Vol. 1: The Life and Times of B. Edwards

Content

The transformation that can occur within one's self over the course of 365 days is utterly amazing. Even the way that I write these blog entries is different. Now, I write before logging on to post. Instead of writing on a blank screen until I reach what I feel is adequate, I write what I feel. I'm taking more time than I have before; I'm moving slower than I was in my first months of "adulthood." This is a major difference from last year.

At this time, I feel as if it is appropriate to reflect on the progression of Blake Edwards. I've always found self evaluation to be helpful... It was almost a year ago that I too was preparing to embark on my journey to college. I did not have any idea what to expect, but I was certain that I would be ready. When I finally hit Hopkins, my world changed. No longer was I at home. Gone were the days of high school. I was now "grown." It was right that I was out of the house. My first blog entry was one written on the amount of work that my family had scheduled for me prior to leaving. (You all never saw it because it was written as a part of my application for group that enables me to do what I have been doing for the past year.) 1 year later- I realized that the work is still here. It is safe to say that the work will never end. No matter how old I get, my family will still expect me take care of certain responsibilities. Some things really don't change. What different now is that I do not mind as much. After experiencing the fast pace that can characterize Hopkins, I appreciate the chill moments; I have a greater appreciation for home. This even differs from the end of my first semester when I was struggling to characterize my feelings for Detroit.

So, what has Blake been up to since returning home? I've done the same old stuff that I always did. I just don't mind it these days. I've run errands for my grandmother, played basketball, and hung out with friends from high school. Relationships are still different (something that I saw happening last year), but I love them nonetheless. This past weekend was my high school's centennial celebration. It was a huge deal: galas, picnics, parades... Ford Motor Company was one of the sponsors and there was a constant media presence. It's funny because I attended a public high school, but the legacy and pride surrounding would make some think that it is a private institution. Notable alumni include: Diana Ross, John De Lorean (car from "Back to the Future" movies), and the current mayor of Detroit, Kwame Kilpatrick. There are a ton of others, but I'll spare you. In the slowness associated with my time at homes, pride exists; a pride that is a product of home. I hope that I will one day join the list that will be ingrained into the newest Cass Tech students- the same way that it was for me.

I haven't done much to brag about, but I don't mind. Over the past year, I seem to have flip-flopped with what really makes me happy. Maybe I should run for president. (Had to do it...) A year into "adulthood" I still don't know where my true happiness will ultimately lie, but for the time being I am content at home. I'll enjoy the next couple of weeks and talk to all of you in the fall!

ROAD TRIP

Great moments in history start with an idea. Philosophy itself. The American Revolution. The summer road trip. This was a great moment in the lives of five Hopkins students; Five students who hopped in a Saturn Vue with the hope of Going to an amusement park. Cedar Point would be the park, but could they make it? Yeah. They did it alright. I got the road trip!

These pictures say countless words:

We piled into a rental SUV at 2:00 on Saturday Morning.

The sun rises in PA.

We made it to the park!!!

The sleepless night was worth it!

Game Time...

Sleep catches up with us...

Back on the road. A stop at a Wal-Mart in Jerusalem Township, Ohio.

Sleeping after a party at the University of Michigan.

We're in Michigan... might as well stop at my Granny's house. The food was amazing!

Nap Time.

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8

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Randomness after we return to the road.

The sun sets on the way home.

We're back on campus... Now for Some Sleep.

Trip to D.C.

On this Saturday, my friends and I decided to escape from the Charles Village community. This day was destined for greatness. This day, the place to be was the nation's capital. On this Saturday, we went to Washington.

Some of you may not be aware of the close proximity between Baltimore and Washington D.C.; it really isn't far. This makes the matter of travel awfully convenient. For us, it was as simple as as putting some gas in my friend Joe's tank and hitting the highway. There was no real itinerary, it was simply about leaving campus. Though it is summer, the coursework at Hopkins can still wear you out; it does build up. The thought was that a day in D.C. would do us some good.

