My Life Is My Personal Movie

A Baltimore-Hopkins Summer.

For some reason, I am realizing that "summer vacation" has a different meeting in college.  In high school, I spent my time abroad (Costa Rica, Europe, Philippines) and at various universities to study in academic programs.  All in all, the busyness was an adventure because I was experiencing life else where.  My summers at Hopkins are quite different.  I suppose I could have traveled abroad, but I opted to be more frugal.  Every summer thus far, I have committed to work.  I thoroughly enjoy being productive, but I also have realized over the past couple of years that life is very different outside of academia.  It's a very different strain of adventure!

Since my fabulous rendezvous (Royal Caribbean cruise to Haiti, Jamaica, and Mexico) during the allotted study time for finals this past May, I haven't basked in the rays of the summertime sun.  As soon as I arrived in Baltimore, I took two finals and sealed off my sixth semester at Hopkins.  Because Gilberto is a proud member of the Class of 2008, I attended a string of celebratory Commencement events (like the Black & Latino Commencement Night, the official Johns Hopkins 132nd Commencement, and a couple of graduation parties).  May was such a hectic month, but I had such a wonderful time.  Read more about it here.

At the end of May, I went home for a week (to Memphis, Tennessee).  It was so relaxing and refreshing to catch up with my family.  Plus, I traded in my gas-guzzler for a more fuel-smart car -- and it's a scandalous red, too!  I bought tons of food and apartment-friendly things.  My favorite item was the large jug of olive oil because it's such an incentive to cook.  My mom also loaded me up with marinated meats and frozen shrimp!  In the beginning of June, I had to head back to Baltimore to: a) move into my new apartment; b) start my job; and c) be an overall Hopkins student again.  After bearing the responsibility of arranging a move seven blocks down North Charles Street, I set up my new apartment. The best thing about my new place is my queen-size bed.  My luckily stumbled upon a $30 sale on Craig's List.

This summer (like the previous two summers), I have committed to being a student teacher in Number Playground.  This math enrichment program finds its roots in the JHU Tutorial Project.  Ann Forno, the previous Director of Tutorial Project, still manages this program at the Village Learning Place (VLP).  Along with a handful of Hopkins alumna and other talented teachers, I tutor elementary school children in mathematics to prevent summer learning loss. So from 8:30am-12:30pm, I hang out with rambunctious six year olds who challenge me to stretch my limits in a positive way.

* *I also conduct private tutoring sessions on the weekend for a 3rd grader and a 7th grader to make some extra money and as a way to continue my academic year commitment to this family.** 

After work at the VLP, I jump on the JHMI Shuttle from the 27th Street bus stop to head over to research.  A couple of weeks ago, I joined the Ryugo Lab which is in the Department of Otolaryngology (and affiliated with Department of Neuroscience).  As you can read in JHU_Kate's Hopkins Interactive journal, this lab is amazing!  Who knew I would be drawn into the wonders of the auditory system -- material I gobbled up in The Nervous System I course in Fall 2008?  But I absolutely love the Neuroscience major at JHU; I only opted for Public Health because it gave me the option of taking so many different classes at the Bloomberg School of Public Health during one's fourth year as an undergraduate.  With Public Health as my primary major, I can also indulge in Neuroscience courses, upper-level Biology courses, and other subjects.  Plus, being an undergraduate researcher in this lab allows me to indulge hands-on in Neuroscience.  My PI, Dr. David Ryugo, is wonderful, and he encourages me to apply classroom knowledge to the "real" stuff.  He definitely invests in his lab members, and I am utterly grateful.  Whether it's discussing a paper or talking about Euro 2008, I have learned a ton already.  All in all, I love spending five hours every afternoon in the lab with people from all different backgrounds.

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After my first week in this routine, I realized how much of my days were devoted to work and research.  I was genuinely caught by surprise!  Coming back to my apartment at 6:20pm every evening made me think about ways to manage my time better.  For example, I had to think about all of the "other" things I wanted to do this summer in the context of my schedule.  Because I reunited with my competitive Chopin pieces a couple of weeks ago -- I haven't really conversed with them since high school -- I go to the Mattin Center after work for an hour or two to spend time with the piano Monday through Friday.  Afterwards, Gilberto and I make dinner together or we go out to eat with our friends (PJs, Chipotle, Tamber's Restaurant, Bert's Restaurant, etc.).  I have been trying to review "science material" through the MCAT books or read various lab articles/books in the evenings as well.  But there have been many nights where I have just talked with hours with my friends outside or watched movies. 

Speaking of friends, this is a very special summer because my best friend (who I met at Hopkins my freshman year) returned to Homewood!  Although she graduated as an International Studies major in 2006, she'll be at Hopkins next year taking Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry because she decided that she wanted to go to medical school.  So it's been nice just talking for hours on end with her and a couple of my other girlfriends who graduated from Hopkins.  They definitely balance the work and research components of my Baltimore-Hopkins summer.  So does playing board games and going on light morning jogs with Gilberto!

