected, and this is true.  I don't have an idea of what 2010 will bring, either.  And while that's an uneasy feeling, I guess, I'm also really excited as well.  Why?  The answer is simple: things for me are going quite well!  I'm happy to be with my family over break, and I'm overjoyed to be able to say that I go to a school such as Hopkins, as both can afford me wonderful opportunities.  Also, at Hopkins, I've met some amazing people, whom I look forward to getting to know better next semester.  I haven't set my plans for summer yet, but I've been hearing stories of upperclassmen's summer experiences and international study, been seeing what Hopkins can do for me (like helping with internships), etc, and nothing I hear or see is underwhelming!  To me, at least, this is exciting stuff.  I hoped I'd be in  a place like this, but I could never be certain this would happen.  Content's an understatement.  

I intended this entry to be somewhat short, but oh well. Have a happy new year!  But while you're celebrating the arrival of 2010, though, give 2009 another look.  I sure will.   

On another note, let's wish Becca and her family the best as her father recovers.  That's terrible news, andI'm glad he'll recover. 

Until next time, 

DBR

And the deadlines cometh...

Posted by Daniel R.

Hello, everyone, from aboard Air France flight 681!

Right now, my family and I are en route from Atlanta to Paris, and we hope that, sooner or later, we'll end up in Rome.  Given a few friends' recent European travel experiences, including one of a fellow blogger, I think myself smart to use 'hope' rather than 'will.'  Anyway, I have about eight hours to kill, so I thought I'd post an update on my blog while watching Public Enemies (Long flight: watched The Hangover and Love, Actually as well).  

As you may know, my ED bid didn't go too well last year.  The college to which I replied gave me an outright rejection and basically told me to pound sand.  While I didn't do that, I did throw out a ton of college admissions essays in about two and a half weeks (I applied to ten universities, btw).  Better (or worse) yet, I wrote a majority of these essays while on a ski trip to Vermont (the 'rents weren't too happy about this, as I had planned to have them done by 1 Dec).  I think I've mentioned this, but I actually submitted about half my applications, including Hopkins', while waiting for the Killington slopes to open on New Years' Eve.  I submitted the other half later that night, before popping a cork yet after finding a hotel whose wireless internet I stole.  

What I'm getting at is, I suppose, that I'm not an idol for the organized, but I did follow some good advice passed down to me.  Since I at least think I'm not that bad a guy, I figured I'd share it with you.  And since a lot of the other bloggers are into lists, you know the format :).  Before reading this, though, please realize that I am not an admissions representative, so my opinions and advice on this matter are not official and should only be taken at face value; following my advice will absolutely not guarantee success in college admissions!!!!!! 

A few essay suggestions:

1) BE YOURSELF.  Unless your life is a cliche (and if it is, I'm not judging), avoid using them.  Cliches are sterile, and this is not just my opinion, as it's mentioned in like every college book EVER.  In one of my classes this year, actually, one of my professors told the class that cliches are 'unoriginal' and 'reflect poorly' on the writer.  Food for thought.  

Instead of using cliches, try to tell about your personal experiences -- unique stuff, if you will. This is just a rule of good writing, or so says all of my past instructors.  In the context of college admissions essays, though, showing uniqueness can show individuality, and individuality is a good thing here, as it forces the reader to get to know you (the goal of the personal statement, right?).  

2) EDIT.  Since you're applying to Hopkins, you're definitely smarter than most.  Your test scores probably reflect this, as do your high school transcripts.  Don't ruin what you've worked for by not proof reading.  My favorite example of proofing comes from my dad, who was a dean at a certain northeastern university.  For a report to the Board of Trustees, one packet was entitled 'Student involvement in Public Service."  However, when you omit the 'l' in 'public,' the resulting word has a drastically different meaning.  Don't pull a Wallie (my dad) and do that on any paper, but especially one that influences something as important as college admissions.  Another important thing is that comically long sentences that resemble something from Victorian literature are NOT good in modern writing.  The 'in' thing is concise yet descriptive -- at least that's what my teachers/professors have been telling me (and grading me on). 