One word for this trip to Washington? Random. We started a Howard University- a historically Black college in the Northwest section of D.C. The community is filled with all kinds of cultural stores and independent grocers and restaurants. After loafing around, and driving through the city checking out random sites, we decided to hit Georgetown. The day was getting away from us, and we were getting tired. In an area where parking can be tight on the streets, we found a space immediately. It was time to walk around. Often, when sitting on a corner, waiting for a friend or your ride somewhere, I get annoyed. It seems like everyone has purpose with the exception of my own idleness; I am really a proponent of spending every bit of time being productive. It was different at this time. In Georgetown, I just chilled out. The temperature was about 85 degrees, kids were walking with their parents, everyone seemed happy and my own happiness fed off of theirs. Windows down, music blasting, shades on my face, walking all over the place... I was worn out! The excursion from Baltimore to D.C was just what I needed. I was able to get away from campus, and really clear my head. I definitely need to repeat this before my summer at Hopkins comes to a close.

Weekend Update w/ Blake Edwards

You all have decided to visit me at a time when Summer Term I has ended. Finishing the all of the required course reading and writing countless papers have encouraged me to enjoy this weekend before the next term begins. It is late at night/early in the morning and I am just returning from Washington D.C.- one stop over the course of this weekend. Once I collect everything, including my sanity, we are going to have a GREAT conversation regarding what I have gotten into this weekend. Ah, summer in Baltimore.

Summertime and The Living Is Ummm...

The last time that we spoke with one another, I said that I would fill you in on what is going on with me during the summer. During the first of two summer terms here at Hopkins, I am taking "The Anthropology of Work"- a course that explores work through various themes including: work as a religious practice and the moral inspiration of workers. My instructor, Sameena Mulla, is phenomenal. I had the pleasure of taking her "African Americans and American Medicine" course last semester, and, like Spring 2007, this course is both interesting and engaging. I really love the variety of classes that I can take as a Public Health major with the social sciences concentration. What I am looking forward to most is the "case study" that is one of the course requirements. I get to go out and conduct field work within the workplace environment. No, I will not be in "tall-grass" somewhere, with a khaki outfit on and a brimmed hat. Can you imagine how that would look? It would be ridiculous- like the antagonist hunter from the movie "Jumanji." Instead, I get to select someone who I will observe "at work" during the day- looking at the demands of what the do and their interactions with others. This notion of "workplace" seems like a good transition into my other major usage of time during the summer. Pediatric Neurosurgery.

* Cue music. ("How to Save a Life" by The Fray.)

Creepy Commercial Voice Guy: "Johns Hopkins Hospital. Nelson 811. There is an office; an office filled with some of the greatest minds in the world. These people give children a second chance at life as they utilize cutting-edge medical techniques in world class surgical facilities. And then... there's Blake.

*Music Change. (The theme song from Disney's Doug)

-Camera shows student coming off of the JHMI shuttle and walking into the hospital.

-Cut to cubicle with student sitting all alone, surrounded by nothing by paperwork.

Creepy Commercial Voice Guy: "Blake isn't pre-med. He wants to pursue health law. Where does he fit into this medical environment? Ladies and gentlemen, Fox is proud to present their newest reality TV show- The Office Assistant. Will Blake manage to keep the office running behind the scenes while finding time to finish his homework?"

My job would never warrant a reality television show, although, if people will watch a guy with a clock around his neck, I might have a shot. Basically, I am continuing my job as an office assistant in the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Hopkins Hospital. I'm no longer pre-med, but the experience is still a good one. While I am in a cubicle surrounded by paperwork and often feel like I am a character in the Dilbert comic strip, I still appreciate the job. Prior to college, my hospital internships were always the glorified positions- out on the floors with the physicians- seeing all of the cool stuff; I literally scrubbed in on cases during one of my summers in high school. In the office setting, the experience is different. I am around the patient before and after surgery. I see the good and the bad. I see the rigors that come with public relations. All issues are not always taken care of; people's concerns may not initially be taken into account. Somehow, I think that this experience will make me better at what I end up doing post graduate school. When I figure that out, I'll be sure to share it with you.

That's it for now. Until we chat again I'll have the paperwork to keep me company. OUCH! Paper cut.

Season One is Over.

The last cup of coffee is done. The last night of sleep deprivation has happened. The last book has been closed. The last test has been taken. It is over- for the summer.