All in all, although my summers have changed a bit from high school (I now have to pay the bills and worry about money), I am really enjoying myself.  Pushing myself outside of the academic year is nice because I am shedding light on very different parts of myself intellectually, socially, and what not.  It's hard to explain, but I think I'm warming up to the working world outside of being a student a bit.  In the final end though, I really miss being a student during the academic year with pockets of free time and varied days! 
 

Reflections from Home (on a calm Thursday morning)

This past semester, my Thursday mornings were typically calm.  I had Sociology of Latin America at 10:30am, and then I would always have lunch with my good friend Carolyn at Levering.  Afterwards, I would head over to Remsen/Mergenthaler because I was a TA for Introductory Chemistry Lab II.  Later in the evening, I would go and tutor my lovely 2nd grader, Eden, in the Pan Lucey area (about 15 minutes from campus). 

So as I write this entry from HOME (Memphis, Tennessee) in hopes to reflect on this past year, I feel at ease.  After a tough year academically, physically, socially, and spiritually, "home" has never felt so sweet.  I feel older and more mature, and I think it is a good thing.  Staying for the Hopkins graduation -- congratulations to Michelle_B, our beloved Hopkins Interactive graduate -- made me realize that my last year will most likely quickly pass.  But before I begin to think about the logistics of next year, I want to flip through my junior year journal entries see how I have been molded by circumstances presented in the latest academic year at Hopkins.

A look back into first semester:

Season Three: A Change is Gonna (HAS) Come: This was my first entry officially in the academic year of 2007-2008.  From the very beginning, I knew this year was going to be different.  Although I knew it would be challenging, I am glad to read that I let myself travel outside of Baltimore more.  In this entry, I share about the Puerto Rican Festival in Philadelphia.  By the third year, it is about time to take advantage of the wonders of the East Coast.

Dig your toes in deeper for your own sanity, love: In this entry, I detail my two major activities (aside from academics): JHU Crew and Delta Xi Phi.  Both organizations were time-consuming but completely worth every minute and every sweat dropped.  I met a variety of new people who soon became close friends.

Balance of Good & Evil:  Despite the heaviness of a varisty sports along with the other activities and obligations, I found time to relax.  I traveled to Six Flags America (Maryland/Washington DC) and enjoyed the weekend with family.  It was good to be busy but not consumed; the need for "fresh air" and a simple "break" is real and should not be ignored!       

They say it's mind over matter: Delta Xi Phi and Hopkins Crew obviously continued, but I began to  realize more and more than college truly is a test of BALANCE.  Character really is drawn out when you are stretched.  But participating in the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk and other community-wide activities were well-worth the sleepless nights.

Don't fast forward through life: stretch everyday: Honestly, reading through it makes me tired.  It reminds of my beyond hectric schedule that semester.  I was thoroughly engulfed in Delta Xi Phi (the multicultural sororiety) and Hopkins DIII Crew team.  Between sororiety volunteer activities and regattas (and practice every morning at 5am), I was booked.

Good morning, Baltimore: I am a woman: It's finally November!  The weeks are still packed, but I am alive!  November was a great month to invest in my friends around Hopkins.  There are performances nearly every wekeend, and I was glad to have the chance to go out and support them through cheers in the audience.  The Dunbar-Baldwin Hughes (DBH) production of Broadway Revue was fabulous, and I enjoyed the weekend at Hopkins.  I also contemplate this topic: A Glimpse into a WOMAN'S Mental Battlefield Regarding Health Professions vs. Other.  Please read this short critique.

A Love Affair with Technology:  Again, the weekends continue with peer support.  The ever-so-popular Culture Show 2007 was a success!  All of the student groups did a fabulous job.  This event is probably one of my top favorites at Hopkins as this is the main performance of many of the dance groups at Hopkins (and I am so glad it's a home event).

Eat, Sleep, & Volunteer: Some weekends are just less eventful.  But I realized that there's beauty in just eating with friends.  I continued to volunteer with my sisters in Delta Xi Phi, but it was not "stressful" (in the most positive spin of the word) than other weekends.  It was also nice to support the "Awareness" branch of our sororiety through the campus viewing of the movie Iron Jawed Angels.

Thanksgiving Break: I am at home in Tennessee!  The break was short but well-received.  I remember talking to JHU_Kate while I was at home, and we were half-disheartened with our lack of "get-ahead-in-academics-while-at-home" thrust.  But in the end, I ate a lot and it was good to relax with the family.  One thing that many of you will realize is this: once you leave for college, your family still goes on.  When I say this, I am thinking of the fact that my parents moved twice since I graduated from high school.  It is an interesting experience -- going to a new home that is also your home without the familiar surroundings.