One thing I've found about editing is that it's expected.  A paper of mine rarely gets better marks if it's grammatically perfect and has no misspellings.  However, a paper, at least in my experiences, can get ripped apart if there are myriad boo-boos.  Just something to consider.  

3) BE CONCISE.  Okay, this *could* fall under the 'edit category,' but I think it deserves a bullet all its own.  Yet another maxim of good writing (note the trend: these bullets are basically the objectives of a comp class, not a scientific process for college admissions), conciseness, at least in how I define it, means using short sentences where they're due and proper.  The goal of the college admission essay is to tell the admissions officer about you, not ramble and sound philosophical (or to TRY to sound so).  Just do that: keep it short, to the point.  Also, judging from the number of applications many universities such as Hopkins receive, it makes sense that the officers will appreciate a shorter, more direct essay, since it'll still get the job done with less of a time investment on their end.

I hope that these hints are mildly helpful to you as you finish your essays.  It's 4.00hr for me right now, and while it might sound geeky to say this, I do appreciate the time killer that this has been.  College applications are tough -- and I think they're designed that way -- but they payoffs can be high! The few hours that you spend writing your essays affect the next four years of your life.  

Funnily enough, about a year ago, I did write two on this very route, one of which I adapted to Hopkins (before the VT trip).  There may be something to be said for writing a very applicable essay for several schools, if it fits the prompt.  Hmm... With that, good morning/night, and bon chance!  Once again, though, remember that these are not tried and true methods; they're more like things that I've been taught in class/by some teachers over recent years.

Oh, and one note (it's late; I'm admittedly spacey): Right now, I really can't be bothered with uploading pics to this because of where I am (I don't have a laptop and can't transfer pics from my phone 'till I can e-mail them, and I tried the e-mail thing on my phone the first time I went to Europe with an iPhone...don't do it).  But when I get to my hotel and have some free time or when I get home, I'll amend this post to include pics.  That said, it'll be photo-rific in a week max :).  

Until next time, 

DBR

Au revoir, fall semester!

Posted by Daniel R.

So up front: this is the last time I’ll be writing you from Hopkins this year.  I’ll be back in 2010, of course, and I’ll even write a bit over break.  Oh, and this is also the last post I’m writing before ED decisions go out: if it’s good news, yay for you; if it’s bad news, I got the same letter last year – just chillax, because it’ll work out :).

Finals season is in full swing, and frankly I’m behind.  My roomie and I have the tendency to go on TV show binges, like where we watch EVERY episode of a show.  This week’s show has been True Blood, which, if you’re seen it, is hilarious!!!  I mean, yeah, Lafayette and I are friends – why? Anybody who has a gun and furry handcuffs is inherently awesome – you know it.
 
Besides TV and such other fun time wasters, studying’s really been the thing to do here.  I haven’t taken one yet, but finals apparently suck at Hopkins.  And seeing everyone huddled around a book rather than a glass has been scary, so I’ve been studying as well (this is the time at which I’d like to say “thank God for covered grades!!!” again).  There are a few awesome places to study, if you’re into the whole isolated and quiet and comfortable study scene – my favorite of which is the Levering Lounge.  However, be warned: Levering can be creepily empty sometimes, but any potential creepiness is counteracted by the two fireplaces and myriad couches.  Levering’s where I chill.
 
Right now, though, I really should be getting back to studying.  I wanted to wake up at like 11 today, so that I could get something done without working late.  Instead, I thought it’d be fun to throw my alarm clock and wake up at 2:15, so I’m in a bit of a panic (it’s now 2:49 btw).  So between now and then, I’ve gotten cleaned up, ran to Starbucks (thanks, mom and dad, for the giftcards in the mail; you clearly get me), and more/less written this blog.  It’s epic, I know.  But I must be outta here.  Once again, congrats if ED goes well for you, but if it didn’t, don’t sweat it – the same thing happened to me last year.

Oh, and one more exciting thing: there is only one thing between me and a Thursday concert: a macro exam.  Bring it on!
 