The end of freshman year is here, and I survived! Through the ups and the downs, the A's and the not quite A's ... I made it through my first year at Johns Hopkins University. There were times when I was not sure what was going to happen, but I am proud to say that I overcame the adversity. I came into college thinking that I knew what the future held for me. Now I am comfortable in saying that I do not. I came to the realization that I do not want to be a doctor ... healthcare is where my heart lies, but I want to explore other ways in which I can make a difference. I am now on the public health social sciences track. A hotshot attorney maybe? Only time will tell.

So? What are my plans for the summer? BACK TO HOPKINS! I'll be working twenty hours a week at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, taking a couple of courses, and finding some time to do volunteer work in public health; I cannot wait. As much as I enjoy being at home, I am realizing that I like the independence that comes with me being in Baltimore; there is no telling what I will get into this summer- I HAVE A FLEXCAR MEMBERSHIP (the cars are on the Hopkins campus). I'll make sure to keep you all posted on what the summer is like at Hopkins, and before you know it, you too will be here. Talk to you soon...

It's Really That Time.

First and foremost, I will take this opportunity to congratulate the newest members of the Class of 2011 at the Johns Hopkins University. For you, this marks the beginning of a journey into uncharted waters. Enjoy the rest of senior year because you all will be working on your degrees in no time. Your parents leave, and the work begins- it will definitely be a major change.

What does your acceptance mean to me? This thing called Freshman year is really wrapping up. I've mentioned this before, but as a write this the reality of the situation is really setting in. I started the year as a wide-eyed freshman entering a new school in a new city. I finish the year as a wide-eyed rising sophomore. Why am i still wide eyed? Now, there are no excuses as to why I do not handle my business at Hopkins; that is a little intimidating. I have a long way to go before I really reach the adulthood that I associate my mother with- I can only hope to gain more maturity as growth occurs... As for Baltimore, I love it! It is not home but, to be honest, that is why I like it. The people are different, the slang is different, the architecture is different, the weather is different- I am different because of it. There is so much to do aside from movies and the mall. There are free art museums, great concert venues, tons of other schools, and really cool restaurants. So much can be gained from a little bit of exploration.

So, what's left for the year you say? FINALS!!! I'm not stressing out like I was first semester. Anxiety? Yes. The comparison of bodily harm to an exam because of the stressful implications? Not so much anymore. 3 exams, 1 large paper, and I am out of here. I've already begun spending excessive amounts of time on B level in the library. I'll get to my summer plans next week.

Once again, congratulations on making the right decision and I'll see you in the fall when co-hosting your Orientation Show. I promise that it will be fun.

For your viewing pleasure, some photo fun: Blake in September vs. Blake in May

Here goes:
September:

 

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May:

The same cool guy... just  a little more knowledge :-)

Homecoming '07

Not to be shown up by Spring Fair the week prior, Hopkins celebrated its 2007 Homecoming. Yeah ... we have our Homecoming in the spring, and for me, there was no better way to celebrate than in the Nest. While it is true that I have written about lacrosse, I have not really given the Nest its due credit. It is crazy! There is nothing better than spending a warm Saturday afternoon watching lacrosse with your peers. Hopkins students being lacrosse fans is an understatement. The game is fast paced, has amazing collisions, and it is extremely easy to catch on to from the spectators' perspective. Basically, you cannot go wrong with this sport; those of you who have never seen it in will soon embrace it as I have. On these Saturdays, much of the student body files into Homewood Field with those lovable light blue t-shirts on and prepare for a battle. There are cheers, chants, and random moments that make the game experience unlike anything else here at Hopkins.

The team scores. In unison: "1,2,3,4,... We want more." The pep band plays and we rattle of the number of goals scored, followed by "we want more." Though simple, I live for it. It is nice to do simple counting after a semester spent in Calculus II. (I am really not fond of graphs and other random stuff.) For Homecoming, the nest was definitely the place to be. We all celebrated a victory against Navy, and I left the game with some cool souvenirs. Yeah student section!