Special pre-Christmas Post: Honor Roll:  This was a common blog amongst all Hopkins Interactive writers.  We highlighted some of most influential people (in terms of peers and not professors) that we have met thus far at Hopkins.  These people are still near and dear to my heart!

i ♥ΔΞΦ! (a musical double dose): As finals quickly approach, sentiments of the Christmas holiday tag  along.  My apartment-mates and I put up a Christmas tree in the apartment.  Many student acapella groups perform their final shows, and the campus is buzzing with activities even despite the looming finals-cram-sessions.

Starbucks & snowflakes join forces to draw in the holidays: Hopkins is even more beautiful when a fresh coat of snow covers the campus.  It drew out desires for Starbuck's seasonal cups, and the adventures of Reading Period were about to begin.  It was nice to see so many students out tumbling in the snow rather than being buried in the depths of the library.

Pandora's Box Keeps me Sane: I wrote this entry in the midst of final exams.  I was studying for Nervous Systems I (along with JHU_Kate).  This is sad to admit, but here's the truth: for the first time in my life, I pulled TWO all-nighters in a ROW during this intense season.

A look back into second semester:

Change is good for the soul: After Christmas break, I came back for Intersession 2008.  Although I did not take any classes, I worked in Admissions and spent a lot of time having fun with friends at Hopkins.  In this entry, I give details of my participation as an Admissions Representative (conducting interviews for prospective students) and a TA for Introduction to Chemistry Lab I & II.  This entry is a lot like the following one, January Bliss smells like Christmas.

This show will continue for another semester: Hopkins received its second snow fall of the winter season!  I love it when there are snowmen made throughout campus! Here are pictures of some Hopkins friends in New York City together.  Also, Intersession was the perfect time to throw 21st birthday parties for friends!

Winter vacation won't leave me alone:  Second semester began, and the homework stack began to pile.  My boyfriend had a large stumbling block early in the semester with a serious snowboarding accident.  This entry details the wonders of that (pictures included).  He had to go to numerous post-operation check-ups in Delaware ... although he successfully completed the semester (and graduated), it was rough driving 1.5 hours one way in the middle of the week.

Text-heavy post for a reading-heavy load: In this entry, I gave course details of this semester.  I took 6 courses (18 credits) and most of them were 300-level social science classes.  I thoroughly enjoyed the type of work this semester.  Although I had a lot more papers to write, I enjoyed the subject matter.  And it really does show in my grades!

Pink & Blue: Although my birthday was a bit messy with my boyfriend's snowboarding accident, he more  than made it up on Valentine's day!  Please go read the gushy details.  After this event, I realized that I really like long-stemmed roses.  We also went to see the Blue Man Group at the First Mariner Arena (downtown Baltimore) and it was beyond fabulous!

JHU_Stefanie: FAVORITES: This was the best common blog amongst Hopkins Interactive bloggers to date (and in my book).  The questions are informative, and I had a load of fun filling in the blanks!

Hakuna Matata:  Life on the weekends can be full of relaxation.  I am definitely of fan of leaving some time open to simply sleep and not buzz around from here to there.  Also, it is a great opportunity to catch up on reading and other work for classes.  One change from this post: even before the season finale of American Idol, I converted to become a fan of David Cook instead!

22 Questions with JHU_Stefanie: This was a filler post (a random survey).  I remember sitting at the beautiful Bloomberg School of Public Health writing this entry.  I love that school; next year, I will devote A LOT more time there since I will be able to take classes with the graduates as a Public Health senior!

Hopkins CRIBS: Off-Campus Housing a la Hopkins' Style:  Come read how upper-classmen who don't live on campus live!  During the 2007-2008 academic year, I lived in an apartment with four other Hopkins girls.  It was about a 15 minute walk which proved to be a pain at times.  But the amenities were ridiculous!  Congratulations to the Class of 2012!

Special Attention for Juniors: This entry was particularly for third year undergraduates (and partly for upper-classmen in general).  I had to go through the process of "Junior Clearance" (for graduation the following year) and the apartment hunt.  I decided to move closer to Hopkins.  In fact, I will now be living directly across from the Mattin Center and about 10 feet from Charles Commons!  Get ready for a Cribs Blog entry next year.

Review, review! Fresh from the Press: If you look at my course schedule in Text-heavy post for a reading-heavy load, you will see that the courses are more social science based rather than natural science.  This post is about my comparison between the two concentrations. 

Attempts at a Video Blog: Recap: After multiple Admitted Student Open Houses in the Spring, the campus was buzzing with prospective students.  Here is a short re-cap on how much fun I had meeting all of the different students.  The Class of 2012 looks great!