Until next time,

Hmph

Posted by Daniel R.

Hey, Everyone:   I write to you frazzled, stressed, tired, and possibly delirious.  Why am I so?  The answer is simple: finals.  Never before have I been forced to work as hard as I am now working to achieve desirable grades.  I come from a rural public high school, where academics – arguably, of course – were not on top of the list of priorities, so classes were easier, and I could normally take an exam a priori.  Now that I am at Hopkins, though, let there be no ambiguity: classes are challenging, and students are expected to read and to comprehend.  Know this when applying.

As you may know, I’m a humanities kid, and the very prospect of science and mathematics homework scares the living daylights out of me.  Yes, in high school, I took AP Cal and AP Chemistry, but – for the record – I did fail the AP Chem exam (for those worrying about exam scores, this is evidence that the admissions committee really DOES look beyond the surface in an application!), and I did struggle in AP Cal (made a 4 though, if you’re curious).  Having coursework that’s humanities heavy (or in my case, exclusively humanities) means that there’s a lot of reading, and I’ve been spending the past few days, and will be spending the next few days, reading all day.  Let me tell you: this is not my idea of fun.  I’m broke because of coffee expenditures, also.   But it’s proving to be worthwhile and enriching, I suppose.   Why am I complaining to you/telling you my sob story of nerdiness?  Because I think you can relate.  For you, in all probability, you’re finishing (or starting, ut hmm) your college applications and are gearing up or are taking your finals.  Perhaps there’s more on your plate.  Frankly, last year, this was hell week for me: I had a tight AP Cal grade, was in a tight race in class rank (I graduated number 8 out of 165, though there was a 4 way tie for valedictorian), was trying to maintain a social life, and was just beginning to start college applications after a stinging ED rejection.    What did I do last year?  Did what had to be done.  I got my homework done, found time to see friends, and started my applications – funny story: I finished and submitted my apps while on vacation in VT…. Actually, I sent them in while waiting for ski lifts to open lol….  Your high school career is coming to a close, and you’re nearly there, so just get it done: don’t mess up what you’ve been working for for the past 4 years.  I don’t mean to sound preachy, but I really haven’t slept lol, so accept my apology.  You’re almost there.  In three weeks, your applications will be submitted, and you’ll be waiting.  Things will be out of your hands.  None of the pressure will be on you, as it is now (….no more personal statements, SATs, ACTs, or supplements!!!!!!!) .  Just get there!  

Until next time,  

Reflections on Going Home

Posted by Daniel R.

Hey, Everyone:

I’ve realized that I differ from a lot of the Hopkins Interactive bloggers in that I don’t really post about myself; rather, I post a lot about topic-oriented subjects, such as campus security, for example.  In this post, however, I’m going to break with this ‘tradition,’ if you will, simply because I’ve had a lot on my mind.  This first semester of college has been, for me – and it will be for you, too, I expect – transformative and full of changes.  Life’s not static, we all know, but I can’t begin to tell you how dynamic things have been for me as of late.

I think that you’ll find you become a lot more of who you want to be when you leave home and are among your peers.  Coming from a small town, having a social life meant knowing and befriending everyone, regardless of their interests, etc.  But at college, you get to befriend those with similar interests, ambitions, and tastes, which is what, I think, makes the transition so different (and so potentially wonderful). 

It’s almost Thanksgiving, and I’m going back home to Arkansas on Tuesday.  At the same time, I’m both excited about and am dreading this trip.  On the one hand, I’m going to get to see my parents, my friends, and my pets, and that’s exciting (btw, we have a lot of animals: 3 dogs – Ralph, Maggie, and John Earnie – and four cats – Stanley, Oliver, Clawdia, and Bradleigh).   But at the same time, I’m also going back to my roots, if you will – the place where I grew up.  Here in Baltimore, there are more people with similar tastes – in music, for example – allowing me to share my interests more freely and to a generally positive reception.  There, I have to be a little less esoteric with my interests, embrace interests of others (which I may or may not be interested in), and, frankly, relate to some people to whom I really can’t relate.  I’m also going home in an entirely new capacity: as a visitor, not a resident.  Since most of my friends won’t be there anymore, I can’t help but ask: how different will things be?