The rest of homecoming weekend was also enjoyable. Alumni were everywhere. Prospective students were somehow everywhere? I was everywhere- why wasn't I sleeping? Anyhoo... it was great. You really cannot beat 80 degree weather, free stuff, and crazy sports fans. Like last week's blog: I am trying to recover.

Something random: This is my last week of classes. I AM ALMOST A SOPHOMORE!!!! Pardon me if I just went overboard.

Fun. Food. Family. Hopkins?

As this semester winds down, things keep getting better.

Spring Fair 2007: Basically it was amazing. Prior to my arrival on the Homewood campus, I heard of this event - vendors, games, all kinds of performances. The description that I received did not do Spring Fair justice. The weekend was phenomenal. It is easy to say that the Hopkins community does not know how to have fun; but this is a huge misconception that is shared by many outside of the school. While it is true that the Hopkins students work hard, we do know how to have a good time. There is no more evident display of this than Spring Fair where the campus transforms...

~~~Story Time (It's been a while)~~~

Thursday morning: I depart from Building A. It is 9am and I am headed to the Greenhouse for my morning seminar. Like any other day, I walk (right foot, left foot, the occasional stumble) down the stairs to the side of Fresh Food Cafe. "What is this?" It was like a whirlwind of construction happening at an extremely fast pace. Spring Fair! Vendors are driving onto the Freshman Quad, led by Hopkins students. I see trucks with signs painted on: "Funnel Cakes," "Gyros," "Chicken on a Stick?" This was only the beginning.

Friday morning: Once again, I depart from Building A after a good night's sleep in the Penthouse. IT LOOKS LIKE A CARNIVAL! There are booths set up everywhere! After class, the smell of grilled meat and the stomachs of stuffed students loom everywhere. "This is awesome." After returning from the Hopkins medical campus, the crowd size had increased. These people were not students though, there were families all over the place. Children on their fathers shoulders, groups of teenagers walking ahead of the parents who drove them to campus because they are too "cool" to be seen with someone who is almost fifty. This event drew many members of the Baltimore community.

Friday evening: After much preparation, the Buttered Niblets went to work. In addition to other events on campus, we were slated for two nights of performance. Though we primarily do improv/sketch comedy, we are all capable actors; in honor of Spring Fair, we put on a play. Both nights yielded a packed house and, as usual, the work required to put on a production was well worth it. Other events on campus included a "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" themed party, and "Relay for Life," where student groups performed on the steps of Shriver Hall into the early hours of Saturday morning.

Saturday evening: The Spring Fair headliner performs: hip-hop mogul Common. The performance was great. Our recreation center was transformed into a concert venue where screaming fans from the Hopkins community came to witness a great show. With my friends who got backstage because of a "Hopkins Idol" victory, I watched the show from the edge of the stage, literally. During the performance, Common gave my friend a "high-five," after which he almost died. That said, the concert was really a highlight of the weekend.

Sunday: I struggle to recover, but it was well worth it. Spring Fair was definitely a great example of the fun to be had a Hopkins, and the relationship that Hopkins can have with the surrounding community.

Some Photos...

This past week was not the most fun one, so I decided to celebrate its end with a bit of a photo blog for you guys:

Hopkins vs. Duke

I wake up to the sound of music coming from Homewood Field- It's almost game time. This is a big one- we are ranked 5th, Duke is 6th. This game is serious, and I cannot wait!

Out of the shower, I have to wear my "Nest" t-shirt. Go Blue Jays!

You cannot cheer without food in your stomach... off to Fresh Food Cafe.

Here are some of the people you met in the "Cribs" blog.

Outside of the stadium people are gathering, this is definitely the hottest ticket in town!

Blue Jay!!! You are my favorite mascot.

Is it cool if we pose for the camera???

Keep rallying guys, we can beat Duke.

We scored! 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,... WE WANT MORE!!!

Look out for Kristine- she gives tours as a member of the Blue Key Society.

We fight until time runs out, but on this day we are not the victors.

The majority of the Hopkins student body is passionate about all school sports, especially lacrosse. On this day we did not win, but I am confident that we will bounce back from the loss. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the day. It was great to have Homewood rockin' for the game and a great way to unwind on a Saturday afternoon.