Self-inspection, confessions, and discoveries: After tutoring my 2nd grader, Eden, I came home to be a bit introspective.  I found myself going a tad bit deep in this entry as I compared high school to college and how I viewed myself and my current circumstances along with my future endeavors.

Happy Summer Vacation: This was my last post after the semester ended.  I had a crazy Reading Period  -- going on a cruise to Haiti, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, and Mexico -- but my final exams went well, and I am very pleased with my overall performance this semester.  I was so surprised another academic year passed by and I am now officially a senior!

Well, there you go.  This entry took me two days to compose.  So now, it is a quiet Friday evening.  I am still at home -- I prolonged my stay a couple of days -- and I must confess that I do not want to venture back to Baltimore.  This home-away-from-home vacation has been sweet.  Now, I have loads to look forward to this summer!  I will be working all summer so I will update you the adventures packed into the heated months ahead.  After I return to Baltimore next week, I will be moving into my new apartment, and I am looking forward to the changes that come along with the new circumstances!

Happy Summer Vacation?

I am convinced that the month of May (of 2008) will be the most action-packed month of my life.  We are already at the middle of the month, and I am done with my third year at Hopkins.  In fact, I just finished my last final about two hours ago.  But aside from that, it has truly been a crazy month for me.  From the last day of classes (May 2nd), I traveled over 2,000 miles!  Yes, I went to Haiti, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, and Mexico on a fabulous Royal Caribbean cruise.  If you do the math, you will discover that I went during the designated days of "reading period" at Hopkins.  Lucky for me, I had my two more difficult finals the last week of classes, a week off, and then two finals this past week.  So on my week off, I decided to travel the world (or part of it anyway).  Although I have received many facial expressions clearly judging me as a "slacker", I am quite thrilled about my grades this semester (bumping elbows with the Dean is pretty nice).   Anyway, my main reason for going was because it was boyfriend's graduation celebration.  I had just a wonderful time: rock climbing (Gilberto & I actually dominated the men and women's rock climbing competition getting two gold medals), snorkeling with colorful fish and soft sting rays, getting $1 hot sauce at Mexico, picking out something very special (jewelery) in Jamaica, eating a TON of fancy desserts and even more delicious sea food, and  simply basking in the different cultures.  We also played a lot of mini golf!  Overall, I had a wonderful first-time cruise experience.

 

But as soon as I got back to Baltimore on Monday afternoon, I had to buckle down for my exams (one on Tuesday and another on Thursday).  I even attended a group studying session for my Tuesday afternoon exam on Monday night!  Overall, I am  pleased with  how this semester carried itself and ended.  After finishing my last exam on Thursday, I went to my last tutoring session (with my second grader, Eden).  Then I went to dinner with my old roommate at One World Cafe (the "Organic Tofu Club" is beyond fabulous there).  We talked about summer and future plans.  It was GREAT to catch up before going separate ways for the next three months.  Speaking of that, is anyone else baffled that it's always SUMMER VACATION?  I feel like it crept up on me!  But I suppose that just means I really have been enjoying the "now" of often long days.  I'm thrilled!  I hope you guys have a fabulous summer!

Self-inspection, confessions, and discoveries.

During the last Admitted Students Open House today, I stumbled upon a much needed realization.  As Kate mentioned/demonstrated in her most recent entry, many students have a love-hate relationship with college (general institution).  That's almost a given because isn't that what life is -- a string of ups and downs?  Honestly, I am so grateful I've been challenged in all dimensions of my being: spiritually, mentally, physically, academically, and emotionally at Hopkins.  It has allowed me to really discover who I am, what I stand for, who/what is my foundation, and what I envision for myself in whatever greater surrounding.    

Picture to the left is of me and an orphan I was working with the summer prior to coming to Hopkins.  A close friend of mine started the New Faith Family Children's Home (a home for about 25 abandoned, neglected, and/or abused children).  The picture below on the right is off the other students who went with me and the other kids we were serving. 

Maybe I was a more optimistic person in high school.  I had the opportunity to travel to the Philippines for a month prior to coming to Hopkins, and I completely fell in love with the people and the country.  With such disparities along a single street, my heart broke.  However, rather than being bitter or in disbelief, I decided to really focus the opportunities presented to me in the United States to equip myself to be of some sort of help to children in need.  So, I excitedly came to Hopkins ready to learn something for a cause greater than myself.  But I'm going to be honest: after digging my fingers on this campus, I found myself penciling in so many things.  I think in the busyness of life -- there are SO MANY opportunities presented here and it's SO EASY to get involved in SO MUCH -- I quickly forgot why I was engaging in a mixed bundle of activities.  I found myself burning myself out.  I think it's perfectly fine for people to subject themselves to a packed schedule; however, I think it's essential for everyone to take a breather every once in a while and re-evaluate motives.  Maybe it's because I am on the edge of my third year and about to tip into my senior year at Hopkins ... or maybe it's because I just tutored a beautiful 2nd grader who made me realize the joy of solving a single math problem ... but I find myself really grateful for the position I am in today.  Yes, I have long nights ahead of me (from tonight until next Friday).  Yes, I feel the initial symptoms of a mysterious cold (or it could simply be annoying allergies).  But you know what?  I have a lot of work and so do my friends; we pull each other through it.  Spring Fair is this weekend, and we will enjoy ourselves thoroughly.  The work will get done, and I will find gratification in having tried my best.  And I will remember that life is BIGGER than ME and MY INSECURITIES and MY WORRIES. 