Going to university is, in my opinion, the first of many big decisions in many people’s lives.  While I spent my upbringing unusually independent, it’s the first time many people will have a sense of true independence: everything is your call; everything is up to you; everything you do is because of you.  A year ago, as I drove every day to Batesville High School, I wouldn’t have realized that so much.  Yeah, the contrast of high school and college wasn’t so dramatic for me, because, as I mentioned, of my past: I lived away as a Congressional Page and totally independently this summer when I worked on the Hill in DC.  But this is atypical, and a lot of my friends are coping with this change, which is only going to become more apparent when they return home for the first time, and I’m still having these feelings, too.  This applies to both my Hopkins friends AND my friends from Arkansas. 

We’ll see how this return goes.  It’ll be a bit different, though, because my parents moved over the summer.  No longer do we live in Batesville.  I now call Little Rock my ‘home.’  I’ll make it back to Batesville for one day (it’s a 2 hour drive, btw), when I’ll get to see a lot of familiar faces.  It’ll be interesting – and I’m sure bittersweet. 

When you’re filling out your apps and writing your personal statements, don’t forget to make the best of what you’ve got now.  Regardless of where you go for university, it won’t be there in a year. What you'll find at university is great, but don't underestimate how good you've got it now.

Until next time,

Mah Schedule...

Posted by Daniel R.

Hey, everyone!

I read Becca’s post and realized that I too haven’t shared too much about my academic experience here at Hopkins.  Since Becca and I have somewhat different schedules (she’s taking intro to neuroscience…ew), I thought it might be worthwhile to share and comment on my current coursework, in an effort to show another side of the Hopkins academic scene. 

First, though, I’d like to start reflecting back on my experiences here thus far.  I’ve just realized that this semester – my first one of college – is really drawing to a close.  This hit me yesterday, when I finished my last exam that’s not a final.  It’s a really interesting feeling, y’know, to realize how quickly time has passed.  It seems like yesterday when I was walking to school in shorts; now I’m bundled up with an umbrella.  Now today, I’m looking at courses for next semster – whoa. 

Anyway, with that little bit of looking back out of the way, I’d like to share and elaborate on this semester’s schedule.  I must admit, it’s pretty nice, since I don’t have classes on Tuesdays.  I’m not taking any sciences or math courses right now; rather, I just registered for what sounded interesting at the time.  It’s a strategy that I highly recommend to everyone; I find it really rewarding.  (I’m taking 15 hours this semester, by the way, between 5 classes.)

Elements of Macroeconomics
Macro is a huge class – I won’t lie.  If memory serves, there are 408 students in my class, which makes it the largest class on campus, I think.  In my college hunt last year, I wasn’t too sure how much I’d appreciate that kind of classroom environment, because I’ve always preferred more intimate class settings.  But overall, I’m pleased with the way this class works out. 

There are two class lectures per week, both of which are held Monday and Wednesday at 9am.  I’ll be the first to admit that getting up is a chore.  Towards the end of the week, we have a section meeting with our TA; mine’s named Yoichi Goto, who is a Japanese grad student in the Econ Department.  He’s really cool, and while I found him a little hard to understand at the beginning of the semester, I’ve come to find him as a really great instructor.

For Macro, there really isn’t too much ‘homework,’ per say.  But after the first exam, I found it prudent to read (that’s sugarcoating it…).  Before each exam, there are two problem sets, one graded and one practice, for which we solve whatever sorts of problems we’re doing that week.  They’re about 5 problems in length, and the first 2 problems are more/less essay based.  Thankfully for me, there’s no crazy math on the tests or on the practice sets, so a calculator’s not necessary. 

Introduction to Fiction and Poetry 1
Introduction to Fiction and Poetry, or as it’s called on campus IFP, is the introductory class in the Writing Seminars class.  All IFP 1 classes are taught by TAs; mine’s named Maggie Murray.  She’s a really good instructor, I’ve found, and makes herself readily available to students, either through e-mail conversations or by meeting in the library’s coffee shop, Café Q, for a quick consult. 

IFP’s goal is to make one a better writer of prose and poetry and is thus inherently writing intensive.  About half of the semester is dedicated to poetry, while the other half is dedicated to prose.  We have one writing assignment per week, which ranges from a 20 line poem to 10 page story (this week’s assignment, actually, and I really should get started on that).  One of the more unique things about the course, I’ve found, is the workshops: in-class activities where all of your classmates peer revise your writing assignment of the week.   By the end of the course, I’ll have had three opportunities to have had my assignments workshopped by the entire class. 

There’s some reading required for this class, but it’s not like the usual high school readings in that we analyze the text to find a subtle or hidden meaning (eat that, College Board).  Rather in IFP, we focus on how the author uses language, etc, for effect and then, if we like the effect, try to mimic the effect in our own writing.  It’s an effective method, I think, but moreover, it’s a refreshing change from the way I was taught literature in high school. 

My IFP section meets three times per week at 10am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 

Making America: Mastery and Freedom in British Mainland America, 1607-1789
About 60 people in size for lecture, Making America is basically a colonial US history course.  It, like Macro, is taught in the lecture-section format.  I really find Professor Ditz a capable and captivating lecturer; she actually does make the class fun.  There are no textbooks for the course; we instead rely on articles and primary readings to supplement the professor’s lectures.  This I find neat since in my AP US History class we were forced to read David Kennedy’s The American Pageant cover to cover (bleh).  Some of the primary sources, especially those in regard to slavery, are really neat though can be shocking. 

My TA, Sara Damino, focuses a lot on the primary readings and on the articles in section.  She (reasonably) assumes that we got everything we needed to get out of Professor Ditz’s lecture, working to cover what we couldn’t get to in lecture.  I enjoy section most of the time, even though it’s on Friday afternoon.  (Fun note: as a breather today in section, being ahead a bit on the syllabus, we watched clips from the HBO Series John Adams…)

Making America’s pretty light on the writing overall.  Over the semester, we’re to turn in seven reading response papers, for which we share our reactions to the author’s (whichever one we read that week) points, choice of evidence, etc.  They’re no biggie as long as you’ve read that week.  Other than that, though, there’s really nothing much for the class in terms of tangible work, except for a midterm and a final (if you’re curious, the midterm was pretty traditional, having identification and essay sections). 

Freshman Seminar: the Politics of Interpretation
Okay, you first: what are the politics of interpretation?  Have no idea?  Okay, you and I were on the same page before this semester began.  I registered for this class at the recommendation of my advisor, and it’s been an experience, to say the least.  As I found out on the first day of class, the Poly of Interpretation covers the study of hermeneutics and is really, really reading heavy. 

While this class does have so heavy a workload, it’s made manageable by the small class size: there are 9 people in the class, including me and the professor.  That’s pretty cool, I thought on the first day of class.  The class’ size has saved me, especially when the first paper was due and I was flailing, wondering ‘what the %@#@ to write about interpretation.’ 

While it’s specifically designed for freshman, this class has the highest workload of any of my classes.  There are only four papers for the class (one of which is effectively a final), but they’re all respectively long (7 pages) and pertain to [REALLY] complex material (or so I think….).  Overall, though, I think I like this class because of how broadening it is; I really wouldn’t read a lot of this stuff (Heidegger, Gadamer, among others) without this class. 

Occidental Civilization: Modern Europe
It comes of a shock to many here, but I didn’t have the option of taking a European history course in high school, making this survey class really interesting for me.  I mean, yeah, from sundry readings, I’ve gathered a knowledge base of Europe’s general historical trends, but I’ve never been exposed to the material in a classroom setting.  Occ Civ, as we call it, has about 100 people in its lecture, and, as such, is taught in the lecture-section format. 