With that said, let me share with you my definite plans for the future.  *DRUM ROLLS*  If you have kept up with my blogs the past 2.5 years, you know that I have passionately wrestled with MYSELF over topics such as: a) major; b) medical school; c) engineering (this was brief); d) law school (this was also brief); e) miscellaneous.  BUT I HAVE SETTLED ON A CAREER PATH.  And with all of those personal battles, it feels good to finally triumph and settle the score towards my favor.  I have decided to become a NURSE.   After realistically shoveling through my own personal strengths, desires, goals, ideas, preferences, and etcetera, I realized that nursing was actually quite perfect for me.  To be shamefully honest, I never even considered this field because I attached a stigma to the profession.  A large reason why I decided to matriculate here was because of it's strong pre-MEDICAL program (with a nice financial package).  But I realized that health care in the United States is so fragmented and so intricate.  Sure, I may not have the prestige later in life, but I know I will experience the utmost gratification in serving others in this way.  I will have to dedicate an entire entry to this epiphany next week or some time in the near future.

But for now, I will have to cut it here.  Tomorrow is the start of Spring Fair!  In fact, there is a fireworks show RIGHT NOW to jump start the celebration.  So good night, and thanks for the ear.

Attempts at a Video Blog: Recap.

So I made this really cheesy video blog that consists of my face saying "ton of fun" on countless occasions, but I cannot find my cord to put it up!  So while I hunt for an essential piece of technology, I will linger with strings of words that accumulate into lengthy paragraphs.  Basically, my video blog -- which let me know that I need a bigger memory card in my camera -- was a speedy information burp about Hopkins in the Spring.  A couple of things I brushed on:

a) Admitted Students Open House!  The second one was yesterday, and I had a load of fun.  It was great seeing potential Blue Jays with their parents; a lot of great questions were asked, and I hope we answered them well!  My hope is that more can come next Thursday for the last Open House.

b) Last weekend was Homecoming weekend.  Not only did we beat Maryland (10-4), but we were accompanied by alumni from all different classes!  I volunteered at "Teen Scene" which was simply entertaining the alumni's kids (a lot of them were in high school).  It was fun to go climbing at the gym and play DDR and Guitar Hero at the HopStop.  Plus, I got to see some alumni from the Class of 1973 practice for their "rock concert". 

c) Relay for Life!  A large portion of the student organizations at Hopkins gets together for this community service event (it's for the American Cancer Society).  After an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner, I will be walking on the Upper-Quad with Delta Xi Phi.  People will be walking from 7PM-7AM.  Also, a lot of the A Capella groups will be performing, and Miss Relay (cross-dressing competition) will be going on!

d) Spring Fair the following weekend!  I think I'll keep mum about that for a bit because I can/will devote an entire entry to that.  Mainly because I can devote an entire paragraph to the wonders of the "deep-fried Oreo".  So please stay tuned!

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Found it! Enjoy & Peace Out.

Review, review! Fresh from the Press!

As I've been harping for the past 10 weeks, I've decided to lean more towards the Social Science side (in terms of class selection) rather than the Natural Science.  So aside from my Organic Chemistry Laboratory, I've been reading books and writing papers.  My review thus far is this: it's not any "easier"!  Although I thought my previous semesters of Cell Biology, Organic Chemistry, and Microbiology combined was an overwhelming challenge at times, I must confess that I felt the same way this past week.  While writing two-ten page papers (1.5 SPACING: Note- there is no such thing as a "dumb" question; double-spaced should not be assumed to be the standard because some professors actually want something different) and a lab report, I felt the weight of being a "humanities kid".  There really isn't a public dissection of such kids compared to "science kids", but I think we know at heart what we like, what we're good at, and what we truly are.  With that being said, here's the deal: I'm going back and taking Human Anatomy & Physiology next semester!  I miss the science courses (gasp)!  Maybe it's just a better balance in courses in which I am lacking.  But as I mentioned in the previous entry, I will be taking classes at three different institutions next semester, so I think I'll have a nice blend.