Admittedly, I don’t find Professor Shepard’s lectures as interesting as Professor Ditz’s (other history professor of mine), but the two vary drastically in style.  Professor Shepard espouses knowledge in a less structured format than Professor Ditz; it just depends on your preference.  That said, I intend on taking another of Professor Shepard’s classes next semester – the French Algerian War. 

Like Making America, Occ Civ doesn’t use a textbook, rather relying on a myriad of other readings – some primary sources, others secondary.  I really do like this format and can’t express my appreciation of it enough.  In lecture, we don’t really cover too much of the reading; that’s left to our TAs.  Speaking of, mine, Adam Bisno, is a really, really good instructor and evidences that TAs aren’t necessary bad things.  Once again, really open office hours, which I appreciate.

That’s my schedule.  I hope you found at least parts of it interesting, and, if you do end up matriculating at Hopkins, I hope you’ll try one of them out.  I’m happy with the way things have turned out: all of my TAs are fantastic, my workload is doable yet challenging, and I’m enjoying what I do.  What more can I ask for?

Until next time,

A Matter of Campus Security...

Posted by Daniel R.

Before I launch into my spiel, I want to say that it’s been both fun and interesting to meet prospective students during these past two weekends at the open houses.  Between the two of them, I believe we had over 1,000 visitors come onto campus, which is really neat, if you think about it – especially since so many visitors covered so great a distance to come visit.  I met prospectives and families from California, New York, Massachusetts, and even Alabama, among other places.  Truthfully, I hope everyone enjoyed their visit to campus and that they left with a greater understanding of what Hopkins is really all about. 

At these open houses, one question came up more than I thought it would: the security of students on campus.  This is indeed a question that deserves attention, given Hopkins’ size and location, and I'd like to try to offer a proper response at this point.  Before I dive into the specifics of what measures the University takes to ensure the students’ safety, I would like to explicitly say that I personally have never felt uncomfortable or unsafe in the neighborhoods immediately surrounding Hopkins or on campus (or, luckily, in Baltimore).   

One thing about Hopkins that's neatest is how it's a traditional university nestled in an urban area.  That’s also what makes the University unique and is a primary reason for my appreciation of the campus’ physical plant.  However, the University’s urban integration, while possessing some great (and, in my opinion, aesthetically pleasing) traits, has inherent risks, especially given Baltimore’s admittedly high crime rate, inter alia.  Putting thousands of primarily middle and upper-class students into the near-center of a struggling city doubtless carries risks.  To counteract this, Hopkins has taken an admirable – and I argue sufficient – number of steps to ensure on and off campus security. 

At Hopkins, there are three main branches of security: a contracted force, Allied-Barton Security, whose presence on campus is noted by their florescent shirts/jackets (depending on weather); a Hopkins-employed security force, seen in their grey and blue uniforms; and off-duty Baltimore police officers.  These entities are listed in order of their prevalence on campus: one sees Allied-Barton with far greater frequency than off duty BPD officers, but they are all around without fail and will respond to student distress calls quicky.  Both Hopkins Security (lovingly called ‘Hop Cops’) and Allied-Barton employees are unarmed; the same cannot be said for BPD Officers.

[Allied Barton Security Patrol, Charles St.]

The presence of these security forces is not limited exclusively to campus: Hopkins security often conducts community patrols, Allied-Barton stations guards at street corners around the campus, and, of course, the Baltimore Police Department maintains a presence throughout the city, though especially in Hopkins-ish areas.  Community patrols are especially vigilant during the weekends, when students venture from the dormitories to visit friends/attend parties that are off campus. 

[Typical Hopkins Security Patrol Car]

In addition to sheer manpower, the University has taken impressive action to ensure student safety by the implementation of various technology – the coolest among these devices, a gunshot detection system on and around campus; the most ubiquitous, security cameras and blue light alarms.  In 2008, Hopkins launched a gunshot detection system that covers both the campus and the surrounding neighborhoods, which are home to many Hopkins students and faculty members.  The system uses a series of microphones that recognize the acoustic signature of a gunshot and then alert the authorities of its location.  I happen to think this is pretty neat.  Additionally, Hopkins has a system of speakers on campus that can be used to relay information loud enough for all to hear on and around campus (for Southerners and Midwesterners, think tornado siren meets microphone).  Also on campus are many, many blue light alarms.  When activated, these emit a loud siren and a bright, blue strobe light to draw attention.  Authorities are also alerted that someone is in distress.  These alarms are monitored by at least one security camera, allowing Hopkins security to monitor the activated alarm until help arrives.  Security cameras line Charles Street, as well as the campus, and their efficiency is aided by software that can detect criminal activity or people in distress and then alert authorities. 

[Blue Light Alarm, St. Paul St.]

While the immense amount of manpower and technological investments are remarkable and impressive, Hopkins Security gets the small things right, too.  Between the hours of 5pm to 3am, Hopkins offers an Escort Van Service, which is a fifteen passenger van in Hopkins livery that will pick up students within a 1 mile radius of campus free of charge.  (It’s especially nice when it’s raining, I might add.)  If a student is off campus and needs help, Security also will take great pains to ensure that student receives the help he/she needs.  For example, this Labor Day, I was in New York, attending the US Open.  I took Megabus because of thrift, and was to be dropped off in White Marsh at 1am.  I called taxi companies that night at 7 to orchestrate a pick-up, but no companies would make the trip at that hour.  Getting concerned, I called security.  The woman at dispatch, who, if she sees this, is AWESOME, took my information, stayed on the line, and connected me to a car service in Towson.  She arranged for my pick-up in WM, staying on the line until everything was done.  Need I remind you that this was on a Federal Holiday? 

I hope that this addresses any concerns that might come up while considering Hopkins.  In my college hunt last year, I looked primarily at urban universities, and security was a legitimate concern.  When you step on many campuses, you feel safe, but the amount of attention and effort paid to security here is unparalleled, I feel.  And trust me, if it wasn’t, I wouldn’t be complimenting it, as I have a vested interest in my security on campus. :)

Until next time,
 

 

Social Scene Stuff

Posted by Daniel R.

Recently, Hopkins hosted high school counselors from around the country/world as part of the NACAC (National Association of College Admissions Counseling) convention held here in Baltimore.  Odds are one of your counselors was here or was invited.  Several thousand came to Baltimore.

Since I’m involved with Hopkins Interactive (obviously…), I, along with other HI members, was invited to meet what seems like a majority of your counselors (tons).  They asked, they asked, and they asked questions about Hopkins.  Many asked about academics, others about housing, others yet about dining, etc.  But a great many asked about Hopkins’ social scene, relating their questions back to a stereotype about Hopkins that they’d heard: Hopkins is too intense, and there’s no room for play, etc.

Since fielding these questions, I’ve been thinking about the social scene here at Hopkins quite a bit.  There’s no denying it: First and foremost, Hopkins is a place where people come to study.  It’s not a party school.  But there’s one incident that made me take pause: This weekend, as I was heading out to a party, I saw people doing homework on a Saturday night.  Casually, of course, and in a social setting, but I still saw homework on a Saturday night (I’m not talking at like 5, either). Frankly, I didn’t know what to say, and I began to question the social life here and how good of a fit I am at Hopkins.

It’s been several days since that night, and I’ve had some time to think things through and become level-headed.  While studying is doubtless critical (c’mon: I go to Hopkins, guys), I come from an upbringing/culture that placed equal importance on social life.  Accordingly, it’s absurd for me to consider studying on a Saturday night without exigent circumstance.  I represent one branch of the figurative social scene at Hopkins, I believe (no, there aren’t any castes, etc :)).

[A picture I took during orientation from our seats at an Orioles game; that's A-Rod batting, btw]

At the other end, there are some students at this school who reap great satisfaction and reward from high marks, and these students seriously work for their grades  There’s no denying that kind of student goes to this University.  But there’s no denying that this kind of student’ll be at any Top 20 University, regardless of what a particular university’s guidebook says, which is something I had to realize. 