Another important distinction I've noticed this semester.  The feeling I had in high school has been creeping up on me!  To a very tangible extent, being the top of your high school class was a stressful role.  What my dad would always say is this: "It's hard because you can't see how close the person behind you is; you just have to keep on chugging forward with all you've got."  That's how I feel this semester is in terms of classes and grades.  Consistently doing well throughout the semester feels good, but I've found myself to be pressured (self-induced) quite often.  For example, I never thought I'd actually enjoy Organic Chemistry Lab, but lo and behold, I'm doing well in the course and I actually enjoy it!  But unlike my previous experiences in the majority of my science courses, I've had the challenge of maintaining and 'A' rather than striving for the 'A'.  To be completely honest, I'm not sure which is better!  Maintenance has definitely been a key theme this semester though!

So after checking out about 30 books from the library this week, reading countless journals at the library (JSTOR is absolutely amazing because the Hopkins community shares in subscriptions to a plethora of journals), and pathetically enduring an "all-nighter", the week is finished!  After the longest Organic Chemistry lab day of the semester -- I went into the lab at 1:30PM and left around 6:45PM -- and having slept zero-to-none the night before AND having not eaten anything until after my lab, I enjoyed a Subway sandwich afterwards and passed out while leisurely watching Reign Over Me on Stars On-Demand.  Waking up four hours later, I feel refreshed yet ready to crawl back into bed until the morning.  Sometimes, Friday nights should be spent doing absolutely nothing except eating, showering, and cuddling in bed! 

PS.  Three more weeks of classes left!  The end is so near.  I am getting thoroughly excited because I'm finally going through the application process for my new off-campus living situation, and I'm setting in stone what I'll be doing this semester.  I excited about the prospects of having a pet next year AND the idea of summer vacation in the new spacious apartment that'll be right next to the Homewood campus!

Special Attention for Juniors!

Two Tasks for Third Year Undergraduates:

1. This past week was the week where third year undergraduates were frantically shuffling to get their "Junior Clearance" completed.  This is the process where students (juniors) speak with their advisers to ensure they know which classes they need to graduate on top.  Thus, I spoke with Dr. James Goodyear, the sole adviser for all Public Health undergraduates, to complete my major checklist.  Interestingly, all Public Health majors are required to complete an 'Ethics Module' because we will be taking classes at the Bloomberg School of Public Health.  The entire idea of taking graduate classes at the SPH is exciting!  I will also be taking advantage of the co-op program between Baltimore universities next year.  This simply means that Hopkins allows me to take a class at Loyola College (or the College of Notre Dame, the women's college).  I will most likely be taking Human Anatomy & Physiology with the corresponding labs.  I will also be registering for a couple of classes at the Homewood campus as well.  Enjoying the knowledge of professors from three separate entities will be the spice I need my last year as an undergraduate.

2. Another task upperclassmen have been dealing with is off-campus housing.  As I explained in the previous post, I currently live five blocks from the Homewood campus.  Although it's simply a 15-minute walk, it seems a bit too grueling when you have a 9AM course.  Plus, a handful of classes at the SPH start at 8:30AM and I will have to take into account travel time on the JHMI Shuttle.  Thus, I have looking into units at apartment buildings directly across from the library (neighbors of Charles Commons).  These are The Charles Apartments and The Blackstone Apartments which are actually owned by the University.   The picture to the left is of the Blackstone.  This apartment building does not compare to the amenities of my current apartment building, but convenience triumphs luxury in college (where time is more previous than ever ... along with sleep).  The nice aspect of the Blackstone is that it has a quaint restaurant on the first floor called "Sweet Retreats".  This place is famous for its gelato!

Hopkins CRIBS: Off-Campus Housing a la Hopkins' Style

Congratulations!  After months of sitting patiently with your fingers nicely weaved together, the decisions have gone out today!  In the midst of preparing for a midterm last night, I briefly thought of the momentous day (meaning today).  I must confess that I had no time to really ponder how everyone must be feeling (classes from 10AM-6:30PM), but now that I revel at the arrival of the weekend, I realize how relieved all you must feel.  Whether it was a "yes" or "no", at least you know (that's my logic).  Soon enough, you will have to sit down at the dining room table and make a "Pro/Con" list.  Such exciting times!

Anyway, Hopkins Interactive wanted to give you guys a warm welcome by giving you a glimpse of our home away from home!  Some live on-campus and others live off-campus: check it out and see what your options may be.  Because I am a Junior, I am currently living off-campus with four other girlfriends.  (Disclaimer: not all upperclassmen have to live off-campus; I was actually offered an RA position last year -- which would have meant living in the freshmen dorms -- but I opted out.  Also, JHU_Liny, for example, is a third year undergraduate living in Charles Commons).