It’s not like there aren’t activities for the, umm, less studious here.  There are; I can testify to that.  So can my roomie.  So can all of my friends.  So can that guy I saw on Saturday night.  And that girl (thattt girl) absolutely can.  It’s just a matter of preference, I’ve found.  If you’re into a more party-oriented scene, you can find it at Hopkins (I promise); just don’t be prepared to find Ole Miss.  

[The Geico Cave Man; I saw him Labor Day weekend at the US Open]

To address concerns on Hopkins’ intensity, my academic experience hasn’t been overly intense.  For example, I find time to write this post during midterms.  If that’s not adequate testimony, I don’t spend more than two hours per night on average with assignments, barring, of course, the occasional massive reading assignment.  I also just got out of a 3 hour poker tournament.  Is the homework manageable?  I think so.

Certainly, there have been instances when I didn’t know how well I fit in at Hopkins because of what I wanted in a social scene, like that time a few nights ago.  But those were only instances, not prolonged events, and these instances have absolutely not come to define my time here.  In fact, I’m grateful I’m here, really.  And, more importantly, I’m happy.  Finding a college is, in some senses, like a relationship (no, I’m not Dr. Phil; don’t think it…): Even if the two parties are the right fit, questions of compatibility will always briefly rise.

Until next time,

Daniel

First Post: And Then It Began

Posted by Daniel R.

Before I dive into an introduction, let me be the first to welcome you to the Johns Hopkins: Class of 2013 blog.  I speak for my freshman colleagues in welcoming you to our blog, and we all sincerely hope that you’ll find these posts useful, informative, and (even) entertaining as you prepare to make the collegiate plunge. 

There are eight freshmen who will contribute to this blog.  Each one of us will aim to post about every two weeks with whatever two cents come to mind.  Please feel free to post a comment should you have a specific question or concern.  I’ll do my best to address your question/comment as soon as possible.  If you're wondering about something, odds are the next guy is, too, and putting questions out in the open can kill two birds with one stone.  Don’t be timid about asking anything, either: you might give me an idea for a blog posts, which will make my life much easier.  You can also follow me on Twitter; my username's JHU_Daniel.

Quickly about me: My name’s Daniel, and as you may have gathered, I’m a freshman here at Hopkins.  I aim to major in International Studies.

I’m from Arkansas.  For the past 11 years, I’ve lived in Batesville, a town of 10,000 about 100 miles NE of Little Rock.  In Batesville, I attended public high school, before moving to Little Rock in July.  My family and I have made a progressively southward move in years past: I was born in CT and have lived in RI, MA, and MO in addition to AR.

A few of the things about which I’m most interested and passionate are the political and legislative processes.  In June 2007, I served as a Page in the United States House of Representatives.  I’ve since returned to DC many times, most recently interning in the House this summer.  It’s my love of the political process that makes me want to be an International Studies major here at Hopkins.

My hobbies and interests are wide ranging and are often subject to whim.  For the past several years, I’ve been a competitive tennis player.  I’ve recently gotten into both road and mountain biking, and before I left Arkansas for the East Coast early this summer, I got pretty good at/into trap shooting.  I’m politically active and have no intentions of losing my fervor at college, and a program with which I’d like to get reunited is Big Brothers Big Sisters (and I intend to do so once things settle down here).

That’s me in a nutshell.  There’s more, I’m sure, but nothing else of great importance/entertainment comes to mind.  

Before I conclude, I want to leave you with this: For many, school’s still starting up, and you’re probably still kicking the summertime cobwebs out of your work ethic (I am, too), but I feel compelled to remind as many high school seniors as possible to begin work on their college application essays.  I’m the guy who waited until December to start, and I ended up submitting every college admission essay on the day they were due.  Don’t be like me, so at least look at the prompts.  That way, you’ll have many fewer arguments with your parents/admissions counselor – and that’s a good thing.  Also, writing essays on Christmas Eve is a drag – trust me. 

Until next time,

Daniel

P.S. For those who are wondering, the graphic at the top of this post is our class' banner.  It's tradition here for the banner of a class to hang in Eisenhower library.