Regardless, I am dedicating this post to walking you through the wonders of off-campus housing.  My apartment building is full of Hopkins upperclassmen, it's almost as if it's a second Charles Commons (add in some retired folk with cute puppies).  The Halstead is a wonderful complex but it's 5 blocks from campus.  I must say, throughout this year, I have complained more than necessary about the "long walk".  The amenities are great, but convenience always seems to win.

Here are some pictures of the my home away from home (year three):

Here is my living room.  The five of us invested in new furniture at  the beginning of last semester.  Rather than going through Craig's List which is wonderful), we wanted the furniture to be delivered and set up.  Thus, we were lazy and way too obsessed with blood red micro-suede.  The living room is quite spacious, and even though we all have friends over almost every week -- the girls across the hall like to crash in our living room -- we're not too cozy.  It's actually quite perfect. 

The next set of pictures are of my room.  This two-bedroom apartment was made into a three bedroom apartment. Thus, the living arrangements are as follows: two, two, and one.  So I share a room with my suitemate from last year.  To be completely honest, I would NOT recommend it.  I feel like the third year you're on your own is the right time you want to get your own room back.  After two years of sharing (both years were spent in McCoy for me: read all about it here and here), going another year was not a smart idea.  But it's not too horrible.  We've re-arranged our room a couple of times to spice things up.  The picture on the right is of our bathroom (shared between three).

The kitchen and the den (which works as our dining + study lounge) can see the large bay window here. are the best parts!  I love to cook and bake so it's been beyond fabulous having a full-sized kitchen.  Unlike JHU_Esther, though, our refrigerator never seems to stay full.  With five people plus constant visitors, it's hard to keep it at full capacity.  Our breakfast area looks a lot better now (this is an old picture), but you

Lastly, the Halstead Apartment offers great amenities.  We've had so movie nights here!  It's known across campus for its movie theater and full-fledged gym.   The library is also way too comfortable to actually study in , but it's great to have long conversations with friends on comfortable (FANCY) couches.

Although we haven't used the backyard yet for cookouts, the gazebo has been visited for all-day pleasure reading or just sun-bathing.  But anyway, it's time to go, and I hope you enjoyed the brief tour!  Be sure to read JHU_Esther and JHU_Julia's journals for other off-campus housing options around Hopkins!  And of course, the lovely on-campus options available (JHU_Kate, JHU_Lauren, JHU_ Jackie, JHU_Roxi, and the rest of the Hopkins Interactive team)!

Cell Phone Message

Hello prospective students!

I am currently on a cell phone updating this  ever so important journal.  With limited access on vacation, I have resorted to utilizing the endless possibilities of technology.  With that said, I must say that there is not much to update. Spring break 2008 has been properly executed thus far: sleep, eat, catch up on some work (I have been reading my book for Medical Sociology), and relax with loved ones.  Returning to Baltimore on Sunday night, I will upload lovely pictures and give a more extensive synopsis of my break.

Cheers for now!

22 Questions with JHU_Stefanie

Spring Break '08 was well-earned this year.  This semester has been academically challenging in a fresh way; and to top it off, the week before Spring Break (three midterms, one four-page lab report, and a reaction paper) tested my perseverance.  Alas, I was not alone in the uphill trek; the library was drenched in students that week. 

But now, students are spotted throughout the world; they are basking in what their baseline definition of "relaxation" is.  As for me, I am still in Baltimore!  I was a bit bummed because plans changed last minute, but I suppose one can adjust and make the best of it.  As overly optimistic as this sounds, it's almost like a test to see if my mind can go beyond the limits of a city -- the actual physical barriers that bound oneself.  I suppose I passed the test because I'm content: catching up on internet-related work at the Bloomberg School of Public Health!  I will be going out of town tonight, but I'm quite positive the excessive rest and relaxation I've been indulging in will continue throughout the week.

Anyway, so I've been digging in my bank of ideas of what to blog about this week.  I haven't been very successful at stumbling upon a brilliant idea, but I did realize that I wanted to do something to share a slightly larger glimpse of who I am as a Hopkins Interactive Blogger.  Gathering from a handful of random quizzes floating throughout the internet, here is more information on me:

1. What book are you reading now?
Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago.  This is a book for my Medical Sociology course.  I will be finishing this book during break and writing a 5/6-page reaction paper.

2. Apple juice or orange juice?
I am definitely an orange juice person.  In fact, I have a water bottle filled to the brim with orange juice right now.  I love the throat-soothing aspect of orange juice.  Apple juice is a tad bit too sweet; plus, working at The Village Learning Place this past summer led me to drinking a cup of apple juice every single day.  I do enjoy cold apple cider!

3. Are you a morning or night person?
I am definitely a morning person.  As soon as it hits midnight, I am usually ready to crawl into bed.  I love waking up early (not as early as crew entails though), opening the windows, putting on music, and getting to work on homework in my pajamas.  Regardless, I have been spotted in the MSE library at insane house of the night/morning.

4. Which do you prefer: sweet or salty foods?
I really like seasons.  Thus, I would say I enjoy salty foods much more than sweet.  I do enjoy desserts, but if I had to choose, I would ditch the sweet tooth and settle with whatever my stomach could handle best.  When I cook, I tend to have a heavier hand with the salt and pepper (and Spanish ingredients like Sazon and Adobo). 

5. What was your favorite childhood television program?
I used to watch Reading Rainbow a lot.  I remember re-enacting the experiments with my best friend in her bathroom.  It was great how the show got our creative juices churning!  I also loved the Power Rangers.  I was definitely the girl who did karate kicks in the living room with a training bra (at the age of like seven -- totally unnecessary) in hopes of resembling Kimberly (pink ranger). 

6. Are you a collector of anything?
The only thing I tend to save are cards/letters.  I have an old shoe box that received the duty of collecting these mementos.  I don't think the collection was intentional; I think it was more accidental.  I just wanted my room clean, and rather than throwing notes people took the time to write into the trash, I put them in a box.

7. If you could be any animal, what would you be?
A puppy.  I would most likely choose to be a dog.  Every time I go to my boyfriend's house, I see the two golden retrievers relaxing without a care in the world.  I must say, in times of high stress at Hopkins, I actually envied their carefree lives!

8. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Heroes is a show I haven't been sucked into, but I do know that one of the characters has the power to take/use other people's superpowers.  Thus, I would like his superpower.  I seem to have such a wide interest in anything and everything; I think having the ability to change superpowers constantly would best suit me.

9. What is usually your first thought when you wake up?
"What time is it?"  I suppose I have this sliver of hope every morning that I mistakenly woke up too early and I have a couple of more hours to chill in bed.

10. What's your favorite color?
The 2nd grader I tutor on Tuesdays asked me this the other day.  I think I disappointed her by saying "pink" (which is an automatic answer I tend to give -- almost like a reflex -- to this question).  If I really think about it, I would have to say my favorite color is something neutral: white, black, beige. 

11. What's your favorite animal?
Instead of spitting out "puppies" excitedly, I might have to say Bengal tigers as my final answer.  This is the mascot of my sorority, Delta Xi Phi.  These tigers are beautiful creatures that seem to be so graceful and secure.  If it had to be something less threatening, I would say pigs (because I would totally have a pig as a pet if it were allowed).

12. You're given $1 million.  What do you spend it on?
I would probably pay off my student loans, get my car fixed, go buy all of the seasons of Brothers & Sisters, have an exquisite wedding, and pay for my family and friends to enjoy a week away from reality.  This is after I put some in the savings account, of course.

13. Which bad habits, if any, drive you crazy?
This happens in our apartment way too frequently: putting the milk jug back into the refrigerator with less than a gulp's worth of  milk left.  The same goes for orange juice, diet coke, apple juice, etc.

14. Have any celebrity crushes?
George Clooney has always been my favorite.  But I also love Patrick Dempsey.

15. Are you mostly a clean or messy person?
College has made me into a messier person than I would have liked.  I enjoy washing the dishes, vacuuming, and using lemon-scented wipes on the furniture.  But I seem to come off as a messy person because I have way too much clothes; it kind of drools out of my closet. 

16. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Spain.  I love the atmosphere.  I love the language.  I love the culture.  I love the people.

17. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you visit?
Greece or New Zealand.  I want to go somewhere the city has already claimed.  There seems to be parts of these countries that still abounds in nature that is untainted with pollution, etc.

18. What is one thing you miss about being a kid?
I miss playing outside with my friends.  Living in Northern Virginia for two years gave me the chance to live out Huckleberry Fin to a small degree.  With creeks, and trees, and green grass .. I was outside getting my jeans dirty and discovering petrified wood.

19. What is your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon?
I love having Sunday afternoon conversations.  My boyfriend and I have made it a goal to do work before Sunday (it hasn't been 100% successful yet).  I think it lessens the dread of Monday morning and the start of the week.  So on Sunday afternoons, I love to have tea or coffee after a slow lunch with good company.

20. What would be your dream job?
Being a mother of six.  Also being an accomplished novelist (like Jodi Picoult).

21. If you HAD to change your name, what would you change it to?
Penelope.  It's such a rare name.  Aside from Penelope Cruz, I cannot put a real-life face to that name.

22. What is one thing you "love" about being an adult?
Making my own decisions and even living with the consequences.  I think there is a raw beauty about living with your mistakes.  If I made my own decision and the repercussion was not very pleasant, I would be willing to work through it and come out as a stronger person in the end.

I realize 22 questions is a random amount, but considering that number sits well with me, I will be signing off here!